[PHOTOS] Exuberant election night for DFL candidates and supporters

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This piece is part of Twin Cities Daily Planet’s series covering the 2018 elections season. Every year we’re moving towards a possibility of a more diverse legislature. And with it, we hope comes increased opportunities for communities historically shut out of political processes and power to imagine and enact policies to create a Minnesota that benefits all its constituents. Tuesday night, several of the DFL candidates, and their supporters including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, gathered to watch the returns and celebrate their work – and wins – at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel in downtown, photographed by Kelechi Uchegbu. Continue Reading

[PHOTOS] Monumental wins for Hennepin County Board of Commissioners

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This piece is part of Twin Cities Daily Planet’s series covering the 2018 elections season. Every year we’re moving towards a possibility of a more diverse legislature. And with it, we hope comes increased opportunities for communities historically shut out of political processes and power to imagine and enact policies to create a Minnesota that benefits all its constituents. The election-night watch parties of Hennepin County Commissioner-elect Irene Fernando (District 2), held at La Doña Cervecería – photographed by Nancy Musinguzi – and Hennepin County Commissioner-elect Angela Conley (District 4) held at Du Nord Craft Spirits  – photographed by Anna Rajdl began in anticipation and ended in celebration. Both women are the first people of color elected to serve on the Board of Hennepin County Commissioners, which has been all white since 1852. Continue Reading

Hennepin County sheriff’s office and the consequences of authority

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This piece is part of Twin Cities Daily Planet’s series covering the 2018 elections season. Every year we’re moving towards a possibility of a more diverse legislature. And with it, we hope comes increased opportunities for communities historically shut out of political processes and power to imagine and enact policies to create a Minnesota that benefits all its constituents. Brian Fullman, an organizer with ISAIAH, a multiracial, nonpartisan coalition of faith communities focused on housing and racial equality in Minnesota, wants a sheriff who represents community. “I would like to see somebody who has directly been impacted by immigration or mass incarceration. Continue Reading

The Twin Cities Daily Planet’s Best of 2017

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It seems like every think-piece or nonprofit email included the words “Now, more than ever” in 2017. While unprecedented challenges and tragedies rocked our national conscious in 2017, this year was the one when – more than ever – we as a community turned toward the hyper-local to affect change. For 11 years, the Twin Cities Daily Planet has always had a focus on local. But now, nearly three years into our mission of amplifying and connecting marginalized voices, that focus has become a platform for our local communities – especially those who have historically faced oppression – to own and assert their stories in an ever-changing world. From the highest municipal elections turnout in years, landmark workers’ rights ordinances, and growing resistance in the face of police brutality, racism and anti-immigrant bigotry, communities told their own authentic stories on our platform. Continue Reading

Community Voices: ‘We deserve better’ Minneapolis’ Ward 4 elections and possibility

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This November, residents of Minneapolis’ Ward 4 will have an opportunity to elect a
representative on the Minneapolis City Council.

City Council Member Barb Johnson, a 20-year incumbent and city council president, took office after her mother. Her family has held this seat for 46 consecutive years. Johnson is arguably the most conservative member of the council, and with our weak mayoral system, holds an incredible amount of power both individually and institutionally. This November could change that. Continue Reading