MPR has been recording decades of material that reflect the Black experience in Minnesota directly from the voices of members in the community. The wide-ranging subject matter of civil rights, politics, arts & culture, sports, music, education, and business are captured in the stories, memories, commentary, and speeches.
July 28, 1972 - MPR’s Paul Gruchow presents interview about the unfair treatment and racism against Black women working in General Mills and other corporations.
October 13, 1973 - At NAACP banquet, probably in St. Paul, an unknown speaker comments on the small numbers of Black members in fire and police departmants.
February 26, 1974 - Roy Wilkins disputes the Black Panther's claim that power comes out of a barrel of a gun and states that power really comes from a ballot.
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.
June 25, 1975 - MPR’s Debbie Gage reports on community public testimony regarding abuse accusations of Minneapolis police. Reports includes commentary from Willie Mae Jennings and and Spike Moss.
August 4, 1975 - Dr. Allen Sullivan, professor of psycho-educational studies at the University of Minnesota, talks with MPR reporter Martin Bunzl about the effects of racism within educational system on minority children. Sullivan describes numerous examples of systematic bias, and entrenched cultural attitudes towards black children.
February 10, 1976 - MPR’s Kate Williams reports on the funeral of prominent African American Cecil Newman, who passed away on February 8th, 1976. Newman was both a local civil rights leader, active in numerous organizations, and a longtime editor/publisher. Segment includes interviews and remembrances.
July 23, 1976 - MPR’s Kate Williams talks with Black residents in St. Paul’s Selby-Dale community about their views of the Jimmy Carter-Walter Mondale presiditional ticket.
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 it’s focus on black talent.
March 18, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, guests Ray Arveson, superintendent of Schools for Minneapolis; and W. Harry Davis, Minneapolis school board member, examine the school district's desegregation plan. Topics include compliance of Judge Larson order, magnet programs, and interests of minority groups.