Collection
Black life in Minnesota
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.
288 Collection Items
- Davis Moturi reflects on failed pleas to Minneapolis police that led to him being shot in his own yard
MPR’s Cari Spencer talks with Davis Moturi, a Minneapolis Black resident who was harassed and injured in a racially motivated shooting by John Sawchak, a white neighbor. Despite repeatedly contacting police about the harassment and threats, Moturi is dismayed and angry at the lack of action taken by police until after shooting transpired.
- North Star Journey: Longtime south Minneapolis resident brings deep experience to historic panel
MPR’s Cari Spencer takes a tour of south Minneapolis with Greg McMoore, member of the African American Heritage Work Group. McMoore highlights various sites he hopes to preserve as part of the city’s African American history.
- Born 100 years ago and raised in Minnesota, Oscar Pettiford changed the sound of American music
MPR’s Tim Nelson profiles jazz pioneer Oscar Pettiford. Born 100 years ago and raised in Minnesota, Pettiford changed the sound of American music. He got his start on the stages of the Twin Cities, helping create a "Minneapolis sound" long before Prince. Pettiford’s innovations made him one of the most influential bass players of the bebop era. A century after his birth, that legacy endures.
- North Star Journey: Rondo’s ‘lady of line dance’ keeps community moving
On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Simone Cazares profiles Tina Jackson and her soul line dancing class at Oxford Community Center in the heart of St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood.
- Looking back on 50 years of Pride in the Twin Cities
All Things Considered’s Tom Crann speaks with Jean Tretter, a founder of Twin Cities Pride; and Roxanne Anderson, founder of Power to the People, about the 50th anniversary of the Pride festival in the Twin Cities.
- North Star Journey: Rochester confronts its segregated housing history, Mayo founders' role
On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Catharine Richert looks into a reckoning the city of Rochester finds itself going through. New research into housing covenants provides evidence that the founders of Mayo Clinic — a giant in Minnesota and Rochester, viewed globally as a force for good — played a role perpetuating practices that favored all-white neighborhoods.
- 'Nothing about my book that is anything but love': Minneapolis author responds to Texas book list
All Things Considered’s Tom Crann interviews Minneapolis activist and writer Junauda Petrus about her book “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them” being placed on a potenial banned books list in Texas. The book is the story of two black girls from very different backgrounds finding love and happiness in a world that seems determined to deny them both.
- Duluth groups are working to close the 'adventure gap'
MPR’s Dan Kraker reports on the efforts in Duluth to address a problem known as the ‘Adventure Gap.’ Various groups in the city are trying to provide BIPOC children oppurtiunities to experience and enjoy outdoor sports in the area.
- Stacey Danner wavered on the vaccine, friends hope his story sways others to get shots
MPR’s Catherine Richert profiles Minneapolis resident, Stacey Danner, who died of COVID-19 at the age of 46. Richert looks at reasons behind Danner’s decision in not getting a vaccination, and the greater hesitation of some in Black community towards COVID-19 vaccine.
- MPR Special Report: How George Floyd Changed Us
On this MPR Special Report, Host Angela Davis explores how George Floyd changed us in a collection of personal interviews and commentary.