Creating a Minnesota for all Minnesotans: A Message from Duchesne Drew and Jon McTaggart
Apr 15, 2021
Our community is once again reeling. We’re not only confronting the tragic killing of Daunte Wright in the midst of Derek Chauvin’s trial, but we’re grappling with the underlying history and systems that shape how differently Black, Indigenous and other people of color experience life here in Minnesota. It’s hard but important work that we must do individually and collectively. Many of us are trying to build understanding, heal wounds and lay the groundwork for a healthier and more equitable region.
At Minnesota Public Radio, we’re invested in creating a Minnesota for all Minnesotans. We seek to serve and collaborate with the community to share stories and create programming that transform the ways we see and treat one another. We are committed to facilitating the kind of vital conversations that illuminate the inequities woven into everyday life so that we can dismantle them. We’re working internally and externally to be more inclusive and anti-racist. It’s a journey we’re on and we seek to be a resource for others trying to be part of the solution.
The past year has forced us to confront some harsh realities. Our state is far more divided and unequal than many of us previously understood or wanted to admit. What’s also clear is that many of us desire to do and be better. That is work we must do together. We hear you, Minnesota, and we hope you’ll continue to lean in with us. That’s the best measure against any divide.
-Duchesne Drew
President, Minnesota Public Radio
-Jon McTaggart
CEO, American Public Media Group
Coverage and Resources
Podcast: In Front of Our Eyes - MPR News, which has followed the case of the killing of George Floyd in detail from the beginning, will bring listeners updates on this monumental case and the consequences it holds for the city and the country. Created in collaboration with American Public Media.
In Focus: Addressing disparities in Minnesota - a series of convenings we are committed to leading over the next year on Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities. Through conversations with community leaders that are shaped by our curious, engaged audience, we hope to encourage new connections and relationships that will help Minnesota communities make progress toward equity and inclusion. Listeners may want to start with the conversation in collaboration with Twin Cities Diversity in Practice about supporting Black friends and family during the Chauvin trial, In Focus: A trial and Minnesota’s search for equity and healing.
Early Risers: A Podcast from Little Moments Count. George Floyd’s death was a tragedy and a wake up call — expanding a global conversation about race and racism. And young children have been watching it all. So how do we help them make sense of this? Early Risers is podcast from Little Moments Count and MPR with frank facts, engaging stories and real how-tos for anyone who cares about raising children with a clear-eyed understanding of cultural differences, race and implicit bias. Hosted by Dianne Haulcy of Think Small.
More from MPR
MPR News discussion: How we're processing the killing of another Black man by police in Minnesota
Call to Mind + MPR News: Spotlight on Black Trauma and Policing
Caring for ourselves, physically and mentally, in an unprecedented time: Wellness Wednesdays on The Current
MPR News Reporting and stories on Race
MPR News reporter Hannah Yang's personal story: I’m Asian American in rural Minnesota and have felt the sting of pandemic-fueled racism
How can we ensure an inclusive and equitable economic recovery? - a conversation with state leaders and Chris Farrell
Listen to Music for healing and balance from Classical
MPR News Podcast: 74 Seconds
MPR Archive: Community reading for Black Poets Speak Out at Penumbra
MPR Archive: Don L. Lee on the importance of language to African American poets
MPR Archive: An interview and reading with Black poet Ramona Austin
MPR Archive: Black poet Nikki Giovanni talks about Attica prison riot, Wounded Knee trial, and the U.S. government
Related
Sahan Journal: How you can help people in Brooklyn Center right now, in the aftermath of Daunte Wright’s killing
From Little Moments Count: Racial Justice Resources
Coming soon
This is not a complete list of all coverage and resources available from MPR, American Public Media, and related organizations. We may add to this list as more coverage and resources become available.