For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2024
Media Inquiries:
Tim Hunt
651-242-4959
Land Bridge Concept Well-Positioned as a Pathway to Long-term Economic Growth
Saint Paul, Minn — ReConnect Rondo is proud to continue advancing its vision of revitalizing the Midwest’s oldest legacy Black community through the creation of an African American Cultural Enterprise District. Made in part possible by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the grant distributed over three years – will support critical project initiatives that enhance community engagement efforts, personnel capacity, and project funding opportunities.
Knight Foundation began its support of ReConnect Rondo in 2017 and has continued to support its work through significant sponsorships of the Reconnecting Communities Summit. “At Knight Foundation, we are proud to support ReConnect Rondo and Keith Baker’s visionary leadership in reconnecting and revitalizing this historic neighborhood. This transformational effort to create an inclusive cultural district aligns with Knight’s commitment to fostering thriving communities. By honoring Rondo’s rich legacy and investing in its future, this project sets the stage for a vibrant, sustainable space that will inspire connection and a shared sense of belonging for generations to come,” said Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, President & CEO of Knight Foundation.
The year ahead promises to build on the momentum of 2024, marked by the completion of the Anti-Displacement and Community Investment Strategy, the Neighborhood Area Development Plan, and the first restorative development modeling study. In 2025, project leaders expect key milestones, including greater clarity from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on the I-94 corridor plan, alignment of federal infrastructure investments at the state level, and crucial coordination across county, metro, city, and state jurisdictions—all vital steps to advancing the ReConnect Rondo project.
ReConnect Rondo is bolstered by Knight Foundation’s transformative investment, which helps solidify the organization’s capacity to drive meaningful change. This investment underscores a commitment to ensuring the long-term success of ReConnect Rondo’s efforts to heal, rebuild, and reimagine a vibrant and inclusive future for the Rondo community.
“We are honored and deeply grateful to Knight Foundation for its longstanding partnership with our organization and the Rondo community, recognizing the importance of reconnecting and reigniting the Rondo community,” said Keith Baker, Executive Director of ReConnect Rondo. “This grant provides us with the resources needed to take critical next steps in building a future where Rondo is once again a thriving hub of African American cultural and economic vitality.”
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About ReConnect Rondo
ReConnect Rondo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring equity and opportunity in Rondo by leading a united effort in pursuit of one common goal — a revitalized African-American Cultural Enterprise District connected by a community land bridge. For more information, go to www.reconnectrondo.com
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
We are social investors who support democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in the community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once had newspapers. Learn more at kf.org and follow @knightfdn on social media.