Counter Stories

The Counter Stories crew share their reactions to the events that unfolded in the US Capitol on January 6th examining the intersections of race, religion and history, and how these powerful elements have repeatedly been used to subjugate the lives of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community.

The Counter Stories crew looks back at 2020 with a focus on all the

possibilities 20201 holds. From how the racial tension have sparked civic

action to President-Elect Biden’s cabinet picks: optimism and skepticism

abound.

What does it mean when BIPOC are told to "bring their authentic selves?" The crew discusses how we often have to provide context when in predominantly white spaces versus when in community, where we don't have to provide the context because folks live these things, like microaggressions, daily.

We're back! The Counter Stories Crew returns to speak truth to the many layers of issues communities of color face on a daily basis. A lot has happened since the last episode: Joe Biden was elected as the next President of the United States, coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate, especially in communities of color, and there's talk of a vaccine being ready soon. All this leading up to a problematic holiday. The crew touches on all of these in a new format with a new radio partnership.

The coronavirus has changed almost everything about our way of life. Then came George Floyd’s death, followed by international protests and civil unrest.  How do parents cope with the crises that are engulfing the U.S.?

For the past few months, Counter Stories co-host Anthony Galloway has recorded his family’s experience of living together in the middle of a global pandemic — from the loneliness of his two children as schools closed, to the financial strain of job losses and the trauma of being Black in America.

Galloway talks about the pressure of keeping his family together in these hard economic times, and his concern that the ongoing peaceful protests and civil unrest following George Floyd’s death may have an impact on his children’s mental and emotional state. He spends time with his son Ezra talking about George Floyd’s death, the resulting riots and the role of rioting in American history.

Counter Stories would like to thank the Galloway family for making this documentary possible.

The past few weeks have been filled with significant news for Native Americans.

Washington's football team says it's dropping its name and Indian head logo, which Native Americans have long protested were culturally offensive.

The Supreme Court recognized the validity of a tribal treaty in Oklahoma.

And a federal judge sided with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ordered the Dakota Access pipeline to shut down until more environmental review is done.

Another court has since said the pipeline can keep operating in the meantime, but still, many Native Americans see these developments as victories they didn't think were possible.

What might they mean for the future?

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Patina Park, Director of Tribal State Relations for the State of Minnesota, joined the Counter Stories hosts this week.

Counter Stories is hosted by:

Donald Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant

Anthony Galloway, senior partner at Dendros Group

Luz Maria Frias, equity coach and founder of The Savvy Coach

Marianne Combs, correspondent for MPR News

Race and racism have been at the forefront of news headlines for more than a month now, ever since George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis cop.

Regardless of the color of your skin, it's likely you're talking about race with friends and family. And that can lead to some uncomfortable conversations.

Today the hosts of Counter Stories share their strategies for engaging people on issues of race and identity. And they share some of the awkward moments they've experienced in discussions within their own communities, involving both race and colorism.

They look at what it means to be "called in"... how it differs from being "called out"... and what to do when it happens to you.

The team is joined this week by author, playwright and performer Saymoukda Vongsay. Vongsay uses her sharp sense of humor to combat racism and ethnic division.

Counter Stories is hosted by:

Anthony Galloway, senior partner at Dendros Group

Donald Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant

Luz Maria Frias, equity coach and founder of The Savvy Coach

Marianne Combs, correspondent for MPR News

In the weeks since George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis officer, protests have erupted around the world, but black people continue to die at the hands of police.

We're at a pivotal moment regarding race in America. Will we see meaningful change in the days to come, or will we slip back into old patterns?

In this episode of Counter Stories, our conversation starts on the streets with stories of police violence and ends up in the board rooms of corporations who have yet to fully commit themselves to true diversity. We talk about the pressing need for empathy and imagination, as well as the "three C's" — courage, curiosity and compassion.

The Counter Stories team is joined by guest Acooa Lee Ellis, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Greater Twin Cities United Way.

Counter Stories is hosted by:

Donald Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant

Luz Maria Frias, equity coach and founder of The Savvy Coach

Hlee Lee, owner of The Other Media Group

Marianne Combs, correspondent for MPR News

The protesters on the front lines working for meaningful change are still dealing with the trauma of witnessing the killing of George Floyd while in police custody.

Added to that, in recent days they've head to deal with both a militarized police force and white supremacists invading their neighborhoods.

Now communities of color are working to the point of exhaustion - and beyond - to create new infrastructures to replace the local grocery stores and pharmacies that were damaged or destroyed.

And the people heading up most of these efforts are black women - a group that has suffered so much, and is perpetually under supported.

We talk about the best ways to lift up and sustain the efforts of black women and others who are leading the way forward.

Counter Stories is hosted by:

Anthony Galloway, senior partner at Dendros Group

Donald Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant

Luz Maria Frias, equity coach and founder of The Savvy Coach

Hlee Lee, owner of The Other Media Group

Marianne Combs, correspondent for MPR News

The threat of COVID-19 has changed the way we live. But some things remain the same.

Unprovoked attacks on black people persist. In fact, it appears the virus is exacerbating the pre-existing condition of America's racism.

On today's show, we talk about two recent incidents: 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was chased down and shot while out for a jog. Emergency Medical Technician Breonna Taylor was shot in her apartment by police who raided the home, only to realize they were at the wrong address. Taylor’s boyfriend was charged with attempted murder for firing back at the police.

We look at mainstream media and how it chooses which stories to tell, and how social media is being used to put pressure both on news agencies and on the authorities.

We also begin a series of conversations with some of the most vulnerable communities in Minnesota. Luz Maris Frias talks to a DACA recipient about the impact of Covid 19 on unauthorized immigrants.

Counter Stories is hosted by:

Anthony Galloway, senior partner at Dendros Group

Donald Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant

Luz Maria Frias, equity coach and founder of The Savvy Coach

Hlee Lee, owner of The Other Media Group

Marianne Combs, correspondent for MPR News