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.

🎧 Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via RSS link

August 11, 2021 2:45 PM

Survey: Black Minnesotans have far less trust in police than white residents do

A survey by APM Research Lab, which is owned by MPR News’ parent company American Public Media, found that only one in five Black Minnesotans trust the police to do what’s right, compared to more than 70 percent of white Minnesotans.

by Jon Collins

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May 7, 2021 12:12 PM

In Focus: George Floyd's legacy and impact

A year and a day after George Floyd’s murder, host Angela Davis led a conversation with community leaders, memory keepers and activists working to maintain his legacy in our communities and beyond.

by Angela Davis, Rachel Yang and MPR News Staff

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April 29, 2021 10:45 PM

In Focus: Stopping anti-Asian American hate in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights has been tracking an uptick in anti-Asian incidents since the start of the pandemic. But this community has endured the effects of racism since long before COVID-19. Listen to our panel discussion on what’s being done in Minnesota to stop it.

by Tom Crann and Rachel Yang

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March 31, 2021 12:00 PM

In Focus: A trial and Minnesota’s search for equity and healing

MPR News in partnership with Twin Cities Diversity in Practice convened a panel discussion about how BIPOC and white Minnesotans are navigating conversations, how we’re experiencing the trial of Derek Chauvin and how we can move forward as neighbors.

by Angela Davis, Rachel Yang and Katie Moritz

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March 3, 2021 6:44 AM

'Steps toward healing': Dakota tribe reclaims its land — and its story

The Lower Sioux Indian Community’s homeland lies along the Minnesota River in Redwood County. Last month, 114 acres, formerly controlled by the state, were transferred back to the tribe. “Steps towards healing is what we need,” tribal Chair Robert Larsen said. ‘And this is one of those steps.”

by Hannah Yang

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February 25, 2021 2:20 PM

In Focus presents Locked Out: The path from incarceration to inclusion

MPR News and partner Tech Dump presents a conversation hosted by Angela Davis about the challenges faced by Minnesota’s formerly incarcerated residents upon re-entry into the community and how we can become a more welcoming state.

by Angela Davis and Rachel Yang

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January 28, 2021 11:00 AM

In Focus: Disparities and distrust in BIPOC health care

Minnesota consistently lands on lists of states with the best health care. But if you’re Indigenous or a person of color, you’re not included in the high marks the state receives in metrics like health care access or public health outcomes.

by Angela Davis and Rachel Yang

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November 19, 2020 12:45 PM

Call To Mind presents In Focus: Black youth resilience in Minnesota

How is racism preventing young Black people from connecting with culturally appropriate care? How are Black youth remaining resilient during this difficult time and amid the challenges of persistent historic and institutional racism? Watch a recording of this in-depth, virtual town hall discussion.

by Alisa Roth

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October 29, 2020 7:00 AM

In Focus: Racism in Housing Access

MPR News partnered with Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis on this virtual event to bring awareness, dialogue and potential solutions to the problem of racism in housing access.

by MPR News Staff

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October 8, 2020 1:14 AM

In Focus: Equity in Education

Minnesota has some of the worst education disparities in the country affecting children of color. How can we do better? MPR News host Angela Davis talked with community leaders about how to address the gaps, what's getting in the way of progress and which solutions are showing promise.

by Angela Davis, Katie Moritz and MPR News Staff

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