North Star Journey

North Star Journey is a celebration of communities in Minnesota and the champions who are doing the work that we should be bringing a voice to. We hope to bring new understandings of our state and what brought us to today. About | Credits

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A year and a day after George Floyd’s murder, host Angela Davis led a conversation with community leaders, memory keepers and activists working to maintain his legacy in our communities and beyond.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights has been tracking an uptick in anti-Asian incidents since the start of the pandemic. But this community has endured the effects of racism since long before COVID-19. Listen to our panel discussion on what’s being done in Minnesota to stop it.
MPR News in partnership with Twin Cities Diversity in Practice convened a panel discussion about how BIPOC and white Minnesotans are navigating conversations, how we’re experiencing the trial of Derek Chauvin and how we can move forward as neighbors. 
'Steps toward healing': Dakota tribe reclaims its land — and its story
The Lower Sioux Indian Community’s homeland lies along the Minnesota River in Redwood County. Last month, 114 acres, formerly controlled by the state, were transferred back to the tribe. “Steps towards healing is what we need,” tribal Chair Robert Larsen said. ‘And this is one of those steps.”
MPR News and partner Tech Dump presents a conversation hosted by Angela Davis about the challenges faced by Minnesota’s formerly incarcerated residents upon re-entry into the community and how we can become a more welcoming state. 
Minnesota consistently lands on lists of states with the best health care. But if you’re Indigenous or a person of color, you’re not included in the high marks the state receives in metrics like health care access or public health outcomes.
How is racism preventing young Black people from connecting with culturally appropriate care? How are Black youth remaining resilient during this difficult time and amid the challenges of persistent historic and institutional racism? Watch a recording of this in-depth, virtual town hall discussion.
In Focus: Racism in Housing Access
MPR News partnered with Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis on this virtual event to bring awareness, dialogue and potential solutions to the problem of racism in housing access.
In Focus: Equity in Education
Minnesota has some of the worst education disparities in the country affecting children of color. How can we do better? MPR News host Angela Davis talked with community leaders about how to address the gaps, what's getting in the way of progress and which solutions are showing promise.
In Focus: The Future of Policing
The police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin has brought new urgency to the discussion over the role police and police departments play in communities. MPR News hosted an online event to talk about what changes are needed.