Cultural Transformations, Music Revelations, and Advocating for Education

Top of the morning readers, 

This is Isabella reporting from South America, providing you with the latest news from the Twin Cities. Although I’m not currently experiencing the warm but worrisome Minnesotan weather, I’ve heard it’s quite pleasant to only need two layers of clothing. 

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Some of you may be familiar with our weekly newsletters, while others might have come across our work with the Twin Cities Media Group, especially our eye-catching billboard on Washington Avenue across from Uptown Imports!

If you’re not acquainted with the Twin Cities Media Group, we are a collaborative effort involving Minneapolis Voices, Heavy Table, Racket, North News, KRSM, and NewPrensa. Together, we strive to amplify each other’s voices, cross-promote, and build a more vibrant community of media outlets for our fellow citizens. With a combined 20,000 email subscribers (with 50-70% open rates), nearly 300,000 monthly website visitors, and a diverse range of channels such as radio, digital, and print across the Twin Cities, TCMG stands as the ultimate destination for hyperlocal advertising.

Check out more about the TCMG at: https://www.twincitiesmediagroup.com/

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Goodbye Old MPD Third Precinct.
Hello Minneapolis Black Cultural Center

Reformative ideas are taking shape in Minneapolis as Frederick Brathwaite, the owner of Mama Sheila’s House of Soul restaurant, proposes a groundbreaking plan for the site of the old Minneapolis Police’s Third Precinct, which burned down in 2020.

Brathwaite’s vision is to establish the Minneapolis Black Cultural Center, and the local committee is actively seeking community input. The Minneapolis City Council has decided to relocate the MPD Third Precinct to 2633 Minnehaha Ave S, providing an opportunity for the community to decide the fate of a space that serves as a reminder of the disheartening events of 2020 and the MPD’s history with the Black community. Brathwaite envisions transforming this space into a “glowing and positive” hub where people from around the country and the world can learn about Black history and culture.

The proposed cultural center aims to be a community hub, featuring diverse and interactive spaces, including a Black history museum, a memorial for those killed by the police, a health and wellness recreational area, a restaurant, retail spaces for Black businesses, and more. Although the project is estimated to cost millions, Brathwaite remains optimistic about his vision. Community members expressed concerns at a recent meeting, but many believe the project is necessary to reconcile with the MPD’s past and provide an authentic representation of the Black community in Minnesota and the U.S.

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New Music Festival in the Twin Cities this Summer

In other news, a new music festival is set to take place this summer, hosted by the Minnesota Yacht Club. The two-day event, scheduled for July 19-20 at Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul, will feature artists such as Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morrissette, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Hippo Campus, and more. The festival promises two stages with no overlapping sets, historic riverboat rides, comfortable lounges, exclusive food options, air-conditioned restrooms, and more. Presale begins on Friday, February 2nd, at 10 AM CT.

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Minneapolis and Robbsindale Teachers Push for Better Pay

While we eagerly await summer, teachers in the metro area are advocating for better pay. Educators and support professionals in Minneapolis Public Schools and Robbinsdale Area Public Schools have planned several walkout Wednesdays. The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers is requesting an 8.5% salary increase in the first year of their next contract and an additional 7.5% in the second year to address teacher retention. Conversely, the Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers union highlights that teachers are working under expired contracts while the school district faces $17 million in budget cuts, including $10 million in salaries and wages and an additional $3.1 million in benefits.

The MFT and RFT are hopeful that district leaders will listen to their concerns and make changes to prevent potential consequences for education in Minneapolis and Robbinsdale.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

-Isabella, and the NewPrensa team

Hit play on the Spotify icon below for the NewMusica playlist,
a playlist by the NewPrensa team that brings you NewTaste and NewVibes. 

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