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TruArtSpeaks highlights the work of a Krump dancer and ceramicist who center the Black experience in their art.

About the Artists

Herb Johnson III, AKA JDot Tight Eyez, is a dancer, McKnight Fellow and graduate from Perpich Center for the Performing Arts. For three years, he studied at the Lundstrum Center for Arts and now works at the University of Minnesota as an Urban & Street dance instructor. He currently choreographs and performs solo and in groups 612 Crew, DeadPool, and Mixtape. Professional work includes iLuminate from America's Got Talent, Choreographing G-Eazy's Halftime show 2018, and Super Bowl 52 half-time Show 2018 with Justin Timberlake.

Gabrielle Grier is an artist, visionary, facilitator and participant of growth, perspective shifts and intentional responses to social and political change. With a strong focus on the exploration, documentation & claiming of cultural and historic identities, her work is filled with robust imagery, narrative and the essence of her spiritual existence.

Snapshots

Art In This Present Moment

This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the McKnight Foundation. We provided grants to 12 Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by over 50 BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.

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We’re Moving in 2025

In early 2025, the Foundation will relocate to Osborn370, a dynamic hub of innovation and diversity in downtown Saint Paul.

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Ensuring a Legacy of Literacy

Learn how one couple’s gift to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library will support youth and their families for years to come.

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Continuing Collaboration in 2024

Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is working with community partners and welcoming new staff in this video.

Hear from Dr. Jolly

What Is a Community Foundation?

Learn how a community foundation works and can help you achieve your charitable goals in this short video.

Watch the video

Operationalizing Equity

Chief Operating Officer Nadege Souvenir discusses how the Foundation weaves equity into everything we do.

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2023: A Year of Collective Collaboration

2023 was a year of collaboration. See how partnerships led to aligned action in our 2023 year in review.

View Our 2023 Year In Review

Foundations Announce $11.6 Million in 2023 Second Round Community Grants

Grants will provide funding resources for community organizations that provide critical resources to Minnesotans across the state.

Read the announcement

Max Foundation Trains Coaches and Educates Students on Mental Health

The Marvin family honors their loved one by starting a foundation to educate others about the importance of mental health.

See their impact

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