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.
December 7, 1990 - Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis, expresses her thoughts on recent shooting tragedies in Minneapolis. One, the shooting of 17-year-old Tycel Nelson by Minneapolis police; and two, multiple gang shootings of youth in the city.
February 16, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on local Black Teens for Advancement (BTA) protest in the St. Paul skyways. Roberts speaks with numerous young protestors, who share stories of discrimination when using skyways.
March 8, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Nellie Stone Johnson, an African American civil rights activist and union organizer. A native Minnesotan, Johnson shares her memories and commentary on labor efforts, politics, and race.
June 11, 1991 - MPR’s Kate Smith interviews Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking and Minnesota Assistant Attorney General, on his focus of scholarships and mentors for children of color through the Page Education Foundation.
October 16, 1991 - MPR’s Terri Keefe reports on student protest taking place at St. Cloud University. The protests were instigated by unequal punishment of black and white students after a dormitory fight. Protestors stated that it is only an example of the greater persecution of minorities.
November 22, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on a reinactment of an Underground Railroad escape, traveling with a group west of the Twin Cities. Roberts talks with Kamau Kambui, the creator of reinactment, about purpose and historical understanding behind it.
January 11, 1992 - Kim Hines, a local playwright, discusses her play "Who Was I The Last Time I Saw You? A Play in Four Lives." Topics in play include social issues in the Black and gay communities. Hines highlights two characters (80 year-old Mavis & 10 year-old Christy) and performs excerpts from play.
January 31, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend interiews playwright Syl Jones about “Shine!”
February 25, 1992 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Rochester poet Rose Harmon-Davis. They discuss poetry, race, and identity in the business world. Segment also includes reading of poem.
February 27, 1992 - Minneapolis librarian Jerry Blue discusses the importance of stories and explains the Black Storytellers organization. Blue also performs a reading.