Owner C. Terrence Anderson aims to offer locals exceptional coffee that reflects the cultural richness of the communities from which the coffee was sourced, with a focus on fair labor practices and partnerships with organizations that share his commitment to community and sustainability.
Alexzia Shobe
Alexzia Shobe can be reached at ashobe@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inArts + Culture
Architectural design as a tool for community healing
Changó Cummings, a multidisciplinary architectural designer, is reshaping the landscape of architecture by employing art and design to challenge traditional norms and support marginalized communities, creating spaces that address both the physical and spiritual needs of BIPOC communities.
Posted inMetro
Frey and City Council at odds over Mpls spending
The Minneapolis City Council passed its 2025 budget after a final override of Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto, setting the course for how city funds will be allocated for the upcoming year, including a 6.8% increase in the property tax levy and a focus on public safety, affordable housing, and economic inclusion.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
WE WIN Institute
Titilayo Bediako’s WE WIN Institute has been a cornerstone of educational empowerment for Black children in North Minneapolis for nearly three decades, and is now expanding its impact with a new 12,000-square-foot building and programs focused on literacy development, mentorship, and community engagement.
Posted inMetro
Reverend-activist launches mayoral campaign
Rev. DeWayne Davis, a community leader and advocate for social justice, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis, promising a vision of leadership rooted in equity for all residents and emphasizing the themes of dignity, opportunity, and safety.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
SunBean Coffee is a bright addition to South Minneapolis
SunBean Coffee, a newly established café in South Minneapolis, is owned by Fred and Annie DuBose and aims to create a space for community and well-being, offering a range of drinks and baked goods, as well as job opportunities for young people from BIPOC communities.
Posted inMetro
YWCA St. Paul combats inequity
YWCA St. Paul is dedicated to improving the well-being of its community, focusing on racial and gender equity, and has recently partnered with Element Gym to create a comprehensive community health hub and provide childcare services, education, and health resources to Black women and their families.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Black Business Spotlight: Selam Restaurant
Selam Restaurant, a family-owned and operated Ethiopian restaurant in South Minneapolis, offers an immersive experience into the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia, with a menu of traditional dishes, exquisite murals, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Posted inMetro
Another Rondo in the works?
The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposed conversion of Highway 252 into a freeway has sparked concerns from residents and activists about the potential impact on surrounding BIPOC communities, with critics urging the agency to prioritize mass transit and lower speed limits to reduce congestion and improve safety.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Black Business Spotlight: MetroNOME Brewery
MetroNOME Brewery, co-founded by Bill Eddins, is a craft beer business that supports local music education programs through the MetroNOME Foundation, providing instruments, lessons, and mentorship to underprivileged youth in the Twin Cities.
Posted inMetro
Grassroots vision for George Floyd Square challenges city plan
Residents, activists, and community leaders gathered to discuss the future of George Floyd Square, urging the city to prioritize community needs and address the systemic issues that led to George Floyd’s death, while calling for a comprehensive, people-centered plan for the area.
Posted inMetro
Queermunity transcends labels to provide mutual support
Queermunity, a new hybrid social enterprise and resource center, has opened in the Twin Cities to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering revenue-generating services and free or low-cost programming, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
Posted inMetro
ReConnect Rondo aims high
ReConnect Rondo is a community-led initiative dedicated to restoring the cultural and economic vitality of the Rondo neighborhood, which was devastated by the construction of I-94, by building a land bridge and developing a Restorative Development Neighborhood Plan.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Black Business Spotlight: Element Gym
Element Gym, founded by Dalton Outlaw in 2011, is a multifaceted fitness center that offers a range of programs for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and is committed to promoting health equity and providing scholarships for individuals who cannot afford the membership cost.
Posted inMetro
Women’s Advocates a lifesaving resource for 50 years
Women’s Advocates, the nation’s first shelter dedicated to domestic violence survivors, has been providing life-changing resources, support and safety to survivors for 50 years, breaking the cycle of domestic violence and supporting individuals in reclaiming their lives.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Black Business Spotlight: Agape Oasis
Agape Oasis is a nonprofit organization that provides unconditional love and support to families affected by domestic violence, offering a range of services including child care, youth empowerment, community engagement, crisis support, and healing.
Posted inMetro
City’s vision for George Floyd Square so far gets mixed reviews
Minneapolis has revealed its vision document for George Floyd Square, which aims to repair collective harms, honor the site as an active memorial space, and center the needs of the community, with plans for infrastructure improvements and a community-owned nonprofit to take over the responsibility of honoring the site.
Posted inArts + Culture, Events, Sister Spokesman, Sister Spokesman Highlights
Sister Spokesman takes deep dive into hair care
Runeka Edwards of Unique Fashion and Accessories hosted a hair care event featuring a panel of hair care gurus and vendors dedicated to uplifting Black women and promoting wellness, discussing the science of hair, product choices, and business evolution.
Posted inBusiness Spotlight
Business Spotlight: Colonial Market and Restaurant
Daniel Hernandez has opened a supermarket chain, Colonial Market, in Minneapolis to address the lack of food accessibility in underserved communities, providing fresh produce, cultural foods, and prepared meals, as well as creating job opportunities and partnering with local nonprofits and churches.
Posted inMetro
From redlining to resource deserts
Redlining has left enduring impacts in Minnesota, with communities that once were categorized as undesirable continuing to struggle with higher poverty rates and lower access to grocery stores and healthcare facilities, reflecting deep-rooted systemic inequalities.