Minneapolis man is on a mission to bring joy to skyways

"Call someone and tell them you love them today! Don't let anybody mess with your joy!"

That's the greeting Arthur Jackson gives hundreds of people as they rush through the skyway in downtown Minneapolis.

Jackson, 65, leans on his cane. A silver cross and a Metro Mobility ID card hang from his neck.

"Good morning, good morning," he calls out to a group of men in suits. "It's hump day — we're halfway there! We can do this, y'all."

Nearly every morning for the past 16 years, Jackson has hopped a bus from his apartment to a skyway above Nicollet Mall, hoping to inspire joy among busy professionals heading to work. He has become a fixture there singing songs and doling out hugs, compliments and uplifting quotes.

Why does he do this?

"I am here for one reason," Jackson said, "to put smiles on people's faces and let them know that everything is going to be OK."

Many quickly glance away in confusion or hurry past Jackson without responding. Some "regulars" approach him with a hug, a high-five or a handshake.

Originally from Indiana, Jackson moved to Minneapolis 22 years ago. After falling on hard times, Jackson said he decided he would try to sing for his dinner.

When the weather cooperated, Jackson sang his heart out on Nicollet Mall, crooning gospel songs and Bob Marley. Passersby would drop a dollar or two in his empty Sun-Maid Raisins box — hopefully enough to buy his dinner and a bus ticket.

After help from the Salvation Army, Jackson got on his feet again, found an apartment and got a job as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army, which he has been doing for 16 years.

Despite various health issues, Jackson continues to come downtown most mornings to greet people in the skyway. He has bounced around to different locations — not every building manager appreciates his good cheer, he said. His current post is in the skyway between 8th and 9th Streets on LaSalle Avenue.

"He has a beautiful voice, but he would sing these Jesus songs and they'd get stuck in my head all day," she said. "He has quite a fan club, though, and I'm now part of it."

Muse said the turning point happened years ago when a homeless teenager passed Jackson outside of her business and asked him for money.

"Arthur gave the kid his whole tip jar," she said. "I walked in the back and cried, and decided I needed to readjust my attitude."

Jackson's kindness has struck a chord with others, too.

On a recent morning, Jackson opened his arms wide when a woman approached. Tami Sisson has gotten to know Jackson from years of passing him on her way to work at RBC Wealth Management, which led to a friendship outside of the skyways. Sisson attended Jackson's wedding five years ago at the Salvation Army.

Sisson is moving to the West Coast soon, but hopes her skyway buddy is able to continue his mission long after she's gone.

She said: "Minneapolis needs a guy like him."

Aimee Blanchette • 612-673-1715

@aimeeblanchette