The Minnesota Humanities Center’s Juneteenth celebration includes four events featuring food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, a new documentary, and a theatrical tribute to Black resilience.
Civil Rights
Posted inLocal & State
Federal restaurant raid draws protests, demands
A large-scale federal raid at a Lake Street restaurant has triggered protests and renewed scrutiny of ICE’s role in local law enforcement operations.
Posted inOpinion
‘Justice for All’ can’t account for the Orange Felon’s crimes
Trump’s brazen corruption exposes deep cracks in America’s promise of “justice for all,” argues James Preston Allen. Will citizens rise to defend democracy?
Posted inLocal & State
Federal judge dismisses MPD consent decree
A federal judge dismissed the MPD federal consent decree, halting federal oversight of police reforms. Minneapolis officials say they will continue with the full slate of reforms despite the ruling.
Posted inLocal & State
MN DFL accused of racial discrimination
Brenda Short has filed a lawsuit accusing the Minnesota DFL of racial discrimination, exclusion of candidates of color, and procedural misconduct in the 2025 election cycle.
Posted inLocal & State
Sen. Smith decries fed’s withdrawal from MPD oversight
Sen. Tina Smith is condemning the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the MPD federal consent decree, which was intended to drive reforms following the DOJ’s investigation into civil rights violations. Smith calls the move a betrayal of justice.
Posted inLocal & State
Tracey Williams-Dillard honored with Congressional Record Award for over 50 Years in journalism
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, was honored with a Congressional Record Award by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar for more than 50 years of service in journalism and her commitment to amplifying Black voices in Minnesota.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
MSR Hosts Powerful Panel on 5-Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder
On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder hosted a powerful panel at UROC in North Minneapolis, bringing together local leaders, advocates, and families impacted by police violence for an honest and urgent conversation.
Posted inLocal & State
Rumored Chauvin pardon called ‘outrageous’
As rumors swirl about a possible Derek Chauvin pardon, Minnesota leaders and activists condemn the idea as unjust, dangerous, and deeply harmful to the public.
Posted inLocal & State
Remembering and reimagining justice: The 2nd annual day of remembrance
Win Back’s second annual Day of Remembrance in Minneapolis features interfaith prayer, a silent gathering at George Floyd Square, and an art exhibit at MIA — all calling for lasting justice.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘Selma 70’ exhibit honors civil rights legacy
The Ramsey County Historical Society has opened a new exhibit, “Selma 70,” at the Landmark Center, honoring the 70 Minnesota residents who traveled to Selma, Alabama in 2015 to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery marches, highlighting their experience through interviews and imagery.
Posted inNational
National Civil Rights Museum’s April 4th commemoration honors Dr. King’s legacy with an urgent call to action
The National Civil Rights Museum hosted its annual April 4th Commemoration, marking the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, with a theme of “How Long, Not Long” and a message of continued urgency for social and economic equity.
Posted inNational
Global Protests on April 5: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk
Tens of thousands of people in the US and around the world are planning to protest on April 5, demanding an end to the destruction of the government and economy, and defending their rights and democracy.
Posted inNational
Trump Administration Probes Portland School District Over Transgender Athlete in Girls’ Track Competition
The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association over concerns regarding a transgender athlete’s participation in girls’ track and field events, alleging that the student’s participation could compromise the competitive balance and raise questions about the enforcement of Title IX.
Posted inWomen’s History Month
Sisters of the Pen: A Look at the Women Who Broke Barriers
Carole Simpson, Dorothy Pearl Butler Gilliam, Belva Davis, and Melba Tolliver are all pioneers in the field of journalism, having broken barriers and made significant contributions to the industry.
Posted inEducation
Department of Education cuts have real consequences for Black students
The Trump administration’s cuts to the U.S. Department of Education have resulted in a significant reduction in resources for public education, disproportionately affecting Black students and other marginalized groups.
Posted inTheater
Historic change originates in the courage of ordinary people
Historical drama “Little Rock: 1942” honors the true story of heroic school teacher Susie Morris and the civil rights lawsuit that brought Thurgood Marshall to Saint Paul, highlighting the courageous stand against systemic inequality and the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Posted inPolitics
Black Women in Congress Stand Strong Against Trump’s Agenda
Black women leaders in Congress, such as Reps. Yvette Clarke, Lateefah Simon, and Jasmine Crockett, are leading the resistance against President Trump’s administration’s harmful policies and ensuring their voices are heard.
Posted inBlack History
Black labor has been foundational to Minnesota’s growth
Black labor has been instrumental in building industries and communities in Minnesota, and their contributions have been recognized as a critical part of the state’s growth, with a labor force participation rate of 70.5% in 2021, exceeding the state’s white labor participation rate of 67.2%.
Posted inLocal & State
Anti-2025 MAGA protest joins others nationwide
The 50501 Movement and other activists have been protesting at state capitols across the country, opposing former President Donald Trump’s controversial 2025 policy plan, which they fear could dismantle civil rights protections and target marginalized communities.