welcome to east bde maka ska
A neighborhood located on the eastern shore of Bde Maka Ska, a Dakota name meaning White Earth Lake or White Bank Lake.
Monthly Meetings
Board Meeting:
Thurs, June 4• 7–9 PM
(Hybrid: St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church & Zoom)
Livability Committee
Mon, May 25• 7–8 PM (Zoom)
Social Committee Meeting
Tues, May 26 • 5:30–6:30 PM (Queermunity)
All East Bde Maka Ska residents, business lessees, and neighborhood nonprofit, education, or government representatives are invited to attend!
Summer Kickoff
Saturday, May 23• 10AM - 2 PM
31st and Hennepin Ave S
We’re kicking off summer with delicious food, creative fun, and all the good vibes at 31st & Hennepin on Sat, May 23 from 10am–2pm.
🎨 FREE crafts all day
🖼️Cartoon portraits by @gsfunfactory (11am–1pm)
🌭 FREE Uptown Dogs by @pizzerialola Ann Kim (11am–1pm)*
🍦 FREE frozen treats (12–2pm)*
Come hang with your friends, family, and neighbors. Summer starts now.
In partnership with Uptown United + Moona Moono
*The fine print: One per person and while supplies last!
Book Club
Currently reading: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
We pick a new book each quarter, connect through live meetups, fun events, and lively discussions that bring neighbors together. Whether you're a passionate reader or just curious, we want to hear from you!
SPECIAL STATEMENT
We condemn the actions of ICE in our city and the ugly language being spewed about our Somali and Immigrant neighbors. As a neighborhood association, we stand for inclusion, belonging, and connection – qualities strengthened by sharing our cultures, stories, and differences. No one should be profiled, questioned, or detained based on how they look or where they come from. Tactics of fear and terror won't stop us from loving and respecting everyone in our community. We've collected a few resources to help you take action if you, your friends, family, businesses, or neighbors are affected during this time.
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Resources:
If you see something, record it. Video documentation helps protect our communities. Please send it to info@immigrantdefensenetwork.org with a description of what happened.
Call the COPAL helpline (612) 255-3112 immediately if you witness activity or a family/neighbor is impacted and needs support.
Do not intervene physically. Observing, documenting, and alerting others is how we keep each other safe.
Know your rights:
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC's red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights. Printable versions in 56 languages here: https://www.ilrc.org/redcards
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In the news:
Tim Walz Calls Trump’s Tirade Against Somalis in Minnesota ‘Vile’ (New York Times)
Minneapolis mayor condemns ICE targeting Somalis (Fox 9 MSP)
Minneapolis faith leaders unite against Trump's immigrant remarks about Somali community (Kare11)