fy24 annual report - Flipbook - Page 23
d
Story Circles
Used to address a variety of issues such as social inclusion,
intercultural understanding and community dialogue,
MHC hosted several Story Circle gatherings in 2024.
Story Circles help participants develop skills like critical
thinking, hearing with empathy, and listening with
understanding while promoting a sense of belonging.
The increased request for Story Circles using the
thoughtfully and carefully developed MHC approach
to creating these safe spaces prompted a need for
additional facilitator training. An invitation was extended
to several skilled community partners; these training
sessions are ongoing as we continue to develop best
practices in the “why”, “what”, and “how” behind our
unique process in these story circle convenings of great
healing and communication.
Take Me Where There is Life
This fall, MHC partnered with Spanish artist Carmen La Griega and the Duluth
Art Institute to host a first-of-its-kind artist residency in Minnesota. The Take
Me Where There is Life art project was inspired by La Griega’s own father’s
journey with Alzheimer’s disease, and the connection between art therapy and
memory loss. La Griega held workshops for people living with Alzheimer’s and
dementia and their caregivers, sharing lessons she learned in working with her
father. There were also opportunities to view La Griega’s personal works, admire
an exhibition of paintings and drawings created by workshop participants, and
be inspired by how art therapy and story sharing can make a positive difference
for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their loved ones.
Alabama Civil Rights Field Study
This transformative seven-day program for 30 Minneapolis Public School
educators was facilitated by noted scholar Dr. Martha Bouyer. The Field Study
offered an in-depth exploration of the Modern Civil Rights Movement and
allowed participants to see historic sites such as the 16th Street Baptist Church
in Birmingham and walk the length of the site of the “Bloody Sunday” on the
Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. The group was filled with a wide range of
emotions and inspiration to bring back to their classrooms.
Additional cultural institutions and museums visited during this Field Study
included: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Equal Justice Institute
(Legacy Museum, National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom
Monument Sculpture Park), Rosa Parks Museum, and Tuskegee Airmen
National Historic Site.
Feeding Our Souls:
The Essence of Cultural Joy
There is nothing as universally important in any culture
as the way that food is used to communicate, celebrate,
and heal. With that in mind, MHC launched the Feeding
Our Souls initiative in 2022 to tell the stories of our
neighbors from near and far, gathering to learn about
ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors.
Hosted in the lovely Minnesota Humanities Event Center,
the 2024 Essence of Black Joy, Essence of Asian Joy, and
Essence of Latine Joy meals featured local celebrity chefs
preparing scrumptious food for attendees while special
guest speakers and artists showcased their heritages.
Dining tables served as “taste circles”, encouraging
interaction between guests who shared their own food
memories and traditions, making for truly personal
opportunities for growth and connection.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
23
