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Writer David Mura grew up in a Chicago suburb in the middle of the last century, learning, as he says, “how to be white.”   

It wasn’t until he was in his twenties that he began to explore his identity as a third-generation Japanese American. Over the years and 

, Mura has reflected on race, cultural identity, popular culture and how his family’s experience and the experiences of other non-white Americans were left out of the broad American story.  

Mura’s daughter, Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura, Minneapolis-DFL, had a very different experience growing up in multiracial Minneapolis in the 1990s with her activist writer father. And she’s found her own way to make sure everyone’s history is included. As a newly elected state legislator, she sponsored the legislation this spring that will require Minnesota high schools to offer classes in ethnic studies. 

Listen back to a conversation MPR News host Angela Davis had with David and Samantha about race, culture and storytelling. 

The discussion is part of the “Power Pairs” series featuring prominent Minnesotans who are in relationship with each other.  

Know two Minnesotans who have a close relationship and lean on each other for support in the work they do? Maybe they’re married or siblings or best friends. They could be business partners or a parent/adult child dynamic duo. We want to hear their stories on MPR News with Angela Davis at 9 a.m. weekdays.

. Or email who you think we should talk to and why to adavis@mpr.org.  

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Listen back to a conversation MPR News host Angela Davis had with Power Pair David Mura and his daughter Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura.   

Power Pair: Father and daughter work to make sure all stories are told

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