Counter Stories

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. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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