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Minnesota
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2020-07-30Exploring Close to Home
This story describes the first trip that my husband and I took during the pandemic. It was at the July 30 - August 1, 2020, and we took our first trip without children in twenty years. The pandemic shaped this trip completely. First, we could not cross the border we had wanted to cross, which meant we stayed in our home state. Second, we researched destinations in ways that we never had before. Finally, the pandemic had forced many other people to seek outdoor vacations, which led to large crowds in many of the parks we visited. -
12/08/2021Eric Schwerdt Oral History, 2021/12/08
Eric Schwerdt, born and raised in Duluth, MN, is a non-traditional student and ICU nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire, WI. Eric earned his BA from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2012. Later, he received his ADN from Lake Superior College, and finally his BSN from St. Scholastica. In this interview, Eric talks about the traumatic and demanding role of an ICU nurse during a pandemic - describing haunting images of sick patients resembling more machines than men, and the occasional peace nurses can provide for suffering families. He also delves into the science of COVID, the vaccines, and the complicated undertaking of educating a reluctant public about them. Throughout the interview, Eric also reveals how his personal struggles with mental health impact his experiences and inform his perspectives in the era of COVID-19. -
2020-08-04
Lonely at the Lake
My family has owned a small cabin by a lake in Northern Minnesota for over 60 years. This is my favorite place in the world and was our family vacation destination every year. As years went on my dad and I are one of the few who continue this tradition. After quarantining in April and May and businesses slowly reopening in June we decided in August 2020 that it would be safe enough to go up there. However, this trip ended up being much different than usual. While Minnesota was under a mask mandate the area we were in was much different than the suburbs of Chicago. At home more often than not people did adhere to the mask mandate and there was a mandate to self-quarantine when returning to the state after traveling. The area where are cabin is located is very densely wooded and not exactly populated. The small town has about four hundred people and the nearest large grocery store is a forty-five-minute drive away. While grocery shopping in town it was clear the mask mandate was not as strictly followed up here. Only about half of the customers in the store were wearing masks. The likelihood of adhering to the mandate dropped even further once we reached our township. Even though there were signs posted to “wear your mask” my dad and I were considered the odd ones out at the bait shop or lumber store, as I did not see a single person with a mask on in the ten days we were up there. All of our neighbors who live on the road that hugs the bay are all older. I have known most of them my entire life and some have even watched my parents grow up. Many of them live downstate near the Twin Cities, and some even live out of state, but very few of them live up there full time due to the harsh weather and isolation. It wasn’t until the last few years that the country started to plow our road in the winter. This ten-day vacation is normally packed with multiple dinners at neighbors' houses, tubing and fishing, parties and yard games, and finally ending the night around a fire with our neighbors, their kids, and often their grandkids. This trip, there was none of that. Windows and doors were boarded up because out-of-state neighbors never made the trip up to open their cabins. Jetskis and other water toys were locked up because most older neighbors did not risk leaving quarantine. As far as we could tell it was just my dad and myself. Fishing was just the two of us, the only people we had to argue with over card games were each other, and we both fell asleep more than once on the boat or dock while reading books because it was so quiet. It might have been much more lonely and quiet than normal, but it was still relaxing to be surrounded by nature and absorb its sounds uninterrupted. COVID-19 changed my vacation, but not necessarily in a bad way. I am lucky to have a lake house that was isolated enough that COVID did not seem to touch it. Although we missed our neighbors and have since seen everyone the loneliness allowed for a sense of stillness, the ability to fully emerse myself in nature and relax. -
05/07/2021Holly Tremble Oral History, 2021/05/07
Holly Tremble lives in Hudson, Wisconsin a suburb of the Twin Cities and is currently unemployed but also is a care worker once a week at a nursing home in Northfield, Minnesota so that she can see her father during this pandemic. In this interview, Holly discusses how COVID-19 has affected her life, her employment status, and family and community life. She shares what it has been like to go through this pandemic as well as the different approaches to the pandemic that she experienced being on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin and the difference in policies in the area. -
11/15/2020Retail Worker Oral History, 2020/11/15
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11/27/2020Cristiano Favazza Oral History, 2020/11/27
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11/24/2020Amy Burgoyne Oral History, 2020/11/24
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05/12/2021Katherine Running Oral History, 2021/04/22
Katherine Running was raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She currently resides in Fargo, North Dakota. She is currently occupied as a graduate student and a lab researcher at the USDA in Fargo. In this interview, Ms. Running talks about how the covid-19 pandemic has affected her professional and personal life. She also discusses how people have stopped trusting science and facts. -
05/06/2021Liz Haynes, Oral History, 2021/04/21
Liz Haynes discusses her life pre-COVID and how she has been affected during COVID as a cancer survivor. She talks about her love of travel and hopefully future plans, politics (local and federal), and ends with positive outlook for the future. -
11/30/2020Brent Lameyer Oral History, 2020/11/30
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2020-11-09Pupside to the Pandemic
This adorable story uses the example of a neighborhood in Rosemount, Minnesota to demonstrate the trend of families adopting dogs during the pandemic. In this neighborhood, 17 puppies were adopted by 17 families living within 3 blocks of each other, with a surprise 18th at the end of the video. -
2021-04-06MN State Fair during the Pandemic
The Minnesota State Fair was canceled last summer due to the pandemic. These food stands are a lot of peoples primary source of income but due to the pandemic they were forced to shut down operations. As a result, they started to expand out to random parking lots throughout the twin cities. These stands are important to many people as the state fair is a tradition for so many people here in Minnesota. The fact that these stand owners figured out a way to get us the food we deserve is an example of how us Minnesotans have persevered through the pandemic. -
2021-02-03Tin Whiskers Brew Offered Frontline Workers Discount on Beer
To thank those risking their health for the benefit of others, Tin Whiskers Brewing Co. in Saint Paul, Minnesota showed their appreciation by offering a discount on take-out beer to frontline workers. They included health care workers, educators, first responders, service industry workers, postal workers, and public transit workers in their list, and were open to suggestions to add to that list. While a discount on beer doesn't make up for all the work these individuals do, it is a nice gesture to show appreciation during this challenging time. Given that those working in this brewery are also service industry workers, they recognize the risks and difficulties that frontline workers have been experiencing, and wanted to make it clear how much these people do for society. Instagram caption: @tinwhiskersbrew We want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the frontline workers out there who have helped us all get through the past 11+ months. Starting immediately, all frontline workers get $2 off crowlers when you swing by our crowler shop. Just let us know you qualify when you're checking out (in-store only), and we'll activate your discount. What constitutes a frontline worker? --Health Care Workers --Educators --First Responders --Grocery/Retail/Pharmacy/Liquor Store Employees --Bar/Brewery/Restaurant Service Industry --Postal Service/Delivery --Public Transit Workers If we missed a field, let us know! We definitely want to thank you too. -
2021-04-17Police disperse protesters, corral and photograph media
Protests continued Friday night in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright last week. While protesters were dispersed, Minnesota State Troopers corralled media members and photographed their faces and identification. -
2021-04-18Maxine Waters urges Minnesota BLM protesters to ‘get confrontational
MAXINE Waters has urged an anti-police Black Lives Matter mob in Minnesota to “stay on the street” if Chauvin is acquitted in the George Floyd case. The California Democratic congresswoman also told the protesters in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, “we’ve got to get more confrontational”. -
2021-04-21Derek Chauvin guilty in death of George Floyd
The jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charges in the murder of George Floyd. Crowds outside the Minneapolis courtroom and at the location where Floyd was killed chanted "justice" and "Black lives matter" after hearing the verdict. -
2021-04-15Daunte Wright's mom says she 'wants 100% accountability' in wake of officer's arrest
The mother of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man shot dead by a Minnesota police officer at a traffic stop, said she "wants 100% accountability" in the wake of the officer's arrest. "If that even happens, we're still going to bury our son," Wright's mother, Katie Wright, said at a Thursday news conference. "We're still never going to be able to see our baby boy." -
2020-04-10Labor Job Survey
Graduate student Colin Larter from Minnesota State University is seeking participants for a survey focusing on service industry and factory workers to share their experience about their jobs. The survey is completely anonymous, and he is planning to utilize the data he gathers for his thesis. As a former retail worker, he understands the importance of sharing these experiences. This flyer was shared on the Target reddit page, and likely other places on the internet, in hopes that there would be a variety of individuals participating. -
2021-04-09Water Protectors Blocade Enbridge Office Demanding #StopLine3!
Water Protectors Blockade Enbridge Office Demanding #StopLine3! This morning, 11 water protectors locked to one another in front of all entrances to Enbridge’s Bemidji, MN, office, protesting the company bulldozing through Minnesota wetlands, watersheds and Anishinaabe treaty territory as lawsuits led by three Ojibwe tribes opposed to Line 3 remain pending. The Enbridge office sits in Beltrami County, one of the top-billing counties to the “Public Safety Escrow Trust” funded by Enbridge and overseen by Minnesota to pay police for all costs associated with Line 3 protests. Much of Northern Minnesota has heavily militarized, purchasing riot gear, less lethal weapons and ammunition, etc. Law enforcement along the proposed route have billed thousands of hours of “overtime” to Enbridge, with Cass County alone billing 7,500 hours to the Enbridge escrow account in 3 months. Indigenous people and local residents have reported heavy surveillance, targeted pullovers and harassment by law enforcement in connection with Line 3 resistance. Water Protector Khalea said, “During Ferguson so many people came out and supported us, and I want to keep doing that... I am here for the liberation of all oppressed people, for the earth, for the liberation of all of our people, I am here to stand with Mother Earth and to protect the water and the wild rice and to stand with my Indigenous friends and loved ones as we all fight this collectively, we are all opposing these systems of oppression.” Water Protector Alex said, “This is part of my responsibility as someone who is a guest on this land and as someone who faces the impacts of climate change. Enbridge lies.” Water Protector Ishmaiah said, “I have spent the last several years fighting for the liberation in St. Louis, specifically Black St. Louis, and I see this as expanding and having a more holistic approach to what that fight can look like, because this land and this water touches us, and I think without that connection, grounding myself in the land and the water, doing solidarity with my Indigenous family, we can sometimes forget about the universal struggles around us.” -
2021-04-02Who was George Floyd?
Who was George Floyd? If you live in the Twin Cities, myself (and countless others) have spent the last year thinking of him daily. It almost feels like he's watching us. As the Chauvin trial aims to paint Floyd negatively, I feel it's important to honor him and share what I've learned about his life. A short IG caption doesn't do enough to fully give Floyd's story justice, but these are pieces of his life I've been intrigued by and want to learn more about. If I'm missing or incorrect on something, please drop it in the comments. George Floyd was born in North Carolina and grew up in Houston, Texas' Third Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood in the city. His mother, a single parent, moved the family to the Third Ward when he was 2, so she could find work. At 6 feet, 6 inches, Floyd developed as a star tight end for Jack Yates High School and played in the 1992 state championship game in the Houston Astrodome. With dreams of turning pro, he attended South Florida State College on a partial scholarship. After two years there, Floyd spent a year at Texas A&M University before returning to Houston and his mother’s apartment to find jobs in construction and security. While there, he ended up bouncing between jobs before serving nearly five years in prison. Floyd was also a musician, he occasionally was invited to rap with DJ Screw, a producer whose music is recognized as cementing Houston as a stronghold for hip-hop. He performed as a rapper using the stage name Big Floyd in a hip hop group, Screwed Up Click. As a father looking to provide for his five children and find a fresh start, Floyd moved to Minneapolis. One of his first jobs was working as a security guard at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center -- the city’s largest homeless shelter. Floyd kept his connection to Houston, regularly returning to the Third Ward before his death. ✊🏽❤️ -
2021-04-01After three days of witness testimony, it is clear those who observed George Floyd's death have been traumatized by what they saw.
After three days of witness testimony, it is clear those who observed George Floyd's death have been traumatized by what they saw. During her testimony, Minneapolis Firefighter Genevieve Hansen shared, "There was a man being killed. I would have been able to provide medical attention to the best of my abilities. And this human was denied that right." Hansen was off-duty at the time but called 911 after witnessing George Floyd's arrest. She can be heard in a bystander video calling for police to check Floyd's pulse and provide him medical attention. In her 911 call, she told the operator that she "literally watched police officers not take a pulse and not do anything to save a man." Photos taken at the All Eyez On Justice Rally, March 28, 2021. -
2021Kaia Hirt, chained herself to a barbed-wired gate outside the Hennepin County Courthouse demanding action from Minnesota legislators on police violence.
Last night, educator and activist, Kaia Hirt, chained herself to a barbed-wired gate outside the Hennepin County Courthouse demanding action from Minnesota legislators on police violence. Her demands include requesting Minn. Governor Walz meet with those who have lost family members to policing and a vote to be held on police reform bills currently going through committee. As of this morning, she is still chained to the fence and requesting allies show solidarity by holding space with her. -
2021-03-29Today, Opening Statements Begin in the trial of Derek Chauvin
Today, opening statements begin in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for third-degree murder, second-degree unintentional murder, and second-degree manslaughter charges. Even with visceral and jarring visuals of George Floyd's final moments, a Chauvin conviction shouldn't be presumed. On March 23, 2020, Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man, was killed after being physically restrained by Rochester, New York, police officers. A grand jury declined to bring any charges against the officers involved after reviewing police body cam footage. On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner was killed on video by a New York City police officer who put him in a prohibited chokehold while arresting him. After a grand jury considered the case for two months, they decided not to indict the officer involved. Last night, Rev. Al Sharpton, Attorney Benjamin Crump, and the family of George Floyd held a vigil to honor George Floyd before the trial began. -
2021-03-29Derek Chauvin trial begins
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer filmed with his knee on George Floyd’s neck in May, faces murder and manslaughter charges for the encounter that sparked months of historic protests around the world. This stream contains graphic content. Chauvin faces charges of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers charged in the case — J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas K. Lane and Tou Thao — are set to be tried separately in August. George Floyd died on May 25 after being handcuffed and restrained facedown on a Minneapolis street during a police investigation of a counterfeit $20 bill that allegedly had been passed at a local market. The Post’s Rhonda Colvin will anchor live coverage featuring reporters Holly Bailey and Joyce Koh from Minneapolis. The program will also feature reporters Keith Alexander, Mark Berman, Tim Craig, Nicole Ellis, Hannah Jewell and Eugene Scott -
2020-03-11Minnesota Department of Health Travel, and Covid-19 Information in ASL
This video covers the basic information of the 2020 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. For more information on COVID-19 visit: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseas... ASL talent - James Paul Beldon III, Keystone Interpreting Solutions Video Transcript - Hello. This is a message from the Minnesota Department of Health. Lately we’re hearing a lot about an outbreak associated with novel coronavirus. This outbreak started in China, and now has spread to other countries including the United States. The novel coronavirus causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. Symptoms of infection include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. While most people recover, it has led to serious illnesses and death in some cases. Minnesota’s public health community is working hard to protect you, and we’re asking for your help by following the same precautions we all use to prevent colds and flu: ▪ Wash your hands often and well with soap and water. ▪ Cover your cough every time. ▪ Stay home when you are sick. Also, if you’ve recently traveled where novel coronavirus is spreading and have symptoms, be sure to call your doctor or health care provider to let them know of your symptoms and your travel history. They will work with you to assess your condition and take appropriate steps to get any needed treatment while limiting the risk of passing along an infection to others. We are learning more about this outbreak and will share key information as it continues. You can stay up to date by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health’s website at health.state.mn.us. -
2021-03-19Stop AAPI Hate
Nearly 3,800 anti-Asian racist incidents occurred in America last year, mostly against women, based on data by Stop AAPI Hate. Yesterday, Asian Americans and allies called for solidarity and condemned discrimination and racist violence in Minnesota. They also honored the lives of Delaina Ashley Yaun, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park, and Hyeon Jeong Park -- employees of an Atlanta-area spa who were killed on Tuesday by a gunman. -
2021-03-22Activists are Showing Solidarity for Victims of Police Violence
As the Derek Chauvin murder trial is underway, outside the courthouse activists are showing solidarity for victims of police violence by placing 'locks for love ones lost' on fences and barbed wire. For the second week, National Guardsman and Minn. State Police removed these locks. Through Friday, there are six people of color and seven white people among the 13 jurors chosen for the trial. There are two remaining jurors to be selected. -
2020-05-27Community Solidarity Creates Resiliency
Community solidarity creates resiliency. Fed up and want to get involved? Follow these local orgs for updates and latest actions: @blackvisionscollective, @reclaimtheblock, @mpd_150, @mnfreedomfund -
2020-07-15"Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it." - James Baldwin
"Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it." - James Baldwin -
2020-07-29Bloomington March for Justice Continued...
"Either the United States will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States." - W. E. B. Du Bois, Niagara Movement Speech, 1905. Photos from Bloomington March for Justice, July 25, 2020 -
2020-07-31Bloomington March for Justice
If you are not careful, the newspapers (media) will have you hating the people who are oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” — Malcolm X Photos from Bloomington March for Justice, July 25, 2020 -
2020-08-03Food Service Workers Rally For Justice
"Businesses always like to emphasize the family aspect of working in their space. However, they fail to recognize we can choose who we want to dedicate our time and energy to. Because even family can be toxic and unsuitable for our livelihoods. To be transformative in this industry, it shouldn't be 'here is 50% off your meal 'or 'pizza for working with us for 10 hours today'. Instead they should talk about how we can be a community. Cause in a community, we protect, we listen, engage, act justly, we care, and we work to be better." Brenda Montes, Waitress, Rival House Sporting Parlour Restaurant Opportunities Center of Minnesota is demanding these collective protections for restaurant workers: Worker health and safety to come before profitability and customer expectations Livable and equitable wages for all staff across the industry: no more wage theft Cultural & structural change in the industry that fosters equity, inclusion, dignity for all workers Visit @rocmn612 for more information or to get involved. Photos from Food Service Workers Rally For Justice, July 28, 2020 -
2020-08-06"Joy is an act of resistance." - Toi Derricotte, Poet
"Joy is an act of resistance." - Toi Derricotte, Poet Photos from Emergency Response - Calling Woodbury on the Carpet, July 30, 2020 -
2020-08-13Demand Real Change from Minnesota Senate
Five weeks after Gov. Waltz called a special session to pass police reform, protestors gathered outside the Minnesota Senate demanding swifter and more comprehensive legislation from elected officials. On July 24, a couple days after this protest, Gov. Waltz signed a bill that would prohibit the use of chokeholds and warrior style training. Both of these items were already banned in Minneapolis, respectively in June 2020 and April 2019. The state legislation established a duty to intercede on officers who see a colleague using excessive force and requires excessive force incident reports. The bill fell far short of the transformational change demanded after the murder of George Floyd and represented 'low-hanging fruit' for reform policies. President Michelle Gross of the Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) shared, “It doesn’t do anything substantial to end violent policing. The legislators, frankly, are frightened of the law enforcement lobby.” The bill ignored CUAPB's recommendations such as lengthening the statute of limitations for wrongful death and civil rights violation lawsuits, community participation in collective bargaining agreements with police unions, and requiring police release body camera footage to families of victims within 48 hours. Photos from Demand Real Change from Minnesota Senate!, July 17, 2020 -
2020Protest Against Bob Kroll Wrongful Arrest and Excessive Force
Bob Kroll is the president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, the union for the city's police department. In his 31-year policing career, Kroll has been involved in three shootings, received 20 internal affairs complaints, and been the subject of lawsuits for wrongful arrest and excessive force. A 1995 lawsuit against Kroll alleged he used racial slurs while beating, choking, and kicking a handcuffed 15-year-old boy. In a letter to his police union members following the death of George Floyd (83 days ago), Kroll described him as a "violent criminal" and called the protests a "terrorist movement". Kroll is also a member of the City Heat motorcycle club, a group that is described as white supremacists by the Anti-Defamation League. Yesterday, protesters gathered outside Kroll's home in Hugo, MN and marched in his neighborhood demanding his resignation. Photos from Let’s Roll to KKKroll’s!, Aug 15, 2020 -
2020-08-18Reparations in America
"Reparations is very important. Here in America, Black women are saddled with the highest amount of student debt in the country. For Black women in Boston, their median net worth is $8. In Los Angeles, the median value of assets for Black families is $200. In St. Paul, according to ISIAH, Blacks are 120% more unemployed than their white counterparts." - Trahern Crews Protestors gathered at the Minnesota Governor's Residence on August 16th to demand the United States government pay reparations to American Descendants of Slavery for 400 years of slavery, redlining, lynching, mass incarceration, and discrimination in education, housing, and employment. Photos from Reparations Rally In Honor of George Floyd, August 16, 2020 -
2020-08-21Justice for Justin
"No one believed my story back then. I have an abundance of support now, where I didn't have none before. So I prayed for this day and prayed for each and every last one of you that's out here with me today. Saint Paul Police, your days of silencing me are over with. It's over with. To all the police in Minnesota and around the world. Your days of hurting our people are over with." - Toshira Garroway (@toshira_nicole ), Justin Teigen's fiance and mother to his child. Justin was found dead in a recycling center after an encounter with the St. Paul Police (SPPD) eleven years ago. His family is demanding the MN Attorney General Keith Ellison (@repkeithellison) opens an investigation into his death. Photos from Justice for Justin, August 19, 2020 -
2020-08-19George Floyd Memorial Zone
"The next thing I'm pissed off about is 38th and Chicago. I'm tired of Chicago. Why is not Floyd? When we were protesting at the beginning, what we said was 38th and Floyd." - Huda Yusuf (@justaskhuda) On August 6th, Minneapolis city employees informed community members and business owners they were planning to remove barricades surrounding the George Floyd Memorial Zone. This area extends in a four block radius and contains the site where Floyd was murdered by police on May 25th. The city's phased reopening has since been postponed to an undetermined future date. Community members have released a list of 24 demands before the area can open again for normal vehicular traffic. This includes recalling Mike Freeman (Hennepin County Attorney), ending qualified immunity, investing $400,000 in a youth jobs program, and firing four Bureau of Criminal Apprehension officials in leadership positions. Link in bio to the full list of demands. Photos from Sit-In at George Floyd Memorial, August 17, 2020 -
2020-09-13United We Stand & Patriots March for America
Yesterday, several hundred self-proclaimed patriots gathered at the Capital for the United We Stand & Patriots March for America. Throughout the program, speakers condemned Black Lives Matter as a terrorist movement and demanded Gov. Waltz resign for mandating masks to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Speakers included MN House Rep. Jeremy Munson and Rep. Eric Lucero. Throughout the event, there were several verbal and physical exchanges between rally goers and a group of counter protestors in support of Black lives. Two counter protestors were arrested when trying to bypass a State police perimeter for their bicycles. Pro-Trump rally goers cheered-on as multiple police officers piled on the counter protesters for arrest. They are currently being held in police custody with gross misdemeanor charges and likely will not be released until Monday. -
2020-09-19University of Minnesota Students Rallied
University of Minnesota students rallied yesterday to demand President Joan Gabel (@joan_gabel) create a Campus CPAC (Civilian Police Accountability Council) composed of elected students and community members to oversee the campus police department. In August, the University hired Cedric Alexander, a former police officer and director at the Department of Homeland Security to lead an internal review of the UMPD. Yesterday's protesters marched through campus as incoming freshmen moved into housing. -
2020-09-20Workers From Fiver Spyhouse Locations Went on Strike
Workers from five Spyhouse locations went on strike to demand recognition of their union, Unite Here Local 17, and improve COVID-19 safety conditions. Spyhouse owner, Christian Johnson, has hired a PR firm and lawyers with the intention of disrupting the unionization effort. The owner, through a PR firm, declined to comment on Saturday's strike. Spyhouse workers are part of a growing new labor movement of hospitality workers in Minnesota. In recent months, workers from Tattersall, Lawless, Surly, Fair State, and Stillheart have collectively organized into a union to create more equitable workplace environments. -
2020-09-01National Protests Against Police Violence
Minneapolis joined national protests against police violence and the lack of justice for those murdered or harmed by the police such as Daniel Prude, Breonna Taylor, and Miguel Vega. The national day of action was organized by the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, a group opposing the unjust treatment of individuals for their racial or political beliefs. They emerged from the Committee to Free Angela Davis, a group that successfully defended Angela Davis and helped her receive a not-guilty verdict from an all-white jury for kidnapping and first degree murder charges in 1972. -
2020-10-09Derek Chauvin released on a $1 Million Bond
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, was released on a $1 million bond Wednesday. Under the terms of his release, he is forbidden to have contact with Floyd's family and must surrender any guns and firearms licenses. He was previously not allowed to leave Minnesota, but a judge reversed this decision due to "safety concerns". For the second night, demonstrators protested his release. @justicesquadmn, @fsfapv, @10kfoundation, @visualblackjustice are also demanding that all legal cases of police involved murders are to be re-open; a removal of the statute of limitations on these cases, and an end to qualified immunity for police officers. -
2020-10-15Demand to Pass the American Dream and Promise Act
Last night, protestors marched from Senator Amy Klobuchar's (@amyklobuchar) office in downtown Minneapolis to the Hennepin County jail to demand she take leadership in helping pass the American Dream and Promise Act. The bill would provide permanent protections for many undocumented immigrant youth, but also for the more than 400,000 people with temporary protected or deferred enforced departure statuses who live and work in the United States. This bill passed the House of Representatives in June 2019 and has been held up in the Senate. -
2020-10-26Protesters Denounce Inhumane Conditions at ICE Detention Facilities
On Saturday, protesters marched through the Mill District of Minneapolis and visited the residence of James Stolley, Chief Counsel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Marchers denounced inhumane conditions at ICE detention facilities locally. In the last few weeks, ICE has been criticized nationally for pressuring detainees to have invasive surgeries (including sterilizations) and underreporting the number of positive of COVID-19 cases by failing to test detainees. -
2020-12-19Minnesota Election Day
I had the privilege of documenting what I saw in Minnesota for @aclumn on Election Day. Going into the day I was prepared to see voter intimidation and long lines of frustrated voters, instead was met with celebratory and upbeat voters hosting cookouts and energized to cast their ballot. -
2021-01-04Dolal Idd Was Shot and Killed by Police
Twenty-three year old Dolal Idd was shot and killed by police Wednesday evening outside a gas station less than a mile away from the site of George Floyd’s death. Dolal's family only learned of his death after police raided their home in the middle of the night. Minneapolis Police Chief Arradondo shared that officers were performing a traffic stop as part of a "probable cause” weapons investigation when they approached Idd. Arradondo refused to provide specifics. The edited body cam footage released by the police has only raised further questions about the incident. "We want police officers to have serious consequences for their use of force -- and right now they don't. Right now they’re given a great deal of discretion to kill people,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR (@cairmn). -
2021-01-06Pro-Trump Rally
After a year where I've had more white men with semi-automatic weapons telling me to "fuck off" than I could predict for a lifetime. And witnessing the lenient policing of outright violent white supremacist groups in MN and DC. Today was not shocking, but it hurt and was disturbing. Throughout the afternoon, pro-Trump supporters rallied at the MN State Capital and Governor's Mansion cheering on the attempted coup in DC incited by Trump. -
2021-01-12Activists Give St. Paul Mayor List of Demands
On Sunday, activists and community members hand-delivered a letter to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter's home signed by over 500 constituents and 25 local organizations demanding the city stop evicting people from encampments during inclement weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter is asking city officials to meet these requests: ➡️ Convene an emergency St. Paul City Council meeting to address these issues ➡️ Place a moratorium on enforcement of any illegal camping ordinance, to last the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic ➡️ Halt the clearing and disposal of tents and other sheltering materials to ensure that unhoused people do not lose what may be their only present means to self-quarantine and practice social distancing ➡️ Adhere to the existing statewide eviction moratorium ➡️ Follow best practices outlined by the National Homelessness Law Center -
2021-01-22Construction on Line 3 Pipeline
As Minnesota Governor Walz continues to allow construction on the Line 3 pipeline while simultaneously pushing for carbon-free energy in the state by 2040, pressure is building on President Biden to end construction of it. Immediately after his inauguration, Biden revoked a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline which was meant to carry crude oil from Canada to the U.S. Rescinding this permit delivered a victory to anti-pipeline activists who challenged its development for over 12 years.