Archive Posts
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In the News: Yohuru Williams on the History of Racial Inequality in Minnesota
Racial Justice InitiativeYohuru Williams, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with FOX 9 about the history of racial inequality in Minnesota. From the story: “The ‘Good Life in Minnesota’ didn’t extend to all segments of this population, certainly not to African Americans, certainly not…
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In the News: St. Thomas Prominently Featured in USA Today Special Edition for Black History Month
In the NewsEach year, USA Today publishes a special edition celebrating Black History Month. This year, with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on the cover, the University of St. Thomas provided expert commentary for multiple stories. Executive Vice President and Provost Eddy Rojas and College of Arts and Sciences Professor Paola Ehrmantraut provided insight into the development… -
Reflection: Solidarity
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Yohuru Williams and President Rob Vischer co-teach a course on race, law, and U.S. history. They co-wrote the following reflection. The release of the video showing the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols has caused tremendous pain within our St. Thomas community, especially following so closely on the heels of events in the Twin Cities… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Importance of Increasing Economic Opportunity Alongside Civil Rights
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and history professor from the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with WESH 2 at Rollins College, following a celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. 's life and contributions. From the story: "Dr. King spoke to this in his final book, Where Do We Go… -
Urban Art Mapping Receives NEA Grant for BLM Murals Research
Action Plan to Combat RacismThe Urban Art Mapping research team within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to receive a research grant. The $80,000 arts grant will support an interdisciplinary, comparative study of eight Black Lives Matter street murals produced throughout… -
Dr. Yohuru Williams: What Dr. King Said About Voting Rights
Racial Justice Initiative“Dr. King would have been the first to acknowledge that freedom is a constant struggle in which we all have an important part to play,” Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, said on the Sunday before MLK Day to a gathering at National… -
Where Are We 55 Years Since Dr. King's Death?
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 55 years ago, and many of his hopes and dreams for America in terms of racial equality are yet to make as much progress as he likely would have hoped. “Dr. King would be very concerned about where we are and would be pushing and advocating for us… -
First Friday: Intersection of Race and Sports Discussion With Minnesota Twins CEO
Racial Justice InitiativeDave St. Peter, president and CEO of the Minnesota Twins, and Yohuru Williams, PhD, director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, sat down at Target Field to discuss the historical and contemporary lessons being learned at the intersection of race and sports. The conversation was aired in the middle of… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Realtors Apologizing for Discriminatory Practices
Racial Justice InitiativeYohuru Williams, PhD, recently spoke with WCCO Radio about the history of systemic racism in the Minneapolis real estate industry, following an apology from the Minneapolis Area Realtors group. Williams is distinguished university chair, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. From the story: "What happened is… -
NY Times Reviews Yohuru Williams' New Jackie Robinson Book
Professional Notes“Impressively researched” are the words that The New York Times used to describe a book about Jackie Robinson that is co-written by Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished history professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at St. Thomas. The New York Times reviewed Williams' book Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black…