After George Floyd, Twin Cities Groups Fight Inequality
Joseph P. Williams
Frustrated by life in Kansas City, her hometown, LaDonna Funderburke decided to migrate from Kansas north to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. It was a logical choice: The area has a reputation for progressive politics, healthy lifestyles and a thriving cultural scene.
"Where I'm from, people are pretty much forthright about how they see your place as a Black person," says Funderburke, 53.
It didn't take long, however, for her to realize the good life in the Twin Cities was harder to achieve if you're African American. Racially tinged microaggressions – subtle insults cloaked by "Minnesota Nice'' politeness – jacked up Funderburke's stress levels and eroded her confidence.