BIOGRAPHY
KETNOTE SPEAKER HARRY SPIKE MOSS
HARRY “SPIKE” MOSS
THE FREEDOM FIGHTER
Harry "Spike" Moss, known as the Freedom Fighter, is a highly esteemed and influential figure in the Minneapolis community. Throughout his remarkable career spanning over four decades, Spike has dedicated his life to advocacy, community building, and empowering marginalized groups.
From 1966 to 1985, Spike served as a key member of the leadership team for The Way Opportunities Unlimited, a community organization on the near north side of Minneapolis. During this time, he spearheaded various innovative youth and outreach programs, including sports activities such as football, basketball, boxing, and track. He also played a crucial role in establishing dance groups, a drum corps, and a music school, providing opportunities for cultural enrichment. In 1969, his exceptional community-building efforts led to his appointment as the Executive Director.
Spike's commitment to addressing social issues and promoting racial justice led him to serve on the board of the PCRC (Police Community Relations Council) and become a member of the Coalition of Black Churches/African American Leadership Summit. Additionally, he served as the National Director of Cultural Awareness and Midwest recruitment for the Million Man March. His passionate advocacy has taken him across the country, where he has spoken on issues of community violence and racial discrimination, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
Not only has Spike been actively involved in grassroots initiatives, but he has also contributed significantly to the establishment of various organizations. He played a pivotal role in founding the Minneapolis Legal Rights Center, Twin Cities OIC, KMOJ radio station, Pilot City, The Black History Productions, United for Peace, and the National Gang Summit. These organizations have played an instrumental role in addressing social challenges, fostering unity, and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
Spike Moss's impact is not limited to his organizational contributions but also extends to his role as a prominent media figure. He has had a column in the Spokesman-Recorder, a cable show, and a spot on KMOJ radio, providing him with platforms to raise his voice and address pressing issues that affect the African American community. Spike expresses his gratitude to Mrs. Newman of The Spokesman, Al McFarlane of Insight News, and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of The Final Call for providing him the opportunity to share his insights and experiences.
Throughout his extraordinary career, Spike Moss has received numerous accolades and honors for his unwavering commitment to inner-city youth and communities of color. In 2021, he was bestowed with the esteemed John Lewis Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to civil rights and social justice.
However, for Spike, the true measure of his success lies in the triumphs and achievements of the students he has supported and mentored throughout his remarkable journey. Witnessing their growth, empowerment, and ability to overcome adversity remains his greatest reward and inspiration to continue advocating for positive change in the community.
Spike Moss, based in Minneapolis, MN, has been actively involved in community advocacy and empowerment for decades. He has fought against violence and discrimination, supported civil rights cases, and played a vital role in empowering marginalized communities. His unwavering dedication and vast contributions have left an indelible mark on the Twin Cities and beyond.
As Spike Moss nears 80 years old, his aspirations for the future remain rooted in his unwavering commitment to social justice and uplifting marginalized communities. Despite his remarkable accomplishments, he continues to advocate for positive change and equality, guided by a deep belief in the power of community empowerment. Spike's enduring spirit and dedication inspire those around him, serving as a reminder that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, striving to create a better and more equitable future for generations to come.
From 1966 to 1985, Mr. Moss was a member of the leadership team for The Way Opportunities Unlimited, a community organization on the near north side of Minneapolis that served its African American constituency with several innovative youth and outreach programs; such as football, basketball, boxing and track for boys; dance groups for girls and boys; the Leo Johnson drum corps; a music school lead by Bobby Lyle, Jerry Hubert, and Gene Hubert; bowling for adults and the original head start - which was brought to the Way by Joanne True. In 1969, his community-building efforts were recognized with an appointment to the position of Executive Director. From 1986 to 2005, Spike was Vice President of Community Affairs at The City, Inc, an alternative junior and senior high school, where he supported the staff with student development.
Spike has always had the support of many foundations, city, state, and federal, along with many private individuals. He has worked on issues of violence and gangs for over 40 years in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and around the state of Minnesota. He has answered the call to speak across the country on issues of community violence and racial discrimination.
Mr. Moss is a former president of the Minnesota Black Contractors Association; he created the Juneteenth celebration in the Twin Cities; started Youth Appreciation Day, the Northside Summer Fun Festival, Northside picnics at Glenwood Park, Little Miss Northside, and Miss Black Minnesota. Spike is one of the original founders of the Minneapolis Legal Rights Center, Twin Cities OIC, KMOJ, Pilot City, The Black History Productions, United for Peace, and the National Gang Summit that moved across the country.
Mr. Moss sits on the board of the PCRC (Police Community Relations Council) and is also a member of the Coalition of Black Churches/African American Leadership Summit. He was the National Director of Cultural Awareness and Midwest recruitment for the Million Man March.
For 42 years, three times a week he went to Minnesota prisons - Stillwater, Shakopee, and St Cloud; as well as federal penitentiaries - Sandstone and Rochester, MN, and many others across the country. Locally, he assisted with civil rights and police brutality cases for the Native American community. He worked along with Dick Gregory, for the National Speakers for Coalition of Racism in sports and media for the Native American; where their biggest victory was getting the Washington football team to remove the name Redskins - they are now called the Washington Commanders.
He fought for Minnesota residents of African descent to become firefighters, city bus drivers, teachers, and principals and to not only be police officers but to rise to precinct captains.
He was the founder of the Fair Share campaign - a fight for equity for black business owners. He had a column in the Spokesman-Recorder, a cable show, and a spot on KMOJ. He feels personally indebted to Mrs. Newman – The Spokesman; Al McFarlane – Insight News and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – The Final Call. These media organizations allowed him to raise his voice and speak clearly about the issues that impact the African American community.
Mr. Moss has received honors for his work with inner-city youth and communities of color from numerous organizations. In 2021, he received the John Lewis Award. However, his greatest reward is to see the success of so many Way and City Inc students!