An all-Black battalion of women cleared millions of delayed wartime letters to keep American troops connected. Now, St. Paul historian Dr. Artika R. Tyner is ensuring their courage is never forgotten.
Education
A space for local and national stories about issues surrounding education, especially as they relate to African Americans.
Posted inEducation
The unforgettable impact of Ruby Hurley
Before she investigated racial terrorism in the Deep South or built a youth movement of 25,000 NAACP members, Ruby Hurley stepped up in 1939 to give world-renowned singer Marian Anderson a stage at the Lincoln Memorial. Discover the history of the unsung civil rights giant.
Posted inEducation
James Weldon Johnson: The man behind six careers and a civil rights anthem
Before “Lift Every Voice and Sing” became known as the Black National Anthem, its author was breaking barriers in law rooms, foreign consulates, and Broadway stages. Here is how James Weldon Johnson proved that Black excellence knows no limits.
Posted inFirst Educator
Robert S. Abbott: Defender of justice
Robert S. Abbott launched The Chicago Defender to combat Jim Crow and champion equality. Dr. Artika R. Tyner explores how parents and caregivers can use his legacy of unrelenting tenacity to inspire young changemakers today.
Sponsored
High School for Recording Arts
High School for Recording Arts, Minnesota’s only media arts-themed public charter high school, is enrolling now, offering both a fully online, self-paced program and a five-day-a-week on-campus experience built on hands-on learning.
Posted inEducation
Support the push for an African Diaspora kids’ library in St. Paul
A transformative trip to Ghana has sparked a local movement in St. Paul to build a children’s library filled with stories centered on characters from the African Diaspora.
Posted inEducation
How one teacher’s locs changed her classroom
Eghosa Hamilton straightened her hair for years to look like a teacher. Then she grew her locs, and her whole approach to teaching Black students changed.
Posted inEducation
Young Hearts Open Minds names Arielle Handevidt as CEO, plans to expand early childhood equity work
Former NAZ leader Arielle Handevidt is stepping into the CEO role at Young Hearts Open Minds to expand early childhood equity work, helping educators use “windows and mirrors” to combat bias before age five.
Posted inEducation
How you can help preserve Minnesota Black history
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is calling on the community to help document and preserve the rich history of Black settlements, businesses, and leaders across Minnesota.
Posted inEducation
V3 Sports preps youth for 6-Week triathlon challenge
V3 Sports will work with youth for a six-week triathlon program designed to build water confidence, physical endurance, and mental resilience.
Posted inEducation
Prepare to vote by learning how to research candidates at commuity workshop
With the Minnesota primary elections just around the corner, Ayada Leads is holding a free candidate research workshop to equip local voters with the tools to spot misinformation, research ballot options, and show up informed at the polls.
Posted inEducation
Teaching tomorrow’s leaders: lessons in civic engagement inspired by Dr. Josie Johnson
From fighting redlining in St. Paul to passing the nation’s first state-level fair housing act, Dr. Josie Johnson transformed Minnesota. Here is how her legacy, featured in PPGJLI’s new book, offers a playbook for youth civic engagement today.
Posted inEducation
Helping children stay cool: teaching restorative justice and conflict management
Discover how restorative justice and emotional regulation tools can help Minnesota youth navigate conflict, manage heavy emotions, and break cycles of harm before they start.
Posted inEducation
Catalyst for Systems Change celebrates a year of youth-driven policy wins
Catalyst for Systems Change celebrated a year of youth-led legislative victories, from exposing state-wide PSEO compliance gaps to passing critical school health safety bills.
Posted inParent Power
Parent Power: After families show up
As Minneapolis Public Schools moves through its Transformation process, columnist Khulia F. Pringle argues that engaging families isn’t the same as showing them their voices actually shaped the outcome.
Posted inEducation
After a fight for a permit, Veritas Academy is still standingÂ
Susie Brooks survived a childhood shaped by trauma in Kenya to found Veritas Academy, a classical Christian school in North Branch that’s grown into a home for international and residential students. Contributing writer Fela Jamal has her story.
Posted inParent Power
Why parent voice is Minnesota’s most underutilized education resource
Khulia F. Pringle launches a new monthly column, Parent Power, arguing that Minnesota schools treat parents as an afterthought instead of the education system’s most underused resource.
Posted inFirst Educator
Representation matters: Why diverse books keep children engaged
Books can act as mirrors or windows for children, and columnist Dr. Artika R. Tyner argues that culturally relevant stories matter more than most parents realize. She breaks down how to build a home library that does both.
Posted inEducation
Black Teens Lead in AI Use for Schoolwork. But at What Cost?
Black teens use AI chatbots for schoolwork at three times the rate of white teens, according to new Pew data. Contributing writer Anya Armentrout reports on what that means for learning, cheating and emotional support.
Posted inEducation
Federal student loan changes are coming: What you need to know
A new federal law is reshaping student loan repayment, cutting options for future borrowers and ending economic hardship deferment in 2027. Contributing writer Alfred D. Riddick, Jr. breaks down what Black families need to know now.