Ujamaa Place guides young African American men through a culturally grounded Theory of Transformation. Participants receive individualized coaching, mental health support, fitness and nutrition, and access to 37+ services that lead to housing, education, work, strong family ties, and no justice-system involvement. A digital music program with Walker West Music deepens healing and connection.
News
Timely national, state, and local articles, including profile stories from an African American perspective.
Posted inPolitics
Doxxing campaign targets local Kirk critics
Far right doxxing surged in Minnesota after Charlie Kirk’s killing, with educators and journalists targeted and families harassed. Experts warn the campaigns can escalate offline.
Posted inLocal & State
Hennepin County expands ‘Red Flag’ orders to prevent crises
Hennepin County red flag orders are up in 2025. A specialized ERPO team and expanded mental health resources help families and police intervene before crises escalate.
Posted inMSR In the News
Minneapolis Seeks Historic Recognition for MSR and Other African American Landmarks
The MSR National Register nomination places Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned newspaper on a path to national recognition, alongside the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the former home of Harry Davis Sr. A year-long city study underpins the effort and could unlock preservation grants and tax credits.
Posted inLocal & State
Breast cancer survivor ensures others need not suffer alone
Breast cancer survivor Pamela Weems built Pink Ladies MN into a 14 year support network that centers early detection and care for women of color. She will receive the Legacy of Light Award at Sister Spokesman’s Live. Laugh. Learn. 2025.
Posted inLocal & State
Activists demand Frey end Israeli surveillance contract
Dozens rallied at City Hall to oppose the Minneapolis Zencity contract, delivering 2,000 signatures and pressing Mayor Jacob Frey to cancel the 500,000 dollar MPD survey deal by Dec. 1.
Posted inLocal & State
Twin Cities Salvation Army Launches Annual “Coats for Kids” Drive
The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids Minnesota drive runs through Oct. 11, collecting winter gear for Twin Cities youth. Donate at local centers or give 25 dollars at GiveCoats.org.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mayoral candidates clash over leading city issues
At the Minneapolis mayoral forum 2025, Frey, Fateh, Davis, and Hampton clashed over ICE raids, housing tools, George Floyd Square, and climate policy ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesotans can now buy recreational cannabis from state’s medical dispensaries
Minnesota recreational cannabis sales began at RISE and Green Goods, the first non-tribal dispensaries serving adults 21+. New licenses allow limited supply conversion and wholesaling as the market scales.
Posted inEvents
Ignite Lab Gala supports inclusive, diverse marketing
The BrandLab Ignite Gala Minneapolis gathers students, alumni, and industry leaders on Sept. 25 to fund paid internships, scholarships, mentorship, and career coaching that diversify marketing.
Posted inNational
Rising political violence denounced after Kirk killing
Charlie Kirk shooting Utah Valley University occurred during a crowded Q&A on Sept. 10. Leaders condemned the attack and advocates pressed for solutions to persistent gun violence.
Posted inPolitics
Roof Depot rhetoric goes viral
The Roof Depot protest Minneapolis moved to Chute Park, where activists challenged the city’s $16 million price for the East Phillips site and urged a community-owned urban farm.
Posted inLocal & State
Families demand justice at Stolen Lives March to capitol
The Stolen Lives March St. Paul drew hundreds who marched from the police department to the Capitol, as families of Amir Locke and others called for accountability and policy change.
Posted inLocal & State
Students push lawmakers on gun control
More than 100 students rallied at the Minnesota Capitol after the Annunciation Church shooting, urging a ban on semiautomatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. Speakers called for policies that address both gun safety and mental health and pressed lawmakers to act in a special session.
Posted inLocal & State
Sabri stands firm in defense of private encampment
Minneapolis officials are considering suing developer Hamoudi Sabri over a Longfellow homeless encampment that has drawn fines and complaints of health hazards. Sabri defends allowing people to stay, saying they need stability. Advocates argue legal threats won’t solve homelessness, calling for safe spaces and permanent housing.
Posted inPolitics
Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Killed in Campus Shooting at 31
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a Utah Valley University speaking event. The 31-year-old conservative activist rose to prominence as a teen organizer and became a central figure in youth-led conservatism.
Posted inLocal & State
Re-imagining Mpls Third Precinct building as Democracy Center
Early plans for the Minneapolis Democracy Center show a welcoming, secure hub at the former Third Precinct. Residents can vote through Sept. 12 to choose Change Inc. or Mama Sheila’s House of Soul to operate the community space.
Posted inLocal & State
Be The Change Golf Tournament brings youth of color to the sport
The Be The Change MN Golf Tournament partnered with First Tee and the Solomon Hughes Sr. Golf Academy to expand access, mentorship, and representation in golf for youth of color.
Posted inLocal & State
Appeals for assault weapons ban follow Mpls mass shootings
Two children were killed and 18 people injured when a gunman opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis. Leaders renewed calls for an assault weapons ban as the community mourns.
Posted inLocal & State
Back in the Day award honors Al Brown as ‘Guardian of the Story’
Al Brown was awarded the 2025 Guardian of the Story Award at Southside Back In The Day for his decades of work in the Black Press and community storytelling, presented by MSR publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard.