Who We Are
Our Mission
To lift up the voices of all people in our communities that experience racism, discrimination, injustice and/or predjudice. To enact change, educate, and provide cultural experiences. To provide resources to community members who are affected by issues of racism, discrimination, and injustice.
Our History
VEMA was founded in the spring of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Seraphia Gravelle (Aguallo), Elizabeth Robinson (Allen), and Nathaniel Coward began educating the community and providing a voice for marginalized communities throughout the region. Historically, there has been a lack of representation as well as complaints and concerns falling on deaf ears of the leaders of the regional community. VEMA stands united to work against racism and injustice. Through educating not only the members of VEMA but also the community surrounding them, they intend to chip away at the systemic and blatant racism that exists throughout their community. In addition to education, a priority of VEMA is to ensure accurate and adequate representation as the community works to disrupt racism and discrimination.
Our Team
Our fantastic team of regular and part-time volunteers, Directors, Board Members, and staff are here to answer questions, have open conversations, provide resources, and advocate for community members. Learn more about our team in our About Us section.
Multicultural Community Center, 118 W Lake St., Chisholm, MN
Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between all cultures in our communities on the Iron Range. We do this by creating a physical space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the community that reflects their culture and ethnicity, where folks are safe to be their authentic selves.
We host pop-up entrepreneurship opportunities and cultural events in the community to create exposure and build awareness. of the presence of cultural diversity.
This space is also a learning place for all people.
-Cultivate Relationships: Attend one of our gatherings events, hang out at the Center, have coffee/tea, and chat with others.
-Lending Library: Check out books on social justice, history, culture, and children's books.
-Internet Access: Public computers are available for many things, from research to job interviews. We also provide free Wi-Fi to use on your own devices.
*Stop in to learn more about affinity groups or to ask us anything. You can also email us at info@vemamn.org or call us at (218)-262-9839.
An Invitation to Brave Space
By Micky ScottBey Jones
Together we will create brave space
Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”
We exist in the real world
We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.
We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know.
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be
But
It will be our brave space together,
and
We will work on it side by side
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
