Narrative Change
Our Stories. Our Truths.
NARRATIVE CHANGE AND RACIAL HEALING ARE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF CREATING RACIAL EQUITY.
Storytelling is how we make sense of the world around us. We can’t get to a just and equitable world until our collective narrative fairly and wholly represents each and everyone one of our communities.
Art in This Present Moment
During challenging times, artists are at the forefront of expressing a community's response and demanding change. Through Art in This Present Moment, we are providing financial support to artists who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
New Narrative Project
The New Narrative Project was a campaign designed by and for African-American males ages 11 to 32 in Saint Paul and the surrounding metro area. The project focused on history through the lens of Gordon Parks, racial healing and affirmation, and the creation of new narratives about black males. This project was a partnership between High School for Recording Arts, Individuals with Dreams, Irreducible Grace Foundation, SoulTouch Productions, Youth Lens 360 and was managed by Creative Catalysts.
Truth and Transformation: Changing Racial Narratives in Media
Because news media is an amplifier of existing narratives, we have supported Truth and Transformation: Changing Racial Narratives in Media. This partnership aimed to change problematic racial narratives by helping Minnesota news professionals uncover their own biases and assumptions and amplify community solutions to narrative change. Minnesota Public Radio, KMOJ/98.8 Radio, the Minnesota Humanities Center, Hamline University, Pillsbury United Communities and ThreeSixty Journalism partnered to create a two-day statewide news media training in March 2019.
“ Narrative change and racial healing are critical components of creating racial equity.”
Eric Jolly, Ph.D., president & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Narrative Change Work
in the News
#GIANarrativeChange Twitter Chat – Grantmakers in the Arts
Changing the narrative: A necessary part of the journey toward advocating for equity by Vice President of Operations and Learning Nadege Souvenir – Pollen Midwest
Minnesota's largest community foundation helps give former inmates a second chance – Star Tribune
Survey: Minnesota media pros say industry has a problem with racial bias – MPR News
Blog Posts About Narrative Change
Continuing Collaboration in 2024
Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is working with community partners and welcoming new staff in this video.
Hear from Dr. Jolly
Operationalizing Equity
Chief Operating Officer Nadege Souvenir discusses how the Foundation weaves equity into everything we do.
Learn More
Fall Updates from the Foundation
Learn how the Foundation is taking action to partner with and support Minnesota communities.
Hear from Dr. Jolly
2023 Facing Race Award Recipients Named
The Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Facing Race Awards. A program celebrating the honorees will air October 12.
Read the News