Ghost of a Chance: Bonus Episode Two – What’s Next for Ghost of a Chance

In the second bonus episode of Ghost of a Chance by the Minnesota Star Tribune, host Eric Roper and co-host Melissa Townsend delve into the podcast's recent developments, community engagement, and future initiatives celebrating the legacy of Harry and Clementine Robinson. This episode, released on May 2, 2025, coincides with the shared birthday of the Robinsons, marking a poignant moment to reflect on their 144-year legacy and the broader history of race in Minneapolis.

Special Significance of May 2nd

Eric Roper opens the episode by highlighting the importance of the release date:

“[01:13] Today is May 2nd, which is Harry and Clementine's shared birthday. They would be 144 years old today. And based on Harry's obituary, it also seems that they celebrated their wedding anniversary on this day.”
— Eric Roper

This date serves as a commemorative anchor, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Robinsons and setting the tone for the episode's discussions.

Community Response and Memorial Fundraiser

Following the podcast’s launch in January, Eric and Melissa share their excitement about the community’s overwhelming response. Listeners have shown deep engagement, leading to actionable initiatives to honor Harry and Clementine Robinson.

Melissa Townsend announces:

“[02:35] So we're here today to announce the official launch of the GoFundMe to raise money for a memorial to the Robinsons.”
— Melissa Townsend

Eric Roper elaborates on the fundraising efforts:

“[02:43] Money will go toward the headstone, and we also plan to set aside money if family members want to come for the installation of the headstone.”
— Eric Roper

The initiative aims to place a proper headstone for Clementine Robinson in Crystal Lake Cemetery, where she currently lies in an unmarked grave. Additionally, funds will support community events, including the Southside Back in the Day festival slated for August 30th at Phelps Park, celebrating the rich history of the Old South neighborhood where the Robinsons resided.

Melissa Townsend adds:

“[02:13] Now the Star Tribune doesn't start a GoFundMe, so Eric had to get creative.”
— Melissa Townsend

A dedicated committee comprising community members Greg McMore, Bill Wells, and Lisa Crawford (from Southside Back in the Day) spearheads the fundraising efforts. The GoFundMe link is conveniently provided in the episode’s show notes and accessible via Bit.ly Robinson Memorial, encouraging widespread participation.

Connecting Past and Present: From the Robinsons to George Floyd

The episode draws a powerful connection between the historical narrative of Harry and Clementine Robinson and the contemporary struggle for racial justice, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death five years prior.

Melissa Townsend states:

“[03:40] We will put the link to the GoFundMe in the show Notes, but you can also go to Bit ly Robinson Memorial.”
— Melissa Townsend

Eric Roper reflects on the impact of George Floyd’s death on his research:

“[03:59] You know, that event and the aftermath of that event happened at the very early stages of some of the research I was doing and sort of helped fuel some of my further interest in really digging into their lives.”
— Eric Roper

To further explore this intertwined history, Eric and Melissa announce a live storytelling event:

Melissa Townsend:

“[04:13] So we're hosting a big gathering on Thursday, May 29. It'll be a live storytelling event where we reflect on the long history that led up to the murder of George Floyd and the global racial reckoning that followed.”
— Melissa Townsend

Titled "From the Robinsons to Floyd: The Long History that Got Us Here," the event will feature stories of resistance and resilience from the Old South community and beyond. Scheduled at the Sabathany Community Center in South Minneapolis, the event will include contributions from podcast experts like Yahoo Williams, Kirsten Delegarde, and Greg D'Onofrio.

Eric Roper invites listeners:

“[05:28] And we also want to know if the podcast had an impact for you or in your community. So please let us know.”
— Eric Roper

Listeners are encouraged to attend the event, engage with the ongoing narrative, and contribute to the collective memory and recognition of the Robinsons’ legacy.

Acknowledgments and Community Engagement

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks and a call to action for continued community involvement.

Melissa Townsend expresses gratitude:

“[05:46] Jenny Pinkley: Ghost of a Chance is reported by Eric Roper and written and produced by me, Melissa Townsend... Our website is startribune.com ghostofachance there you can see pictures and documents from the podcast...”
— Melissa Townsend

Listeners are urged to subscribe to the Minnesota Star Tribune to support such impactful storytelling and to stay informed about upcoming events and discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Eric Roper on the significance of the memorial:

  “[03:18] It’s very moving to me and very touching that so many people wanted to do this... to give them a proper tribute.”
  — Eric Roper

• Melissa Townsend on the event’s purpose:

  “[04:13] So we're hosting a big gathering... Their stories are filled with resistance and resilience in the face of injustice.”
  — Melissa Townsend

Conclusion

Bonus Episode Two of Ghost of a Chance serves as both a reflection on the podcast’s impact and a call to action for the community to honor Harry and Clementine Robinson’s legacy. Through fundraising for memorials and organizing events that bridge historical and contemporary struggles for racial justice, Eric Roper and Melissa Townsend demonstrate the profound influence of storytelling in fostering community engagement and remembrance.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in the ongoing initiatives, attend the live event on May 29th, and contribute to building a more informed and connected community.

For more information, listeners can visit the Ghost of a Chance website and join the conversation via email at ghostofachance@artribune.com.