I now live in Minnesota, one of the healthiest states in the United States (U.S.), yet it is tinged with one of the highest health inequalities in the country — including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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, Vikings/NFL
Who says women can’t be NFL head coaches?
This [NFL] is a man’s world, but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl … (speaking in my James Brown voice). Sure, we are on the sidelines as cheerleaders, owners, reporters and such, but there has never been a female head coach manning the sidelines in any male professional sport. There’s always […]
Posted inOpinion
Violence against women: never acceptable, never-ending
ccording to the United Nations Statistics Division, intimate partner violence accounts for the majority of women’s experience of abuse.
Posted inOpinion
Black Silence: When will we address the opioid epidemic?
There continues to be a very frightening silence in the Twin Cities’ African American communities regarding the spike of African American deaths from drug overdose and what to do about it. While it affects all races, colors, and creeds, people of color are disproportionately represented. The Minnesota Department of Health’s “Race Rate Disparity in Drug […]
Posted inOpinion
Open Letter: Mayor Jacob Frey and Chief Medaria Arradondo must overhaul 4th precinct
Just three years ago, the Fourth Precinct was the site of an 18-day occupation by activists and community members following the shooting death of Jamar Clark.
Posted inOpinion
Is the FBI underreporting hate crimes?
Of 34 reportable bias motivation categories, all but five reported an increase in 2017.
Posted inOpinion
Can the Women’s March survive petulant White women?
Now Teresa Shook, the self-proclaimed founder of the Women’s March, is demanding the resignation of its four leaders and co-chairs — Bob Bland (aka Mari Lynn Bland), Tamika Mallory, Linda Sarsour and Carmen Perez — who are organizing for a January 19 march. Really?
Posted inOpinion
When will the Black community practice unity?
When we see the greatness in ourselves (and that others see, and many are afraid of), we’ll be better off together
Posted inOpinion
No surprises in the 2018 midterm election
I also celebrate that Minnesota has the first-ever Black winner of a seat on the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and an African American winning the 5th Congressional District. I wish both of these women the very best.
Posted inOpinion
What if Black pro athletes became champions of Black economic empowerment?
The percentage of Black professional football players exceeds 70 percent.
Posted inOpinion
Trump’s unhinged attacks on the press are repulsive
The president is on a roll when it comes to Black women in the press.
Posted inOpinion
Our parents lied to us: Names and words do hurt Â
So, let’s be clear that this is not a moment to ignore the words of demagogues. This is not a moment to question the thinking of President Trump or his intent.
Posted inOpinion
A nation dangerously divided
As of the writing of this column, a series of hate-driven, murderous events have taken place, either racially or religiously motivated, from October 24 – 27, across the country. Among them are the following hate crimes: The two African Americans were murdered at a supermarket in Jeffersontown, Kentucky on Oct. 24. One, a man, was […]
Posted inOpinion
MN’s Black doctors endorse Tim Walz for governor
Dr. Crutchfield and his colleagues specifically cited the commitment shown by Walz/Flanagan to a strong public healthcare option for those who may have been excluded from coverage in the past.
Posted inOpinion
Choosing NOT to vote still impacts you
Early voting has begun in several states and the shenanigans have also increased. There have been a number of reports coming out across the country about voter disenfranchisement and voter suppression tactics that are negatively impacting African Americans, and it is startling.
Posted inOpinion
Maybe ‘perfectly civil’ should be the new PC
Martin did a brilliant job in explaining the history of Blackface and the way it demeans African Americans. It was great that he had the opportunity to educate not only his odious host, but also the millions who watch Kelly daily.
Posted inOpinion
Keith Ellison is the civil rights champion we need
This November, I urge all Minnesotans to vote for Keith Ellison for attorney general, for affordable health care, a fair economy and equal opportunity for all.
Posted inOpinion
Stop using our name to push your platform
You are using our work, our name, and our community to win an election, but when it comes time to stand by your platform and help us save public housing, you are silent. This is a blatant co-optation of this East African women-led resident campaign.
Posted inOpinion
WORD ON THE STREET: Who’s voting in this midterm election and why
MSR contributors hit the pavement to ask community members whether they plan on voting in the midterm elections and what they see as the important issues. Are you planning on voting this election cycle? Join in the conversation in the comments! Find election info here. ✔ YES Voneisha Harris, 25, Brooklyn Park “The most important issue […]
Posted inOpinion
Twin Cities gentrification continues to displace low-wage workers
It’s no secret that the lack of affordable housing in Minnesota, and in particular in the Twin Cities, has remained one of our biggest issues in the 21st century.