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.
June 15, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Jewelean Jackson about Miss Black Minnesota Pageant, and the greater focus of Black women self-esteem.
June 18, 1993 - MPR’s Beth Friend profiles St. Paul playwright Marion McClinton’s Enlightenments on an Enchanted Island, an Illusion Theater production, and interviews the playwright about the work and race in American culture.
June 22, 1993 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on National Urban Peace and Justice Summit at Mount Olivet Baptist in St. Paul.
July 2, 1993 - On this First Friday segment, Minnesota actress and writer Kim Hines gives a lively take on summer festivals.
August 27, 1993 - Lester Collins, member of Council of Black Minnesotans, comments on Martin Luther King commemoration march. The event is titled "Jobs, Justice and Peace,” and held on the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington.
October 11, 1993 - Local playwright Syl Jones discusses creating Sticks and Stones, a play about racial harassment within public school landscape.
October 11, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews Melvin Carter, Jr. and Mario Lee, members of Save Our Sons (SOS). Carter and Lee talk of the challenges and needs of community to guide and support youth.
October 21, 1993 - Midday offers interviews with Twin Cities mayoral candidates. In this segment, Sharon Sayles Belton, president of the Minneapolis City Council, talks about wanting to be mayor of Minneapolis.
October 29, 1993 - Midmorning’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Vusumuzi Zulu about the art and skill behind storytelling and a local Black storytellers celebration. During segment, shares the folktale Signifying Monkey.
November 25, 1993 - MPR’s Liz Hannon interviews director Brian Grandison about Everlasting Arms, a play at Penumbra Theatre. Segment includes a cast dramatization.