June 14, 1927 — February 13, 2017 Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Charlotte was the oldest of 11 children. She excelled in school and was one of the few Blacks attending the University of Minnesota. Receiving her Associate’s degree in 1945, she went on to write for two newspapers, the Minneapolis Spokesman and the St. […]
MSR News Online
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inGo Green
Trump Administration could be a blessing in disguise for the environment
With calls to ramp up fossil fuel production what can the average citizen do? The sad fact is that while more than two-thirds of Americans want the federal government to do more to protect against global warming and other environmental ills, the Trump administration is pushing forward with plans to gut the Environmental Protection Agency […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Rihanna honored by Harvard for charity work
“So I made it to Harvard!” Rihanna said playfully with a swing of her ponytail. “Never thought I’d be able to say that in my life, but it feels good.” On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the pop singer accepted the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations. Students packed into […]
Posted inOpinion
St. Cloud: frantic strategies to divert attention from racism
St. Cloud (“White Cloud”) Mayor Dave Kleis has delirium tremens again as he desperately tries to divert more costly scathing criticism and ridicule of his city’s pathological racism (“Kleis announces new park at MLK Freedom Fund dinner;” St. Cloud Times, January 15, 2017). Despite local NAACP sycophancy, damage control drove Kleis to grudgingly recognize “White […]
Posted inNews
Tom Perez wins DNC chairmanship over Keith Ellison
Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez bested Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) to become Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Feb. 25 at the party’s winter meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. Ellison came up short in the second-ballot tally with 200 votes to Perez’ 235. During his acceptance speech, Perez asked to suspend the rules to appoint Ellison deputy chair. Rep. Ellison, the […]
Posted inOpinion
First degree murder charge for Amtrak cop who killed Minneapolis man
Prosecutors in Chicago have charged an Amtrak police officer with first degree murder after the killing of an unarmed Minneapolis man earlier this month. Layroyce Tankson, 31, was released after posting 10 percent of a $250,000 bond. According to Cook County prosecutors, Tankson murdered Chad Robertson, 25, on Feb. 8 at around 8:40 pm local […]
Posted inPhoto Galleries
A Flashman flashback for Black History Month
In the accompanying photo, Dave Winfield, the Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer who was born and raised in St. Paul, signs copies of two of his books donated to the Givens Collection at his alma mater under the watchful eyes of (l-r) Phebe Givens, widow of the late Archie Givens, Sr.; the late Arline Winfield, David’s […]
Posted inOpinion
Fueled by passion: George Washington Carver played an important role in today’s bioeconomy
Throughout the month of February, Americans celebrate Black History Month and remember the significant contributions historic figures, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and many more in the African American community, have provided our country. The impact of their legacies continues to resonate today, benefiting generation after generation. Many of these contributions are well-known, but many […]
Posted inOpinion
Our community is being targeted
As we celebrate our history, I find myself reflecting on the health of my African American community. As the director of programs at Stairstep Foundation/His Works United, we work to build wellness in our community. The African American community has long been targeted by tobacco industry marketing. Tobacco companies have poured millions of dollars into […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Safety-net health care and education are priorities of St. Mary’s Clinics
St. Mary’s clinics have a long history with the community. The St. Mary’s hospital was established in 1962, and the clinics were established in 1992. Melissa Gatten, the current executive director, said, “St. Mary’s Health Clinics is a safety net of clinics for Minnesotans who are part of the healthcare system.” They provide “safety net” […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
First Friday event honors community members during Black History Month
First Friday Twin Cities, hosted by Andre “Debonaire” McNeal, returned with a bang on Friday, February 3. “Noir 2, A Black History Month Celebration,’ had attendees dressed in all black. Hosted by Darnell Demarco with music provided by DJ Dell Dilla and DJ Hollywood Hot Rod, this month’s honorees were Lonte Hill, Tommy and Ursala […]
Posted inSports
Ice madness: WCHA playoffs preview
This column continues the Only One series in which this reporter shares his experiences as the only African American journalist on the scene. Wisconsin and Minnesota in their final regular season match-up opener played nearly 40 minutes of scoreless hockey. Both goalies did head stands, impressively making saves as shots fired at them in close […]
Posted inNational, News
Joan Higginbotham: her passion for math and science led to outer space
WASHINGTON — During grade school growing up in Chicago, Joan Higginbotham she said she always enjoyed math and science. That led to her love for electronics as a young, inquisitive girl. “I was fascinated with electronics. I used to mess around with things at home,” Higginbotham said. Ultimately, the fascination with math, science and electronics […]
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Gwendolyn Brooks: the first African American to win Pulitzer
A towering figure in the field of 20th-century poetry is the late Gwendolyn Brooks, who touched millions of all races with her eloquence. The first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize, she remains one of the most influential poets of modern times. Brooks (1917-2000) was born in Topeka, Kansas and moved with her family to […]
Posted inBulletin
Acknowledging women who empower
In 1987 Congress passed a public law designating March as Women’s History Month. The president also issued a proclamation and requested the United Stated to observe March by conducting various activities and ceremonies, which acknowledge their accomplishments. Throughout the years, women have worked hard to obtain various opportunities and we would like to acknowledge various […]
Posted inOpinion
Are only Black Muslims prone to radicalization?
With the Star Tribune robust support of the U.S. Attorney Andy Luger’s attack on local Somali Americans, the paper has deliberately suppressed the public outcry to the insane prison sentences given to the nine Somali American men “convicted of conspiracy with ISIL.” How can three out of the nine get longer prison terms than the […]
Posted inGo Green
Protecting water from salt and pollution this winter
Each winter we salt our roads and sidewalks to protect against sliding cars and slippery walks. Doing so is an important safety measure, but it can also pollute our local ecosystems and drinking water resources. But by using a few best management practices we can keep our roads and sidewalks safe while protecting our natural […]
Posted inGo Green
Upper Mississippi River: What to protect, what to fix
The upper Mississippi River, which starts at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, is in great shape until pollutants flow in from farmland and cities. By the time it reaches Minneapolis, it no longer meets water quality standards for river life and recreation. Results from a new study by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) highlight […]