If the anniversary party for the Headwaters Foundation for Justice is any indication, justice always prevails -- even over the weather. While there were striking Mississippi River views all around, most attendees stayed inside the air-conditioned Nicollet Island Pavilion where Minneapolis band Quilombolas played socially conscious, worldbeat grooves.
The organization was founded in 1984 by a group of young philanthropists to further social change in the community. For its 25th year, the nonprofit is furthering social justice by focusing on green jobs, economic development and universal health care. Executive director Trista Harris isn't worried about weathering the current economy.
"There's this window of opportunity. For a long time, people didn't see the injustice. Now, it's not their problem, it's our problem," she said. "People are scared, but we're realizing that we're in it together."
That was even true with the party turnout. Even though the event was free (a fair and democratic approach), Harris was worried, given the unexpected steamy temperatures. She had nothing to fear. Guests would tell her: "'Of course we came; it's the social justice party of the year,'" she recalled. "We're a community."
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
