The Inner Hero

Real ID

REAL ID: REAL TALK

The Inner Hero presents a powerful youth series focused on identification awareness and safety during enforcement encounters.

Our first meeting features former Minneapolis Chief of Police Medario Arrandondo.

🗓 Upcoming Dates: June 26 | July 10 | August 16 | August 21
🕙 10AM–12PM
📍 Brooklyn Center Elementary School
1500 59th Ave N, Brooklyn Center
🎯 Ages 10–18 | 🍽 Lunch Provided

Let’s educate, empower, and equip our youth for real-world encounters.
Share this flyer and bring a teen—be part of the change we want to see!

Rebuilding Home Together Benefit Musical Concert

Welcome to The Diaspora Dream: Rebuilding Home Together Benefit Musical Concert happening at Speak the Word Church International on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Central Time)! Join us for a day filled with amazing performances and meaningful connections. Let’s come together to support a great cause and make a difference in our community.

Purchase a Ticket Now

KNOWN MPLS

This soul-stirring benefit concert will feature the powerful and anointed sounds of KNOWN, a renowned gospel choir whose harmonies uplift and ignite the spirit. With a mix of traditional African rhythms, contemporary gospel, and multicultural praise, this concert is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of identity, legacy, and hope.

Rebuilding Home Together

This event is part of a global effort to support the construction of a first-of-its-kind regional training facility in Liberia. The center will provide critical infrastructure for emergency response, healthcare training, public safety, and youth development—building a stronger, more resilient future for West Africa.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy fantastic music while contributing to something special.

Basketball Tourney

Get Ready for the Heat!

The Inner Hero presents the 9th Annual Basketball Tournament — and it’s going to be BIGGER than ever!

Date: July 19, 2025
Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: Legacy Hoops, 2122 Wooddale Dr #150, Woodbury, MN

Registration Closed

$2,500 in prizes!
1st Place: $1,500 + Trophy
2nd Place: $1,000

Single Elimination: Win or Go Home!
Limited Spots — First Come, First Serve
Food Trucks on Site

Graduation

Ambrose R. Russell graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education

I am overjoyed to share that I have officially graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education! This milestone represents a transformative journey of growth, learning, and pushing beyond limits I once thought insurmountable. Lord, see how far You have brought me. Your grace found me, saved me, sustained me, redeemed me, and shaped me into who I am today. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done for me—I am forever grateful You found me worthy!!

I owe immense gratitude to my grandparents for instilling in me a spirit of service, and to my mother for her strength and courage in choosing life at just 15 years old. Thank you, Mama, for your love and sacrifice. To my incredible wife, Elshaddai, and our seven wonderful children—thank you for standing by me, allowing me the time to serve humanity, and never giving up on me. Your unwavering support has been my foundation, and I am eternally grateful. May God continue to bless us as a family and guide us to be.

Mentorship

The Inner Hero Mentoring Program

At The Inner Hero, we believe in empowering young people to recognize their potential and thrive academically, socially, and personally. We build meaningful relationships through structured mentoring that inspires youth to achieve their goals, develop leadership skills, and contribute to their communities.

Overview

Why it Matters

Consider Joining

Find Out More

Youth Pathway to Civic Education and Careers

The Inner Hero Youth Pathway to Civic Education and Careers

On Tuesday, May 28, The Inner Hero’s award ceremony celebrated students attending Cooper High School for their participation in the Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers series. The keynote speaker, Attorney General Keith Ellison, was welcomed by two student leaders and upcoming civic heroes, Miss Candace Lewis and Miss Darreen Muchen. Thank you for your continued support. This school year’s initiative has reached over 500 students consistently!

Also, thank you to Hennepin County Safe Communities for program funding and for continuing to believe in the work and impact at The Inner Hero.

Award

The Inner Hero Received a 2024 MN Ethical Leadership Award

The Inner Hero was named a 2024 Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award honoree. The organization celebrated at the Character Recognition Awards luncheon on May 22, 2024. The Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award spotlights character and ethical leadership development, honors organizations with exemplary efforts, motivates honorees for continued effort and success and inspires others with examples to replicate.

For the last 15 years, The Inner Hero has been empowering youth, young adults, and community heroes to realize their full potential by actively fostering trust and legitimacy between law enforcement and the community, breaking barriers through initiatives such as round-table dialogues, community outreach, and sports-based activities.

Testimonial

Parental Testimonial – After School Program

To The Inner Hero,

Markell, in 6th grade, struggled to get his homework completed and turned in. I came across a flier in my email from Fair Crystal School for the Inner Hero program and decided to give it a try. Markell has been in the program for 6 weeks, and his grades have started to improve. I recently had a meeting with his teachers, and they asked if he was still going to his after-school program, and they said that they could see the difference. Later that night, I checked in with Markell to see how he felt about the program. I wanted to know if he felt the program helped him at all and if he liked the staff, students, and the environment overall, and if he wanted to continue the program. He said he enjoyed the program and wanted to continue going. He enjoys the kids in the program, whether it’s working, trading Pokemon cards, or playing basketball. He says that the staff is kind and helps him understand and comprehend his homework. He has a much better understanding of what he is doing. As a parent, I enjoy the program. Ambrose has been very professional, and he is always available to talk to and to problem-solve if need be. I look forward to the future with Inner Hero.

Thank you,
Lashanna

Youth Pathway

April 30, 2024

Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC)

Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC) Series aims to activate lifelong civic engagement by presenting the community with relevant and engaging civic education through resource sharing, speakers and facilitators in community and educational sectors.
The Inner Hero Organization’s YPCEC series is committed to offering student and parental opportunities to become educated and involved in civic sectors by presenting educational programming and activities that promote awareness of local, national and global civic initiatives to encourage youth civic engagement, activation and participation.

Slide

THE INNER HERO PROGRAM OUTCOMES

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Youth and parents learn how local government systems work.
Police develop positive relationships with the community.
Youth learn about jobs in law enforcement, fire fighting and other public sector employment paths.
Service-Learning projects for youth increase civic engagement and personal communication skills.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Inner Hero Pledge
Collective healing skills are taught and practiced.
Youth learn skills and values through civic engagement.
Youth Circles connect parents, school staff and others.
Sports Events

MENTORSHIP

Youth have relationships with an adult that cares about them.
Youth and police officers make connections that change their perceptions and the narrative about each other.
Youth shadow and intern to learn skills for careers in government and public service.
Peer to peer mentoring creates leadership from within. Youth leaders learn the skills to be positive role models.
Mentors will set and monitor educational goals and resources to obtain their goals.

Donation

Campaign for The Inner Hero

Want to join me in making a difference? We’re raising money to benefit The Inner Hero, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to the children and youth we will impact.

Our mission is to create spaces and programs for youth that reduce violence, build trust, and encourage education that empowers youth to be productive citizens.

With the money we raise, we will put it back into community schools, prisons and centers. From within we create a change so the outside world can look different. We look forward to bring positive change in your local community soon. Blessings, Ambrose Russell

DONATE

Mentorship

These programs encourage community interaction, teach life skills, and build self-esteem. We provide two areas of mentorship.

Peer to Peer Mentorship: We seek to provide youth leaders with the structure and skills to be positive role models for their peers; hence, to empower and serve the community from within. We recruit successful 11th and 12th grade youth to become the mentors in the program. In addition, we select one mentor leader to represent each school’s program and assist the program specialist. The Peer Mentors may be the “star students” as well as students who once fulfilled the profile of the mentored students. All programs are onsite school-based under the supervision of school staff.

Community Leaders Mentorship (CLM): Volunteers build personal relationships by providing one on one mentoring and counseling. The CLM is paired with youth based upon their interests and focus, so that the youth are developing key skills during this time.

Celebration

Annual Community “Thank You” Celebration

The goal of this event is to thank participants in the community and further build interactions between local officials and the community. It’s a day of fun activities for children and adults, and it’s where relationships can be established over food and conversation. Additionally, it provides an avenue to encourage and recruit volunteers to contribute their time and talents to events and programs that will empower children and their families in the community.

Ongoing Events

The Inner Hero After-School Program

Our after-school program has begun. We are actively seeking more students between 3rd – 12th grades to join our program and enrich their learning experience. Register now! Space is limited!

New Location: We are now meeting at Brooklyn Center Elementary.
1500 59th Ave. N. Brooklyn Center – Door 1 Purple Building B202

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm.

Registration

Below are testimonials, videos, and images from the last year’s After-School Program.

After-School Program – Video Updates

The Importance of Character Building

Strengthening Leadership & Teamwork Through Play!

At The Inner Hero, we harness the power of sports and recreation to inspire, build confidence, and bring communities together! Our youth had an amazing time on the court and playground, developing teamwork, strategy, and resilience—all while having a blast!

A huge thank you to our mentors and coaches for guiding the way! Together, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders—one game at a time.

Grateful Beyond Words!
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Karri McAfoos of The Bieber Foundation, our number one supporter since day one! Karri flew in from Denver, Colorado, and visited our office in South Minneapolis, and it was an absolute honor to welcome her and her brother, James Bieber.
Your unwavering support has been a driving force behind our mission at The Inner Hero, and we are beyond thankful for your belief in the work we do.

The Inner Hero After-School Program is in full swing!

Every week, we’re building stronger minds, brighter futures, and unstoppable leaders! Our program provides a safe, engaging, and empowering space where students can learn, grow, and thrive. From mentorship and leadership development to academic support and life skills training, we’re equipping the next generation of Heroes!

🚀 Join us as we continue to inspire and uplift our youth!
✅ Engaging Activities
✅ Positive Mentorship
✅ Leadership & Life Skills
✅ A Safe and Supportive Community

Let’s keep making a difference, one student at a time! Tag a parent or student who needs to be part of this movement!

Exciting things are happening at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program!
We’re thrilled to welcome our new mentors who specialize in math, helping our students build a strong foundation for success!

Catch a glimpse of the magic as board member and longtime supporter, Keith Deanes, stops by to show his support and witness the impact our program is having.

Join us in celebrating this new chapter of growth and learning.

This week was so fantastic that all the students were making successful progress with their grades, maturity, and social skills. thank you to all of the parents for being part of this great opportunity. We’re looking forward to working with you and our future scholars next week.

🎉 The Inner Hero Afterschool Program: A Year of Impact in 2024! 🎉

As we close out an incredible year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made 2024 a success! Together, we’ve empowered over 3,000 youth, young adults, and families through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

To our students – Your growth, resilience, and achievements inspire us every day.
To our parents and families – Thank you for your trust and support in our mission.
To our staff and volunteers – Your dedication and hard work continue to shape futures and strengthen our community.
To our board members – Your leadership and vision drive our impact forward.

This year, we’ve built stronger partnerships, launched innovative programs, and created lasting memories. Together, we are shaping a brighter future!
Here’s to an even greater 2025!

A big thank you to the Brooklyn Center Elementary School for being our partner!

To be a part of The Inner Hero 2025 programming success, consider donating.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on our adventure to the Timberwolves game. We had 38 in our group in total. That was an amazing turnout. Another Successful Week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program. Thank you to everyone for making this possible!!

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff, students, and parents for an amazing week! See you all next week—wishing you a blessed and restful weekend!

We want to extend a big thank you to all the staff, students, and parents for an amazing week! Your hard work and dedication made it a success, and we’re excited for a productive week ahead. Thank you from The Inner Hero—where we Educate, Inspire, and Build our community Heroes!

Thank you for an incredible week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program!

Dear Parents, Students, Staff, and Brooklyn Center Elementary School Team, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for the positivity, dedication, and teamwork that made this week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program so impactful. Your hard work and encouragement create an environment where our students can thrive, grow, and feel supported every day.

To our parents, thank you for your constant support and commitment to your children’s growth. It’s a privilege to work alongside you, supporting our young people’s journeys.
To our students, your enthusiasm, kindness, and focus on learning make each day a pleasure. Keep up the fantastic work!
To our staff, your dedication and passion are the foundation of this program. Thank you for creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for our students.
And to the wonderful team at Brooklyn Center Elementary School, we’re grateful for your partnership and the positive environment you foster for our students and families. Your support is vital to our shared mission of building strong, empowered young people.
Here’s to more weeks of success, growth, and collaboration. Thank you all for making The Inner Hero such a special community.

With appreciation, The Inner Hero

A special thank you to all the parents, students, and staff for your weekly commitment to this program and for helping to improve the lives of our future leaders. We are grateful for your dedication and everything you have done. Together, we are making progress one day at a time. Let us continue to guide the next generation, ensuring they grow into productive citizens. Thank you for your ongoing support of this program.

Shout out to the incredible students in The Inner Hero Afterschool Program! Your dedication to learning and growth is inspiring, and we are so proud of your hard work! A big THANK YOU to our amazing staff for your unwavering commitment and to Brooklyn Center Elementary School for welcoming us into the building. Together, we are creating a space that uplifts, educates, and shapes our future leaders! At The Inner Hero, we believe in the power of education and mentorship to build our next generation of leaders. Join us in being a part of a community dedicated to educating, inspiring, and building the next generation!

Testimonials

No few words can sum up my time working with Mr. Russell at The Inner Hero. After 2 years as a tutor, I feel like I’ve learned just as much about myself as I have taught the kids around me. To me that speaks volumes about Mr. Russell’s character and the organization he has build his life around. His faith in me as a tutor, but more importantly a leader allowed me to not only succeed at my position, but also be a role model and inspiration to those who were just a few years younger than me. Our connection felt more as though it was a partnership. I felt involved, which in turn motivated me even further to impact the program and the organization to drive success. Mr. Russell has a drive for helping and serving those around him that I’ve never seen in my life. It goes without saying that a program with the vision and the mission like this one is difficult to come by because of that. Moving away to college my next school year can be a pretty daunting idea, and I’m sure the program will miss me just as much as I will.

Christian McCourtney

The Inner Hero After School Program has proven to be more than an after-school program. My son Israel has bonded with the staff, who are incredibly engaged in the environment positively, and communication is excellent, even when I have challenges. In getting my son to the YMCA as a parent, they made transportation available daily, taking him to the YMCA and bringing him home. In addition, I’m continually impressed with the diverse activities and exposure to sports and extra activities. My son can now play basketball and swim, which he could not do. Inner Hero is fantastic on so many levels. I chose The Inner Hero’s program simply for the ease and reassurance of having my son on-site before and after school. However, the more significant benefit is how connected The Inner Hero’s staff is to the program – to the activities, students, and the community. It helps make Israel’s transitions seamless. Israel had a wonderful experience at The Inner Hero, an after-school program, and started to look at the program. My son initially experienced significant adjustment challenges with school, which carried into his before and after-school care. While I fully expected the school to provide me with resources to help with his challenges in the classroom, I never would have guessed that the Inner Hero Director and program would go so far out of their way to ensure that my son had a positive experience in inner Hero and, beyond that, in school. The team at Inner Hero is top-notch! They tailor their approach to each child, and you can see and feel their genuine love for children in everything they do.

Korto Beman

My 14-year-old daughter Clara joined The Inner Hero a few months ago, and the transformation has been incredible. Before starting the program, Clara often struggled with incomplete assignments and poor grades. However, after just a few months of participating in the program, I’ve noticed a remarkable difference in her academic habits and overall attitude toward her studies.

Clara is now completing her work, turning in assignments on time, and paying much more attention to her studies. The change has been so drastic that she even earned a spot on the honor roll last semester! It’s amazing to see her put in the effort and take pride in her accomplishments.

She jokingly says she goes to The Inner Hero because the snacks are good, but we both know that’s second to the pride she feels from her improved grades and growing confidence.

I’m truly grateful to The Inner Hero for helping Clara unlock her potential!

Paula K.

Markell, in 6th grade, struggled to get his homework completed and turned in. I came across a flier in my email from Fair Crystal School for the Inner Hero program and decided to give it a try. Markell has been in the program for 6 weeks, and his grades have started to improve. I recently had a meeting with his teachers, and they asked if he was still going to his after-school program, and they said that they could see the difference. Later that night, I checked in with Markell to see how he felt about the program. I wanted to know if he felt the program helped him at all and if he liked the staff, students, and the environment overall, and if he wanted to continue the program. He said he enjoyed the program and wanted to continue going. He enjoys the kids in the program, whether it’s working, trading Pokemon cards, or playing basketball. He says that the staff is kind and helps him understand and comprehend his homework. He has a much better understanding of what he is doing. As a parent, I enjoy the program. Ambrose has been very professional, and he is always available to talk to and to problem-solve if need be. I look forward to the future with Inner Hero.

Lashanna

Being a mother of four kids (all boys), it was a big struggle to leave work, make dinner, and help everyone with their homework or take them out for recreation. The Inner Hero has made everything stress-free for me and my family. Our boys are so excited and look forward to attending after-school programs as scheduled. There have been massive improvements in their lessons since The Inner Hero stepped in. For this quarter, one of our sons made it on the Honor Roll, receiving a certificate of improvement in reading. All thanks and appreciation to The Inner Hero after-school team for all the work they put in to make our kids succeed. Thank you.

Bettie Karmo

The Inner Hero Youth Pathway to Civic Education and Careers

Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC) Series aims to activate lifelong civic engagement by presenting the community with relevant and engaging civic education through resource sharing, speakers, and facilitators in community and educational sectors.

The Inner Hero Organization’s YPCEC series is committed to offering student and parental opportunities to become educated and involved in civic sectors by presenting educational programming and activities that promote awareness of local, national, and global civic initiatives to encourage youth civic engagement, activation, and participation.

After-School Program – Video Updates

On May 12, 2025 The Inner Hero and FAIR Crystal Middle School partnered to bring The Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers Series Guest Panelist Dr. Wutoah of the Robbinsdale School District to talk with our next generation of leaders. Students led, created and executed the entire program!

Empowering Minds, One Student at a Time!

At The Inner Hero Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers series, (YPCEC) learning is alive, collaboration is thriving, and mentorship is at the heart of everything we do. From guidance on assignments to building confidence and leadership, our team is dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces where every student can grow.

Together, we rise. Together, we lead.

4th YPCEC x Fair Crystal Middle School – A Huge Success!

Thursday, March 13th, we had an amazing turnout with over 100 students actively participating in our Youth Positive Community Engagement Conference (YPCEC) in partnership with Fair Crystal Middle School and The Inner Hero!

With more than 500 students, parents, and staff attending our four YPCEC events so far, we are thrilled to see the growing impact. These gatherings continue to empower young leaders, foster meaningful discussions, and build stronger communities.

A special thank you to Mayor April Graves for being our guest speaker and sharing her wisdom and encouragement with the students! Your support means the world to us.

Together, we are shaping the future—one event at a time!

Friday, January 17, 2025, we had the privilege to witness something truly special—a powerful display of leadership, collaboration, and community. Five incredible scholars from FAIR Crystal Middle School—Mr. Desean, Miss Arianna, Miss Penelope, Mr. Gavin, and Mr. Ambrose Jr.—facilitated their very first Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers (YPCEC) Series.

They led an inspiring panel discussion with over 180 students and parents, featuring a special guest appearance by Mr. Medario “Rondo” Arrandondo. It was heartening to see these young leaders create, cultivate, and lead together, setting the stage for the next generation of changemakers.

A huge thank you to everyone who made today possible:

Our regional first responder partners who joined us.
The parents who showed up to support their children.
The FAIR School faculty and School Board for believing in our vision.
A heartfelt thank you to Miss Aunnie for your unwavering dedication every Monday!
Most importantly, to Mr. Ross, the incredible Principal at FAIR Crystal, whose leadership and collaboration made today a reality.
Today was a great day—a day that reminds us why we do what we do. The Inner Hero is proud to support and empower these future leaders as they step into their power.

Thank you to all The Inner Hero staff and consultants for your commitment and dedication. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on our community, one leader at a time.

Here’s to many more moments like today!

October 25th was an unforgettable day for our Youth Pathways to Civic Education and Careers Series! We were honored to welcome Assistant Police Chief Alice White, the highest-ranked Black female officer in Minnesota, as our guest speaker at FAIR Middle School. Junior high students had the incredible opportunity to hear her inspiring journey firsthand. Thank you, Chief White, for empowering our youth and showing them what it means to lead with resilience and purpose.

The Inner Hero, Summer Program 2025 – Game Time, Growth Time

The Inner Hero Summer Program is in full swing—and this week showed exactly why it matters! From intense Madden matchups to NBA 2K showdowns, our youth didn’t just come to play—they came to connect, learn, and lead. Through gaming, mentorship, and group discussions, we’re building more than skills—we’re building character, confidence, and community.

🙌🏽 Special thanks to our incredible mentors and staff for creating a safe, joyful space where every young person is seen, heard, and valued.
💜 Joy. Leadership. Purpose. That’s the Inner Hero way.

June to August 22nd, 2024 – The Inner Hero Youth Summer Camp Program!!

The Inner Hero Board of Directors, Staff Volunteers, Parents, Mentees, and Community Heroes,**

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your incredible dedication and hard work in making this year’s Summer Program a resounding success.

Thank you to the Board of Directors for your vision and leadership, which continues to drive our mission forward. To our staff volunteers, your tireless efforts and passion have made a difference in the lives of our mentees. To the Parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and supporting them throughout the program. And to our mentees, your enthusiasm, growth, and commitment have been inspiring to witness.

Finally, to the Community Heroes, your contributions have been invaluable, and your presence has enriched our program in ways we could never have imagined.

This summer has been a testament to the power of collaboration and community. Together, we’ve created lasting memories and opportunities that will impact the lives of our mentees for years to come.

Thank you once again for your dedication and support.

Warm regards,
Ambrose R. Russell
Founder and Executive Director
The Inner Hero

The Inner Hero summer program for youth is crucial in several ways:

*Personal Development*: The program focuses on helping young people discover and develop their inner strengths and talents. This self-awareness is critical to building confidence and resilience, essential for personal growth and success.
*Skill Building*: Participants engage in activities that enhance critical skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are invaluable not only in academic settings but also in everyday life and future careers.
*Positive Role Models*: The program connects youth with mentors and leaders who serve as positive role models. These relationships can inspire participants to set and achieve higher goals, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
*Community Engagement*: By involving youth in community service projects, the program teaches the importance of giving back and being active, responsible members of their communities. This instills a sense of civic duty and empathy for others.
*Healthy Lifestyles*: Through physical activities and wellness education, the program promotes healthy living. Encouraging an active lifestyle and teaching about nutrition and mental health helps youth establish lifelong healthy habits.
*Safe and Supportive Environment*: The program provides a safe space for youth to express themselves, try new things, and learn from their mistakes without fear of judgment. This supportive environment is crucial for their emotional and social development.
*Academic Enrichment*: Often, the program includes academic support, such as tutoring or educational workshops, to help prevent summer learning loss and prepare students for the upcoming school year.

In summary, The Inner Hero summer program is vital in shaping well-rounded, capable, and compassionate individuals. Addressing various aspects of personal and social development equips youth with the tools to succeed and positively contribute to society.

The Inner Hero, Summer Program – A Day at the Park!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program at New Hope Aquatic Park!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program at French Park!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program – Movie Field Trip!

The Inner Hero, Summer Program 2024 – Game Time

🔥🏀 Get Ready for the Heat! 🏀🔥
The Inner Hero presents the 9th Annual Basketball Tournament — and it’s going to be BIGGER than ever!

🗓 Date: July 19, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
📍 Location: Legacy Hoops, 2122 Wooddale Dr #150, Woodbury, MN

💥 $2,500 in prizes!
🥇 1st Place: $1,500 + Trophy
🥈 2nd Place: $1,000

🎯 Single Elimination: Win or Go Home!
⏳ Limited Spots — First Come, First Serve
🍔 Food Trucks on Site
🔒 Registration Closed

Real ID: Real Talk

🚨 REAL ID: REAL TALK 🚨
The Inner Hero presents a powerful youth series focused on identification awareness and safety during enforcement encounters.

Our first meeting features former Minneapolis Chief of Police Medario Arrandondo.

🗓 Upcoming Dates:
June 26 | July 10 | August 16 | August 21
🕙 10AM–12PM
📍 Brooklyn Center Elementary School
1500 59th Ave N, Brooklyn Center
🎯 Ages 10–18 | 🍽 Lunch Provided

Let’s educate, empower, and equip our youth for real-world encounters.
Share this flyer and bring a teen—be part of the change we want to see! 💪🏽

Join The Inner Hero Organization for a night of music and unity as we come together to support our diaspora in rebuilding our home countries.

Welcome to The Diaspora Dream: Rebuilding Home Together Benefit Musical Concert happening at Speak the Word Church International on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Central Time)! Join us for a day filled with amazing performances and meaningful connections. Let’s come together to support a great cause and make a difference in our community.

This soul-stirring benefit concert will feature the powerful and anointed sounds of KNOWN, a renowned gospel choir whose harmonies uplift and ignite the spirit. With a mix of traditional African rhythms, contemporary gospel, and multicultural praise, this concert is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of identity, legacy, and hope.

This event is part of a global effort to support the construction of a first-of-its-kind regional training facility in Liberia. The center will provide critical infrastructure for emergency response, healthcare training, public safety, and youth development—building a stronger, more resilient future for West Africa.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy fantastic music while contributing to something special.

Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Our Mission

Create spaces and programs for youth that reduce violence, build trust, and encourage education that empowers youth to be productive citizens.

Our Vision

Safe communities for everyone where youth reach their full potential.

May 2020: We’ve updated our Mission and Vision statements and we are excited that it aligns with our focus on Education, Community Engagement, and Mentorship.

The Scope of The Inner Hero’s Work

Then and Now

The Inner Hero In the Media

The Inner Hero is impacting the community! See some of the latest. Check out our Events page to see the full list of current and past.

Past Stories – In the Media

The Inner Hero Impact

Watch the impact of The Inner Hero over the last several years.

The Inner Hero Impact Stories

Listen to stories of those impacted by The Inner Hero.

Celebrating the True Legacy of my Grandparents!

Ambrose shares his story.

Lessons from Dual Parenting – Our Story

Learn how to achieve success at home in a family setting.

Servant Leadership

Ambrose R. Russell interviewed the web developer and why he has continued to serve and work with The Inner Hero. He describes it as a consistent organization and focused on the community and its present needs.

The Inner Hero Impact

Ambrose R. Russell interviewed Maxwell J. Tahija, the content creator for The Inner Hero. Learn about him and his passion for working with The Inner Hero to bring long-term change to the Twin Cities.

You Can See the Change

“I’m very proud that the Minneapolis Police Department is a proud member along with The Inner Hero because Inner Hero’s work is transformational.” – Chief of Minneapolis Police Medaria Arredondo

“As a leader, if you want to be successful you got to listen to people.

When you speak less, but you speak profoundly, and you listen more. Because when people find out you can listen to them, they follow you better. Meaning the idea you have is not just yours, but theirs, it’s inclusive.”

– Ambrose R. Russell

Despite all of our differences within our homes, schools, communities, cities, states, and our nation, we at The Inner Hero Organization believe that love is the key to changing others’ unique lives. As you watch this video, please find The Inner Hero within you for us as a community to love again.

Testimonials

Christian McCourtney

Before working with The Inner Hero, I was shooting music videos, fumbling at specific responsibilities as a young man, trying my hand at a video company, and doing so by creating content for brands, finding my way as a young man. Without a strong father figure, I was trying to define my idea of what it meant to be hardworking and gain life skills.

When I met Ambrose, he was instrumental in my growth as a man and a good person. He demonstrated generosity of spirit and time and showed grace, courage, consistency, and discipline in the things necessary to him. That showed me what it was to be the leader of a household and, ultimately, a community. Ambrose’s diligence in working with others who lacked support or guidance warmed my heart. It proved that there are good people in the world, so much so that I began working directly with The Inner Hero after meeting him, as I just wanted to be around his energy. He showed me how to run a proper business and conduct myself as a man, a person of God, and someone selfless for the right reasons. Regardless of skin tone, background, or affluence, the work I’ve gotten involved with stretches all bounds and helps me sleep well at night with the impact we make on a day-to-day basis on our future generations.

I can honestly say my life is a lot better since I am around Ambrose, and getting to return that favor to other young people has been a great gift in reciprocity; thanks to The Inner Hero and Ambrose, I can say I am proud of the man I am today.

Max Tahija

Since I was introduced to Mr. Russell, he has provided me with some of the tools to help me become a more successful person in life. I’m now 18 years of age, Mr. Russell has helped me get my driving permit, social security card, bank account, and a job. I couldn’t have done all of these things without the help of The Inner Hero. Mr. Russell calls and meets with me weekly to make sure I’m staying on track and I want to say a big thank you for all the help given to me.

Jakai Self

Since I met Mr. Russell, I have learned a lot from The Inner Hero. Не helped me build my self-esteem as a teenager, he has taught me how building and keeping your character stainless is one of the best things to have as a role model. He has guided my focus on education, by attending meetings at my school and calling weekly to check on my progress with my school counselor along with meetings with me. He has also taught me about the things of God and family values.

Jaleel Wah

Mr. Russell is a very hard-working and dedicated man. When he approached me and asked if he could mentor me, I was nervous, but after I said yes, he instantly got me an opportunity to meet police officers. I’m very blessed to know and work with Mr. Russell. Anyone who works with Mr. Russell is guaranteed blessings and chances that are unspeakable. Thank you, Mr. Russell.

Jesse James

Educate

Many youth who are struggling academically and socially are attending school, but not learning. We focus on identifying and cultivating their academic interests and passions as well as guiding them to explore and identify career interests and options.

Build Character

We believe that strong character is the foundation of a successful future. We work with youth to guide them both to succeed academically and also to develop values such as respect, perseverance, and excellence. We help them develop the social and emotional skills necessary to form and develop good relationships and build a strong foundation for their future.

Inspire

We provide mentorship and positive role models to inspire youth to strive for educational success, set and work toward future career goals, and develop strong character. By connecting youth not only with caring adults but also with peers who understand their experiences, we show students that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.