New podcast examines racial inequality on the North Shore
Minnesotans from all walks of life treasure the North Shore as a jewel of our state. The forests, the rocks, the lakes — they epitomize Minnesota perfection for many of us.
But of course, the North Shore isn’t perfect. Grand Marais community radio station WTIP is uncovering some of the complex issues faced by the region with a new podcast about the roots of racial inequality in the area. It’s called “It Happens Here,” and it’s produced by Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm.
Drouillard and Lemm joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to discuss the project and share the first episode of the podcast.
Cook County felt the unrest that spread across the country after the murder of George Floyd. Both Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter activists demonstrated in the area, and WTIP wanted to examine the underpinnings of these events more closely.
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Drouillard and Lemm explained that they wanted to examine the covert racism that shows up in systems and norms in ongoing, complicated ways.
Correction (Nov. 11, 2021): Staci Drouillard’s name was misspelled in an earlier version of this story. The article has been updated.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.
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