Cultivating Seeds of Hope
Minneapolis College is hosting an in-person gathering to focus attention and participation on its commitment toward justice in equity and inclusion.
Thursday, May 6, 2021 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Meet at the Library Courtyard area facing Hennepin Avenue:
- 11:30 a.m. - Opening remarks
by Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim Diversity Officer Patrick Troup - 12 p.m. - Group photo
- 12:20 p.m. - Performance by the Minneapolis College Choir
Members of the Minneapolis College community have been meeting periodically over the past month in a shared virtual space to express feelings, worries and other emotions surrounding the trial of Derek Chauvin.
This Remembering, Recentering, Reimagining: Justice for George Floyd series is hosted by the College’s Equity and Inclusion Division. “We are creating an opportunity for staff, faculty and students to participate in mindfulness activities, discussion and opportunities to reflect on reinterpreting justice,” said Division Director Nanette Missaghi. “This event is more significant and necessary in the wake of the tragic death of Daunte Wright. In holding this space, we honor the memory of those we have lost as we advance our goals of equity and inclusion.”
This series culminates with the Cultivating Seeds of Hope gathering in the Library Courtyard facing Hennepin Avenue. It is a follow-up to last year’s July 17 Community Unity Vigil.
“Together with our students, staff, faculty and neighboring partners, we will affirm our unified commitment to our Equity Statement,” said President Pierce, who noted participants will receive wildflower seeds and be encouraged to take them home to plant. Pierce continued, “by engaging in the hopeful act of planting seeds, we signify we are change agents for renewal in our beloved city. In adherence with physical distancing guidelines, we will arrange ourselves in the shape of a heart to illustrate our MLK Day theme of ‘Upholding Beloved Community.’ ”
According to Charles Watson, Program Coordinator of African American Empowerment, participants will also receive a guide to four key locations of living history in Minneapolis, to go and reflect on the struggle for Justice, Change, Equity and Hope.
"The seeds of hope are a symbolic source of illumination, representing Minneapolis College as a beacon of city light hope in the struggle for love, justice and anti-racism,” stated Watson.
Health Assessment Requirement
Any student, employee or visitor (including contractors and/or vendors) who plans to enter any facility as part of the Minneapolis College campus, must complete and pass the COVID-19 Self-Assessment on the Minneapolis College website prior to arriving on campus. Click on the “Take the Health Assessment” box.
Even though you have completed the health assessment off-site, you will need to show proof of the approval “Green Screen” upon your arrival on campus. Additionally, there are kiosks on campus to complete the health assessment once you arrive. Everyone must enter campus through the Hennepin Avenue skyway. In the skyway, you will find the “AskMe” desk. This is where a Minneapolis College employee will verify your “Green Screen.”