Racial justice organizer Eric Ward has done something that many of people of color would not dare to do. He has attended the meetings of various white nationalist and hate groups. The lessons he has learned from attending those meetings has deeply shaped how he responds to racism.  more ...

For most Minnesotans, this year’s sesquicentennial events are a commemoration of the state’s history. But for Waziyatawin, a professor of indigenous studies, a member of the Wahpetunwan Dakota community and author of several books on Dakota history, the events are not at all celebratory.   more ...

Although Minnesota often prides itself on having some of the best indicators of quality of life and economic vitality in the country, not all Minnesotans share in that wealth.  more ...

"You’re being overly sensitive." "Why am I being blamed for things that happened 200 years ago?" You may occasionally hear these types of comments at work or with friends and family, and might wonder about the best way to respond.  more ...

Many parents struggle about when and how to talk to their children about racial differences. Beginning to address the issue openly and honestly when children are young is the recommendation of Kathy Denman-Wilke, supervisor of the Indian Education Program at Saint Paul Public Schools and a parent of three.   more ...

Inspired by novelist Sharon G. Flake’s The Skin I’m In, the goal of the “Lovin’ the Skin I’m In” movement is to address the common yet painful issues of adolescence as experienced by African American youth. I’m working with young students who have read the book and are contributing their personal reflections of what it means to love the skin they're in.  more ...

Immigration has been making news headlines in recent months. Congress is debating our immigration laws. Immigrant rallies, and counter demonstrations, have taken place in many American cities. Editorial pages are filled with various opinions on the issue. The debate on immigration is and has historically been connected with issues of race.  more ...

The Mississippi River has been used and revered for thousands of years. The original inhabitants of the Metro stretch of the river were the Dakota people, who believed that the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers was their place of origin.  Their creation story took place near Pike Island.  more ...