North Star Journey Live

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Minnesota has suffered from persistent racial disparities for years. This we know. But what can be done?

North Star Journey Live (formerly known as In Focus) is a live event series and reoccurring topic on MPR News with Angela Davis centered around what Minnesota’s diverse communities need to thrive. Join us!

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.
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Focus: The Future of Policing
The police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin has brought new urgency to the discussion over the role police and police departments play in communities. MPR News hosted an online event to talk about what changes are needed.
In Focus: Black Trauma and Policing
In partnership with MPR’s Call To Mind mental health initiative, MPR News host Angela Davis moderated a livestream virtual conversation about the most recent high-profile incident to become an example of historic racial injustice.