Archive Posts
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In the News: Juneteenth must be a day of service and remembrance
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, wrote an op-ed about Juneteenth that was published in USA Today on June 20, the day the holiday was federal observed this year. The full opinion piece can also be read on Yahoo! News without a subscription. Below is…
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History of Juneteenth and Moving Forward
Racial Justice InitiativeTo understand the history and significance of Juneteenth and what it will take to move beyond symbolism, Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair and professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas spoke with YES! Racial Justice Editor Sonali Kolhatkar. Quotes from Dr. Williams in the… -
In the News: Advising St. Paul on Reparations Plans
In the NewsYohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, is quoted in a Star Tribune article about the city of St. Paul's intent to make reparations to Black descendants of slaves. At a June 15 council meeting, Williams and other members of the city's reparations advisory group… -
Juneteenth and a Moment of Reckoning
Racial Justice InitiativeAs the U.S. prepares to commemorate the federal holiday Juneteenth, which marks the date (June 19, 1865) when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, the nation is at a moment of reckoning and we must make everyday commitments to justice, says Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St.… -
In the News: Dr. Yohuru Williams on Donaldson, Jackie Robinson Reference
In the NewsNew York Yankees baseman Josh Donaldson was suspended for calling Tim Anderson "Jackie," in reference to the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with USA TODAY about the comment, saying he believes it was an insult. “In a lot… -
In the News: Dr. Yohuru Williams Discusses 'Long Way to Go' Since George Floyd's Death
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Fox 9 about community and national changes amid the second anniversary of George Floyd's murder. From the article: "I'd say that in terms of conversation, we've made great gains. The level of conversation that people are having… -
In the News: Dr. Yohuru Williams on the Second Anniversary of the Death of George Floyd
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative, spoke with KSTP-TV about what has changed since George Floyd's murder. On the topic of progress, Williams said, "Well, this is a challenge because unfortunately as Americans we always want a tragedy with a happy ending, and we have a sitcom understanding of moments like… -
In the News: Dr. Yohuru Williams on the 'Great Replacement' Conspiracy Theory and the Buffalo Shooting
In the NewsFounding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative Dr. Yohuru Williams was interviewed by KARE 11 News on the shooting in Buffalo, New York. Williams explained the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory which is thought to be a motivation behind this attack, and many other hate crimes around the world. In the interview he said, "I feel… -
St. Thomas Community Reacts to Deadly Shooting in Buffalo, New York
In the NewsMembers of the University of St. Thomas are condemning racist violence and hate crimes in the aftermath of a shooting Saturday, May 14, that left 10 people dead and three others injured in Buffalo, New York, after a white 18-year-old gunman primarily attacked Black people in a supermarket there. The suspect has been charged with… -
In the News: Dr. Yohuru Williams on Police Reform
In the NewsFounding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative Dr. Yohuru Williams joined WCCO Radio to discuss police reform within the Minneapolis Police Department. Williams spoke of his reaction to the investigative report published on the MPD, and offered his hopes for the future of police culture within Minneapolis. "When we talk about getting at the culture,…