News

Report: Record number of MN Kids without a home for the holidays

Friday, 18 December 2009 13:57 Laura Thornquist

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Most Americans are making plans for the holidays in their warm homes, but thousands of children will spend the holidays simply dreaming about a place to call home. A new report shows the number of Hennepin County homeless families has reached the highest level since 2000, and that number was 75 percent higher in September 2009 than in September 2006. Nearly 2,900 kids have been identified as homeless by Minneapolis and St. Paul schools.

Commission conveys African American perspectives on climate change to Copenhagen Conference (COP15)

Thursday, 17 December 2009 17:28

COPENHAGEN − The climate change issue offers an enormous opportunity for addressing a broad range of social issues of critical concern to minority communities across the world, according to members of the U.S.-based Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change who are attending the United Nations’ climate talks here.

Be Counted on April 1 - Census 2010

Thursday, 17 December 2009 16:17 Wade Henderson, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

In about 100 days, on April 1, the 2010 Census – the nationwide head count – begins. ,It is critical for African Americans, the second largest minority in the nation – and one that has been historically undercounted –to be counted.

Ellison supports landmark financial regulatory reform legislation

Tuesday, 15 December 2009 16:33

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) joined a majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing this past week, H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009.

Mayor Coleman praises Chief Harrington upon Chief’s announcement not to seek 2nd term

Friday, 11 December 2009 16:03

Saint Paul Police Chief John Harrington announced Wednesday that he won't be seeking another term as chief of the police department. A native of the southside of Chicago, Chief Harrington joined the department in 1977 and was named chief in 2004.

Discussions on job creation

Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:20 Lydia Schwartz, Contributing Writer

On December 3, President Barack Obama held a forum on Jobs and Economic Growth in Washington D.C. While there were actually many good ideas for businesses and nonprofits to undertake in easing unemployment, the forum consisted of a lot of ‘good ole boy’ patting on the back for the great job the federal government is doing to bring the nation out of the recession.

Minneapolis City Council rejects Civil Rights Department cuts

Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:12 Lydia Schwartz, Contributing Writer

Monday evening, December 7, the Minneapolis City Council voted 7-6 in a motion led by Council Member Robert Lilligren (Ward 6) to strike down a controversial amendment to the 2010 General Appropriation Resolution. The amendment would have reappropriated funding for the next two years from the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights Complaint Investigation Division.

Uganda's anti-gay bill had U.S. Christian church support

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 16:37

(GIN) – A bill before the Ugandan parliament that would punish practicing homosexuals with life in prison—or, in some cases, death— was crafted with help from overseas conservative Christian leaders, according to local reports.

Somali rapper's wavin' flag picked for 2010 World Cup Games

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 16:36

(GIN) – Muslim rapper K’Naan's song, "Wavin' Flag", has been picked as the soundtrack for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa - soccer's greatest spectacle - to take place next summer during June and July.

Africa is in the pot! says Nigerian activist

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 16:33

(GIN) – Author Nnimmo Bassey, one of many African environmental activists at the Copenhagen Climate Conference this week, challenged industrialized countries to pay the debt they owe to Africa – “not a gift, not a loan, not a grant, but a real debt,” he said, “to help Africa develop systems that would make it more resilient to the impacts of global warming, as well as helping Africa to adopt technologies that are more green, that are low carbon intensive.”

“Walmart Gives Back” Initiative provides toys and books for 10,000 military children in top markets for troop deployment

Tuesday, 08 December 2009 16:38

Fort Bragg, N.C. Dec. 4, 2009 – Walmart gives an early Christmas to more than 10,000 military children and families who will receive free toys, books, Walmart gift cards and gift packages. Through a $1.1 million donation from Walmart, the initiative will benefit families in all branches of the military. The company will also lay 16,000 wreaths at national cemeteries across the United States to honor fallen veterans.