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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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2024 Bush Prize: Minnesota Winners

Congratulations to these Minnesota nonprofit organizations recognized for their strong histories of innovation and community problem solving.

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Engaging Communities for Change Through Grantmaking

Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is partnering with nonprofits, donors and anti-racism advocates to make a better Minnesota in this video with President and CEO Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D.

Hear from Dr. Jolly

Songs of Connection: Conductor Strives to Desegregate the Choral Community

Music is a universal language, and no one knows that more than Ahmed Fernando Anzaldúa El Samkary.

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Foundation Makes First Grant in Partnership with the Taylor Family Farms Foundation

Winona Health plans to expand its community health services to support seniors with a new grant.

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Investing in Our Democracy: Supporting Civic Engagement Nonprofits

The Foundation and our donors are learning from and supporting local organizations that put democracy into action.

View the Grants

Saint Paul Urban Tennis

Tennis is more than a game for local nonprofit Saint Paul Urban Tennis players and coaches.

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Pawsitively Generous: A Couple’s Legacy for Animals

Steve and Betsy leave a lasting impact on animal welfare as part of their estate plan.

Read Their Story

Nonprofits 101

Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to strengthen our community.

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