Walter James Billups obituary. The beloved Minneapolis paraprofessional who dedicated 35 years to South High School and Franklin Middle School died March 11 2026 at age 86.
community
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
African-American Leadership Forum Leaders Join Tracy’s Keepin’ It Real to Talk Black Futures, Community Power, and How to Get Involved
African American Leadership Forum Tracy Keepin It Real podcast highlights leadership, policy and community solutions in Minnesota.
Posted inOn the Radar
On The Radar: New Series Highlighting Black Creatives
On the Radar podcast showcases Black creatives in Minnesota across music, visual arts, literary arts, and more, connecting and inspiring the state’s arts community.
On the Radar is more than a feature. It is a platform.
We believe the community knows who is making an impact. This is your opportunity to help us highlight them.
Posted inBusiness
Black-owned businesses join statewide shutdown protesting ICE
Hundreds of Minnesota businesses are participating in a statewide general strike to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Black-owned and Black-led businesses, including Griot Arts and Rise & Remember, are closing their doors to demonstrate economic resistance, solidarity, and collective power.
Posted inLocal & State
Foundation honors five MN leaders for advancing race equity
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation named five 2025 Facing Race Award honorees—Alexs Pate, Nate Smith, Kathy Sublett, Sai Thao, and Patricia Torres Ray—recognizing statewide leadership that challenges harmful narratives on race and builds inclusive solutions. Livestream Oct 16; details inside.
Posted inEvents
#MNBlackLife Photo Exhibit Showcases the Beauty and Resilience of Black Minnesota
#MNBlackLife, a new photo exhibit by photographer Bianca Rhodes, centers Black joy, community, and everyday brilliance in Minnesota. The one-night event is Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6–9 p.m., at 943 Payne Ave., Saint Paul. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; refreshments by Epic Graze.
Posted inPhoto Galleries
Celebrating 50 Years of MayDay Magic in South Minneapolis
The MayDay Parade in South Minneapolis, a vibrant tradition of creativity and community, continues to thrive after 50 years with stunning puppets and performances crafted by residents and artists across the city.
Posted inEvents
Saint Paul Community Invited to Free Wellness Fair for Mental Health Awareness Month Kickoff
Living Naturally Abundant is hosting the First Annual Mental Health Awareness Fair at the Saint Paul YMCA on May 3, 2025, in partnership with the YMCA Saint Paul and sponsored by Medica, to provide free and inclusive resources for mental wellness and connection.
Posted inCommunity Voices
How cultural healing confronts disparities
The Cultural Wellness Center, founded by Atum Azzahir, aims to close the gap in health disparities by promoting cultural knowledge and self-determination in African and Indigenous communities.
Posted inEvents
Pathways Life and Health presents the Mommy & Me Soirée: A celebration of love, connection, and community
Pathways Life and Health is hosting a Mommy & Me Soirée on Saturday, May 4 at 5 p.m. to celebrate love across generations and deepen connections between mothers and daughters in a community-centered setting.
Posted inLocal & State
Community push to rename Edmund Boulevard gains momentum
A community-led coalition is seeking input from Minneapolis residents to help choose a new name for Edmund Boulevard, currently named after a man who codified racial exclusion into neighborhood development, in order to create space for a more inclusive vision of community.
Posted inEducation
Black Greek organizations stay relevant in changing times
Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations have been pillars of scholarship, service and activism within the Black community since their inception in the early 20th Century, providing leadership, academic excellence, and community empowerment, and continue to shape the next generation of leaders.
Posted inLocal & State
Kiya Edwards: A game-changer and advocate for mentorship
Kiya Edwards, a reporter at KARE 11 News and host of The Show with Kiya, is a mentor to Courtney, a young girl she has mentored for years, and has been inspired by her experience as a Little Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to share her story and impact the lives of others.
Posted inEducation
MN CHILL provides kids with tools for success
The MN CHILL Foundation, founded by William “Chuck” Hill and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, aims to provide support to students and young adults through various programs, including a fitness program for children and a tech internship for teens.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Uniting the diaspora through music and culture
Samambo World is a cultural movement that unites the African diaspora through music and community, providing opportunities for artists and creatives to showcase their talents and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Posted inBlack History
2nd Annual Black History Month Talent Show: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Creativity
The 2nd Annual Black History Month Talent Show, hosted by Urban Ventures, will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, to celebrate Black history, culture, and creativity through the power of performance.
Posted inBlack History
Sabathani Community Center Honors Black History Month with a Celebration of Culture, Business, and Youth
Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis is leading the celebration of Black History Month with a lineup of events honoring history, empowering local businesses, and uplifting Black youth, including a market, talent showcase, basketball tournament, and history museum.
Posted inEvents
West Broadway Business & Area Coalition’s Annual Fundraising Gala: A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Change
The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition’s Annual Fundraising Gala, hosted by media mogul Sheletta Brundidge, will celebrate progress and support the community in North Minneapolis on March 20th, 2025.
Posted inVibrant Storefronts
A Vibrant Beacon of Hope and Pride: The Twin Cities Pride Cultural Arts Center
The Twin Cities Pride Cultural Arts Center (PCAC) in Minneapolis is set to open its doors on February 15, 2025, offering a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive through art classes, support groups, and cultural education.
Posted inEducation
Elder continues higher ed advocacy
JoAnn Clark has dedicated over 35 years to supporting youth’s education through founding the Thinking College Early Fair and the Progressive Baptist Church HBCU Tour, raising over $1 million in scholarship funds and inspiring young people to access higher education opportunities.