The Mexican American experience in Minnesota is a profoundly important aspect to the state’s economy, culture, and history. This collection presents an audio glimpse.
December 15, 1974 - MPR’s Greg Barron produces “In Search of a Better Life,” a documentary which explores the origin, life and challenges of Mexican American community in Minnesota. The community of St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood is highlighted.
October 17, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Migrant Farm Workers.” The documentary profiles migrant farm workers in St. James who came to Minnesota, and wound up staying here. Following the documentary, Jose Trejo, executive director of the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council, answers listener questions about issues facing Hispanics in Minnesota.
June 9, 1992 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on influx of Hispanic migrant farm workers looking for work and housing in Crookston area of Minnesota. Segment includes interviews with migrant workers and local officials on the issues and struggles migrants and area face.
October 1, 1993 - On this First Friday segment, MPR’s Bill Wareham profiles the St. Paul Tex-Mex band Los Mundiales. Wareham interviews members of the band about the music genre and band’s traditional use of a real accordian.
March 7, 1994 - MPR’s Mark Zdechik reports on the local program Manos Creativas, which has developed a creative hand project and work forum for Hispanic women in St. Paul.
July 31, 1995 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on evicted Hispanic residents at Elm Lane trailer park in Willmar. Some are being helped out with Heartland Community Action assistance, but others have yet to find new housing.
January 29, 1997 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil looks at turnover issues at meatpacking plants in Minnesota. The average worker in the meatpacking industry only stays on the job for a few months. The job is so difficult, dangerous and some might argue downright nasty that many plants hire the equivalent of a new work force each year. That creates problems for towns which host a meatpacking factory, with school enrollments changing constantly and short term housing stretched to the limit.
May 5, 1998 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on RADIO REY, a Spanish-language radio service that broadcasts more than thirty hours a week from a grocery store on Concord Street in St. Paul’s West Side.
May 3, 1999 - Midday presents a Mainstreet Radio special report "Hidden Rainbow: The Changing Face of Minnesota." Program presents a series of reports on the state's growing minority population in outstate Minnesota.
May 3, 1999 - MPR’s Brent Wolfe reports that while Mexican American migrant workers have been drawn to agricultural jobs in Minnesota for many years, an increasing number are calling Minnesota "home."