Counter Stories

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:

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:

Earlier this month the Minnesota Department of Health released the names of 32 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities facing outbreaks of COVID-19. Eubanks’ mother, Isabelle, lived in one of the named facilities. In this episode, Don recalls his experience learning his mother had tested positive for COVID-19, and the pain and anger he felt as he could not hold her or say goodbye. 

The Counter Stories co-hosts also talk about how the virus is preventing people both from mourning with their families and observing important cultural traditions.

Hosts are :

On this episode of Counter Stories:

Early data suggests black people are contracting and dying of COVID-19 at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. We look at the history behind health disparities in the African American community, and how those disparities are making them more vulnerable today.

Plus misinformation about the coronavirus has fueled a wave of racist attacks on Asian Americans. Counter Stories host Hlee Lee shares how glares and verbal abuse from strangers have driven her family to find alternative ways to shop for food.

Meanwhile, all of our hosts are working to dispel myths about the pandemic that are circulating in their communities and on social media.

And, the pandemic has revealed that many jobs typically filled by immigrants are actually essential to keeping the country running. But few workers are getting the protective gear they need to keep themselves safe.

Today’s hosts are:

Counter Stories looks at three news stories and their impact on communities of color.

The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic. The U.S. has over 1000 reported cases. Communities of color, especially Southeast Asians, are concerned about attacks based on a fear of coronavirus. This week, New York City has put in place a hate crimes task force to assist the NYPD in investigating coronavirus-related assaults against Asians.

We look at how the St. Paul teachers strike impacts other workers including teacher assistants, school bus drivers and canteen workers.

And in our tribute to Women’s History Month, we celebrate the achievements of women of color.

Hosts

Don Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant.

Anthony Galloway, executive director of Arts-US Center for the African Diaspora.

Hlee Lee, owner of “the other media group”

Luz Marie Frais, Equity Coach and Founder of The Savvy Coach