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 20, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Alan Page, Minnesota assistant state attorney general and former Minnesota Viking, discusses running, his NFL career, challenges of athletes transitioning out of sports, law profession, and his football hall-of-fame induction. Page also answers listener questions.
June 23, 1988 - On this Soundprint program, a profile of August Wilson, one of the most celebrated writers in contemporary American theater. In this portrait of the playwright, August Wilson shows how the rhythms and patterns from the 'sacred book of blues' are transformed into words and movement in his plays.
September 20, 1988 - MPR’s Chris Tetlin reports on Minnesota’s desegregation law and school districts' efforts and to comply. Some citizens are looking beyond the school buildings, to the actual classes.
February 6, 1989 - MPR’s Kate Smith reports on protests over incidents of police brutality.
March 6, 1989 - MPR’s Kate Smith reports on a controversy over recent Minneapolis city council meeting where undercover officers were present. Report includes excerpt of Keith Ellison speaking at meeting. Also contains comments from John Laux, Minneapolis Police chief and North Minneapolis resident Cozelle Breedlove.
April 5, 1989 - MPR’s Leif Enger profiles John Lyght, Minnesota's first African American sheriff. Born and raised in Cook County, Lyght became sheriff of his hometown.
August 18, 1990 - MPR’s Mark Heistad talks with Evelyn Fairbanks, author of the book “Days of Rondo.” Fairbanks reflects on growing up in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul.
November 8, 1990 - MPR’s Stephen Smith presents the documentary "Whom They Fear, They Hate," which explores the issue of hate crime in the U.S. by looking at two communities: Minneapolis/St. Paul and Portland, Oregon.
November 29, 1990 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on the Walker Art Center perfomance piece "Persimmon Peel," created by Laurie Carlos and Robbie McCauley.
December 7, 1990 - MPR’s Tom Fudge reports on a tense community meeting at North High School in Minneapolis. Angry residents expressed their feelings over police shooting death of Tycel Nelson and belief of police misconduct against the Minneapolis Black community.