Trump’s new travel ban targets 19 mostly nonwhite countries, reviving a strategy Charles Kurzman says is more about racial exclusion than real national security.
Opinion
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes thoughtful commentary and feedback from the community. All articles in this section are edited for clarity and space; the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the MSR. MSR does not provide payment for commentary. To submit an opinion piece, please send inquiries and submissions to submissions@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inOpinion
America urgently needs a new affordable housing agenda
Dr. Benjamin Chavis warns that Trump’s housing strategy may spark another crisis — and urges a bold, bipartisan “abundance agenda” to increase housing supply and protect families.
Posted inOpinion
A seven-word phrase Black men should give up
“That’s why you don’t have a man.” In this commentary, Lawrence Ware calls out this tired, toxic phrase and why it’s time for Black men to do better.
Posted inOpinion
‘Justice for All’ can’t account for the Orange Felon’s crimes
Trump’s brazen corruption exposes deep cracks in America’s promise of “justice for all,” argues James Preston Allen. Will citizens rise to defend democracy?
Posted inOpinion
If a rich white man says prisons are racist, it must be true
Todd Chrisley is calling out racism in federal prisons, exposing the unequal treatment of Black inmates and adding visibility to long-standing prison reform efforts.
Posted inOpinion
Trump’s going wild in the White House — at our expense
Trump’s back in the White House — and the consequences are adding up. From VA layoffs to civil rights rollbacks, here’s what’s happening in 2025.
Posted inOpinion
Fans must do what the WNBA won’t — protect its Black players
Racist fan behavior is escalating in the WNBA. League leadership must step up to protect Black players—or fans will need to take action themselves.
Posted inOpinion
Warning labels on social media are not the answer
Warning labels may seem protective, but they can alienate marginalized youth who rely on social media for connection, support, and mental health. Ericka Jones explains why a better approach is needed.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
We’re still here, still fighting, still demanding more
Nekima Levy Armstrong reflects on the unfulfilled promises since George Floyd’s death and urges continued community organizing and accountability in the fight for justice.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
The value of coalition work
CUAPB founder Michelle Gross reflects on the murder of George Floyd and how coalition work has sustained the fight for justice and police accountability ever since.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
What George Floyd’s death taught me about America
Phalen (PJ) Pounds was 15 when he saw George Floyd’s murder. Five years later, he shares how that moment changed his view of America, community, and justice.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
The more things change, the more they stay the same
Activist Marques Armstrong shares a raw reflection on the pain, the protests, and the unfinished fight for justice five years after George Floyd’s death.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
Gains and backlash in the Black freedom struggle
Trahern Crews reflects on the George Floyd legacy, documenting progress, backlash, and the urgent need to protect reforms sparked by the 2020 uprising.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
5 Years Since the Murder of George Floyd: A Statement from Minnesota Justice Research Center
Five years after George Floyd’s murder, MNJRC reflects on community progress and urges continued transformation of Minnesota’s criminal legal system.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
The unfinished change
Jaylani Hussein examines the broken promises of police reform, political inaction, and the enduring fight for racial justice in the five years since George Floyd’s murder.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
From outcry to ongoing commitment
Leslie Redmond reflects on the fading momentum since George Floyd’s death and calls for renewed daily commitment through Win Back’s Day of Remembrance.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
The night everything changed — for me and for us
Elizer Darris recounts the moment he learned of George Floyd’s death, the video that changed his life, and the movement it sparked in him and so many others.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
We are still standing, still fighting
Toshira Garraway honors families impacted by police violence and calls for continued solidarity, five years after George Floyd’s murder shook the world awake.
Posted inLocal & State
Remembering and reimagining justice: The 2nd annual day of remembrance
Win Back’s second annual Day of Remembrance in Minneapolis features interfaith prayer, a silent gathering at George Floyd Square, and an art exhibit at MIA — all calling for lasting justice.
Posted inOpinion
Caregiving: the hardest job ever loved
A mother in Minneapolis is struggling with a heart attack and the burden of full-time caregiving, highlighting the need for better support for caregivers and seniors in the US.