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.
April 30, 1992 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports from Coalition for Police Accountability rally at Hennepin County Government Center protesting Rodney King trial acquittals. Catlin recounts moments from event and notes it’s peaceful outcome. Particpants included Keith Ellison, Spike Moss, Vernon Bellecourt, and Marv Davidov.
April 30, 1992 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports on Coalition for Police Accountability rally at Hennepin County Government Center protesting Rodney King trial acquittals. Highlights speeches at event from Keith Ellison, Spike Moss, and Priscilla Barnes. Also includes statement from John Laux, Minneapolis Police Chief.
April 30, 1992 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports live from Coalition for Police Accountability rally at Hennepin County Government Center protesting Rodney King trial acquittals.
May 15, 1992 - MPR’s Bruce MacDonald talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director at Penumbra Theatre, about productions of "The Mighty Gents" and "Dutchman." Bellamy compares the subject matter of plays to the angry unrest after Rodney King trial acquittals. Bellamy also shares his personal thoughts.
July 28, 1992 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Archie Givens Jr. about touring exhibit of The Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature.
August 13, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend talks with playwright Laurie Carlos and director Lou Bellamy on the Penumbra-Walker collaboration of Carlo’s "White Chocolate For My Father."
September 3, 1992 - On this special Midday program from the Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a collection song, storytelling and controversial art.
September 17, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on playwright John B. Davidson’s “The Last Minstrel Show,” being performed at The Penumbra Theatre. The play is about the lynching of three African American circus workers in Duluth on June 15th, 1920.
February 5, 1993 - On this First Friday program, a collection of stories including Stepin Fetchet, trend-watching, can poetry matter?, barn poetry, stress of racism, who music serves, snowboarding terms, “Thank You, M’am,” and minor league baseball stadiums.
February 12, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly interviews Joe Carter, renowned singer and actor, on the history of spirituals and slaves in the United States. Carter shares stories and recreates a brief performance of a character from a show.