Editor's Note: Iconic activist and comedian Dick Gregory died tonight at the age of 84, according to his family. We are republishing this story about Gregory's visit to the Twin Cities in honor of his memory and legacy. The story was originally published in November of 2014. ‘Library of Black radical thought’ shared insights on sundry topics during his recent … [Read more...]
Arradondo makes history as first African American Mpls police chief (video)
This morning by a unanimous vote, the Minneapolis City Council confirmed Medaria Arradondo as Minneapolis police chief. Arradondo, a 28-year veteran, becomes the city's first African American police chief after serving as interim chief for the last month following the resignation of Chief Janee Harteau. In a released statement, Mayor Hodges called the confirmation of her … [Read more...]
Silent no more: Local author gives voice to pain of Black mothers
“Being a Superwoman every day, 24/7 is not realistic. Being strong is being able to ask for help. If you don’t, you might not be here [much longer]” said Jasmine Boudah M.Ed (pronounced bow-duh) a teacher by trade, parent advocate at Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, doula, and now a published author. Boudah’s first book, Mothering Through Pain and Suffering in Silence, was … [Read more...]
Village Trust credit union planned for North Minneapolis
Founders court investors in Northside revitalization Near the end of 2018, the Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) plans to offer North Minneapolis the opportunity to come together as a community and pool its financial resources. Village Trust Financial Cooperative received its name by consulting members of the community, where the words “village” and “trust” were … [Read more...]
Third time’s the charm for local ‘Project Runway’ contestant
If at first you don’t succeed…well we know the rest. And that is exactly what Samantha Rei, one of the latest contestants on Lifetime’s long-running hit program Project Runway did when she suffered a disappointing loss in her first bid to get on the show. Rei, who grew up in Hastings, which she describes as a “river town and a southern suburb of Minneapolis” says, “I’ve been … [Read more...]