Archive Posts
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Jesuit Slaveholding Exhibit Makes National Debut at St. Thomas
Racial Justice InitiativeA new immersive exhibition centering descendants of 314 Black men, women and children sold by the Jesuits in 1838 is making its national debut at the University of St. Thomas. “What We Inherit: Truth, Repair, and a Promise to the Future” explores the history of Jesuit slaveholding and how that history was lost, rediscovered and…
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Yohuru Williams to Speak at MinnPost Festival
Professional NotesDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, will join historian and author Ibram X. Kendi for a conversation during the 2026 MinnPost Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, in Minneapolis. Williams and Kendi will discuss Kendi’s new book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age,… -
Yohuru Williams, Sheree Curry Win National Award for Star Tribune Commentaries
Professional NotesThe National Association of Black Journalists honored Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and distinguished university chair at the University of St. Thomas, and Sheree Curry, director of communications, for commentaries they wrote that were published in The Minnesota Star Tribune. The two won an NABJ Salute to Excellence honor in the… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Police Accountability and Transparency
In the NewsYohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and Distinguished University Chair at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about the Minneapolis Police Department’s use of “coaching” to address officer misconduct. Williams discussed how the practice can limit public transparency because coaching is not considered formal discipline under Minnesota law, raising questions… -
Yohuru Williams Discusses America's Journey from Slavery to Freedom on CNN Series
Racial Justice InitiativeRacial Justice Initiative Founding Director Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History, is featured on CNN's Original Series "This Land." The series explores the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped America's journey from slavery to citizenship. Williams offers historical insight into the people and places that continue to define our nation. Episodes… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Roots of Discipline
Racial Justice InitiativeYohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, was featured in a NPR story on WXXI News out of New York. With a focus on the multidisciplinary artist Lex Marie, the process behind her art, and what it means in regard to discipline in Black households, Williams spoke… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the State of the Union
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, joined MPR News to analyze President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Williams noted the speech missed an opportunity to present an inclusive historical narrative as the nation approaches its 250th… -
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… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Constitutional Protections
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and professor of history at the University of St. Thomas, co-authored an op-ed published by The Conversation. Amid the deployment of federal agents in Minnesota, the concern for constitutional protections is explored, particularly the First, Second, Fourth and 10th Amendments. The piece reflects on the national…