1-16-26 Derek Francis, educator, film producer, and author, talks with Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings about Minnesota’s school integration history and his children’s book Our First Bus Ride

Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings speak with educator, film producer, and author Derek Francis about Minnesota’s often-overlooked school integration story. Francis discusses his new children’s book, Our First Bus Ride, which commemorates the 55th anniversary of Minneapolis’ Hale–Field elementary school integration and is told through the eyes of two second graders experiencing change for the first time. He explains how the book and his film Separate Not Equal: Minnesota Integration Story make complex history accessible for young readers, families, and educators. The conversation also highlights upcoming community events, conversations with integration alumni, and the ongoing importance of building inclusive, culturally responsive schools today. 

What is KMOJCast?

Select programming from KMOJ's airwaves and community voices. 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/