The Hidden Black Foodways of Minnesota

Anthony Brutus Cassius was questioned by the FBI, fought to be the first Black person in Minnesota to get a liquor license, and his famous greasy burgers were once mentioned on the Johnny Carson show. But above all, starting in the 1930s, he created space for the Twin Cities Black community to eat, drink, organize and connect. Even today, there are few Black-owned bars or restaurants in the Twin Cities. Cassius’ story helps us to understand how we got here.

“The Godfather of Black Space in Minneapolis,” is a new audio documentary from KFAI’s MinneCulture that traces Cassius’ life and impact as a labor organizer, civil rights leader, and entrepreneur. It was produced by food writer and chef Mecca Bos and audio journalist Nancy Rosenbaum, and it’s the first installment in the Hidden Black Foodways of Minnesota — an audio documentary and podcast series that will spotlight untold and under-told stories of Minnesota’s Black food makers and pioneers.

Read my print version of Anthony Brutus Cassius’ story in Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine here.