fy24 annual report - Flipbook - Page 3
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Letter from
Kevin Lindsey, CEO
As our 2024 fiscal year ends, sobering reports are being issued suggesting that more
Americans are losing trust in government and losing trust with each other. Fortunately,
such reports also find that Americans still believe that these trends can be reversed.
In thinking about this moment in time, I'm reminded of a quote from the famous legal
jurist, Learned Hand, who noted,
Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even
do much to help it. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it
is right; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the minds
of other men and women; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs their
interests alongside its own without bias.
As a non-partisan organization whose mission is to spark positive change
by increasing collective understanding of ourselves, our communities, and
our histories through stories and experiences – it feels that the work of the
Minnesota Humanities Center has never been more important.
This past year, we worked hard to ensure that we created opportunities for
Minnesotans to have time and space to authentically hear and value one another.
Our strength comes from our ability to work together for the common good and
listen to our better angels.
During this past year, I really appreciated the willingness of people to share their
stories and experiences with their fellow Minnesotans. These brave acts of vulnerability
are the antidote to us feeling disconnected and uncertain as to our capacity to solve
the problems before us.
As we proceed into 2025, I hope that you and more Minnesotans will participate in
MHC events to listen to others, share their views, and be open to new ways of thinking
and being in the world.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
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