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Napoleon Bell II's remarkable journey from DJ to police officer to community relations director reveals a singular commitment: bringing people together to create meaningful change. In this powerful conversation with Coach Tim Brown, Bell shares the philosophy that has guided his decades of public service in Columbus, Ohio.
"Together we can make such a difference. We've got to inspire folk, bring them together honestly and build that trust," Bell explains, revealing his approach to community transformation. Drawing from his upbringing with civil rights-focused parents, Bell developed an early sense of responsibility toward protecting and empowering others.
Throughout his career transitions—from sales to law enforcement to community relations—Bell maintained a consistent focus on authentic human connection. His work as a police liaison officer taught him that roughly 98% of community members are hardworking people trying to make a living, while just 2% create most problems. This perspective shift allowed him to become a true advocate for neighborhood residents, going beyond typical law enforcement roles to address root causes of community issues.
Bell's founding of the annual Neighborhood Best Practices Conference exemplifies his bottom-up approach to community development. Rather than bringing in outside experts, the conference centers the voices of community members themselves, creating spaces for networking and knowledge sharing. Similarly, his work with the Civil Rights Heritage Tour connects generations through shared historical understanding, taking participants to pivotal civil rights sites across the South.
Perhaps most powerful is Bell's insight that "95% of the time, people just want to be heard." This understanding guided his approach to difficult community conversations, embracing rather than avoiding tension as an opportunity for authentic expression and problem-solving. For aspiring community leaders, Bell offers straightforward advice: have thick skin, lead collaboratively, and start now—especially young people, who have more power to create change than they realize.
What will your legacy be? Listen now to discover how small victories, authentic relationships, and consistent advocacy can transform communities for generations to come.

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