Dear John,

Putting together the Digest this week, I couldn’t help but feel proud to live in Minnesota. Stories this week feature the growing momentum of worker organizing, Minnesotans pushing our state to strengthen our democracy through measures like automatic voter registration, and opportunities to plug into vibrant community spaces and culture that bring connection and joy.

Are you proud to live in Minnesota? Reply to this email and let me know what you love about this place and the people who call it home. Have a great weekend, friends.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. More MN restaurant workers organizing

Workers at Daniel del Prado’s Colita and Café Ceres have joined the influx of Minneapolis restaurant workers organizing for their rights. Solidarity to them as they call on the company to recognize their union! 

2. Chicago Teachers organize for climate action

The Chicago Teachers Union is pushing for solar panels, heat pumps, and electric buses in their new contract to tackle climate change in over 500 schools. As climate change intensifies, these upgrades are essential not only for reducing carbon emissions but also ensuring that schools can withstand extreme weather which then safeguards students’ health and education.

3. Minnesotans call on Walz to rein in corporate polluters

Environmental groups in Minnesota are demanding legislative hearings over the state's failure to address pollution, accusing agencies of corporate influence and inadequate environmental protection enforcement. Minnesotans are demanding accountability and effective regulation to ensure clean air and water under Governor Tim Walz's administration.

4. U of M labor organizing

The University of Minnesota's workforce celebrates a significant reform in the state’s public labor law, making it easier for over 23,000 employees and student workers to unionize. The new rules, effective July 1, dismantle previous barriers that prevented many from forming unions, promising better working conditions for all. 

5. Automatic voter registration in MN

Automatic voter registration is officially up and running in Minnesota and showing great potential for eliminating some barriers for voters. It has successfully registered over 15,000 people since April 29th and Secretary of State Steve Simon estimates the new system could register 120,000 Minnesotans by election day.

6. How rideshare drivers organized - and won - in MN

Check out this piece diving deeper on how the Minnesota rideshare drivers’ organization, MULDA, achieved a landmark victory for fair pay – despite aggressive lobbying by Uber and Lyft. This new state law sets a precedent for labor rights across the gig economy nationwide.

7. New Black-owned business incubator in South MPLS

The historic Coliseum building in South Minneapolis, heavily damaged during the George Floyd protests, has reopened as a vibrant Black-owned business incubator following a $30 million renovation. Featuring the relocated Du Nord Cocktail Room and a New Orleans-style restaurant, Lagniappe, the revitalized space aims to foster community and intergenerational wealth among Black entrepreneurs.

8. Camp Nenookaasi community breakfast and cleanup

Camp Nenookaasi is hosting a community breakfast and cleanup this Saturday, June 22nd! Get more details on Instagram.

9. Southside Shtetl

Moon Palace Books is hosting Southside Shtetl on Sunday, June 30th featuring 20+ vendors of radical Jewish art and Judaica, a book talk, musical performance by Sister Species, and community-style klezmer music-making. Stop by and have a great time! 

10. Queer film pick: Paris is Burning

For Pride month, I want to share this film that provides a deeper look into Queer history and culture. Paris is Burning is a landmark documentary that provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City’s African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, Paris Is Burning offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion “houses,” from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Paris Is Burning brings it, celebrating the joy of movement, the force of eloquence, and the draw of community. Happy Pride!

And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager