Many Black Minnesotans say the year has gone by without the kind of transformation that would meaningfully improve the lives of people of color.
| | Evan Frost for MPR News
May 28, 2021
What hasn't changed? | |
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Good morning. It's Friday. Today brings sun and highs near 60 to 70 in the central and southern part of the state. Tonight — mostly clear, lows in the 30s and 40s. Meteorologist Ron Trenda described the upcoming holiday weekend as "decent." Here's details on the forecast. 'More than a commitment'
Protestors demanded change. Corporations and officials promised diversity and equity. A sense of urgency embroiled the country. But many Black Minnesotans say the year went by without transformation that would meaningfully improve the lives of people of color.
"It'll take more than a commitment — it's going to take action. It's going to take more than action — it'll take accountability," said law professor Artika Tyner, founding director of the Center on Race, Leadership and Social Justice at the University of St. Thomas.
Looking back on the year, what hasn't changed? And what would it take? MPR reporter Riham Feshir has the story.
George Floyd: One year later
Now better trained and resourced, Minneapolis violence interrupters will begin working next month. The Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention has seven teams of interrupters with community credibility, focusing on reducing gun violence. At St. Louis Park High School, students of color are leading discussions about race and racism, inviting their teachers and classmates to listen. MPR reporter Nina Moini spoke with three Black Minnesota officers. Here, the three women reflect on race and policing, in their own words. Minnesota unveils vaccine incentives
In an attempt to get more Minnesotans vaccinated, the state is offering special perks to 100,000 people who get their first vaccine dose between now and the end of June. Prizes include state park passes, fishing licenses and tickets to the Minnesota State Fair. Federal COVID-19 relief money is paying for the incentives, Gov. Walz said yesterday.
9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith dies
The little girl shot while playing on a trampoline outside a home in Minneapolis earlier this month has died. Trinity Ottoson-Smith is the second child to die from a gunshot wound recently, following last week's fatal shooting of 6-year-old Aniya Allen. Police have not reported arrests in either case. Families of the children last weekend pleaded for those responsible to be turned in.
Here's what else we're watching
Minnesota lawmakers face another deadline today to resolve remaining budget disagreements. There haven't yet been any visible signs of House and Senate negotiators scrambling to complete the budget details. They must pass a new two-year budget by July 1 to avoid a government shutdown. Gov. Walz. is expected to call lawmakers to a special session by June 14.On this week's Art Hounds: art that heals. An improvised soap opera, a theatrical dance company performs outside the James J. Hill House and "Consciousness Beyond Form." Union Hmong Kitchen's Yia Vang on discovering his father's heroism and what he'd say to kids who brought "stinky" food for lunch.
– Grace Birnstengel, MPR News | Find me on Twitter @grace__ |
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