Women leaders in MN share the mic to broaden the conversation

After Black women activists took over the social media platforms of white celebrities last summer, similar “share the mic” campaigns sprung up around the country.  

A local “share the mic” effort is under way in Minnesota. Over three Fridays this winter, established women in politics, business, media and philanthropy are handing over their Twitter feeds and Instagram accounts to young women leaders of color. The campaign —#WFMNXSHARETHEMICMN — is a partnership between the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and a social media effort started by Twin Cities business consultant, speaker and coach Jasmine Brett Stringer.  

In January, Cheniqua Johnson of Worthington took over the LinkedIn account of Gloria Perez, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation, to ask followers to “invest in, open doors for, and afford grace to Black women.”  Rochester Mayor Kim Norton turned over her Twitter feed to activist Raie Gessesse who called for “a pipeline of courageous, bold, and energized young women political leaders.” Two more local share the mic days are scheduled for February 26 and March 26. 

MPR News host Kerri Miller talked with Johnson and Norton about what it means to amplify marginalized voices. 

• Cheniqua Johnson is a relationship manager with the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation and based in Worthington. 

• Kim Norton was elected as the first female mayor of Rochester in 2018.

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To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.