Hundreds are expected to gather this weekend for an inaugural conference creating a space for young Black communities in Minnesota and beyond to network, empower and heal one another around issues impacting Black communities. While Minnesota cities are touted nationally as some of the best places to live, people of color — particularly African Americans — continue to face … [Read more...]
A voice unparalleled: ‘Queen of Soul,’ Aretha Franklin, dies at 76
A true great has passed. Aretha Franklin, “Queen of Soul,” had long been ill and on August 16, 2018, she succumbed to complications of advanced pancreatic cancer while in hospice care at her Detroit home, according to her family. The beloved performer leaves an iconic legacy instrumental in changing popular music the world over. Her early issues on Atlantic Records in the … [Read more...]
Expos put Minneapolis on the Black beauty map
Two Minneapolis events are looking to put Minnesota on the map for Black hair and beauty. This is no small feat for Minnesota, which is often referred to as a “flyover” state when it comes to major beauty brands and products for African Americans and other people of color. However, Shades of Beauty Expo and Twin Cities Natural Hair & Beauty Show are changing that with … [Read more...]
A new image of rural Minnesota: Cheniqua Johnson on her historic run for MN House
This article is the third in an occasional series profiling candidates running for various offices and how their election might impact our communities. Worthington, MN-native Cheniqua Johnson is the youngest DFL-endorsed woman and one of the first women of color to run for state office in her district in Southwest Minnesota. The 22-year-old University of Minnesota … [Read more...]
Fitness for the culture: Noir Elite Fitness offers movement of sisterhood, community
Each week, hundreds of women (and men, too) join fitness duo Valerie Fleurantin and Chaz Sandifer for what has become a movement of sisterhood, healing and community. Together, the duo is Noir Elite Fitness (NEF), a start-up health and wellness powerhouse dedicated to transforming how women – especially Black women – view fitness. Nearly four out of five Black women are … [Read more...]