The idea of erecting a museum that would highlight the contributions of African Americans first received public attention more than a century ago, after Black veterans of the Civil War proposed the idea. But the real push occurred when Georgia Congressman John Lewis took up the mantle, securing the support of several of his colleagues. […]
MSR News Online
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
MN receives prevention funding for opioid prescription abuse
Minnesota’s efforts to reduce the abuse of opioids has received a boost with new funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) received a $1.6 million, five-year grant from the federal government through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Minnesota Department […]
Posted inOpinion
Stop menthol’s devastating effects on Black community
Dear editor: African American health, law and educational leaders are calling on President Barack Obama to direct the FDA to remove menthol tobacco products from stores nationwide. Menthol cigarettes kill tens of thousands of Americans every year, a vastly disproportionate number of them are Black. On Sept. 13, members of the African American Tobacco Control […]
Posted inOpinion
St. Cloud racism: NAACP Stockholm Syndrome victims ignore Somalis
If frustration with Booker T. Washington’s accommodationist or gradualist approach to attacking racism resulted in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the strategy failed in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Anyone familiar with St. Cloud’s (“white Cloud’s”) history knows effective but infrequent punishments for racism were imposed before Somali students became active and […]
Posted inOpinion
Somali community under scrutiny
Can St. Cloud and the Twin Cities heal? Hostility and uneasiness between Muslims and the Christian population of St. Cloud, Minnesota, are well known and documented. In fact, Ethiopian students at St. Cloud State University were the first to bring attention to the problems of religion and race in St. Cloud. As its Somali community […]
Posted inOpinion
St. Cloud Somali community falsely linked to terrorism
Many have attempted to frame the stabbing incident at the Crossroad Mall in St. Cloud that involved a Somali assailant as an Islamic terrorist attack. This perverted framing is a deceptive maneuver to direct our attention away from systemic racism in St. Cloud. The City of St. Cloud, historically a very conservative White town, has […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Photo Galleries, Remembering Prince
PHOTOS/VIDEO | Sheila E. unites with Mpls. mayor, local nonprofit to continue Prince’s philanthropic efforts
Percussionist, singer/songwriter and longtime Prince protégé and musical collaborator, Sheila E., officially announced today her plans for a concert at Minnesota Orchestra Hall to honor Prince and his charitable contributions to the community. The concert entitled “Purple Philanthropy Sheila E. Benefit Concert” scheduled for October 23, will kick off a season of fundraising to carry […]
Posted inBulletin
MSR Top Five | Black Master Storytelling Fest, The Sankofa Film Fest & more!
A snapshot of upcoming events around town 25th Annual Black Master Storytelling Festival “SIGNIFYIN’ & TESTIFYIN’” A free three-day family-friendly, storytelling festival. This year’s theme: “Courage Is Contagious!” Sept. 22-24 | 12-2 pm Opening ceremonies: Perpich Center for Arts Education 6125 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley (see website for more locations) More info: www.blackstorytellers.com/2016-featured-tellers.html UROC […]
Posted inMemorials
Fred “Paco” Lee
In Loving Memory of Fred “Paco” Lee December 14, 1978 – September 15, 1998 I have you in my heart “I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are […]
Posted inOpinion
The National Museum of African American History and Culture: telling America’s story
“It is the purpose of the National Memorial Association to erect a beautiful building suitable to depict the [N]egro’s contribution to America in the military service, in art, literature, invention, science, industry, etc. — fitting tribute to the Negro’s contributions and achievements, and which would serve as an educational center giving inspiration and pride to […]
Posted inOpinion
Keeping people poor: a higher priority than inflated healthcare cost
Why is the Minnesota Supreme Court wasting its time ruling against the $15.00 minimum wage, making sure the poor stay poor? Why prioritize such a case? What is their motivation? This needs to be addressed. We need to know why the state’s highest court would take time to keep minimum wage workers in their place, […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
See well for a lifetime
Take care of your eyes and continue looking forward to the future Aging is a process that brings about many opportunities and changes, from major transformations such as becoming a grandparent or going back to school, to simple lifestyle changes like starting a new exercise program. Don’t miss out on any of these opportunities. Take […]
Posted inEducation
For school success, start with breakfast
Parents know that school mornings can be the busiest time of the day. Between getting kids to school on time, signing permission slips, making sure homework is done, and everything else, breakfast can be a last-minute thought. However, unless you are certain your child is eating breakfast at school, breakfast at home is vitally important. […]
Posted inEducation
Five things your child should take to school every day
What are the things your child should bring to school every day to ensure success? During the school year it’s important to help your child learn to get organized, and it’s vital to help your son or daughter be ready to focus and learn. Listed below are five essential items to have with them every […]
Posted inOpinion
Open letter to Northside voters in the upcoming general election
To Northside voters in the upcoming general election: I am supporting Kimberly Caprini for District 2 Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Board Member because she is family. I taught with her mother, a fellow MPS teacher over 30 years ago, and later worked for decades with her sister, a social worker, and still another sister who […]
Posted inRemembering Prince
UPDATED | Prince tribute concert planned for Oct. 13 at Xcel Energy Center
UPDATE: More details were released today about what is being billed as “The Official Prince Tribute Concert” planned by his estate. According to the press release, Stevie Wonder will headline an all-star line up that includes “Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, John Mayer, Tori Kelly, Anita Baker, Doug E. Fresh, Luke James, Bilal, Mint Condition along with Prince’s […]
Posted inOpinion
Swimming upstream for Black votes
Black votes matter! So, too, the Black lives many politicians pander to in order to get them. However, exploiting cultural markers, like Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump did by reading a scripted text in a Black church, or like Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary R. Clinton did by giving a shout-out on an AM urban radio […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Insure all children!
Are your children insured? If asking parents this simple question could help ensure children stay healthier, do better in school, and even save a child’s life, should schools do it? More and more districts around the country are answering with a resounding, “Yes!” The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and American Association of School Administrators (AASA) […]
Posted inOpinion
Investments in North Minneapolis is warranted
Claims arguing against the Northside Greenway project, detailed in the September 2016 issue of the Camden News article “Pros and cons to the Northside Greenway,” deserve critical assessment. I envision a North Minneapolis that is healthier, safer, more economically thriving, and more socially cohesive as a result of the Northside Greenway project. The project was […]
Posted inOpinion
Betrayal: will we fight it or feed it?
Betrayal is as much a part of the human race as the color of the sky and the shape of clouds. Betrayal is a characteristic that does not serve the human race. It harms the human race. Yet we are still surprised by those who betray a trust, betray a relationship, betray a belief, betray […]