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.

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

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February 18, 2025 6:05 PM

83 years after mass incarceration, Japanese Americans warn it could happen again

Executive Order 9066 led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Vinicius Taguchi of the Japanese American Citizens League sees parallels between this troubling history and the present.

by Tom Crann and Ngoc Bui

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February 13, 2025 1:07 PM

Route 1 helps farmers of color put down roots

Famers at a local organization that supports emerging farmers of color in Minnesota are growing lettuce and herbs through a creative way of indoor farming.

by Nina Moini and Ellen Finn

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February 11, 2025 4:00 AM

From territory to today: Mapping Minnesota’s Black history

In celebration of Black History Month in February, MPR News is highlighting Black history throughout the state. From a fur trader believed to be one of the first African descendants in a territory that is now Minnesota, to streets and parks renamed in 2024 after Black community leaders, these sites span the state and the centuries.

by Lisa Ryan, Elisabeth Gawthrop, Kyra Miles and MPR News Staff

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February 6, 2025 1:23 PM

Minneapolis to Montgomery: The Police and Black Men Project

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests continue the conversation about the Minneapolis Police Department and an ambitious effort led by the Police and Black Men Project.

by Angela Davis and Nikhil Kumaran

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February 3, 2025 9:00 AM

How sports can empower youth

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with former pro soccer player Tony Sanneh about his foundation’s work to empower young people to become the best version of themselves.

by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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January 28, 2025 12:45 PM

Book to recognize 50 years of Hmong contribution to Minnesota culture

This year marks 50 years since Hmong people started immigrating to Minnesota. Today, the state is home to a vibrant community of at least 95,000 Hmong Minnesotans.

by Nina Moini and Ellie Roth

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January 23, 2025 12:41 PM

‘I felt like things were missing’: Minnesota podcaster aims to make true crime more victim-centered

A Pew Research study finds that 34 percent of U.S. adults who listen to podcasts say they regularly listen to true crime podcasts. “Truer Crime,” a Minnesota-made podcast, is taking that genre in a different direction.

by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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January 22, 2025 4:00 AM

After 100 years of waiting, a Latino Museum is proposed for St. Paul

The Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance is advocating for a proposed Minnesota Latino Museum, aiming to raise $20 million for a cultural center in St. Paul’s historic West Side Flats, with hopes to open by 2029 to celebrate and preserve Latino arts, heritage and community.

by Alex V. Cipolle

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January 16, 2025 12:25 PM

‘Spreading joy through two ropes’: Rondo Double Dutch shares skills with new generation

Rondo Double Dutch is the brainchild of Mercedes Yarbrough, an educator who wanted to bring Double Dutch to young people in her community. She joined up with Jelahn Prentiss to expand her vision for the program.

by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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January 14, 2025 11:00 AM

St. Paul City Council reflects on a historic year: ‘Ten toes down, shoulder to shoulder’

St. Paul’s all-female city council has been on the job for a year now. What have they learned? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with this historic, young and diverse group about what it’s like to be a woman in politics today.

by Angela Davis and Kelly Gordon

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