ACLU-MN Organizer Paul Sullivan spent a day this fall at "Our Voices Restored," an event in Bemidji co-hosted by the ACLU-MN, the Regional Native Defense Public Corporation and representatives from Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth. Here is behind-the-scenes look at what being an organizer entails.
8:20 am
Already up grabbing coffee with the ACLU-MN team this Saturday morning. Next stop: Bemidji's Sanford Center, where we're gonna set up for the event with organizers from the Red Lake Nation and Regional Native Defense Public Corporation!
10:30 am
Doors in 10! All but one of the community resource tables are set up, & KOJB 09.1 is arranging tables in the lobby to broadcast interviews live from the event. Sound check is also underway for today’s performers (Corey Medina & Brothers, Nataani Means, and Maria Isa).
11:15 am
15 minutes late, but we’re finally getting started with the programming! I’m super excited for how many people have already turned up as I go make copies of the run of show for the sound team. All the organizers are in go mode, welcoming community leaders & putting out fires.
11:35 am
There’s a line for the door prize raffle at least 5 people deep – to enter, we are having people text three friends & remind them to vote. Prizes include beadwork jewelry, a birchbark votive canoe, a Nintendo Switch, & a signed Napheesa Collier jersey!
11:40 am
The first round of breakout sessions has started, with topics ranging from ICWA, to parenting, to the criminal legal system, to finding housing & employment. It’s so powerful to see community members engage in this conference-style format – learning by & for the people
2:00 pm
Breakouts have wrapped up! Now we’re moving on to our performers & community speakers. Up first we have hand drumming by Brendan Strong & music by Frog Pemberton, plus remarks from RNPDC Executive Director James Hughes & White Earth Council Representative Eugene Summers
4:15 pm
After fantastic performances by Corey Medina & Nataani Means, Maria Isa is taking the stage. Isa is a hip-hop artist & Minnesota House Representative, opening with a powerful freestyle on the shared anti-colonial struggle between Indigenous Minnesotans and Puerto Rico
5:00 pm
That’s a wrap! So grateful for all the organizations, performers, & community members that made today a success. We’ll be back in Bemidji on Election Day to GOTV with the fantastic volunteers who signed up today. Time to celebrate!