Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal 40 Under 40 honorees of color brought stories of immigration, community building and entrepreneurship to the annual celebration at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Wayzata.
community leadership
Posted inCommunity Voices
20 years of answering the call
Power of People Leadership Institute celebrates 20 years of community impact, having reached more than 7,000 girls, 1,500 boys and 6,000 formerly incarcerated community members through Girls in Action, Boys of Hope and the RePlanting Program.
Posted inEducation
The education of a community: Carl Walker’s lasting impact
Carl Walker Walker West Music Academy legacy spans more than five decades of music education, spiritual leadership and grassroots community care in the Twin Cities.
Posted inEvents
Black Women of Impact – Twin Cities Honors to Celebrate Community Leaders in St. Paul
The inaugural Black Women of Impact Twin Cities Honors will recognize leaders whose work continues to strengthen communities across Minnesota.
Posted inOn the Radar
Poet transforms personal healing into rhythm and poetry for the community
South Minneapolis poet and emcee Se’Anna Johnson is using hip-hop, storytelling and community engagement to foster healing, literacy and empowerment.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real Spotlights New Girl Scouts River Valleys CEO Marisa C. Williams
Marisa C. Williams joins Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real to discuss leadership, service, and her vision as CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys.
Posted inBest of Black Businesses
Lutunji’s Palate Earns Top Food & Drink Honor at Inaugural Sister Spokesman Black Business Awards
Lutunji’s Palate earned first place in the Food & Drink category at the inaugural Sister Spokesman Black Business Awards, honoring its culture-rooted and mission-driven work.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Gov. Tim Walz Marks Minnesota’s 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Gov. Tim Walz reflects on Minnesota’s 40th annual MLK Day celebration, emphasizing unity, justice, and compassion as the foundation of One Minnesota.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Reflects on 40 Years of Minnesota’s MLK Holiday
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan marks the 40th anniversary of Minnesota’s MLK holiday with a call to action rooted in justice, unity, and community care.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Echoes of Unity: A Call to Honor Black Legacy and Build One Minnesota
Echoes of Unity marks 40 years of Minnesota’s MLK holiday, honoring Black legacy while calling for collective action to build a more just and inclusive One Minnesota.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation uplifts leaders advancing racial equity
In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation highlights the Facing Race Awards and leaders advancing equity across Minnesota.
Posted inBusiness
Yolanda Pierson named president, CEO of Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce
Yolanda Pierson has been named president and CEO of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, bringing decades of leadership and a focus on community connection.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Bobby Joe Champion: Minnesota’s first Black senate president, called to serve
In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, Sen. Bobby Joe Champion reflects on community, service, and the shared responsibility that defines true leadership.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
Equity and Legacy During Minnesota’s 40th MLK Holiday Anniversary
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real marks Minnesota’s 40th MLK holiday anniversary with a conversation on equity, legacy, and collective responsibility featuring Ashley Oolman.
Posted inEvents
General Mills and UNCF Mark 36 Years of Honoring Dr. King Through Education and Service
Minnesota’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast returns for its 36th year, continuing a tradition of honoring Dr. King through education, service, and community investment.
Posted inEducation
Rondo elder urges action on literacy
Rondo community elder Mary K. Boyd has dedicated her life to education and child development, drawing on decades of experience as a teacher, administrator and community advocate. Born and raised in the historic Rondo neighborhood, Boyd built a career shaped by connection, mentorship and a belief that every adult has the power to help children […]
Posted inArts + Culture
How Grant West helped students find their musical voices
For nearly four decades, Grant West has been a guiding force in St. Paul’s arts and culture landscape — an educator, advocate and community builder whose belief in the power of music has shaped generations of young musicians. As co-founder of Walker West Music Academy, West has helped students discover their talents while creating one […]
Posted inFirst Educator
Making a difference: Key strategies for community-based adaptation
Minnesota families are feeling the impacts of climate change through hotter summers, unpredictable storms and rising energy bills. Community based adaptation gives residents the power to respond with practical strategies such as planting trees for cooling, creating rain gardens to reduce flooding and using energy efficient appliances at home. These actions strengthen neighborhoods and build leadership skills in children who will shape the future.
Posted inNothing but the Truth
Where history meets the future
Black Minnesota as a source of inspiration worldwide Most 50-year-olds do not move to a new state with their nearly adult children. The vast majority of Minnesotans over 50 would never consider it. Both facts require some explanation about my presence in the Twin Cities. As the DeWitt Wallace Professor of History at Macalester College, […]
Posted inLocal & State
Remembering Wallace “Jack” Jackman: A life of leadership, laughter, and legacy
Wallace “Jack” O’Neal Jackman, known affectionately as Jackie or simply Jack, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jack’s life was a master class in combining heart, hustle, and humor. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jack moved […]