Race: Conversations around race and racial justice

The May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody has ignited an urgent push for racial equality across Minnesota and the United States. 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

A sign at Fort Bragg, N.C., one of the army bases named after a Confederate leader. As the nation erupts in protests over police treatment of African Americans, these base names are coming under scrutiny — again.

Pressure mounts to rename Army bases that honor Confederate officers

June 10, 2020 4:00 AM

Many U.S. military bases in the South are named after Confederate offcers. Now protests over the treatment of African Americans are prompting a new call to change those names.

A crowd of people raising their fists.

How to be a white ally and practice anti-racism

June 9, 2020 11:20 PM

By Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

It isn’t about what you say or post on social media. It’s about how you act. That’s the message many black leaders are delivering in essays and in interviews in the wake of George Floyd’s killing about what it means to be an ally.

White Fragility author Robin DiAngelo says the question white people should be asking themselves is not: Have I been shaped by race, but how have I been shaped by race? Above, protesters at a "Black Lives Matter" demonstration on June 1, 2020 in New York.

'There is no neutral': 'Nice white people' can still be complicit in a racist society

June 9, 2020 7:02 PM

“White Fragility” author Robin DiAngelo says that the status quo in the United States is racism, and for white people, that's comfortable. "We've got to start making it uncomfortable," she says.

A black woman in a mask and gloves on a city street

Structural racism and health care

June 9, 2020 3:11 PM

By Angela Davis and Katie Moritz

Inspired by a recent conversation on black trauma, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with experts in the medical field about racial health disparities and how to fix them.

BNSF bridge over US 10 in Moorhead, Minn.

When ‘Minnesota Nice’ … isn’t

June 9, 2020 2:23 PM

By Kerri Miller, Kelly Gordon, and Marcheta Fornoff

Minnesota was held up to the national mirror this month. What did we see? Are we really who we think we are? Or has the national spotlight revealed long-ignored flaws?

Bon Appétit editor-in-chief, Adam Rapoport stepped down after a photograph of him dressed in a racially insensitive costume surfaced on the heels of renewed accusations about discrimination at the magazine.

Chief editor at Bon Appétit resigns after racially offensive photo surfaces

June 9, 2020 7:03 AM

By Scott Neuman

The undated photograph from a Halloween party shows editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport and his wife in stereotypical costumes meant to portray Puerto Rican dress.

One dead after officer-involved shooting in north Minneapolis

Critics wary of BCA's investigation into Floyd killing

June 9, 2020 4:00 AM

By Riham Feshir

The BCA is investigating one of the most high-profile police death cases in the country. Despite video footage taken by a bystander as George Floyd was pinned to the ground by Minneapolis police, critics say they lack trust in BCA investigators, who are tasked with gathering remaining evidence that would help prosecutors build a case against the police officers.

A crew plans the operation to remove the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Ave. in Richmond, Va.

Protests are bringing down Confederate monuments around the South

June 8, 2020 10:17 PM

By Debbie Elliott

New attention from people protesting police brutality and racial injustice is changing the way cities and campuses in the American South regard symbols of white supremacy.

The artist Celos paints a mural in downtown Los Angeles on May 30, 2020 in protest against the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.

Beyond protests: 5 more ways to channel anger into action to fight racism

June 8, 2020 6:43 AM

By Allison Aubrey

Social justice advocates and psychologists point to a range of strategies to promote racial justice, including using your creative energy and talents. Political engagement and self-care help, too.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Josie Johnson.

'Marchers are full of hope': Civil rights leaders see progress in today's movement

June 8, 2020 6:43 AM

By Steve Inskeep

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Josie Johnson reflect on the civil rights movement and the protests following the killing of George Floyd. "We're not going to give up. We're not going to stop," Jackson says.