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Twin Cities Pride a year-round beacon for inclusion, support
Beyond the parade: Twin Cities Pride serves as a hub for resources and community empowerment every day of the year.
MINNEAPOLIS — In the heart of Loring Park, Twin Cities Pride transcends the misconception that it’s just a one-day celebration. Serving as a headquarters of transparency, inclusion, education and respect, the organization has expanded its efforts to make resources accessible year-round.
Andi Otto, the executive director, emphasizes that Twin Cities Pride is not confined to a single day; it’s a 365-day commitment.
“One thing it’s not, is 365. We are expanding into events all year round. It’s been a big push this last year in 2023 and in 2024. I would say we have an event just about every other month,” Otto said.
From clothes to undergarments to personal hygiene items, TC Pride’s Rainbow Wardrobe serves as a consistent resource that continues to grow. What was initially a small clothing exchange, has evolved into a year-round program offering zero-cost access to clothing for anyone in need.
“What started off Rainbow Wardrobe, started off as this tiny little — what was supposed to be a 10×10 little clothing exchange — has now turned into a year round, zero-cost to anybody who comes in here, can take whatever they need and whatever makes them feel great. It’s programs like that that are really impactful to the community,” Otto said.
Twin Cities Pride was granted $4,000 through the TEGNA Foundation for their impactful work.
“This goes a very long way in what we do,” Otto said.
To learn more about Twin Cities Pride click here.
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Last week, prosecutors charged John Sawchak with attempted 2nd-degree murder and other felony charges after he allegedly shot his neighbor Davis Moturi.
MINNEAPOLIS — Following the shooting between two neighbors, the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to request that the city’s auditor conduct an independent investigation into the incidents and cases between Davis Moturi and John Sawchak.
Moturi was allegedly shot by his neighbor, Sawchak, on Wednesday, Oct. 23 but Minneapolis police did not arrest Sawchak until days later.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara defended not arresting Sawchak sooner, calling it a “high-risk” situation. O’Hara later said the victim, who had complained about harassment from Sawchak for months, was failed by police. Sawchak was arrested this past weekend after an hours-long standoff.
Moturi suffered a fractured spine, two broken ribs, and a concussion in the shooting. “Mr. Moturi’s life matters and I’m sorry that for nearly a year, MPD did not treat it like it did,” said Council Member Robin Wonsley in a news release, “Today’s vote affirms that the City Council is committed to taking meaningful actions towards accountability and restoration, starting with this independent review.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey released this statement:
“Mayor Frey fully supports an independent review of this incident. The mayor and City are committed to always doing better, and this means closely examining past actions and finding where there may be ways to improve and grow. The mayor extends his condolences to Davis Moturi, his wife, Caroline, and their family and friends. The safety of our residents is a top priority and any form of violence or hate speech is completely unacceptable and does not align with who we are as a community. Brian O’Hara will continue to be the Minneapolis Police Chief.”
“This Valentine’s Day, 2025, will mark the five-year anniversary of the premiere of ‘Love is Blind,” Vanessa said on the Season 7 finale. “And, it is gonna be the launch of Season 8, which takes place in Minneapolis.”
The episode also revealed three of the new cast members, one of whom, “Alex,” told Lachey Minneapolis is “not like a major city, but it’s also not a small town,” which he said is just one of the obstacles in his way of finding the one.
“I just never found the right person that clicked for me,” he said.
Meantime, you can bone up on Seasons 1-7 streaming now on Netflix.
MINNEAPOLIS — How much do you know about your grandma’s upbringing?
“The Stories From My Grandmother’s Hands” is a book that aims to show young Black children how their grandmas lived through beautiful illustrations and descriptions.
KARE 11 News at Noon shared more on Thursday about the impact that this book will have.
