FIRST OF A TWO-PART STORY By Charles Hallman Staff Writer A new report from The Opportunity Agenda points out that favorable public opinion about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of color is slowly growing among Blacks. The national communications, research and advocacy organization released “Public Opinion and Discourse on the Intersection of LGBT […]
MSR News Online
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inOpinion
What happened when we got off the bus?
October 16 will mark the 17th anniversary of the Million Man March on Washington, D.C. I remember that day because I stood in support of the beautiful brothers that had sent such a loud message to the world. I remember listening to great speeches, hearing proclamations, and seeing a spark in the eyes of African […]
Posted inOpinion
Taxation without representation
Force of contract law needed to ensure Black contractors/workers for stadium Action: $34 million contract awarded September 28, 2012, by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (FSFA) and the Minnesota Vikings, their largest stadium contract to date, to HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, Dallas, Texas (they did stadiums for the Colts and Cowboys). My concern is […]
Posted inOpinion
Poor MPS test scores show leadership’s lack of commitment to students
“We exist to ensure that all students learn” is the mission of the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson states on the MPS website that she believes “more strongly than ever that our top priorities lie in narrowing the achievement gap and offering all of our students a high-quality education that prepares them for […]
Posted inOpinion
Blacks with means have a responsibility for those without
Belafonte is right; celebrities do have a responsibility. I feel bad for the old crooner Harry Belafonte, Jr. He has almost lived too long. He bemoaned the fact that Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z haven’t done more to raise the social consciousness of young Black people. He bemoaned their seeming lack of social responsibility. Beyoncé […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter to the Editor: Voting for marriage amendment is ‘religious and political hypocrisy’
Many profound teachings were given to all of us from an evolved, merciful God during the life of his son, Jesus. Early on, Jesus said, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” Matthew 7: 1-6. The Sadducees and Pharisees, early versions of conservative Republicans and Libertarians, kept trying to trap Jesus. The Pharisees questioned whether it […]
Posted inSports
Minnesota suits Puerto Rican native just fine, weather and all
It’s been almost a year since Daly Santana’s first-ever experience of Minnesota. “It was real cold,” she quickly recalled of her visit here last December. The cold weather didn’t discourage the Puerto Rico native from signing with the Gophers. “Still, I knew this was the place I had to be. I just love it,” says […]
Posted inSports
At 4-1, Vikings among NFL’s best
Five weeks into the season, the 2012 Vikings remain one of the surprise stories in the NFL. Last year the Vikings, 3-13, lost several games in which they blew early leads and made mistakes that cost them. So far in 2012, Head Coach Leslie Frazier has a team that has bought into his quiet, respectful […]
Posted inSports
WNBA 2012 wrap-up
Rookie of the Year Ogwumike ‘freakishly athletic’ By Charles Hallman Staff Writer More often than not, if you are a pro rookie in your first professional season, and if you were the top overall selection in the draft, either you’re expected to be THE man if it’s the NBA or THE woman if it’s the […]
Posted inNews
KMOJ-FM honored at American Urban Radio Networks’ Urban Knight Awards
American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) hosted their 10th annual Urban Knight Awards at the NAB/RAB 2012 Radio Show in Dallas, TX last September. (l-r) Howard Eisen, president, sales, AURN; Urban Knight Hall of Fame recipient Hymen Childs, partner, Service Broadcasting Dallas; Urban Knight in Advertising Honoree Natalie Swed Stone, U.S. director, National Radio Investment, Omnicom […]
Posted inNews
Local couple gives back to their Haitian homeland
By Maya Beecham Contributing Writer A journey of 2,186 miles from Minnesota to southern Haiti is a regular trip for Nick and Madeleine Avignon. Throughout the year, they travel to their native country to plant seeds in lives and harvest leaders. In 2001, with the help of friends, they founded Christian Operation for Health Education […]
Posted inNews
An African Election: a look at Ghana’s 2008 presidential election
Producers hope to inspire U.S. Blacks to get out to vote By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Both political parties are doing almost anything to win this national election. Not the upcoming U.S. presidential election but An African Election, a film by Jarreth Mertz that shows a behind-the-scenes look at the days leading up to the […]
Posted inNews
Event opens health dialogue to Black Twin Cities women
Baraza creates balance, focusing on mind, body and spirit By Robin James Contributing Writer An exciting, one-of-a-kind event designed specifically for African American women is set to take place in the Twin Cities; it’s Baraza: A Black Woman’s Health Gathering! happening Saturday, October 6 from 7:45 am to 4 pm at Saint Paul College in […]
Posted inNews
African American Family Services hires new CEO
Minneapolis native expresses importance of offering cross-cultural services By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Nonprofit organizations that serve Blacks and other people of color must “cross racial lines” to continue to attract private and public funding, says the new African American Family Services (AAFS) CEO. After nine years in Atlanta as a minority health school association executive […]
Posted inNews
Local dance instructor trained over 1,000 in N. Mpls
Hollywood Studio students received national awards By James L. Stroud, Jr. Contributing Writer “So you think you can dance?” That’s not likely a question you would ask Diane Elliott-Robinson. Especially if you know anything about the Hollywood Studio of Dance’s reputation in regional and national dance competitions over the last 20 years. Elliott-Robinson is a […]
Posted inNews
Five-year-old and father create writing team
Life lessons become basis for children’s book series By Robin James Contributing Writer In the wide world of children’s literature, there’s a gifted young author who has already written two books and he lives in our own backyard. His name is Landen Sanders; he is five years old and lives in Edina with his mother, […]
Posted inArts + Culture
This week’s Entertainment spotlights
More Than Lights’ Sights & Sounds release party Cabooze October 5th and 6th, 8:30 pm 917 Cedar Ave., Mpls., 612-338-6425 or www.cabooze.com Tickets are $8-$12. This event is for ages-18+. Smoke DZA First Avenue & 7th Street Entry Tues., Oct. 9, 8 pm (in the Entry) 701 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-332-1775 or www.first-avenue.com With […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Local Black scholars screen, critique film on 1963 Children’s Crusade
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Re-enactments of true events in documentaries are common practice. University of Minnesota professors Rose Brewer and John Wright both were critical of the use of re-enactments in Mighty Times: The Children’s March, which won the best short documentary Oscar in 2005, during a discussion after its August 24 screening at […]
Posted inOpinion
Collard greens and chicken sans fat
Soul food reinvented using a blend of cultural flavors Growing up during a time where the daily aroma of fried chicken drifted throughout homes seldom locked, I recall the magical experience of tasting those crispy morsels, prepared ever so carefully by hands that had worked on railroads and cleaned the homes of wealthier families. But […]