In the dynamic world of social media, the #BlackGirlFollowTrain has emerged as a significant movement on TikTok, aiming to amplify Black women’s voices and foster a supportive community. This initiative encourages Black women to follow and engage with each other’s content, thereby increasing visibility and challenging the platform’s algorithmic biases.
As of March 2025, the hashtag has accumulated over 531,000 posts, reflecting its widespread impact. The movement gained traction in late 2022, when TikTok user @momtotheking, who is widely acknowledged as the creator of the trend, posted a video calling on Black women to follow one
another to increase visibility in a digital space that often overlooks them. Her call to action resonated across the platform, quickly turning a simple idea into a global phenomenon. Her video was a rallying cry — not just about follows, but about presence. The message being that Black women deserve to be seen. The movement encourages participants to follow and engage with each other’s content, thereby amplifying Black women’s voices and increasing their visibility on the platform. The trend has not however been without controversy as some non-Black users have labeled the trend as exclusionary, questioning the creation of a space exclusively for Black women on a platform as diverse as TikTok is. In response, supporters of the hashtag, instead argue that the initiative addresses the historical underrepresentation and marginalization of
Black women in media and online platforms.
Victoria Alexander, known on TikTok as @victoria_phd, a Ph.D. candidate and educator, has been a vocal advocate for the movement. In a notable video, she addresses the backlash against the #BlackGirlFollowTrain, particularly from some white feminists, by posing the question: “What do white feminism and the Black Girl Follow Train haters have in common?” In her TikTok video, Alexander asserts that “White women get to be the center of positive attention on [TikTok] all the time just by virtue of their whiteness, under white supremacy and the beauty standard.” This critique underscores the historical exclusion of Black women within feminist movements and highlights the necessity of creating spaces that center their experiences. She further goes on to emphasize
that creating spaces for Black women does not equate to the exclusion of others. This perspective reinforces the importance of dedicated spaces that celebrate and uplift Black voices. In addition to the backlash against the hashtag, content creators who are supporters of the have expressed frustration over the suppression of the hashtag, viewing it as an attempt to undermine the community-building efforts of Black women online. In a YouTube video titled “BLACK GIRL FOLLOW TRAIN has been SABOTAGED,” creator Dumebi Lea discussed the alleged sabotage of the movement, highlighting the disappointment and resilience within the community. She states, “It’s very disheartening to see our efforts being undermined, but we will continue to support each other and build our community.”
Despite facing criticism and alleged suppression from the platform’s creators use it on, the #BlackGirlFollowTrain continues to thrive, exemplifying the power of community and solidarity among Black women on social media. It serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of Black women in navigating and reshaping digital platforms to better reflect their voices and experiences.
Since its inception, the hashtag has garnered over 360 million views, with more than 250,000 videos created using the associated sound. This surge in participation has led to significant growth in followers and engagement for many Black women content creators, including small business owners who have reported increased sales and visibility. The #BlackGirlFollowTrain has also inspired related hashtags such as
#BlackWomenFollowTrain and #BlackTikTok, which are all aimed at fostering community and support among Black users on TikTok, further promoting solidarity and visibility. These affiliated hashtags have contributed to the movement’s expansive reach, with thousands of posts and views collectively. Even with some users on TikTok alleging that while the hashtag hasn’t been banned but may have been #BlackGirlFollowTrain continues to roll, carrying with it not just new followers, but new conversations—about race, equity, and the right to take up digital space. Whether the trend evolves or fades, its impact is undeniable: Black women saw each other, amplified each other, and refused to be denied.
14, 2025 - April 20, 2025
On Feb. 24, 2025, members of the Puntland Defense Forces posed next to a sign in Arabic that proclaimed the mountain town of Sheebaab as a “province” of the Islamic State group. The town, located in Somalia’s autonomous northeastern region of Puntland, was one of numerous areas that soldiers from the regional government have taken back during Operation Hilaac, an ongoing campaign against fighters from the Islamic State in Somalia – the local branch of the terrorist network – which began in late November 2024.
Puntland’s success in combating a growing Islamic State group presence in the
northeastern region is particularly notable given the relative lack of success of the central Somali government’s confrontation with the al-Qaida-affiliated group Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin – more commonly known as al-Shabab – which for about two decades has waged war against federal forces.
In contrast, security forces in the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland have, with some key support from international partners, united to repel the Islamic State group’s advance.
The Islamic State group’s rise in Somalia Islamist groups have been part of Somalia’s fractured political landscape since the country’s descent into civil war in the 1980s.
They tapped into profound local dissatisfaction with warlordism, tribalism and cor-
ruption, as well as a reaction to foreign intervention by Ethiopia, the United States and other international actors.
Al-Shabab and later the Islamic State in Somalia are the most extreme manifestations of this trend.
Islamic State in Somalia emerged in 2015 when a small group of al-Shabab members led by Abdulqadir Mumin – an extremist Somali preacher who previously lived in Sweden and the United Kingdom, where he acquired citizenship – pledged allegiance to then-Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Having formed as a local branch – or “province” in the group’s self conception as a global entity intent on expanding territory – Islamic State in Somalia launched its first major operation in October 2016, briefly seizing the port town of Qandala in Punt-
land.
Thereafter, the group retreated to its strongholds in the mountain regions inside Puntland amid pressure from both the regional government and al-Shabab, which has cracked down on Islamic State supporters in its ranks.
Yet from the Puntland mountains, Islamic State in Somalia grew into a key node of the terrorist group’s global network. It is now a hub for transferring funds and drawing recruits from across Africa and elsewhere via the regional coordination office it operates known as al-Karrar.
One notable Sudan-born operative killed in a 2023 U.S. raid in Puntland, Bilal al-Sudani, was known as a key foreign fighter, facilitator and financier who developed
Black people are not going to stand for this,” says Nikole Hannah Jones, the author of the 1619 Project. She is responding to reports that President Trump is targeting the slavery section of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The museum’s slavery facts and substantiating artifacts of the 250 years of the enslavement of Africans in America, curated by historians, are the bull’s-eye for the Trump administration. “I think that this is a sign of a deep sickness to think that you could go to the National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture and feel the need to erase how Black people got here,” emphasized Jones, who added, “To erase or minimize the slavery and freedom part of that story is to create a fantasy of
how we got here. We literally would not be in the United States without slavery.” According to sources, Smithsonian officials are secretly strategizing to stave off presidential actions for Republican support to preserve the history. Smithsonian officials hope once they have secured Republican support, they can present the attempt to save the artifacts and museum integrity to President Trump. In its lower portion, the museum takes tourists on a historic timeline journey from American slavery to Jim Crow, the Civil Rights movement with the casket of Emmett Till, and simulations of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, among other noted moments in American history. “We cannot be a free democratic society when you have the most powerful people
By Stacy M. Brown
Maryland lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 587, authorizing the creation of the Maryland Reparations Commission. The body will study and make recommendations for reparations to descendants of enslaved people and others harmed by centuries of discriminatory policies. The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature and is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025. The commission will examine Maryland’s long history of slavery, the economic and social systems that benefited from it, and the lingering impacts of those institutions. Its work will
include recommendations on financial compensation, housing and business support, tuition waivers, and other forms of restitution. “This commission is not only about acknowledging our past – it’s about using that understanding
to pave the way for a more equitable and fair future,” said Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, which made reparations a top priority for the first time this legislative session.
From its founding in 1634 until the abolition of slavery in 1864, Maryland was a society built on slave labor. Tobacco, the colony’s staple
New York City and state officials refuse to comply with the Trump administration’s demands to dismantle public school diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. In a move that defies federal threats to withdraw critical education funding, state education leaders insist that the federal government has no legal authority to dictate how schools approach diversity. On Thursday, the Trump administration issued a sweeping directive requiring K-12 schools across the country to certify within ten days that they are ending what the administration calls discriminatory DEI practices. The administration said compliance would be necessary to continue receiving federal education dollars, including Title I funds that support schools in low-income communities. “Federal financial
assistance is a privilege, not a right,” said Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education. He accused public schools of violating federal law by allegedly favoring one group of students over another through DEI policies. New York State responded with a letter from Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy New York State Education Department commissioner. In the letter, dated Friday, Morton-Bentley wrote that federal officials are misinterpreting civil rights law and lack the authority to impose such conditions. “We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion,’” he wrote. “But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.” He noted that the state has already certified its compliance with Title VI of the
Photo by Michał Chodyra
Photo
Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces. Photo Courtesy PMPF - Puntland Maritime Police Force
Brown
By Ido Levy PhD Candidate, School of International Service, American University
By April Ryan
At The Legislature
House committee approves human services policy bill addressing fraud, mental health care
By Todd Abeln
Several fraud-related measures are included in the omnibus human services policy bill.
HF2115 would create new penalties for kickbacks and establish criminal violations of human services programs. It would also create a separate Direct Care and Treatment agency, prohibit county governments from charging for emergency services provided to clients experiencing emotional crisis or mental illness, and codify the school district behavioral health grant program.
The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard a quick walkthrough of the delete-all amendment, which was subsequently amended, and approved the package on a voice vote Thursday, sending it to the House Floor.
“This bill is a combination of the work of this committee throughout the year,” said Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne), the bill sponsor. “We did it on a very bipartisan basis. The things that we were able to agree to we put into this bill so that we can continue to get a lot of good things done.”
There was no public testimony or other member discussion.
The bill would also:
• establish a review process upon notice of agency denial, reduction, suspension, or termination of long-term services and supports; exempt assisted living providers from direct care staff compensation requirements under the Disability Waiver Rate System;
• provide residents of longterm care facilities with the right to a designated support person;
prohibit termination or non-renewal of assisted living contracts on certain grounds; • replace a required special review board hearing with a
judicial appeal panel hearing and review when committed individuals in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program petition for a reduction in custody;
add post-traumatic stress disorder to serious and persistent mental illness for purposes of case management and community support services; • specify that co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles do not apply to mobile crisis intervention or crisis assessment services;
• expand definition of “child” to include individuals up to age 21 receiving children’s mental health targeted case management services; exclude weekends and holidays from mental health diagnostic assessment 10-day timeline; • expand the Health Care Bill of Rights to include patients in children’s residential and nonresidential Substance Use Disorder treatment, Intensive Residential Treatment Services or residential crisis stabilization, and withdrawal management programs; and • require peer recovery support services be provided one-onone and face-to-face,
Lawmaker proposes $1 million for ‘Fresh Bucks’ program to expand access to fruits, vegetables
By Margaret Stevens
Building on the success of the well-regarded “Market Bucks” program, a bipartisan bill aims to expand access to fresh, nutritious food for Minnesotans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The proposed legislation would establish a “Fresh Bucks” pilot program within the Department of Health, helping eligible customers get fruits and vegetables at grocery stores. Sponsored by Rep. Heather Keeler (DFL-Moorhead), HF1534, as amended, was laid over Monday by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.
Health committee considers HF1534 4/7/25
Growing up with a limited food budget, Keeler said she knows shopping in the middle aisles can be cost effective, but it’s not always the healthiest and the bill would help growers, grocers and customers.
Market Bucks, also known as the Healthy Eating
Here at Home program, provides $30 worth of food for $10 spent at farmers markets. While earning praise for improving access to healthier foods and supporting local farmers, the program doesn’t always ensure year-round access to fresh produce.
The Fresh Bucks pilot would broaden this approach, enabling SNAP recipients to enjoy similar benefits at grocery stores. Under the program, eligible customers would receive a 50% discount on fresh produce, capped at $80 per month. It’s expected that five to 10 retailers would participate at first, with stores receiving grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to support the initiative.
The bill would allocate $1 million in fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 to launch the pilot program, along with $500,000 annually for the Market Bucks program. It would also move the Market Bucks administration from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health.
Advocates see Fresh Bucks as a natural extension of
Bucks, leveraging federal funds to support cost-conscious SNAP shoppers and improve public health.
House health committee approves “lean, mean” policy bill
By Margaret Stevens
Lean, mean and bipartisan.
That is how Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) describes the health policy bill approved Wednesday night by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee. As amended, the bill would modify laws about scope of practice for optometrists, require maternal death studies, and necessitate informed consent when medical students perform sensitive exams.
“I want to thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this to the General Register. It is a team effort,” said Backer, the sponsor of HF2464. The bill would expand optometrists’ ability to prescribe steroids and anti-viral medications. It would also allow licensed optometrists to perform injections into some parts of the eye – a provision that received the most debate Wednesday and when the underlying bill was heard in committee.
Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) unsuccessfully offered an amendment to delete language that expands the scope of practice for optometrists to injections, saying she is not convinced that all licensed optometrists would have
enough supervised injections to ensure patient safety.
Ophthalmologists are trained to do surgery on the eye and optometrists are not, said Rep. Ned Carroll (DFL-Plymouth). “One thing could go wrong and that would be the end of a patient’s eyesight.”
Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley), who sponsors the original bill, HF1011, said it would allow optometrists to practice as they have been trained, the scope of practice must be updated over time to reflect new training and treatments, and more than 20 states already allow eye injections by optometrists.
[WATCH: March 26 testimony and discussion on HF1011]
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township) is disappointed the final bill does not include provisions that would extend the time a temporary nurse’s license is valid. She said trained, board-certified nurses are being sidelined because of delays by the licensing board authorizing permanent licenses. What’s in the bill
The bill would require informed consent before a health professional, medical student or resident performs a pelvic, breast, urogenital or rectal examination. Modified from the original bill, it no longer
would also bar prosecution of
would make violation the gross misdemeanor, but grounds for disciplinary action. Additionally, the Safe Place for Newborns statute would be modified to include fire stations that are staffed 24 hours. Newborns could also be relinquished at designated safe places that have newborn safety devices installed. The bill
Market
“Farmers’ markets that participated in Market Bucks reported significant increases in spending on produce
as a result of the program, again showing that SNAP recipients are eager to make healthy purchases when it is feasible for
them to do so,” wrote Liam McQuade, a volunteer with MN350.
Mapping
Tamara Wolter testifies in support of HF1534 before the House Health Finance and Policy Committee April 7. Sponsored by Rep. Heather Keeler, left, the bill would, in part, establish a Fresh Bucks pilot program at the Department of Health. (Photo by Michele Jokinen)
10 Ways to Celebrate Spring in Minneapolis Parks
By Minneapolis Parks Foundation
through the Eloise Butler
and Folwell Park, which helped provide free equipment and instruction to new players through the Folwell Neighborhood Association, thanks to a People for Parks Fund grant.
4. Catch the Nicollet Island Spring Market on April 27! Head to Nicollet Island on Sunday, April 27 for a day of local goods, vibrant artisan
2.
crafts, and delicious bites from 50 unique vendors in the Twin Cities. Set against the scenic backdrop of Nicollet Island, it’s the perfect way to embrace the arrival of spring while supporting small businesses in the heart of Minneapolis. Whether you’re shopping for someone special, looking for artisan crafts, or just taking in the views of the Mississippi River, there’s something for everyone.
5. Kayak along our many water ways
Chain of Lakes, from Bde Maka Ska to Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, or check out one of the Mississippi Paddle Share locations and rent a kayak along the mighty Mississippi River. It’s a relaxing way to take in the beauty of the season. Both will be opening later this month or early May!
6. Explore Minnehaha Falls in full flow
Spring rains bring Minnehaha Falls to life! Take a walk along the trails and get ready to admire the rushing waterfall. Located right across the street from the Parks Foundation offices in the historic Longfellow House, be sure to stop by our favorite lunch spot, Sea Salt Eatery & the Sandwich Room — opening later this month — for some fresh seafood, unique sandwiches, and beautiful outdoor dining.
7. Join a birdwatch-
Spring is prime time for tulips, lilacs, and other blooms in the Lyndale Park Gardens, located near Lake Harriet. Wander through the Peace Garden, Rose Garden, and Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden for a colorful floral escape.
erts Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem for birdwatchers. Join a guided walk or bring your binoculars to spot warblers, woodpeckers, and other migrating species. Friends of Roberts Bird Sanctuary offers guided spring migration bird walks every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. now through May 24. Visit friendsofroberts.
Once the ice melts, it’s time to hit the water! Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the
org for more info. Check out Friends of Roberts with the Urban Bird Collective later this spring, a local group dedicated to making birdwatching more accessible for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, it’s a great way to explore nature and appreciate the return of spring!
9. Go on a Little Free Library Treasure Hunt! Reading is power and spring is the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll through Minneapo lis neighborhoods and discover the hidden gems of the city’s Little Free
Wildflower Garden
As the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S., Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Theodore Wirth Park bursts into color each spring with native wildflowers and migrating birds. Take a peaceful walk along the trails and soak in the sights and sounds of the
Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world.
By Matthew Blake MinnPost
As politicians around the world scramble to respond to US “liberation day” tariffs, consumers have also begun flexing their muscles. “Boycott USA” messages and searches have been trending on social media and search engines, with users sharing advice on brands and products to avoid.
Even before Donald Trump announced acrossthe-board tariffs, there had been protests and attacks on the president’s golf courses in Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Scotland in response to other policies. And in Canada, shoppers avoided US goods after Trump announced he could take over his northern neighbour.
His close ally Elon Musk has seen protests at Tesla showrooms across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. New cars have been set on fire as part of the “Tesla take-down”, while Tesla sales have been on a deep downward trend. This has been especially noticeable in European countries where electric vehicles sales have been high, and in Australia.
This targeting of Trump and Musk’s brands are part of wider boycotts of US goods as consumers look for ways to express their anger at the US administration.
Denmark’s biggest retailer, Salling Group, has given the price label of all European products a black star, making it easy for customers to avoid US goods.
Pro-Europe or antiAmerica? Danish consumers now know at a glance if a product is European thanks to the black star beside the price.
EPA-EFE/Bo Amstrup
Canadian shoppers are turning US products upside down in retail outlets so it’s easier for fellow shoppers to spot and avoid them. Canadian
Should Trump be worried?
consumers can also download the Maple Scan app that checks barcodes to see if their grocery purchases are actually Canadian or have parent companies from the USA. Who owns what? The issue of ostensibly Canadian brands being owned by US capital illustrates the complexity of consumer boycotts – it can be difficult to identify which brands are American and which are not. In the UK, for example, many consumers would be surprised to learn how many famous British brands are actually American-owned – for example, Cadbury, Waterstones and Boots. So entwined are global economies that attempts by consumers to boycott US brands may also damage their local economies. This complexity is also present in Danish and Canadian Facebook groups that are dedicated to boycotting US goods. Consumers exchange tips on how to swap alternatives for American products.
The fact that Facebook
is a US-based company only demonstrates how deeply embedded consumer culture is in US technologies. European businesses often depend on American operating systems and cloud storage while consumers rely on US-owned social media platforms for communication.
Even when consumers succeed in weeding out American products, if they pay using Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, a percentage of the price will nonetheless be rerouted to the US. If a touch payment is made with Worldpay, the percentage could be even greater.
These American financial services show just how embedded US businesses are in retail in ways that consumers may not appreciate. In practice, an absolute boycott of US business is almost unimaginable. All-American brands
But American branding is not always subtle. In addition to brands directly connected to the US
Trump profits, Black America pays the price
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA. com Senior National Correspondent
As financial pain spreads across the nation, Black families are facing some of the harshest blows — while Donald Trump and his family throw parties, rake in cash, and dismantle protections built to ensure essential equity. Over the weekend, while 401(k) s crumbled and mass layoffs loomed, Trump was the main attraction at two lavish, money-making events: a Saudi-backed LIV Golf tournament at his Trump Doral resort and a seven-figure fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. This all unfolded just days after Trump signed off on sweeping global tariffs — with a Sharpie now sold at his resort gift shop for $3 — sparking one of the largest market crashes in U.S. history. In just 48 hours, the S&P 500 lost $5 trillion in value. By Monday, stocks were in free fall. Analysts warned of inflation spikes that would hit everything from gas to groceries — and disproportionately impact low- and middle-income households. But for Trump, it was business booming. Every room, including the $13,000-a-night suite, was sold out at Doral. Guests shelled out up to $1,400 for exclusive access, snapped up $550 Trump purses and $18 imported souvenirs, and dined on $130 steaks while posing for photos with Trump family members. “This is the perfect venue,” Eric Trump
declared as his father bounced between luxury properties. That same day, the former president posted from his golf club: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE.” For Black Americans — who already face the steepest hurdles in the economy — the timing is more than just offensive. It’s dangerous. As the markets tank and federal agencies brace for disruption, Trump is also waging war on racial equity. He’s issued orders wiping out diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across the federal government. That includes dismantling Executive Order 11246 — a cornerstone civil rights protection that, since 1965, has barred discriminatory practices by federal contractors. Roughly 18% of the federal workforce is Black. Many of those workers are now in limbo, with DEI staffers placed on forced leave and entire programs frozen. Experts warn
these rollbacks could erase decades of progress in hiring, retention, and advancement — not just in government, but in every sector that follows federal precedent. Trump has also threatened clean air and water protections for historically neglected Black neighborhoods and proposed privatizing the U.S. Postal Service — one of the largest employers of African Americans. As working families watch their savings disappear, their job security vanishes, and their communities come under attack, Trump and his donors raise glasses over filet mignon and $1 million checks. The disparity isn’t just stark — it’s systemic. And it’s being monetized in real-time. From his Palm Beach resort, as the country buckles under the weight of his policies, Trump made his position clear: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH.”
administration – such as the Trump golf courses and Tesla – many other companies have always been flamboyantly American. Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Budweiser are just some examples where their American identities and proudly on show.
As such, it’s possible that consumers will increasingly avoid blatantly American brands. They may be less concerned about the complexities and contradictions of a more comprehensive boycott.
Consumer actions where the goal is political change are known as “proxy boycotts” because no particular company is the ultimate target. Rather, the brands and firms
are targeted by consumers as a means to an end.
Do boycotts work?
A classic example of a proxy boycott took aim at French goods, particularly wine, in the mid-1990s. This was in response to president Jacques Chirac’s decision to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. The large-scale consumer boycotts contributed to France’s decision to abandon its nuclear tests in 1996. In Britain, for example, French wines in all categories lost market share as demand fell during the boycott. At the time, it cost the French wine sector £23 million (about £46 million today).
These boycotts are a reminder that the interplay
between corporations, brands and consumer culture are inevitably embedded in politics. The current political impasse demonstrates that consumers can participate in politics, not just with their votes, but also with their buying power. Trump clearly wants to demonstrate American strength. The “liberation day” tariffs, which were higher than most observers expected, bear this out. But many US corporations will now be worrying about how consumers in the US and around the world might respond. Trump could see a mass mobilisation of consumer power in ways that will give the president something to think about.
Pro-Europe or anti-America?
Danish consumers now know at a glance if a product is European thanks to the black star beside the price. EPA-EFE/Bo Amstrup
Business woman, hands or counting with cash for finance, profit or salary increase at office desk. Female person, accountant or employee with paper bills, financial savings or investment at workplace (Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen)
Hlumelo Nyaluza Luxury Bags: Where Luxury Meets Legacy
True Ethical Luxury: Made-to-order. Fair wages. No mass production. Hlumelo is luxury for a conscious generation
Hlumelo is luxury for a conscious generation.
The Conversation with Al McFarlane last Wednesday featured Hlumelo Nyaluza, a rising South African designer blending heritage, art, and ethics to redefine global luxury. His debut handbag collection is a powerful expression of African identity—each piece is wearable art, slow-made by African artisans, and deeply rooted in cultural storytelling. Born into the Xhosa
community—the same tribe as Nelson Mandela—Hlumelo grew up surrounded by the beauty, history, and strength of his heritage. After losing his mother at age 13, he began repurposing her clothes, planting the creative seeds that would blossom into his design philosophy today: honoring legacy, creating with purpose, and making space for Africanexcellence on the world stage. Now, through his
and unforgettable. We believe this photo modeling his hand bag designs is perfect complement to our Cover Story celebrating Black women, globally.
Shea Butter Meet the Seven Principles
By J. Darnell Johnson
Sharing Our Stories
By W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor
As parents, grandparents, and educators, we have a great responsibility for not only the courses we teach to navigate in the world such as reading, writing, math, and other subjects, but also the life lessons. More and more, the children’s books written by
African American and Africanborn authors are contributing to that responsibility; there can never be enough. That being said, it is my good pleasure to bring to you J. Darnell Johnson’s Shea Butter Meet the Seven Principles.
Though Shea Butter had a sweet name, this little girl was a bully. She terrorized, teased, and insulted her classmates. She talked back to her teacher. When the teacher wasn’t around, she forced her classmates to say the “Shea Pledge.” (Crow Commandments from “The Wiz,” anyone?) With her behavior
Dates: Through Jun 13th
Ages: 6th-12th grade
Zanewood Fusion
Perfect Your Swing at the Dome
Step up to the plate!
Our three batting/pitching cages are available for rent at the Brooklyn Park Sports Dome! Whether you’re looking for extra reps or bringing in your whole team, you can rent one, two, or all three cages—depending on availability.
These cages are open for baseball and softball, youth to adult. Must be 18 to reserve.
Rates: $25 per half hour | $40 per hour
Reserve your time: Call 763-493-8333 (payment due at booking)
Equipment: Pitching mounds & L-screens provided; bring your own bats and balls. Volunteer
Looking to give back to the community while celebrating Brooklyn Park?
Sign up to volunteer at the annual Tater Daze Parade and Community Gathering!
When: Saturday, May 31
Tater Daze Parade
Shift: 8-11:30 a.m.
Community Gather-
ing Shifts: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Debate Club
Do you love a good challenge? Want to master the art of persuasion and critical thinking? Join Convince Us! — the ultimate debate club! Open to youth in 6th through 12th grade.
Every week, you’ll receive a new prompt and be assigned a side to defend. With one week to prepare, you’ll sharpen your skills in critical thinking, confidence, and persuasion. No matter your skill level, Convince Us! is the perfect space to grow and excel in debate.
When: Tuesdays & Fridays, 6-8 p.m.
Zanewood is rolling out the red carpet for an epic afterschool experience for kids in K-5th grade! Our Fusion Programs blend cool activities like sports, painting, jewelry making, gardening, and dance with awesome life skills like leadership and healthy living. It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning! Plus, we’ll make sure your child’s tummy is happy with meals provided during the program.
When: Monday - Thursday, now through June 5th
Where: Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100
Zane Ave N Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cost: Fee assistance & scholarships available!
Zanewood Recording Studio
Are you or do you know a musician aged 13-17? The Zanewood Recording Studio is open every Thursday & Friday, starting September 12, from 4-6 p.m. You can record your song, make a beat, or remix some tunes.
Adults on the Move
Brooklyn Park offers dozens of programs, classes, and clubs for all adults.
Day Trips: Historic Northfield Wednesday, May 14 |
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | $89 | Spend a relaxing spring day in historic Northfield MN. Tour the museum, home to the famous Jesse James gang bank raid of 1876. Learn about the history of the city, region, and state. Shop in downtown Northfield. Enjoy a Swedish Meatball luncheon at the Ole Store Restaurant. On a driving tour of the area, a local guide will share the history of the village, and the beautiful college campuses of Carleton and St Olaf. On the way home stop at Donahue’s Greenhouse in Faribault. Purchase spring plants or just take in the beauty and fra-
growing worse, her mother looked at sending her to an alternative school. Shea’s response, after throwing a tantrum, was to run away. While in the forest, Shea met animals who represented the Seven Principles: Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Courtesy, and Reciprocity. One by one, as each animal shares a principle, Shea realizes the importance of the way one treats people and positive behavior, which she shares with her parents when she comes home.
The wisdom of these African principles cannot be overstated, and Johnson delivers them in loving yet teachable moments. In the words of Shea, “It’s not the size of the words. It’s the size of your heart.” We
This presentation from Senior Planet will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. Covering tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams, and when it’s Ok –or not – to share your personal information online.
Register with AARP 1-866-554-5381 | Questions: mnaarp@aarp.org
Get Organized: Easy Ways to Go from Cluttered to Cleared Out
Thursday, April 17 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | | FREE | Community Activity Center
Discover why decluttering matters and learn practical tips to help you downsize easily. Start your spring cleaning with a simpler, more organized home! Having too much stuff can be a real headache when people want to relocate or get health care in their homes. This interactive class explores why holding on to stuff is so important to some people and teaches practical tips on home organization.
Lunch & Learn presented by AARP MN. Register with AARP 1-866-5545381 | Questions: mnaarp@ aarp.org
Community Event:
Free Paper Shredding Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Operations & Maintenance Building
Shred your old medical or financial records for free at the Special Materials DropOff Day. A mobile shredding truck will be on site to process your items. No limit.
Location: Brooklyn Park Operations & Maintenance, 8300 Noble Ave Questions? Call 763493-8006 or email BPOM@
brooklynpark.org
Winner’s Circle Unveiling
Join us as we congratulate the winners of the citywide photo contest! Their outstanding photos were chosen through open voting by the city, staff, and community. We are unveiling the champions at Winner’s Row at Village Creek, where these stunning photos are displayed for all to enjoy. Celebrate with us, enjoy ice cream, and honor the incredible talent on display in Brooklyn Park!
Event Details When: Wednesday, April 23 | 4-6 p.m. Where: Village Creek Park - 5601 Village Creek Parkway
Spring on the Farm
Spring on the Farm is fun for the whole family! Help us kick of the spring by joining us at the farm on Saturday, May 17. Plant vegetables and flowers in the gardens, greet the new baby animals, explore the grounds, taste the cooking demo on the woodfire stove, and enjoy music from the Jolly Pops from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.! Play games in the yard, make a spring craft, and celebrate spring!
Afrocontigbo presents an exhilarating Afro dance class, featuring traditional and contemporary West African moves like Igbo dances, Afrobeats, Sabar, Amapiano, Ndombolo, and more. The classes are Wednesdays through May 28. at the Community Activity Center.
Learn invigorating routines that combine cardio and strength training exercises. This is a fun and energetic way
to get fit while also learning about and celebrating different African cultures through dance.
The Afrocontigbo team is highly skilled in a variety of African dance styles and we are eager to share our passion with you.
Group Golf Lessons at Edinburgh
Registration for is open for group golf lessons, youth, and adult players.
2025 Small Group
Lessons: These 60-minute small group classes provide an intimate setting with our instructors and the flexibility to work around your schedule. There’s no monthlong commitment, and you can sign up individually or with a group of friends.
Classes are limited to 6 students per instructor. The cost is $29 per person. If weather causes a rescheduling, you will receive a full refund. However, if you no-show or cancel within 48 hours, we do not offer a refund.
We offer Junior Golf Lessons in three levels based on age and skill.
Junior Lessons
Level 1: Ages 4-6
In Level 1, kids will learn the basics of golf, including putting, chipping, and hitting the driver.
Level 2: Ages 7-11
In Level 2, we focus on developing a golf routine and introducing the rules of the game.
Level 3: Ages 12-15
In Level 3, we prepare golfers to take their skills onto the course.
Level 1 lessons will meet once a week, while Level 2 and Level 3 lessons will meet twice a week. We offer three sessions: June, July, and August. Players can sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.
Adult Lessons
see the way Shea’s behavior pushes people away rather than letting them in, and ultimately her willingness to change. I also give a hat tip to Fiza Ali for the vivid illustrations that bring this story to life.
Shea Butter Meet the Seven Principles is available through Mr. Johnson’s website, jdarnelljohnson.com.
Thank you for telling a story that teaches life lessons and values not only to children, but also as a reminder to adults.
• Session 1: Mondays, 5:306:30 p.m.
• Session 2: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Every session follows the same calendar of events:
• Week 1: Introduction to full swing (Location: Driving range) Week 2: Introduction to short game (Location: Chipping green)
Week 3: Full swing continued (Location: Driving range)
• Week 4: Putting (Location: Instruction-only putting green) This program runs from May through August. For any additional questions, please email Andy. Wiese@brooklynpark.org
Edinburgh USA offers a flexible monthly program for only $129 per month. We hold group classes once a week, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome. You can sign up for one month or four. We offer two sessions each month:
luxury label Hlumelo, he is leading a quiet revolution in fashion—one that is ethical, intentional,
NBA suspends 5 following Pistons-Timberwolves scuffle
Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart was suspended for two games and four other players from the Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves drew one-game suspensions for their roles in an on-court altercation between the teams earlier this week, the NBA said Tuesday.
Stewart got two games “based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts,” the league said.
The NBA handed the one-game bans to Detroit’s Ron Holland II and Marcus Sasser along with Minnesota’s Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo. All five of those players were ejected from Sunday’s game, as were Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Minnesota assistant Pablo Prigioni.
“Obviously things went too far,” Bickerstaff said after that game. “But what you see is guys looking out for one another, guys trying to protect one another, guys trying to have each other’s backs. ... Those are nonnegotiables in our locker room.”
The incident began when Holland fouled Reid with 8:36 left in the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ 123104 victory over the Pistons in Minneapolis. Reid confronted Holland, who then pushed DiVincenzo, who then shoved Holland — and they wound up
falling into spectators seated along the baseline.
Stewart and Sasser then entered the altercation, “which resulted in a continued escalation of the situation,” the league said.
Reid and DiVincenzo will serve their one-game suspensions Tuesday when the Timberwolves visit Denver.
“I thought they did what they needed to do to protect themselves and their teammates. We’re not disappointed,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said before the game against the Nuggets.
“We’re disappointed, obviously, they’re not going to be with us tonight, but, it’s part of the landscape of the game.
“The game’s gotten a little bit more physical, I think, which we all embrace. But a lot of teams are playing for a lot of things right now so there could always be a tipping point. It kind of happens, and just got to be mindful of it moving forward. But I’m not mad at them.”
Stewart will begin serving his suspension Wednesday when the Pistons visit Oklahoma City, and Holland and Sasser also will serve their suspensions in that game.
AP NBA: https:// apnews.com/hub/nba
Jose Miranda hit a tiebreaking two-run single in Minnesota’s five-run sixth inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 8-3 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.
Ryan Jeffers and Ty France each had two hits for Minnesota, and Harrison Bader added a three-run homer in the ninth.
The Twins trailed 3-0 before rallying with two outs in the sixth. Jeffers and France greeted Penn Murfee (0-1) with RBI singles. Willi Castro
AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) left, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, middle, fight during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Minneapolis.
