The WNBA just days before the start of the 2018 season announced a partnership with six national organizations that primarily work on behalf of girls and women. Its new “Take a Seat, Take a Stand” women and girls empowerment program began last weekend. With each ticket purchased this season, the WNBA will donate $5 to one of the following six groups of the fans’ choosing: … [Read more...]
Poor People’s Campaign puts bodies on the line
MN protests focus on systemic racism, economic justice The Poor People Campaign’s month-long “wave” of local nonviolent civil disobedience is now in its second week. An estimated 200 supporters participated in protests Monday and Tuesday, May 14-15 at the State Capitol and at the Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul, respectively. The protests were part of the Poor … [Read more...]
Winning’s not enough to keep an NBA coaching job
The NBA concluded the 2017-18 regular season with six of the 30 head coaches Black, and four of them guided teams to post-season berths. But a Black minus-plus hiring effect has recently taken place. J.B. Bickerstaff (Memphis), David Fizdale (New York) and Lloyd Pierce (Atlanta) all were hired. Then last week, a day after he was voted coach of the year by his peers, Dwane … [Read more...]
Sport as a vehicle for social change
Conclusion of a two-part column Dr. Richard Lapchick’s wide, wide worldly circle of friends includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was named Lew Alcindor when they met as high schoolers at a summer basketball camp. A couple of decades later, Nelson Mandela personally invited him to his South African presidential inauguration. “I was lucky to grow up with Kareem … [Read more...]
St. Paul Fire Department hires first Black female firefighter in 10 years
After 10-year lapse, St. Paul adds second Black female in the department's history The St. Paul Fire Department now has three new Black firefighters on its roster – including its first new female firefighter in over 10 years. Brittany Baker, Brandyn Springsted and Dujuan Williams were sworn in May 11 at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center as part of the 19-member … [Read more...]