Archive Posts
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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…
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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… -
VIDEO: Juneteenth as a Second Independence Day
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair, professor of history and the founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative, recently spoke about the misconceptions people have about the Juneteenth holiday, its history and meaning for the future. "Black people have always been at the vanguard, the forefront of deepening questions of American democracy, whether that is… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Importance of Committing to DEI Efforts
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 about concerns that companies are losing momentum in their approach to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. From the story: George Floyd’s murder by police in 2020 created an urgency in many… -
A Moment of Transformation: Three Years After the Murder of George Floyd
Racial Justice InitiativeThree years after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, spoke to community members who gathered in George Floyd Square at an event sponsored by the Minnesota Justice Research Center. Although the anniversary of Floyd’s death… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams Leads ‘Teach-in’ in Florida
In the NewsYohuru Williams, history professor and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with Inside Higher Ed about why he led 24 hours of teaching and education on the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education from St. Petersburg, Florida. From the story: Williams, who also leads St.… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on Policing in Minnesota
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP-TV about policing in Minnesota. From the story: “Since August 2020, Minnesota has expanded its data collection of use-of-force incidents involving members of law enforcement, but questions remain for many about the integrity… -
Racial Justice Initiative Director Honored for Saving a Life
In the NewsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, recently received an honor from the city hall of St. Paul suburb Mendota Heights because he was in the right place at an unfortunate time. Williams helped save a man’s life. Williams was one of two people alone in… -
Lessons From ‘Blues for an Alabama Sky’
Racial Justice InitiativeThere is much that can be learned about life from theatrical plays. The University of St. Thomas showcased that when it brought the topics of racial justice and principled leadership together during an exclusive pre-performance discussion of “Blues for an Alabama Sky” at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Dr. Yohuru Williams, history professor and founding… -
In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Day of Learning and Professional Development for NYC Educators
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Yohuru Williams, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, worked with New American History and the Social Studies team from the New York City Department of Education in a daylong event of professional development. From the story: “Last Monday, over 30 New York City educators…