A powerful review of Dralandra Larkins’ hybrid collection Before I Lie. The book centers truth telling, Black girlhood, ASL, and healing through poetry, prose, and image.
Arts + Culture
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to the African American experience.
Posted inNews
A House of Dynamite
“Object remains inbound!” Those aren’t the words you want to hear when a nuclear missile is headed your way. By suggesting that if there was an impending nuclear attack, things might not go as planned. That the world’s strongest military force and most formidable super power might flounder. It’s feasible enough to be intriguing. The […]
Posted inTelevision
Andrew Young Documentary Revisits the ‘Dirty Work’ Behind the Civil Rights Movement
A new MSNBC documentary, “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work,” highlights the hidden labor that held the civil rights movement together and the lessons the 93-year-old diplomat and former Atlanta mayor wants to pass on today.
Posted inArts + Culture
More than skin deep
Science Museum exhibit explores race, identity and nature At first glance, skin might seem like a simple surface: something we see in the mirror, cover with clothing, or protect with sunscreen. But a new exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota invites visitors to go deeper. “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity,” which opened October 3, […]
Posted inEvents
#MNBlackLife Photo Exhibit Showcases the Beauty and Resilience of Black Minnesota
#MNBlackLife, a new photo exhibit by photographer Bianca Rhodes, centers Black joy, community, and everyday brilliance in Minnesota. The one-night event is Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6–9 p.m., at 943 Payne Ave., Saint Paul. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; refreshments by Epic Graze.
Posted inMusic
Twin Cities Hip-Hop Day Honors Legacy and Creativity at Minnesota History Center
Twin Cities Hip Hop Day 2025 turned the Minnesota History Center into a living archive, honoring more than 40 contributors to the culture. Organized by Ryan “Stage One” Dillard, the celebration bridged generations and affirmed Minnesota hip hop’s legacy of community, creativity, and truth.
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo, Soul Visionary and Reluctant Icon, Dies at 51
D’Angelo, the trailblazing artist whose sound reshaped modern R&B, has died at 51 after a private battle with cancer. From “Brown Sugar” to “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” his live, groove-rich music and fearless artistry influenced a generation and expanded what Black music could be.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Fall jazz lineup promises new albums and live performances
From Craig Taborn’s “Trio of Bloom” to JD Allen’s “Love Letters” and Charles Lloyd’s “Figure in Blue,” fall jazz in Minnesota is rich with new sounds and live highlights. The Dakota’s October slate features Kenny Garrett, Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap, and Brandee Younger, with Herbie Hancock at the Orpheum.
Posted inMovies
The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson surprises in a stripped-down, affecting performance as MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s Smashing Machine. The film deglamorizes the sport, digs into addiction and relationships, and finds real stakes far beyond the cage.
Posted inOdds and Ends
What’s worth spending a weekend away from sports?
The 23rd Twin Cities Black Film Festival runs Oct. 10–12, with screenings at the Capri Theatre and Hotel Indigo. Founder Natalie Morrow spotlights a packed slate of Black filmmakers and says this year doubles as a crucial fundraiser to power the festival’s future.
Posted inTheater
Youth write, direct and act in plays confronting gun violence
Hopkins Center for the Arts hosted ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence, with Stages Theatre Company presenting six teen-written shorts chosen from 127 national submissions. Youth artists say the work is raw and empowering. Recommended for ages 14+.
Posted inArts + Culture
Youth write, direct and act in plays confronting gun violence
By Lizzy Nyoike On October 6, the Hopkins Center For The Arts hosts “ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence,” a nationwide theater initiative that puts teens’ voices at the front of a pressing national conversation. Stages Theater Company joins more than 30 organizations across the country in presenting six short plays written by teens confronting […]
Posted inMovies
One Battle After Another
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another blends counterculture myth, political satire, and a father-daughter chase. Teyana Taylor blazes; Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn spar with a wobbly tone. The set-pieces stun, but the story never fully locks in.
Posted inTheater
Ten Thousand Things brings Shakespeare to the masses
Ten Thousand Things will stage The Two Gentlemen of Verona for the first time, opening its 2025–26 season and marking Artistic Director Caitlin Lowans’ directing debut. The stripped-down, in-the-round production tours prisons, shelters, schools, and community sites, with public shows pay-what-you-can.
Posted inEvents
Katt Williams Brings Heaven on Earth Tour to Target Center This Fall
Katt Williams brings his Heaven on Earth Tour to Target Center on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. One night only—sharp stand-up, big laughs, and that classic Katt energy. Plan ahead: Target Center allows only small clutches/wallets (5″ x 9″ or smaller).
Posted inEducation
Children’s bookstore inspires early love for books
Planting People Growing Justice, a Black woman-owned children’s bookstore and publisher inside Gideon Barbershop, is growing literacy and youth leadership in South Minneapolis. Founded by Dr. Artika Tyner, PPGJ centers books that reflect the African Diaspora and offers storytimes, workshops, and author visits to help kids “read to lead.”
Posted inTelevision
The Lost Bus – 2025 Toronto International Film Festival
Paul Greengrass turns the 2018 Paradise wildfire into a blistering survival tale as Matthew McConaughey’s school bus driver races to evacuate kids through walls of fire. The film’s immersive effects and taut editing deliver an anxious, high-impact ride, grounded by sturdy work from McConaughey and America Ferrera.
Posted inFashion
NextStep Runway brings New York fashion energy to Minnesota
NextStep Runway Minneapolis arrived with a three day fashion camp and a vibrant runway showcase. Models gained coaching, new images, and industry insight, while four local designers debuted collections in a professional setting.
Posted inTheater
Stages Theatre Brings Charlotte’s Web to Life with Aerial Magic
Stages Theatre Charlotte’s Web plays Sept 26 to Oct 26 on the Hopkins Mainstage. A 60 minute, all ages production with an aerial Charlotte, a standout youth cast, and plenty of heart.
Posted inMovies
Black Films Help 2025 Toronto International Film Festival Celebrate its 50th Anniversary
At TIFF 50 Black films left their mark. Highlights include DaCosta’s Hedda, Mkhwanazi’s Laundry, Davies’ My Father’s Shadow, and Davis’ Youngblood.