Historical drama “Little Rock: 1942” honors the true story of heroic school teacher Susie Morris and the civil rights lawsuit that brought Thurgood Marshall to Saint Paul, highlighting the courageous stand against systemic inequality and the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Jasmine McBride
Jasmine McBride is the Associate Editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Minneapolis pastor decries broken public safety promises
Rev. Jerry McAfee disrupted a Minneapolis City Council meeting after a proposal to transfer $1.25M in violence prevention funding from the city to Hennepin County, sparking tensions and accusations of corruption.
DEI controversy stirs up racist hate mail
Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong was sent a vile and racially offensive email by a white woman in Minneapolis who was upset about the Target boycott and Armstrong’s advocacy for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, leading to the woman being removed from a health care advisory council.
Food insecurity on the rise in Minnesota
House Republicans have passed a budget proposal that threatens to cut $230 billion from federal farm and nutrition programs, including SNAP, which could have devastating effects on Minnesota’s food insecurity crisis, already at a critical point with one in five families in the state struggling with food insecurity.
Sister Spokesman builds on love, Black History Month
The “Love Connections: Embrace Self-Love & Build Great Relationships” event, hosted by Sister Spokesman, brought together dozens of attendees to discuss the importance of self-love and building fulfilling relationships through the law of attraction and mindfulness practices.
Game Time Sports Bar & Arcade brings new dynamic to Lake Street
Game Time Sports Bar & Arcade, owned by five lifelong friends, is set to open at Midtown Global Market on Super Bowl weekend, offering a vibrant space for sports enthusiasts and families alike to watch games, enjoy delicious food, and have fun.
MSR’s CEO honored for 50+ years in news
Tracey Williams-Dillard was honored with six others by the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Half Century Club, recognizing her 50 years of service to the newspaper industry.
Halfway houses face daunting challenges
Inmates at the 180 Degrees 236 Clifton halfway house in Minneapolis are complaining about the unsafe, unsanitary, and unjust conditions, including poor living conditions, inadequate food, and inadequate sanitation facilities.
Peace in Practice expands access to yoga culture
Peace and Practice’s first Wellness Wednesday of the year saw a large turnout, with a diverse group of participants enjoying yoga and mindfulness practices, and emphasizing self-transcendence and personal empowerment.
Jazz Hampton announces candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis
Jazz Hampton, CEO and General Counsel of TurnSignl, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis, running on a platform of public safety, accountability, and community-driven change.
Advocates say micro-schools could boost Black students’ success
The National Association of Black Microschool Leaders (NABML), founded by Nicole Stewart-Jones, aims to empower Black educators and leaders within the micro-school movement, offering innovative and personalized learning environments for Black students.
A friendship that transcended race and adversity
Christo Brand, former prison guard and friend of Nelson Mandela, has published a new book, “Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend,” which explores their relationship and the impact Mandela’s character has had on the world.
Program helps youth explore entrepreneurship
It’s Our Neighborhood, a Saint Paul-based organization, is hosting a Youth Business Fair to provide young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to develop a business plan, create a product or service, and learn about entrepreneurship while keeping 100% of their profits.
Elder continues higher ed advocacy
JoAnn Clark has dedicated over 35 years to supporting youth’s education through founding the Thinking College Early Fair and the Progressive Baptist Church HBCU Tour, raising over $1 million in scholarship funds and inspiring young people to access higher education opportunities.
North Shore gathering provides nature-based healing space
The 2025 BIPOC Thriving Future Horizon Story Circle Gathering, hosted by Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary, aims to bring together individuals from across the region to share ideas and forge a path towards healing, growth, and community empowerment.
Black Europe Film Festival debuts in Twin Cities
The Black Europe Film Festival of Minneapolis/Saint Paul will showcase Afro-European cinema across 24 countries, celebrating Black artistic excellence and amplifying voices that challenge dominant narratives of race, migration, and belonging.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy: Service and advocacy in today’s community
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the lives of community members, encouraging them to embrace service as a moral responsibility and to work towards meaningful change.
Love First: The power of community engagement
Love First, a Rondo-based organization founded by Chauntyll Allen and led by Satara Armstrong, is transforming the lives of Black youth by providing resources and fostering a supportive community, with a special MLK Solidarity Community Dinner on January 26 at Indigenous Roots in East St. Paul.
Registration for inaugural People of Color Career Fair opens
The 13th Annual People of Color Career Fair is coming up on April 15, providing job seekers of color with networking opportunities, free headshots, and a continental breakfast, while employers have the opportunity to foster a more inclusive workforce.
Celebrating New funk with Poetic Roots’ anniversary
Poetic Roots, Charmaine, and LASALLE are celebrating their 1-year anniversary with a night of live music, dancing, and celebration at Icehouse Minneapolis on February 22.
