AmericaTV.me - Diverse Cultures One Humanity

There are three major outcomes to date: video specific, participants and a valuable DEI resource.

Video Specific
This is a very diverse group of participants in the video from many cultural groups in Minnesota sharing a common tradition - enjoying State Fair traditions, such as Sweet Martha's Cookies.

The video project was completed and uploaded to YouTube and then promoted via social media. There were 419 views of the video with 9.398 impressions and 19.4 hours of viewing time. In addition there were over 3500 impression on two LinkedIn posts. It was also posted on Facebook and Twitter.

The Minnesota State Fair has offered to promote the video in their newsletter that goes out 6000+ contacts and to promote any social media tweets that I send out on the video.

Two versions of the video was produced - an 18 minute version and a 3 minute version.

Participants

This was a very diverse group of participants. Families and participants were from Native American, Hmong, Somali, Oromo/Ethiopia, Latino, African American, White and Asian communities. Three youth reporters were also involved. Some participants visited the Fair for the first time and were thrilled to participate in State Fair traditions.

DEI Resource
This video can be a very valuable DEI resource that helps people see the common bond of humanity that connects us all together; The project was completed with a focus on two activities - each focusing on illustrating as well as celebrating how our diverse communities in Minnesota share a common humanity. Many Traditions Common Humanity focused of diverse Minnesotans enjoying the Minnesota State Fair; Let's Break Bread - focused on building community through cultural breads.

Many Traditions Common Humanity - This was produced in partnership with the Minnesota State Fair, Oromia 11 and Community and Co Lifestyles. African American, African Immigrant, Latino, Asian and White and Native American families and youth were videotaped enjoying common State Fair traditions such as - Eating Sweet Martha's Cookies, visiting the animal birth center, going on rides, eating State Fair Food, visiting the International Bazaar and the world murals. Two videos were produced - one an 18+ minute video and the other a 3 + minute video on the theme. Th video was produced over a few days at the State Fair. Majority of the tickets were offered free by he State Fair to participants and additional ones were purchased. In addition each participant/family received a small stipend to cover parking and other costs.

Outcomes

Participants - A big impact of he project was the benefit to the participants themselves. For one family it was the first time they could attend the fair and for the children especially they were such enthusiasm and excitement at the end of the day. They also enjoyed viewing the video seeing other diverse families enjoying the traditions of the fair.
Youth Reporters - Three young people helped interview a Hmong Family at the Fair. This was a great experience for them to learn the art of interviewing. One of the youth returned for the second project - Let's Break Bread and was actively involved in the production of the videos of the event.
Content: The content was well received by the audiences viewing the videos. The diversity of people featured in the video was very significant to help communicate the core theme - Many Cultures Common Traditions.
Cost - The project kept costs at the minimum because the partners especially Oromia 11 offered services at very low cost compared to hiring a videographer. Community and Co Lifestyles offered services and minimal cost because they believed in the vision of the project.
Reach - The video on Youtube received 500+ views. The posting on LinkedIn received 1775 impresssions. The State Fair featured the video in their recent newsletter. The success of the video project has resulted in the State Fair offering a booth to feature Cultural Destinations in Minnesota in 2023 as another way to celebrate diversity at the State Fair. The video will be showed across the 12 days of the Fair with a potential reach of a million plus people.
Message - the message of the video was easily received because people could see illustrations of the theme very vividly.
Innovation - This was a community led low cost high value project. People participated because they valued the concept - Many Cultures. Common Traditions and wanted to show Minnesota our common humanity.

Let's Break Bread - Building Community through Cultural Breads
The purpose of this series was to illustrate another common characteristics of our humanity - bread. In this series diverse people were invited to sample cultural breads as a conversation starter that would lead to building deeper relationships. Three events were held each attended by around 18 people. At Pizza Karma in Eden Prairie, people were introduced to bread from India - Naan. The owner explained how the bread was made and demonstrated the baking of the bread in the traditional tandoori ovens. Then participants got to sample Naan Pizza and engage in conversation. The meeting closed with each one sharing their experience and offering their insights. At Krewe, in Saint Joseph Minnesota, participants met Chefs Mate and Erin and got to sample their traditional African American inspired Bread Pudding and other rolls. At Agelgil restaurant, people got to sample East African Injera bread and guests included a local community council leaders and African immigrant leaders they were seeking to build relationships.
Outcomes

Participants - There was very high energy at each of these events with members wanting to participate in future events.
Youth Reporters - One of the youth reporters from the State Fair project helped with the video production and also served a role as leader and facilitator at one of the events.
Content: The content of the meetings have high value as participants realized the power of "breaking bread" especially around cultural breads which had a deeper resonance.
Cost - The project costs were kept low - primarily the cost of the bread and drink with other costs absorbed by the owners of the restaurant and myself. Community and Co Lifestyles offered services at a lower cost because they believed in the power of the project. Restaurant owners also participated because they aligned with the power of the idea.
Reach - The videos have not yet been released to the public. I anticipate a lot of positive reaction. The project was mentioned in the legislature by the Chair of the Legacy Committee as an example of Legacy Fund supported projects. The videos will be featured across 12 days of the State Fair with a potential reach of over a million people.
Message - the message of the video was easily received because people could see illustrations of the theme very vividly.
Innovation - The innovation of this project was a focus on cultural bread as a way to build community especially in our currently polarized world.