Seven Black law graduates from the University of Minnesota, Mitchell Hamline and St. Thomas are entering the legal profession with purpose, carrying lived experience and a commitment to representing communities that have historically gone without.
University of Minnesota
Posted inEducation
Tiffany Johnson – 2026 MSR Grad
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder congratulates contributor Tiffany Johnson on earning her MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, completing four years of graduate school while working full time at Penumbra Theatre.
Posted inEducation
Lizzy Nyoike – 2026 MSR Grad
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder congratulates contributing writer Lizzy Nyoike on earning two associate degrees debt-free through PSEO before transferring to the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
U of M Expert Says Hantavirus Risk Is Low, While Nurse Has Concerns and Elder Combats Distrust
A University of Minnesota infectious disease expert says the risk of a widespread hantavirus outbreak remains low, but a frontline nurse and the Cultural Wellness Center director say preparedness, consistent information and community trust are critical.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Softball in color
MSR sports columnist Charles Hallman covers the 2026 Summit League Softball Championship at the University of Minnesota, spotlighting the Black players who stood out, including Omaha’s Bailey Sample and St. Thomas sophomores Zoe Trotter and Miley Wichman.
Posted inFashion
The future of fashion: Howard and U of M experts decode 2026 trends
Two fashion professors from Howard University and the University of Minnesota break down the clothing trends defining 2026, from bold graphic prints and jellies to elevated athleisure, the messy girl aesthetic and a growing push for sustainability.
Posted inObituaries
A Celebration of the Life of Stanley Eugene Williams, Ph.D
Stanley Eugene Williams, Ph.D, age 94, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on March 18, 2026.
Posted inEvents
Humphrey School Celebrates Two Trailblazing Leaders During Women’s History Month
Humphrey School honors Dr. Reatha Clark King and Dr. Josie R. Johnson during Women’s History Month, celebrating two legacies of civic leadership and public service in Minnesota.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
The Givens Collection: Preserving a legacy of African American culture
In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, the Givens Collection marks 40 years of preserving African American literature, history, and cultural memory through community stewardship.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Men’s basketball newbies
Minnesota has 13 new additions on its 2024-25 men’s basketball team. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson played for Niko Medved at Colorado State last season. “I set the tone early for the guys on the glass,” said the 6’8” junior forward from San Antonio, Texas. “I’m just trying to be a good two-way player on defense and offense.” […]
Posted inAnother View
Gopher hoopsters get new Black coaches
Both U of M basketball teams have coaching additions this season. Corey Green is in his first season as basketball operations director for the women’s basketball team. He formerly spent four seasons at Old Dominion in a similar position, and served on coaching staffs at Memphis (three seasons) and Detroit (two years). He got his […]
Posted inLocal & State
Breast cancer survivor ensures others need not suffer alone
Breast cancer survivor Pamela Weems built Pink Ladies MN into a 14 year support network that centers early detection and care for women of color. She will receive the Legacy of Light Award at Sister Spokesman’s Live. Laugh. Learn. 2025.
Posted inAnother View
Gophers mourn the loss of Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith
Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith, two unforgettable Gopher athletes, passed away this summer. We reflect on their legacy in maroon and gold.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering William (Bill) C. Thomas
William “Bill” C. Thomas, longtime HR executive and advocate for education and equity, passed away May 14 at age 86. A celebration of life will take place August 9 at the Humphrey Institute.
Posted inEducation
With Black history under assault, Givens Collection more precious than ever
The Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life marks 40 years with a new exhibit and renewed call to protect and uplift Black cultural memory.
Posted inSports
Few Black players on college softball rosters
College softball in Minnesota and elsewhere remains primarily White. Annual NCAA data show six percent of softball players are Black — it was five percent from 2014 to 2019.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
The Wellness Paradigm
Kinshasha Kambui founded Wellness Paradigm, a sanctuary for Black people to experience holistic wellness free from judgment or exclusion, after experiencing personal trauma and discovering ancestral wisdom in her healing journey.
Posted inAnother View
Any chance for another Black head coach in Gopherland?
The University of Minnesota Gophers’ next men’s basketball coach will likely not be Black, as the self-appointed search committee has only suggested white candidates, despite the fact that there are 16 current Black head coaches and 20 Black assistant coaches on the Advancement of Blacks in Sports watchlist.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Gopher wrestler establishes top game, bottom game
Quincy Hulverson, a redshirt sophomore wrestler from Tea, S.D., has adjusted well to college wrestling, and Anthonett Nabwe, a redshirt sophomore thrower, has set a new weight mark at the Snowshoe Open at the U of M Fieldhouse.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
UMN Students Report Mental Health Crisis on Campus
Many University of Minnesota students report long wait times and unresponsive care from campus counseling services, prompting some to seek therapy outside the university.