Ground Level

Bridging the Latino-white divide

Minnesota's growing Latino population has been around long enough to put down roots, grow businesses and go through school, sometimes for generations.

But have white people and Latinos as communities made the connections that let them do more than live side by side in many towns around the state?

That's a question Ground Level decided to explore as University of Minnesota Extension researchers launched a project to identify just how integrated leadership in some Minnesota towns has become. The picture we found is mixed, but a number of Minnesotans have forged ways to make valuable connections across ethnic lines.

Living side by side, looking to connect

Living side by side, looking to connect

Luisa Trapero is a rarity, an elected Latino official in outstate Minnesota. She'd like to help other Latinos take steps to bridge gaps between Latino and white cultures that often exist side by side.
 Language 'No. 1' in bridging Melrose divide

Language 'No. 1' in bridging Melrose divide

If a handful of people crossing the cultural divide make a big difference in a community, Peggy Stokman in Melrose is one of them.
 It's happening. But we're still in diapers

"It's happening. But we're still in diapers"

Venezuelan native Windy Roberts uses language to bring two cultures together in the western Minnesota university town of Morris, where a large dairy operation draws skilled veterinarians from Mexico.
 Young immigrant's journey leads to permission to stay

Immigrant's journey leads to permission to stay

St. James resident Irma Marquez this month became one of the earliest Latinos in the nation to received deferred status allowing her legally to stay in the United States for two years and to find work.
Northfield program shrinks Latino achievement gap

Northfield shrinks Latino achievement gap

High school senior Jhosi Martinez is making college plans, something that 10 years ago wouldn't have been likely in her hometown of Northfield, Minn.
Cultures intertwine in Long Prairie's community garden

Cultures intertwine in Long Prairie

Jaime Villalaz and Lyle Danielson didn't know each other until they started working on a community garden that is helping Latino residents build a farmers cooperative and bridge the racial gap.
 U of M extension research: First connect, then lead

U of M extension: First connect, then lead

University of Minnesota Extension research is delving into how leadership shifts in towns with substantial Latino populations.
Research

U of M extension: Connect first, then lead

University of Minnesota Extension research is delving into how leadership shifts in towns with substantial Latino populations.

from the Ground Level Blog

Latinos and whites:
Getting beyond parallel play?

We asked members of MPR News' Public Insight Network to tell us about places Latinos and whites make connections. Here's what we heard, from the YMCA to church to the bakery.

Latino community growth 1980-2010
Latino communities

MAP: Latino communities

The 17 largest outstate Latino communities

Ground Level Video

An immigrant's journey
leading to permission to stay

St. James resident Irma Marquez this month became one of the earliest Latinos in the nation to received deferred status allowing her legally to stay in the United States for two years and to find work. Read her story here ▶

Ground Level Video

Worthington bakery builds community

Kerry and Juan Cuate opened a Mexican bakery, Panaderia Mi Tierra, in downtown Worthington, Minn. The bakery now caters to the larger community, bringing the diverse population together.

From the PIN

Responses from the PIN How immigration law change might affect your community

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