This collection brings together stories where theater, music, visual arts, and literature are utilized as creative tools for cultural expression and connection across Minnesota’s Black communities.
From Penumbra Theatre and the Givens Collection of African American Literature to music halls, art galleries, and literary centers on both sides of the Mississippi River, Black Minnesotans have created and occupied spaces where they take center stage.
Rather than creating art for art’s sake, the stories in this collection highlight artists who use these mediums to share their experiences, cultivate community, and reflect on what it means to be Black in Minnesota.
October 19, 1974 - D. Smith presents a profile of Black poet Ramona Austin. Feature includes reading by Austin at opening and close of segment. There is also a short interview, where she discusses her thoughts on poetry and how race plays into her writing.
November 10, 1977 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan reports on new theatre opening in St. Paul, called Penumbra. Fushan interviews Lou Bellamy, Penumbra’s company coordinator, about the theater and its focus on Black talent.
September 27, 1985 - MPR’s Doug Hamilton talks with music critic Marton Keller about the 4th annual Minnesota Black Music Awards. Keller discusses the “Minneapolis Sound.”
November 29, 1990 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on the Walker Art Center performance piece Persimmon Peel, created by Laurie Carlos and Robbie McCauley.
February 27, 1992 - Minneapolis librarian Jerry Blue discusses the importance of stories and explains the Black Storytellers organization. Blue also performs a reading.
July 28, 1992 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Archie Givens Jr. about touring exhibit of The Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature.
September 17, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on playwright John B. Davidson’s The Last Minstrel Show, being performed at The Penumbra Theatre. The play is about the lynching of three African American circus workers in Duluth on June 15th, 1920.
February 27, 1993 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki profiles the Minnesota music group Sounds of Blackness. Report includes interviews with founder Russell Knighton and black students of Macalester College.
November 25, 1993 - MPR’s Liz Hannon interviews director Brian Grandison about the play "Everlasting Arms," with a cast dramatization.
February 21, 1994 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews teacher and author Judy Henderson about recording and preserving the music of African American communities in Minnesota over the course of state’s history. Henderson compiled a book w/accompanying CD titled “African American Music in Minnesota.”