About Us

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center has been a cornerstone of the North Minneapolis community for 101 years, providing programs and services that empower individuals and families. From early childhood education to youth development and family support, PWCC continues to uplift and transform lives by fostering opportunity and empowerment for all. In 2024, PWCC celebrated its centennial year of service to the North Minneapolis community. Our mission: We create pathways for individuals to discover their strengths and take control of their futures.

Our History

Minneapolis, 1924 — During an era marked by segregation and discrimination, when opportunities for Black Americans were severely limited, a group of forward-thinking women from the Minneapolis YWCA Foundation decided to take action.

When they discovered that young Black women arriving in the city to study at the University of Minnesota were denied campus housing and had nowhere to stay, these women stepped up. They raised funds, secured a home, and on October 17, 1924, opened the Phyllis Wheatley Settlement House in North Minneapolis — the city’s first organization dedicated to supporting African Americans.

What began as a boarding house for college women soon became much more. The Phyllis Wheatley Settlement House grew into a vibrant gathering place for the Black community — a space for learning, creativity, leadership, and connection. It became a center where people could come together to build better lives and stronger neighborhoods.

Today, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center upholds that legacy. Through a variety of programs designed for children, youth, families, and elders, PWCC remains dedicated to helping individuals realize their potential, foster meaningful relationships, and forge pathways toward a brighter future.