AA&AS News

Posted by steel012 at 9:42 AM | Permalink

The Black Men Reading group will hold its celebration of Black Women's Voices from 6:00-8:00 on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The event will feature poet Jessica Care Moore and singer Kiana Marie, and will take place at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Jessica Care Moore is an internationally renowned poet/publisher/activist/rock star/playwright and actor. She is a five-time winner on Showtime at the Apollo, was featured on hip-hop mega-star Nas' "Nastradamus" album, and was a regular on Russell Simmon's HBO Series, Def Poetry Jam.

Kiana Marie, an aspiring singer/songwriter, appears on Beyonce's "I Am" World Tour DVD, performing the "Single Ladies" dance. She has also performed with veteran artists Bruce Henry, Daryl Beaudreaux, Dan Ristrom, and Kathleen Johnson. Her song "What You Do" features Stokley Williams of Mint Condition.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 6:18 PM | Permalink

The Morrill Hall and Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund was created to acknowledge and honor the work of the Afro American Action Committee (AAAC) and Rachel Tilsen. By acknowledging the 1969 Morrill Hall Take-Over at the University of Minnesota Campus (see the award-winning film at www.vimeo.com/6608437) and Rachel Tilsen, we recognize the importance of personal sacrifices as well as organizational efforts in the struggle for social justice. The Afro American Action Committee (AAAC) emerged from a rich tradition of protest, revolt, and resistance to the spirit of racism and ruthless domination. AAAC embraced the "incarnate spirit of justice, hatred of a lie, that willingness to sacrifice money, reputation, education and life itself on the Alter of right." AAAC stood on the shoulders of the NAACP and the Niagara Movement. The members of AAAC believed, they stood, and they spoke. In fact, the tenacity of the AAAC members transformed the University of Minnesota to become more inclusive, more tolerant, and less separated from the dynamics of the entire community.

Rachel Tilsen epitomized the term Social Justice. Rachel was more than just a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and wife. She was a fierce freedom fighter and lover of life. In many respects her legacy lies in her courage and the attributes she instilled in every woman that had the opportunity to meet her. She was not only a freedom fighter, she was also a teacher. Rachel taught others to have respect for self, family, culture, and history. She was a morale lifter who believed that you had to let your voice be heard, and that you had to follow your words with action. She championed what she believed. Rachel insisted that we have a responsibility to stand up for the people who do not have the strength or the will to stand for themselves. Rachel fought for social justice regardless of race, color, religion, or creed.

The Morrill Hall and Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund is intended to continue and promote the activism AAAC and Rachel subscribed to: equality and justice for all people, with all people equally valued; and vigilant struggle in the fight for justice.

Grants up to $6000 will be awarded to individuals or organizations for projects addressing social justice.

Applications and criteria are available for downloading. Email questions to mhrtjfquestions@gmail.com

Applications will be accepted up to midnight on April 1, 2012.

Awards will be presented on May 5, 2012 at the third annual Morrill Hall/Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund Gala Event.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 2:28 PM | Permalink

The University's new "Critical Conversations" series features public discussions on urban issues and ideas with scholars, historians, artists, and community leaders. The first event is on the history of North Minneapolis, focusing on the recent U-produced documentary, Cornerstones: A History of North Minneapolis. Cornerstones' director and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel Pierce Bergin will moderate, and AA&AS Professor John Wright will be on the panel. The event takes place on February 23: 5 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. film screening, and 7 p.m. main event; location: Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis. For more information, see Critical Conversations.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 11:03 AM | Permalink

Everyone knows our waters are troubled. So what are we going to do about Minnesota's impaired lakes, rivers, and watersheds? Hundreds of Minneapolis residents got together with Metro Blooms to install over one hundred raingardens in an attempt to clean up Powderhorn Lake, one yard at a time. Is it working? "A Neighborhood of Raingardens" is a film that follows the project from inception to fruition, illustrating the promises and problems of a new citizen-centered approach to watershed management.

"A Neighborhood of Raingardens" premieres Friday, September 9, at 7:00 P.M. at Saint Anthony Main Theater. The presentation is sponsored by The Film Society of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Tickets are $8.50 at the door, $6 for seniors and students, $5 for Film Society members.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 4:18 PM | Permalink

Community Action of Minneapolis will hold a public policy forum on the unemployment crisis in the African American community, from 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at 2104 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Guest speakers are AA&AS Professor Rose Brewer, and Louis Moore, former district staff for U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Martin Olav Sabo.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:21 AM | Permalink

On Tuesday, July 19, 2011, there will be two fundraising events for North Minneapolis tornado relief. KRS-One will participate in a community conversation at North Community High School at 5:00 PM. He will talk about his work in the Stop the Violence Movement, and discuss creating unity in the community in the wake of the tornado. The event and is free and open to the public. For more information go to https://events.umn.edu/014204.

A 9:00 PM there will be a benefit concert at the First Avenue Nightclub, featuring KRS-One, Slum Village, and many local artists. Tickets are $33.50 in advance, $40 at the door. For more information go to https://events.umn.edu/014207.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 2:47 PM | Permalink

On Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pillsbury House (3501 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407) two Afro-Cubans will explore "Challenges of Race for the Cuban Revolution." Scholar Esteban Morales is Professor of Political Economy, University of Havana and Cuba's leading authority on race; his most recent book is La Problemática Racial en Cuba: Algunos de Sus Desafíos (The Race Question in Cuba: Some of the Challenges). Artist Elio Rodriguez explores themes of racial identity. He is one of the curators of Queloides/Keloids: Raza y Racismo en el Arte Cubano Contemporáneo, an art exhibit that seeks to contribute to current debates about the persistence of racism in contemporary Cuba. The event will be moderated by John Wright, Professor of African American & African Studies and English. The event is free and open to the public. For more information see www.obsidianartscenter.org and minnesotacubacommittee.org

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 12:06 PM | Permalink

"Super Saturday" will be a one day mega-donation drive to support North Minneapolis residents who were caught up in the May 22 tornado disaster. It will take place on Saturday, June 11, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm at 2818 Washington Ave N., Minneapolis, MN 55411. For more information see the Super Saturday facebook page or email mplstornado@gmail.com.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 1:10 PM | Permalink

Charles Bibbs is arguably the most commercially successful Black artist working in the country today. An accomplished and acclaimed fine artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Bibbs has always believed that we are the keepers of our culture, and as such, has spent much of his time working towards developing a cohesive, energized African American Community. Bibbs' artwork manages to fuse African American and Native American cultural themes that make powerful cross cultural statements.

In his first visit to Minnesota, Bibbs will share his perspective on his art, Black artists, and the role of the artist in the community. A short art signing will follow the conversation.

The conversation and art signing will take place from 2:00-3:00 on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The event is free and open to the public.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 2:26 PM | Permalink

Minnesota has been a refuge for immigrant communities displaced from their countries due to a variety of circumstances. One of these communities is the Liberian community, which grew rapidly in the aftermath of a series of civil wars that ravished their homeland. However, the story of Liberians in Minnesota does not begin with these civil wars but stretches back more than 50 years. The radio documentary "New Beginnings: The Story of Liberians in Minnesota" looks at this history, along with the growth and development of the community. The documentary is produced by Liberian-American artist e.g. bailey, and his partner Sha Cage. The three-part documentary will air on KFAI Fresh Air Radio (90.3fm Minneapolis/106.7fm St. Paul) on February 16, 21, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. It can also be streamed online at www.kfai.org.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 4:08 PM | Permalink

The Morrill Hall and Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund was created to acknowledge and honor the work of the Afro American Action Committee (AAAC) and Rachel Tilsen. By acknowledging the 1969 Morrill Hall Take-Over at the University of Minnesota Campus (see the award-winning film at www.vimeo.com/6608437) and Rachel Tilsen, we recognize the importance of personal sacrifices as well as organizational efforts in the struggle for social justice. The Afro American Action Committee (AAAC) emerged from a rich tradition of protest, revolt, and resistance to the spirit of racism and ruthless domination. AAAC embraced the "incarnate spirit of justice, hatred of a lie, that willingness to sacrifice money, reputation, education and life itself on the Alter of right." AAAC stood on the shoulders of the NAACP and the Niagara Movement. The members of AAAC believed, they stood, and they spoke. In fact, the tenacity of the AAAC members transformed the University of Minnesota to become more inclusive, more tolerant, and less separated from the dynamics of the entire community.

Rachel Tilsen epitomized the term Social Justice. Rachel was more than just a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and wife. She was a fierce freedom fighter and lover of life. In many respects her legacy lies in her courage and the attributes she instilled in every woman that had the opportunity to meet her. She was not only a freedom fighter, she was also a teacher. Rachel taught others to have respect for self, family, culture, and history. She was a morale lifter who believed that you had to let your voice be heard, and that you had to follow your words with action. She championed what she believed. Rachel insisted that we have a responsibility to stand up for the people who do not have the strength or the will to stand for themselves. Rachel fought for social justice regardless of race, color, religion, or creed.

The Morrill Hall and Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund is intended to continue and promote the activism AAAC and Rachel subscribed to: equality and justice for all people, with all people equally valued; and vigilant struggle in the fight for justice.

Grants up to $5000 will be awarded to individuals or organizations for projects addressing social justice.

Applications and criteria are available for downloading. Email questions to mhrtjfquestions@gmail.com

Applications will be accepted up to midnight March 1, 2011.

Awards will be presented on April 30, 2011 at the second annual Morrill Hall/Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund Gala Event.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:39 AM | Permalink

The University District is an alliance established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2007 to define a vision for the future development of four historic neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota. In Voices of the University District residents and business owners describe life near a major urban university.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 5:22 PM | Permalink

Have questions about paying for college? Go to African American Family Scholarship Information Night to learn how. Families with children of all ages are welcome to hear useful information from college admission and financial aid people, current college students, and parents.

Date/Time: October 26, 2010, 5-8:30 pm
Place: North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center, 1711 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411
More information: http://www.mmep.org/mmep_events.html

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:40 AM | Permalink

The Minneapolis Public Schools' Radio Voice for Jazz and Education (Jazz88 KBEM) is partnering with Minneapolis Community Education to present a series of classes on jazz in October and November, 2010.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 1:09 PM | Permalink

A new undersea fiber-optic cable along the coast of East Africa promises to improve phone and Internet communications between East Africa and the rest of the world. Here in Minnesota, particularly, immigrant and refugee populations from Somalia and Ethiopia anticipate less expensive and more reliable connections.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 12:30 PM | Permalink

The University's Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) is staging its inaugural art exhibit, "Ancestry: Celebrating Diversity and Commonality in Community." Featuring works by Fawzia Khan and Lynn Fellman (created in collaboration with six community organizations), the exhibit can be viewed from 8:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Friday. For additional information, visit www.deepancestryportrait.com.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:02 PM | Permalink

On February 4, 2010, the African Union adopted the decision of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) in the case of Endorois Welfare Council v. Kenya. After more than decade of litigation in front of the Kenyan courts and at the ACHPR, the ruling validated the Endorois' claim that the Kenyan government had removed them from their ancestral land in a manner that violated the community's fundamental rights to practice their culture and religion, to economic development, and to freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. On Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from
12:00-1:00 P.M. Abraham Korir Sing'Oei will discuss the case and its ramifications based on his experience as a longtime advocate for the Endorois and for indigenous rights in Africa. The presentation will take place at the law offices of Robins, Kaplan, Miller, and Ciresi, 2800 LaSalle Plaza, 800 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402. Lunch and parking validation are provided. R.S.V.P. by Monday, June 28: (612) 341-3302 ext. 128, or lyoung@advrights.org

Abraham Korir Sing'Oei is a Kenyan lawyer and human rights advocate. He is co-founder, former executive director, and current board member of the Center for Minority Rights Development, a non-governmental organization focused on strategic litigation and advocacy to protect the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples across Africa. Sing'Oei was co-counsel for the Endorois Welfare Organization in their 7-year long case before the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Sing'Oei was a Humphrey Fellow at the University of Minnesota and holds an LLM from the University of Minnesota Law School. Sing'Oei is currently a Democracy and Governance Program Officer with the US Agency for International Development in Nairobi.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:42 AM | Permalink

June 19 is Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day), a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. The 2010 Twin Cities Juneteenth Celebration and Festival will take place on Saturday, June 19, at North Mississippi Regional Park, 5114 North Mississippi Drive in Minneapolis.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 5:24 PM | Permalink

Community groups are invited to join Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute staff at the Urban Research and Outreach Center (UROC) for a question and answer session on our recent Request For Proposals: Community - University Research Spring Grants. Stop by between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 1st to have your questions answered or to get feedback on your existing project. RSVP is not required, but appreciated in order to gauge the size of the group. Please send RSVP or other inquiries to hfhl@umn.edu. Visit www.hfhl.umn.edu for additional information.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 3:01 PM | Permalink

The Morrill Hall and Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund has been created to acknowledge and honor the work of the Afro American Action Committee (AAAC) and Rachel Tilsen. By acknowledging the 1969 Morrill Hall Take-Over at the University of Minnesota Campus (see the award-winning film at www.vimeo.com/6608437) and Rachel Tilsen, we recognize the importance of personal sacrifices as well as organizational efforts in the struggle for social justice. The Afro American Action Committee (AAAC) emerged from a rich tradition of protest, revolt, and resistance to the spirit of racism and ruthless domination. AAAC embraced the "incarnate spirit of justice, hatred of a lie, that willingness to sacrifice money, reputation, education and life itself on the Alter of right." AAAC stood on the shoulders of the NAACP and the Niagara Movement. The members of AAAC believed, they stood and they spoke. In fact the tenacity of the AAAC members transformed the University of Minnesota to become more inclusive, more tolerant, and less separated from the dynamics of the entire community.

Rachel Tilsen epitomized the term Social Justice. Rachel was more than just a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend and wife. She was a fierce freedom fighter and lover of life. In many respects her legacy lies in her courage and the attributes she instilled in every woman that had the opportunity to meet her. She was not only a freedom fighter she was a teacher. Rachel taught others to have respect for self, family, culture and history. She was a morale lifter who believed that you had to let your voice be heard and that you had to follow your words with action. She championed what she believed. Rachel insisted that we have a responsibility to stand up for the people who do not have the strength or the will to stand for themselves. Rachel fought for social justice regardless of race, color, religion or creed.

The Morrill Hall and Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund is intended to continue and promote the activism AAAC and Rachel subscribed to: equality and justice for all people, with all people equally valued; vigilant relentless struggle in the fight for justice.

Grants up to $5000 will be awarded to individuals or organizations for projects addressing social justice.

Applications and criteria are available for download. Email questions to mhrtjfquestions@gmail.com

Applications will be accepted up to midnight April 1, 2010.

Awards will be presented on May 1, 2010 at the inaugural Morrill Hall/Rachel Tilsen Social Justice Fund Gala Event.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:07 AM | Permalink

From 6-9 P.M. on Thursday, January 21, 2010 the Minneapolis Institute of Arts presents iAfrica: Connecting with Sub-Saharan Art. Visitors with iPhones can download an application that incorporates detailed information about the objects and themes in the exhibition. The app also has a component that allows visitors to virtually play one of the musical objects in the exhibition. Both the app and the iAfrica event are free.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Award-winning documentarian, writer, and producer Llew Smith addresses issues of equity, race, and social consciousness in films such as Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? He is featured in the St. Catherine University Diversity Council's film symposium, "The Power of Film: An Agent for Social Equity and Social Justice," October 5-7 in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 6:21 PM | Permalink

The Mixed Blood Theatre seeks three Community Liaisons to the Somali community of the zip code 55454.

Mixed Blood's new "55454 Series" is aimed at bringing together the community of Cedar-Riverside through shared artistic experiences created and nurtured in its exceptionally rich zip code of 55454. For the first year of the Series, Mixed Blood seeks three Community Liaisons to coordinate the presentation of events highlighting the breadth of Somali arts in the neighborhood, as well as promote three plays staged by Mixed Blood with Muslim and African themes, characters, and content that will be offered free of charge to anyone who lives in 55454. Liaisons can expect about 100 hours of work between October and June. There is a modest stipend offered to each of the three Liaisons.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in spoken English and Somali (bilingual written fluency preferred)
• Superior networking skills, with established connections to the Somali community
• Comfortable with concepts and duties relating to event publicity
• Outgoing personality, strong work ethic, independent and collaborative worker
• Passion for the arts and strengthening the Cedar-Riverside community

Elders, women, foreign-born individuals, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit application materials by Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Interviews will be the following week. Work begins the second week of October 2009 through mid-May 2010.

TO APPLY: Please contact Scott Artley, 55454 Series Coordinator, with a message that describes your background and interest in the position, what skills you can offer (based on the above skills/qualifications), and full contact information. Include a resume, if available.

To apply by email: scott@mixedblood.com

To apply by phone: 612-338-0984 (please leave a voice message)

To apply by mail: Mixed Blood Theatre, c/o Community Liaison Search, 1501 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 4:57 PM | Permalink

"Fourth Fridays at the Movies" is a screening and discussion of vintage movies featuring African Americans as actors, producers, and/or directors. This month's movie (September 25) is Big Fella, featuring Paul Robeson. The event is held at the Golden Thyme Coffee & Café in St. Paul. A social moment is held from 6:30-7:00; the film begins at 7:00. For information on Fourth Fridays at the Movies, call Golden Thyme at (651) 645-1340.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 2:25 PM | Permalink

The Twin Cities Black Film Festival provides an opportunity for independent filmmakers of color to have their works showcased before the community, and also serves as an avenue of discovery for industry professionals seeking new talent. The 2009 festival will be held on September 18-20.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:41 AM | Permalink

What are we doing here? &mdash an award winning documentary that looks at the effects of foreign aid in Africa &mdash will be showing at Minneapolis's Uptown Theater on May 4th at 7pm and May 6th at 11am. The film asks: after $600 billion in aid over 45 years, why have living conditions gotten worse for most Africans? Filmmakers Brandon, Nicholas, Daniel, and Tim Klein travel overland from Cairo to Cape Town, meeting with farmers, journalists, presidents, aid workers, aid recipients, and others in order to better understand the effects of foreign aid in Africa, the root causes of poverty, and solutions for the future. A trailer, synopsis, interviews, and more are availabe at www.whatarewedoinghere.net

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 2:21 PM | Permalink

The 27th Annual Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival runs April 16-30 at various venues in the Twin Cities. The festival includes several films from Africa.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:15 AM | Permalink

The National Public Health Week Film Festival will be held April 6-11, 2009. Events of Saturday, April 11, will include Public Service Announcements (PSAs) created by high school students from communities of color. The goals of these PSAs were to: (1) engage high school students from communities of color in the creation and production of video messages about a public health topic that affects their community, (2) provide student mentors from the University in the development of public messages, and (3) make available a forum at the University where participants can express their ideas about health disparities to diverse audiences.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 4:57 PM | Permalink

KFAI radio launched a month-long series on March 10, 2009 that explores what it means to be Muslim in Minnesota. This series compiles stories ranging from controversial to inspiring. Listeners will hear how a Muslim immigrant struggles with questions of identity, law, and faith after getting arrested for a crime and facing possible deportation. One story shows how some women are creating their own definition of feminism. Still another story asks what drives Minnesota Hip Hop artists who intertwine their faith with the pounding beats and steady rhythms of their art form. Some of the stories are produced by Muslim reporters who bring their own perspectives and insights to their work.

Muslims in Minnesota runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6pm during the KFAI Evening News: 90.3FM, Minneapolis, and 106.7FM, St. Paul.

Broadcast Schedule:
March 10 - Faith in Hip Hop
March 11 – One Strike and You're Out - Facing the Criminal Justice System
March 12 – Wearing Faith on their Sleeves: Muslim Tees
March 17 - Empowered Muslim Women
March 18 - In Search of the Minnesotan Muslim
March 19 - Muslim Immigrants Learn English
March 24 - Music and Sufi Islam in the Twin Cities
March 25 - Muslim Burial Traditions
March 26 - The Line Between Mosque and State

The Muslims in Minnesota series is produced in cooperation with the University of Minnesota's Meeting Minnesota's Muslims initiative.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 7:51 PM | Permalink

At 7:00 PM on Friday, February 28, The Poetic Assassins will appear at the Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis. The Poetic Assassins are spoken word artists/socal justice activists.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:37 AM | Permalink

The Penumbra Theatre is performing "Black Nativity &mdash Hear Again the Christmas Story!" from November 28 to December 28, 2008. In this year's version, recently widowed Grandma Walker (who is swept up in the grief of loss) is surprised by family members who bring food, music, and laughter into the house. The production celebrates the bonds of family, the power of faith, and the strength of tradition.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 1:25 PM | Permalink

Beyond the Pure: Readings by Writers of Color
Thursday, November 13, 2008
7 PM at Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Admission by donation.

This month: potluck reception. Bring a treat (or not!). Everyone welcome. Curated by Julie Bates & Carolyn Holbrook; hosted by Carolyn Holbrook. This month's Beyond the Pure features THE TWIN CITIES NERDS OF COLOR (NOCs), who believe that nerds exist across race and culture, and that some of the most revolutionary works by and for nerds are currently being created by people of color. A Reception follows the readings (rumors of alien cupcakes abound...).

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 2:51 PM | Permalink

Beyond the Pure: Readings by Writers of Color

• Thursday, October 9, 2008
  
• 7:00 PM at Intermedia Arts
  
• 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
  
• Admission by donation; wine & beer reception to follow
  
• Featuring: Ibe, Bao Phi, and Sun Yung Shin

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 1:37 PM | Permalink

The sixth annual Twin Cities Black Film Festival will be held September 18-20, 2008. A schedule of events is online.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 4:27 PM | Permalink

The 2008 Afrifest will be held August 14-17, 2008. A list of programs and activities is online.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:28 AM | Permalink

The 2008 Twin Cities Pan-African Festival will be held on August 6-11, 2008.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:27 AM | Permalink

The Experimental College (EXCO) &mdash a student organization at the University of Minnesota (partnered with Macalester College) that organizes and sponsors community education for social change &mdash is now offering two Africana Studies courses:

1. African American Art (meets Tuesdays from 6-8 pm in Blegen 110 for four weeks, starting June 24). This survey of African American Art will look at art and artists from the early 20th century to the late 20th century. Art from the Harlem Renaissance, Black Arts Movement, and artists such as Adrienne Piper, Kara Walker, Horace Pippin, Aaron Douglas, Archibald Motley, Jr. will be included. The instructor (Ava Herring herr0141@gmail.com) is a doctoral student at the U in art education.

2. Black Folk: Culture Defeats Holocaust, facilitated by Ray Tricomo (rtricomo@yahoo.com). Course Description: We will be covering the proverbial water front from African ecology to Pan-Africanism to improvised music and to a future without racism. Location: Oakdale Village, Oakdale, 6276 12th St. North Day/Time: Tuesday 6-8pm Dates: 4 weeks to start June 17. Ray is a longtime community activist, and has been offering this course for the past couple of years.

EXCO provides opportunities to students, faculty, and community members to facilitate or participate in classes together on topics of importance to them, especially those that they would not otherwise have in traditional university education.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:48 AM | Permalink

June 19 is Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day), a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. The 2008 Twin Cities Juneteenth Celebration and Festival will take place on Saturday, June 21, at several sites in Minneapolis.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 8:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

On May 23, 2008 the documentary The Forgotten Struggle will be screened and discussed from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Old Main Building Auditorium #600, College of Saint Catherine-Minneapolis, 601 25th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454. This event is free & open to the public. The film chronicles the struggle to bring health care to the people of Somalia. A trailer for the documentary can be found on YouTube.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 8:08 PM | Permalink

Film screening: Bunny Chow
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM
Repeat screening Saturday, May 17, 7:00 PM

In director John Barke's debut feature, up-and-coming comedians Kags, Joey, and Dave make it clear that life in the "new" Johannesburg is not just about hardship and townships. It's also about hanging out with friends and celebrating life on a raucous road trip to Oppi Kopp -- South Africa's largest music festival. Shot in a cinema verite style and using the street food "bunny chow" as a metaphor for contemporary Johannesburg's mix of races, cultures, and attitudes, Barker's edgy urban comedy asks us to envision a nation through the eyes of its future rather than the tragedy of its past. (Film info: 2006, South Africa, in Afrikaans, Tsotsi Taal, and English with English subtitles, 95 minutes.)

Tickets to the Walker Art Center's free screening on Thursday, May 15 are available at the Walker Art Center's Bazinet Garden Lobby desk. Tickets for the Saturday, May 17 screening are $8 ($6 for Walker members).

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign National Student Conference will he held on campus March 14-16, 2008.

The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign is committed to uniting the poor across color lines as the leadership base for a broad movement to abolish poverty. It works to accomplish this through advancing economic human rights as named in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as the rights to food, housing, health, education, communication, and a living wage job.

Major details of the conference:

• Where: University of Minnesota Human Rights Center
  
• When: March 14th, 15th, and 16th
  
• Cost: $250.00 (limited scholarships available)
  
• Why: Because if we're going to end poverty in this country we need the leadership of our youth!

For more information, call 612.82.2364, or email deeqppehrc@yahoo.com or heavenppehrc@yahoo.com.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:43 AM | Permalink

Minneapolis' Pillsbury House Theatre is now presenting Same Difference, about two African American college roomates from very different backgrounds. Reviews can be found on the main page of Illusion Theater, where the play was previously staged.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 7:07 PM | Permalink

William Mitchell College of Law is hosting a Black History Month event on Thursday, February 21, from noon to 1:30: Black Conservatives -- Myths and Realities.

Panelists:

• Roscoe Howard, former U.S. Attorney
  
• Peter Bell, chairman of the Metropolitan Council
  
• Michael Jordan, law professor
  
• Michell Jones, attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office
  
• Moderator: Professor John Radsan, former Deptartment of Justice attorney and CIA assistant general counsel

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 10:41 AM | Permalink

In parts of South Sudan, bandits steal children from other communities like cattle. Hundreds of abductions in recent years have gone unpunished as these human-rights violations are overshadowed by other problems. The Save Yar Campaign has been working hard from Minneapolis since October to stop this wave of abductions. We took our campaign to Washington, D.C. and, with the support of Congress and federal departments, met with South Sudan's president.

Now it's time to carry this campaign to the place where the change has to occur: South Sudan. The campaign is preparing to send three University of Minnesota students to South Sudan to meet with government officials and tribal leaders to build a coalition aimed at ending child abduction and returning abducted children to their families. We'll meet with local researchers who can carry forward the campaign on the ground long-term.

We will undertake this trip with volunteer labor and donated lodging and ground transportation. But to make it happen, we need to raise the funds to cover airfare, visas, meals, and phone calls.

Join us for lunch this Saturday for a fun and delicious way to contribute to this grassroots campaign!

Come to Tam-Tam's African Restaurant in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood this Saturday, February 16, anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sample sensational East African cuisine at this cutting-edge eatery; mix and mingle with fellow Minnesotans concerned with Africa; buy a Save Yar T-shirt; and pledge a specific part of the students' trip.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 3:59 PM | Permalink

The Guthrie and Emigrant Theater are offering 50% off tickets for any remaining performance of Blue Door by Tanya Barfield, now playing at the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie.

Don't miss what the Pioneer Press called "a powerful way to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day... vivid... effective... thought-provoking... None of us will ever gain freedom until we recognize what binds us, because only then can we begin to loosen the chains."

The Star-Tribune calls playwright Tanya Barfield "an exciting new voice in American theater, and Blue Door amply displays her stunning grasp of language and solidly crafted characterization, as well as her unwillingness to settle for easy answers. Emigrant Theater and the Guthrie are to be commended for offering such a fine opportunity to experience her work."

Emigrant Theater was named Best Independent Theater of 2007 by City Pages.

Blue Door
by Tanya Barfield
directed by Jessica Finney
featuring Eric Avery & David Wiles

Left alone by his wife after refusing to join the Million Man March, an African-American math professor watches as the ghosts of his ancestors arrive and shatter the silence of his insomnia, drawing him into a spiral of history, a crisis of identity and culture, and a powerful exploration of what it means to be black, then and now.

Only 4 More Performances:
Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30pm
Saturday, Jan. 26, 1pm (with a post-play discussion)
Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30pm
Sunday, Jan. 27, 1pm

Call the Guthrie box office at (612) 377-2224 and quote price code "HA."

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:11 PM | Permalink

Charlayne Hunter-Gault, a journalist with more than 40 years of experience in television, radio and print, will highlight the legacy of Dr. King's dream at the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 21.

Hunter-Gault, the first black woman admitted to the University of Georgia and the first African-American reporter at the New Yorker, recently rejoined National Public Radio as a correspondent following six years as CNN's bureau chief in Johannesburg, South Africa. For two decades, she worked for PBS, where she served as national correspondent for "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer," and anchored the award-winning newsmagazine on human rights, "Rights and Wrongs."

The Emmy award-winning journalist will share her journey in America and beyond with breakfast guests at the annual holiday celebration. The event -- including musical performances from Melinda Doolittle of "American Idol" fame -- will be broadcast live on Twin Cities Public Television beginning at 8 a.m.

With a theme of "Answering the Call," the 2008 MLK Holiday Breakfast will feature a new community service component that will encourage the 2,000 breakfast guests as well as television viewers to fill out commitment cards pledging to volunteer in the community in the coming year. The effort, with support from Hands On Twin Cities, is expected to generate thousands of hours of volunteer service in the Twin Cities in 2008. Potential volunteers can learn more about service opportunities -- ranging from mentoring a child to serving meals -- at www.mlkbreakfast.org.

Each year, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the General Mills Foundation host the annual MLK Jr. Holiday Breakfast, a Twin Cities tradition at the Minneapolis Convention Center that kicks off a day of metro-wide celebrations. The event honors Dr. King's contributions to the civil rights movement, which not only transformed American laws and life, but also inspired worldwide human rights reforms.

Although tickets for the breakfast at the Minneapolis Convention Center are sold out, the St. Paul Area Council of Churches again this year will host five simultaneous events in St. Paul and Duluth, where guests can enjoy breakfast and watch the live broadcast together. These community breakfasts -- held from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. -- are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Reservations are available online at the St. Paul Area Council of Churches Web site at www.spacc.org or by phone at 651-789-3877.

Continue reading "MLK Day Breakfast" »

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 3:29 PM | Permalink

Ajak Mading and her sister Yar were abducted on October 3, 2007, from a village in southeastern Sudan. Ajak will turn two years old on Monday, January 14, but her parents still do not know where she and her sister are. The two girls are among hundreds of young children who have been abducted by armed groups in southeastern Sudan in the last two years because of their future value as brides. That the local government has taken no steps to find Yar and Ajak reflects how children's rights have been overshadowed by power struggles between ethnic groups in southeastern Sudan.

The University of Minnesota Human Rights Program and its Save Yar Campaign invite you to gather at noon Monday, January 14, in the Rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol to commemorate Ajak's second birthday. Moreover we will issue an appeal to Sultan Ismail Konyi, the leading public official from the Murle ethnic group. (Yar and Ajak are believed to have been abducted by one of several remotely located armed groups of Murle ethnicity.) Sultan Konyi has publicly condemned child abduction, but we will call upon Sultan Konyi to take a personal role in working with local Murle leaders to find Yar, Ajak, and other young abductees, and to negotiate for their release.

The University of Minnesota Human Rights Program and student groups have taken up this cause in solidarity with Minnesota's growing African population including Gabriel Kou Solomon of St. Paul, the uncle of Yar and Ajak. U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and U.S. Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar have issued official statements on this crisis: Visit www.save-yar.org for details. Monday's event will be attended by state and federal legislators and their aides. For more information on the event, contact Daniel Lynx Bernard, coordinator, Save Yar Campaign, dbernard@umn.edu.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 4:58 PM | Permalink

Northwest Airlines is sponsoring a January 9, 2008 event about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
"Courage to Live the Dream: Commitment, Community, Opportunity.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 3:33 PM | Permalink

The Somali Institute for Peace and Justice, consisting of a group of Somali intellectuals, scholars, community leaders, and students, is holding the anniversary of Ethiopian Forces Occupation in Somalia on December 28, 2007 at 6:30pm, at the Zuhrah Shrine Center (2540 Park Av. S, Minneapolis, MN). Speakers include:

Professor Peter Erlinder
Professor Ismael Gorse
Professor Hassan Mohamud
Congressman Keith Ellison (Expected)
Professor Ahmed Samatar (Expected)

The Institute promotes an alternative academic and practical approach to Somali social and political problems, and encourages Somali and non-Somali scholars and intellectuals to participate in the search for solutions to problems Somalis face in America and at home. The Institute strives to promote greater education of non-Somalis about Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 5:00 PM | Permalink

The Shine Global film War/Dance opens at the Lagoon Landmark in Minneapolis on Friday, December 14.

War/Dance is the story of three Acholi children of northern Uganda who have been brutalized not only by a twenty-year civil war, but also by the terrorist organization the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). It follows the historic journey of three children from northern Uganda--Dominic, Rose, and Nancy--and their school in the Patongo refugee camp, the first school from the northern war zone to make it to the finals of Uganda's national music and dance competition.

Amidst unimaginable violence and grief, these children sing and dance: they sing with vitality; they sing without fear; they sing in protest and in celebration.

War/Dance has won more than 20 awards nationally and internationally including "Best Director" at Sundance. The film opened in Los Angeles and New York on November 9, and it was the top ranked film at the Dupont Theater when it premiered in DC on November 16. It is the first documentary made by Shine Global.

Shine Global, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) film production company dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of children worldwide through the production of documentary films and other media that raise social awareness and effect political change.

All contributions to Shine are used to produce films. Net profits are returned to the documented children through local non-governmental agencies.

For more information, visit Shine Global or the War/Dance blog.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 1:53 PM | Permalink

Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, a renowned Kenyan novelist, playwright, and essayist, and the current Director of the International Centre for Writing and Translation, University of California at Irvine, will give a public lecture and read from his latest novel, Wizard of the Crow, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, in the Hoversten Chapel of Augsburg College.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 12:35 PM | Permalink

The "Hip Hop Live!" tour is coming to Minneapolis on Sunday, November 11. It will feature "living legend Rakim, future legend Ghostface Killah and hometown hero Brother Ali." More information is available on the Hip Hop Live! website.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:41 AM | Permalink

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has posted an interesting article about socio-economic class differences within the Twin Cities African American community.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:40 AM | Permalink

An alliance of several Minnesota institutions will use a $2.45 million National Science Foundation grant in an attempt to attract more under-represented minorities to science and engineering programs.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 9:01 AM | Permalink

The first Afrifest was held August 18-19, 2007. Hopefully it will be back next year!

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 12:46 PM | Permalink

At 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, South African author Zakes Mda will read from his new book Cion. This event will take place in the Target Performance Hall of the Loft Literary Center.

Posted by Walt Jacobs at 1:37 PM | Permalink