Health + Wellness

By Odera Odenyo Contributing Writer “I reject the view which regards African history as the story of European adventures.” With these words by University of Minnesota student Daniel Ajah Okoronkwo, the Center for Advanced AfricanUnderstanding (CAAU) was born in Minneapolis in June 1968. It was the height of the Civil Rights Movement in America. Martin […]

“Job Corps saved my life — I was a knucklehead.” So says Johnnie Burns, assistant director in the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights. He’s in charge of the Contract Compliance Unit, supervising six people whose work ensures that, in employment contracting, there is city ordinance compliance with affirmative action, civil rights and non-discrimination policies. “The […]

Dear MPS Partners and Friends, I am incredibly proud and deeply enthused by the partnership that has been cultivated between the community and the district in our first steps to realizing a new North High School. I continue to hear from those in the community that we all have engaged in a transparent process that […]

In an effort to prepare children for rewarding careers in the future, Risen Christ School (RCS), a 325-student K-8 grade school located in the Powderhorn Park area of Minneapolis, has created Imagine the Possibilities. More than 90 percent of RCS’s students come from families who are living either at or below the poverty line. Many […]

Last year President Obama made history with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, bringing healthcare to millions of uninsured Americans and guaranteeing preexisting conditions are covered. The Affordable Care Act is reaping benefits already in Minnesota with the implementation of early Medical Assistance, which will cover 90,000 Minnesotans while easing our state budget strain. […]

Project Diva held its Teen Females of Color Empowerment Expo 2011 at UROC in Minneapolis  On Saturday, February 5, Project Diva, Inc. produced the “Teen Females of Color Empowerment Expo 2011.” The expo took place at the Urban Research, Outreach and Engagement Center (UROC), located in North Minneapolis. Project Diva, Inc. is a nonprofit organization […]

The state budget is the most important issue we will face this legislative session. Already, we are beginning to see clear choices emerge as to how we will go about solving the deficit. I want to make sure you are aware of the key choices we are debating and get your input about how we […]

Dear North Minneapolis families and residents, Creating a new North High School that successfully prepares students to be productive global citizens remains one of my top priorities. Our youth in North Minneapolis must have a rigorous educational experience, and our community must have a community school that it can be proud of. My commitment to […]

Baby Doc has returned to Haiti. He is the son of Papa Doc and called “Baby” because he succeeded his ruthlessly despotic father with equal venom at age 19. The prospect of Duvalier (his real name) recapturing power, adding political tyranny to crushing disaster and ambient misery, is frightening. But many who are too young […]

Who would donate money to buy a water buffalo that they’ll never see, for a family that they’ll never meet, in a country that is thousands of miles away? Hila Dipman’s fifth-grade class at Richard Green Central Park School voted to do just that. The animal is purchased through Heifer, International, an organization that provides […]

This is the second of several articles I am writing for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. My spotlight this month will be on Vincent Adams and Invinceable Adams, Inc. Again my objective is simple: Showcase minority entrepreneurs and provide creative solutions to help find your way out of this economic crisis. Brief history Approximately 13 million people […]

By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a man that the United States celebrates with a holiday the third Monday of every January. Although we recognize his work for humanity, our society teaches its citizen little more than the fact that he gave an “I Have a Dream” speech and that […]

Starting Anew By James Davis Hello, once again, to all of you who follow my column, and I thank you for your support and encouragement! In the past few articles, I touched base on some issues I was reliving that I had allowed to overcome me; and I was on the brink of contemplating suicide. […]

Today’s Entrepreneur by Ste Brown The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has provided a platform by which we can help community members see more clearly what is at stake and how area minority entrepreneurs are doing in this depressed economy. While shining a spotlight on local entrepreneurs, we hope to increase readership. In addition, the articles may provide […]

Recently, I sat in on a panel discussion. The topic was how college graduates should prepare for life after college, especially in this economic climate. Jobs appear to be scarce, and a U.S. national unemployment rate of 9.8 percent is daunting to think about. As the panel discussion proceeded, one word was repeated continuously: flexibility. […]