Minneapolis communities come together for National Night Out

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - For years, National Night Out has bonded communities throughout the Twin Cities.

“I think that feeling of neighborhood and community sometimes is missing today from neighbors and this gives us a chance to be neighbors together,” said Minneapolis resident Josh Macomber.

It’s an event that promotes police-community partnerships - a bond that in Minneapolis, some feel is strained.

“It’s difficult to find bonding moments with officers, but we’re trying and we’re working on it,” said Rico Morales, Minneapolis resident. “It’s a struggle every day.”

Over the past year, Minneapolis has seen marches and protests in reaction to police-involved shootings. For Valerie Pruitt, events like this are key to bridging the divide.

“I think it’s a concerted effort to make the community more safe if we can get families and police on the same page,” Pruitt said.

“We need to have more moments where we can talk with police officers, the chief of police - in a more relaxed and transparent environment and meeting,” Morales said.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said that on this National Night Out he made it a point to attend more events.

“I think you’ll see more outreach, more cops and more prosecutors because we recognize the need for outreach, but we’re still going to have fun,” Freeman said.

Residents said overall, it’s an evening of fun and tough conversations. 

“I think that it makes it more important than ever for us to be able to come together,” Macomber said.