Archive Posts
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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…
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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… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Anti-ICE Protests in Minnesota
In the NewsYohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and professor of history at the University of St. Thomas, appeared in national and regional coverage analyzing the surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. In PolitiFact, Williams pushed back on claims that anti-ICE protesters are paid agitators, emphasizing that most demonstrators are local residents responding to concerns about federal… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams Publishes Two Op-Eds on Renee Nicole Good Aftermath
Racial Justice InitiativeYohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and professor of history at the University of St. Thomas, published a commentary that ran on MLK Day in The Minnesota Star Tribune comparing the life and legacy of Dr. King and the “Be Good” slogan that emerged in the aftermath of an ICE agent fatally shooting Renee Nicole Good. Williams also coauthored… -
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 ICE Raids and Rising Tensions in Minnesota
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, was quoted by The National in coverage examining escalating tensions following the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman during an ICE operation. Williams said the administration’s immigration actions reflect a strategy of inflicting harm on targeted… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams Op-Ed on Equity and Accountability
In the NewsYohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and professor of history at the University of St. Thomas, authored an op-ed published in the Minnesota Star Tribune examining how the Minnesota Council of Churches has grappled with racial equity and accountability over time. In the piece, Williams reflects on historical patterns of institutional retreat when efforts…