Pollen

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Here is MPLS honoree Walter Cortina witnessed how young people were hit hard as a workforce, and that their age prevented them from accessing unemployment benefits. In response, Walter and his team built a campaign to expand unemployment benefits to eligible students. The successful legislative effort led to a new state law, and provided $33 million dollars to over 20,000 youth.

Walter sees that campaign now as a testament to the power of community, and as a challenge to adults to consider young people in their decisions. But he knows that young people shouldn’t rely on others to create the future they want to see.

“Youth are capable of massive change.” says Walter, “We don’t have to wait to begin creating change, or to make an impact, or be a part of society.”

His listening, caring and support has shaped the programming at Bridgemakers, the organization he co-founded. Bridgemakers offers mentoring, economic and career building opportunities to young people, in an effort to help them find the agency to shape the solutions they see fit for themselves.

WALTER CORTINA — Here is MPLS Walter CortinaStory By Cynthia J. Zapata & Art by Anh Tran In Mexico, the colibri, or hummingbird, represents that better times are nearing the horizon; they also symbolize that ancestors are near and protecting us. These winged creatures are diligent as they bring joy, protection, and luck into the...

KRSM - 98.9 FM is a low-power radio station with a high-powered vision: reflecting the stories, songs, and hopes of Southside Minneapolis’ diverse communities. KRSM hit the air in 2017 at 98.9 FM, and has been focused every day since on lifting the voices of community members who don’t often get their perspectives shared.

“The vibe is about having the heart and the passion, and wanting to really connect with people on air,” says station manager Andrea Pierre. “To tell a different story.”

This core value has led to a schedule that includes programming in six languages, Indigenous news broadcasts, and youth led shows. The station tagline “Radio for All” isn’t just a catchphrase — it’s a perspective that makes KRSM more than a resource for storytelling. It’s an activation point for engagement.

KRSM — Here is MPLS Story By Mair AllenArt by Genessis Lopez & Anh Tran  KRSM There’s nothing like driving down Lake Street on a hot summer day, windows rolled down, while the radio plays a deep-cut Anne Peebles track. Then, instead of a commercial break, you hear the voice of a local artist, like Ricardo Levins Mor...