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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Researchers reveal U’s painful past with Minnesota’s Indigenous people
A massive new report details the University of Minnesota’s long history of mistreating the state’s Native people and lays out recommendations, including “perpetual reparations,” to improve relations between the U and Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations. 
College students uncover history of racist housing deeds in Stearns County
The students from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University found dozens of discriminatory covenants in St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Cold Spring and Sauk Centre — proving that attempts to prevent people of color from owning property extended well beyond the Twin Cities.
Joe Rainey's avant-garde powwow strikes a chord in the Midwest
Joe Rainey creates a unique fusion of powwow and experimental electronic music. He is from south Minneapolis and is a citizen of the Red Lake Nation. Rainey talked with MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer about his debut album, which has gotten quite the buzz both in the Midwest and nationally.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt brings empathy to policing 
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt is the first Black woman to become a sheriff in Minnesota. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with Sheriff Witt about her priorities and turning childhood hardship into her greatest strength.
'Reconnecting with the human': Minnesota podcast tackles humanity, womanhood and Islam
As Ramadan approaches, observers ready themselves to pray, reflect and spend time with loved ones. The Digital Sisterhood podcast created in Woodbury, Minn., hopes to do just that.
Two Minnesota children's book authors on getting and giving a sense of belonging
Growing up is tough enough, but even more so when you feel like you don’t fit in. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two Minnesotans of color about their paths to knowing and loving themselves and how to teach that to kids. They’ve both written children’s books to help other kids feel like they belong and that they have a voice.