By Mel Reeves Contributing Writer The hanging of a Black doll by four Washburn High School students on January 11 created quite a furor at the school and in the Minneapolis Black community. A press conference was called last week and held at the MSR in Minneapolis by parents and community members, in which they […]
January 2013
Posted inNews
St. Paul native spearheads projects highlighting Black achievement — Rondo, Toni Stone, Jimmy Lee, Dred Scott left imprint on Minnesota history
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Black folk and their accomplishments in Minnesota too often have been overlooked or undervalued, believes Frank White. For several years now White has been working on several civic projects to spotlight historic accomplishments of local Blacks. “I think what I’ve learned is growing up here in Minnesota, we [Blacks] kind […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Minister celebrates his 105th birthday — Reverend Smith describes himself as a ‘late bloomer’
On Saturday, January 19, Wayman AME Church in North Minneapolis played host to a glorious event that celebrated the 105th birthday of Reverend Noah Spencer Smith. The church was filled with many people of all ages who Smith has touched over the years.
Posted inArts + Culture
This week’s Entertainment Spotlights!
Nellie Now through Feb. 17 History Theater 30 East 10th St., St. Paul 651-292-4323 or www.historytheatre.com Civil rights and labor activist Nellie Stone Johnson was a Minnesota hero. Her feisty spirit and drive to succeed made her a political force to be reckoned with on issues of social justice, labor rights, and equality. Renowned playwright […]
Posted inArts + Culture
SFJAZZ’s new home, Bobby Z’s 2nd benefit, D’Angelo’s new music
Congrats to SFJAZZ. After presenting its first concerts in San Francisco 30 years ago, today the nonprofit organization SFJAZZ has built a home and performance venue of its own. Its grand opening occurred on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21, 2013. According to a press release about the SFJAZZ opening, “The SFJAZZ Center can […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges: Play about civil rights-era child hero re-created in new staging
It isn’t often a figure from African America history is still around once his or her accomplishments finally are celebrated. A spectacular exception, of course, is President Barack Obama. Not nearly as famous but nonetheless a hallmark is the triumph in 1960 of little six-year-old Ruby Bridges, documented as the first child of color to […]
Posted inOpinion
Let the games begin: the selection of stadium construction manager — Fraser, Davis and Tomlin: quota guys in the NFL?
The push-Black-Americans-in-football-to-the-back-of-the-bus games have begun, raising “Blacks need not apply” signs not only for stadium construction jobs but also NFL team head-coaching jobs. This is not about quotas. It is about statistical probabilities not being met due to intentional skewing out of contention a specific group of people. In this case, Black American workers, whether […]
Posted inOpinion
Is doll-hanging incident a result of ignorance or callousness?
Someone once said that “the problem with the past is it’s not quite past.” Ironically, the hanging of a Black doll and the dragging of it through school at Minneapolis Washburn was a reminder that the past is not quite past us in our so-called post-racial society. Why would someone hang a Black doll knowing […]
Posted inOpinion
APRC statement on Russia’s adoption ban
Russia’s recent law that prohibits the adoption of Russian children by United States’ citizens illustrates the enormous complexities of international adoption and exposes the multiple parties and interest groups that have a stake in the process. Thus far, a single interest group that has a particular interest and agenda has dominated the discourse surrounding Russia’s […]
Posted inOpinion
Obama linking Selma to Stonewall divides Black community
President Barack Obama’s inaugural address was the most inclusive speech a president has ever given. It was delivered on the 27th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the president honored King’s legacy when he eloquently spoke of how the many U.S. liberation movements, both current and historic, are interconnected. “We, the people, declare […]
Posted inSports
Recovery from an ACL injury is quicker now, but still challenging
Modern medicine has improved so much in recent years that an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury these days isn’t career-ending for an athlete, but rather a temporary setback. Historically, “People were really stiff coming out of surgery,” notes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joel Boyd. “Then the surgical knee was immobilized in a cast, and then began […]
Posted inSports
Ravens vs. 49ers an all-Harbaugh Super Bowl
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans braces for Super Bowl XLVII, the first Super Bowl in that city since the horrific storm Hurricane Katrina. This is the 10th time the NFL has brought the world stage of the Super Bowl to New Orleans; the last Super Bowl held here was Super Bowl XXXVI, New England 20—St. […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Black IT pros give back
News Analysis By Jerry Freeman MSR Senior Editor Lots of people talk about “giving back,” “reaching back,” “paying it forward,” all expressions of how important it is that those who have been fortunate return the favor to others. That principle is alive and well at the local chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), […]
Posted inSports
Wolves asst. coach credits good timing for his coaching career
An NBA assistant coach’s job is more than just keeping the bench leveled as the head coach continually stalks the sidelines during games. “Every day before practice, we meet [as a coaching] staff and formulate a practice plan,” explains T.R. Dunn, one of five former NBAers on the Minnesota Timberwolves staff, including Head Coach Rick […]
Posted inSports
St. Paul City Conference race wide open and rife with ironies
DION BRADLEY, the 5-10 scoring machine from St. Paul Highland Park, continues to amaze. The senior scored 32 points in leading the Scots to a surprising 85-75 victory over City Conference leader Central. The victory not only put Highland Park in sole possession of first place; it also sent a message that the conference crown […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
No More Excuses
Too many have sacrificed for us to give up now Most of the excuses we make up make it hard for our life on this earth. Everything that really matters we make excuses for: excuses why we won’t go to school, why we don’t listen to our parents, why we don’t stay out of trouble, […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
The Good Wife Works – America in the Age of Obama
In a recent workshop held on the campus of Macalester College in St. Paul on the state and condition of America in the age of Obama, it was agreed that our president and the symbol that the presidency represents is its highest compliment, the ultimate achievement. He is credible. He qualifies to be president. Do […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Share your heritage — cook with your children
Whenever I hear my pre-adolescent daughter say, “Mom, I’m hungry!” I’m reminded of how much things have changed since I was her age. At the risk of sounding like I grew up on Little House on the Prairie, I would like to add that at her age I could cook, clean, and otherwise run an […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Staying hydrated during the winter months
Brittle nails? Snapping hair? Losing your complexion? Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Take control of your hair, skin and nails and moisturize yourself back to vitality! Harsh winter temps can wreak havoc on our bodies, but you can fight back! These simple tips will keep you warm and moisturized all winter long. […]