A true great has passed. Aretha Franklin, “Queen of Soul,” had long been ill and on August 16, 2018, she succumbed to complications of advanced pancreatic cancer while in hospice care at her Detroit home, according to her family. The beloved performer leaves an iconic legacy instrumental in changing popular music the world over. Her early issues on Atlantic Records in the … [Read more...]
Joetta Wright uses art to education and empower community
The Wright Stuff Twin Cities native Joetta Wright has commitment to excellence in her blood. Her mom, Patricia Wright, is the first African American woman in Minnesota to own a court reporting business, and Gloria Wright, Joetta’s grandmother, was one of the state’s first African Americans to become a registered nurse. Joetta is continuing that trailblazing lineage through … [Read more...]
Confronting discrimination can be overwhelming without help
News Analysis Life is tough enough facing everyday issues without discrimination making things harder. Black Twitter has managed to help mete out social media justice against the Permit Patty’s and Barbecue Becky’s of the world – causing them to lose jobs, businesses and reputations. But, what happens when you’re unfairly excluded from, say, housing or employment or … [Read more...]
Uproar over BCA: ‘what Black pain looks like,’ says council director
As executive director for the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, Justin Terrell heads a venerated 38-year-old organization undergoing a period of transition. He stepped on board this past December amidst a sea change of directors and staff vacancies. “I believe [I’m] the fourth director in the past five years,” he said. “There were issues. I can’t really speak to … [Read more...]
Catching Up With V.J. — Funding woes frustrate MAD DADS president
MAD DADS (Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder), a grassroots outreach organization for the community by the communit, fights the proverbial good fight, stepping up for safety on our streets. Its members wear their trademark green T-shirts, meeting and greeting the public with a positive message. “We haven’t stopped and we won’t stop”, proclaimed MAD DADS National … [Read more...]