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.
June 5, 1995 - As part of MPR’s Voices of Minnesota series, Beth Friend speaks with Evelyn Fairbanks, author of Days of Rondo. Fairbanks talks of her memoir, an interpretive account of events in the life of a black family from the South struggling for survival and meaning in a northern city.
July 11, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews historian Arthur McWatt about the history of Black people in Minnesota and the early days of the civil rights movement here. McWatt reflects on Roy Wilkins and local NAACP.
September 23, 1995 - Black poet Yolanda Johnson shares thoughts on her purpose as a writer and reads from her work.
September 30, 1995 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews the Minister of Defense of Black Panther Party in Minnesota.
October 16, 1995 - With the Million Man March going on in Washington D.C., Gary Eichten discusses event with Jerry Blakey, St. Paul council member, and Kwame McDonald, executive director of Inner City Youth League. Blakey and McDonald also answer listener questions. Additional program segment of a first-hand perspective from Kevin Young, a Minneapolis carpenter, marching in D.C.
December 18, 1995 - A Voices of Minnesota interview with Lou Bellamy, director of the Penumbra Theatre. MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Bellamy about family and growing up in St. Paul.
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.