- Event Details
- Speakers
Let’s Imagine Something Better
06.01.2021
10:30am-12pm Central
Zoom
So many of the stories about us and our communities are harmful—steeped in the toxicity of white supremacy, concentrated power, and deferred justice. Pollen seeks out and elevates a different kind of story: those that help us imagine, and work toward, a better future for our region. Together, stories like these can help dismantle harmful narratives, and reveal a path toward a more equitable, vibrant Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The nation’s eyes are on the Twin Cities. The choices we make as a region could resonate in communities far beyond ours. What narrative will emerge from 2021? What future will we imagine, what stories about that future will we share, and what is required of us as individuals to realize that future?
It can feel difficult to balance shorter-term, personal growth with the longer-term, community transformation that will lead to systemic change. Mitra Jalali, Neeraj Mehta, and Chavah Gabrielle have conceptions of progress that are profoundly caring and don’t shy away from hard conversations and accountability. As we work to turn ideals into reality, we must continually reground ourselves in community, connection, and imagination to build the best possible future for everyone.
Join us on June 1 for a community conversation as we collectively imagine an idealized future for Minneapolis and St. Paul and examine the pathways and obstacles to realizing that future. This moment for our region, and the transformational change that we know is possible, demands much from us as individuals and as a community. We’ve designed this virtual event to provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, soul-building skills, and human connections that will unlock your capacity for courage and action.
Tickets are $15. We are also offering a pay-what-you-can ticket option.
SPEAKERS
Councilmember Mitra Jalali | City of Saint Paul
Neeraj Mehta | Director of Learning, McKnight Foundation
Chavah Gabrielle | 2nd Youth Poet Laureate of St. Paul
Moderated by Jerome Rankine, Pollen
SCHEDULE
Welcome & Performance 10:30am
Panel discussion 10:45am
Small group conversations 11:30am
ACCESSIBILITY
Live captioning is available, and ASL interpreters are available upon request. When registering, please let us know what you need to fully experience the event.
SPECIAL THANKS
Pollen’s events programming is presented by the Bush Foundation with additional support provided by US Bank, Software for Good, Hiring Revolution, Eide Bailly, CliftonLarsonAllen, and Clockwork.
lllustrations by Pollen Art & Talent Director Mónica Nadal.