Counter Stories

On this special episode, we bring you the keynote speech at the Duluth Martin Luther King Jr Day celebration by none other than Counter Stories’ co-host Anthony Galloway. The day’s celebration included joining the annual national MLK Breakfast (virtually), a march and rally, and speeches and panels featuring community members. Special thanks to the NAACP Duluth chapter.  

The crew talks Hollywood and what movies are on their must-see list, some dating as far back as the 1920s. Movies that make a statement, are inclusive of our communities, resonates with us, and open conversations between communities. Some of our communities have seen Hollywood success, while others are just now being made. 

Is it possible to be your full, unapologetic, authentic self while being a creditable person in your community? The crew talks about what it looks like when people within (and outside) your community look at you as a leader or changemaker while you are simultaneously discovering yourself and how you fit into society. 

We’re happy to present our first Unplugged show – a show we didn’t plan, it’s really just the four of us talking about what’s on our minds. We talk about the families struggling at the border, the scarcity mindset in this country, and this season of “giving.” But who to give to? When there are so many charities, fundraisers, nonprofits and people in need, how can we select who to give our money and time to? Can real change be made when our tax system charges the poor? The crew look forward to 2023 in our final show of the year. 

2022 was the year many strong, talented Asian women finally got flowers. With Michele Yeoh killing it on the national stage, locally, Hmong photographer Pao Houa Her has gained recognition for her photography work and was named Star Tribune’s Artist of the Year. 

People celebrate a variety of things during this time of year. For us, the time off many people get during this time, allows for more gatherings within our communities, keeping culture at the center of it. The excitement of seeing family, eating some good food and hearing historic family stories is sometimes still being overshadowed by COVID. 

Guest co-host Sindy Morales Garcia leads the crew through a conversation about hustling, or as some of us know it, surviving. From youth, many of us have experienced working to help make ends meet for our families, be it working under the table or being a part of mass production from home as children. As adults, we continue to hustle during the gig economy often at the cost of our mental health and coveted family time. 

What does reparations mean? People often believe it’s payment for past displacements, but there’s so more to it. In a system that was built against BIPOC folks, the City of St. Paul’s Reparations Legislative Advisory Committee, worked to address reparations. A draft ordinance for permeant repartitions in the city was presented to the city council with public hearings scheduled before the end of the year. 

Lots of things coming up for us this week, things in the news and community and all the issues below the line. How diverse is too diverse in higher education? From a U of M regent questioning the diversity of Morris’ campus and how that relates to another attempt to overturn affirmative action. Additionally, with the first Dia de los Muertos alter displayed in the state capitol, the crew discusses cultural celebrations honoring our ancestors.