Twin Cities hip-hop duo iLLism, consisting of husband-and-wife creators Fancy and Emmanuel Duncan, have evolved from a successful musical act into powerful community builders. Through CRWN Media, the Legacy Building, and the Soul of the Southside festival, they are actively rewriting the narrative for local creatives.
On the Radar
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Caring through art: How ‘artivist’ Esther Callahan cultivates Black creative spaces
Twin Cities artivist and curator Esther Callahan shares how she transformed personal trauma into a lifelong mission of healing, launching The BLK Collectors to uplift Black artists and investors.
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Kprecia Ambers uses digital art to foster representation and connection
North Minneapolis native Kprecia Ambers is transforming the world of digital illustration. Through her brand, KP Inspires, she creates soulful artwork designed to foster representation, celebrate Black beauty, and bring warmth into everyday home spaces.
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From Maya Angelou to the Emmy Stage, The Interdisciplinary Life of PaviElle French
From performing for Maya Angelou at age 10 to winning an Emmy for her documentary, Rondo native PaviElle French has spent her life refining a craft that blends soul, theater, and community activism
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The art of intentional dining: Jametta Raspberry’s House of Gristle
Chef Jametta Raspberry, founder of House of Gristle, transcends traditional dining by blending French culinary techniques with a deep passion for Black hospitality and community building.
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Photography, music and finding a home in clay with Sayge Carroll
Multidisciplinary artist Sayge Carroll transitioned from photography to clay, eventually co-founding Mudluk Pottery Studio. Her work blends ceramics and soundscapes to create a transformative, inclusive space in South Minneapolis.
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Antione Jenkins: Making a mark from sneakers to stadiumsÂ
Native Coon Rapids artist Antione Jenkins discusses his transition from doodling on desks to painting the “Truck Angel” mural and collaborating with the Minnesota Twins and UFC.
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Kevin Washington’s musical journey from Detroit to Walker West
Kevin Washington isn’t just a jazz drummer; he is a musical vessel for Black music. From his Detroit upbringing to his Minneapolis residency, Washington blends funk, gospel, and punk rock to create a spiritual experience he calls “the source.”
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South Minneapolis filmmaker centers Black humanity in storytelling
Filmmaker Maxie Rockymore draws from her South Minneapolis roots to showcase Black humanity. From her early days at Hosmer Library to her new film Fresh Cut, she creates accessible art that honors her community and “reflects the times.”
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20 years of TruArtSpeaks: A poet’s dedication to hip-hop, poetry, and cultural preservation
Tish Jones discovered the power of hip-hop storytelling as a child and has spent decades using poetry and spoken word to educate and uplift young people. As founder of TruArtSpeaks in St. Paul, she blends art, culture, and social justice.
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Dancer creates space to move, belong and grow, with plans for a future studio
Imani Moore turned her lifelong passion for dance into Locomotive Dance Crew, a Twin Cities group focused on community, inclusion and performance.
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Through Song and Stage, Minnesota singer builds confidence, courage and legacy
Jamela Pettiford, inspired by gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, has spent her life performing, teaching, and empowering others through music. From stage performances to community programs in Saint Paul, she blends neo-soul, gospel, and classical trap to inspire resilience and confidence in youth and the Black community.
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Poet transforms personal healing into rhythm and poetry for the community
South Minneapolis poet and emcee Se’Anna Johnson is using hip-hop, storytelling and community engagement to foster healing, literacy and empowerment.
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Artist’s creative evolution expands beyond stage and screen
From a young age, she knew she wanted to act, even if she didn’t yet know what that path would look like. That early spark led her from Minnesota to Los Angeles and back home again, guiding her through realms as varied as education, military service, theater, poetry and motivational speaking. Perdue’s journey began in […]
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On The Radar: New Series Highlighting Black Creatives
On the Radar podcast showcases Black creatives in Minnesota across music, visual arts, literary arts, and more, connecting and inspiring the state’s arts community.
On the Radar is more than a feature. It is a platform.
We believe the community knows who is making an impact. This is your opportunity to help us highlight them.