SPNN Podcast

Mizna joins hosts Shania and Michael to discuss the Arab Film Fest Collab happening virtually from Dec. 3 - Dec. 13 with programs featuring films, panel discussions, and performances from Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Joining us from Mizna are Lana Barkawi, Executive and Artistic Director, Michelle Baroody, Film Curator, and Ahmed AbdulMageed, Film Programming Coordinator.

Speaking of Youth is a new podcast series where youth host conversations about the important community, youth, and social justice issues of our times. In this episode youth interns Moudjibou, D., Jonathan, and Tyler discuss their experiences at school this fall.

In this episode, SPNN intern Shania and CTEP member Michael talk with Georgia Fort from Unicorn Riot, a non-profit media organization dedicated to exposing root causes of social and environmental issues by amplifying stories and exploring sustainable alternatives. In this conversation Fort speaks to the reality of mainstream media coverage, it's role in perpetuating systemic racism, the importance of objectivity, and so forth. Stay tuned to hear more about the insight that Fort and Unicorn Riot have to offer.

Speaking of Youth is a new podcast series where youth host conversations about the important community, youth, and social justice issues of our times. In this episode youth interns D. and Jonathan speak with Vice President Bernie Burnham from Education Minnesota about the challenges teachers and students face with schools reopening this fall.

Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar (TCC4J) - Coalition member Jae Yates speaks with SPNN interns Shania and D. about the advocacy they are doing for community control of police including a discussion about the Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC), an idea of civilian control of police first developed by the Black Panther Party. Stay tuned until the very end to hear about Jae's other work supporting community food distribution.

Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) - Michelle Gross, President of CUAPB, has spent 20 years fighting for accountability and reform in the Minneapolis Police Department around brutality and murder by police. In this conversation she talks about that work and recent events such as the murder of George Floyd by police and the proposed city charter amendment by the Minneapolis City Council. Stayed tuned to the end when Michelle gives a mini "know your rights" training about interaction with the police.

La Raza - The Spanish language radio station that serves the Latinx community in the Twin Cities burned down during the uprising on Lake Street that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. La Raza President and CEO Maya Santamaria speaks with producers Shania and Gabe about the uprising and their efforts to keep on the air and rebuild.

Little Earth Protectors - Three Native community members from the housing development Little Earth of United Tribes in south Minneapolis discuss the uprising that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police and how they and others provide community protection for their neighborhood. With Jolene Jones, Lisa Skjefte, Muck-Wa Roberts, Sr.

CoCo Villaluz - Native environmental activist and community health professional talks about the impact of COVID-19 on Native and Indigenous communities around the U.S., sharing perspectives on how the pandemic is playing out in the Navajo Nation and South Dakota. The recent murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police is also addressed.

Rory Wakeump - Minneapolis based Native artist and activist Rory Wakeump talks about his life as a community based artist and shares his thoughts about the inequity of grant funding for Native artists. Rory also describes some upcoming pandemic related community artwork and tells us why he was interested in mashing up Star Wars with traditional Native culture.