News

By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The causes are many, the cure unclear Violence in North Minneapolis has been on a steady rise over the past several years. A report on this violence recently made public offers some sobering numbers: According to Minneapolis police figures, 47 percent of the city’s homicides in 2006 took place on […]

By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The DFL candidate for governor responds to Black issues Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton last week met with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder editorial board. During the question-and-answer session at the MSR offices October 20, Dayton addressed several key issues and topics, beginning with why Blacks in Minnesota should vote for him […]

By Vickie Evans-Nash Staff Writer Editor emeritus of Essence spreads words of inspiration As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this past Saturday, October 23, the Minnesota-based African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) celebrated its 20th year with a Shinning Star Gala held Oct. 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Paul. Founded in […]

By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer An interview with Rebecca Gagnon (RG) MSR: Why do you want to be a member of the Minneapolis Public School Board? RG: I’m an extremely involved parent of three children. I’m part of three different district advisory groups. I don’t think that parent involvement in Minneapolis is appreciated. In Minneapolis, […]

By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer An interview with T. Williams (TW) MSR: When you first ran for school board, what was your platform? TW: I was interested in improving the relationship between the district and the community, promoting a community engagement strategy to learn more about what the respective assets were and how to use […]

By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer An interview with Chanda Smith Baker (CSB) MSR: Why do you want to be a member of the Minneapolis Public School Board? CSB: It’s the only elected office I considered seriously running for. My uncle, Richard Green, a great former superintendent, really influenced me to service. I see a real […]

By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Accusations fly as to how the venerable school got in such bad shape To many, Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson’s recommendation to phase out North High School in three years finally confirmed a long-standing rumor that a “systemic” plan to close the city’s oldest high school had already been […]

By Cynthia Boyd Contributing Writer Gregory Ellis starts his days at the front desk of People Serving People (PSP), a multi-story brownstone near the Metrodome that offers shelter to homeless families. It’s there he picks up his family’s daily quota of diapers, 10, as well as juice and milk, enough to tide three kids over […]

By Vickie Evans-Nash Staff Writer Sheila Raye Charles, born Sheila Jean Robinson, spent much of her life surrounded by the rich and famous. Charles, vocalist and daughter of the late and legendary Ray Charles, also focused her life on the entertainment industry. Using her vocal talents, she went on tour with well-known entertainment groups such […]

By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Building renovation, business development, use of minority contractors are the nonprofit’s priorities While driving around the city’s North Side a few years ago, Stuart Ackerberg asked himself why the area did not enjoy the same economic vitality as other parts of Minneapolis. The owner and CEO of the Ackerberg Group […]

By Doug Grow Contributing Writer Certainly, the work Nick Davis/Nathaniel A. Khaliq has done in St. Paul has mattered. The neighborhoods around Selby-Dale are so much safer, so much improved over what they were at the height of the drug wars in the 1980s. “But it’s time for new ideas, young blood,” said Khaliq of […]

By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson shares his success secrets Investing in urban America is a good thing, and Black businesses must deliver what they promise, says NBA legend turned successful businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Johnson spoke September 23 to a mixed audience of corporate members and small business owners of color attending […]

By Catherine Kelly Contributing Writer Innovative design, understanding, and the importance of diversity are guiding philosophies for General Motors Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn. For preparing to live and work in an increasingly global world, Welburn recommends “Exposure, reading, travel whenever possible…and don’t be afraid to take risks.” Since 2003, Welburn, 59, is […]

Fong Lee rally in North Minneapolis (P1) Minneapolis, MN. (IBNN NEWS/October 2, 2010)…At the corner of 4th Street and 34th Avenue North friends and family members of Fong Lee gathered to protest the murder of Lee who was shot eight times by fired Minneapolis Police officer Jason Anderson. Video by The Independent Business News Network […]