From a young age, she knew she wanted to act, even if she didn’t yet know what that path would look like. That early spark led her from Minnesota to Los Angeles and back home again, guiding her through realms as varied as education, military service, theater, poetry and motivational speaking. Perdue’s journey began in […]
Jasmine McBride
Jasmine McBride is the Associate Editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Posted inPolitics
Trumps’ new immigration fee and rules draw fire, lawsuit
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of other states filed a federal lawsuit Friday, Dec. 12, challenging the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H‑1B visa petitions, calling the policy unlawful and harmful to employers, essential services, and the broader U.S. economy. According to the California attorney general’s office, the lawsuit alleges that the […]
Posted inMetro
Emergency housing fills as more seek shelter
As winter tightens its grip, Minnesota shelters are facing record demand with little room to expand. Providers like People Serving People and Catholic Charities say families are staying longer, funding is shrinking, and many are left without safe options. Advocates warn that without long-term investment in housing and support services, shelters alone cannot stop the crisis from worsening.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘Nothing to prove, only to share’
Toni Pierce Sands, co founder of TU Dance and one of Minnesota’s most influential dance leaders, has died at 63. Dancers remember her not only for her artistry and Ailey lineage, but for her gift of making people feel seen. Former students describe how she unlocked their confidence and taught them that dance is about truth rather than perfection. Her legacy continues in the community she built and the philosophy she carried: nothing to prove, only to share.
Posted inMetro
Walk by FAITH!: Heart health and community in Minnesota
Walk By FAITH brought together churches from St. Paul and Rochester for community centered walking events focused on heart health, fellowship, and wellness. Led by program founder Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, the initiative also includes Techquity By FAITH, which uses technology to expand health literacy and support healthier lifestyles within Minnesota’s African American communities.
Posted inMetro
U.S. stops processing immigrant requests following D.C. shooting
WASHINGTON — Following a Thanksgiving Day shooting in Washington, D.C., that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured, the Trump administration announced Friday it is halting all asylum decisions, citing public safety concerns. Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said the agency is pausing decisions “until we can […]
Posted inMetro
Minnesota’s Somali community at center of national debate over TPS, fraud claims
The Somali American community in Minnesota has become a focal point of national controversy following President Donald Trump’s November 21 announcement calling for the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants. The president linked the community to widespread fraud in state programs, sparking pushback from civil rights groups, political leaders, and local officials. […]
Posted inMetro
National boycott brings Target ‘to its knees’
Days before the holiday shopping rush, civil rights leaders gathered in Minneapolis urging Minnesotans to continue the Target boycott. They argue the retailer rolled back its DEI commitments, harmed Black and immigrant communities, and is now relying on steep price cuts to recover from months of declining sales. Organizers say the boycott will continue until Target recommits to its racial equity promises made after George Floyd’s murder.
Posted inSister Spokesman
Sister Spokesman presents: Pause. Breathe. Heal.
In a world that rarely slows down, Sister Spokesman continues to be a space where Black women and our broader community gather to learn, uplift one another, and grow stronger together. As we close out the year, we invite you to join us for an afternoon dedicated entirely to mental wellness, intentional rest, and the […]
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Recovery in action: a journey of healing and service
For Michael Hill, recovery is more than a personal journey; it’s a mission to inspire others. With 18 months clean and sober, Michael has become a fixture in Minneapolis’ recovery community, dedicating himself not only to his own growth but to helping others navigate addiction and find hope. “I’m pretty big in my recovery community,” […]
Posted inMetro
Thanksgiving resource guide 2025
This statewide Thanksgiving Resource Guide lists free meals, food distributions and support services available across Minnesota. From the Twin Cities to Tribal Nations, families can find holiday meals, groceries and community assistance throughout November 2025.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Finding peace in the struggle: one man’s journey through recovery
For Lamont B. Taylor, recovery is both a battle and a sanctuary. Born in Hennepin County and raised in Gary, Indiana, Lamont has lived a life marked by struggle, mistakes, and the long road to self-discovery. Today, he finds solace at Anything Helps, a Minneapolis-based organization that provides resources for people navigating addiction and life’s […]
Posted inPolitics
Senator Bobby Joe Champion announces he’ll seek re-election in 2026
Building on historic achievements and continuing work on housing, jobs, public safety, and education Senator Bobby Joe Champion announced today that he will seek re-election in Senate District 59, citing his desire to continue building on a strong record of improving the lives of children, families, and business owners in his district. Champion, the first […]
Posted inMetro
Remembering Wallace “Jack” Jackman: A life of leadership, laughter, and legacy
Wallace “Jack” O’Neal Jackman, known affectionately as Jackie or simply Jack, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jack’s life was a master class in combining heart, hustle, and humor. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jack moved […]
Posted inMetro
Trapped abroad
Families speak out on two Black Americans jailed in China (WASHINGTON, D.C./Shreveport, La.) — For more than a decade, Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Mitchell Hunt have been imprisoned in China under circumstances their families say are unjust. The two African Americans, held in separate facilities, remain largely unreachable, and their loved ones say they […]
Posted inSister Spokesman
Sister Spokesman honors the “Best of Black Businesses” across Minnesota
Sister Spokesman celebrated Black excellence on Nov. 1 with the 2025 Best of Black Businesses Awards. Honorees in five categories were recognized for their creativity, community impact, and leadership. From food and beauty to wellness and professional services, winners and nominees shared stories of purpose and progress that highlight the strength of Minnesota’s Black business community.
Posted inEvents
Brandon Blackwood and Tricia Hersey headline “The Collective Sum,” a first-of-its-kind equity gathering in Minneapolis
The Collective Sum will bring together 400 changemakers in Minneapolis Nov. 18–20 for a three-day multicultural convening centered on Black joy, creativity, and movement building. Presented by the Black Collective Foundation MN, the event features nationally recognized leaders Brandon Blackwood and Tricia Hersey. Workshops will focus on justice, collaboration, wellness, and community power.
Posted inMetro
Five new public housing homes will replace two old
MPHA has broken ground on new accessible, all-electric affordable housing in Windom and Regina, adding family units to meet growing demand in Minneapolis.
Posted inMetro
Cuts threaten federal support for children with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education is exploring relocating its special education programs, weeks after the Trump administration laid off nearly all staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), according to a department spokesperson. In a brief statement sent to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s media partner Word in Black, Madi Biedermann, deputy assistant secretary for […]
Posted inMSR In the News
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder welcomes Scott Selmer as assigning editor
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is proud to welcome Scott Selmer as its new assigning editor. With robust experience in law, journalism, and community advocacy, Selmer brings a deep commitment to truth-telling and a lifelong belief in the power of Black media to uplift voices too often left unheard. Born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, a small, […]