Archive Posts
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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…
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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… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams Pens Two Op-Eds on Black Women in the Workforce
In the NewsYohuru Williams, distinguished university chair and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, coauthored a USA Today opinion piece on why Black women are facing disproportionate job cuts. And another one for the Minnesota Star Tribune. In both, Williams highlights the long history of undervaluation that shapes the experiences of… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the History of Police Reform in Minneapolis
In the NewsFounding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Yohuru Williams, sat down with MPR News host Nina Moini to discuss the long and complex history of police reform in Minneapolis, a topic often framed around the events of 2020, but with roots stretching back more than a century. From the… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Jackie Robinson’s Quiet Strength
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, sat down with Katy Milkman, host of the “Choiceology” podcast, to explain how Jackie Robinson’s restraint and strategic discipline helped dismantle racial barriers in Major League Baseball. From the podcast:Katy Milkman: But the kind of man that it took to do… -
Art as History: ‘This Is Water’ Brings Racial Justice Conversations to Life
Racial Justice InitiativeHistory is not confined to textbooks. It lives in stories and the ways people remember, reckon, and reimagine their shared past. That’s a message that is important to Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) at the University of St. Thomas. As a historian and educator, he often turns to various… -
Yohuru Williams Highlights Black Panther Party Impact on History Channel Special
Professional NotesDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently appeared in a History Channel video that discusses the creation of the Black Panther Party. Williams highlights the timeline and the national impact of the Panthers. In the midst of poverty, racial discrimination, and police brutality, college students… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams Op-Ed on Pretext Stops in the Minnesota Star Tribune
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative, wrote an op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune on how Hennepin County’s new policy on pretext traffic stops can reduce racial profiling and signal a safer course for all drivers. From the story: Reports from both the…