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 25, 2010 - MPR’s Brandt Williams takes a look at the history of Twin Cities night spots that cater to Black customers and the continuing closures of said establishments. Examples include Norma Jean's, Sylvia's, Cato Club, Escape Ultra Lounge, Riverview Supper Club, and the latest…Gabby's Saloon.
June 25, 2010 - As one of Minnesota's most famous sons receives a lifetime achievement award by the cable tv station BET, Chris Roberts gathers two prominent Prince watchers and his former drummer to talk about Prince's relationship with his hometown.
October 1, 2010 - MPR’s Tom Crann talks with NPR journalist Michele Norris, who speaks about her memoir “The Grace of Silence.” Norris describes finding out about her maternal grandmother’s Minneapolis job as an itinerant Aunt Jemima.
November 8, 2010 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Cathy Wurzer speaks with Supreme Court Justice Alan Page.
February 7, 2011 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Minneapolis rapper and emcee Carnage the Executioner, aka Terrell Woods. Roberts interviews Carnage the Executioner about his personal life and album “Worth the Wait." Roberts also talks with others in the music industry about Carnage the Executioner’s talents.
March 24, 2011 - MPR News presents the series "Following the Firearms: Gun Violence in Minneapolis," which looks at where guns are coming from, and the impact of gun violence in Minnesota's largest city. In this report, MPR’s Laura Yuen how the gun war is affecting the area's African American community.
April 15, 2011 - MPR Presents "Writing Minnesota," a special program highlighting Minnesota writers and authors. Program showcases some of the exciting literary work coming out of the state.
February 3, 2012 - As part of Arts Week, MPR’s Marianne Combs has a conversation with scholar Paul Carter Harrison and Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy. The group discusses the history behind the Black Arts Movement and its impact.
May 4, 2012 - MPR’s Brandt Williams profiles a group of Minnesota parents as they reflect on the 40th anniversary of their efforts on school desegregation.
May 10, 2012 - Penumbra Theater is presenting James Baldwin's "The Amen Corner" at the Guthrie. Director Lou Bellamy says he's waited 30 years to do the show, but now he has all the elements he needs, including his own perspective.