Echoes of Unity and the Future of One Minnesota
As Minnesota commemorates the 40th anniversary of its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the theme Echoes of Unity underscores the lasting impact of Black labor, leadership, and demands for justice. The moment calls Minnesotans to listen to voices at the margins, translate community priorities into systems change, and ensure future generations inherit a more just and connected state.
For more than 40 years, our community has honored, observed, and cherished the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we stand at a pivotal moment in history, one truth remains clear: some of the best parts of Minnesota were built on the bedrock of Black labor, powered by Black genius and unapologetic demands for justice.
This year’s 40th anniversary theme, “Echoes of Unity,” reminds everyone that we did not arrive here by faint whispers from a distant past. We are carried by strong, resonant echoes. Voices of generations who, in the face of impossible barriers, wove the fabric of community, business, and culture that we all inherit today. We honor those who dared to dream of a future they might never touch, but knew we deserved.
One Dream. One Minnesota. The belief that a state can only truly prosper when every person, of every race in every zip code, has a real pathway to thrive. This starts with listening to wisdom that emerges at the margins. And amplifying the voices that have consistently and courageously called Minnesota to its highest ideals, urging every part of the ecosystem to reach for our collective potential.
As Chief Equity Officer, I am charged with translating community priorities into systems change, to stand with you in the grind. This administration is committed to building an equitable, engaging, and effective government that solves problems and does the right thing, even when it’s hard. The work of democracy has always been collective and nonpartisan; it is a moral and economic imperative that benefits all, and we’re not backing down.
Now to the horizon of emerging generations of Black artists, engineers, and policy makers of our shared future: your presence is felt. You are not merely inheriting this legacy, you are already shaping and propelling it. You are the true torchbearers of a “One Minnesota” that will be more just, more innovative, and more connected than ever before.
In a time when echo-chambers are at our fingertips, Echoes of Unity is the call to action. A reverberation for where we must go, and how we move together. Let us continue building a state that truly honors the sacrifices of the past, by ensuring that the dreams of our ancestors come true.
Towards One Minnesota,
Ashley (Storm) Oolman
Chief Equity Officer, State of Minnesota