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.
December 18, 1995 - A Voices of Minnesota interview with Lou Bellamy, director of the Penumbra Theatre. MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Bellamy about race and the arts.
January 1, 1996 - On this Voices of Minnesota segment, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Black businessman, activist, and minister Oscar Howard. The two talk about Howard’s childhood in Rochelle, Georgia and school years.
January 1, 1996 - On this Voices of Minnesota segment, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Black businessman, activist, and minister Oscar Howard. The two talk about Howard’s experience in building his business Howard’s Catering Co., and public service efforts.
March 28, 1996 - As part of a collection of reports looking at the transgender experience, MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Andrea Jenkins, who is transitioning from male to female. Jenkins shares her path, both physically and psychologically. Roberts also speaks with experts about the transgender life.
June 5, 1996 - Spike Jones shares his views on why Black community members are wary to communicate with Minnesota police officers. Jones discusses efforts by residents in acting independently of police to curtail crime and bring about a safer environment in neighborhoods.
June 7, 1996 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with Gordon Parks about his influential film career. Parks discusses “The Learning Tree,” amongst other works.
June 11, 1996 - About 400 North Minneapolis residents attended a raucous community meeting to discuss the recent slayings of 11-year-old Byron Phillips and 22-year-old Derrick Adams. Phillips and Adams were shot to death about a half block away from each other, in the space of a week. Police have no suspects as of report.
November 5, 1996 - St. Paul native Toni Stone, the first woman to play on a men's professional baseball team died on November 2nd, 1996 at a nursing home near Oakland, California. She was 75 years old. In 1990, Stone came back to St. Paul to talk to a group of students during Women's History Month. MPR’s Bill Wareham was there and presents audio from a story that was originally broadcast in 1990.
November 20, 1996 - MPR’s Mary Stucky reports on local poetry book "The Palm of My Heart," which collects vivid poetry by African American children who live in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
November 25, 1996 - Midday presents a Westminster Town Hall Forum with former St. Paul resident Gordon Parks. The writer, photographer, and artist address is titled A Life of Art. Parks recalls his family, time in St. Paul, and his art. Following the speech, Parks answers audience questions.