Dear John,

As we draw nearer to the impending election, I'm compelled to share a poignant quote from James Baldwin: "I have never been in despair about the world. Enraged- I've been enraged by the world, but never in despair… you can't tell the children that there is no hope." In our ongoing efforts to advocate for justice and enact change within our communities, let us remember the power of our righteous anger as a force for meaningful transformation. As we stand in solidarity with our fellow Minnesotans and individuals worldwide, let us harness this passion to fuel our commitment to creating a better future. Amidst the challenges we face, let us remain steadfast in our resolve, knowing that through our collective efforts, we can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Here's what we're reading, watching, and looking forward to (!!) this week:

1. Nakba Day

On May 15th we commemorate Nakba Day or “catastrophe”, referring to the ethnic cleansing of Palestine and the near-total destruction of Palestinian society in 1948. 76 years later, we are still witnessing the same atrocities being committed and while we protest, take action, and continue to speak out, we see many people in power turn a blind eye. While seeing minimal progress in our elected officials actions can feel discouraging, Palestinians have been facing this cruel reality for generations and we owe it to them to bear witness, continue to talk about them, and fight for them. 

2. A generation of distrust

At the University of California, Berkeley, student protests on the historic steps of Sproul Hall echo the spirit of the 1960s Free Speech Movement, as students now rally against the university's handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and book bans. This contemporary movement, fueled by a legacy of dissent, highlights ongoing tensions between advocating for marginalized voices and navigating institutional constraints, demonstrating the timeless struggle for civil liberties and academic freedom.

3. Ban on book bans

Minnesota is set to prohibit book bans in schools and public libraries with an education bill that establishes a "Library Bill of Rights," preventing restrictions on material based on partisan disapproval. Effective July 1, this law is crucial for curbing politicized censorship campaigns, particularly those targeting multiracial and LGBTQ+ content, ensuring students have the freedom to explore diverse perspectives and ideas.

4. Prison book bans

Alicia Williams, who teaches English to incarcerated youth, faced a sudden change in her classroom after she was told she was unable to teach "All Boys Aren't Blue" due to its ban for ‘explicit content’-- homosexuality. This is one of many examples of the widespread and arbitrary nature of book banning in U.S. prisons, revealing a deeper issue of censorship that extends beyond public libraries and schools, affecting education and rehabilitation efforts for incarcerated individuals.

5. Young people and food costs 

I'm sure it isn't news to most that grocery prices have been skyrocketing but what is jarring is just how many young people say food costs are the biggest strain on their finances. Even compared to rent, which is also absurdly high these days. 

6. Day without childcare 

Childcare providers and parents across the U.S. participated in the Day Without Childcare, calling for emergency federal funding and an equitable system to address the childcare crisis. Organized by Community Change Action, the movement demands legislative action to prioritize families' needs, ensure fair wages for providers, and make childcare affordable and accessible for all.

7. TOWNHALL: Minneapolis families demand investments not cuts

Join our Parents and Caregivers team for an engaging town hall event on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 6-8 PM! This is your chance to be part of a vital community conversation about school funding. Share your stories and help us demand that elected leaders in Minneapolis take action to address the education and care crises affecting our city. Our children deserve robust investment from early childhood through high school. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference—register here to participate!

8. The Living Wages for Musicians Act Pop-up Show

On Monday night, our Twin Cities United Musicians hosted a fantastic pop-up show at The Green Room to advocate for better pay for musicians from streaming services. TCUP is passionately supporting groundbreaking legislation that would establish a new royalty system, ensuring payments go directly from streaming platforms to artists. If you’re a musician or a music lover, join TCUP for their first general meeting on June 1st to learn more about their initiatives and get involved!

9. Uptown is getting a roller rink! 

If you’ve ever craved a fun night out at the roller rink and had to drive out to Burnsville, you’re in luck because Minneapolis will finally be getting its own permanent roller rink in Uptown!

10. Bridgerton season 3

If you're absolutely obsessed and enthralled with Bridgerton like me, I’m sure you’ve been anticipating this new season that came out yesterday. Of course, I've already binged all 4 episodes, so I'll be patiently waiting for the second part to release in June. If you haven’t seen it, seasons 1 & 2 are also streaming now on Netflix!

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager