Dear John,

We’ve almost arrived at 2021. 

2020 was hard: fires, COVID-19, uprisings, a presidential election, murder hornets, and so much more. We also saw mutual aid, solidarity, and bold acts of people power. 2021 will be tough, but we’re more committed than ever before to building a Minnesota where everyone can live a life of dignity and joy. Thanks for being part of that. We’re off the next two weeks to rest so we can be ready to build and win big in 2021.  

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

1. TikTok

We love TikTok here at TakeAction Minnesota. Check out the top 2020 trends. 

2. Vaccine

Lots of gratitude to healthcare workers who noticed extra doses in vaccine vials. Thank a healthcare worker today. 

3. Deb Haaland

Nominated to Department of the Interior, Deb Haaland will be the country’s first Native American Secretary. Rejoice with us.

4. Bad Cops

This in-depth Minnesota Reformer piece on how MPD protects its worst police officers is an eye opening, heartbreaking must-read. Give yourself some time and read it here. 

5. Big Pharma

While we celebrate the science and people behind the COVID-19 vaccine, we must be clear about unchecked corporate power behind the pharmaceutical industry. Big Pharma has already started monopolizing vaccines (developed through publicly funded research), denying access to the global south for months to maximize profits. Read this piece in the New York Times. 

6. Great Conjunction

A once-in-a-lifetime astrological phenomenon is happening on the winter solstice (Dec. 21). Get the astrological report here, and if you prefer astronomy, check out the Jupiter and Saturn conjunction here. 

7. Remember

We cannot forget the 300,000 people that have died due to COVID. Remember them and know their faces and stories.  

8. Message From the Future

We’ll have a brighter future if we rise together in solidarity now. Get inspired and imagine what this next year could look and feel like.  

9. Sing

Join us, Resistance Revival Chorus, Kestrel Feiner-Homer, Sarina Partridge, and DJ Shannon Blowtorch in our People’s Sing-a-long on January 14th! Grab pay-what-you-can tickets now.  

10. V'ahavta

By Aurora Levins Morales. This poem held me (LyLy) this year. Feel it in your bones as we enter 2021.

That’s a wrap. See you next year. 

--Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang