CURA Stories

CURA Stories horizontal logo
CURA Stories bring our mission, vision, and values to life through powerful, human-centered narratives that celebrate the work of our community and government partners.
 
These monthly stories highlight how deep partnerships, shared expertise, and organizing as a form of leadership drive racial equity, social justice, and transformative change in Minnesota’s diverse communities.
 
Please share this newsletter with others and share with us what past CURA projects we should cover in future editions. Thank you for reading!

Building Community Power: The Journey of Katrina Mendoza Garcia

News
Story image of Katrina Mendoza Garcia with CURA Stories logo

Neighborhoods Now! graduate Katrina Mendoza Garcia's story demonstrates how community leadership and organizing can transform individuals and communities

When Katrina Mendoza Garcia joined the board of the West Side Community Organization (WSCO) in 2018, she couldn’t have predicted how it would shape not only her future but the landscape of tenant rights in Saint Paul. Shortly after joining the board, she was selected to participate in Neighborhoods Now!, a project of CURA’s Neighborhood Leadership and Organizing (NLO) program. The program creates spaces where…

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Research Rooted in Relationship: Reflections from Dr. Ceema Samimi on the Value of Community-connected Research

News
Dr. Ceema Samimi with the CURA Stories logo


By James Miller

Surveying the Landscape

When Dr. Ceema Samimi first came to the University of Minnesota during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were eager to better understand the landscape of people and organizations cultivating meaningful change in the Twin Cities.

As a researcher, social worker, and actively-engaged community member, they were no…

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Building Bridges Through Stories: Transforming Theodore Wirth Park's Legacy

News
CURA Stories Graphic with Neama speaking at the CURA GRA Symposium

By Somayeh (Nikoo) Nikoonazari

A transformative project is underway at Theodore Wirth Regional Park in the heart of North Minneapolis. The Stories of Connection Project, led by the Loppet Foundation in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program, is working to bridge historical divides and create a more inclusive outdoor space for marginalized communities.

Uncovering Historical Barriers

The Stories of Connection Project emerged from crucial conversations with Black community elders in North Minneapolis. Despite…

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From Pay-to-Stay to Financial Freedom: How Participatory Action Research Transformed Hennepin County Shelters

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CURA Stories News Feed Graphic

By Cirien Saadeh, PhD

A Historic Policy Change

What are CURA Stories?

CURA Stories bring our mission, vision, and values to life through powerful, human-centered narratives that celebrate the work of our community and government partners. These monthly stories highlight how deep partnerships, shared expertise, and organizing as a form of leadership drive racial equity, social justice, and transformative change in Minnesota’s diverse communities. Please share this newsletter with others and share with us what past CURA…
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CURA congratulates our community partners for securing $10M+ in anti-displacement funding for Blue Line Extension from MN Legislature

News
Members gather for the Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program
The first meeting of the Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program
  • Also, CURA’s support of anti-displacement work receives the 2024 Kingsley Impact Award
  • And other legislative and policy news from 2024

Housing advocates and place-based community organizations are celebrating a $10 initial million investment from the Minnesota State Legislature in funding the new Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program…

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