This high-powered election season has been largely overshadowed by the advent of the so-called Tea Party and the rapidly changing situations in the Middle East. Almost going unnoticed is the dramatic rise in female participation as major players. For instance, more women are running as candidates for governorships of various states than ever. The most […]
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Posted inOpinion
Hospital sends severely injured Black man home to die Too many questions remain unanswered
“A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.” — Samuel Johnson, 18th century Part of the doctors’ Hippocratic Oath (medical ethics) from the fifth century BCE states, “I will never do harm to anyone…[working] for the good of my patients.” Why, then, did North Memorial Hospital turn out a poor African […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Change your thoughts, change your life
Apathy and fear-based thinking — i.e., ”I am afraid to fail”: We need to realize that failure (mistakes) is a part of life, that being able to admit to mistakes helps you to become whole and motivates you to take risks and not be afraid. — D. Jeffries, staff member at St. Stephen’s Outreach in […]
Posted inNews
Mark Dayton: ‘I hope that I can earn the support of African American voters’
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The DFL candidate for governor responds to Black issues Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton last week met with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder editorial board. During the question-and-answer session at the MSR offices October 20, Dayton addressed several key issues and topics, beginning with why Blacks in Minnesota should vote for him […]
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MN Black women organize against breast cancer
By Vickie Evans-Nash Staff Writer Editor emeritus of Essence spreads words of inspiration As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this past Saturday, October 23, the Minnesota-based African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) celebrated its 20th year with a Shinning Star Gala held Oct. 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Paul. Founded in […]
Posted inNews
‘It is time for fresh eyes to come on board’
By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer An interview with Rebecca Gagnon (RG) MSR: Why do you want to be a member of the Minneapolis Public School Board? RG: I’m an extremely involved parent of three children. I’m part of three different district advisory groups. I don’t think that parent involvement in Minneapolis is appreciated. In Minneapolis, […]
Posted inNews
‘I’m a cut above the rest’
By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer An interview with T. Williams (TW) MSR: When you first ran for school board, what was your platform? TW: I was interested in improving the relationship between the district and the community, promoting a community engagement strategy to learn more about what the respective assets were and how to use […]
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‘No more business as usual with me on the board’
By Titilayo Bediako Contributing Writer An interview with Chanda Smith Baker (CSB) MSR: Why do you want to be a member of the Minneapolis Public School Board? CSB: It’s the only elected office I considered seriously running for. My uncle, Richard Green, a great former superintendent, really influenced me to service. I see a real […]
Posted inNews
Is North High a terminal case?
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Accusations fly as to how the venerable school got in such bad shape To many, Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson’s recommendation to phase out North High School in three years finally confirmed a long-standing rumor that a “systemic” plan to close the city’s oldest high school had already been […]
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Homeless in Minneapolis: A day in the life of a family in emergency shelter
By Cynthia Boyd Contributing Writer Gregory Ellis starts his days at the front desk of People Serving People (PSP), a multi-story brownstone near the Metrodome that offers shelter to homeless families. It’s there he picks up his family’s daily quota of diapers, 10, as well as juice and milk, enough to tide three kids over […]
Posted inNews
Sheila Raye Charles offers message of hope to ex-offenders
By Vickie Evans-Nash Staff Writer Sheila Raye Charles, born Sheila Jean Robinson, spent much of her life surrounded by the rich and famous. Charles, vocalist and daughter of the late and legendary Ray Charles, also focused her life on the entertainment industry. Using her vocal talents, she went on tour with well-known entertainment groups such […]
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Catalyst Community Partners helps revitalize North Minneapolis
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Building renovation, business development, use of minority contractors are the nonprofit’s priorities While driving around the city’s North Side a few years ago, Stuart Ackerberg asked himself why the area did not enjoy the same economic vitality as other parts of Minneapolis. The owner and CEO of the Ackerberg Group […]
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Look around — it’s a beautiful day in Mr. Khaliq’s neighborhood
By Doug Grow Contributing Writer Certainly, the work Nick Davis/Nathaniel A. Khaliq has done in St. Paul has mattered. The neighborhoods around Selby-Dale are so much safer, so much improved over what they were at the height of the drug wars in the 1980s. “But it’s time for new ideas, young blood,” said Khaliq of […]
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The Magic business potion: Invest in urban America
By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson shares his success secrets Investing in urban America is a good thing, and Black businesses must deliver what they promise, says NBA legend turned successful businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Johnson spoke September 23 to a mixed audience of corporate members and small business owners of color attending […]
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Design leader sees value in adventure, creativity
By Catherine Kelly Contributing Writer Innovative design, understanding, and the importance of diversity are guiding philosophies for General Motors Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn. For preparing to live and work in an increasingly global world, Welburn recommends “Exposure, reading, travel whenever possible…and don’t be afraid to take risks.” Since 2003, Welburn, 59, is […]
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Khaliq looks back on a lifetime of struggle and change
News Analysis By Doug Grow Contributing Writer So many battles won, so many lost, and so many — well, sometimes battles don’t end the way they begin. Nathaniel A. Khaliq, still known by most of his friends in St. Paul’s neighborhoods as Nick Davis, laughed about one of those battles that he and his dear […]
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Black Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) says it is ready to become “a catalyst for change” for the Black community. Over 100 Black business members and others attended the September 29 MBCC annual meeting at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Center. The MBCC, which was founded […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Forums seek to engage Black voters
By Marcus Harcus Contributing Writer The first “Potential Power of the Black Electorate” town hall forum was held October 13 at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. Hosted by the Association of Black Collegiates, panelists included State Representative Jeff Hayden, candidate for State Representative Rena Moran, Impact Minnesota Director Nick Muhammad, and Troy Parker. The forum […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
‘Color the Vote!’ campaign reaches out to communities of color
The Color the Vote campaign is sponsored by One Minnesota (OneMN.org), a collaborative network of ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) communities, leaders, and individuals who agree to “eliminate racial barriers to success in Minnesota.” The campaign slogan is “You Vote, We Win!” “The margin of victory of the last three gubernatorial elections has […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
New travel adventure for MSR writer
Former Soviet republic a hidden treasure The 2006 “Adventures in China” column series by Jennifer Harvey (formerly Holder) was an account of the writer’s life as a foreign teacher — and an African American woman — in Hangzhou, China. Harvey has moved on to a new land, as she details in the following article. Here […]