AI is already at work inside many Black businesses, churches and nonprofits, often without clear rules. In his Bridging the Code column, Dwayne C. Dixon lays out what every organization’s AI policy should cover to protect people, information and trust.
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Constructing a legacy: Two Buckner generations lead Moltron
Pat and Babette Buckner built Moltron Builders around a division of expertise, hiring from the community and a family planning process where everyone takes a turn leading. Powered by JPMorgan Chase, this MSR On the Radar episode features Damenica Ellis talking with the Buckners.
Posted inBusiness
Black business takes center stage Nov. 6–7 locally
Minnesota’s Black business community has a packed first weekend of November, with three organizations hosting events Nov. 6 and 7 to celebrate, connect and equip Black entrepreneurs, including MSR and Sister Spokesman’s Best of Black Business Awards.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
Why Par365 was founded to drive community and diversity in golf
Thomas Jackson found golf during the pandemic and turned it into Par365, a Roseville indoor golf simulator, bar, restaurant and event space built to make the sport more accessible, affordable and approachable. He talks with Damenica Ellis on MSR On the Radar.
Posted inBusiness
Frey’s robotaxi veto stands
Minneapolis’ fight over driverless cars isn’t over after the City Council failed to override Mayor Frey’s veto of a robotaxi monitor requirement. A new report estimates rideshare drivers, mostly Black and immigrant workers, support $561 million in Minnesota economic activity. Editor Jasmine McBride has the story.
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$3.2 million Keg House Commons project brings local Black ownership to historic St. Paul space
A historic West Seventh Street building is being reborn as Keg House Commons, a fitness, wellness, arts and event hub led by St. Paul developer Dalton Outlaw. Sponsored by GroundBreak Coalition, the $3.2 million project is expected to open to the public later this month.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
LeBrent Speed builds intentional networks for Black entrepreneurs, combining commerce and community
LeBrent Speed founded The Better Black Business (B3) Project to combine commerce and community for Black entrepreneurs and authentic allies. He talks with MSR On the Radar about serving before selling, his new book and expanding to new cities.
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Terresa Hardaway builds community and Black liberation through business and design
Terresa Hardaway runs two Twin Cities businesses, a social justice design studio and a Black-owned bookstore, while teaching at the University of Minnesota. She says the best part of owning a business is the chance to build community on purpose.
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AI is already reshaping work: What Black professionals should do now
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder introduces Bridging the Code, a monthly column examining artificial intelligence through a practical, human-centered lens for the Black community.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Building a business one clean at a time
After her daughter’s offhand goodbye revealed just how little they saw each other, Tabitha Waweru left health care shift work behind to launch Scrub A Dub Dub Professionals, a cleaning business built around being present for her kids.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Reviving Roots reimagines Black wellness
Reviving Roots Therapy & Wellness founder Marlee James built a Black-centered wellness space that stretches beyond traditional therapy, offering movement classes, support groups and a training program for the next generation of mental health professionals.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
On the Radar: Zantavious Graham Is Building Community One Run at a Time With FRM
Zantavious Graham left football at Concordia to build FRM, a wellness community reaching hundreds across Minneapolis through movement, healing circles and youth mentorship. He talks with MSR Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry on MSR On the Radar.
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Voting opens for 6th annual Black Business Ball Awards
Public voting is officially open for the 6th Annual Black Business Ball Awards, where every vote supports micro-grants for local Black business owners.
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Why Black-owned businesses can’t afford to be invisible to AI
Traditional search is changing fast. If your business isn’t optimized for AI discovery, you could be losing customers before they even find your homepage.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
$INZU founder marks five years modernizing Ankara fashion
Temilola Okunola started her fashion brand $INZU at 19 with no roadmap. Five years later, she’s modernizing Ankara style, expanding to the Mall of America, and proving that faith and consistency pay off.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Kelly’s Candles turns wax into works of art
For candle artist Kelly, a flame isn’t just about scent, it’s about sculpture, sustainability, and honoring the memories of loved ones.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Black Business Spotlight: Zoma House creates a path for artists in Minneapolis
Uzoma Ngwu launched Zoma House in Minneapolis to bring music, film, fine art, and food under one roof. Here’s how she’s carving out a physical haven for underrepresented creatives.
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AI won’t take your job overnight, but it will change it, local strategist says
Local strategist Dwayne Dixon reveals why judgment and lived experience matter more than ever, and how Black professionals can turn tech shifts into real leverage.
Posted inMSR On the Radar
MSR On the Radar: Devin Boeing is revolutionizing tech education in Minnesota
In the ever-evolving world of technology, 26-year-old Devin Boeing is creating a pipeline for the next generation, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to have a seat at the tech table. Boeing is the CEO and founder of Cryptic Institute, where he teaches technology and finance to everyday people. In a recent […]
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Minnesota advocate says candidates are avoiding small business questions as federal contracting rules shift
Small business advocate Lynn Pingol says Minnesota’s governor and Senate candidates avoided her proposed debate on federal contracting rollbacks, even as legislation threatens key SBA programs. Editor Jasmine McBride has the story.