This month’s edition of the Welcoming Community newsletter explores the topic of historical equity. Within the context of belonging and inclusion, historical equity acknowledges that power imbalances play a role in shaping how history is told in communities, schools, and even our families. The historical narrative is often centered around the perspectives and experiences of the majority population. Even when individuals from non-dominant groups have experienced the same event, they may see the intent, motivations, and outcomes from a very different view because of their experiences.
The diverse perspectives and contributions of marginalized groups have often been excluded from our historical narrative. When we only hear one part of the story, we miss out on a fuller understanding of the richness and complexity of the past. Recognition of the inequitable telling of history can help organizations and community members support inclusive historical narratives that represent the perspectives and contributions of diverse groups. Historical equity is a topic community members can explore to engage in difficult conversations that support diversity and inclusion to further equity throughout the Northland.
Further welcoming efforts around historical equity might include:
- Centering the use of primary sources (first-hand accounts) in telling histories.
- Encouraging the preservation and telling of stories of diverse groups, including oral histories.
- Supporting the telling of historical events from multiple perspectives to provide a more complete picture.
Considering the relationship between inclusion and the history shared through community storytelling is essential to equity across the Northland. Visit the Resources to Explore section to learn more about some current initiatives and stories around historical equity in the Northland.
“Won’t it be wonderful when Black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.” –Maya Angelou
Continued Learning
The goal of the Welcoming Community program is to provide continued opportunities for learning and connection related to
topics relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our region. In our monthly emails, we highlight a specific equity topic and provide resources related to the monthly theme.
The theme for the month of September is Historical Equity. When exploring the learnings in the Resources to Explore section, we ask that you consider the following question:
“In terms of historical equity in northeast Minnesota, where have we come from, where are we now, and what steps do we need to take to reach an equitable future?”
Resources to Explore
Open Access Government: The importance of inclusion when studying history
University of Minnesota: Duluth African American Oral History Project (UMD)
Minnesota Historical Society: The Vermilion Lake People: Vermilion Lake Bois Forte Oral History Project
National Endowment for the Arts: Telling American History through a Native Lens
Edutopia: A History in Which We Can All See Ourselves
National Park Service: Historic Places and the Diversity Deficit in Heritage Conservation
Education Week: How History Class Divides Us
Urban Institute Housing Matters: Localities Can Advance Racial Equity through Historic Preservation
Public History Weekly: Sounding the Silences: History, Revision and Inclusion
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Join Us for the 4th Annual Equity Summit, October 1st!
Register today for the 4th Annual Equity Summit on October 1, 2024, at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia, Minnesota! With this year’s theme of “Inclusion in Action”, the event will offer a full day of interactive learning opportunities and meaningful conversations about building inclusive communities.
All are welcome to attend the Equity Summit, including residents, newcomers, professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in fostering inclusion and belonging throughout the Northland. The event features engaging speakers, interactive breakout sessions, small-group discussions in a Lyceum format, experiential workshops with practical tools for creating inclusive spaces, and more! A networking lunch will be served, along with refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Check out the full agenda for the 4th Annual Equity Summit here.
Hosted by Northspan’s Welcoming Community program, the Annual Equity Summit is a yearly opportunity to engage around themes related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and forge a more inclusive future in northeast Minnesota. Last year’s Equity Summit drew over 180 attendees and featured more than 20 presenters. Based on participants’ feedback, this year’s event has been designed with even more opportunities for interactive engagement. We look forward to making the 4th Annual Equity Summit our most impactful yet!
Please contact Northspan Consultant and Welcoming Community Program Manager Amber Lewis at alewis@northspan.org with any questions or for more information.
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Welcoming in the News
- Duluth News Tribune: Indigenous leaders share wild-rice harvesting traditions
- Northern News Now: Holding On To History: Old church turned museum may hold tangible history in its walls
- Star Tribune: Ojibwe ‘Star Wars’ features Minnesota speakers
- WDIO: Celebrating love and inclusion at the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival
- Grand Rapids Herald-Review: Public school boards have heart
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Welcoming Events Across the Northland
Many initiatives are ongoing to support Welcoming across northeast Minnesota. Listed below are some in-person and digital opportunities to explore and participate in!
2nd Annual Women in Leadership Conference
September 30, 2024, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
Welcoming Community’s 4th Annual Equity Summit:
Inclusion in Action
October 1, 2024, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia, MN
Learn more here
Traditional Ojibwe Family Life Cultural Teachings
October 2, 2024, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
Cloquet Area Rural MN Community Safety Project Workshop
“Safe Together: Empowering Peaceful Responses”
October 3, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Cloquet, MN
Learn more here
Cook County Area Rural MN Community Safety Project Workshop
“Safe Together: Empowering Peaceful Responses”
October 4, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, MN
Learn more here
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Invite a Friend
If you know others in your community who are interested in participating with Welcoming Community programming, please share this post so they can learn more & Click Here to join our email list.
Contact Northspan’s Welcoming Community Program Coordinator Amber Lewis at alewis@northspan.org with any questions.