Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler, overcomes adversity and becomes a champion, inspiring others with his determination and resilience.
Arts + Culture
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to the African American experience.
Posted inArtists
Art Without Strings: How Guaranteed Income Is Empowering Minnesota’s Creatives
Springboard for the Arts is expanding its guaranteed income program for Minnesota artists, offering $500 per month over 18 months to 100 artists, with the aim of fostering long-term stability and supporting marginalized communities.
Posted inMusic
Kendrick Lamar to Launch Grand National Tour in Minneapolis This Spring with SZA
Kendrick Lamar is set to kick off his Grand National Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on April 19, 2025, with Grammy-winning artist SZA as a special guest, and tickets are available for presale starting Wednesday and general public tickets available Friday.
Posted inArts + Culture
Local Black artists illuminate Black joy as resistance in University of Minnesota’s Layers of Joy
The University of Minnesota’s Regis Center for Art is hosting the exhibition Layers of Joy, which features works from five local Black artists exploring the intersections of identity, community, and resilience, and celebrates the transformative power of Black joy as resistance.
Posted inEvents
Art and Community Collide: 38th Street Cultural District Comes Alive
Minneapolis is preparing for the inaugural activation of the 38th Street Cultural District, led by local artist and community advocate KingDemetrius Pendleton, to celebrate art and community spirit, and foster deeper connections within the community.
Posted inBooks
New author finds joy sharing her story
Twyla Martin held a book launch for her memoir “The Power of a Transformed Woman: Turning My Trauma into Triumph” which included a panel discussion on trauma and recovery, and she credits the recovery community for her healing process.
Posted inMovies
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine in Wicked film adaptation
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in the fantastical and enchanting film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, which explores the backstory of the two witches Glinda and Elphaba, and the persecution of animals, with a strong message about the evils of fascism and racism.
Posted inArtists
City of Minneapolis Launches Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, Transforming Downtown with Art and Culture
The City of Minneapolis has awarded $200,000 in funding to five organizations to turn vacant storefronts into cultural hubs, promoting creativity, driving foot traffic, and promoting inclusivity.
Posted inArts + Culture
Ailey successor Jamison passes at 81, legacy secure
Judith Jamison, a renowned dancer and choreographer who led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over two decades, passed away on November 9 at 81 after a brief illness.
Posted inMusic
The great Quincy Jones passes
Quincy Jones, a revered arranger and composer who transcended musical genres and produced Michael Jackson’s landmark albums, passed away at 91, while Gregory Porter celebrated his 53rd birthday and Christian Sands released a new album titled “Embracing Dawn”.
Posted inSister Spokesman
Seasonal Wellness – Eating Smart for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Sister Spokesman is hosting a wellness event on December 7, 2024 featuring a nutrition and self-care panel discussion, a delicious meal, games, shopping, and local vendors, designed to help women nourish their bodies, minds, and spirits during the winter months.
Posted inBooks
Five must-read horror books by Black women
Black women in horror are using the genre to expose injustice and share their stories, with books by Black women in horror authors providing an opportunity to learn about overlooked histories and the experiences of others.
Posted inArts + Culture, Events, Sister Spokesman, Sister Spokesman Highlights
Sister Spokesman takes deep dive into hair care
Runeka Edwards of Unique Fashion and Accessories hosted a hair care event featuring a panel of hair care gurus and vendors dedicated to uplifting Black women and promoting wellness, discussing the science of hair, product choices, and business evolution.
Posted inFashion
Is your wardrobe worth our planet?
The “BE HEARD” campaign, launched by Black Public Media, is encouraging consumers to re-think their purchases from discount online sites and instead consider the adverse impacts of fast fashion on the environment and Black communities.
Posted inMusic
2 Live Crew wins rights to music in landmark case on artistic ownership
After a four-year legal battle, 2 Live Crew has successfully regained control of their iconic music catalog, ending a years-long dispute over rights to their groundbreaking albums.
Posted inMusic
Whitney Houston’s iconic South Africa concert set for release
Whitney Houston’s historic performance in post-apartheid South Africa is being released as a live album and concert film by Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, showcasing her powerful renditions of her hits and symbolizing hope, freedom and resilience in a country emerging from decades of racial oppression.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat’ a tale of triumph and tragedy
Roger Guenveur Smith will be performing his one-man show honoring his old friend Jean-Michel Basquiat at Penumbra Theatre in October 2024, exploring the life of the groundbreaking artist beyond the tragedy of his early death.
Posted inArts + Culture
Duluth documentary keeps Mandela’s legacy alive
Filmmaker Gerri Williams and Carl Crawford have produced a documentary, “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration”, to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 100th year and explore the lessons of reconciliation, inclusion and joy that Mandela embodied.
Posted inBooks
Facing the lasting legacy of the transatlantic slave trade
Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown have collaborated on the groundbreaking book “The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy” to explore the brutal legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its ongoing impact on African people throughout the world.
Posted inArts + Culture
The Midwest Greek Step Show is back
Delphanie Daniels revived the Midwest Greek Step Show in 2024, creating a platform for the community to celebrate the culture of the Divine Nine and showcase the achievements of the Black community.