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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Former West Side Flats residents have mixed memories about their old neighborhood
Some of the earliest immigrants to the city of St. Paul lived in areas that were eventually torn down — leaving residents to find new places to live. Many Mexican immigrants settled in areas like Swede Hollow and the West Side Flats.
In Duluth, schools struggle to bridge city’s long-standing east-west divide
Stark disparities around health, income, housing and education are entrenched in Duluth’s geography and history. The divisions come clearly into focus at the city’s two remaining high schools. Education offers a path toward closing the gaps, but change won’t come easily.
Worthington’s fast-growing communities of color see economic gains but little political power. Yet.
People of color are the majority now in Worthington, but politics in the city and across Nobles County remain nearly all white and male. That’s a growing concern for those who see political representation in southwestern Minnesota as the next important step. Change may be coming.
South Minneapolis street now honors a pioneer Black firefighter
It’s been more than a century since John Cheatham last walked out of a Minneapolis firehouse after more than 20 years of service. He was one of the city’s first Black firefighters and the city’s first Black fire captain. And, as of today, the street a block from his old station bears his name.
More than a half-century after construction of I-94 tore through the predominantly-Black Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, various community members are pitching redesigns meant to repair harm. The aging highway infrastructure is now in need of upgrades.
MPR News launches North Star Journey, a journal exploring the history and culture of Minnesota communities
Our new reporting project, North Star Journey, is a close look at the history and culture that make up diverse communities across our state.