KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Principal Erik Hensel joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to celebrate a major milestone as Emerson Dual Language Elementary School marks 100 years as a cornerstone of the Loring Park community. He shares the history of Emerson’s Spanish immersion program, one of the oldest in Minnesota, and explains how the school’s dual language model helps students build bilingual skills, cultural awareness, and academic success. Hensel gives listeners a preview of the Emerson Centennial Celebration on May 29, featuring student performances, cultural dance groups, food, and opportunities for the community to reconnect and share memories. The conversation also highlights how Emerson continues to serve families from across Minneapolis while honoring a century of learning and community connection. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Kevin Lindsey joins Freddie Bell to discuss what festivals reveal about Minnesota’s identity and why communities across the state are eager to gather, celebrate, and share traditions. He explains how the Minnesota Humanities Center’s festival grants support events that preserve stories, food, music, and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for neighbors to connect and learn from one another. Lindsey highlights the strong demand for funding, with applicants requesting more than $14 million this year, underscoring the value Minnesotans place on joyful, community-centered experiences. The conversation also explores the economic and cultural impact of festivals in both metro and rural communities, while previewing upcoming Minnesota Humanities Center initiatives, including Juneteenth events and new grant opportunities.

James Burroughs joins Freddie Bell to discuss the important work happening at Children’s Minnesota and the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families across the region. He shares how his leadership role connects equity and inclusion efforts with advocacy, government affairs, and community partnerships to address social determinants of health. The conversation also highlights how Children’s Minnesota is strengthening organizational culture, supporting patient quality initiatives, and building deeper relationships with the communities it serves. Burroughs explains how new executive leadership roles are helping drive innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact for Minnesota families.

Terace Johnson joins Freddie Bell to discuss The Great Minnesota Career Expo, a major workforce development event designed to connect Minnesotans with career pathways, employers, and hands-on industry experiences. Hosted by Spotlight Staffing, the expo will take place May 21 at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront and features interactive demonstrations in aviation, skilled trades, culinary arts, retail, and agriculture. Johnson explains that the event is more than a traditional job fair—it’s focused on building community partnerships, expanding workforce opportunities, and helping people discover high-growth careers, including entry-level positions starting at $60,000 or more with no prior experience required. She also discusses the importance of reconnecting communities and employers following Operation Metro Surge and creating sustainable pathways into careers that strengthen Minnesota’s economy.

Christine Tucci Osorio joins Freddie Bell for another “Chat with Christine,” sharing updates on the many end-of-year celebrations and student achievements happening across North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District 622. She highlights the AVID program and explains how it helps students build academic skills, strengthen college and career readiness, and create meaningful connections throughout high school. Tucci Osorio also discusses the importance of grades and credit completion as the school year wraps up, encouraging students and families to stay engaged and finish strong. The conversation closes with information about summer learning opportunities, including Freedom School, designed to help students continue growing academically and personally during the summer months. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Yee Yang joins Freddie Bell to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and discuss this year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” Representing Minneapolis Public Schools, Yang highlights the rich diversity and cultural contributions of AANHPI communities both locally and nationwide. The conversation includes a discussion of Hmong American Day on May 14 and the historical significance of the Hmong community’s journey to the United States following the Vietnam War. Yang also previews MPS Hmong Heritage Night at the Davis Center, featuring food, performances, cultural activities, and opportunities for families and community members to connect. Listeners will hear about the deep roots and impact of Hmong Americans in Minnesota, as well as the importance of honoring heritage, resilience, and community throughout the month of May.