Archive Posts
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Yohuru Williams Featured on Dan Aykroyd’s New History Channel Docuseries
Professional NotesDr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished professor of history and director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, is one of the experts on the History Channel’s new documentary series “The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd.” Williams spoke about islands outside of Mexico City where more than 4,000 dolls are hanging from trees, fences…
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Series on Indigenous Relations Grapples With the History of University Land
Diversity, Equity and InclusionDuring the academic year 2023-24, the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas. is sponsoring a series of four on-campus events and two off-campus visits to sacred sites to learn more about Indigenous communities in Minnesota and the history of relations between especially the Dakota people and the Catholic Church. The… -
History Echoes: Racial Justice Initiative Sparks Urgency for Collective Action
Racial Justice InitiativeA conversation with Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, inspired reflection and action for those attending an on-campus event. Williams, who weaved in themes from his new book, More Than A Dream: The Radical March on Washington for… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Buy Black Movement and Virtue Signaling
In the NewsYohuru Williams, history professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with the Star Tribune for a story about the Buy Black movement and efforts to ensure it remains a long-term priority. From the story: This summer, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action policies at… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on How Presidential Candidate Tim Scott Discusses Systemic Racism
In the NewsYohuru Williams, history professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with The Associated Press about the top Black Republican candidate in the presidential primary. From the story: “He’s a Black man who rejects the idea of systemic racism, which is very popular in Republican circles,”… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
In the NewsDuring the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, spoke about the topic to several news outlets around the country. He is also the author of a new book on the topic, More Than A Dream: The Radical March on… -
Remembering the March on Washington 60 Years Later
Anti-racism EffortsThe 60th anniversary of the March on Washington is Monday, Aug. 28. While many people hear about that day in the context of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, Dr. Yohuru Williams, the founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, says there’s so much more… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Sentencing of Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao
In the NewsYohuru Williams, PhD, history professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with MPR about the sentencing of the fourth officer involved in the 2020 murder of George Floyd. From the story: “It feels a little anti-climatic and I think that might be true for most… -
Racial Justice Initiative: Leading Critical Conversations
Racial Justice InitiativeWhen the Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) was founded at the University of St. Thomas in summer 2020, a new lane for powerful and engaging work toward racial justice emerged in the Twin Cities. With a clear and unique vision, its founder, Dr. Yohuru Williams, champions historical recovery as the foundation for revealing the “six degrees… -
Policing MSP: Student Researchers Uncover Truth in Name of Racial Justice
Diversity, Equity and InclusionThe Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas is examining the history of policing in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the legacy of injustices experienced by Black, Indigenous and Latino communities. Behind the scenes, four St. Thomas students delved into newspaper archives and police and court records to outline the stories that come…