As the director of golf for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), I was surprised and concerned with the misinformation and allegations contained in Ron Edwards’ June 1 commentary in the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder “Racism inside Theodore Wirth Golf Course.” I think it is unfortunate Mr. Edwards did not verify the information in his opinion […]
MSR News Online
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inOpinion
Since they won’t restore it, the Mpls NAACP will take it!
The Minneapolis NAACP’s Criminal Justice Reform Committee has launched an initiative that will restore the vote for hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Minnesotans
Posted inOpinion
Muhammad Ali: a great world champion, legend
A great American who made a difference On refusing to be drafted: “I will not [become] a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality. I’d rather go to jail. So what? We’ve been in jail for 400 years. Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it […]
Posted inNews
Muhammad Ali: A send-off fit for a king
“America must never forget that when a cop and an inner city kid talk to each other, miracles can happen,” words spoken by Lonnie Ali at the public memorial service for her husband, Muhammad Ali. The Greatness of Ali began after he had a talk with retired Louisville Police Officer Joe Martin who taught him […]
Posted inNews
This year’s Juneteenth celebration focuses on family and honors Prince
On Saturday, June 18, the Twin Cities Juneteenth Incorporated will present its 30th anniversary celebration at Mississippi Regional Park. The Juneteenth celebration, known also as Freedom Day, began in Galveston, Texas June 19, 1865 when Union troops led by General Gordon Granger arrived to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation issued three years earlier on September 22, […]
Posted inNational
Watch President Obama’s remarks about mass shooting in Orlando
This morning President Obama spoke to the press about the tragic mass shooting that took place early Sunday morning, June 11, in Orlando, Florida. An excerpt of the President’s remarks appears below: “First of all, our hearts go out to the families of those who have been killed. Our prayers go to those who have been wounded. […]
Posted inNews
Where did the Black banks go?
America has half as many black-owned banks as existed 15 years ago. “People assume [black bankers] don’t know what they are doing,” said Alden McDonald, CEO of New Orleans-based Liberty Bank and Trust. “Put yourself in these shoes: We are located in communities in which all of the large banks have moved out of because […]
Posted inSister Spokesman Highlights
Sister Spokesman | Loving your hair: Generations of curls
On Saturday, June 4, natural hair enthusiasts, hair and beauty experts and community members gathered together to celebrate and explore the topic of natural hair. The afternoon included an expert panel discussion from people of all ages who gave testimonies about their natural hair journey, followed by a Q&A and hair show. Dancing, games and prize giveaways closed out […]
Posted inGo Green
Riding the Green Line: Why shared public space matters
Buses and trains provide shared spaces where people of a variety of social backgrounds figuratively and sometimes literally rub elbows.
Posted inBulletin
University of Minnesota to award honorary degree to Prince
On June 10 the University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted to honor the late Minneapolis-born musical icon Prince with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Liberal Arts. The U of M was reportedly in the process of honoring Prince prior to his passing April 16, 2016. Members of his family will be presented with the honor at a […]
Posted inBulletin
MSR Top Five Happenings: Divas on the Rise, ROOTED & more!
A snapshot of events around town ROOTED: Hip Hop Choreographers’ Evening Celebrating five years of showcasing hip hop dance and its roots! June 10-11 | 9:30 pm Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave., S., Mpls. More info: www.intermediaarts.org Debbie Duncan Live at Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club Enjoy the soulful stylings of Debbie Duncan live, plus […]
Posted inNews
Muhammad Ali “The Greatest” made his final journey home
Hearts were heavy in many of the citizens of Louisville, KY when it was announced that their hometown hero, Boxing Great Muhammad Ali had died at the age of 74 in a Phoenix, AZ hospital Friday, June 3, 2016 from complications relating to Parkinson’s disease, bringing to a close his most challenging fight. Although Ali […]
Posted inOpinion
Transfers from prisons to jails an injustice
A biweekly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change. At the most basic level, the primary difference between jail and prison is the length of stay for inmates. Jails are usually run by local law enforcement and/or local government agencies. They are designed to hold […]
Posted inSports
Catchings ends career on her own terms
For 20 weeks, to commemorate the WNBA’s 20th season (the MSR having covered each season), the MSR sports section will feature at least one column or article on the W in our “20 in 20” series. Their fathers once were NBA teammates. Their children are future Hall of Famers. Joe Bryant played seven NBA seasons. […]
Posted inObituaries
Ronald L. Bell
Ronald Lee Bell of Golden Valley, MN, age 72, passed away suddenly on June 1, 2016 with family surrounding him. Ron will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Helen Raleigh; daughters LeeAnn Bell (Paul Romslo) and Caron Bell; stepdaughter Ilah Raleigh Racine (Claude Racine); cherished grandson Theodore Raleigh Racine; stepson Todd Wetteland; brothers Ward […]
Posted inOpinion
A gentle woman killed on the streets of Minneapolis
MPD chief reaches out to the community Ms. Birdell Beeks was shot and killed Thursday, May 26, 2016, as she waited in her car with her granddaughter at a stoplight at 21st and Penn Ave. North, sending shock waves throughout the Twin Cities. The Star Tribune (May 29) called Beeks “a force for kindness” and “the latest […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Blue-green algae: If in doubt, stay out
With Memorial Day just behind us, the unofficial start of summer is here. While water enthusiasts and pets enjoy swimming and boating when the weather is calm and sunny, these conditions are also perfect for growing blue-green algae, which can be harmful to both people and animals. Last summer, blue-green algal blooms were reported in […]
Posted inObituaries
Donald “Bill” McMoore
January 26, 1926 — June 6, 2016 Donald “Bill” McMoore of Plymouth, MN died peacefully at age 90 on June 6, 2016. His father, mother, and three siblings preceded him in death. Bill is survived by his loving wife Margaret of 64 years; three sons Gregory (Heather), Daryl and Jeffrey; and three grandchildren Sean, Terrell and […]
Posted inNews
Gov. Dayton declares June 7, 2016, as ‘Prince Day’ in Minnesota
Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith issued a proclamation this morning declaring Tuesday, June 7, 2016 to be “Prince Day” in Minnesota. Prince (Rogers Nelson) was born on June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He passed away suddenly on April 21, 2016. Prince would have been 58 years old tomorrow. The proclamation issued […]
Posted inObituaries
Birdell Beatrice Beeks
November 22, 1957 — Thursday May 26, 2016 Birdell Beatrice Beeks, born on November 22, 1957, is survived by her daughters Sa’Lesha (Bunny), Da’Lesha (Punkin), and Kar-Reese (Boo-Boo); and her joy, her grandchildren Rajuan (Rob), Ne’Asha, Marlesha and Qaiyim. She was known to many as Ma, Granny and Flutter, and was known for her laughter, her love […]