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STORY: Impact of Minority Entrepreneurs
This is a story about Joe Minjares and the impact of his successful business on his community in South Minneapolis. Joe is the owner of Pepito’s restaurant and the historic Parkway Cinema, a recent addition to his business. In the first half of the 20th century, the cinema had a separate seating area for people of color, and even today Joe sometimes has to deal with intolerance and racism. Despite these issues, Joe continues to be engaged in his community and in preserving its history.
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| Discussion Questions |
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- How has Joe Minjares’ restaurant, Pepito's, helped to revitalize the neighborhood business district in which he lives?
- What does Joe have to say about the derogatory term "lazy Mexican"? Have you heard similar expressions about other minorities? Why do you think people choose to label other people like that?
- Why does Joe want to preserve a part of history in his neigbourhood?
- What have we learned about de-facto segregation in the first half of the 20th century? How is it different today?
- What is Joe's response to racism and intolerance?
- Why is it important to support minority businesses? How can you contribute?
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| Ideas for Action |
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Getting the Facts
Have the students review and discuss information about minority business ownership in the Twin Cities.
Useful sites:
Metropolitan Economic Development Association: http://www.meda.net
Minority Business Entrepreneur: http://www.mbemag.com
Support a minority business!
Invite students to support a local business owned by a minority entrepreneur. Organize a field trip for student to meet some local minority entrepreneurs, e.g. joint restaurant outing or a trip to a jewelry store or bookstore. Invite students to consider volunteering with a minority business.
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