Dozens rallied at City Hall to oppose the Minneapolis Zencity contract, delivering 2,000 signatures and pressing Mayor Jacob Frey to cancel the 500,000 dollar MPD survey deal by Dec. 1.
Jasmine McBride
Jasmine McBride is the Associate Editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Posted inEvents
Ignite Lab Gala supports inclusive, diverse marketing
The BrandLab Ignite Gala Minneapolis gathers students, alumni, and industry leaders on Sept. 25 to fund paid internships, scholarships, mentorship, and career coaching that diversify marketing.
Posted inEducation
NOURISH is community-driven health innovation in action
NOURISH Mt. Olivet Lab School Minneapolis tackles food insecurity and health disparities with a free food shelf, culturally relevant nutrition education, and community-led wellness programs.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Escape to Paradise LLC
Escape to Paradise, led by therapist Shantel Seraaj, reopens with 14 treatment rooms and a specialty in post-operative lymphatic drainage massage for faster, more comfortable recoveries. The clinic also offers body sculpting, deep tissue and relaxation massage, and on-site faja tailoring.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Lip Esteem
Lip Esteem, the Rondo rooted brand by Tameka Jones, is rising fast with plant based cosmetics, new products Double Take and Main Character, and partnerships with pro teams.
Posted inLocal & State
Be The Change Golf Tournament brings youth of color to the sport
The Be The Change MN Golf Tournament partnered with First Tee and the Solomon Hughes Sr. Golf Academy to expand access, mentorship, and representation in golf for youth of color.
Posted inLocal & State
Back in the Day award honors Al Brown as ‘Guardian of the Story’
Al Brown was awarded the 2025 Guardian of the Story Award at Southside Back In The Day for his decades of work in the Black Press and community storytelling, presented by MSR publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard.
Posted inLocal & State
Community leaders seek answers, solutions to school shootings
The Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 18 injured. Community leaders emphasize emotional health, youth mentorship, and assault weapons reform as key steps toward healing and prevention.
Supported
Posted inHelp Is Here
 Twin Cities Recovery Project hosts overdose awareness event
At a West Broadway gathering on Aug. 31, Twin Cities Recovery Project observed International Overdose Awareness Day with peer support, grief and trauma resources, harm reduction services, and a clear message that recovery is possible.
Posted inLocal & State
‘Soil Syndicate’ wants more people to see waste as a resource
Project Sweetie Pie and KilimoMax Solutions launched the Soil Syndicate on Aug. 23 in North Minneapolis, showcasing composting and biochar as tools for soil health and community resilience.
Posted inPolitics
Trump delivers ‘massive’ setbacks to the Black middle class
rump’s second-term policies are dismantling supports that built the Black middle class, from federal jobs to housing, education, and business development.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Spyce Pilates
Black Business Spotlight: Spyce Pilates opens this fall in the Twin Cities, bringing inclusive wellness and representation to the Pilates community.
Posted inPolitics
DFL endorsement revocation heats up mayoral race
The Minnesota DFL revoked Omar Fateh’s mayoral endorsement, sparking criticism from progressives who call it anti-democratic. No candidate will be endorsed for now.
Posted inEducation
Dualeh returns to lead Normandale’s Sirtify® program
Normandale appoints Mustafa Dualeh as Sirtify® program coordinator, strengthening efforts to increase Black male representation in education careers.
Posted inFashion
Love First hosts first-ever youth fashion show
Love First hosted its first youth fashion show, a celebration of creativity and confidence tied to programs that support HBCU access, youth-led safety, and leadership for Black girls across the Twin Cities.
Posted inMSR In the News
91st Anniversary Gala balanced celebration with reflection
On August 16, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrated 91 years of service with a gala at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel. The evening honored the Black press’s enduring legacy while affirming its future through music, history, and community reflection.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Beyond New Distribution Center
The Beyond New Distribution Center, founded by Marsha D. Carter, provides affordable furniture for people transitioning out of homelessness, along with thrift, empowerment, and community programs.
Posted inMSR In the News
Carrying the MSR’s story forward
The MSR Legacy Yacht Cruise honored 91 years of storytelling and Black community with a night of music, joy, and connection on the St. Croix.
Supported
Posted inHelp Is Here
Park Avenue Center helps Black men get unstuck
Park Avenue Center in South Minneapolis offers a culturally specific program that helps Black men address mental health, addiction, and systemic barriers with trust and holistic recovery support.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Cici’s Cupcakes
Cici’s Cupcakes offers bold, custom flavors made-to-order by Minneapolis baker Ciara Flowers.