The Northside community fixture just got a state-of-the-art makeover.
Stephenetta (isis) Harmon
Stephenetta Harmon is a Black beauty editor, curator, and digital media and communications expert who builds platforms to celebrate the power, impact, and business of Black beauty. She is the former EIC for Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (2018-19) and current host of MSR Forefront, a digital roundtable series. She is the founder of Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide, the premier directory dedicated to Black-owned hair and beauty businesses. Find her at stephenetta.com.
Posted inNews
From making history to designing a future
It’s a very humbling thing when you get outside of the U.S. to see that there are many people that have patterned their fight on what Black Americans have done here 50 years ago, and it makes you realize that we can’t afford to lose that respect in the world and we can’t afford to lose hope.
Posted inNews
Hall-of-Fame inductee Robyne Robinson reflects on making broadcast history
First of a two-part story Robyne Robinson has long been a pioneer in Twin Cities’ media. Apart from scoring exclusive interviews with the likes of such legends as the late Prince, she also made history in her own right as the first Black woman to anchor a local primetime newscast. Now she’s making history again […]
Posted inEducation
New coalition aims to double number of women in color in tech
Twelve technology companies have teamed with Melinda Gates to form the Reboot Representation Tech Coalition which will invest $12 million in efforts to address gender diversity in tech.
Posted inEducation
One-third of community college students ‘misdirected’ to remedial classes
According to new research, one-third of community college students enrolled in remedial classes don’t even need them. The Community College Research Center (CCRC) and social policy researcher MDRC recently released a research guide, “Toward Better College Course Placement,” revealing standard placement tests, such as the College Board’s ACCUPLACER, are actually “misdirecting” student placements. This is […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Page foundation gala celebrates 31 years of creating tomorrow’s leaders
The annual event, which kicked off with a performance by none other than the Justice Page Middle School Band, served as fundraiser and celebration for the organization he co-founded with his wife in 1998. Since launching, the organization has awarded nearly $15 million in scholarship grants to more than 7,000 students of color graduating from a Minnesota high school to attend a Minnesota post-secondary institution.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Niles’ debut album ‘To Remain’ paves road to artistic redemption
Here, we chat with Niles about his journey, the message behind his music and living his dreams.
Posted inNews
Film explores cultural impact of Twin Cities Black artists
The who’s who list of artists includes award-winning community staples and talent on the rise, such as visual artists Ta-coumba Aiken and Kenneth Caldwell, vocalist Jamela Pettiford and poet Tish Jones. Other artists include veteran rapper O.S.P!, painter Ron Brown, storyteller Danielle Daniels and healing writer Jasmine Tane’t Boudah.
Posted inBulletin, Business
Meda launches $1 million competition for minority-owned businesses
The “$1M Challenge For Minority Entrepreneurs” is a Shark Tank-style competition launched by Metropolitan Economic Development Association (Meda) in partnership with the City of St. Paul to support early-stage minority-owned businesses that have potential for high growth.
Posted inBulletin
SheaMoisture founder launches $100 million fund for Black women entrepreneurs
Black women are the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs. The number of businesses owned by Black women grew by 322 percent between 1997 – 2015, reported American Express in its “2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report.” Yet, when it comes to venture capital, this is the least funded segment.
Posted inNews
Celebrating the life of a poetry queen
The spoken word artist and playwright passed away August 17, 2018, leaving behind a royal court of fans, followers and loved ones who were inspired by her reign over words — and life. “She was just a natural light wherever she went,” said close friend and artist Nakara “SoloStar” White.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Transit arrest sparks protest and calls to boycott MTC
“This is a great show of solidarity amongst a variety of groups who have been working to combat police violence,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong.
Posted inGo Green
Six eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws
Even locally, a growing number of Twin Cities businesses have eliminated their use, including the Dakota Jazz Club and Ice House. If you’d like a straw at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry, you’ll have to specifically request it.
Posted inLocal & State
Local conference explores Black life and identity
‘Because Black Life’ conference creates space for young Black communities in Minnesota to network, empower and heal one another around issues impacting Black communities.
Posted inHealth + Wellness, Local & State, News
Expos put Minneapolis on the Black beauty map
And, incidentally, tap into a $445 billion industry.
Posted inBulletin
MPHA to host public meetings on 2019 ‘Moving To Work’ draft plan
Instead of the standard annual plan and report most public housing authorities file with HUD, MTW agencies like MPHA file an MTW Annual Plan and MTW Annual Report (in a format prescribed by HUD).
Posted inHealth + Wellness, Local & State, News
Fitness for the culture: Noir Elite Fitness offers movement of sisterhood, community
“It has been a pleasure working with the park board,” said Sandifer. “It’s just a blessing, because now Southwest Minneapolis gets to see us, Northeast, South Minneapolis. Everyone is going to be able to see us — not just on the North Side.”
Posted inBulletin, Education
Mpls park board hosts listening sessions to aid in search for new superintendent
The nationwide search kicked off last month to replace MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller, who resigned in February 2018. Superintendent Emeritus Mary Merrill was tapped to serve as interim superintendent through October 31, 2018.
Posted inBusiness
7 tips to achieve financial freedom
In today’s economy of instant gratification mixed with easy credit access and mounting bills, financial freedom can seem like nothing more than a pipe dream. However, saving money is simpler than you think once equipped with the right information. “Most of us know what we need to do to not be in debt — spend […]
Posted inEducation
North Minneapolis barber offers $1K in scholarship awards
North Minneapolis barbershop owner Teto Wilson has made it his business to give a helping hand to aspiring college students with the first annual Wilson’s Image College Scholarship award.