MSR’s October survey revealed that Arts, Culture and Entertainment and Social Justice and Civil Rights were the top categories of interest, and the November survey is now focused on these topics to ensure coverage reflects readers’ interests.
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
Our imperfect union is still worth fighting for
Nolan Williams, Jr., an award-winning artist, has created a new civic anthem titled “Rise Up & Fight” to inspire full participation in the 2024 elections and to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died for the right to vote.
Posted inTell Your Story
Jayda Pounds – 27
When I was 12 years old, I entered a costume contest at the Mall of America dressed as the first woman president of the United States. I won the contest, but I didn’t know if I would ever see a woman president in my lifetime—let alone a woman of color. Now, I’m 27 years old, […]
Posted inTell Your Story
Margaret Sullivan – 36
When it comes to the thought of a Black woman becoming president , I believe Lizzo said it best: “It’s about damn time.” While it’s hard to summarize how it feels to vote for Kamala Harris, the word that keeps coming to mind is “validation.” I hope this election shows Black girls everywhere there are […]
Posted inTell Your Story
Cedereaka McHenry – 48
Cedereaka McHenry is excited to vote for a Black woman to be president, as she believes it shows how far we have come and that we are ready for change.
Posted inTell Your Story
Kelly Adams – 36
I am thrilled that I get to witness this moment in history with so many women in my life. I feel this is what our elders fought so hard for. So that younger generations get to see a strong woman standing up, not just for women but our entire nation.
Posted inTell Your Story
Symone Morrison – 21
Symone Morrison is excited to be a part of the voting process as a young African American woman, and encourages her friends and family to vote in order to better the future for herself and her children.
Posted inTell Your Story
Mia Holiday – 21
It’s very much an exciting and powerful moment for sure, but I don’t really know how to break it down into words. I’m very enthusiastic about a Black female candidate for president and it just feels like we are making history.
Posted inTell Your Story
Anya Morrison – 23
Being a participant in this election makes me feel like I have more of a voice than ever. Every election year there’s more and more issues that arise that are personal to being a woman and a Black woman at that.
Posted inTell Your Story
Edrissa Adams – 39
Voting this year, I feel a profound sense of pride and responsibility. Seeing a Black female candidate on the ballot is inspiring and empowering. It feels like a historic moment, a step towards true representation and equality. My vote is my voice, and today, it feels louder than ever.
Posted inTell Your Story
Victoria Davis – 81
Kamala Harris is the first Black woman to be endorsed by the Democratic Party for President, and her candidacy is a motivating force for young women.
Posted inTell Your Story
Sofie Holiday – 18
Sofie Holiday, a young black woman, is excited to vote in her first election year, as she believes her vote will make a difference for women’s reproductive rights.
Posted inTell Your Story
Arielle Morrison Lehr – 31
Arielle Morrison Lehr has found empowerment in knowing her voice matters and is being heard, challenging the fear-based system that pigeonholes people based on race, sexual identity and gender expression.
Posted inTell Your Story
Eva Morrison – 87
Eva Morrison, a black woman born in the south, is excited to support Kamala Harris as the first black female candidate for president, as she believes that Harris will bring positive change and compassion to the leadership of the nation.
Posted inTell Your Story
Shannan Paul
Shannen Paul, a Black woman, voted for Kamala Harris in the 2020 election, feeling that her vote was a pledge to history and a recognition of the work done by Black Women.
Posted inTell Your Story
Historic moment: Black women share the joy of voting for Black woman presidential candidate
Black women in Minnesota have launched the Tell Your Story series to share their experiences of voting for Kamala Harris, a Black woman presidential candidate, as a momentous and historic moment in the country’s story.
Posted inOpinion
Why Black kids need the U.S. Education Department
Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s 2024 campaign platform are pushing to abolish the Department of Education, citing its “woke” bureaucracy, waste of taxpayer money, and interference in local decisions, while the DOE encourages diversity, protects the rights of all students, and provides financial incentives for education policy.
Posted inOpinion
Why the Black Panther’s vision for education still matters
Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, reflects on the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Platform and its impact on his work as an educator, emphasizing the importance of truth in education and the development of a positive racial identity for Black children.
Posted inOpinion
The right to vote protects all other rights
Colin Allred, a voting rights attorney and U.S. Representative from Texas, is running for U.S. Senate in 2024 and is advocating for the reinstatement and modernization of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote.
Posted inOpinion
Civil rights issues reach boiling point in election
Vice President Kamala Harris is advocating for a fair and equitable justice system, while former President Donald Trump has called for greater police authority and protections, stirring deep fears within Black and minority communities.