Minnesota author and entrepreneur Crystal L. Stein captivated young readers and families with a unique multisensory storytelling event featuring readings from her “Echoes of Excellence” collection, which highlights historically overlooked composers and artists of color such as Florence Price, George Bridgetower, and Winifred Atwell.
Jasmine McBride
Jasmine McBride is the Associate Editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Posted inPolitics
Trump retaliations on judges, law firms called ‘mob boss government’
Attorney General Keith Ellison and 21 other state attorneys general have issued a strong rebuke to President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms and the legal community, urging lawyers to stand together in defense of the rule of law and judicial independence.
Posted inLocal & State
Harvest Best Academy CEO removed amid lawsuit alleging negligence in sexual abuse case
The founder and long-time leader of Harvest Best Academy Charter School in North Minneapolis, Eric Mahmoud, has been removed from his position by the school’s board of directors following a second lawsuit alleging sexual abuse at the school.
Posted inLocal & State
Sculpture honoring Cecil Newman delivered to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
A bronze sculpture of Cecil E. Newman, created by Vi Runquist, was delivered to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder on March 20, 2025, to honor Newman’s legacy as a champion of Black journalism and social progress in Minnesota.
Posted inEvents
Desi Banks brings ‘The Elevation Tour’ to Minneapolis
Desi Banks is set to perform at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis on March 29, 2025, as part of his “The Elevation Tour,” offering fans a chance to experience his dynamic and engaging stand-up comedy.
Posted inTheater
Historic change originates in the courage of ordinary people
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.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inSister Spokesman Highlights
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.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
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.
Posted inMSR In the News
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.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
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.
Posted inPolitics
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.
Posted inEducation
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.
Posted inBooks
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.
Posted inBusiness
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.
Posted inEducation
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.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
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.