How One City Began
One City's roots go back to 2015, when Krystal Queen and Mike Grant launched The Friendship Project — a grassroots Twin Cities initiative built on the belief that community change starts with showing up for one another.
In 2020, in direct response to the murder of George Floyd, One City was founded by Jake Sullivan in partnership with Christ Church International in South Minneapolis. In 2022, One City and The Friendship Project merged — united by the conviction that their impact together would be greater than anything either could do alone.
After co-founders Jake Sullivan and Krystal Queen-Sullivan moved the organization from Eden Prairie to Saint Paul in 2024, a sharper vision took hold. In May 2026, One City relaunched with the Hoops Circuit, Career Development Tracks, and a fresh rebrand — built on over a decade of community work.
One City launched with three pillars: Single Parent Advocacy, Minority Student Advocacy, and Community Outreach. Every program we run flows from those three commitments — from the One Heart Holiday Hope gift distribution serving Twin Cities families each December, to the One City Hoops Circuit developing young athletes on and off the court, to the Parent Career Pathways program opening doors in real estate, event operations, and career mentorship.
Today, One City is headquartered at 2012 Selby Ave in Saint Paul — planted in the heart of the community it serves. With the 2026 rebrand, a growing roster of corporate and community partners, and programs expanding across the Twin Cities, One City is no longer just responding to crisis. We are building something permanent: a city where every family has a real shot, every young person has a path forward, and no one is left behind.
The Friendship Project Launches
Krystal Queen and Mike Grant launch The Friendship Project — a grassroots Twin Cities initiative planting the earliest seeds of what would become One City's community mission.
One City Is Founded
Jake Sullivan founds One City in partnership with Christ Church International in South Minneapolis in direct response to the murder of George Floyd and the urgent need for community healing and action.
One City & Friendship Project Merge
One City and The Friendship Project merge, united by the belief that their impact together would be greater than anything either could accomplish alone.
One Heart Holiday Hope Is Born
The Friendship Project rebrands its Christmas outreach program as One Heart Holiday Hope — deepening its commitment to serving Twin Cities families during the holiday season.
Moving to the Heart of the City
Co-Founders Jake Sullivan and Krystal Queen-Sullivan move the organization from Eden Prairie to Saint Paul, planting themselves directly in the community they serve.
Greater Clarity in Vision
With co-founders now living in the heart of the city, greater clarity in vision and direction emerges for One City — sharpening the mission across all three pillars.
One City Hoops Launches
One City Hoops launches in the fall of 2025, bringing structured competitive youth basketball to Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
A Fresh Chapter Begins
In May 2026, One City launches the One City Hoops Circuit and Career Development Tracks alongside a fresh rebrand — bringing greater clarity, energy, and reach to the mission.
