The sweltering humidity couldn't deter revelers from packing the dancefloor.Geoff Jones, a charter member of the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness, thrilled attendees with an impromptu serenade of Bill Withers' classic "A Lovely Day."Del Gates of Blue Cross Blue Shield MN, one of the event sponsorsIn between dancing, attendees cooled down in the smooth jazz … [Read more...]
MSR special editions and features:
Each year the MSR recognizes and celebrates MLK Jr. Day, Black History Month, the Graduation Celebration for graduating high school seniors, and most recently, Black Music Month, in the print edition. In this space, find stories pertaining to each special edition as categorized.
Three Minneapolis women who broke cheerleading color barriers
Two trailblazing cheerleaders were recognized at St. Peter’s Church in Minneapolis: (l-r) Harriet Bowman Solomon, Gwendolyn Morrow Fraction; Rev. Carla Mitchell, pastor of St. Peter’s; and former Minneapolis Public Schools.superintendent Dr. Carolyn Johnson. Few people realize that not only did women athletes cheerleading at sporting events originate right here in Minnesota, … [Read more...]
Black Business Spotlight: Angie’s Hats
Angie Hall Sandifer // Photo by Chris Juhn In the heart of Saint Paul’s art district sits a distinctive shop where milliner Angie Hall Sandifer makes hats. Founded in 2006, her namesake brand Angie’s Hats has grown from a class project after getting laid off to an international business, supplying custom-fitted creations to hat lovers all over the world. Her hats are flashy, … [Read more...]
Black History Salute: Marvel James Cooke
Marvel Jackson Cooke One hundred years after the birth of Minnesota’s first Black person, Marvel Jackson Cooke made her own history as the first Black birth in the city of Mankato. Her life was full of more firsts on her journey to becoming a pioneering journalist and political activist. Born Marvel Jackson in 1901 to Madison Jackson, the son of a free farmer, and Amy … [Read more...]
Black Business Spotlight: South Mpls Black history inspires Funky Grits
Jared Brewington // Chris Juhn The Twin Cities is enjoying a restaurant boom with unique eateries offering niche foods and dining experiences. Among them is South Minneapolis’ Funky Grits. The Black-owned restaurant boasts a menu like none other in the area, with soul food recipes based off of cheesy grits with a twist towards vegan ingredients. But don’t be mistaken — a … [Read more...]