News

DHS selects University of Minnesota to lead Center of Excellence for Food Security

Monday, 22 February 2010 14:14

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the selection of the University of Minnesota as the lead for the DHS Center of Excellence (COE) for Food Security. The COE’s research and education efforts will support the DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s Chemical and Biological Division—focusing on enhancing security to protect against the intentional, natural or inadvertent introduction of hazardous chemical or biological contaminants into the food system.

Delatour – leader of the reconstruction - sees hope, outlines needs as city struggles for new life

Thursday, 18 February 2010 15:53 Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNPA) - A traffic jam in the streets of Downtown Port-au-Prince makes it barely impossible to navigate the van from block to block. People walk along the edges of the streets, seemingly defying the moving vehicles only inches away.

Supporters of Justice Reform gather for Second Chance Day on the Hill

Thursday, 18 February 2010 14:02

On Monday, Feb. 22 hundreds of ex‐offenders, their families and supporters of justice reform will come together at the State Capitol Rotunda to highlight the importance of second chances. The effort is being led by the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition, a non‐partisan consortium of justice advocates and nonprofit leaders working to raise statewide and national awareness regarding the barriers facing individuals with criminal records. These barriers affect the social, civic and economic stability of families and entire communities.

Important Census Information From Congressman Keith Ellison

Thursday, 18 February 2010 14:00

Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau takes a snapshot of America's population as required by the U.S. Constitution. The census establishes how many people reside within the nation's borders, who they are, and where they live. The results help determine the number of your representatives in government, and how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, schools, and public safety.

Franken urges reprieve from deportation for Liberians living in Minnesota

Thursday, 18 February 2010 13:56

Washington, D.C– Minnesota Sen. Al Franken joined 12 of his colleagues to urge President Obama to extend the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians living legally in the United States.
Since 1991, Liberians who were forced from their homes because of civil war and sought refuge in the United States have been granted either Temporary Protected Status or approved DED. This protection is currently set to expire March 31, 2010.

Chicago's only Black-owned talk radio station gives voice to a complex people still struggling to be heard

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 15:47 Salim Muwakkil, columnist for IN THESE TIMES

Good evening, you’re talking to Salim Muwakkil on 1690 WVON. What’s on your mind?” I ask.
“The election of Barack Obama is the worst thing to ever happen to Black people in America,” the caller snarls. “He’s a perfect Trojan Horse for American imperialism and corporate control. What do you think?”

The Organizing Apprenticeship Project (OAP) will release the 4th Annual Minnesota Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity February 18

Thursday, 11 February 2010 16:38

• The report evaluates the performance of the governor and state legislature during the 2009 session on policies issues that advance equity, opportunity and American Indian tribal sovereignty in Minnesota. The assessment documents gains in policy and well-being, and focused on budget decisions in the 2009 session.

Effort spotlights extraordinary people who exemplify the spirit of diversity

Thursday, 11 February 2010 16:37

In honor of Black History Month, Target® last week announced this year’s new national multicultural campaign which encourages everyone, everywhere to celebrate diversity. This year’s campaign entitled, “Dare.Dream.Do,” highlights the personal stories of four extraordinary individuals – Founder and Director of The Angelrock Project Malaak Compton-Rock, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, Chef and Cookbook Author Marcus Samuelsson and Author and Founder/CEO of Translation Marketing Steve Stoute – who Dare, Dream and Do everyday of their lives. Target will promote the “Dare.Dream.Do” campaign through a national media presence including cable network TV, online, in-store and print. In addition, the stories are available at Target.com/daredreamdo.

Mayor Rybak nominates City Department Heads

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 17:37

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak Tuesday nominated eight current City of Minneapolis department heads to new terms in their jobs, including Police Chief Tim Dolan. Other department directors nominated to new terms include: Patrick Todd (Assessor); Susan Segal (Attorney); Steven Bosacker (City Coordinator) Mike Christenson (CPED); Alex Jackson (Fire); Gretchen Musicant (Health); Steve Kotke (Public Works).

Ellison holds public foreclosure hearing

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 17:31 Lydia Schwartz

On January 23, the US House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, held a public hearing at the Minneapolis Central Library. It was headed by Subcommittee Chairwoman Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN). The Subcommittee hearing consisted of two panel discussions with politicians and community members and activists on low-income housing and the foreclosure crisis.

Millions still pouring in for Haiti - But, needs will be great for years to come

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 17:11 Eboni Farmer, NNPA Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Maryse Dejean, is in New Orleans thousands of miles away from home. Her distance from her native Haiti has only motivated her to work harder so that she can help bring relief to the country after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck it on January 12.