Disruptive Narratives

Quincy, Hassan, and Dr. Lewis discuss the relationship between youth and the organizations that provide youth services, and opportunities to evolve and improve those relationships, processes, and systems. 

Hassan and Quincy reflect upon the impact that direct payments can have on young people experiencing homelessness and in need of support, including how things might have been different for each of them if direct payments had been available.  Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who are impacted by histories and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment, but do not...

Chaka Mkali reflects on finding and refining his own personal work and living his purpose. Plus, Chaka shares how he developed the stage name “I Self Devine.” Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who are impacted by histories and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment, but do not often have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radi...

Chaka Mkali discusses the role that art played in his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles, and how he came into his own as an artist in Minneapolis. Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who are impacted by histories and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment, but do not often have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radically...

Genesia Williams reflects upon the resistance to direct support, and offers perspective on the generational perception of “Black Excellence.” Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who are impacted by histories and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment, but do not often have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radically re-imaginin...

Genesia Williams, member of the Open Road Fund Advisory Committee, discusses the role of direct cash support in promoting Black community wealth, and the importance of Black creativity. Genesia reflects on her family’s life in Chicago, their migration to Minneapolis in pursuit of opportunity, and what it’s been like to realize that opportunity for herself. Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany L...

Ethrophic “E” Burnett details her efforts to protect and promote her children’s senses of value and identity while living in Chaska, and what brought her back to North Minneapolis. Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who are impacted by histories and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment, but do not often have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is...

Ethrophic “E” Burnett shares her family’s experience with public housing in Chicago and Minneapolis, misconceptions of life in the projects, and the cost of “opportunity” to Black families and communities. Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who are impacted by histories and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment, but do not often have a seat at the table and m...

“We have to share our stories to get the services that we need, but are we being heard?” Tiffany Roberson, member of the Advisory Council for Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force (MMAAWTF) shares the value of lived experience when providing social services, and touches on the ongoing fight for justice for her brother, Jamar Clark. Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Britta...

Tiffany Roberson, member of the Advisory Council for Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force (MMAAWTF), reflects on how her lived experience has informed her work on the Advisory Council and beyond. Tiffany highlights how people may find themselves at risk of grooming and trafficking, and challenges the assumptions that are made about survivors. Disruptive Narratives wit...

Lakeisha Lee, chair of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force (MMAAWTF), talks about how her life and career changed in the aftermath of her sister’s murder.  Lakeisha details the changes held in Minnesota’s Safe Harbor Law, the launch of Brittany’s Place, and the process and outcomes of the MMAAWTF.  Disruptive Narratives with Dr. Brittany Lewis highlights people who a...

Lakeisha Lee, chair of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force (MMAAWTF), shares the story of the disappearance and murder of her sister, Brittany Clardy. She reflects on the work that she and her family did to ensure her sister’s case was solved and prosecuted, and how law enforcement and the press were found wanting in this, and similar, situations. Disruptive Narrativ...

Disruptive Narratives highlight people impacted by history and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment but may not have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radically re-imagining a path forward but not necessarily a space for those who are unpersuaded by the need for a better world where Black futures matter. We are focused on sharing perspectives that are o...

Disruptive Narratives highlight people impacted by history and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment but may not have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radically re-imagining a path forward but not necessarily a space for those who are unpersuaded by the need for a better world where Black futures matter. We are focused on sharing perspectives that are o...

Disruptive Narratives highlight people impacted by history and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment but may not have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radically re-imagining a path forward but not necessarily a space for those who are unpersuaded by the need for a better world where Black futures matter. We are focused on sharing perspectives that are o...

Disruptive Narratives highlight people impacted by history and systemic processes of neglect and disinvestment but may not have a seat at the table and may not feel seen. This is space for people radically re-imagining a path forward but not necessarily a space for those who are unpersuaded by the need for a better world where Black futures matter. We are focused on sharing perspectives that are o...