The attorney general of Minnesota is the lead prosecutor in the trial for murder of George Floyd who died in May last year. His death became front page news after a video showed a white police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It sparked massive civil unrest and forced a wider debate about law enforcement and racial inequality. Keith Ellison's role in the trial which started this week will be closely watched. He was born in Detroit in 1963, one of five brothers to parents with high expectations and a strong sense of social justice. As a young law student he became involved in community activism, a path which led to his election to Congress in 2006, the first muslim to achieve that. Becky Milligan talks to his family and friends.
Producer: Sally Abrahams
Researchers: Maia Lowerson & Matt Murphy
Studio manager: Graham Puddifoot
Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples
Editor: Rosamund Jones
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Profile Folgen
An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
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Folge vom 13.03.2021Keith Ellison
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Folge vom 06.03.2021Anas SarwarThe former dentist who’s just become the new leader of Scottish Labour. Anas' childhood was infused with politics - his father became the UK's first muslim MP and his mother devoted a great deal of time to activism and campaigning. But that came at a cost. The family endured racist threats while he was growing up. Now a lot rests on his shoulders. With only nine weeks until the Holyrood elections, can he turn round the party's fortunes in Scotland and in so doing change the make-up of Westminster politics too? Mark Coles explores his life and career. Producer: Sally Abrahams Researcher: Maia Lowerson Studio manager: Neil Churchill Editor: Rosamund Jones
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Folge vom 27.02.2021Carrie SymondsCarrie Symonds is Boris Johnson's fiancee and the mother of his baby. She is a also a former special advisor, committed animal rights activist and Brexit supporter. And, not that long ago, she was director of communications for the Conservative Party. It's that political experience that has fuelled questions about how much influence she has over decisions made in Downing Street. The Bow Group think tank this week called for an inquiry into her role. Mark Coles profiles the woman who has been making waves, and headlines, in recent weeks. Producer: Simon MaybinResearcher: Maia LowersonEditor: Rosamund JonesStudio manager: Graham Puddifoot Production co-ordinator: Aretha Holmes
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Folge vom 21.02.2021Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaDr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's journey to head the World Trade Organisation has been particularly note-worthy. She is the first woman and the first African to hold the position. A trained economist, she was at the World Bank during the financial crisis and, as Nigeria’s finance minister, she faced down corruption. It's not just her career that sets her apart. As a child she lived through the Biafran War. Years later she faced another crisis: the kidnapping of her elderly mother. But her friends say she does find time for a laugh and the occasional boogie. Becky Milligan hears about her fascinating life and career from close family, friends and colleagues.Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Maia Lowerson Studio manager: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Rosamund Jones