(Photo courtesy of St. Olaf College) “It is my mission to serve my people” said Dr. Josie Johnson during a recent one-on-one with the MSR. On Thursday, July 27, Johnson shared her feelings about her commitment to her community. She attributed her community activism to growing up in a home with parents who were “very committed to the struggle.” Said Johnson, “It is deeply … [Read more...]
Community Profiles:
A space for feature stories about community members in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Recollections of a Buffalo Soldier
Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley popularized the song “Buffalo Soldier” released in 1983. He equated the tune to the Black struggle for survival. But not everyone knows the true origin of the name “Buffalo Soldier.” Following the U.S. Civil War, regiments of Buffalo Soldiers served on the western frontier protecting settlers. Congress passed legislation in … [Read more...]
Legendary King of Wings gets a new incarnation
“It is all about the legacy of keeping King of Wings alive in Minnesota and teaching people about him and his chicken wings,” said Robert Patterson, former employee of Leland Carriger’s King of Wings and current owner of the Kings Royal Seasoning and Kings Royal Wings. Patterson is from Minnesota, born and raised. “I started doing the King of Wings spice because I knew the … [Read more...]
Mr. Music helps others get heard
When you have a passion for something, you pursue it with all your energy, blood, sweat and tears. Ethan Horace — aka Mr. Music — has been following his passion for music, broadcasting and journalism for quite some time. This year, Horace’s work paid off. In February 2017, Horace won the Journalism Award at The Beautiful Humans Awards Show held at the Women’s Club of … [Read more...]
Healing with ‘the sacred dessert of Black culture’
Sweet Potato Comfort Pies nourish empathy, unity “The pies I believe have a calling of giving comfort to anyone,” says Rose McGee, Golden Valley’s 2017 Citizen of the Year. Her nomination was based on her work to comfort people living with cancer and healing from the loss of loved ones such as the families of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile. McGee said she has taken pies … [Read more...]