In the aftermath of the killing of Philando Castile, the “Ask” series was born. The series gives a voice to the underrepresented in our community by using personal stories from a diversity of life experiences.
It all began when Sherry and Kathy met Nyia Harris. Nyia said she had a vision for a program where Black men would answer questions for White people. “Ask a Black Man” debuted in February of 2017. Over 100 people attended and they gave the panelists a standing ovation in appreciation or their willingness to answer any and all questions. That program was followed by “Ask a Black Man 2: the Black and White Conversation, where Nyia asked 3 Black Men and 3 White Men the same questions to highlight their different experiences.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to both of these programs, Do Good Roseville partnered with the Ramsey County Library to create a bi-monthly “Ask” Series. Nyia not only came up with the idea for this series, she is also responsible for building the strong, trusted community relationships needed to make this series a reality. Nyia hosted 11 different panel discussions. Sherry Sanders moderated the last two programs because she is also someone who is great at building trusted relationships.
We sincerely thank the panelists for their willingness to make themselves available for these programs. It takes a special kind of courage to be open and vulnerable to answer questions about their lives. We owe each of them our utmost respect.
This round of the Ask Series has come to an end, but we believe we have been able to create dialogue, promote understanding and forge a stronger community. Nine North filmed most of series, and links are available here.
This series would not have been possible without funding and space and publicity provided by the Friends of the Ramsey County Library. Special thanks to our champion, Carol Jackson, for all her work to make this possible!
Ask a Black Man (Feb 2017)
This panel consisted of five Black men who were open to answering questions related to their experiences as Black men.
Here is a link to a Star Tribune article about the series: Star Tribune article December 3 2017
This program was not recorded.
Ask a Black Man 2 (May 2017)
The panel consisted of 3 Black men and 3 White men who both answered the same questions related to race, prejudice, and their experiences.
In case you couldn’t attend the discussion, you can view it by clicking this link to the CTV North Suburbs filming: Ask a Black Man – Part 2
Ask a Muslim Woman (July 2017)
This panel of Muslim women, answered questions about their religion, traditions, and experiences.
To read the Roseville Review article about this program, click here: Roseville Review – Ask a Muslim Woman 07_19_2017.
Here is an article from the Star Tribune: Star Tribune – Ask a Muslim Woman 12_01_2017.
To view the program, filmed by CTV North Suburbs, click this link Ask a Muslim Woman.
Ask a Community Youth (Sept 2017)
This program gave voice to community youth to discuss their experiences growing up with social media, bullying, and social activism.
Since the panelists were minors, we are choosing not to make the video available on our website.
Ask a Veteran (Nov 2017)
Our panel of veterans from across decades of service answered questions in this program.
Here is a link to the video provided by CTV North Suburbs: Ask a Veteran Video
Here is a link to a Roseville Review article about this program: Roseville Review – Ask a Veteran 11_28_2017
Ask a DACA Dreamer (Jan 2018)
This panel consisted of young people who are dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
For the safety of our panelists, this video is not available on our website. For more information, contact Nyia Harris.
Ask a Muslim Woman 2 (March 2018)
Our panel of Muslim women from last year returned to answer more of your questions about their religion, traditions and experiences.
Here is a link to the video provided by Nine North: Ask a Muslim Woman 2
Ask an LQBTQIA Person (May 2018)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual people all gave their unique perspective to questions.
This shouldn’t be missed! Here is a link to the video provided by CTV North Suburbs: Ask an LGBTQIA Person
Ask a Transracial Adoptive Parent (July 2018)
This panel explored the many complicated facets of raising children of other races.
In case you missed it, CTV North Suburbs has provided a video of the program available here: Ask an Adoptive Parent.
There was also an article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Here is a link: Pioneer Press article
Ask a Refugee (Sept 2018)
This panel consisted of three people who volunteered to share their perspectives on what it is like to seek refuge in another country.
In case you missed it, here is a link to the video: Ask a Refugee
Ask an Indigenous Person (Nov 2018)
This panel was comprised of several community members who shared their voices about their Native experiences
In case you missed it, here is a link to the video: Ask an Indigenous Person
Ask About Human Trafficking (Jan 2019)
This panel was made up of survivors and experts on human trafficking who answered questions about this public health crisis and how you can help.
In case you missed it, here is a link to the video: Ask about Human Trafficking