Race: Conversations around race and racial justice

Here are the latest on the fight against racism, voices calling for racial justice and in-depth stories on communities of color and other racial issues from MPR News.

Voices of Minnesota Calls for change across the state

Protests and pain The killing of George Floyd

Call To Mind Spotlight on black trauma and policing

Amplifying voices Share your experiences and hopes for the future

'Moral compass': Requiem for South Africa's Archbishop Tutu
Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was remembered at a state funeral Saturday for his role in ending South Africa's apartheid regime and for championing the rights of LGBTQ people. “When we were in the dark, he brought light,” Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said.
As Duluth’s highest-ranking Black firefighter retires, efforts grow for more diversity
After more than 25 years on the job, Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Clint Reff is retiring Thursday. When he leaves, there will be only one remaining African American firefighter in a department of about 130 people. Efforts are underway to recruit more diverse fire departments — in Duluth, and beyond. 
Survey: More Minnesotans rise to fight racism, educate themselves about social injustice
Minnesotans from various racial and ethnic backgrounds name community involvement, growing awareness of racism, as well as cultural celebrations as among the most positive things impacting their communities, according to a new survey.
Black-owned hospice seeks to bring greater ease in dying to Black families
Black patients and their families are less likely to sign up for end-of-life comfort care. To reach them, investors are starting hospice agencies run by people who look like the patients they serve.
Desmond Tutu, South African equality activist, dies at 90
The buoyant, blunt-spoken clergyman used his pulpit as the first Black bishop of Johannesburg and later Archbishop of Cape Town as well as frequent public demonstrations to galvanize public opinion against racial inequity both at home and globally.
COVID sent last year's U.S. death rate soaring, especially among people of color
Americans' life expectancy declined by nearly two years in 2020 compared to the year before, primarily because of COVID-19. The drop in life expectancy was bigger for men, and for Blacks and Latinos.
South Dakota governor pens bill to block race theory in schools, colleges
Republican Gov. Kristi Noem has drafted a bill that would block teaching critical race theory in South Dakota schools, public universities and technical colleges. South Dakota education officials say critical race theory isn't part of state curriculum in schools or colleges.