Unicorn Riot is a media collective that works out of Denver, Boston, New York City, and, quite prominently, right here in Minneapolis.
As a decentralized, nonpartisan, and volunteer-run organization, Unicorn Riot offers a live-streamed look at protests, marches, and social conflicts to give viewers an honest account of what’s going on in the world, without government or corporate influence.
“Unicorn Riot’s purpose is to amplify the voices of people who might otherwise go unheard, and broadcast the stories that might otherwise go untold, as we further understanding of dynamic social struggles.”
Unicorn Riot: Your Alternative Media from Unicorn Riot on Vimeo:
Unicorn Riot starts in Minneapolis
The original founders of Unicorn Riot started meeting in Minneapolis in the fall of 2014, and they’ve certainly had their hands full here:
After the shooting of Jamar Clark in Minneapolis (November, 2015), the Unicorn Riot streamed the occupation of Minneapolis PD’s 4th Precinct station without pause. After Philando Castile was killed in St. Anthony (July, 2016), Unicorn Riot streamed the subsequent protests, blocking of freeways, and interactions with law enforcement. And, after the man on trial for Castile’s death, Officer Jeronimo Yanez, was acquitted of all charges (June, 2017) Unicorn Riot was present once again to film and share the march from the State Capitol down University Avenue in St. Paul.
They have played a continually crucial role in documenting local rallies, protests, and marches related to Black Lives Matter.
Of course, Unicorn Riot doesn’t just stick around Minnesota. Nor do they only cover events in the four cities in which they’re based. They were present as well covering the recent G20 protests in Hamburg (July, 2017), the action of the Amsterdam Climate Camp (June, 2017), and Antifa protests in Washington, DC (June, 2017).
They’ve also grown beyond livestreaming: They have produced videos, blogs, and podcasts, as well as a weekly news program called Deprogram, to discuss these events, and what they mean as a piece of the larger whole.
The world, it seems, is growing smaller. And, given how connected we are, and how quickly we can share footage/information across the globe, there is nothing keeping us from staying in the loop. There is nothing keeping us from bearing witness and demanding accountability. And, just maybe, making a difference along the way.
Watch: Unicorn Riot Live Channel
Learn more: About Unicorn Riot
Support: Support Unicorn Riot
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