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.
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.
October 2, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten presents a summary report of the week since shooting death of Minneapolis police officer Jerry Haaf. Eichten shares various audio clips of police and activists speaking on the crime and its aftermath in the community.
February 1, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with local Black journalists Robin Robinson, co-anchor at KTSP; Al McFarland, publisher of Insight News; and Suzanne Kelly, newsroom recruiter at the Star Tribune. The group discuss how Twin Cities media portray the Black community and state of work environment for Black professionals in the field.
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.
February 27, 1993 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki profiles the Minnesota music group Sounds of Blackness. Report includes interviews with founder Russell Knighton and black students of Macalester College.
April 2, 1993 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on the unique challenges local Black police officers face in the line of duty. The Black Police Officers Association is attempting to bridge the gap between police and the community and better support from within department.
May 7, 1993 - Minneapolis Black author Shika Doss reads her work about her mother, family, and estranged father.
June 11, 1993 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on Minnesota Supreme Court Task Force on Racial Bias in the Judicial System report. Includes commentary from judges Michael Davis and Rosalie Wahl. Justice Alan Page will head an implementation committee to monitor progress.
June 15, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Jewelean Jackson about Miss Black Minnesota Pageant, and the greater focus of Black women self-esteem.