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.

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Growing diversity: The changing face of Minnesota farming
Don’t miss this special North Star Journey Live conversation recorded at the Minnesota State Fair about emerging farmers. What’s being done in our state to encourage more diversity in agriculture?
How to build a legacy: The late artist Jim Denomie at Mia and beyond
Jim Denomie, an Ojibwe painter who died in 2022, was originally planning a mid-career exhibit with the Minneapolis Institute of Art; his work primarily focused on social injustices and Native communities, and the posthumous exhibit has now become a comprehensive tribute to his legacy.
Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year: 'Make students feel like they matter'
After years of coaching, teaching and building trust with his students and fellow educators, Michael Houston was named Minnesota’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Here’s what this award means to the St. Paul Harding High teacher and what’s next in his future.
Long before latest push to bring high tech to north Minneapolis there was Microtron
There’s a new push to bring high tech businesses and jobs to north Minneapolis. However, 35 years ago a pioneering Black business owner named Beck Horton — and his now defunct company Microtron — did just that.
'The uniqueness of who we are': Minnesota’s Asian American art renaissance
The Asian American Renaissance (AAR), a significant pan-Asian arts organization in Minnesota that operated from 1992 to 2005, played an essential role in supporting Asian American artists and promoting social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the community despite its closure.
Hastings natives create graphic novel from difficult hometown history
A difficult chapter of Minnesota history is now being told in a graphic novel. “Hate Stings” lays out what happened to the author’s African American family in 1800s Hastings. Visitors at the recent Minnesota Con in Minneapolis got a preview.
Twin Cities Chinese dance academy reconnects Hmong refugee with childhood dreams
Twin Cities-based Phoenix Chinese Dance Academy, which was founded in 2019, has become a place of self-discovery and community for Asian women and girls who want to become closer to Chinese culture.
When 'Chocolate Rain' ruled the internet: Anti-racism song captured Minneapolis and beyond
In 2007, Adam Bahner — aka Tay Zonday, a 25-year-old biracial man living in Minneapolis —created a song and video decrying racism that captured millions and millions of views.
Duluth nonprofit receives opioid settlement money to provide temporary housing for people recently released from prison
Nonprofit Housing for Inmates founder Richard Howell joined MPR News senior producer Emily Bright to talk about his plans to provide housing and support to formerly incarcerated people.