Buying a house or a piece of property to call your own is part of the American Dream. But if you're African American, that dream is becoming further and further out of reach. Whether you're a renter trying to buy your first home or a homeowner looking for a modification to avoid foreclosure, it has become more difficult than ever to get approved for a loan and just as … [Read more...]
HUD Chief Seeks Broadband Access for the Poor
Julián Castro, the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, wants to provide broadband access to public housing residents in an effort to increase socioeconomic mobility among poor and low-income families. “We think [broadband access] is important because the world requires a connection to the Internet now,” said Castro. He said that HUD wants to launch … [Read more...]
Author turns traumatic childhood experience into a book
Minnesota senior credits Alex Haley for encouraging her to write Dr. Thelma Battle-Buckner for most of her four-score-plus life has forged a “blessed path” from the South to Minnesota. “I just did what became natural for me to do,” she admits. Born in Mississippi to Nathan and Bessie Battle, Battle-Buckner is one of 13 children. She graduated from high school in 1949, got … [Read more...]
Obama for India
On a three-day historic visit, President Obama hit a home run for India. Anyone watching these events in person would be considered lucky enough to witness rare history in the making. In addition to the symbolism of the moment — India’s 65th anniversary of the founding of the constitutional republic — Obama as the representative of the oldest constitutional democracy spoke to … [Read more...]
City prep star returns to play for Gophers
There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2014-15 school and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher women’s basketball transfer Allina Starr. Allina Starr is Gophers Head Coach Marlene Stollings’ first city signee. … [Read more...]