Black and Funny Improv Festival looking for community support to continue opening doors
"It's kind of a way to carve out space, specifically for black performers and audience members, to see themselves represented on stage," said Jada Pulley.
Watch CBS News
"It's kind of a way to carve out space, specifically for black performers and audience members, to see themselves represented on stage," said Jada Pulley.
Jaylen Smith was 18 years old when he was sworn into office as mayor or Earle, Arkansas, a town of 2,000 people.
During this Black History Month, a history maker is sharing his inspiring story here in the Twin Cities. Jaylen Smith is recognized globally as the youngest African American Mayor in U.S. history. WCCO's Reg Chapman explains how he's trying to inspire the next generation of leaders.
The Black and Funny Improv Festival looks to uplift black voices, while breaking down barriers of improvisational comedy, but organizers say they need a little help to make sure they're around for years to come. Our Jason Rantala has the story.
![Jamecia Bennett playing the role of Sister Rosetta Tharpe played the guitar during a play dress rehearsal of Marie and Rosetta, the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe at the Park Square Wednesday November 20, 2018 in St. Paul, MN.] Jerry Holt • Jerry.ho](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/02/22/69a1fd48-5f06-472d-a528-c655c6abd303/thumbnail/640x360/f88a24a770eec6bb62d5f46a3e02cf44/gettyimages-1156602088.jpg#)
Bennett was just 16 when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped her develop live music skills. Her studies continued under Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness founder Gary Hines, but the legacy started even earlier, with family.
The keys to unlocking the doors of Black history may not rest in the pages of school history books, but rather in segregated schools made for Black children.
Born into slavery in Mississippi, Frederick McGhee's family escaped with union soldiers to Tennessee where he got a law degree.
It's a success story even local historians have trouble comprehending. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield introduces us to a Minnesota leader who shattered every barrier imaginable.
Some St. Paul students had the opportunity to go bring history to life by peering through the lens of their school's namesake, St. Paul's own Gordon Parks. WCCO’s Ubah Ali takes us inside his exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and speaks with a high school student on Parks' lasting impact.
Gordon Parks High School students had the opportunity to bring history to life by peering through the lens of their school's namesake, legendary St. Paul artist Gordon Parks.
They've talked to the president of a building group, a high school ESL teacher, and a man who runs a grill company. They are talking with Black men, but they hope another demographic is listening.
You may think, for a pastor, Sunday is always the big day, but Pastor Jerry McAfee says the days in between matter too.
At New Salem Baptist in North Minneapolis, McAfee’s pulpit is indoors, but he’s proven his ministry is outdoors.
Bringing healing and wellness to people of color is a year-round mission for Carter. That mission is lived out through her two businesses, The Zen Bin wellness studio and Heal, a plant-based café.
You may not know his name but if you've ever been to St. Paul, you've likely seen his work. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield has the story of a deeply talented architect who defied all odds. It's part of our on-going celebration of Black History Month.
Eig unearthed transformative firsts about Dr. King – many via newly-released government documents. His book reveals, and it debunks.
Patton always dreamed of bringing the music that comes from his heart to the big stage in his hometown, and now that dream is a reality.
The Minnesota History Center's newest exhibit hopes to show Black Americans' fight for racial equity and full citizenship in the years following the Civil War.
For the past 18 years, a local barber has dedicated his talent and time to people experiencing homelessness.
Seena Hodges, founder and CEO of The Woke Coach, visits WCCO to talk about her new book, "From Ally to Accomplice,” and the opportunities we have this holiday season to tackle tough topics with family members.
This month marks 60 years since KKK members bombed the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama – killing four Black girls and injuring at least 20 people. A group of Minnesotans has just returned from Birmingham where they contributed to a conference commemorating that terrorist attack. Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, joined us Thursday with more.
"There would be more challenges today with [Dr. King's] speech than there was back then," said Dr. Henry Morris. "It has become alright again to be a public bigot."
The new book "Can't Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie like Our Mama" shares a story about family and love that will feel familiar to many Minnesotans.
Seena Hodges, founder and CEO of anti-racism training consultant The Woke Coach, is releasing her debut book, “From Ally to Accomplice: How to Lead as a Fierce Antiracist.” She joined WCCO to talk about the steps we can take to understand our privilege and power and learn to use it for the benefit of others.
New businesses and entrepreneurs are taking up space in a place that was once hard to access.
Hundreds of people, from families of Annunciation victims to Moms Demand Action, called on the House of Representatives to vote on a sweeping gun reform bill that already passed the Senate.
Luca Langoni scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half and the New England Revolution held on for a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United to close out a four-match homestand.
Jackson Chourio hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning and made a run-saving catch in the seventh, Logan Henderson struck out seven in five innings and the Milwaukee Brewers edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1.
A bill meant to protect children on social media is heading to Gov. Tim Walz's desk after passing both the Minnesota House and Senate.
Shelisa Demuth says she still believes in her heart that her mom, Lisa Demuth, should call for the vote, but she understands why it won't happen.
Shelisa Demuth says she still believes in her heart that her mom, Lisa Demuth, should call for the vote, but she understands why it won't happen.
David Storbakken's story is one of the many Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives cases.
Monday will mark five years since the tragic killing of 6-year-old Aniya Allen in Minneapolis
Saturday looks perfect with ample sunshine, highs in the low 80s and less wind than previous days. Things turn active on Sunday.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
David Storbakken's story is one of the many Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives cases.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
Wildfires are spreading quickly in northern Minnesota and burning hundreds of acres of land among extreme fire risk conditions on Saturday.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are asking for tips from the public after a fire suppression aircraft was struck by a bullet on Friday.
A wildfire several miles north of Two Harbors, Minnesota, has grown to over 370 acres, according to officials.
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
Hundreds of people, from families of Annunciation victims to Moms Demand Action, called on the House of Representatives to vote on a sweeping gun reform bill that already passed the Senate.
A bill meant to protect children on social media is heading to Gov. Tim Walz's desk after passing both the Minnesota House and Senate.
Shelisa Demuth says she still believes in her heart that her mom, Lisa Demuth, should call for the vote, but she understands why it won't happen.
These are decisive days in the 2nd Congressional District. It's the only open district in the entire state because the incumbent Angie Craig is running for U.S. Senate. Sen. Matt Klein is one of the DFL candidates.
Republican Sen. Michael Kruen joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m. to talk about the social media bill that just passed the Minnesota House.
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
With more Americans opting to drive rather than fly amid higher costs, South Dakota tourism officials say the state is well-positioned as a regional road trip destination.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are asking for tips from the public after a fire suppression aircraft was struck by a bullet on Friday.
Monday will mark five years since the tragic killing of 6-year-old Aniya Allen in Minneapolis
Police in Rochester, Minnesota, are investigating a shooting near Essex Park, according to a post on social media.
Justin Eichorn, the former Republican Minnesota state senator charged last year with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, appeared in a St. Paul federal court Thursday where he instead pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child pornography.
Federal investigators say four men from South America burglarized homes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida, and walked away with more than a million dollars worth of cash, jewelry, firearms, precious metals and rare coins.
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
A Twin Cities teenager is facing an unimaginable battle: terminal cancer. She's fortunate enough to have family by her side through her fearless fight as they all hope for a miracle.
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia has led Mayo Clinic since 2019, and the organization said it was his decision to "complete his tenure at the end of this year."
Twin Cities emergency room physicians, nurses and technicians made an emotional plea Tuesday for lawmakers to do something about Minnesota's gun laws.
The Minnesota Department of Health said Tuesday afternoon that it is monitoring a person who was potentially exposed to someone who tested positive for hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Dave Ryan announced Wednesday that May 22 will be his last day at KDWB, ending a 33-year run at the Twin Cities station.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
A trial in the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was set to begin later in May.
The Minnesota Star Tribune was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured more than a dozen others.
Luca Langoni scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half and the New England Revolution held on for a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United to close out a four-match homestand.
Jackson Chourio hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning and made a run-saving catch in the seventh, Logan Henderson struck out seven in five innings and the Milwaukee Brewers edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1.
Ronda Rousey used her signature armbar to stop Gina Carano just 17 seconds into a comeback bout between the two MMA fighters.
Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are still trying to climb over the hump at the top of the NBA after losing in the second round to the San Antonio Spurs.
Defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek were unable to play for the Minnesota Wild in the second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL playoffs because of broken bones in their feet.
Amy Klobuchar is putting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear. She faces no significant opposition in the race for the DFL endorsement and her existing record of statewide wins is formidable.
The legislation establishes a list of requirements aimed at improving transparency and reducing conflicts within HOAs. Minnesota estimates that 25% of its residents live in an HOA, and 82% of new homes are built within one.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Dana Ohman, an attorney who handles HOA disputes, about some of the most common questions homeowners have.
Sen. Tina Smith is using her last months in office to vocally campaign for progressive and environmental causes. She hopes that a progressive will succeed her when Minnesotans go to the polls next November.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
The carillon has 56 bells, and the Mayo Clinic said that makes it one of the largest instruments in the world and the largest instrument in Minnesota.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
A symbolic change is bothering some Minnesotans. Now their local leaders are listening; several cities are voting to fly the old state flag instead of the new one. While it was a drastic redesign, it wasn't the first.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso is tracking severe weather expected this afternoon.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Things turn active on Sunday with a stronger storm system bringing much-needed soaking rains.
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso has the latest forecast, with severe weather expected Sunday.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows has the latest forecast.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.
These are decisive days in the 2nd Congressional District. It's the only open district in the entire state because the incumbent Angie Craig is running for U.S. Senate. Sen. Matt Klein is one of the DFL candidates.
Republican Sen. Michael Kruen joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m. to talk about the social media bill that just passed the Minnesota House.
One big bill that passed the Minnesota Senate Saturday: a sweeping bill aimed at keeping children safe on social media. Esme Murphy has the details.
It's been one year since a Duluth man was last seen at a Roseville gas station. David Storbakken's story is one of the many Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives cases. His family told Frankie McLister, not knowing what happened is the worst.