KMOJ's Community Viewpoint

Housing First: KMOJ explores Housing Challenges and Opportunities, So Our Community Can Thrive – Hour 1
In this program KMOJ Host Freddie Bell shines a light on how housing challenges affect people in our communities. Homeownership is the pathway to true equality and prosperity. But racial covenants on property titles in the early 20th century created structural barriers to safe housing and wealth building. The program explores how these restrictions served as powerful obstacles for people of color seeking safe and affordable housing. And we look at what is now being done to mediate the effects of these historical inequities, and current efforts to create more affordable housing in the twin cities, as well as what is being done to end homelessness in our communities.

Show Notes

The program features: Daniel Bergin, a filmmaker and longtime producer with Twin Cities PBS, speaking about his film “Jim Crow of the North”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWQfDbbQv9E
Researchers from Mapping Prejudice speaking about their project which visualizing the hidden histories of race and privilege in the urban landscape. https://www.mappingprejudice.org/ 
We hear from Laronda Lake about her path out of homelessness. We hear from Lorrhonda Byrd, MHHA, Program Coordinator at The Link Minnesota. http://www.thelinkmn.org/
Neeraj Mehta, Director of Learning for the McKnight Foundation, shares key insights about housing policies and their impact on residents. And we hear from Seanne Thomas, with ABC REALTY, LLC, and the East Side Development Corporation.
KMOJ’s “Housing First” programming was made possible by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Culture Heritage Fund. 

What is KMOJ's Community Viewpoint?

“KMOJ’s Community Viewpoint” is a podcast series created by KMOJ-89.9 FM Radio “The People’s Station”. These conversations explore issues and perspectives critical to the health and well-being of all members of the communities of color we serve.
Since first going “on the air” in 1976, KMOJ-89.9-FM continues its legacy as the community-oriented station located in Minneapolis, Minnesota airing a predominantly urban adult contemporary format.
“KMOJ’s Community Viewpoint” is one way the station achieves its mission of engaging, supporting and empowering Communities of Color to elevate the way of life of the people of its community and to challenge social and economic disparities, and the persistent consequences of historic racism.
The station call letters, “KMOJ” were inspired by the Swahili word “UMOJA” which means “Unity.” http://kmojfm.com/