The First Issue
(Editors' Note: This is a re-print of the first article in the first issue of this very publication, from August, 1935. Our recent perusing through history turned up many gems from Bulletins past, which we look forward to sharing with readers from time to time in future issues. The publication title mentioned below reflected this organization's former name, the Minnesota State Organization of the Blind).
Introduction
by Jennifer Dunnam
Winter 2022
Volume 88, Number 1, Winter 2022
A Publication of the
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, Inc.
100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Voice: (612) 872-9363
Website: www.nfbmn.org
Ryan Strunk, President
Email president@nfbmn.org
Editorial Team:
Jennifer Dunnam, Kayde Rieken, Brook Sexton
Email jennifer.dunnam1829@gmail.com
One of the highlights of the 2020 annual convention of the NFB of Minnesota was the presentation of an audio documentary with voices and sounds from our history, gathered by Steve Jacobson and Tim Aune. This amazing trip through time was presented in several segments during the convention. It is available in four mp3 files, downloadable from the links below, and also along with other commemorative material at www.nfbmn.org/100years.
Acknowledgements
Many people are involved in getting this issue to you. The writers can write and the editor can edit, but until the material is printed, brailled, recorded, and distributed, it is just a computer file. Therefore, we owe great thanks to the following people for the work they do in producing this publication.
Background and Purpose
The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold — to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.
Chapter and Other Meetings to Remember
At Large Chapter — statewide, consisting of those who live outside a chapter area and/or cannot attend a meeting in person; meets at 7:15 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month. The meeting is held via the ZOOM platform. Watch for the monthly e-mail or call Dave Andrews at 612-730-7931 for more information.
Metro Chapter — Twin Cities area; meets at 10:00 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month via the Zoom platform until further notice. For details, watch for the monthly email or contact Deanna Langton, President, at drlangton@gmail.com.
The Circle Of Life In The NFB
By Jennifer Wenzel
(Editor’s Note: We are indeed fortunate that Jennifer Wenzel is willing to share her wisdom and leadership experience with Minnesota blind students. Here is her reflection on the circle of life in our organization):
National Convention From Home
By Matthew Gip
(Editor’s Note: Many Federationists have memories of their first National Convention and have recorded them in various NFB publications. While this was not Matthew’s first convention, it was his first virtual NFB convention and I’m glad he is sharing it with us for publication here.)
A Unique High School Graduation
By Elizabeth Schoen
(Editor’s Note: Lizzy has just moved to Minnesota from Virginia where she was active in that state’s student division, she is now a freshman at St. Olaf college in Northfield Minnesota. In this article she demonstrates with feeling the experience of graduating from high school during this turbulent time.)