Christopher Ellis Crutchfield

Christopher Ellis Crutchfield, a beloved community advocate and tireless champion for racial equity and social justice, passed away suddenly in Saint Paul on November 4, 2024, at the age of 54. Chris dedicated his life to serving others. The son of Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield and Dr. Susan E. Crutchfield, Chris belonged to a prominent family that significantly impacted the Black community in Minnesota for 70 years.

Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, with a B.A. in Political Science and African-American Studies in 1992; and received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1999. As a Bush Fellow with the Bush Foundation in 2001, he did research and oral histories on the Underground Railroad, slavery, and their impacts on families.

Chris was committed to outdoor cultural educational experiences for youth and the community. The Underground Railroad reenactment experiences he led in Minnesota and elsewhere for two decades were chronicled in the New Yorker magazine in 2020.

In 2006, Chris became the Deputy Director of Community Relations for Ramsey County Community Corrections, where he provided strong leadership in juvenile justice reform, racial equity, legislative affairs, community partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives. In 2023, he was appointed to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission by Governor Tim Walz.

In early 2023, Chris became CEO of Ujamaa Place, whose work brought him great joy. Ujamaa Place's mission of empowering young Black men to transform their lives and redefine success through self-worth and community involvement was core to his beliefs.

For over 10 years, Chris taught legal topics at St. Cloud State University and Inver Hills Community College. He held many roles with non-profits, including as a member of the Board of Directors of Osprey Wilds and as an attorney for community land trust organizations.

Chris was an avid fisherman who cherished memories of fishing trips with family and friends. He shared his love of fishing with many community members, taking many out fishing for their first time. The walleye of the Great Beyond better watch out!

Beyond his professional achievements, Chris was a dedicated husband to Thu-Mai and the proud father of five. He treasured time with his loved ones, whether through outdoor activities or traveling. Weekends often found Chris at his beloved cabin in northern Minnesota.

Services were held on November 16, 2024 at 1 PM at the North End Event Center at 1265 Snelling Ave. N. in Saint Paul.