Minneapolis. A city known by many names. It’s been called the “City of Lakes,” a “City by Nature,” and my own personal take… the biggest small town in America.
As a closeted farm boy from Northern Minnesota, I’ve recognized the significance of Minneapolis my entire life. This Metropolis by the Mississippi has always gleamed in my eyes, though not without some chinks in its armor.
The history of this city is convoluted, thick with discourse and adulation, reflecting the nation as a whole. Racism, economic turmoil, and revolutionary reform are not new to Minneapolis. There’s a weighted tapestry of interwoven cultures that culminate in coexistence on its streets. The city is populated with innovative thinkers, creative collaborators, and just about the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Civil unrest, structural collapse, and economic strife have afflicted this frozen jewel of Minnesota throughout its entire existence. I mean, it’s a city filled with humans. Discourse is expected; however, they emerge from the ashes like a phoenix renewed and ready to fight.
Time and time again, this Metropolis of the North persevered through its strife. It pushed onward and upward, striving to be greater than before, an objective exhibited within the people who call this place home.
There’s a richness to the community here that only a shared trauma and adoration for the land can produce. I admire Minneapolitans for cultivating such a culture. This assemblage of smart, empathetic, passionate human beings is inspiring to be around.
When I made the decision to move myself and this publication to this city, it wasn’t taken lightly. I recognized the gravity our real-life interpretation of the Daily Planet possesses.
As a news organization inspired by Superman, I needed to find a city that reflected Metropolis—a city of tomorrow. I found that in Minneapolis. I mean, the city’s official motto reflects these aspirations wholeheartedly.
Minneapolis’s rallying cry was officially established on June 5, 1878, when the city’s seal was christened. On it, basked by rays of light, in French, reads “En Avant,” — forward.
The city I’ve admired from afar for so long shares the same vision as the fictional one I’ve adored. The decision was easy. Superman would definitely call a municipality like Minneapolis home.
I was reaffirmed earnestly as I grew roots of my own in this metro. I’ve lived here for nearly half a decade now, and it’s the best place I’ve ever called home, and I have no intention of leaving. Not only because I feel welcomed to be my sincerest self, but also because I feel secure.
Last week saw yet another abhorrent barrage on our city. Renee Good, a 37-year-old American woman, was shot and killed by a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent named Jonathan Ross.
It was an unnecessary death that rekindled growing outrage against an increasingly aggressive totalitarian Trump Administration, which, instead of attempting to rectify the situation, hurled insults and induced further division among the American people.
Yet, like the biggest small town it is, Minneapolis banded together against the tyrannical regime-like state we’re facing. They, no… we, became outraged at this blatant disregard for human life.
Years and years of indignation have culminated in a new boiling point, resulting in renewed mobilization from progressive activists from across the globe. My city of tomorrow looked to the future and demanded revision.
Neighbor helped neighbor, words were chanted for change, generations clamored for correction, all while a stunned world watched with bated breath, wondering what’s to happen next. Minnesota became the bastion of unity, and all eyes were gazing upon the frozen landscape. Anxiety began to swell within my chest as I watched along with them. Then I remembered my god-given liberties.
I have the right to free speech and the right to protest. There’s no chance in hell of my giving those freedoms up without a fight. I will continue to show up for my community as the fight presses on.
In an America I no longer recognize, I will strive to build a bigger, bolder, and brighter one for those to follow. A societal shift is on the horizon, and I intend to encapsulate every story I can on the journey there. As I embark on this trek, I recall two very important quotes from Superman that continue to inspire me.
“In times of fear and confusion, the job of informing the public is the responsibility of the Daily Planet. A great metropolitan newspaper whose reputation for clarity and truth had become a symbol of hope for the city of Metropolis.”
Words read by a child turning through the pages of a comic book during the intro of “Superman: The Movie” in 1978.
The other quote is more profound, articulated by my favorite fictional character of all time in a 1973 comic book.
“I’m a journalist,” Lois Lane said. “Everything I write reaches millions of people! I have a responsibility to those people! There’s far too much injustice all around us to be ignored any longer.”
These references echo relevance today, especially in this publication. As my neighbors continue to fight in their own specific ways, I, too, shall fight in accordance with my own strengths.
For as long as I live, this Daily Planet will shine a light on corruption. We will do everything to stamp out the injustices of this world whilst also informing the public on current events, just as our comic book counterpart does. Americans will not be silenced. Speech is a fundamental right instilled in us at a very early age, and it remains with us throughout our lives.
As America heads into its 250th anniversary, people will be recalling our rich history of fighting against authority. Stories will emerge, and we will continue to deliver fact-first, unbiased reports, allowing readers the chance to make their own assessments with all the information readily accessible. Our submission and contribution center will also remain open for those who wish to have their voices heard.
We will write. We will win.
