Remembering two jazz legends, Von Freeman and Dave Brubeck, who have passed this year, reminds me of why I love this music. I had planned to round out the year by remembering saxophonist Von Freeman who passed in August. Writer Howard Reich from the Chicago Tribune recently wrote a lovely piece on Freeman. Check it […]
December 2012
Posted inOpinion
City election 2013 candidates face some tough funding issues — Paying for the Vikings stadium is chief among them
The City of Minneapolis is preparing for the elections of 2013. It will, in all probability, be a very contentious election, with a three-term mayor on the political ropes. The key factor that will influence candidates to run and determine how citizens will vote centers on developing intended and unintended consequences of the Vikings stadium […]
Posted inOpinion
You can always do the right thing
As we enter the season when folks think about peace and goodwill toward all, I am struck by the many times folks have an opportunity to make a difference to actually change things — or at least make a dent in injustice — but when they are confronted with the opportunity, they pass. Everyone on […]
Posted inOpinion
Eric Hightower’s case redefines reasonable force
The way the system handled the Rodney King case was not meant to be an instructional manual. The recent Eric Hightower incident has nothing to do with how bad Hightower was or is and all about what the police are free to do. St. Paul Police Federation President Dave Titus said the decision shows that […]
Posted inOpinion
Choose your hustle wisely — Self-reliant skills that even a child can learn
In the midst of this struggling economy, many use crime as an outlet for relief. The excuse of “I’m just trying to survive” is hollering out relentlessly as if it justifies the assault on the community, who is also “just trying to survive.” At the start of this school year, an event occurred in St. […]
Posted inSports
In final analysis, Title IX created ‘unprecedented opportunities’
After 40 years of existence, Title IX still raises the hair on the necks of those critics who strongly feel the federal law hurts men’s sports. These naysayers continue to propagandize this lie. However, more often than not it seems that White females have been the main beneficiaries of the equity legislation since its passage […]
Posted inSports
Adrian Peterson powers Vikings 38-22 over Rams
For the third straight week, tragedy has again gripped our consciousness, this time away from the NFL — the horrific events in Connecticut on Friday. Sunday all across the NFL there were moments of silence and athletes and fans showing heartfelt expressions of sorrow for the senseless murders of the 26 victims. The Vikings and […]
Posted inSports
Prep Scene— Top hoops performers, second time around
Mistakes can happen anywhere and anytime. This column is no exception. I overlooked one of the state’s best basketball players last week and then realized the photos submitted last week were inadvertently misidentified. This week, I took the liberty of resubmitting the pictures, with three from different contests last week. Hope this clears some things […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Former Gopher star now promoting U of M ‘engagement’
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Quincy Lewis says a large part of his new role as an associate development officer at the University of Minnesota is to create and maintain “the passion” among the school’s many supporters. He also wants to improve relations between the school and the city’s Black community, which historically have generated […]
Posted inSports
W’s goin’ through them changes
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The WNBA last week did a Buddy Miles “Them Changes” and announced several new moves for the upcoming season. W draft in prime time After years of having their annual draft shown during daytime soap opera hours, the 2013 WNBA Draft will be shown for the first time next spring […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Living, surviving and thriving with a disability
Assistance, support from others vital to surviving with a disability Why did I “survive” as a Black “crippled” child? I believe I survived so others can see it is possible. How did I “survive?” I believe I was born with the intestinal fortitude, true grit, and determination to survive. What did I survive? I […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
State’s Black teens show health gains, including reduced pregnancies
However, wellness gap remains between White youth and youth of color Collectively, Minnesota’s teens are doing better today on key health measures than they were in the 1990s, according to a recent analysis by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Since the 1990s, students 12 to 19 years old from all racial and ethnic groups […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Our stories and symbols can restore our authentic Black selves
Third of a three-part column This is the last in a three-part series focused on the effects that enslavement, cultural uprooting, and geographical and spiritual dispersing have had on our culture — Black culture — and the ways that we relate to ourselves and each other at present. During the late 1800s, after savagely ripping […]
Posted inArts + Culture
This Week’s Entertainment Spotlights!
Home for the Holidays concert with Kimberly Brown Sun., Dec. 16, 2:30 & 6:30 pm Fine Line Music Cafe 318 First Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-8100 or www.finelinemusic.com Tickets are $25 for seating and $15 for standing room only; for tickets, go to www.kimberlybrown.info. Tower of Power Mon.-Wed., Dec. 17-19, 7 & 9 pm Dakota Jazz […]
Posted inNews
Medicaid expansion: more insured at state-budget savings
ACA advocates predict uninsured Blacks will drop from 20 to eight percent By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The Greater United Way held a “community conversation” December 4 at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how it can help low-income uninsured Minnesotans. Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson and NorthPoint […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Habakkuk Records spotlights emerging gospel artists
Label owner creates business plan through divine inspiration By Charles Hallman Staff Writer In today’s up-and-down economy, when music consumers opt for digital downloads rather than purchasing CDs, April Washington’s Habakkuk Records, which she started in 2008, has weathered the economic turbulence. A seasoned veteran music executive, Washington says she applied what she learned from […]
Posted inNews
United Theological Seminary seeks more diverse students, faculty
MSR speaks with United’s new president, Rev. Dr. Barbara Holmes By Robin James Contributing Writer The United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is currently celebrating 50 years of service. Since July of 2012, Reverend Dr. Barbara A. Holmes has been the first African American woman at its helm. Her artist’s sensibility, imaginative approach to ministry, […]
Posted inNews
MN prison phones: high rates, dropped calls
By Tina McCabe Contributing Writer Shelly Martin handed her cell phone to her nine-year-old niece. On the other end was her father, who had been waiting in line to use the only available phone. They greeted each other and began to talk. Perhaps he asked how school was and she asked when she would see […]
Posted inNews
Who’s honing Twin Cities’ media focus? Blacks in management still a rarity in local television, radio news
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Blacks are barely represented on the air and in management at Twin Cities television and radio stations. The MSRrecently examined four local station websites — WCCO (Channel 4), KSTP (Channel 5), KMSP (Channel 9), and KARE (Channel 11) and found: WCCO: one Black female anchor, one Black anchor/reporter, one Black […]