News

Panel Discussion on U.S. Drone Policy

Tuesday, 02 April 2013 18:01

WASHINGTON –Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-05) will host an open forum Wednesday, April 3, 2012, 7:00 PM CST at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) 2001 Plymouth Ave, N Minneapolis, MN 55411 on United States drone policy and ways to improve it.

Former N.C. Governor stands up for justice

Tuesday, 02 April 2013 09:59 Maya Rhodan Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – They were Southern governors who shared the same last name – Perdue – but took different approaches in two high-profile race-sensitive cases. Despite a direct appeal from Pope Benedict XVI, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue did not spare Troy Davis from execution in 2011 for allegedly killing a Savannah policeman.

Olsen Fish Company

Monday, 01 April 2013 15:40 Shaina Brassard, West Broadway Coalition

Lutefisk. Pickled herring.

For those with no Scandinavian heritage, these may be curious terms, yet a mere block and a half off West Broadway on North 2nd St sits Olsen Fish Company, the world's largest lutefisk processor and producer of what many claim are the best herring products around.

Champion's drivers license bill supports immigrants

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:48

On Monday March 18th, the Senate Transportation committee passed S.F. 271. The bill, authored by Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL – Minneapolis), changes the documents required to receive a Minnesota Drivers License. It allows applicants to use official government identification cards from other countries that show a photo of the cardholder, unique identification number and security measures making it difficult to alter the ID to prove their identity.

Protecting children caught up in sex trade: 2011 legislature passed Safe Harbor — 2013 needs to put resources in place

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:43 SHANIKA ALSTON, TC DAILY PLANET

For years, children who have been caught in the vicious cycle of sex trafficking and prostitution were lost in the shuffle of the juvenile justice system and penalized as offenders. However, in 2011, that changed with the enactment of Minnesota's Safe Harbor legislation. Designed to protect children, Safe Harbor 2011 provides that children involved in sex trade will be protected and receive the services and support they need, rather than being treated as criminals. Human rights advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement and other social service agencies participated in a mandated stakeholder engagement process, which resulted in this effort to create a model that would protect the rights of children. The law has not been fully implemented — provision of resources is the task of this year's legislature.

NAACP continues historic association with Haiti

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:37

(Port-au Prince, Haiti) - Last week, a NAACP delegation led by Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, met with Haitian President Michel Martelly to discuss key civil rights issues including education, health care, and economic sustainability.

Ellison introduces Common Sense Housing Investment Act

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:30

WASHINGTON--Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) this week reintroduced the Common Sense Housing Investment Act (H.R. 6677) to make it easier for middle class and working families to be able to stay in their homes and find affordable rental housing. The bill realigns the mortgage interest deduction to better benefit families who need it most by converting the deduction to a 15% flat rate tax credit on mortgages up to $500,000. The bill strengthens the tax benefits for homeowners, while giving working families better access to rental homes.

Black History Expo celebrates entrepreneurship

Monday, 01 April 2013 13:20 Ivan Phifer

Members of the Twin Cities community celebrated Black History Month through the spirit of entrepreneurship and excelling African-American businesses.

African American clergy to hold Faith Rally at Capitol Rotunda

Friday, 29 March 2013 13:37

On Thursday April 4, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, 200 African-American clergy and members of their congregations will hold a faith rally at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. Together, they will call on legislators to erase existing equity gaps in education, transit, healthcare and housing. They seek to partner with state leaders to achieve equitable budget solutions that benefit the children and families of their community.

Valerie Jarrett Named “Newsmaker of the Year”

Friday, 29 March 2013 13:24

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – White House adviser Valerie Jarrett has been named the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation’s “Newsmaker of the Year.”

Jarrett was presented the award last week during NNPAF’s annual Black Press Week celebration in Washington, D.C.