Mark Graves
Mark Graves has committed his life to service and the betterment of his beloved South Minneapolis community. Following his service in the United States Army, Mark joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities in 1990 as the Director of Social Development and Teen Programming. Mark quickly established himself as a trusted mentor to youth and tireless advocate for families as he became a prominent leader within the Boys & Girls Clubs and the city of Minneapolis. Mark is currently the Senior Branch Director of the Southside Village Boys & Girls Club.
Youth of color in the Twin Cities face some of the greatest achievement gaps in the country. These disparities inspired Mark to help lead Boys & Girls Clubs efforts to pivot organizational priorities towards ensuring the academic success of all Club members. He drove a new model of programming that focused on age-specific and foundational learning needs by delivering evidence-based curriculum that engages youth through hands-on activities focusing on literacy, numeracy, and STEM innovation.
George Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020, occurred one block away from Mark's Southside Village Boys & Girls Club. As the community reckoned with the injustice suffered by George Floyd, the pain and frustrations of many were exacerbated by the loss of access to food and basic services. Mark saw the need and reacted quickly. He turned his Club into a food pantry offering fresh food, dry goods, and hygiene products at no cost.
While the South Minneapolis community continues to heal, Mark's unique ability to forge meaningful relationships has made him a key leader in that process. His "Southside Pride" and passion for elevating the positive and good in his community has led him to champion the Back in the Day Festival every year at his Southside Village Club. The festival gathers the South Minneapolis community to bond and celebrate the culture, unity, and vitality of the people and neighborhoods that embody the strength of South Minneapolis.
Mark's legacy of love for and impact on generations of families in South Minneapolis makes him a true Changemaker.