Minneapolis, MN — Owen Duckworth believes relationships are at the heart of change. A consensus builder, organizer, and artist, he seeks to eliminate the entrenched housing and wealth inequities in the region. From his leadership work with The Alliance and Equity in Place, he sees how relationships across disciplines can build trust and help groups reach solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems. His successful track record includes leading collaborative efforts ranging from eviction moratorium efforts to rent stabilization policy. To achieve policy changes and investments in communities of color and low-wealth neighborhoods, he aims to support a stronger ecosystem of housing justice organizers, advocates, attorneys, and community leaders. During his Fellowship, he will increase his knowledge about housing policy, explore opportunities to pair his organizing work with his musical talents, and take the time to reconnect to the places and cultures of his African and European immigrant parents.
What informed your approach to leading change in your community?
My approach has been informed by having to make sense of my identity as a mixed-race person, while realizing the inequities built into the landscape of my community. Also, learning more about community organizing and how effective it is has really impacted me. Organizers are very powerful and engaged people. I felt very welcomed and seen for the first time when I engaged with organizers.
What’s your definition of success?
For me success is being a leader that others look to for support and guidance. This means successfully mentoring others to become great community organizers and building ecosystems where people work together and support one another as they drive towards change.
What is your favorite quote or expression?
“I believe that all organizing is science fiction – that we are shaping the future we long for and have not yet experienced.” - Adrienne Maree Brown
