HOW WE ALL BECOME MINNESOTA: BRITTANY PACKNETT CUNNINGHAM - We Can Do Hard Things Recap

Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things

Published: 2026-01-28

Duration: 3839

Guests: Brittany Packnett Cunningham

What Happened

Brittany Packnett Cunningham delves into the current situation in Minnesota, emphasizing that the state is not experiencing an isolated incident but rather a culmination of years of organized resistance against state violence. She articulates how Minnesota's indigenous history and long-standing community organizing have made the state ready to counteract violence from authorities. Brittany highlights specific instances where ICE has been aggressively targeting indigenous spaces, connecting these actions to a broader pattern of state violence.

Brittany Packnett Cunningham outlines the dangerous political climate that makes the current moment even more precarious than previous years like 2014 and 2020. She notes that Minnesota's activism stems from sustained efforts by figures like Nakima and Robin Wonsley. These efforts are not spontaneous but are built on a foundation of intersectionality and inclusivity, aiming to protect marginalized communities.

Brittany provides a roadmap for action, urging listeners to move beyond watching in horror to taking tangible steps. She suggests pushing for a statewide eviction moratorium in Minnesota and refusing to fund ICE through the DHS appropriations bill as immediate actions that can be taken. The current situation is likened to historical state-sponsored violence, and Brittany stresses that listening to Black and Indigenous voices could have averted many of today's issues.

The episode underscores the need for community organization and support. Brittany Packnett Cunningham emphasizes the importance of building networks of support with neighbors and local organizations to prepare for future challenges. She also discusses the ethos of whiteness as a socio-political and economic class that historically oppresses collectivism and community.

Brittany contrasts the U.S.'s failure to confront its history with Germany's post-WWII efforts. She draws parallels with historical injustices to highlight the need for radical imagination and world-building to create a just future. The concept of 'drain pool politics' is introduced to illustrate how communities would rather forego resources than share them with marginalized groups.

The podcast concludes with Brittany Packnett Cunningham's call for white allies to support and amplify the work of Black and Indigenous communities. She emphasizes the importance of building a world that protects and respects the joy and genius of children. The hosts express gratitude for Brittany's work, acknowledging her as a crucial organizer and voice in the nation.

Key Insights

• Brittany Packnett Cunningham connects the current events in Minnesota to years of organizing and community building, noting these are not spontaneous reactions but planned responses to systemic state violence.
• The current political climate is more dangerous than in 2014 or 2020, as it is characterized by an authoritarianism that poses greater risks to activism and civil rights.
• Brittany suggests actionable steps to counter ICE's aggressive tactics, such as pushing for eviction moratoriums and opposing the DHS appropriations bill that funds ICE.
• The episode highlights the importance of collective action and organizing, contrasting individualistic tendencies within the ethos of whiteness with the need for community support and solidarity.