The next interviewer — or for that matter, anyone at all — to ask why this columnist, being male, continually, constantly, and at every possible opportunity protests, decries and denounces man’s inhumanity toward woman might just get told a few unkind things about themselves. In real plain words. Submitted for your consideration: News came December […]
January 2013
Posted inHealth + Wellness
The Good Wife Works – Gypsies, Jews, Hmong and Blacks — diasporas of the unwanted
When I was a little girl, people would ask, “What nationality are you?” That is to say, to what tribe do I belong? What is my country of origin? Belonging is tribe, blood and culture, not necessarily territory and certainly not based on citizenship now that so many in the world occupy diasporas and are […]
Posted inNews
MN’s sales tax highest of five-state Upper Midwest
Revenue commissioner talks tax reform with Twin Cities’ business owners of color By Charles Hallman Staff Writer On December 21, Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans held the second of two minority business tax forums at African Development Center in Minneapolis. It was part of an effort by the Minnesota Department of Revenue to “get as much feedback […]
Posted inNews
Hometown talent celebrate BMA’s 25-year anniversary
African American cable music company saluted by local music artists By Robin James Contributing Writer “Coming here tonight, I see so many great friends in the house who are here with us tonight…Without you there would be no us,” Pete Rhodes, the founder of the BMA Network, said at its first BMA Channel celebration […]
Posted inNews
Teacher/entrepreneur uses life lessons to motivate Twin Cities’ youth
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Overcoming obstacles and adjusting to changes in his life is Tommy Watson’s personal story. “By the time I was in third grade, I lived in three foster homes…and lived with my grandmother,” said Watson in a recent interview with the MSR. “We were shuffled around. “I remember many days watching […]
Posted inArts + Culture
This week’s Entertainment spotlights!
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas Wed.-Thurs., Jan. 9-10, 7 & 9 pm Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-1010 or www.dakotacooks.com Tickets are $50-$65 for the 7 pm show and $40-$45 for the 9 pm show. T.A.Y.E. Wed., Jan. 9, 8 pm (in the Entry) First Avenue & 7th Street Entry 701 […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Tracey Ashley: Witty comedian brought the heat to local club
There aren’t many things worth going outside for on a December night in the Twin Cities. Comedic ace Tracey Ashley is one. Homegirl truly got skills. This summer, Tracey Ashley opened for Dave Chappelle at the State Theatre and was a hit, delighting her fans and winning new ones with crackling fresh material. This night, […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Black father of Three Musketeers author was a real-life hero
For a quiet weekend getaway, there’s nothing like a novel. With a novel in your hands, you can travel the world without going anywhere, seeing things your eyes can’t show you. Reading a novel allows you to be someone — or something – else for a while. A good novel is just what you need […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Program helps young adults transition from foster care to positive futures
By Makula Dunbar Contributing Writer Contrary to how most people view it, Tiffany — a teen who’s just become familiar with the foster care system — says it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Making the shift was a dream come true she says, as was becoming a participant of Connections to Independence […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
African inventor addresses worldwide crisis of sanitation
Lack of toilets, water overuse will bring the crisis to the U.S., engineer predicts By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Human waste disposal and how to properly manage it has been a recognized environmental issue since 2008 when the United Nations declared that year the “International Year of Sanitation.” However, some believe that the issue […]
Posted inOpinion
The Vikings Stadium: a historic reckoning point in its history regarding the equity plan
Vikings Stadium legislation called for an equity plan outlining Black participation in construction contracts and workers. Its absence is the story of continued injustice, discrimination, and official sneering at the idea of Black participation. This major story of 2012-2013 will be a 2013-2014 albatross around the necks of the self-appointed and imaginary Twin Cities leaders […]
Posted inOpinion
Sandy Hook tragedy exposes a tragic double standard
There were some things about the coverage of the Sandy Hook shootings in Newtown, Connecticut that gave me pause and should give all of us pause. Let me say up front that I believe that this was a very tragic occurrence, and I empathize with the families of those who lost loved ones, especially children. […]
Posted inOpinion
Why avoid single mothers?
Black men have no business looking down on single sistahs with chirren. Long as I’ve been Black, single moms proved a rule, not an exception. Plenty Black men have been, in fact, raised by a single Black woman, busting her hips, all on her own, to make do for self and the young ’uns. Which […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter to the Editor: Why is the superintendent of the MPS silent on segregation at Richard Green Central?
Segregation is happening right in our neighborhood at Richard Green Central Park School. This school is under scrutiny due to the segregation of African American and Latino students. Students are separated and placed into classrooms based upon their last names in order to determine if a student will be placed in a Spanish- or English-speaking […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter to the Editor: To The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States of America,
We know you have been working with Congress to prevent our nation from going over the fiscal cliff. The members of the National Black Chamber of Commerce are heartened to see progress being made, and we hope a workable resolution for the business community can be achieved by the end of this year. Of particular […]
Posted inSports
Resolved: to pop ‘information bubbles’ whenever possible in 2013
National columnist Jason Whitlock coined a term for a certain phenomenon back in October. This phenomenon was seen and heard endlessly during the presidential campaign and throughout out President Obama’s first term: claims that he’s not a real American and other such nonsense. Whitlock calls it an “information bubble” when people “avoid hearing their perspectives […]
Posted inSports
Vikings clinch playoffs, beat Packers 37-34
Yes, the Vikings are relevant again. They clinched the final NFC playoff spot Sunday by beating Green Bay 37-34 before 64,134 fans in one of the most electric, pressure-packed Viking games in franchise history. The great Adrian Peterson’s remarkable, incredible return from knee surgery fueled the Vikings’ return to the playoffs. Peterson came up just […]
Posted inSports
Best prep photos of 2012
So many pictures to choose from. Here are my favorites from 2012. Keep in mind that the choices have nothing to do with individual or team accomplishments. If I like it, I chose it. Happy New Year. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inSports
Gopher women look strong going into 2013 Big 10 conference play
All 12 Big Ten women’s basketball squads begin conference play this week with a winning record. Minnesota (11-3) plays at Michigan State Thursday in East Lansing, then at Wisconsin next Sunday. Gopher Coach Pam Borton told the MSR after her squad’s double-overtime win over Creighton that she believes her squad’s non-conference schedule has readied them […]