Today is the last day MPS teachers and ESP are voting on whether to authorize a strike over stalled contract negotiations. We will be covering the strike vote results, jointly announced in a press conference tomorrow morning with the St. Paul Federation of Teachers, who are also voting on whether to authorize a strike. Melissa Whitler wrote an article about the logistics of the strike authorization vote and specific asks in contract negotiations. Authorizing a strike would not immediately trigger a strike, just give the union authorization to do so if negotiations aren't successful.
Charlie, Andrew and I are stoked to begin our neighborhood listening tour in Stevens Square tomorrow. What is our neighborhood listening tour all about? I am glad you asked. It's a chance for us to connect with neighbors and small businesses. It's a chance for you to talk with us about what's going on in your neighborhood. We are a laid-back team with a dedication to uplifting the voices of each neighborhood so we want to learn more about why you love Stevens Square.
Here is our schedule for tomorrow:
10:30 a.m.: Community hours at Boiler Room
12 p.m.: Lunch at Tibet Kitchen
3 p.m.: A neighborhood walk, starting at Stevens Square Park
Outside of these times, text us at 612-204-2887 to see where we are at.
Next up on the tour: Whittier! Dates and locations announced soon.
"Outdoor Chance" premieres today. As a supporter of PBS and local music, I am excited to spread the word about TPT's new web series, Outdoor Chance, hosted by Chance York. Through the series, viewers learn about outdoor places, cultures and traditions of Minnesota. Experts of varying backgrounds and cultures guide York through activities ranging from urban farming to snowkiting. The series is an engaging look into how Minnesotans of all kinds relate to the outdoors in various ways. The first episode about snowkiting, where people literally fly into the sky, is up on YouTube on the PBS app. I used to see Chance York perform with Eric Mayson and other local artists and admire his talent and energy. TPT + Chance York = love.
LINK ROUNDUP 🔗
All Square, a grilled cheese spot in the Hiawatha neighborhood, reopened this week after temporarily closing to mourn the passing of All Square's manager, Randall Smith. All Square focuses on giving formally incarcerated people access to business, leadership, and legal resources. (Axois)
Read about the history of MLK Park. (Minneapolis Parks)
Believe it to not, it's time to register for adult spring sports with the Minneapolis Parks and Rec. Kickball, softball, the world is your oyster.
COMMUNITY ACTION 💪
The Minnesota Historical Society is looking for volunteers, and that includes students.
If you received free COVID tests from the government and don't need them, you can donate them to 612 MASH, which works to bridge the gaps between underserved communities and critical resources, or get in touch with Jim Bolton, who says he can pick them up from you in Southwest on Friday.
OUT & ABOUT 🛵
Tonight at Bryant Square Park, there is an ice skating and hot cocoa social hosted by Move Minnesota, a sustainable transportation organization.
Tonight, artist seangarrison talks with artist Seitu Jones about seangarrison's new exhibit "Abstracproseality: Visual Notations from Dark to Light," a collection of acrylic paintings and mixed media that document various aspects of the African American existence and experience. It's virtual and you can access tonight's talk here.
On Friday, Capri Theater is hosting the Black Joy concert, to honor Deshaun Hill, Jr. and raise money for his family. The concert is organized by Minnesota Teen Activists.
