Rondo Community Land Trust acquires the former Sears site in St. Paul in its largest deal to date, a $10.8 million acquisition of 17 acres vacant since 2019.
Damenica Ellis
Posted inEducation
St. Paul’s Benjamin E. Mays school to launch afrocentric program this fall
St. Paul Benjamin E. Mays Afrocentric program launches this fall in the Rondo neighborhood, teaching through Black history and centering African American student excellence.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
Kevin Washington’s musical journey from Detroit to Walker West
Kevin Washington isn’t just a jazz drummer; he is a musical vessel for Black music. From his Detroit upbringing to his Minneapolis residency, Washington blends funk, gospel, and punk rock to create a spiritual experience he calls “the source.”
Posted inOn the Radar
South Minneapolis Filmmaker Maxie Rockymore Centers Black Humanity in Storytelling
Maxie Rockymore joins MSR On the Radar to talk about her award-winning short film Fresh Cut, her South Minneapolis roots and writing Black stories in their full humanity.
Posted inLocal & State
Next generation leaders: Young women reshaping politics, art, and activism in Minnesota
Young women leaders in Minnesota politics and activism are passing legislation, mobilizing voters and building movements from high school hallways to the State Capitol.
Posted inArts + Culture
Katherine Dunham residency brings African dance to Northside youth, adults
Katherine Dunham Residency at Lundstrum Performing Arts in North Minneapolis runs March 25 to 29 with African, modern, ballet and hip-hop classes open to all ages.
Posted inOn the Radar
Poet and Cultural Producer Tish Jones Celebrates 20 Years of True Art Speaks
Poet and educator Tish Jones joins MSR’s On the Radar to discuss the True Art Speaks 20th anniversary, poetry and community work in the Twin Cities.
Posted inWomen’s History Month
More than a prisoner of war: Shoshana Johnson reflects on service
Army veteran Shoshana Johnson reflects on survival, service and the legacy of Black women in the military.
Posted inWomen’s History Month
The rise of women-owned businesses and a new definition of success
Black women entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities are redefining business by centering community, wellness and purpose.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
South Minneapolis filmmaker centers Black humanity in storytelling
Filmmaker Maxie Rockymore draws from her South Minneapolis roots to showcase Black humanity. From her early days at Hosmer Library to her new film Fresh Cut, she creates accessible art that honors her community and “reflects the times.”
Posted inOn the Radar
On the Radar Podcast: Imani Moore Builds Community Through Dance and Movement
The dance community Twin Cities is growing through Locomotive Dance Crew and its focus on inclusion and connection.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
20 years of TruArtSpeaks: A poet’s dedication to hip-hop, poetry, and cultural preservation
Tish Jones discovered the power of hip-hop storytelling as a child and has spent decades using poetry and spoken word to educate and uplift young people. As founder of TruArtSpeaks in St. Paul, she blends art, culture, and social justice.
Posted inTheater
New play ‘Abuelita’ centers culture, community at Capri Theater
The play Abuelita premieres at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, telling a story about culture, family and the women who support communities.
Posted inOn the Radar
On the Radar Podcast: Jamela Pettiford Uses Music to Build Confidence and Community
Singer and educator Jamela Pettiford discusses music, mentorship and her Rondo roots on the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s On the Radar podcast.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
A self-care ritual grows into a mother-daughter candle and wellness business
Black Business Spotlight: Kobi Co. Minneapolis grew from a high school idea into a thriving candle and wellness business created by a mother-daughter team.
Posted inWomen’s History Month
Nellie Stone Johnson’s vision lives on through unions, professors and scholarships
The Nellie Stone Johnson legacy continues in Minnesota through labor activism, education advocacy and scholarships supporting future leaders.
Posted inSister Spokesman
“Her Story” encourages Black women to write and publish their stories
The Her Story Sister Spokesman event brought women together at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center to celebrate African American authors and storytelling.
Posted inFinance
Lynn Crump-Caine named Thrivent Board Chair, aims to inspire inclusive leadership
Lynn Crump-Caine has been named board chair of Thrivent, bringing decades of leadership experience and advocating for greater diversity in corporate governance.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
Dancer creates space to move, belong and grow, with plans for a future studio
Imani Moore turned her lifelong passion for dance into Locomotive Dance Crew, a Twin Cities group focused on community, inclusion and performance.
Posted inOn the Radar
On the Radar Podcast Episode 2 Features Poet and Emcee Se’Anna Johnson
South Minneapolis poet and emcee Se’Anna Johnson is featured on Episode 2 of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s On the Radar podcast.