R. Lynn Pingol writes that a proposed OMB rule change would strip away the supplier diversity programs, technical assistance and SBA 8(a) pathways that small Black, immigrant and women-owned businesses depend on to access federal contracts, threatening the corridors communities rebuilt after years of crisis.
Minnesota
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Carol’s African Restaurant brings Liberian cuisine and community to Brooklyn Park
Carol’s African Restaurant, a new family-owned West African restaurant in Brooklyn Park named in honor of Jamecar Killen’s mother, held its grand opening May 9, drawing more than 200 people after nearly a decade of catering and community building across the Twin Cities.
Posted in4UR HEALTH
4UR Health: NC A&T Researcher Dr. Angelo Moore on Men’s Health, Fatherhood, and AI’s Role in Closing Health Disparities
On the MSR 4UR Health podcast, hosts Dr. Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan and Clarence Jones of Hueman Partnership welcome Dr. Angelo Moore, inaugural executive director of the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Disparities at North Carolina A&T, for a wide-ranging conversation on men’s health, community trust and AI in health care.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition 47 for June 25 – July 1, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition 47 for June 25 – July 1, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 47, Volume 92.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
A Father, a Son, and a Golf Club: Jamison and Trey Rusthoven on Legacy, Sacrifice, and Chasing a Dream
On Blacklight on Sports, hosts Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald and Charles Hallman welcome father-and-son duo Jamison and Trey Rusthoven, a Twin Cities coaching legend and a 22-year-old professional golfer pursuing his dream on the APGA Tour.
Posted inSports
Back where he belongs: Ve Shawn “Magic” Owens’ road back to the ring
Minneapolis boxer Ve Shawn “Magic” Owens is making his comeback on June 27 at Battle on the Waterfront in St. Paul after an eye injury forced him away from the sport, driven by faith, family and a hunger for a world title that never dimmed.
Posted inArts + Culture
Soul of the Southside continues to grow as a Juneteenth tradition
Soul of the Southside returned to the Lake Street and Minnehaha corridor on June 19 for its fifth year, drawing thousands of residents, businesses, artists and families to one of the Twin Cities’ largest Juneteenth celebrations, with founders Emmanuel and Fancy Duncan reflecting on what it has become.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
North graduates return to host free camp
Three North High School alumni now in the NFL, Omar Brown, Bobby Jamison-Travis and Tyler Johnson, returned to Minneapolis on Juneteenth to host a free Sports Performance Camp for local youth, with plans to make it an annual tradition.
Posted inEducation
Black Men Teach celebrates fellows, calls for investment in Black male educators
Black Men Teach gathered educators, fellows and community members at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis for its annual Gold Star Gala, raising funds for scholarships and celebrating the Black male teachers transforming Twin Cities classrooms.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis City Council votes on three measures affecting George Floyd Square
The Minneapolis City Council voted June 11 to deny special assessments for homeowners and businesses near George Floyd Square, reject exclusive development rights for Agape Movement at People’s Way and request a report on the 38th Street THRIVE Plan.
Sponsored
Neighborhood Development Center Spotlights Community Businesses Through Hidden GEMS Campaign
The Hidden GEMS on University Avenue campaign spotlights Flava Coffee and Cafe, Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen and The Collective Salon Studios as part of NDC’s St. Paul Commercial Corridor Program celebrating the people and places that make the corridor special.
Posted inLocal & State
Elders reflect on struggle, survival and hope at Juneteenth brunch
Black Lives Matter Minnesota gathered elders, advocates and community members for a Juneteenth morning brunch honoring Valerie Castile, Jeweliean Jackson and others who have carried the movement, with MSR CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard also recognized with a Celebrating Revolutionary Sistas award.
Posted inLocal & State
Hundreds Gather at Rondo Juneteenth Celebration for Ceremony of Joy, Tribute, and Resistance
Hundreds gathered at the sixth annual Rondo Juneteenth Celebration in St. Paul for a ceremony that was equal parts celebration, tribute and rallying cry, with Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Smith all speaking on voting rights, DEI and the fight for Black freedom.
Posted inLocal & State
Rebound Inc. creates pathways for Black youth beyond the justice system
Rebound Inc. is working to help Black youth in the Twin Cities move beyond systems involvement through prevention programs, transitional housing, group homes and youth advocacy, serving young people at every stage of their journey toward stability and independence.
Posted inBooks
Justin Ellis confronts Minneapolis’ hidden racial history in new book
Minneapolis native and journalist Justin Ellis discusses his new book The Cruelty of Nice Folks at Magers and Quinn on June 22, examining how Minneapolis has hidden its history of white supremacy and racial inequality behind the veneer of Minnesota Nice.
Posted inLocal & State
Human Rights Watch Report Accuses Federal Agents of Killings, Racial Profiling During Minnesota Immigration Crackdown
A 180-page Human Rights Watch report calls Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota a manufactured crisis, names nine DHS officials for investigation and documents how federal agents killed two Minneapolis residents, racially profiled thousands and dismantled the oversight apparatus designed to investigate such abuses.
Posted inLocal & State
Miss Juneteenth Minnesota royalty speak to continued power of the pageant
At 54, Zina Alston Fizer was crowned First Lady Juneteenth Minnesota at the third annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant, fulfilling a lifelong dream for a woman who grew up watching beauty pageants and never seeing herself reflected in them.
Posted inTwins/MLB
Four to watch
With Simeon Woods Richardson traded to Toronto, the Minnesota Twins now have four Black players on the roster: Josh Bell, Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis and Taj Bradley, all four of whom played in last Sunday’s win over St. Louis.
Posted inMusic
Known MPLS youth choir drops Father’s Day single celebrating Black men
Known MPLS, a Twin Cities youth choir founded by Courtland Pickens, is releasing a new single this Father’s Day weekend celebrating Black men, with an upcoming five-song EP and appearances alongside Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson on June 28.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition 46 for June 18 – June 24, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition 46 for June 18 – June 24, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 46, Volume 92.