Recent content from Myron Medcalf
Medcalf: How to reconnect with friends you've lost touch with during the pandemic
It can be a struggle to find our social stride now that the world has opened up again.
Medcalf: Minnesota artist's work is a form of activism and connection for Native American community
Marlena Myles is among the featured speakers at an upcoming anti-racism book club community discussion
Medcalf: Inside the world of Minnesota sneakerheads
A growing community of sneaker aficionados sees footwear as a mode of self-expression
Medcalf: An invitation to learn U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective
Upcoming Mary Ann Key Book Club event features former teacher who helped adapt popular book for young people.
Medcalf: Next book club selection to focus on 'America's most overlooked community'
Mary Ann Book Club's next selection is "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States For Young People."
Medcalf: What happened to Amir Locke feels like it could happen to any Black Minnesotan
If it happens to me, what happens to us, investigate the investigation.
Medcalf: Friendly encounter with war veteran in greater Minnesota is a reminder of empathy's power
The pandemic has contributed to an erosion of our collective empathy – a tool that helps unite us.
Medcalf: Getting to know the real Martin Luther King Jr.
Let's honor him by studying the full story of his struggle and not just excerpts from his famous speeches.
Medcalf: Minnesota women speak about bell hooks' impact on their lives
The late scholar and author birthed a generation of Black women who were empowered by her ideas.
Medcalf: Verdict won't end the pain for those closest to Wright
Testimony showed the trauma friends and family have suffered
Medcalf: What Black Minnesotans are feeling hopeful about
'The greatest privilege of this space is the people I've met through this journey'
Medcalf: A letter to Daunte Wright's family
Let's not lose sight of the fact that we will never know his potential because his life was cut short.
Medcalf: For many Minnesotans, hunger is part of their new normal since pandemic
Hunger is closer to all of us than we may realize.
Medcalf: Why I chose not to attend Dave Chappelle's Minneapolis show
The comedian, an influential voice on racism, has the power to shape the perception of the LGBTQ community, another marginalized group that is full of Black folks he claims to defend.
Medcalf: Minneapolis election result feels like the start, not the end, of police reform fight
To ignore that view is to dismiss the diversified push to create systemic change and to avoid another tragedy.
Medcalf: Minnesota book club to encourage solidarity with Asian American communities
"Minor Feelings" has been filled with reflections on the parallels between the Asian American and the Black communities.
Medcalf: For joy on 8 wheels, roll onto Burnsville rink
At the roller rink, there is equality and diversity that illustrate the possibilities within the Twin Cities.
Medcalf: It's time to start seeing and valuing Black, single mothers in Minnesota
Single, Black mothers are held to an impossible standard without substantial support.
Medcalf: Minnesota's 'teen whisperer' humbled by support he's received during cancer fight
Accustomed to providing support for others, Jason Clopton recently displayed his own vulnerability as he discussed his next steps.
Medcalf: Black children continue to lose their lives to gun violence. It's a Minnesota problem.
There is a long line of young victims and, in many cases, young shooters.
Medcalf: In Minn., boarding school trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities must be acknowledged
Native American history has been buried by a country that knows it cannot be discussed without the admission of complicity.
Medcalf: Donut Trap owner offers a message of hope for a Black community navigating a turbulent world
Through his doughnuts, he has created a platform for dialogue.
Medcalf: Next book chosen for anti-racism book club focuses on Asian American reckoning
The goal of this choice is to demand respect for the perspectives of our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Medcalf: Changes to George Floyd Square threaten to scrub history
The city's move to reopen the intersection follows the playbook in a country that loves to move on when race is involved.
Medcalf: A love letter to the young Black men in Minneapolis I failed
Our children have a right to live.
Medcalf: Will powerful white Minnesotans live up to promises made after George Floyd's murder?
Until white people collectively commit to the empathy necessary to unravel systemic racism, this place will be ripe for more horror.
Medcalf: Antiracism book club explores caste in America
In Chris Rock's 2008 comedy special, "Kill the Messenger," he discusses the limited diversity in his affluent neighborhood in Alpine, N.J. At the time, the…
Medcalf: Compliance during Minnesota police encounters is only strictly required if you're Black
Reform, in the future, will be tested in a place now known for police killings,
Medcalf: Chauvin trial verdict offers glimmer of hope of what Minnesota can become
Although the darkness still lingers, the sun poked through the clouds on Tuesday.
Medcalf: Gawking at Black pain steals our humanity
What's the line between reporting atrocities and feeding fascination with Black trauma?
Medcalf: Blackness too often seen as act of resistance by Minn. police
Once again we are asked to tell the world how bad this feels.
Medcalf: In Minnesota and across country, Asian Americans are under attack and need our support
Minutes into my FaceTime conversation with Anthea Yur about the recent anti-Asian attacks around the country, I was struck by her vigor for change, as…
Medcalf: Join a local anti-racism book club for all Minnesotans
The Mary Ann Key Book Club is a collaboration with Hennepin County Library, the Friends of Hennepin County Library and the Star Tribune.
Medcalf: Security buildup before Derek Chauvin trial risks stifling voice of marginalized communities
If the line between protesters and opportunists isn't drawn and respected, it could create more challenges for all involved
Medcalf: Racism, not a highway, tore apart St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood
They didn't just build a major highway through a Black neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s. They killed dreams.
Medcalf: Minnesota artists uphold, demonstrate the timeless power of Black music
I've loved hip-hop music since I was a kid. It's filled with vivid imagery, anchored by defiance. Local rapper Nur-D, real name Matt Allen, and…
Medcalf: For far too long, voices of Black women in fight for justice have been ignored
Throughout the history of the movement for equality, Black women have been denied the recognition they've deserved.
Medcalf: White Minnesotans who ask why BLM protests police shootings, not homicides, aren't being honest
Those who ask why BLM protests police shootings, not homicides, aren't being honest
Medcalf: In 2021, Minnesotans shouldn't need another tragic image to commit to change
I remember pressing a gray button to get my voicemail messages and hearing the menacing voice. I was 20 years old, serving as the editor-in-chief…
Medcalf: How can Minnesotans face the truth about racism, past and present? Start with a book
To ponder the past is not an optional quest for a Black person in this country.
Medcalf: Our duty is to students of color falling behind
The great fight for any family of color in this state is to magnify the brilliance, potential and progress of our children against the undercurrent of discouraging statistics in Minnesota.
Medcalf: With a positive vibe, Black trainers push virtual fitness among a vulnerable group
It's hard to fight a pandemic — and winter inertia — while also shouldering the disproportionate health impact of the virus, Myron Medcalf writes. But these motivators help.
Medcalf: For Black Minnesotans fighting injustice, finding joy is itself 'an act of resistance'
In the middle of struggles for racial equality, it's OK to be tired, too. And it's important to do whatever's necessary to reboot.
Medcalf: To be Black in Minnesota is to constantly barter for acceptance
Value often feels like something you have to earn here when you're not white. Value seems conditional.
Summer of Reckoning: Tyus Jones in 2011
An occasional series following 15-year-old Tyus Jones' summer of basketball on a national stage.
Sampson doesn't regret decision to forgo NBA
The Gophers center considered leaving for the pros but decided his education came first.
Tubby Smith putting on his bravest face
After a nightmarish end to last season, Gophers men's basketball coach Tubby Smith enters this season with a squad short on experience but long on potential.
Five things the U men's basketball team must do to win now
1 FIND A POINT GUARD Last year the Gophers fell from the national rankings and ultimately missed out on the NIT as they struggled to…
Six-time winner McGregor finishes 10 Mile in 4th place
As race officials offered commentary on the USA Women's 10 Mile Championship over loudspeakers near the finish line Sunday, many spectators sighed when they learned that Minnesota's Katie McGregor, a six-time winner of the event, had dropped to sixth in the field.
She found running, and left troubles in the dust
Leane Guerrero's first marathon epitomizes her triumph over addiction.
Lions' passing weapons are a secondary concern
The Vikings defensive backs are more worried about their own performance, especially the part that happens in the second half.
Thundering herd coming down I-94 for Gophers-Bison game
As many as 20,000 North Dakota State fans are expected to descend on the Twin Cities on Saturday when their Bison take on the Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium.
Gophers coach gets a reward for fortitude
After spending five nights in the hospital this week, Jerry Kill got his first victory as Gophers coach.
Former Vikings star revels in memories, coaching
Keith Millard, a standout defensive tackle in the 1980s, has found new life teaching his style of intense football.
U coach suffers seizure on sidelines
Jerry Kill collapsed in the closing seconds of a home-opening loss to New Mexico State.
Chargers have 296 reasons to remember No. 28
The last time Adrian Peterson faced San Diego, he ran for a record 296 yards, which should be fresh on the Chargers' minds.
Walker down Memory Lane as ex-Gopher, now coach
New Mexico State's leader has a warm spot in his heart for his old teammates, but Saturday, it's all business.
Sanford ahead at strong safety
The Vikings have yet to declare him the starter over Tyrell Johnson, but his preseason play has been sure and decisive.
Lineman Ballard on the rise following his big fall
A report of a positive test for marijuana likely hurt Christian Ballard's draft stock, but the versatile rookie is making a mark.
Gophers receiver McKnight brings hoops skills to football
Da'Jon McKnight was chasing hoop dreams in high school before some football coaches made him an offer he couldn't refuse. And now, he's glad he switched.
Gophers banged up, but Kill knows things could be worse
During Wednesday afternoon's Gophers football practice, redshirt freshman running back Lamonte Edwards stood on the sideline in shorts and a jersey after tweaking his hamstring.
U freshman QB Shortell keeps making strides
Max Shortell has put together a string of impressive performances,
Part II: A 'feel for the game'
With his selection to the USA's 16-and-under team, Apple Valley's Tyus Jones is living up to his rank atop the national list of class of 2014 point guards.
Part I: Summer of reckoning
The next few months will be critical in the development of the 15-year-old basketball phenom.
Boxer Litzau fights against the odds
Jason Litzau knew tough times growing up in St. Paul. But now, he is on the verge of winning a world title, going up against undefeated prospect Adrien Broner in Mexico on Saturday.
Indianapolis to play host to Big Ten football title game
The Big Ten Conference decided to keep its football championship game in Indianapolis from 2012 to '15.
Minneapolis Marathon runner fulfilling husband's wishes
Colorado gym teacher Linda Ambard will run this weekend in honor of her husband, a serviceman killed in April in the Afghan war.
Local middleweights dream big
Duluth's Andy Kolle and Caleb Truax of St. Paul battle for a shot at the big-time fights outside Minnesota.
U's academic performance scores drop, but no penalties assessed
Soccer, with another perfect score, remains the academic standard for Gophers sports teams.
Ray Edwards wins debut fight, but it was hardly a crowd-pleaser
The four-round unanimous decision notwithstanding, Ray Edwards was the first to admit, after his pro boxing debut, that he has a lot of work ahead.
Tubby Smith: Cancer's gone
Gophers men's basketball coach Tubby Smith said Wednesday he recently learned he had early stage prostate cancer and underwent an April 21 procedure at the Mayo Clinic.
Sampson will return to Gophers
The 6-11 junior center withdrew from the NBA draft and was welcomed back in a statement by coach Tubby Smith.
Signs pointing to Sampson's departure from U
As the deadline passed for underclassmen to remove themselves from the NBA draft, it didn't appear as though Ralph Sampson III was planning on returning to school.
Could this rumor be right one for Tubby?
Maryland is the latest school that could have an interest in the Gophers coach, who does nothing to quash the speculation.
Sampson opts for draft
Despite not appearing on many -- if any -- lists of top college prospects, the Gophers' junior center will at least consider turning pro.
