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.
December 23, 1996 - On this Voices of Minnesota feature, an interview with St. Paul jazz vocalist Roberta Davis. Subjects of racism, family and the complexity of jazz are discussed.
January 20, 1997 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire profiles Seed Academy and Harvest Preparatory School, an African American private school in North Minneapolis. The school began in 1985 as a pre-school program in its founders' house. Ten years later there are 300 students enrolled in pre-school through sixth grade.
February 14, 1997 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton State of the City address. Sayles Belton described Minneapolis as a strong, vibrant place, but also stated a need of stronger efforts to reduce gang violence. In addition to crime prevention, the mayor also highlighted education and economic development efforts.
March 14, 1997 - MPR’s Maryann Sullivan interviews jazz bassist Anthony Cox, who discusses his return to Twin Cities in hopes of supporting a stronger jazz scene in area.
August 21, 1997 - MPR’s John Biewen presents the second of two reports on how the growth of the black population is affecting race relations in the Twin Cities. Report includes commentary from residents, politicians, and academics.
August 21, 1997 - MPR’s John Biewen presents the first of two reports on how the Twin Cities are responding to black newcomers. Report includes commentary from residents, politicians, and academics.
October 6, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with guest Emmett Carson, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation, about the foundation's Sunday newspaper supplement intended to encourage inter-racial understanding. Listeners call in with questions.
December 19, 1997 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Penumbra's “Black Nativity.” Every family has their holiday traditions, but few are as complex as one Minneapolis family, whose season revolves around the Penumbra Theatre's annual production of “Black Nativity.” No fewer than five members of the Whitlock family are involved in the show, which tells the Christmas story through gospel and spiritual songs. McCallum interviews family members, including Lewis and Jennifer Whitlock.
February 6, 1998 - Lou Bellamy, Penumbra's artistic director, says his theater has outgrown its current home in the Hallie Q. Brown/Martin Luther King Center and is looking to be a part of African American arts complex in St. Paul.
February 23, 1998 - As part of the continuing MPR series Voices of Minnesota, a presentation of conversations with James Griffin, one of Minnesota's first Black police officers and first deputy police chief for St. Paul; and Hennepin County Judge Pamela Alexander, Minnesota's first Black female judge.