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.
October 23, 1992 - Midmorning’s Cathy Wurzer talks with local playwright Syl Jones and local resident Jodi Bantley about the development of No Harm Intended. The play, which centers on bigotry, was based largely from individuals past experiences in the St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood.
December 23, 1992 - Nothando Zulu, a renowned master storyteller and local educator, tells a story about the cat and the dog. This particular story talks about the principle of Imani, which is faith and the principle of cooperative economics.
January 9, 1993 - Minnesota Black writers Pamela Fletcher, Margaret Carlson, and Chen Lee Barksdale talk about the importance of the Loft Literary Center’s Inroads Mentoring Program providing ‘voice’ to writers of color.
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 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.