The Berger Fountain, known as the dandelion fountain to most, was installed in 1975 by Benjamin Berger and has been a beloved neighborhood landmark in Loring Park and a favorite location for wedding photographers and children ever since. Ben Berger was a park board commissioner and, after seeing a dandelion fountain in Australia, fundraised to build a sister fountain right here in Minnesota.
Strive engages with the community in creating Black Joy Literary Clubs that empower voices from the Black community to rise above stereotypes, demographic disparities, and negative media portrayals. We provide a platform for communal work in taking control of the Black narrative and in educating with truth and lived experience. Joy comes from sharing authentic stories and power lies within the voices of everyday Black people to break down harmful stereotypes and strengthen our community.
Telling Queer History was founded to bring the hidden and undertold stories of queer people to light and to connect our community by fostering compassion, empathy, and healing through curated storytelling gatherings. Since its founding 9 years ago, TQH has recorded these gatherings. In this project, we will transcribe, catalog, and make public this rich collection of stories to share with a wider audience, including those unable to attend past programs and researchers.
