MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (08/7/2023) — On Aug 28, the Twin Cities community will come together to honor the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.

Press photos and communications kit can be found here.

College of Liberal Arts, Northrop, and VocalEssence Present

Let Freedom Ring: The 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Mon, Aug 28, 6:30 pm

Carlson Family Stage, Northrop

Free Event, Registration Required

Let Freedom Ring, a free celebration presented by the College of Liberal Arts, Northrop, and VocalEssence, starts with a commemorative procession down Northrop Mall at the University of Minnesota, followed by a concert on Northrop’s Carlson Family Stage. All are welcome to join. The concert, curated by G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate artistic director of VocalEssence, will feature dynamic artists who will activate memories of the Civil Rights era, inspiring us to stand in solidarity as we renew our commitment to do the work required to secure liberty and justice for all. Among the featured artists are:

• Jovonta Patton: As a five-time #1 chart-topping Billboard recording artist, Jovonta Patton's uplifting and accessible "pop-gospel" music has captured the hearts of many.
• Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora: Blending old school and new school hip hop, R&B, funk, and soul, Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora will present a soul-stirring performance that tells stories of struggle, resilience, and celebration.
• Threads Dance Project: A contemporary ballet company that seeks to celebrate and explore the threads that unite humanity, Threads Dance Project will use dance as a powerful medium to create dialogue, acceptance, and understanding.
• Phillip Shoultz, III: No stranger to using the power of spoken word and song to inspire communities, G. Phillip Shoultz, III fosters unity and action among people of all ages and abilities.

The event will kick off at 5:30 pm with a commemorative procession down Northrop Mall, culminating with remarks from the steps of Northrop. The procession will be led by a group of community elders, including some who attended the March on Washington, community leaders who have been engaged in efforts to expand civil rights within the Twin Cities community, as well as student, faculty and staff leaders from the University community. At 6:00 pm, the audience will be seated for the Let Freedom Ring concert. Local resource tables from several organizations, including Sweet Potato Comfort Pie and the University’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program will be available for exploration during this time.

Admission to the Let Freedom Ring concert is free, but reservations are required. Attendees can reserve their tickets online or by calling the Northrop Box Office at 612-624-2345 to secure their spot for this unforgettable evening of celebration and remembrance.

This event is made possible by the collaborative efforts of the UMN College of Liberal Arts, Northrop, and VocalEssence. The concert is the signature event of CLA’s Dream Initiative, which encourages Twin Cities organizations and communities to engage in activities that commemorate, reflect upon, educate, and amplify shared social justice goals.

Let Freedom Ring is a not-to-be-missed event that promises to inspire, uplift, and ignite our collective passion for justice and equality. All are welcome to attend on Aug 28 at Carlson Family Stage, Northrop, to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Tessa Eagan

Director of Marketing & Communications, College of Liberal Arts

[email protected]

Amanda Timmer

Director of Marketing and Communications, VocalEssence

[email protected]

UPDATED 8-14-23:

The “Let Freedom Ring” Commemoration is Presented by

CO-HOSTING PARTNERS

University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, Northrop, and VocalEssence

Extending our gratitude to all who have supported this event

ARTISTIC PRODUCTION PARTNERS

TigerLion Arts, Juxtaposition Arts

ORGANIZATIONAL SPONSORS

General Mills, The Givens Foundation for African American Literature, Medtronic, The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Public Radio, Smaby Family Foundation, University of Minnesota Foundation, and the University of Minnesota

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

Robert H Bruininks & Susan A Hagstrum, Louis & Alissa Clark, John Coleman & Laura Leitch, and Michael Perry

About College of Liberal Arts

For more than 150 years, the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) has played a central and enduring role in shaping lives, for the good of Minnesota and the world. CLA is the largest college in the University of Minnesota system with nearly 500 world-class faculty instructing more than 12,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students. CLA is home to 31 academic departments and 20+ interdisciplinary research centers in the arts, social sciences, and humanities. Learn more at cla.umn.edu.

About Northrop

Situated at the heart of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and a state historic landmark, Northrop has served as the University’s primary gathering place for the performing arts, world-renowned dance performances, concerts, academic ceremonies, and major civic events for nearly 100 years. From touring international and favorite local dance companies, musicians, and film screenings to the hottest comedy acts, renowned speakers, celebrated authors, and prestigious UMN lectures, Northrop offers opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and engage.

About VocalEssence

VocalEssence, the choral organization Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones says “sings magnificently,” provides opportunities that draw upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the impact of choral music. VocalEssence was founded in 1969 and through its performance series has debuted more than 300 commissions and world premieres. VocalEssence Learning & Engagement programs help people of all ages bridge, create, and learn across cultures by connecting them with renowned choral experts to provide exceptional role models, grow community self-esteem, self-expression, and engagement. For more information, visit www.vocalessence.org.

MWMO Awards Six New Planning Grants

Grant Funding will Support Clean Water and Habitat Project Planning

(PDF Version) (Web Version)

MINNEAPOLIS — The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is pleased to announce that it has awarded six new Planning Grants to support community-led efforts to protect water quality and habitat.

Planning Grants help organizations plan, design, and prepare for future stormwater and habitat projects. They are part of the MWMO’s Stewardship Fund Grant program, which supports public efforts to manage stormwater, control pollution, and improve water quality and habitat.

“It’s inspiring to see so many community groups taking the initiative to be good stewards of the watershed,” said MWMO Executive Director Kevin Reich. “The MWMO is pleased to provide grant funding to help move these projects through the planning phase.”

The six projects are described below. Grant funding is awarded through a competitive process. More information is available at mwmo.org.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park

MWMO Funding: $19,990
Grantee: Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association

The project will develop a Natural Resources Management Plan for 6.09 acres of riverfront natural area in the St. Anthony Main area of Minneapolis. The landscape is currently dominated by invasive species and susceptible to erosion, which is a barrier to human recreation. The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA) will collaborate with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) to develop the plan. Additionally, MHNA will engage Indigenous community members to ensure that the plan is developed in a way that honors the significance of the site and incorporates Indigenous restoration practices and understanding.

Partner: Friends of the Mississippi River

Other Awardees:

Cardinal Housing Cooperative

MWMO Funding: $20,000
Grantee: Windom Park Citizens In Action

The Cardinal Housing Cooperative is developing plans for a six-unit multifamily residential building, utilizing the support of their neighborhood organization, the Windom Park Citizens In Action (WPCIA). They plan to use MWMO grant funding to incorporate green stormwater infrastructure on the property. They are interested in exploring options around rainwater capture, storage, permeable pavers, and planting areas of native vegetation. This grant will partially fund concept plans, engineering and architecture consulting work.

Partners: Cardinal Housing Cooperative

Dar Al-Qalam Cultural Center

MWMO Funding: $20,000
Grantee: Dar Al-Qalam Cultural Center

The Dar Al-Qalam mosque wants to create a recreation and learning center adjacent to their existing building. Their potential building site currently has flooding issues that impact the mosque and its parking lot. The project would explore opportunities to turn these lands into a programable outdoor space and living laboratory, with areas of native vegetation and conversion to habitat, as well as features to capture and treat stormwater. The grant funds will aid in the exploration of stormwater management and habitat options for the site, as well as soil testing.

Partners: TBD

Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church

MWMO Funding: $8,000
Grantee: Gustavus Adolphus Church

Gustavus Adolphus Church has a large parking lot that needs repair. The church will use its Planning Grant funds to explore possibilities for eco-friendly stormwater management options, including permeable pavers, stormwater capture systems, the addition of green space. The church seeks to inspire and encourage water stewardship in the community, and they have an opportunity to showcase what is possible for eco-friendly development at a busy, visible intersection in the heart of the Audubon Neighborhood.

Partners: Rani Engineering

Midway Contemporary Arts

MWMO Funding: $20,000
Grantee: Midway Contemporary Arts

Local nonprofit Midway Contemporary Arts will explore opportunities for incorporating eco-friendly stormwater management at their new, soon-to-be redesigned building in Northeast Minneapolis. Specifically, they plan to use green stormwater infrastructure to manage runoff from the building’s roof and parking lot. Two green roofs are also planned. The close proximity to the river and the public visibility offer an excellent opportunity to educate visitors about water quality and environmental stewardship.

Partners: Aloha Landscaping; b+; Meyer Borgman Johnson; Pierce Pini + Associates; Snow Kreilich

St. Boniface Church

MWMO Funding: $20,000
Grantee: St. Boniface Catholic Church Stormwater Redirection and Green Space Development

St. Boniface Catholic Church will create a stormwater management plan to address drainage issues in its parking lot. The plan will focus on increasing the amount of community green spaces and native plants. The project will also include a public education campaign that can reach their large community. The church hosts the weekly Northeast Farmers Market during the summer months and intends to design a more inviting space for market vendors and shoppers, and to educate visitors about water, the environment, and urban stormwater management.

Partners: Sorden Design; NE Farmers Market

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Media Contact

Nick Busse, Communications Principal
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
Direct: 612-746-4974 [email protected]

About the MWMO

The MWMO is a public organization that partners to protect and improve water and habitat in our urban watershed. We invest in people and infrastructure to support clean water, and provide knowledge, scientific data and expertise to help manage our vital water resources. mwmo.org

METRO E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station design is currently underway and Metro Transit wants to hear from riders and station neighbors about preliminary design plans. There are a few ways you can get involved:

• Review plans on an interactive map and provide feedback here.  Provide your comments by June 26.
• Take a look at an overview of the E line project as well as E line stations.

Popular riverside park reopens after full renovation project

Father Hennepin Bluff Park reopened today, Thursday, June 15! A major renovation project built a new performance stage and attached bathroom building, completely redone paths and park entry plazas, and upgraded lighting, landscaping and stormwater management.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board sincerely appreciates everyone's patience while these upgrades were constructed over the last year, especially during the last two months when fencing remained in place to allow freshly planted grass and landscaping beds to establish before crowds return to the park.

The chain link fencing was removed today and people are encouraged to enjoy the renovated park. Temporary orange fencing remains in place to protect new plants, grass and garden beds. Do not go in areas that remain fenced off.

Ribbon Cutting Event on July 11

A celebration is planned to commemorate the completion of these exciting new park amenities and upgrades on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 6:45 pm! Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board representatives will give brief remarks and host a ceremonial ribbon cutting before the first Music in the Parks concert on the new stage. Local R&B artist Barlow will perform, followed by a special movie outdoor movie screening of "The Upside" from the Twin Cities Black Film Festival.

Study complete

About this study

MnDOT has completed their evaluation of I-35W between Park Ave. in Minneapolis and Co. Rd. C in Roseville in 2023.

The purpose of the I-35W North Gateway study was to develop a long-term solution for all people who use this stretch of freeway, whether they travel by vehicle, haul freight, or cross the highway on foot or by bicycle. The study evaluated the condition of bridges, pavement and interchanges, as well as congestion along the route. Also included in the study was input from nearby communities on their needs related to transportation and safety. The goal of the study was to identify transportation opportunities along the freeway to implement in the future.

Study conclusion

Through an extensive technical analysis, it became apparent that several of the key metrics needed to be re-evaluated post COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of continuing with the study process, the project team decided to document the current work in a report. The report will be used to inform future area projects, though nothing has been scheduled for construction at this time.

The final report includes the results of the project team’s technical analysis and what was learned through the public engagement process. To receive a copy of the study report, please email.

What comes next

MnDOT is actively planning improvement projects in and near the I-35W study area. When projects are identified, future project teams will use the study report to guide their planning and development.

Anticipated upcoming projects that will build on the I-35W North Gateway study include:

• Studying long-range Hwy 36 improvements in Roseville, Little Canada and Maplewood for people traveling by vehicle or hauling freight, as well as those crossing the highway on foot or by bicycle
• Increasing the functionality of University Ave. and SE 4th St. from Central Ave. to I-35W
• Reconstructing all bridges within the I-35W North Gateway study limits by 2040. This includes redesigning the space for vehicles and people walking and bicycling to provide consistently safe and comfortable crossings of I-35W
  • University Ave. and SE 4th St. over I-35W in Minneapolis will be the first bridges to be reconstructed

Click here, or image below to learn more about our board approved MHNA proposal to improve lighting in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood:

New restrooms are open, fencing scheduled to come down in June, concerts return July 11

Father Hennepin Bluff Park is on track to fully reopen in June after a major renovation project. 

The new restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is open, along with a new drinking fountain and water dish for dogs. Park Forestry staff will remove storm-damaged tree branches in the park as soon as spring tree planting is finished.

New grass that was seeded throughout the park this spring still needs more time to establish before fencing can come down and the park can fully reopen, likely sometime in June. Please stay off these areas and respect signage and fencing. An update will be sent as soon as an opening date is decided.

Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Parks returns to Father Hennepin on July 11 with a 7 pm concert from local R&B artist Barlow followed by a special movie screening from the Twin Cities Black Film Festival. Free weekly concerts will take place on the new stage next to Stone Arch Bridge throughout July and August. Use the link below to view the lineup.

Father Hennepin Bluff Music in the Parks Schedule

Project Details

This Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project includes:

• A new performance stage with seasonal restrooms
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

The improvements are focused on the upper part of the park, not the lower paths closer to the Mississippi River.