from news release
CentraCare recently launched 1,000 Conversations, a new podcast series that explores community, culture, race, identity and belonging in an effort to build a more inclusive Central Minnesota. The podcast is produced and distributed by CentraCare in collaboration with consulting partner, Center for Economic Inclusion.
Data shows Minnesota has some of the nation’s worst disparities for Black, Indigenous, Latinx and Asian residents and communities. Since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Minnesota has become the center and catalyst for racial justice, systems change and necessary conversations around race. While there has been much focus on the role of law enforcement in perpetuating racism and harm to communities of color, CentraCare took the opportunity to expand the conversation to look more deeply at diversity, equity and inclusion across all sectors. This urgency has been felt by CentraCare and is an extension of its commitment to care.
“As a healing organization committed to listening and serving our community, we asked ourselves how we can help our patients and communities heal from the injuries caused by racism and lack of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Anthony Gardner, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at CentraCare and host of 1,000 Conversations. “Through the podcast, we aim to deepen understanding of the lived experiences of residents of color who are living and/or working in Central Minnesota, build bridges, inspire commitments to individual change and spark honest conversations about race, relationships and belonging.”
There are a total of six episodes in the series, featuring community members and leaders from different regions of Central Minnesota, starting in St. Cloud, and venturing out to Monticello, Willmar, Long Prairie, Sauk Centre and Redwood Falls. Join us as we spotlight the tremendous work being done in these communities and the people who help make it possible by partnering for positive change.
“Episode 1: From India and Ghana to St. Cloud: Journeys of Service, Community and Hope for Positive Change” features Dr. Sangeeta Jha, sociology, anthropology, gerontology and women’s studies professor at St. Cloud Technical Community College, and Emmanuel Oppong, community engagement director in the mayor’s office for the City of St. Cloud, both of whom have committed their life’s work to building community partnerships that engage and celebrate individuals and entire communities that have experienced inequity in our society. Both guests have compelling stories and unique insights on what it means to be an immigrant in Minnesota.
Episodes in the series will be released every two weeks:
- Episode 2 – Monticello: Thursday, March 14
- Episode 3 – Willmar: Thursday, March 28
- Episode 4 – Long Prairie: Thursday, April 11
- Episode 5 – Sauk Centre/Long Prairie: Thursday, April 25
- Episode 6 – Redwood Falls: Thursday, May 9
It’s easy for DEI concepts to feel theoretical. Our aim is to make them real.
To access the podcast, visit https://1kconvos.org.
