Archive Posts
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In the News: Shaherzad Ahmadi on U.S. Iran Conflict
In the NewsShaherzad Ahmadi, associate professor of history at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with MPR News about the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran one month into the war. In the conversation with host Catharine Richert, Ahmadi analyzed what has unfolded so far, what may come next, and how recent comments from President…
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In the News: Shaherzad Ahmadi on U.S. and Israel Attacks on Iran
In the NewsShaherzad Ahmadi, associate professor of history at the University of St. Thomas, joined MPR News to discuss the historical roots of the conflict involving Iran following U.S. and Israeli attacks and calls for regime change. Ahmadi, whose research focuses on the Iran–Iraq War, explained how decades of regional tensions and past conflicts continue to shape… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Future of Black History Month
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative, wrote an op-ed for The Progressive about the promise and problem of Black History Month. A month full of opportunity to celebrate Black culture also involves responsibility. The piece discuss how history must be retold and truthfully taught to ensure collective… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Black and Jewish Communities
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, appeared on AM950’s Connections Radio show with host Laurie Fitz to discuss the relationship between Black and Jewish communities. Joined by Sheree Curry, co-president of the National Association of Black Journalists in… -
St. Thomas Students Reflect on Civil Rights History
In the NewsUniversity of St. Thomas students who spent J-Term on the We March for Justice Civil Rights Study Trip were interviewed by WJTV and WLBT news media in Canton, Mississippi, during a history tour led by civil rights activist and Canton native Flonzie Brown Wright. During a visit to the Canton Freedom House, students reflected on… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on History and ICE Actions in Minnesota
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair and professor of history, spoke to WCCO Radio host Vineeta Sawkar about recent events in the Twin Cities. They discuss historical comparisons to the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis and to the community response. From the segment: Vineeta Sawkar: We hear how we’re living through history. But how can… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the History of Police Reform in Minneapolis
In the NewsFounding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Yohuru Williams, sat down with MPR News host Nina Moini to discuss the long and complex history of police reform in Minneapolis, a topic often framed around the events of 2020, but with roots stretching back more than a century. From the… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Jackie Robinson’s Quiet Strength
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, sat down with Katy Milkman, host of the “Choiceology” podcast, to explain how Jackie Robinson’s restraint and strategic discipline helped dismantle racial barriers in Major League Baseball. From the podcast:Katy Milkman: But the kind of man that it took to do… -
Art as History: ‘This Is Water’ Brings Racial Justice Conversations to Life
Racial Justice InitiativeHistory is not confined to textbooks. It lives in stories and the ways people remember, reckon, and reimagine their shared past. That’s a message that is important to Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) at the University of St. Thomas. As a historian and educator, he often turns to various… -
In the News: Shaherzad Ahmadi on Peace in the Middle East
In the NewsThis week saw the Israeli government and Hamas agree to a peace deal. Shaherzad Ahmadi, associate professor of history, spoke with Vineeta Sawkar at WCCO Radio about the significance of the deal and the potential political future in the Middle East. From the story: “We now have the first real sign that this war might…