The national organization Stop AAPI Hate recorded close to 6,300 reports of hate incidents against Asian Americans in 2021. More than half of them targeted Asian women. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with two Asian American women in Minnesota about their experiences and their communities’ responses.
Stream The New Thing, a special preview of what The Current has been working on. Keep an eye out for the official launch later this summer.
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Where did you learn about managing money, if you learned at all? Some Minnesota lawmakers say it’s time to mandate financial literacy education as a requirement to graduate from high school. They say ensuring all young Minnesota are taught personal finance is critical to helping address persistent economic disparities. - From North Star Journey Former West Side Flats residents have mixed memories - In Duluth Schools struggle to bridge city’s long-standing east-west divide - MPR News special series North Star Journey - What should we cover next? Pass the Mic
April is National Poetry Month! You can get a poem and a moment of reflection each weekday morning through The Slowdown podcast. Host Ada Limón delivers a different way to see the world – through poetry. In just one turn of phrase, poetry can anchor us, or shift a moment, a day, or even a whole life. Give yourself the words and time with the podcast and subscribe now.
Performance Today selected acclaimed pianist, producer, curator, storyteller, cultural visionary and arts advocate Lara Downes as the 2022 Classical Woman of the Year. This annual award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the classical music art form and have inspired listeners.
The pandemic has had a huge effect upon the logistics, business, and artistry that go into putting on concerts. First Avenue general manager Nate Kranz, Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance’s Shayna Melgaard, and Twin Cities-based band Gully Boys dig into the changes. Panelists: Nate Kranz of First Avenue, Shayna Melgaard of Sue McLean & Associates, and musicians Natalie Klemond and Mariah Mercedes of Gully Boys Musical guest: Nat Harvie Thursday, March 23 12 noon CT FREE Register now
Stark disparities around health, income, housing and education are entrenched in Duluth’s geography and history. The divisions come clearly into focus at the city’s two remaining high schools. Education offers a path toward closing the gaps, but change won’t come easily. - As state considers repairs to I-94 Rondo residents look for reconnection - What should we cover next? Pass the Mic
Minnesota artists say learning and writing in Indigenous language sparks their own creativity. They are building on a revitalization effort. - Angela Davis Teaching kids Indigenous language and culture - To teach Ojibwe Mille Lacs launches Rosetta Stone program - What should we report on next? Pass the Mic - North Star Journey Celebrate Minnesota's communities
Composer Nkeiru Okoye doesn’t fit neatly into any kind of classical category. Her compositions showcase her genius by incorporating different types of musical styles that help create a sound that’s uniquely hers. She describers her music as “accessible” classical music mixed with African American/West African flavor, but she doesn’t see her race as the defining thing about her, or her music. Listen to Rhapsody in Black