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Eric Ortiz
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The Statue of Liberty in New York City is a symbol of freedom recognized around the world. (Kit Suman/Unsplash)
It’s time to flex our humanity with immigration
Everyone has a voice. But not every voice gets heard today. This isn't a new problem.  My grandma and grandpa on my dad's side were both first-generation Mexican-Americans who grew up in … more
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There are alternatives to incarceration
I am reading an excellent book. It is called "Until We Reckon" and was written by Danielle Sered, the executive director of Common Justice , a unique program in New York City that offers alternatives … more
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Imagine a future of nonviolence
'Nonviolence is the most effective method to work for rights.' The only constant is change. Life either gets better or worse. These days, the world is on fire. Metaphorically and literally. And … more
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Young students work with restorative practices leader Manu Lewis during a team building exercise at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation’s Community Solutions With Youth workshop at Walker Library in Uptown.
How we can help young people be happier
We have a crisis. Mental health issues for young people are skyrocketing, and the need for mental health treatment is not being met. According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly 20 percent … more
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A crowd of book lovers flips through pages at the Twin Cities Book Festival. This year’s event is Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota Srtate Fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Rain Taxi)
Rediscover the power of reading books
Read any good books lately? If you’re like many Americans, the answer is no. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, Americans are reading fewer books than in the past. The average number of books … more
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An Ella Baker student and her mom working together in class.
Calling all lifelong learners back to school
Learn something new every day. This isn't a new concept. Many smart people have espoused the virtues of learning. "Education begins at the level of the learner," said Aristotle, who believed … more
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Minneapolis needs all hands on deck to create a connected city that works for everyone. (Daniel McCullough/Unsplash)
Creating A new community story together
Everything begins with a story. Joseph Campbell believed this, and he knew a few things about stories. Campbell lived from 1904 to 1987 and was considered one of the world’s experts on … more
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Students at Ella Baker Global Studies and Humanities Magnet School. (Photo submitted)
Everyone deserves a good education
Youth need more positive opportunities than ever. The opportunity gap is increasing, especially in public schools and marginalized communities across the United States. While some youth are thriving, … more
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Many communities in the United States need a new model of local news.
How we restore faith in journalism
Every community in the United States needs local news. But today, over 70 million Americans live in a county with no newspapers or only one, according to a report by the Medill Local News Initiative. … more
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A student sits for a video interview in a classroom at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. (Photo by Alex Simpson/Unsplash)
Minneapolis can shock the world
Everyone loves a redemption story. After a few rough years, Minneapolis has a chance to write one. The city is in recovery mode and charting a new path forward, but not everyone is convinced we are … more
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The Bell family is even more interesting than you think.
The best of humanity is all around us
The Bells are not your average social media influencers. They are a family of 10 with seven adopted children. Heather Bell is the matriarch and keeps everything running with her husband, Luke, in the … more
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A student at Ella Baker School in Minneapolis shows his work and progress.
Focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong
Everyone has a gift. That gift is a talent or passion. But not everyone gets to use their gift, talent or passion. Sometimes, people are not invited to share their gifts. We see this a lot. There … more
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Painting of civil rights and human rights activist Ella Baker in the Ella Baker Global Studies and Humanities Magnet School office in Minneapolis.
Youth can be community problem solvers
I am going back to school. Not as a student. But as a guide.First, I was invited to speak at my kids’ school, Risen Christ, for vocation day. I spoke to third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and … more
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A car drives on a snowy street during a winter day in Minneapolis. The chaos of streets narrowed by snow and potholes the sizes of swimming pools can create a cycle of trauma. (Eva Ortiz)
Want to be on the community solutions team?
One of my favorite movies is “Groundhog Day.” In the 1993 film, Bill Murray plays a cynical television weatherman from Pittsburgh who goes to Punxsutawney, Penn., to cover the annual … more
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North High School assistant football coach and MPD officer Ricky Plunkett, right, talks with quarterback Deshaun Hill during the 2021 season.
‘Boys in Blue’ shows how to turn pain into power
The world is not black and white. But sometimes, it gets reduced to that.All cops are bad.All criminals are bad.All [insert any group] are bad.Those kinds of blanket statements are not helpful. … more
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Wedge resident Dave Whorton talks to community members before a neighborhood public safety walk. (Photo by Eric Ortiz)
It’s time to learn to walk again
Walking is one of those big early milestones in life. When you’re a kid, you have to walk before you can run. As you get older, walking is how we move through the world from task to task each … more
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A nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus.
Nothing beats forgiveness — in any season
The holidays are here. You know what that means. It's the most wonderful time of year. Or the worst. Depends on how you feel about Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. And what they represent. … more
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Eric Ortiz, the author, resting at home after total ankle replacement surgery.
We don't need to live in suffering anymore
Pain is a terrible thing. Whether it's physical, emotional, or mental — pain hurts. I was in a lot of pain for many years. It was my right ankle. The pain was chronic and had become so bad in … more
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Writer, professor and Rain Taxi board member Kris Bigalk, right, with author Margaret Hasse promoting her new book “The Call of Glacier Park” at the 2022 Twin Cities Book Festival in St. Paul.
Twin Cities literary scene opens new chapter
Did you know the Twin Cities have one of the top literary scenes in the United States? Not too many people associate Minneapolis and St. Paul with the avant-garde. But they are right up there with … more
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Lupe Castillo, the co-founder of HeartSpeaks Healing Circles and Palabristas, shared her words of wisdom at a Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association’s Twin Cities Community Pop-Up Market at Mueller Park this summer.
Healing circles really do have the power to heal
Who is a storyteller? It's an important question these days because storytelling matters more than ever. Whoever controls the narrative controls history. A few years ago, a Nigerian writer named … more
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