News | Southwest Connector

On Aug. 25, several hundred protestors gathered at the MLK Recreation Center in St. Paul. Since Aug. 7, a group of water protectors have been traveling on foot 256 miles from Line 3's upstream … more

by Margie O'Loughlin | 9/2/21

Can I recycle this?

It's the age-old question that never seems to have an easy answer. Fortunately, understanding how things are recycled can help point you in the right direction. The purpose of a recycling facility is … more

By JESSIE ROELOFS | 9/2/21

Mac Pegovac (foreground) is the project manager for Ryan Companies Parks and Public Spaces. Bob Fossum of CRWD is pictured behind her. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Reviving upper Hidden Falls Creek

This summer, workers are building a channel and bridge that will connect a recreated upper Hidden Falls Creek with the lower falls at East River Parkway and Magoffin Avenue.It’s part of the … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21

Ten Thousand Things Artistic director Marcela Lorca said, "This is a very difficult time, but it has required all of us to learn many new things." (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

What is role of artists in community?

Marcela Lorca is the artistic director of Ten Thousand Things (TTT), a theater company whose work has been grounded in practices of inclusion, equity, service and accessibility since in its founding … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21

End of Day: Practicing Stillness

Kevin Morgel rests on a bench along Lake Nokomis, observing the sunset. “I have three goals: try to exercise everyday, to take at least one picture of the sunset, and to do a little writing. I … more

7/28/21

Photographer Patience Zalanga's billboard is of a moment she captured of a father reading to his son on a bench at George Floyd Square, a book he chose from the community's free library.(Photo by Jill Boogren)

Billboards at George floyd square show connection, unity

Two new artist-created billboards are up on the rooftops at George Floyd Square. Part of the Social Justice Billboard Project, “La Conneccion,” by Maria Cristina “Tina” … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 7/28/21

Alan Berks (left) and Leah Cooper (right) are co-artistic directors of Wonderlust Productions. Their 2016 play about the experience of adoption has been adapted into graphic novel form. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

In my Heart: the Adoption Story Project

Seven years ago, Wonderlust Productions co-artistic directors Alan Berks and Leah Cooper (both former South Minneapolis residents) began inviting people from the adoption community to share their … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21

Louie Moore has been president of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota for 22 years. He is a tireless advocate for cycling: promoting the sport in communities of color, and improving biking conditions across the city for all. Club rides meet at his home near 48th Street and Columbus Avenue in South Minneapolis. Moore was the first Black person to buy a home on his block, and has lived there for 57 years. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Major Taylor Bicycling Club promotes cycling geared towards African American riders

The Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota has been bringing diversity to Twin Cities cycling since it started in 1999. Co-founded by Louie Moore and Walter Griffin, the nonprofit … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21

Recognize someone making a difference

Know someone making an impact in the community? A new web docuseries called INVOLVD by Minneapolis company ADX is highlighting people making outsized contributions in their Twin Cities communities, … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 7/28/21

"To live in Minneapolis is to know its history and be accountable for it as a citizen and go forward. For me, as a writer and journalist, I have had all this in the forefront for a long time," said South Minneapolis resident Jim Walsh. "It's my home, but I have a critical eye for it as well." He recently wrote, "Folk Song for George Floyd." His new book draws from some of the article he wrote for City Pages, The Southwest Journal, the Downtown Journal, the Pioneer Press and MinnPost. (Photo by David Tanner Photography)

‘Fear and Loving in South Minneapolis’

Jim Walsh has spent much of his life as an observer. The Minneapolis writer, journalist, columnist and song writer’s most recent book, “Fear and Loving in South Minneapolis,” is a … more

By JAN WILLMS | 7/28/21

Get a free rain barrel

Friends of Mississippi River (FMR) is giving away free rain barrels and conversion kits this summer in partnership with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO). The barrels hold 55 … more

7/28/21

LoLa atists are back!

Find LoLa art and artists again during the Longfellow Artists’ Weekend, a low-key neighborhood art crawl organized by the League of Longfellow Artists (LoLa). "Our artists are eager to greet … more

7/28/21

MNHS Archaeology uncovers new stories at Historic Fort Snelling

Archaeologists under the direction of the Minnesota Historical Society have recently identified artifacts and stone foundations around Historic Fort Snelling, including items that show Native … more

7/28/21

"Even though I lost my building, we feel a sense of community," said Gandhi Mahal owner Ruhel Islam from the site where grass now grows. (Photo by Jan Willms)

‘Working hard for a better tomorrow’

By JAN WILLMSAs Gandhi Mahal, the restaurant known for its sustainable food practices and community service, as well as its mouth-watering Indian dishes, was burned to the ground May 28, 2020, in the … more

By JAN WILLMS | 6/30/21

Redesign Inc’s Taylor Smrikarova is spearheading community efforts to save the Coliseum Building. At over 100 years old and 80,000 square feet, the building is one of the most consequential structures left standing in the area. "As we heal the Coliseum, it is a sign that the broader community along Lake St. is healing," said Smrikarova. (Photos by Terry Faust)

Redesign saves Coliseum from wrecking ball

In an effort to save Lake Street’s iconic Coliseum Building from the wrecking ball, Redesign Inc. is purchasing the three-story brick building that has anchored the 27th and Lake intersection … more

By IRIC NATHANSON | 6/30/21

Take a walk with MIGIZI

One year after losing its newly renovated building in last year’s protest fires, MIGIZI organized a walk from its former location at 3017 27th Ave. S. to the building it has begun renovating at … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 6/30/21

On June 14, youth activists speak to the trauma experienced after witnessing the driver barreling through the protest and killing Deona Marie Knajdek the previous night. (Photo by Jill Boogren)

Community demands answers to police killings

On June 3, just hours after the city of Minneapolis removed its barricades from George Floyd Square, law enforcement officers killed another Black man in Minneapolis. His name was Winston Boogie … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 6/30/21

Miss Northland, Wabin Agiizi Goo Ikwe (Morning Spirit Woman) is Lori Martin-Kingbird: a junior at the University of Minnesota who presented at the Celebration of Language Festival held on the athletic fields at Anne Sullivan Elementary School on Saturday, June 19. Martin-Kingbird is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Northern Minnesota, and is a candidate in this year’s Miss Minnesota Competition. Her social initiative in the competition is called “Water You Doing? Advocating for our Natural Resources.” She believes that water conservation starts at the individual level: first with one person, then with one community, and finally with one nation raising awareness and then standing up for safe drinking water. She said, “If we all work together, we can build hope for our future generations to sustain cleaner, healthier water.” (Photo by Margie O'Loughlin)

'Water You Doing? Advocating for our natural resources'

6/30/21

Better Futures is a re-use warehouse located at 2620 Minnehaha Avenue South. They sell materials salvaged through deconstruction at affordable prices, while keeping used materials out of the landfill. Employees Jason Allen (left) and Tino Jones (right) select boards from the wall of salvaged lumber. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Salvage reuse recycle building materials

Got a hammer? Got gloves? Deconstruction grants up to $5,000 are available for homeowners or developers of properties located within Hennepin County built before 1970. The work must be on residential … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/30/21

Shawnte Jensen, Anja Standly, and Katie Lindholm

Volunteers assist veterans as part of neighborhood revitalization project

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities helped veterans secure housing as a part of neighborhood revitalization projects in the Morris Park and Minnehaha neighborhoods. On May 25 and May 26, in partnership … more

6/30/21