Black people must return to prayer, adopt an attitude of “no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interest,” and restart local discussion groups to prepare for the second Trump administration.
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.
How credit card swipe fees make life harder for Blacks
The Credit Card Competition Act seeks to reduce swipe fees, which disproportionately affect Black Americans and compound existing financial barriers to wealth-building, by introducing fairer competition and reducing the burdens of credit card swipe fees.
Reclaiming full-spectrum Black femininity
The “strong Black woman” stereotype, which has been perpetuated for centuries, has a dark side as it erases the complexity and vulnerability of Black women, and can contribute to mental health issues and a lack of authenticity.
HBCUs keep doing more with less
UNCF’s “Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs” report highlights the urgent need for equitable and sustainable funding for HBCUs to ensure they can continue their vital role in promoting social mobility and economic growth.
Black Millennials and the White Picket Fence
Two-thirds of white millennials are homeowners compared to less than one-third of Black millennials, due to factors such as Baby Boomer competition, limited housing supply, and high debt levels.
A love letter celebrating Black women
Vice President Kamala Harris and other Black women are being celebrated for their contributions to democracy and their resilience in the face of adversity, as they continue to fight for equality and representation in the face of white nationalism and corruption.
Biden makes history with Black judicial appointments
President Joe Biden has appointed 40 Black women to lifetime judgeships, surpassing previous efforts by his predecessors and reflecting his commitment to promoting equity and representation on the federal bench.
Black Lives Mattered. Then America Moved On
A New York jury acquitted a white man who fatally choked a Black homeless man on a subway car, despite the victim having committed no crime, marking a return to the status quo of systemic racism and violence.
A call to action on American education
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle the Department of Education, citing frustrations over federal overreach and alleged “woke” indoctrination in schools, while critics question its overall efficacy and propose reallocating responsibilities to other agencies.
Congressional Black Caucus reaches historic 62 members
The Congressional Black Caucus will enter the 119th session of Congress with a record-breaking 62 members, representing 120 million Americans, and will work to counter the Trump administration’s anti-minority policies and protect the rights of Black and marginalized communities.
Walmart needs Black America more than Black America needs WalmartÂ
Walmart has abandoned its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, prompting questions about whether Black America should continue shopping at the retail giant, which has a history of racial discrimination and has been hit with multiple discrimination lawsuits.
Black people have to be exceptional to be considered successful
Black people are redefining excellence on their terms by quitting traditional 9-to-5 jobs and seeking peace of mind, as the expectation of perfection without reward continues to disproportionately negatively impact them.
Rollback of DEI will deepen racial divisions
Walmart has reversed its commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, dismantling its “Belonging” program and restricting the sale of products such as chest binders for minors, following pressure from conservative activists and the incoming Trump administration.
Culturally relevant education needed now more than ever
Public school educators must become trained and prepared to create classrooms and learning experiences that center their students and honor who they are, as private schools and homeschools may not be a viable option for many Black parents.
White American men are not oppressed
Rep. Jasmine Crockett delivered a fiery speech on the House floor criticizing Republicans for their ignorance of Black history and their attempts to dismantle workplace diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Gun violence is a crisis we can’t ignore
Gun violence is a public health crisis in the U.S., with Black Americans having the highest rate of homicide deaths from firearms, and policymakers must take action to prevent and reduce the harm caused by firearms.
Your Voice Matters: December Questions
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is asking readers to share their seasonal favorites and reflect on the past year to help shape content for the new year.
Your Voice Matters: November Highlights and December’s Questions
The MN Spokesman-Recorder surveyed readers to determine their interests in entertainment, Black cultural heritage, social justice, community stories, civil rights history, community-based activism, Black-owned businesses, and holiday traditions, and will act on the feedback by featuring more profiles of up-and-coming Black artists and creators, local events, local history and landmarks, and solutions-focused stories on social justice.
Don’t obey in advance
José Luis Vilson, a veteran educator, writer, speaker and activist in New York City, reflects on the recent election results and the cultural problems that have led to the re-ascendance of Donald Trump, and calls for a shared humanity and the need to build a better world.
Destroying public housing worsens housing crisis
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has denied that the homelessness crisis is caused by a lack of affordable housing, despite the fact that city leaders have privatized, demolished and eliminated Section 9 Public Housing, leaving people to freeze while profiting from their displacement.
