2/13/2012 MinneCulture

Five stories from our 10,000 Fresh Voices series:

1. The Givens Foundation
Produced by Will Wright
The Givens Foundation was established in 1972 to provide academic scholarships for black youth. In 1985, the Foundation collaborated with the University of Minnesota and philanthropic families to expand its mission, and shifted its focus to African American literature and culture.

2. Accessible Theater in the Twin Cities
Produced by Maria Almli
The Twin Cities is known for its vibrant theater scene, but did you know that Minnesota leads the nation in accessible theater? In 2010, more than 300 shows were staged that addressed accessibility issues--using actors, themes and adaptations, such as sign language, open captioning and sensory tours.

3. Outdoor Ice Skating in Minneapolis
Produced by Allison Herrera
The Minneapolis Park Board preps and maintains more outdoor urban ice-skating rinks per capita than other communities. KFAI’s Allison Herrera laced up her skates and hit the ice to file this story.

4. Filmmaker Mara Pelecis
Produced by MJ Gilmore
In 2011, Minnesota filmmaker Mara Pelecis produced a documentary entitled, “Souvenirs—Healing After War.” The film focuses on challenges faced by post-war veterans acclimating back into society, but for Mara, the project became deeply personal. KFAI producer MJ Gilmore spoke to Pelecis about how her journey into filmmaking became an opportunity to document family history and pay homage to her late father, Ivars Andrew Pelecis.

5. St. Paul's Urban Mennonite Community
Produced by Dan Greenwood
Mennonites, also called Anabaptists, are a pacifist religious sect that formed during the 16th century. To escape persecution, Mennonites fled Europe and formed colonies all over the world. Here in the United States and elsewhere, followers lived a largely rural life based on agriculture, simplicity and community. Today, more and more urban integration is taking place. KFAI producer Dan Greenwood visited a St. Paul-based Mennonite church and coffee shop, and discovered that the movement is changing rapidly with the times.