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Sharon Sayles Belton: A Profile
On January 3, 1994, Sharon Sayles Belton became the first African American and first female mayor of Minneapolis. It was a momentous occasion for the community leader and activist, who would go on to serve two terms.
Born in St. Paul, Sayles Belton grew up in various locations within the Twin Cities and attended Macalester College. She entered politics as a Minneapolis City Council member in 1983, eventually becoming the council president prior to her tenure as mayor.
Since 2001, Sayles Belton has been involved in community affairs and social justice organizations.
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[Sayles Belton photo image courtesy of Hennepin County Library]
48 Collection Items
- A multi-generational plea for social justice activism from Josie Johnson and her granddaughter
On this MPR News Presents program, a broadcast of local 2020 Habitat for Humanity event in with longtime civil rights activist Josie Johnson and her granddaughter Josie Duffy Rice. The two talk about the importance of "passing the activism torch." Johnson says that not only do we need more justice, fairness, and opportunity...but we need a commitment to believing that social justice work matters and is long-lasting.
- Mayor Sayles Belton tips her hat to friends and colleagues
In just a few days R.T. Rybak becomes Mayor of the city of Minneapolis, replacing Sharon Sayles Belton after eight years in that office. In this audio excerpt, Sayles Belton formally said goodbye in remarks made to the city council and city staff in newly renovated Minneapolis City Council chambers.
- Sharon Sayles Belton reflects as outgoing mayor of Minneapolis
Outgoing Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about her work in the city, tenure as mayor, and the state of Minneapolis at the end of 2001. Sayles Belton also answers listener questions.
- A look back at the eight year tenure of outgoing Minneapolis Mayor Sayles Belton
MPR’s Dan Olson takes a look at the eight year tenure of Sharon Sayles Belton, outgoing mayor Minneapolis. Highlighted accomplishments include crime reduction campaigns, downtown development, budget challenges, curtailing housing discrimination, community schools, and rise in property values.
- A profile of Minneapolis Mayor Sayles Belton as she runs for a third term
MPR’s Art Hughes presents a profile on Minneapolis Mayor Sayles Belton, who is in a tough campaign as she runs for a third term. Report includes interviews from numerous individuals on their views of her accomplishments and governance.
- R.T. Rybak and Sayles Belton battle about the city issues
Audio excerpts from Midday program with Minneapolis mayoral candidates.
- Sayles Belton and Rybak talk about the job of Minneapolis mayor
MPR’s Art Hughes reports on first public forum of Minneapolis mayoral candidates. Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and challenger R.T. Rybak faced off on various city issues.
- Candidates for Minneapolis mayor debate on TPT
MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis mayoral debate hosted by TPT. Report includes audio clips from the debate. Candidates were incumbent Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and challengers R.T. Rybak, Lisa McDonald, and Mark Stenglein.
- Sharon Sayles Belton kicks off her re-election campaign for Minneapolis mayor
MPR’s Art Hughes reports that Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton kicked off her re-election campaign with a bus tour designed to highlight the successes of her administration and her plans for a third term.
- A summary of Mayor Sayles Belton's State of the City
MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report on Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton’s 2001 State of the City address. the mayor highlighted successful city initiatives, lower unemployment and crime, downtown construction, and a strong arts in downtown.