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North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live is a daily, five-minute newscast that shines a spotlight on the stories and perspectives of Minnesota’s diverse communities, including Black, Latine, Asian American, East African individuals, people living with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ residents, laborers, veterans, and those from Greater Minnesota.
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HOST: You're listening to North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live, a daily newscast about what it means to live in Minnesota.
ANCHOR: In today's broadcast, a new cannabis safety campaign centers on young people in Minnesota. Then, a Twin Cities radio station announces a big milestone. And, a ceremony next month marking an important anniversary for Split Rock Lighthouse. I’m Gracie J.
A new campaign from the Minnesota Department of Health is urging young people under 25 to “Be Cannabis Aware.” The campaign educates youth about the risks of cannabis use, including reduced attention span, impaired memory, and dependence. Be Cannabis Aware combines science-based information with input from young people, offering families, educators, and communities tools to start open, judgment-free
conversations about cannabis. Learn more and find
downloadable resources at BeCannabisAware.org.
Next, AMPERS member station KMOJ announced the location of its new forever home in North Minneapolis. Katharine DeCelle was at the event and explains why the station is moving and the new opportunities that come with the move.
Freddie Bell: It’s a celebration of vision. It's resilience and a community that continues rising no matter what. If we can make it through covid and not miss one hour broadcasting, we can build this radio station.
Katharine DeCelle: That's KMOJ's General Manager Freddie Bell speaking at a special ceremony in North Minneapolis to celebrate the spot where KMOJ's new forever home building will go. The station is being forced to move locations due to construction of the blue line light rail.
Freddie Bell: It's a home for the voices that deserve to be heard, not marginalized. It's a hub for our community to grow, to connect and to thrive. It's all about broadcast excellence, and that's what we're trying to bring to you.
Nat Sound: Bringing unity to the community, 89.9, the People's station.
Senator Bobby Jo Champion: KMOJ was derived from the Swahili word umoja meaning “unity.” So the station was named Kuhmoja and you just broke it down and just say, KMOJ.
Katharine DeCelle: That Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, who says the state approved nearly $1 million to help KMOJ kick off its $17 million plan for their new North Minneapolis home.
Senator Bobby Jo Champion: KMOJ was vital for public service announcements, where and how to receive local resources to local agencies and churches. However, artists became instant neighborhood stars when they played over, aired on KMOJ.
Katharine DeCelle: Since 1976, KMOJ has been broadcasting news, information and helping to popularize local musicians from Prince to the Sounds of Blackness and more. Afternoon Drive Time host Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr.--
[sound element] Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr. (on air): FM 89.9 KMOJ. No doubt, ladies and gentlemen, got you on the afternoon drive and letting you know…
Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr.: It was 810 Fifth Avenue North, and that actually was two project housing houses that was connected together, and that's where the station was originated at physically.
Katharine DeCelle: The day's ceremony included an unveiling of blueprints of the new 10,000-square-foot building.
Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr.: It's quite amazing to see the layout and the plans of the structure of the building itself and the different spaces and purposes for each individual room.
Katharine DeCelle: Morning Show co-host Chantal SinGs.
Chantel SinGs: I love the fact that we are working towards making sure that we preserve something for the next generations to come. People that want to be in media in whatever way. It's not just going to be a radio station. It's going to be like a media center. So we'll have podcast spaces. We'll have spaces for people to come in and train.
Katharine DeCelle: KMOJ is working to have their new building operational by 2028, and say they're grateful for their listeners and the community support.
Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr.: I love every last one of you. If
nobody told you today, you are definitely loved. Walter “Q, Bear” Banks, Jr. on 89.9 KMOJ. Y'all keep it right where it's at, where the listening is definitely good.
Katharine DeCelle: For North Star Stories, I'm Katharine DeCelle.
ANCHOR: You are listening to North Star Stories.
We’re coming up on the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Split Rock Light House is hosting a memorial beacon lighting on November 10th to mark the anniversary. The ceremony honors the 29 crew members of the Edmund Fitzgerald and others lost on Lake Superior. The Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive cargo ship, sank on November 10, 1975, in
Lake Superior. The ceremony is free and open to the public, but you have to get tickets from the Minnesota Historical Society.
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HOST: North Star Stories is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, with support from the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. Online at ampers dot org.