Welcome to Plugged! Where

Black and Brown Creators reside!

Since 2000, the U. S. has lost $16 trillion dollars because of systemic racism. If we all commit to combatting discrimination in employment and funding, our economy could see a boost of $5 trillion dollars.

Plugged is working to close the racial wealth gap in the U.S. by building an app for Black and Brown creators who have historically struggled with visibility and access to key networks, employment and funding.

THE PLUGGED APP

The Plugged App is a portfolio and community platform for Black and Brown Creators looking for inspiration, collaborations, networking, employment and gigs, in-person and digital events.

For businesses looking to partner with a Black-led startup committed to battling systemic inequalities, and/or searching for innovative solutions to diversity, equity and inclusivity challenges, learn more about Plugged here.

VIEWS

Greater than SARS

As #EndSARS protests enter their second month, Nigerians and diasporic Africans see that the police force is a symptom of greater corruption. For roughly two decades, the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a police force created in 1992, has been synonymous with...

Vibe Check on the Minneapolis Mayors

By Jeffrey Bissoy | Plugged On Wednesday night, I pulled up to the Capri Theater for A Mayoral Forum for Minneapolis’ Future, hosted by the African American Leadership Forum. It wasn’t your typical political event. No stiff handshakes, no over-rehearsed soundbites....

Sinkane’s Soulful Homecoming: A Sudanese Groove Kicks Off Summer at The Cedar

Sudanese artist Sinkane’s powerful homecoming performance at The Cedar Cultural Center, kicking off the “Summer on the Plaza” series. Blending personal loss, global activism, and infectious grooves, the article captures a night where music, memory, and message collided under a perfect Minneapolis sky.

TurnSignl’s Andre Creighton Speaks on Teen Violence and the Need For Mentors

In response to the traumatic killing at Harding High School, TurnSignl’s Andre Creighton wrote a vulnerable and sincere letter about our responsibility to the youth.

It’s Time to Plug Back In

What’s happening Plugged family! Two years ago, you became an invaluable plug to our movement to provide visibility and accessibility to Black and Brown creators and innovators in the Twin Cities. Thank you again for your support. Like all of us, the pandemic brought...

A test of faith and a search for refuge, how Sagal Ali, a Somali-American Muslim in Minneapolis is moving on from Muslim Pro

Image Caption: Sagal Ali poses for photo.Photo Courtesy of Sagal Ali. In November, the app Muslim Pro was uncovered for selling data and location of its Muslim users to third-party vendors, including the U.S. military. The app which helped Muslims practice and...

Savior or Slave: How the Greek Freak can become the Giant of Africa

Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2018 Giannis Antetokounmpo is the savior of a Milwaukee Bucks franchise that hasn’t recovered from losing Kareem Adblul-Jabbar 45 years ago and pride of a nation that shunned his family for decades. The two-time defending MVP’s story echoes...

How Faith Crittenden and a team of med school students pushed the American Medical Association to recognize racism as a public health threat

Medical Student Faith Crittenden poses for a picture In November, the American Medicine Association passed a monumental policy, declaring for the first time that racism was a public health threat. In its declaration, the AMA recognized that racism was a systemic...

Designer and activist Isak Douah on working security at the George Floyd memorial and becoming a gun and mental health advocate

Isak Douah poses next to a mural with images of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and "I Can't Breathe" drawn across. Photo courtesy Isak Douah. Isak Douah, a Black Minneapolis native with Cote D’Ivoire and Iceland roots, was living in Amsterdam, Netherlands, pursuing...

A Brief History of Drill Music, Globally

Founder of Across The Culture, Zander Tsadwa, takes us through the history of drill and how a movement that commenced in Chicago took roots in the UK, before ultimately taking off in New York.

Savior or Slave: How the Greek Freak can become the Giant of Africa

A Brief History of Drill Music, Globally

Founder of Across The Culture, Zander Tsadwa, takes us through the history of drill and how a movement that commenced in Chicago took roots in the UK, before ultimately taking off in New York.

A Brief History of Anime in Hip-Hop

Founder of Across The Culture, Zander Tsadwa, wrote a compelling piece on the brief and unique relationship between Hip-Hop and anime.

Local Man James Baldwin: “Ending Racism Is Up To White Folk”

In a critical essay, Zander Tsadwa, writer and founder of Across The Culture (ATC), invokes the writings and teachings of James Baldwin to remind us that “ending racism is up to white folk.”

We are the Black Panther

On September 3rd, beloved actor, Chadwick Boseman, was laid to rest in his hometown of Belton, Southern Carolina. Writer Chelsea Herrera takes a moment to commemorate his impact on her life and Boseman’s everlasting legacy.

How Faith Crittenden and a team of med school students pushed the American Medical Association to recognize racism as a public health threat

Designer and activist Isak Douah on working security at the George Floyd memorial and becoming a gun and mental health advocate

A Brief History of Drill Music, Globally

Founder of Across The Culture, Zander Tsadwa, takes us through the history of drill and how a movement that commenced in Chicago took roots in the UK, before ultimately taking off in New York.

Greater than SARS

Black Frenchmen reflect on racism and the Black Lives Matter movement in France

Over the summer, Founder Jeffrey Bissoy connected with two Afro-Frenchmen in their twenties, Ritchie and Sammy, about their experiences with racism and their thoughts on Black Lives Matter in France.

Local Man James Baldwin: “Ending Racism Is Up To White Folk”

In a critical essay, Zander Tsadwa, writer and founder of Across The Culture (ATC), invokes the writings and teachings of James Baldwin to remind us that “ending racism is up to white folk.”

Dear Public radio, to better serve your listening audiences you must do better with POC journalists

Public radio journalist Alice Thompson issues a warning to Public radio stations to improve their trainings and professional development of POC journalists.

Savior or Slave: How the Greek Freak can become the Giant of Africa

Dear Public radio, to better serve your listening audiences you must do better with POC journalists

Public radio journalist Alice Thompson issues a warning to Public radio stations to improve their trainings and professional development of POC journalists.

Plugged CEO, Jeffrey Bissoy: “We are building a community where ALL Black folx feel safe in being their most unapologetic self”

Plugged Public Statement on creating safe space and community for ALL Black folx, and releasing co-founder David Peterson from his role and ALL involvement with Plugged.

Anchored

In our fight against white supremacy, Reverend Todd Campbell teaches us the importance of being anchored and finding your center.

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