If someone asks why write? my answer is: it’s the poet’s job to discover the metaphors with which the universe speaks to us. It’s her job to make life, and the heaviness that comes with it, accessible. A bonus is that sometimes this discovery is therapy. To work through a…
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As Chair of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), I’ve seen firsthand the power of the humanities to bring people together. That’s why the recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are so concerning.
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This week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shuttered the offices of National Endowment for the Humanities. DOGE terminated all agreements with state affiliates such as the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), terminated hundreds of contracts with scholars across the country, and placed nearly all NEH staff on administrative leave. If…
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The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) staff, grant recipients, and many partner organizations would like to thank Dr. Shelly Lowe, outgoing Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), for her dedication and leadership. Since 2021, Dr. Lowe has led NEH in the administration of over $6 billion in grants…
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In honor of International Women’s History Day When I was invited to host a Headscarf Story Circle gathering, I immediately said yes. The headscarf holds deep cultural, religious, and personal significance for many women, including myself. It represents identity, faith, dignity, and strength. Hosting this gathering felt like an opportunity…
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In response to questions about how threatened cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and how a possible federal government shutdown might impact MHC, let me share some information about our grant making process and grant administration work. MHC grantees can rest assured that their grant funding will…
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During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped our communities, institutions, and history. Among them is Ruth Alkema Reister (1936–2015), a visionary leader whose career spanned law, finance, and public service. Through her trailblazing achievements and philanthropic legacy, she left an indelible mark on…
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The Minnesota Humanities Center sponsored a number of cultural events to kick off 2025, including Sweet Potato Comfort Pie’s 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday of Service on Jan 19, 2025. Since 2015, this event has brought people together to not only commemorate the…
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Storytelling is a practice stretching back over thousands of years. It is often a method used to transfer people’s stories, knowledge, values, morals and survival tactics. Storytelling provides both cause and container for celebrations, mourning, and organizing. It is one of the most powerful human art forms. Shared stories also…
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On January 15, 2025, Civic Bridgers launched its new program, Beyond Civics, at Banyan Community located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. Facilitated by Jasmine Nguyen, Program Engagement Coordinator and 2024-2025 Fellow at Civic Bridgers, the Beyond Civics enrichment program trains teens to become Bridgers: community leaders who engage and…
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