WEBVTT
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Hello, MACC Network. Welcome to the next installment of our MACC podcast mini-series,
00:00:12.569 --> 00:00:14.494
Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact,
00:00:14.802 --> 00:00:19.009
where we host brief but powerful conversations with our MACC members exploring
00:00:19.009 --> 00:00:23.126
different perspectives, identities, ideas, and voices from across our network.
00:00:23.585 --> 00:00:27.352
I'm your host for today's conversation, Clara Owen, MACC's Communications Director.
00:00:27.857 --> 00:00:31.834
Today, we're returning for a special conversation recognizing Juneteenth.
00:00:32.460 --> 00:00:35.973
Juneteenth is one of the longest-standing African-American celebrations,
00:00:36.582 --> 00:00:41.869
and commemorates the Emancipation of Enslaved People 161 years ago when Union soldiers
00:00:41.869 --> 00:00:46.639
arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years
00:00:46.639 --> 00:00:48.407
after it was officially issued.
00:00:49.255 --> 00:00:52.801
As we reflect on the legacy of freedom at the center of this holiday,
00:00:52.801 --> 00:00:56.341
we're talking with our MACC members about the ways they continue that legacy by
00:00:56.341 --> 00:01:01.125
cultivating and curating places where Black identity and culture are free to thrive.
00:01:01.729 --> 00:01:06.371
Today, I am here with Janeen Dednam-Wright from Phyllis Wheatley Community Center
00:01:06.371 --> 00:01:10.461
to highlight how Phyllis Wheatley is continuing to create places of refuge and
00:01:10.461 --> 00:01:14.714
resilience for Black identity to thrive through their powerful work in North Minneapolis.
00:01:15.179 --> 00:01:18.961
Janeen, can you introduce yourself, share your pronouns, and a little bit about
00:01:18.961 --> 00:01:20.206
your role here at Phyllis Wheatley?
00:01:20.554 --> 00:01:24.651
Yes, of course, Clara. Thank you so much. Hi, my name is Janeen Dednam-Wright.
00:01:24.651 --> 00:01:32.321
I use she, her, hers pronouns, and I serve at Phyllis Wheatley as the Director
00:01:32.321 --> 00:01:34.446
of MarCom and Development.
00:01:35.072 --> 00:01:38.486
We are so excited to talk to you. Thank you for joining us today.
00:01:38.881 --> 00:01:43.151
So Juneteenth is about the freedom that the holiday celebrates but also the
00:01:43.151 --> 00:01:46.125
legacies of resilience and community empowerment.
00:01:46.473 --> 00:01:49.991
Can you tell us just a little bit more about how that legacy comes through in
00:01:49.991 --> 00:01:51.332
your work here at Phyllis Wheatley?
00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:56.551
Absolutely. So for more than a hundred years Phyllis Wheatley has served as
00:01:56.551 --> 00:01:59.615
a trusted community anchor in North Minneapolis
00:02:00.009 --> 00:02:05.275
and our work reflects the spirit of Juneteenth through early childhood education,
00:02:05.402 --> 00:02:10.232
youth development, workforce readiness, family support services,
00:02:10.650 --> 00:02:15.178
digital equity, financial empowerment, and community connection.
00:02:15.933 --> 00:02:21.131
Here at Phyllis Wheatley, freedom is not only about emancipation from the past,
00:02:21.131 --> 00:02:25.830
but it is also about access to education, economic mobility,
00:02:26.213 --> 00:02:30.681
creating safe spaces for children and families, and opportunities that allow
00:02:30.681 --> 00:02:35.401
individuals and families to build the futures that they envision for themselves
00:02:35.401 --> 00:02:38.322
and their future children and grandchildren.
00:02:39.077 --> 00:02:43.881
Wow, that is incredible. So Phyllis Wheatley provides so many resources and
00:02:43.881 --> 00:02:47.935
such an incredible space for all of the neighborhood to come together.
00:02:48.681 --> 00:02:53.700
Can you talk just a little bit about how does having Black-centered spaces enrich the neighborhood?
00:02:54.893 --> 00:02:59.369
Yes. Having Black-centered spaces creates a sense of belonging,
00:02:59.613 --> 00:03:02.544
cultural affirmation, and community pride.
00:03:02.713 --> 00:03:06.672
Having this space and this ability to be amongst
00:03:07.072 --> 00:03:11.737
those that you respect, honor, and trust, it provides a place where people can
00:03:11.737 --> 00:03:16.727
see themselves reflected in the leadership, also in the programming,
00:03:16.727 --> 00:03:19.247
the traditions, and shared experiences.
00:03:19.247 --> 00:03:22.197
And they get to learn so many different things along the way.
00:03:22.517 --> 00:03:27.377
It's like the community is helping to build leadership within and confidence
00:03:27.377 --> 00:03:31.747
within children and families as they share these experiences.
00:03:31.747 --> 00:03:38.947
And it's a great way to thrive and to be very successful in all things that
00:03:38.947 --> 00:03:41.461
contribute to a successful person.
00:03:41.757 --> 00:03:45.957
It's incredible how much Phyllis Wheatley has worked to just carve out real
00:03:46.257 --> 00:03:49.717
safe, empowering space for your neighborhood. And you mentioned right at the
00:03:49.717 --> 00:03:54.486
start, Phyllis Wheatley's been working here in the neighborhood for over a hundred years.
00:03:54.835 --> 00:03:56.739
That is an incredibly long legacy.
00:03:57.437 --> 00:04:01.387
What does it mean for you to be able to continue this ongoing freedom work?
00:04:01.387 --> 00:04:04.637
What keeps you energized and encouraged? Oh, wow.
00:04:06.270 --> 00:04:12.316
I really thrive in collaborative environments, from working with community and
00:04:12.316 --> 00:04:18.246
working with individuals, whether it's in non-profit work or state government work.
00:04:18.246 --> 00:04:23.267
I do, as a person, personally for me, I thrive in collaborative environments.
00:04:23.616 --> 00:04:28.616
Lasting change does happen when all of these entities, non-profits,
00:04:28.616 --> 00:04:33.666
businesses, government agencies, philanthropic partners, and residents all come
00:04:33.666 --> 00:04:36.247
together with a shared vision for a community.
00:04:36.764 --> 00:04:41.182
And when you have those relationships and those partnerships all working together,
00:04:41.836 --> 00:04:47.796
we can expand different opportunities for many, and we can strengthen the communities
00:04:47.796 --> 00:04:53.278
for all, and we can create these systems that support equity and long-term success.
00:04:53.533 --> 00:04:56.749
It's to me a win-win where everybody wins.
00:04:57.214 --> 00:05:01.556
Absolutely. And speaking of collaboration, we'd like to take a little time before
00:05:01.556 --> 00:05:03.596
we wrap up this conversation to.
00:05:04.776 --> 00:05:08.466
Give you a chance to feature anything that's coming up for Phyllis Wheatley,
00:05:08.466 --> 00:05:12.796
places people could tap in, connect, get involved, or ways that your MACC network
00:05:12.796 --> 00:05:16.446
colleagues could show up or the community could show up and support you.
00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:20.544
Well, we have so many programs available for children, youth,
00:05:20.544 --> 00:05:27.144
and family, but the ones that I find fascinating are we are going to be in the
00:05:27.144 --> 00:05:29.054
fall having Girls Who Code.
00:05:29.054 --> 00:05:36.205
It's a program for young girls who want to express themselves through coding and STEM.
00:05:36.489 --> 00:05:41.144
And for me personally, that's one of the things when I was growing up,
00:05:42.084 --> 00:05:46.804
I was always the only one at the table, the only female or the only only woman
00:05:46.804 --> 00:05:52.124
of color or the only girl of color in science and math throughout my entire,
00:05:52.604 --> 00:05:56.231
educational career from high school and college.
00:05:56.492 --> 00:06:00.524
And so to see this happening here at Phyllis Wheatley brings me great joy.
00:06:00.864 --> 00:06:07.674
We also have a women's wealth building initiative to show women how to be empowered
00:06:07.674 --> 00:06:12.124
through financial independence and gain and learn different,
00:06:12.724 --> 00:06:18.784
things around their job or build a business or get education or,
00:06:19.776 --> 00:06:22.044
just to have financial freedom for them.
00:06:22.044 --> 00:06:26.904
And so that's one of the things that really excites me for women and girls.
00:06:27.664 --> 00:06:31.125
And then we have Digital Tech Academy for all young people.
00:06:32.424 --> 00:06:37.834
There's just so many things to, I mean like I could just talk for a half an
00:06:37.834 --> 00:06:41.804
hour about the different programming that happens here. But the cool thing about
00:06:41.804 --> 00:06:46.270
Phyllis Wheatley is that we are here in the community and we're servicing our community.
00:06:46.665 --> 00:06:54.074
And so many people have come through this community center and have thrived
00:06:54.074 --> 00:06:57.874
and are actually giving back. They're serving on our board of directors.
00:06:57.874 --> 00:06:59.544
They are serving in the community.
00:06:59.834 --> 00:07:03.704
And they want to see Phyllis Wheatley thrive for another 100 years.
00:07:03.704 --> 00:07:08.044
And so I'm excited about all of those things that happen in that respect.
00:07:08.044 --> 00:07:12.564
Wow, that's incredible. Yeah, thank you for sharing all of that.
00:07:13.912 --> 00:07:18.519
A really clear picture of why Phyllis Wheatley is such an incredible anchor for your community.
00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:22.419
And thank you so much for your conversation today. You're welcome.
00:07:22.419 --> 00:07:23.139
And thank you for having me.
00:00:07.406 --> 00:00:12.569
Hello, MACC Network. Welcome to the next installment of our MACC podcast mini-series,
00:00:12.569 --> 00:00:14.494
Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact,
00:00:14.802 --> 00:00:19.009
where we host brief but powerful conversations with our MACC members exploring
00:00:19.009 --> 00:00:23.126
different perspectives, identities, ideas, and voices from across our network.
00:00:23.585 --> 00:00:27.352
I'm your host for today's conversation, Clara Owen, MACC's Communications Director.
00:00:27.857 --> 00:00:31.834
Today, we're returning for a special conversation recognizing Juneteenth.
00:00:32.460 --> 00:00:35.973
Juneteenth is one of the longest-standing African-American celebrations,
00:00:36.582 --> 00:00:41.869
and commemorates the Emancipation of Enslaved People 161 years ago when Union soldiers
00:00:41.869 --> 00:00:46.639
arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years
00:00:46.639 --> 00:00:48.407
after it was officially issued.
00:00:49.255 --> 00:00:52.801
As we reflect on the legacy of freedom at the center of this holiday,
00:00:52.801 --> 00:00:56.341
we're talking with our MACC members about the ways they continue that legacy by
00:00:56.341 --> 00:01:01.125
cultivating and curating places where Black identity and culture are free to thrive.
00:01:01.729 --> 00:01:06.371
Today, I am here with Janeen Dednam-Wright from Phyllis Wheatley Community Center
00:01:06.371 --> 00:01:10.461
to highlight how Phyllis Wheatley is continuing to create places of refuge and
00:01:10.461 --> 00:01:14.714
resilience for Black identity to thrive through their powerful work in North Minneapolis.
00:01:15.179 --> 00:01:18.961
Janeen, can you introduce yourself, share your pronouns, and a little bit about
00:01:18.961 --> 00:01:20.206
your role here at Phyllis Wheatley?
00:01:20.554 --> 00:01:24.651
Yes, of course, Clara. Thank you so much. Hi, my name is Janeen Dednam-Wright.
00:01:24.651 --> 00:01:32.321
I use she, her, hers pronouns, and I serve at Phyllis Wheatley as the Director
00:01:32.321 --> 00:01:34.446
of MarCom and Development.
00:01:35.072 --> 00:01:38.486
We are so excited to talk to you. Thank you for joining us today.
00:01:38.881 --> 00:01:43.151
So Juneteenth is about the freedom that the holiday celebrates but also the
00:01:43.151 --> 00:01:46.125
legacies of resilience and community empowerment.
00:01:46.473 --> 00:01:49.991
Can you tell us just a little bit more about how that legacy comes through in
00:01:49.991 --> 00:01:51.332
your work here at Phyllis Wheatley?
00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:56.551
Absolutely. So for more than a hundred years Phyllis Wheatley has served as
00:01:56.551 --> 00:01:59.615
a trusted community anchor in North Minneapolis
00:02:00.009 --> 00:02:05.275
and our work reflects the spirit of Juneteenth through early childhood education,
00:02:05.402 --> 00:02:10.232
youth development, workforce readiness, family support services,
00:02:10.650 --> 00:02:15.178
digital equity, financial empowerment, and community connection.
00:02:15.933 --> 00:02:21.131
Here at Phyllis Wheatley, freedom is not only about emancipation from the past,
00:02:21.131 --> 00:02:25.830
but it is also about access to education, economic mobility,
00:02:26.213 --> 00:02:30.681
creating safe spaces for children and families, and opportunities that allow
00:02:30.681 --> 00:02:35.401
individuals and families to build the futures that they envision for themselves
00:02:35.401 --> 00:02:38.322
and their future children and grandchildren.
00:02:39.077 --> 00:02:43.881
Wow, that is incredible. So Phyllis Wheatley provides so many resources and
00:02:43.881 --> 00:02:47.935
such an incredible space for all of the neighborhood to come together.
00:02:48.681 --> 00:02:53.700
Can you talk just a little bit about how does having Black-centered spaces enrich the neighborhood?
00:02:54.893 --> 00:02:59.369
Yes. Having Black-centered spaces creates a sense of belonging,
00:02:59.613 --> 00:03:02.544
cultural affirmation, and community pride.
00:03:02.713 --> 00:03:06.672
Having this space and this ability to be amongst
00:03:07.072 --> 00:03:11.737
those that you respect, honor, and trust, it provides a place where people can
00:03:11.737 --> 00:03:16.727
see themselves reflected in the leadership, also in the programming,
00:03:16.727 --> 00:03:19.247
the traditions, and shared experiences.
00:03:19.247 --> 00:03:22.197
And they get to learn so many different things along the way.
00:03:22.517 --> 00:03:27.377
It's like the community is helping to build leadership within and confidence
00:03:27.377 --> 00:03:31.747
within children and families as they share these experiences.
00:03:31.747 --> 00:03:38.947
And it's a great way to thrive and to be very successful in all things that
00:03:38.947 --> 00:03:41.461
contribute to a successful person.
00:03:41.757 --> 00:03:45.957
It's incredible how much Phyllis Wheatley has worked to just carve out real
00:03:46.257 --> 00:03:49.717
safe, empowering space for your neighborhood. And you mentioned right at the
00:03:49.717 --> 00:03:54.486
start, Phyllis Wheatley's been working here in the neighborhood for over a hundred years.
00:03:54.835 --> 00:03:56.739
That is an incredibly long legacy.
00:03:57.437 --> 00:04:01.387
What does it mean for you to be able to continue this ongoing freedom work?
00:04:01.387 --> 00:04:04.637
What keeps you energized and encouraged? Oh, wow.
00:04:06.270 --> 00:04:12.316
I really thrive in collaborative environments, from working with community and
00:04:12.316 --> 00:04:18.246
working with individuals, whether it's in non-profit work or state government work.
00:04:18.246 --> 00:04:23.267
I do, as a person, personally for me, I thrive in collaborative environments.
00:04:23.616 --> 00:04:28.616
Lasting change does happen when all of these entities, non-profits,
00:04:28.616 --> 00:04:33.666
businesses, government agencies, philanthropic partners, and residents all come
00:04:33.666 --> 00:04:36.247
together with a shared vision for a community.
00:04:36.764 --> 00:04:41.182
And when you have those relationships and those partnerships all working together,
00:04:41.836 --> 00:04:47.796
we can expand different opportunities for many, and we can strengthen the communities
00:04:47.796 --> 00:04:53.278
for all, and we can create these systems that support equity and long-term success.
00:04:53.533 --> 00:04:56.749
It's to me a win-win where everybody wins.
00:04:57.214 --> 00:05:01.556
Absolutely. And speaking of collaboration, we'd like to take a little time before
00:05:01.556 --> 00:05:03.596
we wrap up this conversation to.
00:05:04.776 --> 00:05:08.466
Give you a chance to feature anything that's coming up for Phyllis Wheatley,
00:05:08.466 --> 00:05:12.796
places people could tap in, connect, get involved, or ways that your MACC network
00:05:12.796 --> 00:05:16.446
colleagues could show up or the community could show up and support you.
00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:20.544
Well, we have so many programs available for children, youth,
00:05:20.544 --> 00:05:27.144
and family, but the ones that I find fascinating are we are going to be in the
00:05:27.144 --> 00:05:29.054
fall having Girls Who Code.
00:05:29.054 --> 00:05:36.205
It's a program for young girls who want to express themselves through coding and STEM.
00:05:36.489 --> 00:05:41.144
And for me personally, that's one of the things when I was growing up,
00:05:42.084 --> 00:05:46.804
I was always the only one at the table, the only female or the only only woman
00:05:46.804 --> 00:05:52.124
of color or the only girl of color in science and math throughout my entire,
00:05:52.604 --> 00:05:56.231
educational career from high school and college.
00:05:56.492 --> 00:06:00.524
And so to see this happening here at Phyllis Wheatley brings me great joy.
00:06:00.864 --> 00:06:07.674
We also have a women's wealth building initiative to show women how to be empowered
00:06:07.674 --> 00:06:12.124
through financial independence and gain and learn different,
00:06:12.724 --> 00:06:18.784
things around their job or build a business or get education or,
00:06:19.776 --> 00:06:22.044
just to have financial freedom for them.
00:06:22.044 --> 00:06:26.904
And so that's one of the things that really excites me for women and girls.
00:06:27.664 --> 00:06:31.125
And then we have Digital Tech Academy for all young people.
00:06:32.424 --> 00:06:37.834
There's just so many things to, I mean like I could just talk for a half an
00:06:37.834 --> 00:06:41.804
hour about the different programming that happens here. But the cool thing about
00:06:41.804 --> 00:06:46.270
Phyllis Wheatley is that we are here in the community and we're servicing our community.
00:06:46.665 --> 00:06:54.074
And so many people have come through this community center and have thrived
00:06:54.074 --> 00:06:57.874
and are actually giving back. They're serving on our board of directors.
00:06:57.874 --> 00:06:59.544
They are serving in the community.
00:06:59.834 --> 00:07:03.704
And they want to see Phyllis Wheatley thrive for another 100 years.
00:07:03.704 --> 00:07:08.044
And so I'm excited about all of those things that happen in that respect.
00:07:08.044 --> 00:07:12.564
Wow, that's incredible. Yeah, thank you for sharing all of that.
00:07:13.912 --> 00:07:18.519
A really clear picture of why Phyllis Wheatley is such an incredible anchor for your community.
00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:22.419
And thank you so much for your conversation today. You're welcome.
00:07:22.419 --> 00:07:23.139
And thank you for having me.
