St. Paul – Minnesota Writers Series: We Are Meant to Rise
2022-06-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) for readings and an interactive round table discussion around the book, “We Are Meant to Rise: Voices for Justice from Minneapolis to the World,” which was published by University of Minnesota Press with More Than a Single Story.
The book’s editors, Carolyn Holbrook and David Mura, will be joined by contributors Anika Fajardo, Samantha Sencer-Mura, Suleiman Adan, and Tess Montgomery, to discuss the heavy task of writing about the past few years as writers of color, from COVID-19 and the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes to the community’s response to the murder of George Floyd. The panel, which includes two sets of family members, will also discuss how we talk about trauma and share stories generationally. Audience members will be invited to join in on the conversation at various points in the evening.
This event is part of the MHC’s new Minnesota Writers Series, which amplifies recent publications from Minnesota authors, and is being co-sponsored by Saint Paul Almanac.
This event is free but registration is required.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Alexandria – We Are Water MN
2022-06-23 - 2022-08-15 | Legacy of the Lakes Museum, 205 3rd Avenue West, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Legacy of the Lakes Museum
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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St. Paul – The Impact of War, Writing Workshops Facilitated by Warrior Writers
2022-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join Warrior Writers for a series of workshops to address the myriad experiences of war for Veterans and non-Veterans through the medium of writing. In these workshops you’ll be putting pen to paper to record feelings, memories, traumas, personal histories or whatever comes to mind in the moment. There is no such thing as correct or polished writing, and no previous experience is necessary. We’ll help you keep the pen moving!
Along with writing, the workshops will foster positive relationships between those impacted by war, and develop a deeper understanding and reclaiming of our personal and generational histories. Although the workshops are not therapy, many find this format to be cathartic and useful in the reintegration into society. Many also find the process insightful and validating as you can make sense out of your experience through writing it down.
We recommend participants attend all four sessions if possible. Refreshments will be provided for morning sessions; dinner will be provided for the evening session.
Warrior Writers is a national non-profit whose mission is to create a culture that articulates veterans’ experiences, build a collaborative community for artistic expression, and bear witness to war and the full range of military experiences.
Schedule
Saturday, June 4, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Session One
Saturday, June 11, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Session Two
Saturday, June 18, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Session Three
Thursday, June 23, 2022 – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Session Four
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning in Community: St. Paul's Little Africa
2022-07-14 11:00 - 14:00 | Sabrina’s Café & Deli, 518 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
Minnesota is home to over 150,000 Africans, including the largest Somali population outside of Africa. Yet, many people are not aware of the rich cultural traditions and assets African immigrants and refugees bring to the vibrancy of our state. Build your cultural understanding and awareness of Minnesota’s African cultures as you immerse yourself within St. Paul’s Little Africa cultural corridor. This interactive, in-person experience will include an Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Sabrina’s Cafe & Deli, a tour of several African-owned businesses, lunch at the Eritrean-owned Snelling Cafe, and a special presentation of speakers and artists.
This event is a collaboration with African Economic Development Solutions.
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
Registration
Members of Minnesota’s African communities are welcome to register using promo code LITTLEAFRICA to waive the fee if they wish.
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning in Community: Hmong St. Paul
2022-07-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
There are nearly 300,000 Asian Minnesotans, more than 5% of our state’s population. Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese make up about 60% of the Asian population in Minnesota. Build your cultural understanding and awareness as you immerse yourself within St. Paul’s vibrant Hmong community through an interactive, in-person experience. The day will begin and end at the Minnesota Humanities Center. We will travel by bus to Hmong Cultural Center’s new storefront museum for a tour and special presentation. We will then visit the iconic HmongTown Marketplace (a market of 125 small businesses and food vendors) where we will be greeted by the owner to learn about his story and have a guided tour of the market. There will be time for independent shopping and lunch.
This is a collaboration with Hmong Cultural Center and HmongTown Marketplace.
Space is limited to 40 participants. This experience is also being offered on June 25.
K-12 educators will receive 4 clock hours.
Please note: Registration cost does not include food. Participants are encouraged to support the financial recovery of small businesses by making purchases from the businesses they learn about on the tour. We recommend bringing cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
Registration
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All the World’s a Stage: Shakespeare 101
2022-07-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join teaching artists from the Classical Actors Ensemble for fancy-free theater games and an introduction to Shakespeare’s world and works. The actors will guide you through family-friendly hands-on, participatory activities to tap your inner thespian. Shakespeare won’t be Greek to you any longer. No cost: advanced registration appreciated but not required.
The following night, Sunday, July 17, Classical Actors Ensemble will be staging an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s play “Love’s Labor’s Lost” in the lawn outside of the Minnesota Humanities Center. This performance will close out Classical Actors Ensemble’s Shakespeare in Our Parks 2022 season, which traveled to over 15 outdoor locations across the greater Twin Cities.
Registration
Registration is not required for this free event, but does help in planning for the program.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
Classical Actors Ensemble
Learn more about Classical Actors Ensemble and find all upcoming performances for this season.
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Directors’ Preview: Love’s Labor’s Lost, Shakespeare, and Gender
2022-07-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Hannah Steblay and Samantha V. Papke, directors of Classical Actors Ensemble’s performance of William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor’s Lost, will be joined by Shakespeare scholar Dr. Amy Muse, associate professor of English at the University of St. Thomas, to preview some of the themes the play explores, and the complexity of gender in Shakespeare’s world. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required for this in-person event.
Following the directors’ talk, Classical Actors Ensemble will be staging an outdoor production of “Love’s Labor’s Lost” in the lawn outside of the Minnesota Humanities Center beginning at 7 p.m. This performance will close out Classical Actors Ensemble’s Shakespeare in Our Parks season, which traveled to over 15 outdoor locations across the greater Twin Cities.
Registration
Registration is required for this free event.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
Classical Actors Ensemble
Learn more about Classical Actors Ensemble and find all upcoming performances for this season.
LEARN MORE

Shakespeare in Our Parks: Love’s Labor’s Lost
2022-07-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center is proud to host the final outdoor performance of William Shakespeare’s play, “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” put on by Classical Actors Ensemble as part of the Shakespeare in Our Parks program, which travels to over 15 locations across the greater Twin Cities every summer.
The play features the young King of Navarre and his three friends who swear off all worldly pleasures for three years in order to better themselves through study. Their plan is immediately put to the test when the Princess of France and her three ladies-in-waiting arrive on a diplomatic mission and the priorities of head and heart go to war.
Registration
Registration is not required for this free event, but does help in planning for the performance.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
Classical Actors Ensemble
Learn more about Classical Actors Ensemble and find all upcoming performances for this season.
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St. Cloud and ONLINE - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times
2022-07-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2022-07-28 16:00 - 17:30, 2022-08-04 16:00 - 17:30, 2022-08-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Whitney Senior Center, 527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN, 56303, United States
Engage in lively thought-provoking conversations on what it means to live a virtuous life. There are numerous reasons the insights of ancient philosophers such as Epicurus, Confucius, and Aristotle have stood the test of time.

“Let no one be slow to seek wisdom when he is young nor weary in the search of it when he has grown old. For no age is too early or too late for the health of the soul.” Epicurus
“To know what you know and what you do not know is the mark of one who knows.” Confucius
“Happiness is an activity in accordance with virtue.” Aristotle

What they have to offer continues to remain instructive today. In this four-session course, we will examine selections of text from these ancient figures, seeking not only to evaluate their claims, but also inquiring how we might apply their lessons to our lives today.
This course will be led by John Houston, longtime philosophy professor (most recently at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University) and instructor with Wisdom’s Edge, a nonprofit organization committed to bringing philosophy to all.
Schedule
July 21, 2022 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. CST
July 28, 2022 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. CST
August 4, 2022 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. CST
August 11, 2022 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. CST
*$40 is the fee for all four sessions.

Participants are expected to attend all four sessions.
Registration
While all are welcome to participate, we especially encourage participation from those 55+, as we value the rich history of life experiences to relate to the material and to other individuals in the class. For those 55+, register with promo code MHC55 for a discount of $15.
We are offering this course in collaboration with the Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud. One doesn’t need to be a member of or associated with Whitney to join. Class participants have the option of joining from Zoom or in-person at the Whitney Senior Center. You will be asked your preference when registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy

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St. Paul – Educator Workshop: Black Freedom Struggles
2022-08-10 09:00 - 15:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Black Freedom Struggles, with Adam Bledsoe and Lauretta Dawolo-Towns
This workshop will explore Black struggle as a global phenomenon with particular emphasis on historical and current movements led by Black communities. During this interactive workshop we will investigate Black freedom struggles from around the world, paying special attention to these Black forms of struggle as expressions of Black agency and self-definition. The workshop will help broaden our understanding of Black freedom struggles beyond well-known moments like the emancipation of slavery and Juneteenth, as we delve into topics like maroon communities, work stoppages, and self-defense from locations including the U.S., Brazil, Cuba, and Angola. We will also emphasize how historical struggles continue to influence present-day politics. Through large and small group projects and hands-on activities we will think through how to best incorporate these often-unknown struggles into classroom curriculum. Participants will have access to new resources, materials, and tools to help improve student learning in the classroom.

Scholar Adam Bledsoe is an assistant professor in the Geography, Environment & Society Department at the University of Minnesota. Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Adam’s intellectual and political commitments revolve around the ways in which Afro-Diasporic communities analyze and critique dominant forms of politics, while also conceiving of, and enacting, their own political formations. His work has taken him around the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, where he has learned from, and exchanged ideas with, a variety of Black communities.

Lead Teacher Lauretta Dawolo Towns earned her B.A. in English and American & Racial Multicultural Studies with a Media Studies minor at St. Olaf College in 2004. Her professional background is in community and ethnic media, specializing in coverage of underrepresented and underserved populations. In 2016, she received a Master of Arts in Education from Augsburg University after earning a teaching license in Communication Arts and Literature. She currently teaches 8th grade English Language Arts at Roseville Middle School, and also teaches in the Adult Basic Education program in the same district. Lauretta lives in Inver Grove Heights with her husband and two sons.

For the full Learning Journey experience, we recommend signing up for these Learning in Community offerings: Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story.

Registration
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
K-12 educators will receive 6 clock hours.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Fergus Falls - We Are Water MN
2022-08-18 - 2022-10-10 | Fergus Falls Public Library, 205 East Hampden Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN, 56537, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Otter Tail County
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Minneapolis - Celebrate the Diversity of Latinx Language, Poetry, and Culture with Palabristas
2022-09-01 18:00 - 20:30 | El Colegio High School, 4137 Bloomington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States
Minnesota is home to over 345,000 people of Latino/a/e/x descent – the fastest growing cultural community in the state. We often refer to all communities originating from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean countries as ‘Latin,’ without realizing the great diversity in culture, language, traditions and social customs in each one of these communities: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Ecuadorian, Cuban, Colombian, Chilean, and others.
Build your cultural awareness as we learn about celebrate the diversity of Latino/a/e/x language, poetry, and culture with members of Palabristas – a community spoken word Latinx-Minnesotan collective. Activities will include poetry and spoken word performances, conversation and food sharing, and a creative writing activity. This event will be hosted at El Colegio – a Chicano-Latino South Minneapolis High School.
Registration
This event is open to anyone from middle school age through adult.
While there is no cost to attend, registration is requested.
Space is limited to 50 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 2 clock hours.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Mankato - The Legacy of 9/11: Four Perspectives
2022-09-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Ostrander Auditorium – Minnesota State University – Mankato, 540 W Road, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
The September 11 attacks of 2001 remain among the most significant events in U.S. history, with lasting impacts on people from all walks of life. For many who experienced that day, the events of 9/11 are a flashbulb memory: we can remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt. In conjunction with the 9/11 Exhibit from the MN Military and Veterans Museum, this moderated discussion will examine several perspectives on 9/11, exploring reflections, memories, and personal stories of how the event has influenced each speaker’s life. We welcome community to gather to reflect on these memories, stories, and artifacts, as we grapple not only with the legacies of 9/11 but with the effects of war and conflicts affecting the world today.
Speakers include Yalda Hamidi, storyteller, Asst. Professor Gender and Women’s Studies, Minnesota State University-Mankato (MSU-Mankato); Randal Dietrich, MN Military and Veterans Museum Director and historian; Mariah Jacobsen, daughter of Tom Burnett, passenger on board flight United 93; and Antonio Lain, Corporal Wisconsin Army National Guard, and Chemistry Major at MSU-Mankato.
This panel is held in conjunction with the Minnesota 9/11 and the Global War on Terror traveling exhibit, on display at MSU-Mankato in the main ballroom, from September 8-11, 2022.
Registration
Registration is appreciated for this free event.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Duluth - Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story
2022-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Denfeld High School, 401 North 44th Avenue West, Duluth, MN, 55807, United States
In 2021, Juneteenth was written into law as a national day of observance, yet many people are unfamiliar with its meaning and the insight it offers in addressing current social injustice. Minnesota Humanities Center is honored to collaborate with Duluth Public Schools, Sweet Potato Comfort Pie and the greater Duluth community to bring the significance of this day to life.
Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story, written by Rose McGee, is a 90-minute two-act dramatization of a traumatic time in our history – when news was deliberately withheld that Black people were no longer enslaved in this country. Storytelling and music weave together mesmerizing scenes. Although tragedy is depicted, this play within a play is tremendously uplifting. The story begins with a Prologue set in the early 1800s in a small West African village where a young mother and her small son are being abducted from their home by slave catchers. Act One: Scene One is set in present time in a popular North Minneapolis soul-food restaurant where a group of youths and adults ultimately end up discussing what Juneteenth means. Before long they all agree to attend a play about Juneteenth. The story then shifts into 1863 on the Turner Plantation in Tyler, Texas with the character Frederick Douglass as Narrator.
Although interpretation is best suited for ages 8 and up, children of all ages are welcome to attend. Stay for a post-show discussion with the cast moderated by Carl Crawford from the Duluth Office of Human Rights.
Open seating will begin at 6:45 p.m. The show will start promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Registration
The performance is free to attend but registration is required in managing seating capacity.
Open seating will begin at 6:45 p.m. The show will start promptly at 7:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Minneapolis - Why Treaties Matter
2022-09-19 - 2022-11-30 | University of Minnesota Communty of Scholars Program Lounge, 10 Church Street #375, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
“Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations”—a traveling exhibit made in partnership with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian—explores relationships between Dakota and Ojibwe Indian Nations and the U.S. government in this place we now call Minnesota.
Want to know more about Why Treaties Matter?
Learn more about the Why Treaties Matter exhibit and partnership.
Learn More

Learning in Community: North Minneapolis
2022-09-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
Photos courtesy of MAAHM and King Neumel
North Minneapolis is rich in history, culture, and community inspiration. Build your cultural understanding and awareness of the African American community in North Minneapolis. This interactive, in-person experience will include a private tour of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, stories from community members on the impact of longtime Northside organizations, and samplings of food from local Black-owned restaurants. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the organizations and institutions that have nurtured and inspired them.
This event is a collaboration with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery and the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC).
Registration
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 4 clock hours.
If cost is a barrier, contact Jessica Rust, jessica@mnhum.org.
This event is open to all. Members of Minnesota’s African American community are welcome to register using promo code NORTHMPLS to waive the fee if they wish.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

St. Paul - Shoua and the Northern Lights Dragon: Musical Performance and Discussion
2022-09-25 13:30 - 15:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for a brand-new musical performance by Chione Quintet based on Twin Cities author Ka Vang’s Shoua and the Northern Lights Dragon. This short chapter book, published by the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) and the Minnesota Humanities Center in 2012, tells the story of Shoua, a Hmong American girl who discovers her voice as she saves an injured dragon while camping in the north woods of Minnesota. Hear this story set to beautiful and evocative music composed by fellow Minnesotan, Jocelyn Hagen, with narration by Ka Vang. Chione Quintet combines musical character themes with American Sign Language and will share the stories of each of their instruments and the ensemble they create–the wind quintet!
Hear from Sia Her, Executive Director of CAPM, about the project that led to the publication of this wonderful book and five others – The Reading Together Book Project, which addresses the importance of children’s books that speak to the rich and diverse cultural identities reflected in the U.S. You will also hear from author Ka Vang about the significance and impact the book and performance have had on her.
Children of all ages are welcome! There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Refreshments from a local Asian market will be served.
Chione [kiōn] is a Twin Cities-based woodwind quintet comprised of innovative and cross-disciplinary women. The unique and evolving medium provides an outlet to explore and create new sounds while redefining and rediscovering lesser-known music. Chione is committed to collaborating with professionals of all genres and creative outlets, with particular interests in commissioning new pieces and performing works by women artists. Throughout each endeavor, Chione aims to reach a wide range of audiences with the hopes of inspiring contemporary and aspiring artists as well as supporters of the arts.
Registration
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Stillwater - Why Treaties Matter
2022-09-28 - 2022-10-05 | Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

St. Paul - Minnesota Writers Series: After Effects: A Memoir of Complicated Grief
2022-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center welcomes the next author in our Minnesota Writers Series, Andrea Gilats, who will be reading from her book, “After Effects: A Memoir of Complicated Grief.” In addition to talking about her own experience with grief following the death of her husband, Gilats will also discuss how the process of writing helped with her own healing and understanding. Following the reading, the author will be joined by Dr. Ben Trappey, co-director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for the Art of Medicine (CFAM), for a discussion on complicated grief and the healing benefits of writing, both physical and emotional.
Registration
While this program is free and open to all with registration, part of the CFAM’s mission is to cultivate creativity, curiosity and empathy in physicians and physicians-in-training through the arts and humanities. Medical professionals in attendance will have the opportunity to discuss their own complicated relationships with grief, perhaps intensified during our pandemic-ravaged world of loss and isolation.
A reception with heavy appetizers will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the talk from 6:30-8 p.m.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

POSTPONED - Mankato - Poetry in the Parks
2022-10-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Blue Earth County Library, 100 East Main Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
What does nature mean to you? Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join Minnesota’s Poet Laureate Gwen Westerman and fellow poet Michael Torres* for a daylong writing workshop at Minnesota State Parks. Alongside the poets, students will explore the beauty of nature and write their own poems. Students will receive instruction and encouragement to write in their home languages as well as English.
Each workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and has space for 20 students in grades 5 – 8 (academic year 2022-23). Pens and notebooks will be provided, and students will be given prompts in advance. Refreshments will include morning and afternoon snacks and lunch.
Bus transportation will be provided from Blue Earth County Library to Minneopa State Park.
*At select locations

Online - Truth, Equity, & Justice: How We Make Our Way Forward (Again) Together Conference
2022-10-06 09:00 - 16:00 | MN, United States
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Truth, Justice, and Equity conference will be held virtually. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we hope that you will be able to join us virtually for these important conversations.
Generations of scholars have argued that America will never be whole until reparations are provided for the moral debt created by slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the vestiges of the caste system it created. The international cry for justice after the murder of Mr. George Floyd and the stark racial disparities lead bare by the pandemic have renewed the sense of urgency around reparations and truth and reconciliation commissions.
The Center for the Study of Black Life and Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Minnesota Justice and Equity Partnership invite you to join us for a day filled with song, poetry, and conversation about how we move toward justice with:

International renowned scholars and lawyers involved in securing reparations and creating Truth and Reconciliation commissions outside of the United States,
Community advocates pursuing reparations and the creation of Truth and Reconciliation commissions in Minnesota, and

Scholars and lawyers sharing insights concerning federal legislation involving reparations and the formation of truth and reconciliation commissions.

Invited guests include Virginie Ladisch, Senior Expert, Programs, at the International Center for Transitional Justice, Marcella Naidoo, former Regional Director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa and Executive Director of the Black Sash, and Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison. This is a beginning, not an end. The event partners are planning a series of events in 2023 to continue this focus and work to transform our collective future.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required. This event will be available to rewatch until October 30, 2022. Continuing Legal Education credits will be applied for post-conference for lawyers seeking such credits.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Minneapolis - Learning in Community: LGBTQ+ History in Downtown Minneapolis
2022-10-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Photos courtesy of the Jean Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies and Hennepin County Library
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is far from being flyover country; our metro area has some of the richest and deepest LGBTQ+ history in all of North America. Grow your understanding of this history with an interactive, in-person walking tour of downtown/central Minneapolis, an area deeply entangled with LGBTQ+ people’s stories, movements, and place in the world.
Be immersed by traveling through downtown Minneapolis, interspersing history with storytelling from local LGBTQ+ activists and artists. Learn about how down-and-out drifters in the notorious Gateway District helped shape a Twin Cities gay identity, how lesbians threw parties in deserted industrial warehouses, how gay and lesbian political power was built in response to police raids, and how one of the first Pride festivals grew from a ragtag group marching up Nicollet Mall.
We hope you’ll come along!
This event is a collaboration with Telling Queer History.
Registration
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
This experience involves approximately 2.5 miles of walking and standing, starting and ending at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Audio headsets will be provided for amplification of the tour guide and storytellers.
This event is open to all. Members of Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community are welcome to register using promo code LGBTQ-HISTORY to waive the fee if they wish.
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for all Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the promo code FEEWAIVER.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Hastings – We Are Water MN
2022-10-13 - 2022-12-05 | Pleasant Hill Library, 1490 South Frontage Road, Hastings, Minnesota, 55033, United States
Free with Admission
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Dakota County
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
LEARN MORE

Eagan - We Are Water MN
2022-10-13 - 2022-12-05 | Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN, 55123, United States

POSTPONED - Austin - Poetry in the Parks
2022-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Austin Public Library, 323 4th Avenue Northeast, Austin, MN, 55912, United States
What does nature mean to you? Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join Minnesota’s Poet Laureate Gwen Westerman and fellow poet Michael Torres* for a daylong writing workshop at Minnesota State Parks. Alongside the poets, students will explore the beauty of nature and write their own poems. Students will receive instruction and encouragement to write in their home languages as well as English.
Each workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and has space for 20 students in grades 5 – 8 (academic year 2022-23). Pens and notebooks will be provided, and students will be given prompts in advance. Refreshments will include morning and afternoon snacks and lunch.
Bus transportation will be provided from Austin Public Library to Myre Big Island State Park.
*At select locations

St. Paul - Armed With Language: Film Talk
2022-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Plank Museum and Visitors Center at Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
In the height of WWII, Historic Ft. Snelling was home to a little-known Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). Thousands of Nisei men and women (second generation Japanese Americans) were trained as linguists and translators and played a crucial role in helping the U.S. to end the war. They served in the U.S. military despite the fact that tens of thousands of Americans of Japanese descent were being imprisoned in concentration camps for the supposed security risk they posed to the country.
Their story is shared in the 2021 TPT documentary, Armed With Language. Join producer Katie O’Rourke as she engages the film’s writer David Mura, and Karen Tanaka Lucas who is featured in the film, in a reflective conversation, a year on from its debut. Along with viewing some of the film footage, Katie, David and Karen will explore why this history has remained so hidden from public knowledge, their personal stories and connections with MISLS, and the complicated histories that intertwine at the site of Historic Ft. Snelling. The conversation will end with a Q&A session with audience members.
Hosted by Historic Ft. Snelling, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, TPT Twin Cities, and the Twin Cities Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). This is a free event.
Registration
Doors of the Plank Museum and Visitors Center at Historic Fort Snelling will open at 5:15 p.m.; the event will begin at 6:00 p.m.in the Event Space on the second floor; audience members are invited to bring their curiosity and questions to share with the speakers.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

POSTPONED - Worthington - Poetry in the Parks
2022-10-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Nobles County Library, 407 12th Street, Worthington, MN, 56187, United States
Poetry in the Parks has been postponed. Please check back for updated offerings.
What does nature mean to you? Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join Minnesota’s Poet Laureate Gwen Westerman and fellow poet Michael Torres* for a daylong writing workshop at Minnesota State Parks. Alongside the poets, students will explore the beauty of nature and write their own poems. Students will receive instruction and encouragement to write in their home languages as well as English.
Each workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and has space for 20 students in grades 5 – 8 (academic year 2022-23). Pens and notebooks will be provided, and students will be given prompts in advance. Refreshments will include morning and afternoon snacks and lunch.
Bus transportation will be provided from Nobles County Library to Blue Mound State Park.
*At select locations
