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.
January 15, 2001 - The theme at 2001 Martin Luther King Day rally and march in St. Paul was progress in race relations. But many of the speakers gave their view of the distance to go before equity and justice are achieved.
January 24, 2001 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports that the likeness of one of Minnesota's most notable former citizens has been immortalized by the United States Postal Service. The USPS Roy Wilkins Black Heritage stamp was unveiled on the campus of the University of Minnesota, Wilkins' alma mater. Williams summarizes the celebration, which included speeches and performances.
April 4, 2001 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lucky Rosenbloom, son of longtime Saint Paul icon Tiger Jack Rosenbloom, who may have a street named after him. The St. Paul city council is expected to approve a measure that would co-name a short stretch of Dale Street "Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Jack Street."
April 17, 2001 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on the new Roy Wilkins Auditorium which is being discussed in the Minnesota house and senate. The new auditorium would feature trade shows and musical acts, as well as a new civil rights museum. Mayor of St. Paul Norm Coleman speaks in support of the new center. A 12 person Tribute Committee comprised of local civil rights activists, business leaders, and citizens spearheads the development of the new civil rights museum.
June 7, 2001 - MPR presents a report entitled Postcard From A Lynching, which looks at the history of a 1920 murder of three Black men in Duluth by a local mob. It’s a history that many in Duluth tried to forget… but others fought to bring the horrific lynching to light in the community and bring dignity to the slain men. [Content Warning: some content, language, and statements used in this story may be triggering to listeners]
July 10, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Lucky Rosenbloom, chair of the Minnesota Black Republican Coalition, about Jerry Blakely and Devin L. Miller, two candidates vying for a Republican endorsement in St. Paul mayoral race.
August 6, 2001 - An interview with Lucky Rosenbloom, son of Tiger Jack Rosenbloom, who passed away August 5th, 2001 of natural causes at the age of 94.
November 14, 2001 - On this special edition of Midday, Gary Eichten hosts MPR's "Color of Justice Forum," held at the Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis. Panelists include St. Paul Police Chief Bill Finney, DFL State Senator Jane Ranum, Republican State Representative and Minneapolis Police Inspector Rich Stanek, Hennepin County Judge Tanya Bransford, Hennepin County Public Defender Leonardo Castro, and Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Sheryl Ramstad-Hvass.
November 15, 2001 - A collection of reports from the MPR special series "The Color of Justice," which investigates the racial disparity in Minnesota’s criminal justice system. This Midday program includes reports by MPR’s Dan Olson, Brandt Williams, and Elizabeth Stawicki, as well as various interviews and commentary of officials, academics, and community members.
November 15, 2001 - MPR’s Brandt Williams conducts a 'rolling roundtable' discussion on the issue of "Driving While Black" with three Black men as they drive around the Twin Cities.