Race

Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong is among those in Minneapolis and around the world who have been closely watching Derek Chauvin's trial on charges of murder and manslaughter in George Floyd's death.

National

Derek Chauvin Trial Breaks 'Blue Wall Of Silence,' But Will It Transform Policing?

1:19pm April 07, 2021

by Steve Inskeep

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and activist, says it's "amazing" the Minneapolis police chief and others testified against Chauvin. But she's unsure if the trial will bring reforms.

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Minneapolis police officer Nicole Mackenzie testifies Tuesday in the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin.

National

Police Expert Testifies About Medical Support In Trial Of Derek Chauvin

5:16pm April 06, 2021

by Laurel Wamsley

"Just because [someone is] speaking does not mean they are breathing adequately," Minneapolis police medical support coordinator Nicole Mackenzie testified.

Minneapolis Police Lt. Johnny Mercil testifies Tuesday in the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin. Mercil told jurors that the technique Chauvin used to restrain George Floyd was not taught by the police.

National

Chauvin's Restraint On Floyd's Neck Isn't Taught By Police, Use-Of-Force Trainer Says

4:16pm April 06, 2021

by Bill Chappell

Lt. Johnny Mercil and Sgt. Ker Yang are the latest in a string of police officials who are testifying about the department's training and Derek Chauvin's use of force against George Floyd.

Books
Arts

Poet Hanif Abdurraqib On The Intersection Of Black Excellence, Joy And Pain

1:58pm April 06, 2021

by Arun Venugopal

What do Soul Train and Whitney Houston tell us about race in America? In his book, A Little Devil in America, the culture critic traces the history of Black performance through moments in pop culture.

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Minneapolis Police Inspector Katie Blackwell told jurors on Monday that former officer Derek Chauvin's restraint of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, did not fit the department's training in defensive maneuvers.

National

Former Training Commander On Chauvin Neck Restraint: 'That's Not What We Train'

7:18pm April 05, 2021

by Vanessa Romo

When asked if former officer Derek Chauvin's restraint of George Floyd followed proper protocol, Minneapolis Inspector Katie Blackwell said, "I don't know what kind of improvised position that is."

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testifies in a Hennepin County courtroom during the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin, who faces three criminal charges over the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd.

National

Watch Live: Minneapolis Police Chief Testifies In Derek Chauvin's Trial

3:20pm April 05, 2021

by Bill Chappell

"It is my firm belief that the one singular incident we will be judged forever on will be our use of force," Chief Medaria Arradondo told the jury.

National

Derek Chauvin's Trial Is A Significant Moment In Our History

2:46pm April 04, 2021

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with columnist Michele Norris and writer Charles Blow about the significance of the Derek Chauvin trial.

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National

San Jose Community Organizes Foot Patrols To Protect Asian Elders

8:56am April 04, 2021

by Adhiti Bandlamudi

In San Jose, Calif., residents have started civilian foot patrols in Japantown to prevent violence against older Asian Americans. It's one of many that have started in the U.S. over the last year.

National

'It's The Trial For America' D.C. Barbers React To First Week Of Derek Chauvin Trial

8:56am April 04, 2021

Barbers at a black-owned shop in Washington talk about how they're processing the first week of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer charged in the killing of George Floyd.

Salomé Chimuku and Cameron Whitten co-founded the Black Resilience Fund in Portland, Ore. They've raised more than $2 million in the last year to help Black Portlanders.

National

Portland Activists Built Resilience Fund Inspired By Racial Justice Protests

11:37am April 03, 2021

by Katia Riddle

During last spring's racial justice protests, a young man in Portland, Ore., realized that people wanted to do something beyond march. So, he created the Black Resilience Fund to offer small grants.

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