Minneapolis is gearing up for the Community Connections Conference this Saturday, February 17, with a packed lineup that promises a blend of cultural performances and critical dialogue. The Minneapolis Convention Center will open its doors at 9:00 a.m., with Mayor Jacob Frey slated to kick things off at 10:00 a.m. following an array of artistic exhibits, including dance and spoken word, according to an announcement made by the city.
The opening ceremony will showcase a spectrum of performances, from the jingle dress dancer Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman to the dynamic spoken word of Enia Kyle. Additionally, the attendees will be treated to the Vietnamese Social Services Traditional Instrumental Music and Dance Group, the lively steps of the Somali Museum Dance Troupe, and the rhythmic Ballet Folklórico Mexico Azteca. The stage, set in front of Hall E, is poised to be a visual and auditory canvas reflecting the diversity of the city, the announcement detailed.
This year's gathering is a platform for serious discussion on youth and community safety. To propel this conversation, city leaders, the Minneapolis Youth Cabinet, and the Youth Coordinating Board will extend an open invitation for community members to join from 2:00–3:45 p.m. in room 211 for a roundtable discussion. Topics expected to take center stage include strategies for ensuring Minneapolis is a safe, inclusive, and child-friendly environment. Council President Elliott Payne, along with most City Council members, will be active participants in these discussions.
Converging with the conference, the 2024 Green Zone Summit focuses on environmental justice, showing the city's commitment to sustainability and health. As an added incentive, the conference will feature workshops, entertaining activities for family attendees, and an exhibit hall boasting over 150 organizations. Offering free admission and lunch, the event seeks to facilitate accessibility and community involvement, as the city's bulletin stated.
Interested parties are encouraged to pre-register online to take part in the dialogue, or they have the option to register on the day of the conference in multiple languages.
