The Bright Futures Audio Postcards project is a visual and audio representation of Saint Paul’s People’s Prosperity Guaranteed Income Pilot Program. The Bright Futures physical postcards have a QR code with a link to a produced audio story of one of the current participants in the People's Prosperity Pilot, describing why the program worked for their family. 

In this story, you'll hear from "Samantha and Max", a married couple in Saint Paul, Minnesota with 4 young children who are participants in the program. You'll hear how this innovative program has changed the lives of this family.

The City of Saint Paul launched the People’s Prosperity Guaranteed Income Pilot program, providing up to 150 Saint Paul families $500 in income for up to 18 months. Springboard for the Arts has also launched a Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot program to go alongside the City’s pilot – supporting 25 artists, culture bearers, and creative workers in Saint Paul also with $500 a month in guaranteed income for 18 months. This exciting and innovative public-private collaboration gives us an opportunity to create a new narrative for guaranteed income, and how this can contribute to healthy, stable, and vibrant neighborhoods.

A guaranteed income is a monthly, cash payment given directly to individuals. It is unconditional, with no strings attached and no work requirements. A guaranteed income is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net and can be a tool for racial and gender equity.

Bright Futures Audio Postcards are in coffee shops, libraries and public spaces throughout Saint Paul for people to pick up. The goal is having the public listen to the participant's story and fill out the postcard and send. 

The Bright Futures Audio Postcards are funded by Springboard For The Arts. Springboard for the Arts organized a cohort of 5 artists to create public projects that demonstrate the root causes that lead to the need for guaranteed income, and the impact of guaranteed income on the families and communities that are supported by it. Look for public projects and opportunities to connect winter of 2021-2022.

Bright Futures

In the 1920s, Rondo, Saint Paul’s largest African American neighborhood, was flourishing. With music, theater, African American newspapers, and businesses booming, the community was thriving. Rondo was an integrated neighborhood through Jim Crow, it was a close knit neighborhood with upper, middle, and working class Black families. There was even interracial marrying and dating. The integrated nature of Rondo attracted many Black families from the south. Rondo felt safe to many families.

This thriving community began to falter in September of 1956, when construction of Interstate 94 tore through the Rondo community. This construction was a part of a national effort from the U.S government to break up Black communities. Rondo homeowners resisted the construction, and protests began. Residents were forcefully removed from their homes. Thousands of Rondo homeowners were displaced. Homes and successful businesses were demolished, and a community was torn apart. The construction of 94 shattered homes, businesses, and families. It did not shatter Rondo’s spirit.

Rondo continues to be a resilient community.

This audio documentary was produced by youth producers Indigo Davitt-Liu and Jacy Landi, with mentorship from Katharine DeCelle and Listen Up Youth Radio. Original music created by Jevrye Morris. 

This project is a partnership between Saint Paul Almanac, SPNN and WFNU Frogtown Community Radio. More information available at https://saintpaulalmanac.org/projects/rooted-in-rondo/

Rooted in Rondo: a youth produced audio documentary

The story you are about to hear is a story of determination. It’s a story of hope. It’s the story of seeking the truth. This is how protests and community organizing led to a 1.3 million dollar settlement and exposed a massive cover-up from the Saint Paul police department.

In this audio documentary, you will hear the history of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, the importance of protesting, and the fight for justice for victims like Marcus Golden and George Floyd. We explore the troubling case of Marcus Golden, who was killed by police in 2015, and the subsequent investigation that revealed numerous inconsistencies and possible cover-ups by the Saint Paul Police Department. 

Despite the challenges faced, the community's unwavering determination led to a $1.3 million settlement for Golden's family. We examine the lawsuit filed by the Golden family, the evidence that Marcus was shot in the back of the head by officers without justification, and the challenges faced in holding the police accountable. 

We also discuss the Communities United Against Police Brutality's Reinvestigation Work Group's efforts to review police deadly force cases and find disparities in the conventional narrative, in order to disseminate the authentic narrative to families, attorneys, media, and the community. Join us as we delve into the power of protest, the fight for justice, and the importance of holding police accountable for their actions.

This story was produced by Katey DeCelle for Uptake News.

Uncovering Truth- The Fight for Justice for Marcus Golden and the Power of Protest

In a celebration of creativity, vulnerability and community, the Black Youth Healing Arts Center in St Paul hosted the Love Is Power event on November 28th, 2023, bringing together youth and adults for an evening of expression, engagement and healing.

Love Is Power was organized by Mizz Mercedez, a community engagement manager from the Victoria Theater Arts Center. Her aim was to create a safe space for children amid the chaos, violence and conflicts in the world today.

The event provided a safe space for individuals of all ages to explore their emotions and unleash their creativity through crafts, music and various activities, including a drum circle with musician and storyteller Tearra Oso, performances by local rapper and activist Lewiee Blaze, and performances by Communication, a local St Paul Youth Choir. 

Listen in to hear Mizz Mercedez's vision for Love Is Power, musical performances by Commusication Choir and rapper Lewiee Blaze and interviews with youth attendees. Join us on this journey to unfold the transformative power of love.

Learn more about Mizz Mercedez and future events at: https://mizzmercedez.com/

Love is Power: a youth healing event from Mizz Mercedez

Listen in to WFNU Frogtown Community Radio's interview from the cast and crew of the musical "Go Down, Moses".

We get an exciting glimpse behind the scenes of "Go Down, Moses" – a captivating play soon to be a film, portraying the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman. Playwright and director Bob Hindel, along with Emilia Godinez handling publicity, share insights into the creative process.

We also hear from the talented cast from the Lundstrum Performing Arts Center, including Jada Stumon as Harriet Tubman, DiShae Sanders as Harriet's mother Ritt and choreographer, and Azirah Sanders as Alice Brickler. These accomplished actors, singers, and dancers discuss their experiences and we hear the beautiful songs that enrich the production.

More info is available at https://harriettubmansoul.com/

The "Go Down, Moses" cast and crew on WFNU Frogtown Radio

Get ready to vibe with the future of Twin Cities hip-hop on WFNU Frogtown Radio! 

We're bringing you an exclusive interview with the young, fresh talent hitting the stage at the Saint Paul GetDown. We're diving deep with the artists, talking about what drives their sound, the stories behind their tracks, and how they're repping their city.

This isn't just an interview—it's a sneak peek into the beats, bars, and breakdancing that's going to set Harriet Island on fire this Friday, August 16. From 4 to 10 PM, we're all about the music, the moves, and the culture that makes Saint Paul a hub for hip-hop. 

Tune in, turn it up, and get down with us as we explore what makes these artists the real deal. Don’t miss it!

Frogtown Radio got down with the GetDown crew!

In this episode of So Saint Paul, host Katey DeCelle sits down with Sonia Gass, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties (CAP-RW), to discuss the essential services they offer to people living in poverty—from rent and energy assistance to financial literacy and Head Start programs for children. 

Later, Fellicia Smith, Communications Specialist with Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP), joins the conversation to highlight how Minnesota’s 23 CAP programs are supporting families statewide with resources like car payment assistance and savings programs. Tune in to learn how these organizations are making a difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community!

CAP Programs Helping Minnesotans

The 24th annual Peace Celebration was held on September 19th, 2020 in Saint Paul, with Host T. Mychael Rambo, guest speakers Melvin Carter Jr., Russel Balenger, Rena Moran, dancers, musicians, entertainers and many more. We Present to you the 24th Annual Peace Celebration!

24th Annual Peace Celebration!

Our words have the power to change lives. Sounds Powerful knows how important recording the spoken word is.  Recording audio stories lets us capture a moment, an idea, a celebration, a revolution to be listened to and re-lived by many, for years to come.

From recording stories at your grandmother's 80th birthday party, to editing and marketing your podcast to recording and editing your your graduation speech, Sounds Powerful is here for all your audio needs. 

You create the content, we create the podcasting magic.

Visit us at www.soundspowerful.com for more info and rates. 
Your voice is powerful. let it be heard.

Sounds Powerful Productions

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