Years after MSR reviewed her memoir, author Monique Crusoe-Cheeks, known as Ms. Nique, is back with Empowering the Pen, a judgment-free writing experience for people who have never thought of themselves as writers. She hopes to bring it to Minnesota. Editor Jasmine McBride has her story.
Arts + Culture
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to the African American experience.
Posted inArts + Culture
Rondo historian Artika Tyner named Reister Award finalist
Dr. Artika R. Tyner, a fifth-generation Rondo native, was named a finalist for the 2026 Ruth & Ray Reister Award for Historical Contributions to the Humanities. Editor Jasmine McBride talks with her about Rondo’s legacy, her books and the work still ahead.
Posted inArts + Culture
Springboard’s new leader starts by listening
Ilah Raleigh, a performing artist, educator and author, took over as executive director of Springboard for the Arts on Oct. 1. She talks with Editor Jasmine McBride about relational leadership, guaranteed income for artists and building on the work of longtime staff.
Posted inMusic
“Dr. Funk” joins Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame
Renowned blues bassist George “Dr. Funk” Moye was inducted into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame on Oct. 18. After more than three decades at Ford while playing gigs across the Midwest, he has spent 17 years as a full-time musician.
Posted inArts + Culture
African American Civil War Museum reopens with expanded spaces and new exhibit
The African American Civil War Museum in Washington reopened Sept. 30 after a multiyear renovation, with expanded exhibition space and more than 200 new artifacts. Descendants of U.S. Colored Troops joined the ceremony to share the stories behind the names.
Posted inArts + Culture
“What We Inherit” exhibit at St. Thomas traces 1838 Jesuit slave sale and the work of repair
A traveling exhibit at the University of St. Thomas traces the 1838 Jesuit sale of 314 enslaved people and the repair work descendants and Jesuits are doing together. Descendant Monique Trusclair Maddox calls it “an American story.”
Posted inJames on Jazz
Salvant had the Dakota at hello
Grammy-winning vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant returned to the Dakota with pianist Adam Birnbaum for a captivating second set, earning a standing ovation and an encore from a nearly sold-out room.
Posted inArts + Culture
Twin Cities Black Film Festival marks its 24th year with new home in Edina
The Twin Cities Black Film Festival celebrated its 24th year with a new home at the Edina Theatre, as founder Natalie Morrow reflects on decades of showcasing Black filmmakers and recovering from a stroke while keeping the festival alive.
Posted inTheater
Pinocchio is now running at Children’s Theatre Company
Children’s Theatre Company brings a fresh, diverse take on “Pinocchio” this fall, running through Oct. 18. Star Antonisia “Nisi” Collins talks capturing a child’s curiosity, building physical muscle memory, and the message of growth she hopes audiences take home.
Posted inArts + Culture
Southside Back In The Day photo gallery
The South Side Back In The Day celebration reunited long-time residents and welcomed new faces for an afternoon of culture, connection and celebration. Take a look at MSR’s photo gallery to see how the community showed up.
Posted inArts + Culture
Planting People Growing Justice named Minnesota Twins Game Changer
The Minnesota Twins have named Planting People Growing Justice a 2026 Game Changer for putting culturally reflective books directly into the hands of young readers.
Posted inArts + Culture
Application open for 2027-28 Minneapolis Poet Laureate
The City of Minneapolis and The Loft Literary Center have officially opened applications for the 2027–2028 Poet Laureate position. Here is how local writers can secure a two-year civic appointment, engage the community, and elevate their craft.
Posted inArts + Culture
Resmaa Menakem finds his next act with ‘Mothership’ at Penumbra
From homeless bass player on the Minneapolis Sound scene to bestselling author and healer, Resmaa Menakem now steps into playwrighting. Co-written with Kristen Adele Calhoun, Mothership premieres at St. Paul’s Penumbra Theatre as a vessel for healing and ancestral wisdom.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘The Wiz’ brings confidence and community to Northside youth
Around 50 young people took ownership of every stage of production, from building props to writing original backstories, proving that Northside youth don’t need “bells and whistles” to shine on stage.
Posted inArts + Culture
Talent agent Tiauna Jackson breaks barriers in Hollywood, fights for the underrepresented
When Hollywood began rolling back its diversity initiatives, Tiauna Jackson doubled down. From navigating systemic bias to launching her own agency and earning a law degree, the history-making talent agent shares her journey of advocating for the industry’s most underrepresented talent.
Posted inArts + Culture
Lenny McAllister’s new book challenges echo chambers, calls for a return to faith and second chances
From walking away from basketball, reinventing his career and navigating political commentary, Lenny McAllister shares how faith and second chances can shatter today’s toxic echo chambers.
Posted inArts + Culture
Graffiti artist Peyton Russell’s latest works confront ICE surg
Minneapolis graffiti artist Peyton Scott Russell used a global economic inequality conference as the backdrop for a gallery exhibition confronting Operation Metro Surge, ICE violence and the state of Black and biracial identity in Minnesota.
Posted inArts + Culture
Building inclusive bookshelves: why neurodiverse representation matters in children’s literature
Fewer than 10% of books with autistic characters feature non-white protagonists. Author Tiffany Hammond is changing that narrative by celebrating nonverbal autistic joy, communication, and belonging.
Posted inEvents
Cypher Rotunda brings street dance battles to Mall of America
Street dancers from across the world are heading to Minnesota for Cypher Rotunda, a massive, free-admission dance battle featuring live DJs, international judges, and cash prizes.
Posted inMovies
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Part 1 of 2)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings high-flying cinematic flair and deep emotional weight to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, proving that Peter Parker’s most harrowing fight isn’t just against supervillains, it’s with his own loneliness.