SPNN Podcast: Recent Episodes
SPNN
A series of podcast interviews with artists and community members about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Len has been doing photography since they were old enough to handle their mom's camera — and now they're branching out into freelancing, documentary, and maybe even some zine-making. We talked about building communities in new places and the power of media to connect people.
You can check out Len's photo documentary project here. She keeps her Instagram up to date with her current work and freelancing availability.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
This episode’s music is composed by Bennie, one of our youth interns.
This is also the last episode of this season of the SPNN podcast! We'll be back soon with more conversations. Thanks for tuning in for the last few months!
Earlier this winter, SPNN hosted a series of artist panels: this episode is the first in that series. For this panel, three early-career artists joined us to talk about their work so far and where they're going next. This panel is also available as a video.
Nia Navarro is a community organizer and emerging filmmaker, and they focus their work on queer, Black, and working class stories. Kehinde Olumide Famule is a Nigerian-American filmmaker and photographer telling stories about groups and individuals who are making positive change in their communities. Pa Houa Xiong is a graphic designer looking to inspire curiosity and joy through her art.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
Want to get involved in the podcast, or learn to make your own? We’re hosting a podcasting class on April 25th and 26th, open to any community members! Learn more here.
This episode’s music is composed by Bennie, one of our youth interns. Bennie and Mai co-hosted this artist panel. Intern Juan Rios co-edited this episode.
Brian Few Jr. is a multitalented filmmaker, graphic designer, and photographer. He joined the podcast to talk about a couple of his projects — and his goals of traveling and expanding his work.
You can find Brian’s work on his Youtube channel. He also works on Georgia Fort’s TV show, “Here’s the Truth,” which airs on the Twin Cities CW channel on Saturdays at 11 a.m. You can catch the old episodes on Youtube, too.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
Want to get involved in the podcast, or learn to make your own? We’re hosting a podcasting class on April 25th and 26th, open to any community members! Learn more here.
This episode’s music is composed by Bennie, one of our youth interns.
Film Score Fest is pretty unique. The annual festival randomly pairs filmmakers and composers to make a five-minute film and score, and selected films are screened with a live orchestra in downtown St. Paul. This year, five BIPOC creators earned scholarships to make films for the festival. Today, we’re talking to Katherine and Charlie about what it takes to pull off this event — and why it's so cool to have an accessible, collaborative celebration of film and music.
You can keep up with Film Score Fest at their website and Facebook.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
Want to get involved in the podcast, or learn to make your own? We’re hosting a podcasting class on April 25th and 26th, open to any community members! Learn more here.
This episode’s music is composed by Bennie, one of our youth interns.
Joua Lee Grande is a filmmaker and community educator, and she’s a familiar face at SPNN — she used to work here! On this episode, we’re talking about a documentary she has in the works about shamanism among young Hmong Americans. We also heard about her short film in the works for Film Score Fest, a local challenge that pairs filmmakers with composers.
Joua’s website has the latest updates on her work and all of her completed projects.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
Want to get involved in the podcast, or learn to make your own? We’re hosting a podcasting class on April 25th and 26th, open to any community members! Learn more here.
This episode is co-hosted by Olivia, one of our youth interns. The music is by Bennie, another youth intern.
Alison Guessou is a local filmmaker with a big variety of work under her belt. She joined the show to talk about her most recent web series about a breakup between best friends, and her upcoming feature film, a very timely sci-fi inspired drama.
You can find Alison’s work through her production company, Djini Productions. Her web series, “It’s Not You,” is available on Youtube.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
Want to get involved in the podcast, or learn to make your own? We’re hosting a podcasting class on April 25th and 26th, open to any community members! Learn more here.
Music by youth intern Bennie.
Kelly Huang is a Minneapolis-based documentary filmmaker, content creator, and actor. In this episode, she talks about her first feature-length documentary, called My Borrowed Name. It tells her family’s immigration story — a story that she hopes will get people thinking about their own names and identities.
Learn more about Kelly’s work on her website.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
The music in this episode is by our youth intern Bennie.
Georgia Fort is an independent journalist working in TV, radio, and digital media. She’s on a mission to transform the media landscape, focusing on stories by, about, and for communities of color.
Learn more about Georgia Fort and all her projects at her website. Georgia’s TV show premieres 2/25 at 4:30 on the CW channel.
Find the SPNN podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website. To learn more about SPNN’s programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org.
Interlude music composed by youth intern Bennie.
Want to get involved in the podcast, or learn to make your own? We’re hosting a podcasting class on January 31st and February 1st, open to any community members! Learn more here.
It's time for a new season of the SPNN podcast! Starting now, we're posting new episodes regularly. In each episode, you'll hear from someone in the world of Twin Cities media. Tune in two weeks from today — January 27th — to catch the first episode.
Find the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at our website.
To learn more about SPNN's programs and opportunities, check out spnn.org
Want to get involved in the podcast? We're hosting a podcasting class on January 31st and February 1st, open to any community members! No experience necessary.
Music courtesy of pixabay.com
Saint Paul STRONG hosted an on-air panel discussion about the court decision to identify Right Of Way (ROW) street assessments as property taxes rather than special assessments. The decision impacts all Saint Paul property owners – including non-profits. Panelists include: Robert D. Ebel, Greg Blees, Peter Nelson, Ellen Brown, and Simon Taghioff.
In this episode, Will discusses the social construct and idea of virginity and how the deconstruction of purity is an important step to engaging in safe, consensual sex. Explored within is how sex education often only talks about the physical steps of having sex rather than the social and emotional power it can take to feel ready to make the choice of abstaining or participating. Although abstinence is typically intertwined with religious connotations, this episode focuses on, during, dismantling the social construct of virginity while uncovering new attitudes towards sex in a more fluid and transparent way while removing potential judgment or feelings of guilt. Making the choice to or not to have sex is entirely up to each individual person and regardless of the choice you make can assist in creating a more inclusive, and conversational atmosphere in terms of sex and sex education.
Resources
Annex Teen Clinic - https://annexteenclinic.org/
Family Tree Clinic - https://www.familytreeclinic.org/
Minneapolis School-Based Clinics - https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/school-based-clinics/
Smitten Kitten - https://www.smittenkittenonline.com/
the body org - https://linktr.ee/thebodyorg
LGBTQ+ teens get pregnant at higher rates than other teens in Minnesota. Exploring trans and queer birth, as well as teen pregnancy, sex education, and societal factors is the focus of this episode of Queering Community Health Podcast. Host Emi Gaçaj connects with experts in the field to discuss data driven and experience centered approaches to understanding LGBTQ+ teen pregnancy, drawing strong conclusions on how to create change in this field.
GUESTS
Jill Farris (she/her) MPH is the Director of Adolescent Sexual Health Training and Education at the Healthy Youth Development - Prevention Research Center.
Alison Moore (she/her) is the Health Education Program Manager for the Minneapolis School Based Clinics, where she has worked for the past 11 years.
Sawyer Plotz (he/him) is a sexual health educator at Family Tree Clinic. During the school year, he facilitates presentations for 4th-12th graders on topics related to healthy sexuality. And in the summer, he facilitates KiSS, Family Tree's peer education program for LGBTQ teens & allies.
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS
@thebirthbutterfly
@thebodyorg
@familytreeclinic
@annexteenclinic
@mplssbc
@doctor_midwife
@matriz_midwife
@supportive.seahorse.doula
ARTICLES
Star Tribune article Gay teens have higher pregnancy rates than their straight peers
CDC About Teen Pregnancy
NBC News Bullying seen as a factor in higher pregnancy rates among lesbian, bisexual teens
LGBT Health Sexual Orientation Disparities in Pregnancy Risk Behaviors and Pregnancy Among Sexually Active Teenage Girls: Updates from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
2015 Adolescent Sexual Health Report
WEBSITES
Health Youth Development Prevention Research Center
Queer Birth Project
Transcend Psychotherapy
KiSS - Keeping It Safe and Sexy peer educator program
Pregnancy and Post Partem Support MN - resources for LGBTQIA+
This Episode covers some topics of LGBT+ identities and is mostly focused on the personal story experience and lived experience of the speaker Jacques.
Host: Jacques He/They,21 years old, Trans, digital designer & freelance artist.
I share how not having the tools I needed verbally left me feeling lost and confused in my queer youth. I share my experiences learning new terminology and leaving behind some old and outdated words as well.
RESOURCES:
Can I Say That? Labels and Slurs in the LGBTQ+ Community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjjS_lAFlmI
Find what land you live on: https://native-land.ca/
Trans Student Educational Resources Gender Unicorn
Tracing the Origins of the Word Queer
CREDITS
- Intro/Outro music was made by Rebecca Swing @cowboybecky on Instagram
- Art by Jacques Jones
Sustainability and community both play important roles in the revolution. In this two part episode we introduce our guests and talk about their backgrounds in activism and their experience with giving, sharing, and collecting clothing in their personal lives and at The Peoples Closet.
In Part Two, Mason, Jennie, and Jeanelle go more into depth on our own experiences and opinions on how clothing, gender and community all meet at the intersection of revolution.
HOST:
Mason He/Him - 24, Biracial, Nonbinary Transman, Designer & Activist
GUESTS:
Jennie (She/They) - Fashion designer, activist, and lead organizer of The Peoples Closet in George Floyd Square
Jeanelle (She/Her) - Activist, caretaker at George Floyd Square
Resources/Guest’s Work
- GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL
- Jennie Leenay (@jeml_fashions_)
- Community members (@the_peoplescloset_)
Additional resources:
- Design Icon 3
- GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL
- The People's Closet makes fashion, political statement | Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Sustainability and community both play important roles in the revolution. In this two part episode we introduce our guests and talk about their backgrounds in activism and their experience with giving, sharing, and collecting clothing in their personal lives and at The Peoples Closet.
In Part One, Mason, Jennie and Jeanelle go into their backgrounds, how we are all acquainted, and how The Peoples Closet came to be.
HOST:
Mason He/Him - 24, Biracial, Nonbinary Transman, Designer & Activist
GUESTS:
Jennie (She/They) - Fashion designer, activist, and lead organizer of The Peoples Closet in George Floyd Square
Jeanelle (She/Her) - Activist, caretaker at George Floyd Square
Resources/Guest’s Work
- GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL
- Jennie Leenay (@jeml_fashions_)
- Community members (@the_peoplescloset_)
Additional resources:
- Design Icon 3
- GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL
- The People's Closet makes fashion, political statement | Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
This episode follows the experiences of black and brown communities in the DIY, alt, rock and indie scene. A large focus being the adversaries they share, as well as discussing heavy topics such as: racism, misogyny, violence and performative action.
Our host Becky (she/they) will speak a bit on their own observations and later on our guest, Brian Walker A.K.A A Day Without Love will be joining her. The goal is to shed light on a topic that feels often swept under the rug.
Resources:
- Minneapolis American Indian Center
- Native American Community Development Institute
- Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center
- How The DIY Scene Is Different When You’re Black
- Being Black in a White DIY Scene
Credits:
Intro music and cover art made by Becky @cowboybecky @godslilcow on Instagram.
Outro and background music by A Day Without Love. @adaywithoutlove on Instagram.
What is comprehensive sex ed and why is it important to youth? In this episode of Queering Community Health, Emi and Will explore the push for sex ed that teaches students detailed, accurate information about human development, sexuality, identity, and health. Joined by three wonderful guests, the episode discusses the importance of including queer identities and experiences when learning sex ed, and the impact that comprehensive sex ed can bring to our communities.
RESOURCES:
Instagram Accounts
@thebodyorg
@yasv.mn
@advocatesforyouth
@siecus
@av.actioninitiative
Websites:
Comprehensive sexuality education | United Nations Population Fund
Comprehensive Sexuality Education | ACOG
Sex Education | Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky
SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change | Sex Education Collaborative Online Portal
Sex Education Collaborative: Minnesota
Articles:
LGBT-Inclusive Sex Education Means Healthier Youth and Safer Schools - Center for American Progress
Meet the Educators Helping Indigenous Communities 'Own Their Pleasure' - Rewire News Group
Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, Vol. 18, n. 2, 2009: Our Schools Our Selves: Sex Ed and Youth
Education policy committee approves comprehensive sex ed proposal - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives
Youth Lead the Fight for Statewide Comprehensive Sex Education
Healthy Native Youth: Improving Access to Effective, Culturally-Relevant Sexual Health Curricula
Multimedia:
Why sex education will save the world | Rayne Fisher-Quann | TEDxKitchenerED
Queer Sex Ed podcast
CREDITS:
- Intro/Outro music was made by Rebecca Swing @cowboybecky on Instagram
- Art by Emi and Will
This episode of Queering Community Health is about the importance of queer chosen families. Three close friends, Kelly, Maya, and Xochitl express vulnerability by describing their experience living in unsupportive households. Through the process of growing up and embracing queer identities, these friends were able to redefine their concept of family.
Machismo = “Machismo is a socially constructed, learned, and reinforced set of behaviors comprising the content of male gender roles in Latino society” (De La Cancela, 1986, p. 291). In simple terms, machismo is a form of masculine ideology within Latino communities. - Marilyn Valenciano
“Y el novio”= and the boyfriend?
"Mujer”= woman
INDIGENOUS RESOURCES:
- Land Acknowledgements are not just a statement, it is work: tune in to Call her Aunty Podcast episode 77, “What’s in a Land Acknowledgement?” and “Moving beyond Acknowledgements” by Student Affairs NOW
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine, Minnesota Native News (spotify, apple, radio public, RSS)
- Native Minnesota with Rebecca Crooks-Stratton (Soundcloud, Spotify)
- Listen to “Indigequeer” by All My Relations Podcast and check out their other episodes!
- “To be Black, Indigenous, and Queer” by Tu-un Dali and check out their other episodes!
- Text your address to 907-312-5085 to find out which Indigenous lands you're living on or visiting or visit https://native-land.ca
HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS:
Clinic 555: confidential, low-cost health services for adults and teens. 651-266-1255. www.Clinic555.org
Face to Face Health & Counseling: health services for youth 11-24 years old. 651-772-5555. www.Face2face.org
Family Tree Clinic: affordable and respectful sexual health care and education for LGBTQ individuals. 612-473-0800. www.familytreeclinic.org
Rainbow Health: A healthy sex life includes knowing the basics about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Also mental health services for LGBTQ folks. (800) 248-2437. www.rainbowhealth.org
Latitudes: facility designed to meet the specific substance abuse and mental health needs of the LGBTQ community. 612-454-2016
RECLAIM: Mental Health support for queer and trans youth. 612-235-6743. www.reclaim.care
CRISIS RESOURCES:
Trans Lifeline: For any trans person in crisis of any kind, the Trans Lifeline runs a national hotline staffed by trans people for trans people. 877- 565- 8860. www.translifeline.org
The Trevor Project: National crisis line and counseling for LGBTQ youth. 24 hour crisis hotline: 866-488-7386. Text “Trevor” to 202-304-1200 or chat online. www.thetrevorproject.org
HOUSING
Safe Zone: Serves low income youth facing homelessness, lack of preventative healthcare and other challenges. 651-224-9644
Avenues for Youth-GLBT Host Home Program: provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services in a safe and nurturing environment. 612-968-1672
EDUCATION
Out for Equity: A Saint Paul School District program that strives to maintain a safe and welcoming school environment. 651-603-4972
FAMILY SUPPORT
PFLAG Twin Cities: parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ+ support in the Metro Areas 612-825-1660
We know that things in life can suck. Because we live in a world full of white supremacy, patriarchy, misogyny, and transphobia there are most likely times you feel alone, overwhelmed, afraid, ashamed, confused, or scared. Hopefully you also have times that you feel powerful, loved, connected, joyful, and full of dreams for the future. This episode is all about giving you some organizations, numbers and websites for the times you need support.
Host: Azul (they/them) a queer, nonbinary, Latinx-European adult
HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS:
Minneapolis School-Based Clinics: offer a range of mental health, physical health, and sexual health services at no cost to students or their parents. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/minneapolisschoolbasedclinic
Health Start Clinics (St. Paul Schools): Website: https://www.spps.org/domain/15098
Clinic 555: confidential, low-cost health services for adults and teens. 651-266-1255. www.Clinic555.org
Face to Face Health & Counseling: health services for youth 11-24 years old. 651-772-5555. www.Face2face.org
Family Tree Clinic: affordable and respectful sexual health care and education for LGBTQ individuals. 612-473-0800. www.familytreeclinic.org
Rainbow Health: Mental health services for LGBTQ folks. (800) 248-2437. www.rainbowhealth.org
RECLAIM: Mental Health support for queer and trans youth. 612-235-6743. www.reclaim.care
CRISIS RESOURCES:
Trans Lifeline: For any trans person in crisis of any kind, a national hotline staffed by trans people. 877- 565- 8860. www.translifeline.org
The Trevor Project: National crisis line and counseling for LGBTQ youth. 24 hour crisis hotline: 866-488-7386. Text “Trevor” to 202-304-1200 or chat online. www.thetrevorproject.org
HOUSING
Youth Services Network (YSNMN): Website and app helping youth in the Twin Cities’ Metro Area connect to shelter and services. Available at the Apple Store and Google Play, search for ysnmn. https://ysnmn.org/
Avenues for Youth-GLBT Host Home Program: emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services in a safe and nurturing environment. 612-968-1672
The Bridge for Youth: provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, outreach and support, and weekly LGBTQ+ support groups in their Minneapolis location. Call The Bridge at 612-377-8800 or text 612-400-7233. https://bridgeforyouth.org/youth-faq/
DROP IN CENTERS:
Safe Zone: Serves low income youth facing homelessness, lack of preventative healthcare and other challenges. 651-224-9644
Freeing Ourselves & Finding Community: Free drop-in program for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Tuesdays. Groups for teens ages 13-17, and young adults ages 18-24. Provides meal, free bus cards and conversations with other LGBTQ+ folks. This program takes place at Family Tree Clinic, and is presented in partnership with Avenues for Youth.
PEER SUPPORT
Q Chat Space: A community for LGBTQ+ Teens. Find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests and get good information. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you & by you, facilitated by folks who care. https://www.qchatspace.org/
The sports and fashion industries affect athletes and the public simultaneously. We go into detail on trends, how people in sports get into the fashion world, the difference between sportswear and athleisure, and balancing power structures between the athletes and people in positions of power over them. The Speaking of Youth series is a space for youth to host conversations and discuss the topics on their mind. This miniseries is all about sports! To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
Additional resources:
Enter the Men's Jewelry Renaissance
We're Pretty Sure This Is the First String of Pearls in Baseball History
Jewish Baseball Player Joc Pederson Wears Pearls Because He's a 'Bad Bitch' - Hey Alma
https://www.gq.com/story/mlb-playoffs-sick-jewelry
The Backlash to Cam Newton's Babushka Exposes a Troubling Double Standard | Vogue
The coded language of 'figuring out' Lamar Jackson — Andscape
Alan Iverson getting his hair braided by his mom during a game
This solo episode covers corruption in soccer (football). We dicsuss a controversial fan chant in Mexico, the response from local and international football organizations, and how big organizations don’t really mean what they say in order to make revenue. The Speaking of Youth series is a space for youth to host conversations and discuss the topics on their mind. This miniseries is all about sports! To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
This episode covers the main things to know about playing football. Our youth athlete answers all the basic questions you might have about football. Speaking of Youth is a space for youth to host conversations and discuss the topics on their mind. This miniseries is all about sports!
To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
COVID has changed everyone’s lives. In this episode, we cover how it has changed the way of school sports. Now with the mask mandates and regulations, sports don’t feel the same anymore. Listen to find out the crazy rules that schools put in sports to help stop the spread of COVID.
Speaking of Youth is a space for youth to host conversations and discuss the topics on their mind. This miniseries is all about sports! To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
The world of comedy needs some updating, Bo Burnham’s new special isn’t any different than what any other cis white straight male is bringing to the table. You can be creative without being a genius, and you can be funny without being cynical. TW: Mention Louis C.K and Aziz Anzari sexual assault allegations
Resources:
Comedians to check out:
- Robin Tran -Transwoman, Asian American
- A Black Lady Sketch Show - On HBOMax
- Sunny L - Transwoman
- Diana G Graham - Trans/nonbinary
- Miiasaurous -YouTube Pop Culture Commentator
- Yasmine Elhady - Libyan and Egyptian Comedian
- Lady Yasmina -TikTok Comedian
- Benny Feldman -Disabled Stand up comedian
Additional resources:
Bo Burnham's Inside and "White Liberal Performative Art" | Video Essay (Black Media Breakdown #12)
Eighth Grade: how Bo Burnham captures the tween experience
Bo Burnham and the Trap of Parasocial Self-Awareness | 'INSIDE' Movie Review (video essay)
Bo Burnham: Inside is the best comedy special, whatever that means | Review & Analysis
Bo Burnham vs. Jeff Bezos - Video Essay
Speaking of Youth is a space for youth to host conversations and discuss the topics on their mind. To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
The SPNN Podcast is joined by TPT’s senior producer and partnership manager Dan Bergin. His productions include regional Emmy-winners such as “North Star: Minnesota’s Black Pioneers,” and “Legacy Letters." In this conversation, Dan shares his approach to filmmaking and exploring the disparities between race, class and place in Minneapolis.
For more of Dan’s work, head to tpt.org.
To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
One year after the first episode of the SPNN Podcast we revisit our first guest: Spoken Word Artist/Poet, Hip Hop Artist, and Educator Desdamona. This follow up conversation is hosted by Gabe V. and Michael H. and features talk about how artists survived the pandemic, new ways of teaching, and how the murder of George Floyd and others by the police have impacted our creative worlds. And Desdamona performs a recent poem for us. More episodes can be found at: https://spnnpodcast.libsyn.com/
Speaking of Youth and Listen Up! youth podcasters met up on this podcast to discuss how the loss of connection due to COVID-19 has affected pop culture. This podcast was hosted by Mia Lambert & Helena Kouame and produced by Emily Krumberger.
As the fight to defund the police progresses, citizens continue to encounter and interact with the officers. In part two of a two-part miniseries, Michelle Gross joins to provide some info from the Know Your Rights Training offered by Communities United Against Police Brutality. These episodes provide a crash course on the rights that should be afforded to citizens that interact with police.
Communities United Against Police Brutality is a non-profit working to deal with police brutality on an ongoing basis. To learn more, visit cuapb.org
To support BIPOC-led organizations in the fight to defund the police, abolish the prison industrial complex and build infrastructure to support Black, Indigenous and other targeted communities, visit and donate to the following:
Minnesota Healing Justice Network. https://www.mnhealingjustice.com/
Until We Are All Free. http://www.untilweareallfree.com/
Young People’s Action Coalition. https://www.facebook.com/YPACMN/
Campaign Zero. https://www.joincampaignzero.org/
Minnesota Freedom Fund. https://mnfreedomfund.org/
Reclaim The Block. https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/
To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
In this episode, SPNN staff talk with defense attorney Nick Pouladian about the Derek Chauvin trial, which began on March 8th, 2021. Nick walks through some of the many legal processes going on, breaks down each of Chauvin's charges, and explains how jury selection works.
As the fight to defund the police progresses, citizens continue to encounter and interact with officers. In part one of a two-part miniseries, Michelle Gross joins to provide some info from the Know Your Rights Training offered by Communities United Against Police Brutality. These episodes provide a crash course on the rights that should be afforded to citizens that interact with police.
Community United Against Police Brutality is a non-profit working to deal with police brutality on an ongoing basis. To learn more, visit cuapb.org
To support BIPOC-led organizations in the fight to defund the police, abolish the prison industrial complex and build infrastructure to support Black, Indigenous and other targeted communities, visit and donate to the following:
Minnesota Healing Justice Network. https://www.mnhealingjustice.com/
Until We Are All Free. http://www.untilweareallfree.com/
Young People’s Action Coalition. https://www.facebook.com/YPACMN/
Campaign Zero. https://www.joincampaignzero.org/
Minnesota Freedom Fund. https://mnfreedomfund.org/
Reclaim The Block. https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/
To find more SPNN programs, head to spnn.org.
Black Filmmakers Panel from the Connect MEdia Festival. Hear from five phenomenal filmmakers as they share their insights and experiences: D.A. Bullock, Alison Guessou, Adja Gildersleve, E.G. Bailey, Victor V. Hogan, II. Moderated by Bianca Rhodes. Recorded on February 7, 2021. https://spnn.org/connectmediafestival
SPNN staff talk with local performers Variah T. Shaux and Alexandro Rox about drag, queerness, and intersectionality.
Mizna joins hosts Shania and Michael to discuss the Arab Film Fest Collab happening virtually from Dec. 3 - Dec. 13 with programs featuring films, panel discussions, and performances from Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Joining us from Mizna are Lana Barkawi, Executive and Artistic Director, Michelle Baroody, Film Curator, and Ahmed AbdulMageed, Film Programming Coordinator.
Speaking of Youth is a new podcast series where youth host conversations about the important community, youth, and social justice issues of our times. In this episode youth interns Moudjibou, D., Jonathan, and Tyler discuss their experiences at school this fall.
In this episode, SPNN intern Shania and CTEP member Michael talk with Georgia Fort from Unicorn Riot, a non-profit media organization dedicated to exposing root causes of social and environmental issues by amplifying stories and exploring sustainable alternatives. In this conversation Fort speaks to the reality of mainstream media coverage, it's role in perpetuating systemic racism, the importance of objectivity, and so forth. Stay tuned to hear more about the insight that Fort and Unicorn Riot have to offer.
Speaking of Youth is a new podcast series where youth host conversations about the important community, youth, and social justice issues of our times. In this episode youth interns D. and Jonathan speak with Vice President Bernie Burnham from Education Minnesota about the challenges teachers and students face with schools reopening this fall.
Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar (TCC4J) - Coalition member Jae Yates speaks with SPNN interns Shania and D. about the advocacy they are doing for community control of police including a discussion about the Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC), an idea of civilian control of police first developed by the Black Panther Party. Stay tuned until the very end to hear about Jae's other work supporting community food distribution.
Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) - Michelle Gross, President of CUAPB, has spent 20 years fighting for accountability and reform in the Minneapolis Police Department around brutality and murder by police. In this conversation she talks about that work and recent events such as the murder of George Floyd by police and the proposed city charter amendment by the Minneapolis City Council. Stayed tuned to the end when Michelle gives a mini "know your rights" training about interaction with the police.
La Raza - The Spanish language radio station that serves the Latinx community in the Twin Cities burned down during the uprising on Lake Street that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. La Raza President and CEO Maya Santamaria speaks with producers Shania and Gabe about the uprising and their efforts to keep on the air and rebuild.
Little Earth Protectors - Three Native community members from the housing development Little Earth of United Tribes in south Minneapolis discuss the uprising that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police and how they and others provide community protection for their neighborhood. With Jolene Jones, Lisa Skjefte, Muck-Wa Roberts, Sr.
CoCo Villaluz - Native environmental activist and community health professional talks about the impact of COVID-19 on Native and Indigenous communities around the U.S., sharing perspectives on how the pandemic is playing out in the Navajo Nation and South Dakota. The recent murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police is also addressed.
Rory Wakeump - Minneapolis based Native artist and activist Rory Wakeump talks about his life as a community based artist and shares his thoughts about the inequity of grant funding for Native artists. Rory also describes some upcoming pandemic related community artwork and tells us why he was interested in mashing up Star Wars with traditional Native culture.
Nekima Levy Armstrong - Civil Rights Attorney and activist shares the work she has been doing to support the Black community in North Minneapolis during the pandemic. Nekima also talks about the recent vote to adopt the Comprehensive District Design (CDD)in Minneapolis public schools and she discusses the threat that the pandemic presents to those incarcerated in the prison system.
Maia Maiden - Twin Cities based dancer, choreographer, curator, and laboratory scientist Maia Maiden is interviewed about her life since the COVID-19 pandemic. Maia talks about how dancers can continue to work in the time of social distancing and she shares her experience working on COVID-19 testing as a laboratory scientist.
Sha Cage - Twin Cities actor, director, filmmaker, and activist is interviewed about her life since the the COVID-19 pandemic began. Sha talks about how she has stayed connected to the arts community during this crisis and tells the story of how she was forced to cancel a new film project just as the shutdown hit.
May Lee-Yang - Twin Cities writer, theater artist, and educator is interviewed about her life since the the COVID-19 pandemic began. May talks about writing during stay at home and trying to finish graduate school by distance learning. May also considers how the Hmong community in Minnesota is experiencing this crisis.
Desdamona - Twin Cities writer, spoken word artist, educator, and MC is interviewed about her life since the the COVID-19 pandemic began. Desdamona talks about her distance learning teaching artist work and she reads a new poem written by her during this crisis.