Welcoming Community: Historical Equity 

The telling of history in our families, schools, and communities is shaped by the perspectives and experiences of those telling those histories. Historically, power imbalances between different groups have centered the telling of history from the majority population’s perspective. There are members of our community from non-dominant groups who may have experienced the same event, but because of their experiences see the intent, motivations, and outcomes from that event from a very different view. When we only hear one part of the story we miss the richness of a fuller understanding and opportunities for learning from the complexity of the past.  

A recognition of the inequitable telling of history can help organizations and community members support the inclusive telling of histories that represent the perspectives of diverse groups. Historical equity is a topic that can be explored by community members to engage in difficult conversations and support diversity and inclusion, en route to equity.  

Welcoming efforts around historical equity might include:  

  • Centering the use of primary sources (firsthand accounts) in telling histories 
  • Encouraging the preservation and telling of stories of diverse groups 
  • Supporting the telling of historical event from multiple perspectives to provide a more complete picture 

Considering the relationship between inclusion and the history shared through community storytelling is essential to equity across the Northland. Visit the Resources to Explore section below to learn more about some current initiatives and stories around historical equity in the Northland. 

“Won’t it be wonderful when Black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.” –Maya Angelou  

Continued Learning 

The goal of the Welcoming Community program is to provide continued opportunities for learning and connection related to topics relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our region. In our monthly emails, we highlight a specific equity topic and provide resources related to the monthly theme. 

The theme for the month of September is Historical Equity. When exploring the learnings in the Resources to Explore section, we ask that you consider the following question: 

“In terms of historical equity in northeast Minnesota, where have we come from, where are we now, and what steps do we need to take to reach an equitable future?” 

Resources to Explore 

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Second Annual Equity Summit on November 10th! 

Northspan will be hosting the second annual Equity Summit, Belonging in Northeast Minnesota, on November 10 in partnership with regional and statewide collaborators. 

The equity summit is an opportunity for community leaders, businesses, educators, creatives, workforce and economic development, government, health care, philanthropy, and YOU to engage around themes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and forge a more inclusive future in northeast Minnesota. 

The summit, scheduled for Thursday, November 10, will be held in-person from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia, Minnesota. The cost is $20 per person. 

Register Here! 

The summit is part of Northspan’s Welcoming Community program with the goal of increasing belonging of underrepresented community members and trust between people from different backgrounds and lived experiences in northeast Minnesota. 

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Welcoming: In the News! 

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Welcoming Events Across the Northland  

Many initiatives are ongoing to support Welcoming across northeast Minnesota. Listed below are some in-person and digital opportunities to explore and participate in! 

Do you know about a connection opportunity we could highlight in an upcoming newsletter? Submit proposals to alewis@northspan.org by October 5th, 2022. 

AICHO: Expanding Indigenous Health
Date: September 20th & 27th (multiple times)
Location: Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center
Learn more here  

Duluth NAACP: Second Annual Decriminalize Color Event
Date: September 24th, 2-4 p.m.
Location: Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial
Learn more here 

The Lyceum Movement-Duluth Lyceum
Date: September 26th
Location: Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth, MN
Learn more here 

The Lyceum Movement–Itasca Lyceum
Date: September 26th
Location: Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, MN
Learn more here 

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Nagaajiwanaang Jiibayakamigong
Date: September 30th
Location: Chambers Grove Park, Duluth
Learn more here 

The Family Freedom Center: Freedom Farms, The Big Tent Event
Date: October 8th 12-4PM
Location: 500 E 10th St, Duluth, MN
Learn more here

 

Ongoing Events

 

Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging: Classes, Workshops, Trainings
Learn more here

Entrepreneur Fund: Stride
Learn more here

The Culture: 8 BIPOC Businesses-One Building 

Members Cooperative Credit Union: Financial Education Webinars
Learn more here
Banzai Financial Wellness Library

Wednesday Events: Fond du Lac Language and Cultural Center
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Learn more here

Minnesota Women’s Press Changemakers Alliance

Learn more here

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Invite a Friend  

If you know others in your community who are interested in participating with Welcoming Community programming, please share this post so they can learn more & Click Here to join our email list. 

Contact Northspan’s Welcoming Community Program Coordinator Amber Lewis at alewis@northspan.org with any questions.