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

MPR News also hosts North Star Journey Live, an event series discussing topics about what Minnesota’s diverse communities need to thrive. Check it out here.

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This coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

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Trailblazing golfer working to get more Black women and girls in the game
On the South side of Minneapolis more than a half century ago, Lynnette Landry fell in love with the game of golf, and she is still working to make the sport more accessible to everyone, including Black girls and women.
Architect Damaris Hollingsworth on how buildings can be welcoming
MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with Minnesota architect Damaris Hollingsworth about how she brings an inclusive perspective to design as a Black woman and an immigrant. 
Meet Leeanna Lor, Miss Hmong Minnesota pageant winner and burn unit nurse
Since 1984, the Miss Hmong Minnesota pageant has embodied confidence, beauty and pride in the local Hmong culture. It’s about “what you can bring back to the community and how you use that platform to help others,” Lor said.
Three years ago, the world watched Lake Street sustain significant damage after the murder of George Floyd. But business owners cleaned up, came back and insisted that this recovery be accessible to all. Were they successful? Listen to this live In Focus discussion hosted by MPR News host Angela Davis.
Heart work: Training social workers to keep Native children home
A unique program housed at the University of Minnesota Duluth trains social workers to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act to keep Native American children connected to their families and communities.
First woman police officer in St. Paul shares her legacy
In the mid-1970s, Debbie Montgomery became the first woman police officer in St. Paul. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Debbie Montgomery about her life and career and what she wants people today to learn from her story.
Minnesota entrepreneur Houston White on creativity, style and his collaboration with Target
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota entrepreneur Houston White about his story, his many projects and how he uses his creative work to create community.