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.
Featured
Posted inOn the Radar
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.
Posted inOn the Radar
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
Posted inOn the Radar
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.
Posted inOn the Radar
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.
Posted inOn the Radar
Antione Jenkins: Making a mark from sneakers to stadiums
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.
Posted inOn the Radar
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.”
Posted inOn the Radar
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.
Posted inSister Spokesman
“Her Story” encourages Black women to write and publish their stories
The Her Story Sister Spokesman event brought women together at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center to celebrate African American authors and storytelling.
Posted inOn the Radar
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.
Posted inBlack History
The history of Arthur and Edith Lee: Segregation then, outsiders now
Racial covenants enacted in early 20th-century Minnesota created segregated neighborhoods and lasting barriers for Black residents. Today, Mapping Prejudice and the Just Deed Coalition are uncovering these histories and helping communities address ongoing inequities.
Posted inLocal & State
Rising costs hit inmates, families priced out of phone calls at county jails
Rising Minnesota jail phone call costs are forcing families to limit communication with incarcerated loved ones, raising concerns about mental health, fairness, and rehabilitation.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Inner Peace
Inner Peace Fragrance Minneapolis began in Opal Robinson’s home kitchen, where she mixed personal care products for herself. Today, her handcrafted body oils, incense, soaps, and candles are sold at Midtown Global Market, offering customers sustainable ingredients, long-lasting scents, and a space centered on warmth and respect.
Posted inArts + Culture
Ralph Remington launches “Penetrating Whiteness,” a personal and political examination of white supremacy
Ralph Remington never intended to write a book, but inspiration from James Baldwin led him to compile years of essays into Penetrating Whiteness: How White Supremacy Built America. During a Twin Cities book launch, Remington shared powerful reflections on race, empathy and navigating today’s political moment.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Internal Beauties
Kisha Triplett created Internal Beauties to help people feel confident from the inside out, blending noninvasive beauty services with a message of healing, self-acceptance and wellness.
Posted inOn the Radar
On The Radar: 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.
Posted inEvents
Free Zoom event to support Black food and agriculture businesses
Sheletta Brundidge food business event offers guidance to food, beverage and agriculture entrepreneurs in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Posted inLocal & State
Native Land Pod Hosts Town Hall in North Minneapolis Amid Federal Surge
Native Land Pod hosted a live town hall in north Minneapolis, bringing together community members, elected officials and organizers for discussions on policy, organizing and mutual aid.
Posted inLocal & State
State and local agencies denied access to investigate killing of Alex Pretti by ICE, file lawsuit to protect evidence
Local and state authorities say federal immigration agencies blocked access to a Minneapolis crime scene after ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, prompting a lawsuit to preserve evidence.
Posted inFeatured, News
Community mourns the sudden passing of North Minneapolis entrepreneur Sammy McDowell
Arthur “Sammy” McDowell, a 48-year-old builder of sandwiches and community, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 21.