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Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer
Melissa Townsend and Cathy Wurzer

Journalist Lee Hawkins on the profound impact of a Black teacher

Two men pose for photos.
Journalist Lee Hawkins takes a selfie with his former substitute teacher, Harold Bridgeman at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, about the history of the center April 13, 2022. Bridgeman was the only Black teacher Hawkins ever had growing up, and he left a lasting impression on Hawkins.
Nicole Neri for MPR News

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You probably had a teacher in your life who made a strong impression on you. For journalist Lee Hawkins, his special teacher was Harold Bridgeman in Maplewood, Minn. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about his recent reunion with Mr. Bridgeman.

This story was made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Click here for more reporting in the North Star Journey series.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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