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.
February 27, 1984 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews W. Harry Davis, chair of the Minneapolis School Board, discusses Black history in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Davis also answers listener questions.
September 12, 1984 - MPR’s Kate Moos reports on workshop to support St. Paul Black officers with stress from racism in community and within department.
November 9, 1984 - MPR’s Jo Ann Shroyer profiles Minnesota jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator Irv Williams. Shroyer interviews Williams about his career, the local jazz scene, and on being honored with “Irv Williams Day” on November 24th.
December 6, 1984 - Aminda Badeau Wilkins (affectionally know as “Minnie”) shares remembrances about her husband, prominent civil rights leader Roy Wilkins. Much of his childhood and education was spent in St. Paul.
December 26, 1984 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles Prince Rogers Nelson. Segment includes interview with critic Jon Bream, author of the book "Prince: Inside the Purple Reign," and local evangelists who find Prince’s music offensive.
September 27, 1985 - MPR’s Doug Hamilton talks with music critic Marton Keller about the 4th annual Minnesota Black Music Awards. Keller discusses the “Minneapolis Sound.”
January 18, 1986 - Minnesotan politicians LeClair Lambert and Don Fraser reflect on being present in D.C. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. The day included the famous Martin Luther King Jr. speech “I Have a Dream.”
September 25, 1986 - MPR’s Beth Friend profiles Minneapolis songwriters/producers Jimmy Jam Harris and Terry Lewis, also known as Flyte Tyme Productions. Friend interviews Harris and Lewis about their partnership, and collaborations with musicians. They also discuss the lack of local radio airplay of black music. Segment includes music clips of songs produced by studio.
May 27, 1987 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director of The Penumbra Theatre, about August Wilson receiving a Pulitzer Prize Award.
July 25, 1987 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews local St. Paul resident Jimmy Lee, whose shares his memories of the Rondo neighborhood.