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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The appointment of Junauda Petrus as Minneapolis’ next Poet Laureate is a moment to celebrate. The City of Minneapolis’ Arts & Cultural Affairs Department and The Loft Literary Center deserve recognition for this outstanding selection. Junauda—a visionary writer, playwright, and multidimensional performance artist—follows in the footsteps of the remarkable Heid…
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President Abraham Lincoln, in commemorating the lives lost during the Civil War, at the Gettysburg Address noted that the United States of America is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Lincoln’s repetition of “people” underscores that our democracy is made and maintained by its citizens.
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On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as those 18 years and older cast their votes for the presidential election, students across Minnesota cast their ballots for the YMCA of the North’s Students Voting mock election at their respective schools. This program, a collaboration with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office and…
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