Events, Calls to Action, and Resources from our Grantee Community
The People vs. Liberty Mutual: Voices from the Frontlines
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 3 p.m.
On April 14, the day of Liberty Mutual’s Annual Policyholder Meeting, we’re coming together for a digital rally to demand that Liberty respect Indigenous rights and stop insuring fossil fuel expansion.
Over the past year, Liberty has refused to meet with communities impacted by the fossil fuel projects that they are backing, and they are silencing all questions and comments at this year’s annual meeting. We’re hosting The People vs. Liberty Mutual: Voices from the Frontlines to ensure that our demands are heard loud and clear by Liberty Mutual executives.
Join Indigenous and frontline leaders, grassroots activists, and campaigners to discuss Liberty Mutual’s climate and human rights crisis. From tar sands pipelines across Turtle Island to Arctic oil and gas drilling, Liberty is insuring the destruction of sacred lands and waterways and fueling the flames of climate destruction. We’re taking collective action to change that.
Family Farm BYOB(reakfast)
Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 7:30 a.m.
Grab your favorite mug, fill it up with your drink of choice, and join us for the first ever Land Stewardship Project Family Farm BYOB(reakfast).
We want to connect with you, highlight the incredible work of our staff and members thus far in the 2021 MN State Legislative Session, and discuss the need to keep the pressure on to protect our farms, food, and community health, while collectively create true rural economic justice. The morning will include inspiring speakers, music, breakout groups, and plenty of screenshots, so come ready to listen, learn, share, and get ready for the work to come! Register here.
Northside Business Luncheon: Planning Zoning & Development: BLRT, Northside Development Update
Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Join us for updates on both the Blue Line Extension as well as upcoming Northside developments.
This month's topic is "Planning Zoning & Development: BLRT, Northside Development Updates." Panelists will give updates on both the Blue Line Extension as well as upcoming Northside developments.
Rally to Tell Corporations like Amazon to Pay Their Fair Share
Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 4 p.m.
While working people sacrificed like never before over the last year, big corporations like Amazon and CEOs like Jeff Bezos kept billions for themselves and saw their tax bills shrink, all while working people struggled to make ends meet. Recovering from this pandemic, we must build a state where everyone - no matter their race, faith, or zip code - can thrive. Minnesotans want our elected leaders to #TaxTheRich and #FundOurFutures to build a state where every family can thrive and the rich and profitable corporations pay their fair share in taxes.
Join us for a socially distanced rally to tell Amazon and other big corporations to pay their fair share.
Building Grassroots People Power in Rural & Greater MN
Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 6 p.m.
The problems we face are bigger than one campaign, one issue, or one election. Join TakeAction Minnesota every other Thursday night for community building and Deep Canvassing into Rural and Greater Minnesota where we will connect with folks across the state to build the grassroots people power that we need to govern regardless of who holds elected office.
Read Brave: The Stars and the Blackness Between Them
Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center and the East Side Freedom Library for an insightful conversation about "The Stars and the Blackness Between Them" with its author Junauda Petrus-Nasah.
Junauda will lead a fun and inspiring conversation about this year’s Saint Paul Read Brave primary book selection. Registration is free and required to receive the online access instructions. Participants may pick up a copy of the book at no charge in advance of this event.
Looking Back to Move Forward: The Housing Crisis
Thursday, April 15, 2021 7 p.m.
In his book The Color of Law, Richard Rothstein reflects on the legacy of the Fair Housing Act of 1968: "You might think that fifty years would be long enough to erase the effects of government promotion of and support for segregation. But the public policies of yesterday still shape the racial landscape today." Today, the Twin Cities are grappling with an unprecedented housing crisis, which disproportionately affects BIPOC communities. We must ask: How did we get here? How can a shared understanding of history help us find a better path forward?
Opening Exhibit: Forever Twenty One
Friday, April 16, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Join Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center for an exhibition being shown by Denver's very own Speaks. Speaks is a local artist coming from Denver, CO on a mission to further share his work to the world. With the help of his extended community and family/friends in Minnesota he has managed to make his way to Indigenous Roots Cultural Center as a participating artist in Intertribal Styles. Speaks hopes to further share stories of culture and community amongst those who wish to share with him. Knowledge is power. This show will feature work from Minnesota's own, Shock.
Yang Warriors with Kao Kalia Yang and Billy Thao
Friday, April 16, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Kao Kalia Yang and Billy Thao will host a virtual event with the East Side Freedom Library on Friday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion of their new book, Yang Warriors.
In this inspiring picture book, fierce and determined children confront the hardships of Ban Vinai refugee camp, where Kao Kalia Yang lived as a child. Accompanied by the evocative and rich cultural imagery of debut illustrator Billy Thao, the warriors’ secret mission shows what feats of compassion and courage children can perform, bringing more than foraged greens back to the younger children and to their elders. In this unforgiving place, with little to call their own, these children are the heroes, offering gifts of hope and belonging in a truly unforgettable way.
Disability Activism + Support Space
Friday, April 16, 2021 at 6 p.m.
This is a space for self-identified people with disabilities to gather, support one another, and take action to create the safe, equitable and joyful future we all deserve. We can’t wait to be in community with you. Message us with questions!
Defendant Solidarity Gathering & Spring Celebration!
Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Come and join the #StopLine3 defendant community to celebrate the arrival of spring, and to grow our united resistance against the black snake! Defendants will be hosting a day of art, community-building, music and fundraising at the Welcome Water Protectors Center north of Palisade, MN.
Starting at 11am there will be participatory art projects, outdoor fires, and legal resources for defendants and others. Later, there will be food and some live music, featuring David Huckfelt, and a band with many members who are defendants, the River Rats! There will also be a chance to hear stories from defendants, why they’re fighting and what they’re fighting for.
This will be a COVID safe event, with expectations that everyone will wear masks, and safety practices in place for cooking and serving food. If you are sick, please stay home!
PAYNE-PHALEN - Renters Belong in St Paul: Petition to Put Rent Stabilization on the 2021 Ballot!
Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 12 p.m.
As Saint Paul residents, we can organize and put our issues directly on the ballot. That’s why the Housing Equity Now St Paul (HENS) coalition is leading an effort to collect 10,000 signatures of registered St. Paul voters and put rent stabilization on the November 2021 ballot!
Do you want to stop displacement and Keep St. Paul Home for everyone? Are you a St Paul resident? Are you a registered voter — or eligible to vote? We need your signature!
Stop by the East Side Freedom Library any time from 12-6pm to sign the petition — and bring your friends, family, neighbors and others in your network. You must be a St. Paul resident and a registered voter to sign the petition, but we can get you registered to vote on site!
Nokomis East Neighborhood Association Food Truck Rally & Fundraiser - End Food Insecurity in Nokomis East
Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 4 p.m.
Join Nokomis East Neighborhood Association and your neighbors for the second Food Truck Rally & Fundraiser! There will be something for everyone in the family.Nokomis East and NENA favorite band Huge if True will be performing!
$5.00 or more is the suggested donation per group to attend the event. No one will be turned away. Most food trucks accept credit cards, but also bring cash. NENA accepts cash, credit cards, and checks. This is an outdoor event - please bring a mask and practice social distancing.
Black Lines Matter: Where Black Writers Meet
Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 6 p.m.
This space is for and by black people. Black Lines Matter is a home for black poets thinking about joy and liberation. Black Lines Matter is a regular writing space for black communities to connect, get feedback and engage other black poets. This is a space where we think through the craft of writing and the tactics of liberation.
COVID safety is strongly encouraged, social distancing and mask mandate. We will also have hand sanitizer and masks available.
These sessions will be bi-weekly geared toward two things 1) Holding space for black writers to create and share new work. 2) Studying poetic craft through black writing pulling from historic and contemporary writers. Join us as we search through language to celebrate, survive and fight. We are the garden we need to grow.
Do the Right Thing Virtual Screening
Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Trilingua Cinema and East Side Freedom Library for a free online screening and discussion of Do The Right Thing.
Perhaps no other film speaks more directly to our current cultural moment than Spike Lee's seminal work, released more than 30 years ago. Exploring the lives and communities that comprise the diverse, vibrant neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, Lee's picture clamours with color and creative vision. When Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito) demands Sal of Sal's Famous Pizzeria (Danny Aiello) begin putting pictures of Black people on his "Wall of Fame," the entire community is inexorably drawn into an outburst of rage on the hottest night of the year. Register to watch the film and help us discuss what Lee's 1980's New York might say about our own neighborhoods and city. We hope to see you there...and that's the truth, Ruth!
Dakota Wicohan Art Circle
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 5 p.m. and Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 5 p.m.
This Art Circle was created so that people have a space to create among fellow artists. Don't sit at home and create by yourself. Come down to the Dakota Wicohan Office. We are also offering tips and tricks and a light refreshment. This is an adults only activity.
Covid-19 safety precautions and size limitations will be set in place. The maximum number of participants is 15 per group and face masks must be worn at all times when in the office building.Hand sanitizer and disinfectant will be on hand. Pidamayaye!
Labor History Reading Group: Driving While Brown
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at p.m.
Driving While Brown documents Arizona’s relentless immigration crackdowns, which were championed by Arpaio who became the nation’s most notorious immigration enforcer. The authors interviewed the sheriff, victims of his policies, his loyal supporters, and his tenacious opponents who stood up for their community and immigrants. The tense narrative follows Latino activists who launched a landmark racial-profiling lawsuit against the sheriff. With a white majority losing demographic and political ground as the backdrop, this is the story of the struggle over immigration in America.
Accessing Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports and Services in Minnesota
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 3 p.m.
Increase your awareness of and access to the range of services and supports available to people with autism in Minnesota. During this free session, representatives from state agencies will present and answer your questions This session is FREE, but registration is required.
The Color of Law: Author Discussion
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 7 p.m.
In this online event for Twin Cities residents, Richard Rothstein will discuss his critically acclaimed book The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, a groundbreaking account of how federal, state and local policy explicitly segregated metropolitan areas nationwide. Rothstein shows that these policies created racially homogenous neighborhoods in patterns that violate the Constitution and require remediation. In exposing institutional racism, he answers an important question—how did we arrive here?—and raises another one—how do we move forward?
Inform, Influence, and Innovate Together 2021
Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m.
The Autism Societies of Greater Wisconsin and Minnesota are pleased to announce a second year of partnership in combining both the Wisconsin and Minnesota annual state autism conferences to a virtual event in 2021. The virtual conference, "Inform, Influence, Innovate Together," will be held online April 21-24, 2021, and will feature dozens of livestream breakout sessions, virtual exhibit booths, an autism resources bookstore, and Temple Grandin as a keynote speaker.
Renters Belong in STP: Popular Education Toward Rent Stabilization!
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Join Housing Equity Now St. Paul , MICAH, West Side Community Organization, Asian American Organizing Project, The Alliance, and Minnesota Youth Collective for bi-monthly popular education events!
Popular Education centers the voices of the oppressed to shine light on the power that everyday people have on decisions made in their communities. Through storytelling, solidarity, and collectivism we are able to fight for our rights as renters.
AICHO & DSFF Indigenous Film Screening
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
American Indian Community Housing Organization, DSFF and Zeitgeist are happy to bring you two films for this film screening event! Free and open to the community. Donations are accepted in registration. Please join our event host Khayman Goodsky (Bois Forte Ojibwe Citizen and filmmaker) on April 21 at 6:30 pm. The program will include a welcome, viewing of two films and discussion/Q&A with our host and Jonathan Thunder and AICHO's Dabinoo'igan Domestic Violence Shelter Director.
Feature film: The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open - Co-writer/directors: Elle-Maìijaì Tailfeather & Kathleen Hepburn The feature film will be preceded by local short film - MAAMAWI - an experimental film by Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Nation Citizen).
Change Starts Here: An Earth Day Celebration
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Our individual voices are powerful. One ballad can send chills down our spines. One speech can ignite a global movement. And it's during these times when our voices come together, that we have the power to make progress, to make history.
This Earth Day, we're celebrating the people speaking up for nature and making positive change for our environment during The Nature Conservancy's "Change Starts Here" virtual event. Hosted by our CEO Jennifer Morris, this event will feature Q&A's with people from across the globe leading inspiring, innovative work to create a future where people and nature thrive together. Join us to hear their stories, get inspired by their work and have some fun!
Earth Day "Broken Promises": How Special Interests Capture Minnesota Government
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 12 p.m.
This Earth Day, join WaterLegacy’s Paula Maccabee and Don Arnosti for a free webinar on Minnesota’s broken promises to protect our clean waters and the people and other living beings that rely on them.
You’ll learn how corporate polluters – particularly mining and corporate agriculture – capture Minnesota government. Don will expose how the Legislature and state agencies serve special interests at the expense of the environment. Paula will showcase PolyMet permits, environmental review, and pollution deregulation rules to reveal just how far agencies are willing to go to make it easier and cheaper to pollute and destroy Minnesota’s natural environment and human health.
Rally to Restore the Promise of Earth Day
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 4 p.m.
Join WaterLegacy in front of Governor Walz’s Mansion (1006 Summit Ave, St. Paul). Let’s show our commitment to a just, sustainable future for all Minnesotans who depend on clean water! We’ll call on the Governor and his Administration to turn over a new leaf. To stop Line 3 and the PolyMet and Twin Metals sulfide mines. To protect clean water, human health, fish, wild rice, and wildlife.
Sacred Medicines and Garden Beginnings Workshop: Honoring Mother Earth
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 5 p.m.
It’s Springtime and it’s time to learn about gardening and wild foods!
We listened! Thank you to everyone who filled out our Spring Workshop survey. As a result of your participation, we decided to focus on garden design for small spaces and seed saving, as well as wild foods.
The workshop will be led by Dream of Wild Health Staff Hope Flanagan, Jessika Greendeer and Ashley Monk. There will be a live Q & A or you can submit your questions ahead of time. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
Mother Earth Day
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Join Native Roots Radio this Mother Earth Day for a syndicated event with Honor the Earth - Live Music, speakers & More! Streamed on Facebook Live.
Spring Clean-Up at Wakáŋ Tipi
Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 9 a.m.
Looking for ways to care for the lands and waterways around you?
Join us on Earth Day weekend for the 35th annual Citywide Spring Cleanup! With support from Saint Paul Parks & Recreation and Public Works, we’ll spend the morning of April 24th at Wakáŋ Tipi / Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary hiking, picking up trash, and learning more about how we can all care for this Dakota sacred site.
CTUL's Virtual Pancake Brunch // Nuestro Desayuno de Panqueques Virtual
Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Join us for our 2021 Pancake Brunch! Our virtual program will run from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom, featuring a raffle, music, updates on our work, and testimonies from members. We’ll highlight Black and brown solidarity and the power of multiracial movement-building. Excited to see you there!
As part of the event, we are hosting a COVID-safe brunch and bake sale! Members, community members, and fabulous caterers at Eat 4 Equity are whipping up their favorite treats for you to purchase as part of your donation to CTUL.
Along with the brunch and bake sale pick-ups, we’ll run a mutual aid drive also out of Eat 4 Equity. When you come to pick up your baked goods and brunch items, bring some groceries and food supplies to distribute to our communities! All donations for the event are sliding scale.
No Future Without Art - Training For Artist Organizers
Apr 24 at 11 a.m. - Apr 25 at 5 p.m.
Organized by the Black Table Arts Co-Op. A two-day training for black artist organizers in MN building black liberation. In person and zoom attendance options available.
No Future Without Art is a two day ‘gathering ground’ for black artist organizers in MN. Whether you are new to organizing or a veteran organizer this place is a welcoming space to build, create and imagine better black futures. For two days we will be discussing the connection between black art making and making black liberation possible.
In person and Zoom attendance options. Masks will be provided, social distancing encouraged.
This space is for and by black people. A two-day regional organizing intensive of black art and black liberation for Black artists in Minnesota. Exploring the ways artists are celebrating blackness and inspiring liberation work inside and outside of systems.
We will be pulling from ancestral knowledge and organizers who have pathed the way for black liberation work locally and globally to learn from their ideas as we work to shape our own in order to organize toward a better black world in MN.
Stop Line 3 x Earth Day: For Future Generations
Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Join water protectors and allies in solidarity for a March and Community Celebration around Earth Day to Stop Line 3! Meet at Gitchi Ode' Akiing Park at 1pm on April 24th. Bring art and signs if you are able!
Investing in Black Youth: New Strategic Plan ONLINE Rollout
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Please join St. Paul Youth Services as we roll-out our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, which fully centers Black youth and builds on our past success, partnerships, and core expertise, while scaling them up for a greater reach and impact to transform how our community engages youth. Our new plan unapologetically reimagines a world where Black youth feel loved, safer, and free. We are excited to share it with you!
Indigenous Food Sovereignty: Experts, Allies, and Everyone in Between
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Join us to join in the Indigenous Food Sovereignty movement no matter what experience you have with Food Sovereignty!
The panel will feature Hope Flanagan from Dream of Wild Health, Armando Medinaceli from NATIFS, and Felicia Galvan, a student at University of Minnesota-Morris. We will discuss different ways you can get involved with Indigenous Food Sovereignty, no matter what experience you have. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
The Art of We: Re•Focus, Upstream Arts' Annual Fundraiser and Photo Exhibit Opening
Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 6 p.m.
You're invited to Upstream Arts’ first-ever online photo exhibit! Put on your "photo booth finest" and gather your selfie props for a fun evening celebrating our disability community in our 15th year.
This event is online, interactive, free to attend, and family-friendly, with opportunities to invest in our $35,000 goal to continue and expand our free self-advocacy classes for adults with disabilities. Together, we can ensure that ACCESS is the way forward with more opportunities to connect online and (soon!) in-person. Audio Description, closed captioning, and ASL interpretation services provided. We hope to celebrate with you!
CAIR-MN Ramadan Virtual Fundraiser
Friday, April 30, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Join us for the Annual Ramadan CAIR-Minnesota Fundraiser. Program and Details to be announced soon.
Gagwe-aada'oding Nitaa-ojibwemong: Bdote Learning Center's 1st Annual Ojibwe Language Bowl
Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 9 a.m.
This is an online event, if you need stable internet connection for the event date please contact us. Ojibwe Speakers & Learners of all levels are encouraged to participate! There are 4 categories for the language bowl; elementary, middle school, high school, and college/adult.
The Gagwe-aada'oding Nitaa-ojibwemong Study Guide will be provided when registration is received.
Mayday! Mayday for Mother Earth!
Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 9 a.m.
Join Anishinaabe women water protectors and allies for a group paddle on the Mississippi River to protect water, defend land, and heal from the addiction to fossil fuel consumption. This family-friendly group paddle will amplify the indigenous-led movement to Stop Line 3, introducing the Fossil Fuel Addiction Treatment Center. A community gathering will follow the paddle with food, music, and storytelling.
Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.
Are you interested in taking action to support Native nations? Do you ever feel hesitant when searching for the right language to use to talk about Indian Country?
Join us for our free virtual event, "Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations." You'll learn terminology basics (what's ok, what's not ok) and hear about the wide range of opinions on terminology in Indian Country.
This free event will take place on Zoom (closed captioned) and will also be livestreamed on Facebook.
