Minneapolis Forward community stories

Our stories feature neighbors and businesses showing care, courage and resilience when our community needed it most.
Honoring our community's resilience
Honoring our community's resilience

See our community stories

Bench Pressed Letterpress and Design

A print shop became a hub for mutual aid, solidarity and community care

My Huong Kitchen

An Eat Street restaurant owner opens her doors to neighbors seeking safety and warmth

Colonial Market

Operation Metro Surge caused devastating impacts to many small businesses, including Colonial Market on E. Lake Street

Bench Pressed Letterpress and Design

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

My Huong Kitchen

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

Colonial Market

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