Stories & Narratives of Lake Street

Kay recruited 10 youth for the project since September. Participants started through a formal orientation with a "Lake Street Hxtstories" project handbook designed by Kay to include the purpose/intent of project, timelines, staff detail and stipend process.

As programming launched, youth began learning history of Lake Street through documentaries. Kay identified the need for building public speaking skills and verbal communication development for the youth to feel comfortable and confident in the project. She began to plan activities to "plug-in" to existing community and Waite House events that felt safe and management for the youth. At Waite House's Harvest dinner this fall, youth practiced public speaking skills on the microphone and PA system by leading introductions and games. In October, the students worked within an Alebrijes folk-art project with a cohort of youth, parents and elders working with artist Gustavo Boada. The finished Alebrijes went on a bike parade of Lake Street, starting at Waite House and ending at Midtown Global Market. The Alebrijes cohort engaged youth to supportive adults, connected them deeply to community and built their networks.

In November and December, youth visited small businesses on Lake Street, participated in Dia De Los Muertos, reviewed different Lake Street businesses, practiced photography, and did a scavenger hunt in Midtown Global Market. Through activities, youth connected with elders and met with Council Member Jason Chavez, interviewing Jason, his team and other community members at neighborhood events.

They started reading "Old History Manual", to learn oral history practice, reading one chapter each week. Kay taught them how to highlight and look up unknown vocabulary.
In December, we began purchasing the equipment, and they youth began to be trained on it.

In January, the youth began recording the Driver's Licence for All campaign at the Capitol with Minnesota Immigrant Movement. They interviewed people in the movement and documented their stories to practice their oral history skills.

The youth also began practicing interviewing Waite House staff (until the weather warms up) to practice and get comfortable with communication/interviewing skills. The youth also presented on oral history "meaning" to the high school group "FANS Scholars" to share what they learned about oral histories. They presented collages and vision boards to demonstrate their learning.

They also started to plan "who" they want to interview for Lake Street Hxtories.

Finally, they attended a lesson on learning ethics around oral history and storytelling. They hosted a local storyteller to share stories and process the ethics around how we can share others' stories. ; -12 youth were trained in Public + Oral Hxstory practices. We originally imagined 2-4 hours per week, but the project was so engaging, that students were involved in up to 10 hours per week. We felt like we hit this outcome based on the intensity, quality and skills demonstrated in the project for the 11 youth.

-12 youth were trained in using Ipads and other tech equipment and applications to record and document.

-100% of participating youth (12 out of 12) self-reported a sense of pride based on the efforts they have contributed to the project.

-100% of participating youth will identify one of the following: a trusted adult/mentor who supported them through the project and/or transferable academic and technical skills.

-A minimum of ten unique documents and a collaborative documentary film will be deposited in Hennepin History Museum.

-Over 50 individuals attended the documentary film screening and share-out celebration

-Over 320 individuals learned about untold hxstories of Lake Street and heard about advocacy priorities shared out by the youth leaders