Conclusion of a two-part column Part one, published in the March 16 issue, described the 2016 HBO documentary Class Divide about a pricey Manhattan private school, Avenues, across the street from a low-income housing project where none of the youth can afford the school’s tuition, raising painful questions about the effects of gentrification. Without question, […]
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Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inBulletin
Nellie Stone Johnson school gets Kappa Alpha Psi grant
Students Bella Crowder, Russell Thomas and Principal Amy Luehmann of the Nellie Stone Johnson School receive a $1000 grant from the St. Paul-Minneapolis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Elizabeth Lasley, liaison officer and teacher, Nealie Christopher were instrumental in obtaining the grant for the NSJ Literacy Project. Presenting them with the grant was Ronald Payton […]
Posted inGo Green
Thanks to Minnesota farmers, we’re making great progress with buffer requirement
Clean water matters to Minnesota. No matter where we live or what we do, Minnesotans want our families and future generations to enjoy water that’s fishable, swimmable, and drinkable. When Gov. Dayton proposed new buffer legislation two years ago, he recognized that we are at a watershed moment in our state’s history when it comes […]
Posted inNews
Many still nervous after failed repeal of Obamacare
With President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers signaling that they may make another attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare, supporters of the landmark healthcare legislation have had little time to enjoy the earlier failure of the GOP bill. “We dodged a major bullet, but there’s quite a lot to be worried […]
Posted inGo Green
Eight things to consider when choosing a trash can
While nearly all municipalities or waste haulers provide trash carts and cans, most let residents and businesses use more as needed. “It can be tempting to select an additional trash can based on cost, but looking at other factors can make your life easier,” says Andy Bardsley, vice president of retail and pro sales at […]
Posted inObituaries
Talisha Rebecca Jiles (Foote)
March 8, 1979 — March 24, 2017 A memorial will take place for Talisha Rebecca Jiles on April 1, 2017 at Bradshaw Grief Resource Center, 1078 Rice St., St. Paul, MN. The viewing will be from 10-11 am, with a service to follow from 11-1 pm. The repast will immediately follow the service at Dunning Recreation Center, 1221 Marshall Ave., St Paul, MN.
Posted inObituaries
Hilda Faye Chivers
On Friday, March 17, 2017, our beloved Hilda Faye Chivers passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 67 in her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Alice Chivers. Hilda will forever be remembered by her daughters Nikka Ross (David) and Nicole Chivers (Willie); by […]
Posted inOpinion
The problem with seniors
By now, you’ve probably heard the statistics: 10,000 Americans are turning 65 every day, in fewer than three years, by the year 2020, there will be more people over the age of 65 than school age children. This is the first time in Minnesota history when seniors will outnumber children. The senior population is increasing […]
Posted inOpinion
Get rid of the insurance companies
Last week, the big drama was about “Trumpcare.” It was defeated by the president’s own party. He said move on and let the ACA ex- (or maybe im-) plode. Some talk about a bi-partisan approach to a “fix.” I strongly disagree. I see this as a golden moment to structure a real, effective healthcare system based […]
Posted inOpinion
Black women publishers drive the Black press
In 1827, with the publication of the Freedom’s Journal, John Russwurm and Reverend Samuel Cornish established the Black Press and boldly declared their mission: to be the voice the African American community, standing up for victims of injustice, and championing the unsung. Dedicated, resilient and strong Black women, who account for a significant number of […]
Posted inNews
Under Trump, Black unemployment rises
During President Donald Trump’s first full month in office, the Black unemployment rate rose as the White unemployment rate fell, according to the latest jobs report. Key employment indicators show that Black workers lost ground in February. The unemployment rate for Black workers increased from 7.7 percent in January to 8.1 percent in February. The […]
Posted inBulletin
Local change agents get national recognition
Local business Planting People, Growing Justice (PPGJ) has been chosen as a winner of the 2017 American Small Business Championship hosted by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, and generously supported by Sam’s Club. The American Small Business Champions will each receive a $1,000 Sam’s Club gift card, an all-expense-paid trip […]
Posted inOpinion
It’s time to stop discrimination against Section 8 renters
Two key Minneapolis City Council committees held a joint meeting Wednesday, March 22 to consider a proposed ordinance to expand important civil rights protections for thousands of low-income renters. The proposed ordinance would prohibit discriminating against tenants with a rental subsidy, such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Unfortunately, for decades “we don’t take Section […]
Posted inOpinion
Medical care answers for America
Medical care continues to dominate our attention in this nation. I hope we don’t have millions of people without healthcare in the next year or so. However, in reality, we already do. A 50-year-old woman told my wife and me that she seriously needs a knee replacement, but she can’t pay her deductible and twenty […]
Posted inOpinion
The Big 10: The Whitest Coaching Conference in America
“Black coaches vanish from Big Ten, once a model for diversity in college basketball,” was the March 6, 2017 headline in the Star Tribune. The sub-headline was “Black coaches becoming a rarity in big-time college basketball.” The article was 2,393 words long. Was that article significant or just another “Minnesota Nice” move to gloss over […]
Posted inObituaries
Memorial: Celestia Bernice Fraction
Celestia Bernice Fraction passed away January 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois at age 97. She was a former longtime resident of Minneapolis and retired from the Minneapolis Community College as founder of The Learning Assistance Center. The center is dedicated in her name. She was also a longtime active member of Zion Baptist Church and […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Cris Carter helps kick off Eden Prairie Bowlero
(Steve Floyd/MSR News) Family entertainment and Vikings legend Cris Carter were the main attractions at the March 18 grand opening of Bowlero in Eden Prairie, one of three Minnesota locations, including Blaine and Lakeville. The state-of-the-art bowling alley includes HD TVs at the end of every lane, and an arcade that houses “the world’s largest” […]
Posted inGo Green
USDA Director: Agriculture census important for Black farmers
At first glance, King Whetstone might present an unusual visual. First, he appears younger than his 40 years — but that’s not why he might stand out. Whetstone once played basketball at Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black university and the second-oldest institution of higher learning in Texas, renowned for its engineering and agriculture. […]
Posted inNational, News
African Americans in Congress say Trump lying about wiretaps
White House Given Until Monday to Present Evidence WASHINGTON — An African-American member of the House Intelligence Committee said the White House’s failure this week to present her committee with evidence supporting President Trump’s claim former Presisent Barack Obama wiretapped him during the election confirms the prevailing view that his assertion is groundless. “I don’t […]
