Hue-MAN History

The Hue-MAN Partnership began as a conversation in 2009 between Clarence Jones, Del Gates, and V.J. Smith about reviving a long-standing Southside Parade down 4th Avenue in Minneapolis. We all came from backgrounds in community engagement, and we all had a vision for improving health and safety in our community. What emerged went far beyond reviving the parade. We created apublic health–focused collaboration committed to community health from a public health perspective.

The name “Hue-MAN” reflects the reality that everyone has a hue in their skin and we are all human.

Our collaboration quickly evolved from a neighborhood focus to citywide and regional health work. We started offering health screenings, resource fairs, and educational workshops. Hue-MAN established itself as a connector, a convener, and a catalyst of change in public health.

Hue-MAN’s success is rooted in trust, authenticity, and genuine collaboration. We work with anyone who shares our mission, and we expect partners to roll up their sleeves.

As Clarence Jones, Hue-MAN’s Executive Director, says, “We like each other,” and that makes all the difference.