ChangeMakers

ChangeMakers is a series from MPR News showcasing Minnesotans from diverse, often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact. Whether they’re making history or making a difference for just one person, these individuals are leaders building new futures for their communities. Scroll down to meet our ChangeMakers.

February 28, 2019 4:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Lou and Sarah Bellamy, using theater to give voice

Lou Bellamy, 75, founded Penumbra Theatre in 1976 to provide a platform for African-American voices. His daughter, Sarah Bellamy, 40, took over as the company's artistic director in 2017.

by Christine T. Nguyen

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February 27, 2019 12:00 PM

ChangeMakers: Valerie and Allysza Castile, carrying on Philando's spirit

Valerie, 62, and Allysza Castile, 26, are the mother and sister of Philando Castile. Since her son's death, Valerie has been an advocate for police and criminal justice reform and founded the Philando Castile Relief Foundation.

by Christine T. Nguyen and Evan Frost

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February 25, 2019 6:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Phillipe Cunningham, choice to be Minnesotan 'the best'

Minneapolis City Council member Phillipe Cunningham, 31, is the first openly transgender man of color elected into public office in the United States.

by Christine T. Nguyen

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February 25, 2019 6:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Andrea Jenkins, first openly transgender black woman elected to public office

Minneapolis City Council member Andrea Jenkins is the first openly transgender black woman elected to public office in the United States.

by Christine T. Nguyen and Evan Frost

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February 22, 2019 7:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Angela Conley changing the system from the inside

Angela Conley, the first African-American elected to serve as a Hennepin County commissioner, was born and raised in the same district she now represents. She ran for office "out of necessity."

by Evan Frost

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February 21, 2019 11:10 AM

ChangeMakers: Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, building 'a culture of health' for the underserved

Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, 38, is a preventive cardiologist in the department of cardiovascular medicine at Mayo Clinic, and an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.

by Christine T. Nguyen

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February 20, 2019 11:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Blackout Improv, breaking barriers and busting guts

For the last three years, Blackout Improv has been using comedy to tackle tough issues. They are the state's only black improv group with the mission of changing the face of comedy.

by Evan Frost and Christine T. Nguyen

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February 19, 2019 4:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Pamela Alexander, first black woman judge in MN, sees gaps and opportunities

Retired Hennepin County Judge Pamela Alexander, 66, is a fourth-generation Minnesotan and the first black female judge in Minnesota.

by Evan Frost

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February 18, 2019 4:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Judge Juanita Freeman, bringing diversity to the bench in Washington County

Judge Juanita Freeman, 36, is the first black judge in Washington County, Minn.

by Evan Frost

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February 15, 2019 5:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Leslie Redmond, youngest leader of Mpls. NAACP

Leslie Redmond, 26, became the youngest president of the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP when she was elected to the position in March. She is pursuing her law degree and Master of Business Administration at St. Thomas University.

by Christine T. Nguyen

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