Opinion

The U.S. Supreme Court has been a longstanding supporter of the basic tenets of the Civil Rights Movement. During the more than century-long civil rights struggle, the nation’s highest court has rendered favorable decisions on many issues. Many of the congressional edicts would never have survived had it not been for the Court’s confirmation. But […]

One of the important features of history is date sequences. They identify occasions of events, including place, circumstances and people involved. Here are some recent historical landmarks in the purposeful denial of jobs to Blacks in this city and state. Historic date: April 18, 2008 — Report of Michael Jordan, then director of the Minneapolis […]

“One hundred years later [after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863], the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. “One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst […]

Wonder what school kids in Mexico read every year at this time when American students are handed hogwash about Texan heroes who martyred themselves at the historic Battle of the Alamo.  Hopefully they aren’t subjected to the same brainwashing bilge. One thing’s certain: Mexican American youngsters here in this country would be well served, when […]

I’m gon’ be disappointed in any Black folks who watch that Royal Wedding. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for young love. I feel like if young folks are crazy enough to toss away their freedom and happiness on something as ridiculous as getting married, then more power to them.  How does that ole […]

On Tuesday night, February 22, 2011, at Sabathani Community Center, State Representatives Hayden and Champion sponsored a reception and town hall meeting for the new Minnesota education commissioner, Dr. Brenda Cassellius. Attended by over 70 Minnesota citizens, it included at least eight state legislators, three from out-state Minnesota. It is quite clear that Governor Mark […]

If you work for a living, what happened in Wisconsin is a good thing on lots of levels. There was report after report from Madison on the solidarity that was occurring among teachers, social workers, students and other union and non-union workers. Even the police — who ultimately come from the ranks of everyday folks […]

I offer my apology for the Council on Black Minnesotans (CBM) board members who decided to walk out on community members who were expressing their concerns about the CBM at the February 2011 board meeting. Prior to the meeting, I sent an email to board members directing that we show no vitriol towards our guests […]

For many months in this column, we have addressed the accelerating rate surrounding the demise and collapse of Black institutions. It is misleading to think this is a great nova exploding upon the scene without warning, without advance declarations of problems, as if Black institutions and organizations are “all of a sudden” disappearing and going […]

Our state legislators have just finished debating the details of a law that would open a new path or way (a.k.a. alternative certification) for top college graduates, mid-career professionals, and teachers licensed in other states to teach in Minnesota classrooms. The governor ultimately decides. No matter what, we as Black folks must be clear on […]

“Someone told a lie a long time ago, a lie that said that everything ‘White’ was good, and everything ‘Black’ was bad.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If we grew up in America, we grew up “White.” We grew up drowned in myths of Black inferiority and White supremacy, our bellies full of […]

Trying My Best Frank Erickson When it comes to our government’s exported violence, their words do not coincide with their actions — and our mainstream media are more than happy to further it along. A McClatchy newspaper article in the Feb. 12 Pioneer Press stated that “if the Egyptian revolution delivers on its promise of […]