The City of Minneapolis is proud to launch "Minneapolis Your Story,” a partnership with independent non-profit StoryCorps Studios that will create an archive of community-centered stories focused on racial healing. The initiative aims to move the Minneapolis community toward a future grounded in racial equity and justice by harnessing the power of conversations to heal racial divisions. 

"Change begins with a conversation. When we listen to one another and hear our shared stories, we find the common ground that connects us all," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "Our city’s path to healing is ongoing and StoryCorps is part of that arch to our story.” 

“In Minneapolis, one of the most powerful tools in our collective journey toward racial healing is storytelling. Storytelling allows individuals to recognize the common threads that bind us all together in this fight for racial justice,” said Prince Corbett, Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. “Diverse communities are encouraged to share their personal experiences, providing opportunities for deep empathy and understanding. Through these stories, we gain insight into the lived realities of others, breaking down barriers and fostering compassion. It is through this process of sharing that we can truly begin to heal and move toward reconciliation.  

Through May, people will be able to record their perspectives in their own words and archive them as part of this special partnership. The community archive will include stories about the history of racial discrimination and injustice in Minneapolis, George Floyd’s murder, the civil unrest that followed, and the ongoing efforts to reform the Minneapolis Police Department.  

Following the collection of interviews, the City of Minneapolis will host a community listening session with residents and community leaders to hear selected recordings. By capturing these voices, the City of Minneapolis aims to provide healing and empowerment while informing its racial equity work. 

Share your story now through May 31:   

• Record and upload your own story online through May 31, 2025. 

• The StoryCorps mobile booth will be in Minneapolis, May 13-22, 2025, to record a curated selection of interviews with community members. 

• Find out more and upload your story at www.minneapolismn.gov/your-story. 

"At StoryCorps, our mission is to help people believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all—one story at a time. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with the City of Minneapolis to invite the entire community to share their perspectives and contribute to this special collection,” said Caitlin Moses Bowser, Managing Director, StoryCorps Studios + Strategic Partnerships. “By surfacing unheard voices and adding nuance to the narrative, we hope to create a lasting archive of stories that connect people, foster understanding, and help bridge divides.” 

“It’s not just about capturing history; it’s about creating a collective narrative of healing, perseverance and belonging,” said Michele Jackson, Deputy Director of the City of Minneapolis’ Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Department. “Together, we will create a platform for healing, for connection, and for future generations to understand who we were and who are becoming.”  

Everyone who participates in a StoryCorps interview can access a recording of their story and with permission, their interview is preserved in the national StoryCorps archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The stories may also be featured at one of a number of additional partners such as the National Museum of African American History & Culture. 

The City of Minneapolis is committed to developing policies, practices and strategic investments to reverse racial disparity trends, eliminate institutional racism and ensure that outcomes and opportunities for all people are no longer based on race. 

You can find more and upload your story at www.minneapolismn.gov/your-story.   

About StoryCorps 

Founded in 2003, StoryCorps is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all, one story at a time. Over 700,000 people, in all 50 states, have recorded interviews about their lives through StoryCorps. The award-winning organization preserves the recordings in its archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered, and shares select stories with the public through StoryCorps’ podcast, radio broadcasts, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books.