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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March 21, 2024 10:00 AM

A wide lens: Ethnic studies in Minnesota classrooms

Ethnic studies classes are coming soon to schools across Minnesota. What are these new social studies courses, and how might they look in your district? Hear from teachers and students already digging into ethnic studies during this North Star Journey Live special, hosted by Angela Davis.

by Angela Davis and Kelly Gordon

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March 21, 2024 4:00 AM

‘A game changer’: This Minneapolis technical school brings people out of poverty

For over 50 years, Summit Academy OIC has served as an economic mobilizer for low-income communities and communities of color.

by Feven Gerezgiher

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March 19, 2024 4:00 AM

Food for everyone: Fargo international market serves diversifying population

The biggest international grocery store in both North and South Dakota, the Asian and American Supermarket, is celebrating just over one year at its new location, becoming more of an important cultural hub for the Fargo-Moorhead area.

by Amy Felegy

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March 12, 2024 3:37 PM

Lakota vinyl collector revitalizes Indigenous music, language one record at a time

Justis Brokenrope’s vinyl collection of Native artists is bringing generations of music to new audiences on social media. The collection he’s built over the last decade includes about 300 records by Indigenous artists from various genres — mostly country, folk, rock from the 1960s through the late 1980s.

by Melissa Olson

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February 26, 2024 4:00 AM

Kurdish language class bridges generations and cultures in a Moorhead classroom

A new class at Moorhead High School teaches Kurdish students about their language, culture and history. The Kurdish language is spoken in the homes of hundreds of Moorhead students.

by Dan Gunderson

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February 22, 2024 11:30 AM

Josie Johnson, iconic Minnesota civil rights activist, on hope and her legacy

A new documentary “Hope in the Struggle” tells the story of civil rights activist Josie Johnson, chief lobbyist for Minnesota’s fair housing law and the first Black member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

by Angela Davis, Maja Beckstrom and Gretchen Brown

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February 20, 2024 9:00 AM

Beyond the Border: The immigration crisis, up close

Immigration is a hot topic this election year. But the issue isn’t just political. It’s personal. MPR News host Angela Davis co-hosted a North Star Journey Live conversation with experts who gave us an intimate look at how the border crisis is impacting Minnesota’s immigrant families.

by Angela Davis and Kelly Gordon

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February 9, 2024 4:00 AM

New financial assistance effort aimed at reducing Minnesota's stark homeownership racial gap

Thousands of Minnesota families long shut out of home ownership stand to benefit from a new program aimed at building generational wealth. Advocates hope the help will reduce Minnesota’s stark racial home ownership gap.

by Mark Zdechlik

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February 1, 2024 5:40 AM

Phyllis Wheatley center, once a Green Book haven for Black students and artists, turns 100

Providing kids the chance to explore the outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature and take a dip in a lake had been a high priority for the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. It began summer camp programs in 1932. The mission of “the Wheatley,” as many refer to the center, has always been service to the community.

by Regina Medina