Bringing Rainbow Roots to Life: Building Spaces Where Our Youth Can Thrive And a New Monthly Poetry Slam Series for Local Artists

At Minnesota People of Color LGBTQ+ Pride, we are working harder than ever to bring Rainbow Roots, our youth workforce readiness and leadership program, fully to life. This program has been a dream in motion for months crafted with intention, community wisdom, and a deep commitment to giving our young people the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed.

Every week, our team is writing curriculum, meeting with partners, building out resources, researching technology, and shaping a program that truly reflects our community. We’re creating safe, empowering, affirming spaces for youth to learn, grow, and lead. From job skills and resume building to leadership development, culture, identity, and creative expression, Rainbow Roots is designed to be a home for possibility.

But big dreams take big work and we are fully in it.

We’re excited, tired, inspired, stretched, and more committed than ever. And we want you to walk with us.

Calling All Artists: Monthly Poetry Slam Nights Coming Soon

As we build Rainbow Roots, we’re also growing the creative side of our community programming. Beginning in 2026, we hope to host monthly Poetry Slam Nights open-mic gatherings where poets, writers, singers, storytellers, musicians, and all forms of artists can step up and shine.

We want these nights to become a signature space where:

✨ Artists can express themselves freely

✨ Youth can see themselves reflected on stage

✨ Community can gather, connect, and heal

✨ New talent can be nurtured and celebrated

Whether you’re seasoned or brand-new, soft-spoken or bold, we want you there. Bring your truth, your art, your rhythm, your story, your voice. Rainbow Roots is about growth and what better way to grow together than through shared creativity?

If you're an artist who wants to perform, mentor youth, help run workshops, or simply stay in the loop, we’d love to hear from you.

Why This Work Matters

Rainbow Roots and our monthly Poetry Slam series aren’t just programs they’re investments in our community’s future. They’re spaces where our youth can build confidence. Where adults can return to joy. Where art can spark healing. Where culture and identity can be honored without apology. Where we all get to breathe a little easier.

We are building something beautiful, and we want our community to feel ownership in every step. Your support, your talent, your voice, and your presence matter more than you know.