Minneapolis Forward community stories

Prima Pasta

For over 27 years, Jennifer Jackson-King has helped make Prima Pasta a neighborhood staple. But during Operation Metro Surge, fear kept customers home, disrupted her workforce and caused the restaurant’s revenue to fall by as much as 40 percent.

Jennifer and her team responded by taking care of one another - coordinating rides to keep employees safe and working together to sustain the business through the unprecedented crisis.

Watch the 1 minute and 46 second story on YouTube

Honoring Indigenous community care

When federal immigration enforcement activity intensified in Minneapolis, Pow Wow Grounds, the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) and the Indigenous Protector Movement came together to support people who were scared, cold and standing up for their neighbors.

Pow Wow Grounds became a supply area for protesters. Volunteers made hundreds of gallons of soup, thousands of pieces of fry bread and kept the hot coffee flowing. All My Relations Arts (AMRA), a program of the NACDI, opened its gallery to provide water, snacks, protective gear, first aid supplies and a safe place for people to gather.

Their story honors the leadership of Indigenous community members and organizations who stepped forward in a moment of fear.

Watch the 2 minute and 6 second story on YouTube

Holding on to hope at Colonial Market

To Daniel Hernandez, Colonial Market was more than a grocery store. It was a place where families shopped, employees made a livelihood, and visitors found community.

Daniel shared the devastating impacts that Operation Metro Surge caused his small business. Even after the occupation ended, customer traffic did not return to the same levels, which left the store with empty shelves and fewer employees, ultimately leading to a store closure at his E. Lake Street location.

Daniel’s story is one of hundreds across Minneapolis – a story of loss but continued commitment to community. He remains full of resilience and hope.

Watch the 2 minute and 18 second video on YouTube

A restaurant opens its doors when neighbors needed care

My Huong Kitchen became a place of warmth, safety and support for neighbors on Eat Street.

Located on Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis, the restaurant opened its doors to people seeking shelter during a chaotic moment in the neighborhood. Owner Tracy Wong offered food, water, tea and a place to breathe.

What happened that day became a powerful example of how small businesses are more than storefronts. They are trusted community spaces where people care for one another in moments of crisis.

Watch the 1 minute and 38 second story on YouTube

A small business turns its craft into mutual aid

During a time of fear and uncertainty through Operation Metro Surge, Bench Pressed Letterpress and Design used its printing press, storefront and creative tools to support neighbors and raise money for mutual aid.

Located in the Seward neighborhood in South Minneapolis, the shop quickly became more than a small business. It became a place where people could gather, contribute and feel connected.

What began with posters and buttons became a powerful example of community care, connection and resilience.

Watch the 1 minute and 34 second story on YouTube