MPR: Crookston & North Minneapols: A Rural, Urban Conversation

Crookston/Lucille's Kitchen: A Rural, Urban Conversation
An MPR Civic Journalism Initiative
January-April 1999

Conversations | Community Comparison | Related Links

Brandt Williams, Insight News

During the gubernatorial election of 1998, Minnesota Public Radio, the Star Tribune, and KTCA-TV were partners in the Minnesota Citizens' Forum. Via teleconferencing, people from around the state developed questions to ask the candidates. During a teleconference session on economic issues, the people in Crookston and the people at Lucille's Kitchen in north Minneapolis realized they had a lot more to talk about.

MPR, the Star Tribune, and KMOJ-radio and Insight News, both black media outlets serving Minneapolis, have partnered to make these conversations possible. Four conversations took place.

Katherine Lanpher, Co-host

February 9
In the first conversation, some of the participants questioned whether what works (or doesn't) for people in Crookston applies to the residents of north Minneapolis.
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March 2
In the second conversation, residents in Minneapolis and Crookston explored some of the feelings that came to light during the February meeting. This show is titled "What You Thought You Said Isn't What I Heard"
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March 23
With suburbs getting more political power at the State House, the third in our series looks at what rural and inner-city residents can do to be sure their interests are represented at the Capitol.
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April 20
In the concluding conversation, we focus on education and youth. What are our similarities? How can we ensure all students receive a complete and proper education.
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Related Links:
Insight News
KMOJ Radio
KTCA Television
Minnesota Rural Partners
MPR Civic Journalism Initiative

Community Comparison:	Crookston	North Minneapolis
Total Population:	8119	63648
Avg. Per Capita Income:	$10,300	$10,070
% Unemployed:	8.3	11
% Percent Below Poverty Line	13.9	25

About the Citizens' Forum

The Minnesota Citizens' Forum is a collaboration between MPR, The Star Tribune, and KTCA-TV to bring citizens together to discuss current events and community issues. Crookston/Lucille's Kitchen: The Political Realities is a joint effort between The Minnesota Citizens' Forum and the established Insight/KMOJ Public Policy Forum to elevate this dual community discussion to a statewide audience.

The Insight/KMOJ Public Policy Forum at Lucille's began in 1996, as a chance for members of the community to bring their issues and concerns to the editorial staff of Insight News. Conversations, held over plates of eggs and grits, provided Insight writers with feedback, story ideas and valuable connections. Since its inception The Forum has consistently connected the community with politicians and pundits, scholars and spiritual leaders, activists and artists.

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