Mr. Wilson joined the staff of the University of Minnesota as program coordinator in the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs since 1969 where he worked until his appointment as Minnesota Commissioner of Human Rights. Upon completing a four-year term, he was elected to Saint Paul City Council in 1981 becoming the first African American elected to Saint Paul City Council. He served on the Council for 13 years, four of which he served as its President. In tribute to his contributions to the Saint Paul City Government, a bronze bust of Mr. Wilson is displayed on the third floor of Saint Paul City Hall.

In 1968 Mr. Wilson founded the Inner Youth League to provide needed services for African American youths in Saint Paul. His continued commitment to molding the youth of today as leaders of tomorrow no doubt left him with the desire to do more. Upon retiring from public service, it was no coincidence that in 1999 his vision to do more became a reality and Higher Ground Academy, Minnesota’s premier Afro-Centric K-12 school was born and he serves as the Executive Director.
 

Dr. Yigzaw is a firm believer in the value of education and in the promotion of social justice. Dr. Yigzaw holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography from Addis Ababa University and two graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota, a Master Degree in Education with a specialization in “Computer Assisted Instruction” and a Ph.D. in “Interdisciplinary Curriculum” and “Critical Thinking”.  

 The Academy has three administrators and one technology director. Higher Ground Academy is committed to hiring qualified teachers that meet the Minnesota State standards of the No Child Left Behind Act. (NCLB)

 Currently the Academy has fifteen (15) teachers in the K-5 section and twelve (12) teachers in grades 6-12 and twenty (23) support staff in different areas