Meet Ethrophic

I was raised with the belief that we take care of our neighbors without judgment, because at our core, we are all connected. My family instilled in me a deep sense of community and civic duty. Growing up in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes, my grandmother and mother were deeply involved in activism, advocating for better housing and justice through their work with the NAACP, Black Panther movement, and local leaders. Watching their collective efforts contribute to the election of Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor, taught me the importance of community involvement and the power of collective action.

In 1997, I moved to Minnesota seeking a better life for my family after the demolition of Chicago’s public housing displaced thousands of families. Arriving in Minneapolis, I encountered similar challenges as the local housing authority dismantled public housing, leaving many uncertain about their futures. I secured stable housing through the Opportunity Housing Program, which not only provided my family with a home but also deepened my understanding of the critical need for affordable, stable housing.

My experience in Chaska, Minnesota, as one of the first African American families in the Opportunity Housing Program, strengthened my resolve to give back. I became a parent representative for the Beacons Program, worked to support local schools, and collaborated on community initiatives. These experiences reinforced my commitment to fighting for policies that expand opportunities for all families.

In 2013, I purchased a home in the Hawthorne neighborhood, a milestone that further connected me to North Minneapolis. Joining the board of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, I advocated for neighborhood improvements. As a Family Achievement Coach at the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) and later as Equity & Engagement Manager at Urban Homeworks, I partnered with families to stabilize housing, ensure educational success, and combat generational poverty.

Over the past decade, I’ve led community conversations on redlining, community policing, voter engagement, and policy advocacy. My work with organizations like NAZ and Urban Homeworks has focused on creating equitable housing, education, and economic development. I’ve also served the City of Minneapolis in various capacities, including violence prevention, neighborhood engagement, and oversight roles, gaining firsthand experience navigating city systems and advocating for systemic change.

I’m running for City Council because Ward 5 deserves a representative who understands the challenges we face and has the experience to fight for change. My career has been dedicated to building a more just and equitable future through collaboration, transparency, and advocacy. Together, we can ensure that our government works for everyone and creates lasting opportunities for all residents.