The CROWN Act protects Black Minnesotans from hair discrimination. But stylists say it’s also a call to affirm the beauty, identity, and resilience that’s always been there.
Jasmine McBride
Jasmine McBride is the Associate Editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Posted inNational
Trump’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ sparks national outrage
The new “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility in Florida is raising alarms among advocates nationwide, including here in Minnesota, who warn it may signal a wider expansion of unjust immigrant detention practices.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Turning Point honored for cultural grounding in the fight against addiction
In North Minneapolis, Turning Point offers culturally grounded recovery programs that focus on trust, community, and healing. Nearly 50 years later, its impact continues to grow.
Posted inMSR In the News
MSR publisher twice honored during Juneteenth
Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, was honored with two Juneteenth awards for her contributions to Black media, legacy, and leadership.
Posted inEducation
Normandale teaching programs redress racial imbalances
Leticia Alvarez became the first graduate of SpedUP, a Normandale program supporting BIPOC special education teachers with tuition, mentoring, and real community.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Flow Hair and Beauty
Black-owned Flow Hair and Beauty in Uptown Minneapolis offers more than hair products. The shop provides a healing space for people navigating medical hair loss and builds community with care.
Posted inArts + Culture
825 Arts honors legacies of elder changemakers
The Frogtown Arts Festival returns August 16 with a tribute to community legacies and the opening of the new 825 Arts creative hub.
Posted inLocal & State
For Black Collective Foundation, the new philanthropy is community-driven
The Black Collective Foundation MN celebrated Juneteenth with its Rooted & Radiant brunch—honoring Black joy, reflection, and leadership while advancing bold, community-led change.
Posted inLocal & State
MEDA’s successes celebrated in these ‘exhausting times’
At its 2025 Annual Meeting, MEDA celebrated BIPOC entrepreneurs and community builders with a night of awards, bold insights, and renewed vision for economic equity in Minnesota.
Posted inLocal & State
‘Banking while Black’ incident implicates Edina branch
Juan Coleman says Commerce Bank in Edina accused him of fraud while cashing a $182 paycheck — even after his employer confirmed it. Now he’s seeking legal accountability.
Posted inEvents
Juneteenth at the Capitol offers something for everyone
This year’s Juneteenth celebration at the Capitol is a vibrant mix of music, opportunity, and purpose featuring a career fair, credit union launch, and free community resources.
Posted inLocal & State
Healing racial trauma one circle at a time
Coming to the Table’s national gathering comes to St. Paul this June, bringing together descendants of enslaved people and enslavers to heal generational trauma through circle process and truth-telling.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Anything Helps builds trust through simple acts of care
At Anything Helps in North Minneapolis, recovery starts with radical care: food, showers, and no judgment. Peer-led support and trust are the focus.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
BrightRay
BrightRay blends West African tradition with natural self-care through its triple-butter body products and holistic approach to wellness.
Posted inEducation
With Black history under assault, Givens Collection more precious than ever
The Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life marks 40 years with a new exhibit and renewed call to protect and uplift Black cultural memory.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Truly Natural Hair Studio
Truly Natural Hair Studio in Minneapolis offers a wellness-centered approach to natural hair care, led by owner Chanda McDaniel’s 30+ years of expertise.
Posted inLocal & State
MN DFL accused of racial discrimination
Brenda Short has filed a lawsuit accusing the Minnesota DFL of racial discrimination, exclusion of candidates of color, and procedural misconduct in the 2025 election cycle.
Posted inEvents
Lost federal funds inspires YWCA Punch-a-Thon
YWCA St. Paul will host its first-ever Punch-a-Thon June 5-6 — a 24-hour community fundraiser to support housing, wellness, and economic advancement programs.
Posted inLocal & State
Tracey Williams-Dillard honored with Congressional Record Award for over 50 Years in journalism
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, was honored with a Congressional Record Award by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar for more than 50 years of service in journalism and her commitment to amplifying Black voices in Minnesota.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
U.S. snubs landmark global pandemic treaty
The U.S. declined to adopt the WHO’s first global pandemic treaty, citing political tensions and raising questions about America’s role in global health response.