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

In Front of Our Eyes banner img mpr pod

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
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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.