February 5, 2002 - There are more Somalis in Minnesota, than any other African immigrant group. Like nearly all newcomers to America, Somalis have faced racial and ethnic discrimination in their new surroundings. That reality comes as no surprise to African Americans who have experienced racism all their lives. But clashes between Somalis and African Americans caught both communities off guard and was particularly troubling to those who feel the two groups have much in common. Now, groups of Somalis and African Americans are coming together to bridge cultural differences. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams has the second report in our series on the relationship between Africans and African Americans.
February 14, 2002 - MPR’s Marianne Combs profiles acclaimed playwright Lee Blessing's new play "Thief River," which portrays two gay men growing up in rural Minnesota who choose very different paths in life. Over the next fifty years they remain in contact; their experiences reflect the changing attitudes toward homosexuality in America.
February 19, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews author Paul Nelson about his book "Fredrick L. McGee: A Life on the Color Line."
March 12, 2002 - Ahmed Samatar, director of the International Studies Program at Macalester College and native of Somalia; and Omar Jamal, spokesman for the Somali Justice Advocate Center, discuss some of the challenges and problems facing Somalis in the Twin Cities.
April 3, 2002 - MPR's Brandt Williams looks at the life of Minnesota civil rights pioneer Nellie Stone Johnson, who passed away on April 2nd, 2002. Johnson spent the majority of her life fighting for social causes, especially those focused on the rights of labor unions, African Americans, and women. Those who knew her say that her activism was a testament to her passion for equality.
April 3, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with historian Hy Berman about Nellie Stone Johnson, an influential leader in civil rights and labor movements, who passed away on April 2nd, 2002. Johnson was 96 years old.
April 24, 2002 - There was a significant degree of stereotyping of minorities in Minnesota media. There was also a strong acceptance of the stereotyping. Minnesota media played a strong role in giving information to Minnesotan citizens.
April 25, 2002 - The Minnesota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is taking a second day of testimony today Helms reports.
April 29, 2002 - In this first report of series titled "An Education in Diversity," Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich takes a look at the climate on and off-campus for blacks.
April 30, 2002 - In this second report of series titled "An Education in Diversity," Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich looks into anti-Semitism allegations at the St. Cloud State University.