News

Racial mockery at Hopkins High sparks outrage; Black student handcuffed

Friday, 19 April 2013 08:43 Harry Colbert, Jr.

It seems like a case of when keeping it wrong goes real.

What started as a celebration of the Hopkins High School's cross country ski team qualifying for the state tournament culminated is outrage, signs in protest and the suspension and criminal charges of two African-American students who decried what they felt was racial mockery. And, according to supporters of the African-American students, no disciplinary action was taken against the white students who openly mocked African-Americans.

HUD kicks off Fair Housing month with launch of national media campaign

Thursday, 18 April 2013 11:10

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) today launched a national media campaign to educate the public and housing providers about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.

THE MOORE THERAPY MOVEMENT: Are you your sister's keeper?

Wednesday, 17 April 2013 14:50 Darren D. Moore, Ph.D., LMFT

Dear Dr. Moore:

I have a best friend, someone I have been friends with for the past ten years. About five years ago, I found out that the love of her life was cheating on her. When I told her, she got really upset with me. She did not believe me. Well I think she secretly already knew, but she did not want to admit it. She stopped talking to me for about a year. After our time apart, we became friends again, but we no longer discuss the relationships we have with our significant others. Interestingly enough, she is still with the same guy. As recent as last week, I found out through another source, that he is still up to no good. What should I do? Do I tell her, when I think she probably already knows and risk ruining our friendship? Or do I simply turn a blind eye? Any thoughts would be helpful.

Rally planned to support grandmother who lost court battle to raise her grandchildren

Wednesday, 17 April 2013 14:36

Crying out for the release her granddaughters from the foster care system, Dorothy Dunning has been fighting for custody of her grandchildren for the past three years.

Lawsuit demands audit of Venture Village

Tuesday, 16 April 2013 10:00 Al McFarlane Editor in Chief

Ventura Village resident James Cook has filed a lawsuit against Ventura Village Neighborhood Association (VVNA)and its board chair Bob Albee alleging actions of the organization's leadership and management are inconsistent with its by-laws and decisions made run counter to best practices in accountability and transparency.

Are California prisons punishing inmates based on race?

Monday, 15 April 2013 15:58 Christie Thompson, ProPublica

In several men's prisons across California, colored signs hang above cell doors: blue for Black inmates, white for white, red, green or pink for Hispanic, yellow for everyone else.

Candidate forum for Minneapolis mayor focuses on African-American community needs

Monday, 15 April 2013 15:31 Harry Colbert, Jr.

Candidates interested in becoming Minneapolis' next mayor gathered this past Sunday (April 7) to discuss their visions for the city; in particular their visions for the city's African-American community.

Profiles in Excellence: Brooklyn Park Police Chief Michael Davis

Friday, 12 April 2013 13:49 Harry Colbert, Jr.

For it to ever be a second, there has to be a first.

In Brooklyn Park, Michael Davis is that first … pardon; that is Chief Michael Davis. In 2008 Davis became the first African-American to be named chief of the Brooklyn Park Police Department. Based on the longevity of the past chiefs, Davis could be there for a while. He is only the fourth chief in the city’s 56-year history.

Davis, a native of St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, came to Brooklyn Park after committing 16 years to the Minneapolis Police Department, starting as a patrolman and ascending to the rank of sector lieutenant. The graduate of St. Paul’s St. Agnes High School and Concordia University – holding a master’s in organizational management – said when he was selected chief, race played little role.

“When the city manager hired me he said he believed he hired the best person for the job,” said Davis.

In Somalia, a window of opportunity

Friday, 12 April 2013 13:23 Keith Ellison

It’s a new day in Somalia. That’s the message I took away from a trip to the capital city of Mogadishu earlier this year. We have our best opportunity in more than two decades to help stabilize Somalia and advance U.S. national security interests — but only if we act quickly.

The improved security situation has filled Mogadishu with new life. Somalis can once again play music and dance, activities banned by terrorist group Al-Shabab, which until recently controlled much of the country. Crowds of people fill the streets, socializing and shopping.

Michelle Obama addresses youth violence in Chicago

Friday, 12 April 2013 09:36

I want to thank all of you for coming here today on behalf of this city's young people. I want to thank you for your commitment to their safety, their wellbeing, and their God-given potential. And I know that many of you aren't new to this work. For years, you have been sponsoring sports leagues, afterschool programs, summer jobs and more.

So you in this room know firsthand the impact that we can have when this city truly invests in our children. And that's something I know from my own experience, which is why it was so important for me to be here today.

I'm here today because Chicago is my home. I was born and raised here. I built my career here. Several of my bosses are here -- former bosses are here. I met and married the love of my life here. I raised my children here, who, by the way, still refer to Chicago as home. They believe it gives them a little more credibility.

Saint Paul Public Housing Agency invests $2.5 million upgrade Dunedin Terrace and Hi-Rise

Wednesday, 10 April 2013 12:32

The Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) will mark the beginning of a multi-million dollar upgrade of its Dunedin Terrace public housing development. The 88 rental units in 22 four-plex townhomes were originally built for low income families in 1964, along with the adjacent Dunedin Hi-Rise for elderly residents. Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) announces the Modernization of its Dunedin Terrace Family Development on Thursday, April 11, 2013 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Program at 9:30 AM) at 469 Ada Street, Dunedin Terrace, St. Paul, MN 55107 (north of Cesar Chavez Street, between Highway 52 and Robert Street.)