April 22, 2021 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 April 22-28, 2021, Vol. 87 No. 38

FIND US ONLINE AT WWW.SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

“AS IT WAS SPOKEN ... LET US RECORD.”

Guilty! Guilty!! Guilty!!!

Derek Chauvin Convicted on all Counts

By Mel Reeves Community Editor

A

wild scene developed last Tuesday evening as history was made in the Twin Towns when Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder, a conclusion that most reasonable and rational people had arrived at long before the trial. Chauvin was found guilty of seconddegree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Community members, activists, and members of families whose loved ones have been killed by police but have long been denied justice embraced. Tears flowed freely as shouts of joy could be heard far and wide.

In the nicely manicured

that this is only the beginning.

One activist, saying that the work is far from over, entreated the crowd to chant “Reopen All the Cases” and invited them to join families who have lost loved ones to police violence in Washington, D.C. on August 28 to demand that police be prosecuted in all cases of police violence.

Toshira Garraway of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence reminded the crowd that there are lots of other victims of police violence. “ For every well-known name and victim of police violence there are Derek Chauvin, handcuffed, is led out of the courtroom into sherrif’s custody. Courtesy of MGN hundreds of others, “ shouted Garraway, urging the crowd lawn outside of the Hennepin lookers as they too waited Speakers made use of the gathered to hear the verdict. to help those families get County Courthouse, the na- with bated breath for a verdict makeshift wide and round The same platform was used justice too. She specifically tional and international press that many felt certain was not barriers to encourage and by activists as the verdict was asked for support in efforts to were as numerous as the on- going to go the way of justice. cheer on the crowd as people announced to remind folks ■ See Chauvin on page 5

‘They ought to call this place Minni-sippi’ Families of those killed by police demand justice for Daunte Wright with Daunte Wright’s mother Katie Wright.

“These are not isolated mur“We as families who have ders,” said Garraway, pointlost a loved one to police vio- ing out that lots of people lence are demanding justice have been killed by police for Daunte and justice for all before George Floyd and stolen lives,” said Toshira Daunte Wright. “We will not Garraway, founder of Fami- settle for manslaughter,” she lies Supporting Families said of the charges brought Against Police Violence. She against former Brooklyn Cenand several family members ter police officer Kim Potter, of those killed by police gath- who shot and killed Wright ered at a press conference on after a traffic stop on April 11.

Friday, April 16 in solidarity “She murdered my son. My

By Mel Reeves Community Editor

Katie Wright at press conference organized by FSFAPV Photo by Chris Juhn

son is never going to come home. Second-degree manslaughter is not okay. I am not okay with that. It’s not right.

She is sitting on a police pension while I am going to have to bury my son in a few days.

I need my son to have justice along with everyone else’s son,” said Katie Wright of her son Daunte.

Just two years ago, Potter was involved in the investigation of the Brooklyn Center police shooting death of

Kobe Dimock-Hiesler, the son of Amity Dimock. “My son’s case needs to be reopened, and all of the cases should be reopened,” said Dimock.

“I think all of the cases of police violence should be reopened because there has been a history of nefarious actions by police departments.

The departments themselves are based on and rooted in White Supremacy,” Dimock said.

“Here we are again! When ■ See Wright on page 5

Wright murder sparks statewide student walkout

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing writer Thousands of students participated in a statewide school walkout Monday afternoon April 19 protesting police violence. Students from over a hundred schools in Minnesota organized the walkout over social media a week after former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter killed twenty-year-old Daunte Wright.

Locally, metro area students from nearby high schools gathered together outside of the U.S. Bank Stadium, blocks away from where former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin is awaiting a verdict in his murder trial. He has been charged with second- and third-degree murder in the death of George Floyd.

Students huddled together in the commons where they took turns exchanging a megaphone to share their thoughts and frustrations around the systemic issues

surrounding policing. Taylor Butler, a freshman at North Community High School, stepped into the circle and posed a question to her peers.

“The big question is, why is my skin color politicized? My skin color should not be debated for anything,” she said.

When it comes to arguing for Black lives, Butler shared that this wasn’t a debate for her. “There's a lot of people that say, ‘Oh well, we can still be friends if we have different opinions,’ and it’s like ■ See Walkout on page 5

Students gather in Minneapolis.

Photo by Abdi Mohamed

MSR SALUTES OUTSTANDING BLACK WOMEN Valerie Castile: unbending, unbroken, unbowed

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing writer It’s been nearly five years since Valerie Castile lost her son Philando at the hands of law enforcement. In that time she’s worked as a change agent by advocating for police reform, providing services to the families of victims of police violence, and championing legislation that addresses the disparities Black Minnesotans face in comparison to their White counterparts.

Castile moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Minnesota in 1982 when Philando was three years old. She had vis-

ited her sister who was living in Minnesota years prior and found the state to be a suitable place to raise her son.

There weren’t as many vacant cars or houses as there were back in St. Louis, and she was surprised to see minimal police presence at the time.

While upon first arriving Minnesota seemed promising as a new home, Castile can’t help now but regret moving to Minnesota in light of her son’s death. “That’s the worst thing I could have done,” she said. “I brought my son right into the lion’s den.”

Valerie Castile in action On July 6, 2016 Philando was shot to death during a

Photo by Chris Juhn

traffic stop by former St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez. Castile was shot by Yanez after he told the officer that he was legally licensed to carry a firearm.

After her son’s killer was set free by a jury in June 2017, Valerie had a memorable reaction: “I am disappointed in Minnesota. My son loved this city and this city killed my son, and his murderer gets away,” she said in a press conference after it was announced that Yanez had been found not guilty of the charges against him.

In words that still ring true today, especially in light of

current events, she said, “We are not evolving as a civilization. We are devolving. People have died so we can have these rights. We are going back to 1969.”

Philando was admired by loved ones and co-workers.

The children at J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet School, where he worked as cafeteria supervisor, called him their “lunch man” who they referred to as Mr. Phil.

Nevertheless, Castile’s character was questioned during Yanez’s trial. “I never had to defend my son until he was murdered,” Castile said.

■ See Castile on page 5

2

April 22-28, 2021

Metropolis

Observations from a long and historic trial

I was asked by a journalist what the Chauvin verdict means to this city. After pausing briefly, I said, “Everything.” Many, especially in the Black community, have never seen accountability in the criminal legal system for White officers who kill Black men. And many still believe there will be no accountability in the Chauvin case.

I think Chauvin will be convicted. I also believe a guilty verdict would only be the beginning, because Chauvin is not simply a “bad apple.” In my 31 years of experience as a public defender

watching bodycam and listening to my clients, I know that his behavior is the product of a poisonous culture.

One Saturday, about five years ago, I attended a training on implicit bias with 20 officers from the Minneapolis Police Department. Right before we started, a lieutenant at my table made a profanity laden announcement that this training was a waste of his time.

When a facilitator asked what their goals were for the next year, the lieutenant stood up and said proudly, “I want to maintain the

warrior mentality because that’s why I became a cop.” That was the moment I realized how difficult it would be to change the culture of the MPD. This is why I hold two truths: Chief Arradondo’s testimony reflects his authentic values and the culture change he is seeking.

And, culture change will take years and require the participation of policy makers, the courts, prosecutors and the community.

A Chauvin conviction would only be one step along that journey toward true reform.

I was told by journalists who have covered the trials of police officers across the country that this was the most comprehensive prosecution effort they have seen. The state called specialists from every relevant medical field, including a pulmonologist (Dr. Tobin) who was the best expert I have ever seen testify in a trial.

The defense was only able to find one medical expert, a medical examiner, who was crossexamined quite effectively by the prosecution. During closing argument, the defense argued that reasonable doubt existed be-

cause George Floyd could have died from any number of causes.

Relying on reasonable doubt alone, without a coherent defense narrative, is not a position

From a technical and substantive perspective, this was not a well-tried case.

in which defense lawyers should find themselves.

To establish cause of death, the State must prove only that Chauvin’s actions were a substantial cause of George Floyd’s death, not the only cause. And even if some other factor did contribute to his death, Chauvin is liable under the law if his actions caused a chain reaction (heart couldn’t handle restraint) resulting in George Floyd’s death.

By calling heart and lung doctors, a toxicologist, two emergency room physicians and two medical examiners, the State left

little doubt, much less reasonable doubt, that Chauvin’s actions killed George Floyd.

The other issue the State needed to address was use of force. As we heard many times throughout the trial, were Chauvin’s actions those of an objectively reasonable police officer? Although the defense requested the “20/20 hindsight” instruction, the judge did not give it to the jury. This is significant because the instruction tells the jury to judge the use of force from the “perspective of a reasonable officer at the moment he is at the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight.”

This language is not required by law, but it was given by the judge in the Yanez case, which may have played a role in the acquittal of the man who killed Philando Castile. That instruction makes it more difficult for the jury to second-guess a police officer, but the Chauvin jury did not hear it.

During closing argument, the State argued that this was a prosecution of Chauvin, not the police. I’ve written above that I

don’t believe in the “bad apple” theory, but from a strategic perspective, the State was more likely to get a conviction by not taking on the additional burden of condemning the entire Minneapolis Police Department, or law enforcement in general.

From a technical and substantive perspective, this was not a well-tried case. The defense had no single theory and violated most of the rules we are taught about cross-examination. Most of all, the defense made arguments and statements that were offensive.

As angry as I’ve been by the defense’s appeal to racist tropes, maybe this trial can be used as a teachable moment for Minnesotans who wonder why living here it is so hard for our Black community members.

Mary Moriarty was a public defender for 30 years, most recently for Hennepin County.

Allina Health and HealthPartners announce new partnership Allina Health and HealthPartners this week unveiled the goal of providing higher-quality more accessible health care at a lower cost.

The partnership builds on the two non-profits ‘ work together over the past 10 years on the Northwest Metro Alliance, an accountable care organization (ACO).

The new “value-based” care partnership seeks to elevate the quality of care delivered over the quantity of care provided. Reimbursement structures are directly connected to patient outcomes and improving quality of care based on specific measures, such as reducing hospital readmissions, improving coordination of care using electronic exchange of documents, and improving preventive care, ultimately leading to the improvement of both individual and community health. Addition-

ally, the length of the partnership is longer than previous partnerships to allow for a longer-term focus on population health strategies.

“This partnership is an extension of what is possible when health care organizations work together to improve the physical, mental and financial health of patients,” said Penny Wheeler, MD, Allina Health CEO. “We are proud to build on our partnership with HealthPartners—a partnership that has proven that by working together, we can better improve the lives of those we collectively serve and change health care for the better.”

“Today, we are expanding the strong partnership between our organizations,” said Andrea Walsh, HealthPartners president and CEO. “Our shared commitment to deliver high quality, affordable care and coverage has translated into better health and

brought together the HealthPartners health plan, four HealthPartners clinics, five Allina Health clinics, the Riverway Pain Clinic, Mercy Hospital campuses in Coon Rapids and Fridley, as well as other affiliated specialists, all in an effort to improve the health of residents in the northwest metro area.

Allina Health and HealthPartners are also coowners of St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee along with Essentia Health. This unique, collaborative ownership aims to reduce duplication of services and improve care coordination for patients in the southwest metro. With 30 affiliated cost savings through the Northwest Metro Alliance. clinics and 450 clinicians, St. Francis brings modern We are excited to bring that same spirit of innova- medical technology, specialties and services often tion to build better health in all of the communities found in the core metro area closer to home. we serve.”

Started in 2010, the Northwest Metro Alliance

What you need to know if you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine

By William Petri Contributing writer The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration on April 13, 2021, halted use of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine that has been given to 6.8 million people in the U.S. The pause is due to reports of blood clotting in six people who have received the vaccine.

One woman died, and another has been hospitalized in critical condition. Dr. William Petri, an infectious disease physician and immunologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, answers questions to help put this development in context.

What is this potential side effect of the J&J vaccine for COVID-19?

The potential side effect is a blood clot in the veins that drain blood from the brain. This is called central venous sinus thrombosis. In the vaccine-associated cases of this, platelets in blood, which are important for making clots, have been lower than normal.

This same side effect has been seen in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that also uses an adenovirus to deliver the coronavirus spike glycoprotein.

In the case of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the clotting disorder has been linked to antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4) that are apparently induced by the adenovirus backbone of the vaccine.

This antibody causes the clotting disorder by activating platelets to clot.

It is important to note that this disorder, called vaccine-induced

immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, is not a problem with What are the CDC and FDA the mRNA-based Pfizer and specifically recommending for Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. the J&J vaccine?

Because of this rare occurHow many people have rence, even though it has not experienced this possible been shown to be due to the reaction? vaccine, the CDC and FDA have About one in a million: Six recommended a pause in use of cases out of the 6.8 million doses the J&J vaccine until these cases of the J&J vaccine administered can be further reviewed. in the U.S. These six cases all occurred in women ages 18-48, and What are the next steps? from 6 to 13 days after vaccinaThe CDC convened a meettion. That’s about half as likely ing of the Advisory Committee as getting struck by lightning in on Immunization Practices on a year.

April 14, 2021. The ACIP is an independent board of 15 scientific What do I do if I got the J&J and medical experts selected by shot? the health and human services The CDC and FDA are rec- secretary that advises the CDC ommending that people who on vaccines for children and have received the J&J vaccine adults. People with ties to vacwithin the last three weeks who cine manufacturers are excluded develop severe headache, ab- from the ACIP membership dominal pain, leg pain or short- because of potential conflict of ness of breath should contact interest. their health care provider.

The ACIP will review the Fortunately this type of blood available evidence and make clot is treatable with the use of recommendations to the CDC, blood thinners or anticoagulants. based to a great extent on the If a patient has low platelets, likelihood that the complication however, a doctor would not is vaccine related. prescribe the widely used anticoagulant heparin but instead Is this similar to what happened another kind of blood thinner. with the AstraZeneca vaccine in Untreated, these blood clots can Europe? be fatal.

A similar rare problem of blood clotting with low platelets

in the cerebral venous sinus and also in the abdominal veins and arteries has been seen in connection with the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine used in Europe. There, 182 cases were reported in 190 million doses – again, roughly one in one million people vaccinated. The European Medicines Agency investigated this and concluded that central venous sinus thrombosis with low platelets should be listed as a possible “very rare side effect” of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

On April 13, 2021, Johnson & Johnson announced it is delaying the rollout of its vaccine in

Europe in response to the U.S. chance or a true, but extremely review. rare, side effect of the J&J vaccine.

I believe it is a testament to What is the take-home the emphasis by the CDC and message?

FDA on vaccine safety that J&J The U.S. has a total of three vaccinations have been paused vaccines authorized under while this is studied by indeemergency use authorization pendent scientists and medical for COVID-19, and this side ef- experts. fect has not been observed in the other two vaccines, developed William Petri is professor of

by Moderna and Pfizer. The medicine, University of Virginia.

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines This article is republished do not use the same technology with permission from The Conused in the J&J and AstraZeneca versation under a Creative Comvaccines. So vaccination against mons license.

COVID-19 can continue, while efforts are made to determine if the clotting disorder is related by

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor

451 West Central

St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444

Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:

Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"

At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904

www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm

Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm

2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM

April 22-28, 2021

Health & Wellness

3

Murder is upsetting

By Dr. Dionne Hart Guest contributor On March 30, 2021, defense attorney Eric Nelson asked Minneapolis firefighter Genevieve Hansen if she and the other bystanders were getting angry and hostile toward the officers present when George Floyd was murdered. She responded, "I don't know if you've seen anyone killed, but it's upsetting.

The presiding judge struck her comment from the record and later scolded Ms. Hansen for being argumentative with the defense attorney. While I agree it is important to be respectful to all parties during a court proceeding, her response sparks multiple points.

One, I cannot imagine how truly helpless the witnesses present at the time

of Mr. Floyd’s murder must have felt. I certainly recall my own feelings of sadness, anger, fright and helplessness I experienced watching the video of the encounter.

Second, how could anyone suggest that witnesses to a murder be anything but angry watching someone die?

It is normal to have emotions including sadness, anger, fear and helplessness when watching a traumatic event in person or vicariously, especially when you identify with a victim or a bystander.

Just last week, I was speaking with minority women physicians about how often Black women have to modulate our responses when we are the target of blatant racism and microaggressions to avoid being labeled an angry Black woman. Black women regularly do not receive validation or empathy for our emotional response to discomfort, loss and trauma.

Third, the Black community has faced trauma after trauma, yet we have not embraced the necessity of mental health treatment to decrease the resulting psychological and physical burdens.

In the United States, 61% of Black children compared to 40% of White children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience such as violence, abuse or neglect, or growing up in a household with substance abuse. According to the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH), Black people face unique risk factors for clinical depression including experiences of racism, higher rates of unemployment and financial and food insecurity, and limited access to care, all of which result in an increased burden of psychological distress in Black communities.

Black people are also less likely to seek mental health services due to access and stigmata related to mental illness.

Growing up, I heard phrases such as God does not give you anything you cannot handle, suffering makes you stronger, and your ancestors lived in slavery so you can certainly handle x, y or z issue.

Prayer is powerful and I believe God often answers prayers through medicine and health professionals. Seeking mental health treatment does not mean that you cannot continue to pray for healing and grace.

In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Black men ages 15 to 24. In addition, death from suicide for Black men was more than four times greater than for African American women. As of 2018, suicide became the secondleading cause of death in Black children aged 10-14, and the third-leading cause of death in Black adolescents aged 15-19.

While we march to end systematic racism and for justice for Mr. Floyd, Jamar Clark,

Courtesy of Nappy.co Philando Castile, and Daunte Wright, please do not forget to address your own mental health and the mental health of our elders who have carried the burden of these stressors, or the youth who are watching our struggle. Seek professional assistance if your daily function becomes impaired.

Monitor yourself, friends and family members for signs of depression such as a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day; a marked decline or an inability to experience pleasure; too much or too little sleep; significant weight loss or gain; low energy, impaired concentration, and thoughts of harm to yourself.

These symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of clinical depression. Untreated depression is a serious condition but it is treatable. Mental health is health.

Together, we can end the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.

Anyone experiencing stress, difficulty coping with a mental illness, isolation or suicidal thoughts: To seek mental health treatment, text NAMI or HELP to 741-741 or call 800-950NAMI or The Lifeline 1-800-2738255 or @800273TALK on Twitter. Visit www.fasttrackermn.org/ to find a psychiatrist or mental health provider or www.borislhensonfoundation.org, www.na-

mimn.org.

Dr. Dionne Hart specializes in psychiatry and addiction medicine. She was the inaugural chair of the American Medical Association’s Minority Affairs Section and the first Black woman elected to the Minnesota Medical Association’s Board of Trustees. She is a past Minnesota Psychiatrist of the Year. In 2020, the Minnesota Physician journal named her one of the 100 most influential health care leaders in Minnesota. She is the president of the Minnesota Association of African American Physicians.

Maintaining your wellbeing during the Chauvin trial

JEGNA Brandon Jones

By Brandon Jones, M.A. As the Derek Chauvin trial continues to move forward, it is an understatement to say that this has been one emotional journey for many Minnesotans—especially those Minnesotans who represent the BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) communities.

There is a significant emotional response due to the revisiting of this case.

In the psychology world, this emotional response is called vicarious trauma. It takes place when reliving a traumatic experience over and over and over again.

This traumatic experience could be something that happens directly or indirectly to the individual. How many have experienced incidents of

racism? These experiences are present with people from the racial group or groups that have been affected the most by the incident.

This trial is a direct outcome of events that took place in 2020 when it comes to racism and racial injustice. Consequently, it is too easy for us to conclude that the damage has already been done.

Has the damage already been done?

I’m hard-pressed to know anyone who the death of George Floyd has not impacted. However, some people have by now entirely disconnected from the event. You should question if you find ourselves completely disconnected from what is happening.

What is going on with humanity for you? Seeing George Floyd lose his life with a knee on his neck brings anyone to a place of grief and pain. It may be different for different people, and it may resonate with an extra level of impact depending on your connection. But you should still feel something.

Unfortunately, many of us feel like we were among those who personally experienced George Floyd’s death in

May 2020. This is significant, and if somebody falls in this category it is highly recommended that they take care of their well-being. Re-watching the videos, seeing some of the comments on our social media content, and hearing the witnesses’ voices are examples of how this vicarious trauma shows up.

It will put you into a place of discomfort, and then you are expected to go to your job, take care of your kids, and otherwise go about your daily life in the midst of one of the major social justice causes of all time.

Given the high emotional state of this case and our position as citizens of this country, I will maintain that protecting our own well-being is one of our most significant challenges moving forward.

however, trying to be at your healthiest state is very important.

• Relationships: The people within your network play a considerable role in your well-being. Sometimes you have to identify who you can lean on when things get tough, where to set a boundary, who has that listening ear and has that advice helps us move forward. Having healthy relationships is a critical component of your well-being.

• Security: Security is an essential part of our well-being. The security we think of as safety is necessary. However, consider comfort as one of the main components of security. You will never feel safe if you do not feel comfortable.

• Purpose: Purpose is one of the guiding principles of everyone's life. Unfortunately, many people struggle to find Strategies for staying well what their purpose or purposWhen it comes to maintain- es are within their own life. If ing well-being, I like to focus you find yourself in this puron the areas highlighted by poseless space, it is truly hard the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing: • Health: We have to seek well-being in all health elements, including spiritual, physical and mental health.

This well-being does look different for different people;

Wanted: A news reporter/journalist The MSR seeks a news reporter with extensive knowledge and experience in the African American community to cover news events, protests, and community meetings. The reporter will be expected to cover meetings and policy decisions at various levels of government in the Twin Cities and the greater metro area, including the state legislature.

The reporter will also write news stories about housing, education, transportation, labor, health, the environment, police violence and more as they pertain to the African American community. The reporter must be comfortable reporting on issues surrounding equity, discrimination and social justice.

This is a freelance position with pay commensurate with experience. There is potential for advancement.

For more information, email Mel Reeves at mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

to find well-being. Make sure the actions you take are purpose-driven and have at least one clearly defined purpose.

• Community: Community is all about fulfilling that need of belonging. As human beings, we have to be a part of groups. Even when we prefer to be isolated, we are in a group of isolated people. The community that you're a part of is an essential contributor to your well-being.

• Environment: The spaces you are in and the spaces that you avoid are all important to how you manage to engage your well-being. The environment plays a significant role in our behavior and our feeling and thinking. Therefore, make sure that the settings you place yourself in are healthy are substantial for your well-being.

many of these incidents. We can hope this will be the last one and justice will be done.

Unfortunately, the battle of racism, subjugation and trauma has always been a part of our American experiences and is not likely to completely go away soon.

This should not be, but that’s how it is. We have remained strong, but strength does not mean we have remained well. Our well-being is essential to maintaining our whole self. During this time and moving forward, please plan to monitor what media you are taking in, that you are eating healthy foods, getting adequate sleep, and connecting with the ones you love most.

With all the stressors in this world, we must do all we can to sustain ourselves.

Remain strong and well We have a long road ahead of us during this trial and afterward. We have had too

Brandon Jones welcomes reader respones at bjones@spokesman-recorder.com.

Unlock your potential with a low-interest, no down payment Habitat mortgage

It’s easy to find out if you qualify.

Get started at: buywithhabitat.org/msr Habitat mortgages are originated by TCHFH Lending, Inc., a non-profit subsidiary of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

Equal Opportunity housing agency, employer, and lender. TCHFH Lending Inc. NMLS #1482482. Twin Cities Habitat NMLS #400065

4

April 22-28, 2021

Opinion

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.

Minnesota considering major changes to assistance programs

Black America's fear of police rooted in history

By Donald V. Watkins By the turn of the 19th century, America's all-White federal, state, and local law enforcement communities were aggressively working in concert with all-White local, state, and federal judges to re-enslave innocent Black citizens, using the Thirteenth Amendment as the enslavement vehicle. These groups also strictly enforced ‘de jury' and ‘de facto’ racial segregation, "Black Codes," Jim Crow laws on every subject imaginable, and the growing and brutally oppressive peonage system.

"Fleeing" felon statutes authorized White law enforcement officers to shoot Black suspects in the back if they attempted to flee from police officers. These statutes were not struck down until the 1980s. However, this small measure of progress has not stopped the unrelenting waves of police murders of unarmed Black suspects across the United States.

What is more, Blacks cannot help but notice that White mass murderers/active shooters are rarely killed by police at the scene of their crimes or during the process of arrest. By and large, they are treated with the utmost respect by the White law enforcement community.

Police torture of Black men, women, and children during interrogations was a common tool of law enforcement agencies nationwide until the early 2000s. Torture is still widely practiced by police and tacitly condoned by law enforcement chiefs and judges in many Southern states.

Torture within state and federal penal colonies is legend-

ary nationwide. It occurs on a regular basis within the Special Housing Units of federal prisons. White correctional officers who relish dominion and control over inmates of color seem to be drawn to this modern-day enslavement plantation.

No past or present U.S. president should ever lecture China, Russia, Iran, or any other foreign country about its treatment of prisoners until the torture of inmates in the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons has ceased. "Torture," as I define it, includes the act of stripping a male inmate naked, physically restraining him with straps, and spraying his testicles with burning chemical mace, as was done to inmate James Summers (Reg # 51863-074) in 2020 in the Special Housing Unit at the federal prison in Manchester, Kentucky. It also includes the vicious beating of inmates who are forced to walk backward in a crouched position with their hands cuffed behind their backs.

I can specify other acts of torture if the Bureau of Prisons has a genuine interest in stopping it. These acts are just as ugly and violent. And, they are happening on American soil.

To make matters worse, the Federal Bureau of Investigation operated a formal program to target, discredit and destroy non-violent, law-abiding, civil rights activists like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Mrs. Rosa Parks, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and thousands of other freedom fighters, from 1956 to 1971.

The program was called COINTELPRO. The program, which enjoyed the strong support of local White reporters, federal, state, and local police agencies, and federal and state judges around the nation destroyed thousands of innocent Black lives.

COINTELPRO continues today as an informal, off-thebooks racist law enforcement program in FBI offices in Southern states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, among others. Birmingham, Alabama was a citadel for COINTELPRO activities in the South through 2020.

To this day, the federal courthouse in Birmingham proudly displays the wooden "robe closet" of one of the federal bench's most notorious and unreformed racist judges -- U.S. District Court Judge Edwin Nelson (deceased).

Racism has been protected by From 1980 to 1995, White the Courts federal law enforcement ofAll of these acts of systemic ficials gathered annually in law enforcement racism were Tennessee to carry on an orgy sanctioned by the federal, state, of overtly racist conduct at a and local courts, except for a gathering called the "Good Ol' brief period of civil rights en- Boys Roundup." More than forcement by a few courageous 1,000 agents and their guests federal judges from 1954 to gleefully celebrated their rac1980. The rest of their time in ism with acknowledged White America, Blacks have caught Supremacists. pure hell from the police and The imprisonment of Blacks, courts in every aspect of their when measured as a percentlives. age of their numbers in the general population, outpaces the imprisonment of any other ethnic group in America. As expected, federal courts are leading the way in enslaving Black criminal defendants and in executing federally imprisoned "slaves."

In 2021, the greatest threat to the fair administration of justice in America for Black citizens is no longer the White men and women who wear White robes, who burn crosses at night, and who lynch African Americans from trees.

They have been replaced by today's so-called "respectable" White "conservative jurists" who wear Black robes in their courtrooms, who routinely eviscerate a Black defendant's constitutional right to a fair trial, and who consistently reenslave Blacks on a wholesale basis without flinching.

“There’s a growing awareness of how shockingly difficult we make it to get any help for people whose lives are already very difficult.”

—Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL), chairwoman of the House Health Finance & Policy Committee Budget recommendations proposed by Governor Walz have the potential to improve the plight of low-income families in the state. Under the new proposal to simplify the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and General Assistance, thousands of Minnesota families living in poverty would see an increase to their monthly aid payments, more stable payment amounts, and simplified reporting requirements.

Currently, Minnesota is the only state which still requires aid recipients to submit an eightpage form every month detailing their income, assets, and expenses. This paperwork burden is seen as roughly equivalent to filing a tax return every month.

It takes away time that recipients

could be engaged in job search activities. And each change in reported monthly income results in a change in benefits, making it increasingly difficult for those receiving aid to plan for the future.

Governor Walz’s budget proposal would allow families receiving MFIP to lock in their benefits for six months, aligning with the State’s reporting requirements for other safety net programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota’s Housing Assistance Program. The proposal also includes a one-time payment of up to $750 to families who receive MFIP. The changes being considered at the State Capitol include a provision that the monthly MFIP payments be adjusted annually to reflect the rising cost for food, rent, and other necessities. The cost of living increases, if approved, would be only the second time in 35 years that aid recipients in Minnesota would see an increase in their monthly benefits. Given how infrequently the aid amounts have changed over the years, the purchasing power of this cash assistance program has eroded substantially over time.

An average of 30,000 families receive temporary income support through MFIP per month.

Roughly 72% of the enrollees in the program are children. The number of participants has increased in the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Participants report that benefits are typically used to pay for basic necessities such as diapers, food,

rent, utilities, and transportation.

According to Jodi Harpstead, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, most parents who turn to MFIP for support are recently unemployed. They worked in retail, hospitality, health care, or in other temporary roles—often with inconsistent schedules and unpredictable monthly incomes.

Under the current program guidelines, the maximum cash payment for a typical family of three is $632 per month. This amount is more than 30% lower than Minnesota’s median gross rent amount. At a time when expenses continue to rise and unemployment remains elevated it is increasingly important to support families in need and offer them economic stability.

Public perception of aid programs has, in recent years, begun to shift as greater attention has been drawn to deepening inequality and the rising costs of housing and health care. The pandemic amplified the focus on these issues as millions of Americans lost their jobs, making it increasingly difficult to support their families and pay for basic necessities. These shifts have led to policy proposals, such as the governor’s, which are long overdue and would begin to improve the quality of life of families in need.

Dr. Clarence Hightower is thecurrent executive director of Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County. He welcomes reader responses at chightower@caphennepin.org.

Daunte’s death was not accidental

By Wayne Nealis

The police killing of Daunte Wright, a young Black man, was not an accident. It is the result of excessive powers afforded to law enforcement by state and federal laws as well as policing protocols and training. These are actions that in effect should be considered a criminal abuse of power, which results in deaths like that of Wright's.

Too often media reports avoid addressing these larger systemic issues. For example, few reporters question the reason officers stopped Wright. Black drivers often report being profiled by officers as they assume they will find outstanding warrants. This situation smells of that type of harassment and profiling.

Another question left unasked is why officers are allowed to take anyone into custody on the spot for minor outstanding warrants. A citation and a reminder to address the warrant should be sufficient.

Yet state laws, and police training and protocols, give officers the authority to immediately apprehend an individual. If arresting Wright was not permitted by law then he would still be alive.

Under the current authority afforded officers, if Daunte was in fact uncooperative, officers could have deescalated the situation by offering to resolve the warrant at a later time or date. They had all the information they needed to contact him. The validity of the warrant itself still remains an open question.

Another question that must be asked of the “criminality” Donald V. Watkins is an at- inherent in policing is why an torney, entrepreneur, and com- officer in this situation has the mentary writer. legal authority to use a taser.

The explanation that the officer accidentally used a hand-

gun instead of a taser excuses a system that allows taser use in this situation. We should not allow a debate over the “accidental” use of lethal force to obscure the fact that state laws and police training protocols allow such excessive use of force.

This brings us to the question being asked by protesters.

How could a 26-year veteran officer mistake a handgun for a taser? It is nearly unfathomable given her years of training and the distinctive differences in weight, location, and feel of the weapon.

This leads to a question the media seldom ask: Why do all police officers need to carry lethal weapons? In many nations only select officers do so.

Most policing is done by unarmed police officers.

Examining the shooting using this alternative framework leads us to also question the inadequate response of our state and local elected leaders, in particular, that of Gov. Tim Walz.

At a news conference Monday Walz said: “I express my deepest sympathies to the family, knowing that there's absolutely nothing I can say that will make this better or take this back, but with an understanding there are things that we can do. …We don't have to continue having these press conferences and having what may be a routine traffic stop end in a 20-year-old dead.”

Walz went on to talk about the need to pass police reform legislation that is currently held up by the GOP majority in the state’s senate.

While these reforms should be passed, he must know these remedies would not have changed the outcome for Daunte and his family.

His statement of condolence is like so many we hear on a

regular basis from political leaders around the country.

After referencing these legislative changes, Walz then shifted to lecturing protesters about remaining peaceful. In reality, the problem is police violence. There would have been no protests or looting if there was no police misconduct.

Walz’s statement fails to speak to law enforcement officers directly. Let’s imagine a statement that rises to the gravity of this killing in the final week of the trial of Chauvin. Walz might have said the following: “I want police officers of this state to listen carefully.

You must step up and become a part of solving this problem in your profession. The blue wall of silence must end.

“You know there are officers in your departments who are not fit for the job. You know those who are racist, authoritarian, overly aggressive, and those who intentionally violate people’s rights. It is past time to stand up and make your voices heard. I know there are many well-meaning officers, perhaps most, but silence is no longer an option.

“I am asking you as law enforcement officers to reflect on your profession. We need to change laws, training and protocols. You can be part of that debate and work for change or you can choose to remain silent, but change will and must happen.”

In the final week of the Derek Chauvin trial, the killing of Daunte, and the tepid response of the governor, have simply exacerbated the simmering tensions and raw emotions that have existed since the murder of George Floyd.

Wayne Nealis is a resident of Minneapolis.

April 22-28, 2021

Continued from page 1

“Floyd was a man, and now he is a movement.” reopen the case of her fiancé, Justin Tiegen, killed by St. Paul police over 10 years ago.

Floyd’s fiancé, Courtney Ross, was mobbed after placement of the taser. We want a true bill of murder.

“We have all these murders and only one man is incarcerated—a Black man,” Castile said, referring to former Minneapolis officer Mohamed Noor, currently serving a 12.5-year prison sentence for the 2019 shooting death of Justine Damond Ruszczyk.

Del Shea Perry spoke of her son Hardel Sherrell’s death while being held at the Beltrami County Jail. “They ought to call this place Minni-sippi,” exclaimed Perry.

She recalled her son’s words to her not long before he died: “‘Momma, they don’t believe me and they won’t let me go to the hospital because they think I am faking it.’”

She said she called the jail to ask them to give him medical attention. Perry said her son suffered for six days and was “left to die alone on a cold jail cell floor in urine- and feces-filled Depends.

He walked in and was carried out in a body bag,” she said.

Perry mentioned others who have died while in jail. “Enough

is enough,” she said. She thanked independent journalists Unicorn Riot and Georgia Fort for their help in telling her son’s story.

Matilda Smith, the mother of Jaffort Smith, who was shot and killed by St. Paul police in May 2016, said, “It’s enough. We are sick and tired of you killing us and expecting us to be quiet about it,” she stated. “George Floyd is a saint compared to Derek Chauvin.”

Demetrius Hill’s mother Marilyn Hill reminded folks about her son’s killing by St. Paul police 25 years ago. She said he was killed as part of an effort “to depopulate our community” of Black and Brown people.

Demetrius was 18 years old; his mother said he was shot in the back. She added that that people are not aware of many others who have been killed by police.

Potter “should be charged with first-degree, second-degree and third-degree [murder],” Hill said.

Also present was Tiffany Burns, the sister of Jamar Clark, who was killed in North Minneapo-

tively address officers with numerous complaints on their record before it's too late.

Continued from page 1 In March, the City of Min“I knew that there was a bat- neapolis settled a wrongful tle coming and that I would be death suit with Floyd’s family. fighting for my son.”

Castile recalled her own efCastile hopes to see a dif- forts in seeking accountability ferent outcome for the family from local officials. of George Floyd in the trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin faces second- and third-degree murder charges for the death of Floyd last May. Like Philando’s death, Floyd’s was captured on camera.

Castile calls on prosecutors “The State of Minnesota to hold Chauvin accountable sized me up,” she said. “I and treat him like a murderer. didn’t have a lot of attorneys “I hope that they’re coura- around me to guide me and geous enough to really fight make sure I wasn’t taken adfor Mr. George Floyd and go vantage of.” Castile received in there with the same ag- a $3 million settlement from gression that the defense will the City of St. Anthony but have,” she said. She also calls was advised against suing the for a plan that would proac- State and other local entities

by her legal counsel. She was told that she might not live long enough to see the end of court dates and to just move on.

Since her son’s death, Castile has been pushing for reforms to help prevent more fatal encounters with law enforcement. In 2018 she participated in meetings led by the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution, where Castile and 50 other activists, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials created a toolkit to help prosecutors address officer-involved fatalities and “provide a path to accountability for unjustified force.”

The Minnesota Driver’s Manual was updated on the fourth anniversary of Philando’s death to include new guidance for motorists and police officers to help avoid fatal encounters. The manual

Wright Continued from page 1

are these people gonna stop?!” asked Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile, who was shot and killed by a former St. Anthony police officer in July 2016 (see extended profile on this page). “I will tell you why they haven’t stopped. It’s because nobody is holding them accountable.

“Daunte’s murder struck a chord with me. He was murdered in his vehicle. He did nothing wrong,” Castile continued. “We don’t have time to recover. I am mad as hell again and again. It’s always the same thing—‘I was in fear for my life,’” she complained.

“If you are that scared, you should be a greeter at Walmart. There are lots of excuses, but no reasons!”

Castile said Potter was not a rookie and suggested, “How about we take the gun from the dominant position to the nondominant position? Change the

Castile

“I brought my son right into the lion’s den.”

Walkout Continued from page 1 yeah, if ranch goes on pizza, or if Snicker Bars are better than Kit Kats. Not if my skin color is a weapon or not.”

“Protests are super important to give a voice to the youth,” said Yahanna Mackbee, a junior at Washburn High School. “But the decisions that are being made are happening at the state level, and we need to be at the table for that.” Mackbee is a member of the Minneapolis NAACP’s Youth Council Minneapolis chapter.

A majority of participants in Monday’s action were youth, but some adults attended to lend support. Ashley Dorelus praised those in attendance. “I noticed a lot of y’all skipped school for this event. It’s snowing and a lot of y’all are still here. Y’all are literally the next generation, and it is an honor to be here with you right now,” she said.

Dorelus encouraged the young activists to remain undeterred in their efforts to demand justice. “When

they tell you that you are too young, tell them about Ruby Bridges,” she said. “When they tell you that you are too young, tell them you’re not too young to witness murder.”

Jerome Treadwell closed the rally with a rendition of the Black national anthem which he played on his saxophone. Treadwell, a junior at Highland Park High School in Saint Paul, is one of the lead organizers of Minnesota Teen Activists, a nonprofit group that helped with the

intend to remain silent any longer. “I think people often mistake that youth are the future, but youth are actually now,” he said.

“Without teaching and molding and giving hope and opportunity for youth to be proactive in our community, it’s impossible for them to create a future that will put us in a position where we’ll be the leaders.”

School districts are preparing for more protests later this week in anticipation of a verdict in the Chauvin case.

“When they tell you that you are too young, tell them you’re not too young to witness murder.” organizing of the walkout.

“It [the walkout] was sparked by the murder of Daunte Wright, and we were able to use that as a catalyst, not of just another post or another hashtag, but of actions. We were able to come together statewide,” he said.

Treadwell said the statewide walkout is a statement from the youth to the adults in power that they do not

Minneapolis Public Schools have already instructed students and staff to return to a distance learning model from April 21 to April 23 in order to better avoid any interruptions that may occur following the jury’s decision.

Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader responses to amohamed@ spokesman-recorder.

press realized who she was.

Activists surrounded her to allow her a private moment as she quietly sobbed. She eventually addressed the press at the makeshift speakers’ platform set up by activists on the scene.

“Floyd was a man,” she said, “and now he is a movement.

This has been way too much pain…” Ross thanked the community for its support and, saying Floyd loved to

lis in November 2015 by Minneapolis police officers Dustin Schwartze and Mark Ringgenberg. “He was handcuffed and

5

pray, offered up a prayer of thanks herself.

George Floyd vindicated!

Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

shot in the head for no reason,” she said, noting that nothing had changed significantly in policing since then.

Burns called for community control of the police, saying, “We shouldn’t be here. There are too many stolen lives. We want [Potter] to go to jail for life, and every officer that took a life needs to give a life.”

Don Williams spoke about his grandson Brian Quinones, who was killed by a combination of Richfield and Edina police in September 2019 after a traffic

stop. “They killed a very talented young man. When they killed Brian Quinones, they killed a bright spirit.”

Williams added that it’s not just Minneapolis and not just Minnesota. He challenged the mainstream press to report the truth “as you see it. Get it right. Quit criminalizing our family members.”

Bayle Adod Gelle, the father of Dolal Idd, who was killed by Minneapolis police on December 30, 2020, spoke as well. “We don’t need peace. We need justice,” he said. “We need equality.

We need our rights.”

Also in attendance was Paul Johnson, who spoke on behalf of the friends and family of Travis Jordan, a native Hawaiian. He said Jordan was killed in November 2018 by Minneapolis policemen Ryan Keyes and Neal Walsh, who were supposedly doing a wellness check.

Garraway thanked activists and supporters of the families. Several of them spoke, including Jaylani Hussein of CAIR-MN;

Angela Rose Meyer of the Minneapolis NAACP; Michelle Gross of Communities United Against Police Brutality; and Jonathan McClellan of the Minnesota Justice Coalition. McClellan has spearheaded police reform legislation.

Activists have called on lawmakers to pass police accountability bills, including the Philando Castile Omnibus Bill.

Nekima Levy-Armstrong, activist civil rights attorney and organizer of the event, asked the press to “empathize with these mothers.” She said things are worse than usual.

State Rep. John Thompson (D67A) said that Wright was racially profiled and called for law enforcement to “stop shooting rubber bullets at peaceful protesters. If you didn’t want them there, you would stop killing people.”

instructs drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, while police officers are to inform them why they’re being stopped and follow established procedures.

Though she welcomes the change by the Department of Public Safety, Castile questions the timing of its implementation following the murder of George Floyd.

“I was thinking to myself, oh wow, now they’re scrambling. ‘Let the community know that we’re working on fixing things.’ It took them two years to implement that change.”

Castile also leads the Philando Castile Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to push for policy changes around police violence and has helped pay off lunch debts for students around the Twin Cities. It’s been Castile’s way of keeping her son’s legacy alive, since he was known to buy lunch for some students who weren’t able to pay.

The foundation helps provide support to families who have also lost loved ones to

police violence by connecting them to grief counselors and providing them stipends for their needs.

While her life has changed since the loss of her son, Castile finds purpose in consoling mothers who have experienced that same feeling. “It’s bittersweet,” she said, “but just the mere fact of knowing that I’ve done something to help the next person has brought me joy.”

A major focus in Castile’s recent work as a change agent has been pushing for passage of HF 784, otherwise known as the Philando Castile Omnibus Bill, which aims to combat systemic racism by investing millions of dollars in the African American and African immigrant communities. The bill was introduced by freshman State Representative John Thompson, DFL-St. Paul.

It seeks to address issues of housing, business resources, and police training. It’s received support from some Democratic members of the state legislature, but Republicans have opposed it. Part of the bill calls for the construc-

tion of five resource centers across the state of Minnesota.

Castile sees these centers as a way to connect the disjointed Black community and hold space for health services, town hall meetings, and financial services. She hopes to create a direct line of support to the Black community instead of having to navigate through non-Black organizations.

“Within these last 30 years of all these budget hearings, exactly how much of it went to the African American community and organizations?” she asked.

As the bill moves through multiple committees, Castile continues to build partnerships with other organizations. She recently reached out to PCs for People and secured 250 mobile hotspots for families in School District 287 to help lessen the educational gap faced by students of color.

“We are sick and tired of you killing us and expecting us to be quiet about it.”

Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader responses to amohamed@ spokesman-recorder.com.

6

April 22-28, 2021

Business

Mpls. City Council approves new forgivable loan program for 38th and Chicago businesses The Minneapolis City Council announced on Friday that a new forgivable loan program has been approved for businesses at George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th St. and Chicago Ave. in South Minneapolis.

The program will provide $50,000 loans to small businesses or commercial property owners in the area. The loans will have deferred payments at 0% interest and will be forgiven if the business remains open and in place for a year after entering into the loan agreement.

Many of the businesses in the area have suffered a loss in revenue in the wake of the intersection’s shutdown following the tragic police killing of George Floyd and subsequent unrest.

Businesses and organizations eligible for the loans include: • Small, privately held businesses, including notfor-profit, non-sectarian organizations, with locations on 38th Street and Chicago Avenue within the boundaries of George Floyd Square, defined as East 37th Street on the northern boundary, East 39th Street on the southern boundary, Columbus Avenue South on the west, and Elliot Avenue on the east.

• Businesses that were open and located within the designated area as of March 30, 2021 and are open as of the date of the application.

• Business tenants with a leasehold interest in commercial property and/or owners of the commercial property. If

an applicant owns multiple parcels and/or businesses in the area or is both the owner and occupant of a commercial space, such an applicant would be eligible for one loan, not multiple ones.

• Businesses must be in good regulatory standing with the City.

The City will release an online application next week with more details on the program including the application requirements and deadline. The City will accept applications on a rolling basis over multiple weeks.

Given an estimate of the number of potentially eligible businesses and commercial Smoke in the Pit co-owner Dwight Alexander outside of his shop properties located in the eligible area, the program may deploy around $1 million in —Information provided by the loans.

City of Minneapolis.

Photo by Steve Floyd

It’s Financial Health Month: Chart the path toward your next milestone Sponsored content from Local advocates In the Twin Cities we’ve also hired a community manager – a new role created by the bank – who is working with the community and small businesses to increase awareness of available resources. Anchored at the Chase branch in the Ventura Village neighborhood, our community manager is connecting with neighborhood organizations and creating programs to help connect more customers with financial health tools, products and services. Look for free interactive programs on topics such

Getty Images When was the last time you looked at your bank account balance? According to a recent study, over 60 percent of Americans check their balance at least once a week. This is a habit, if practiced the right way, can you put on the path to achieving your financial goals.

Whether you’re looking to becoming financially independent, planning for a longawaited vacation, or saving for a down payment to buy your first home, April is Financial Literacy Month and we want you to be aware of some of the tools and skills right now to help make your financial journey as smooth as possible.

Managing your money can be overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be. Understanding things like budgeting, saving, paying your bills, and even building your credit score are skills that can help at any stage of your life. Even in these difficult times with the pandemic when so many are facing greater uncertainty around finances and job security, understanding core financial skills can be a differencemaker.

The past year has impacted families, friends, colleagues and our community. Since the start of the pandemic, 44% of Black Americans have said that either they or someone in their family has experienced a job or wage loss due to COVID. In these situations,

especially, it is critical to know how to manage your finances to stay or get back on track.

If you’re unsure of where to begin, how to start making progress, or simply looking to refresh your knowledge, consider the following as you chart a successful path forward and take control of your financial future.

Advice and tools Our financial goals hub (at Chase.com) is a great place to start. Start by picking a goal – save, budget, or build credit – and explore advice, offerings and tools that more simply allow you to control your financial future. Our Grow Your Savings page, for example, offers an interactive calculator that maps out a timeline to reach savings goals and highlights how the Autosave tool can help you manage a regular savings schedule to stay on track and meet your goals.

Other resources are also available, such as budget worksheets to monitor and track monthly spending, guidance on using the Credit Journey tool to build and protect credit, as well as background on low-cost checking accounts designed to provide access for anyone who has had trouble getting or keeping an account in the past.

tal first steps to financial literacy, but equal access to capital is just as critical. With 41% of Black-owned businesses shuttering since this time last year, COVID-19 has only worsened the disparities and inequities that demand an intentional reprioritization of capital.

Through our Entrepreneurs of Color Fund, we’re working to provide more access to capital to future entrepreneurs, existing business owners, and communities who have historically and unfairly struggled to secure it. JPMorgan Chase also recently announced it is setting aside funds specifically for Black and Latinx business owners – stop into your local branch and talk with a Chase For Business representative to see if you qualify.

Equitable home lending Home equity is also a major contributor to families’ wealth, making it imperative that we increase homeownership among Black communities. One way we hope to do this is through our Chase DreaMaker mortgage, which makes applying for your first mortgage or refinancing a current one more attainable with a smaller down payment, and by offering reduced mortgage insurance, more flexibility around your credit score, Reserved capital for business potential assistance grants, owners and homebuyer education Education, reliable support, courses. and resources are fundamen-

as budget building, home buying tips, interview and job search skills, how to fund a small business, and others coming soon.

No matter where you are financially, budgeting and saving are two habits that can help you bounce back from life’s unexpected moments or keep on track to ensure you meet your goals. Chase is here to help everyone have open conversations about what it means to become financially healthy and provide support, tools and advice to get there.

Financial health is a journey, and we can help you think

about a plan for now and the future.

For more resources, information and access to tools that can help you achieve your financial goals and milestones, visit chase.com/ personal/financial-goals.

April 22-28, 2021

Arts & Culture

7

April is Jazz Appreciation Month and there are many ways to celebrate James on Jazz Robin James Contributing writer Perhaps one of the greatest ways to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month is to support artists and purchase downloads of their music. Bandcamp waives its fees so that all proceeds go to the individual artists. Go to bandcamp.com.

In April, the official YouTube channel of the Ed Sullivan Show is featuring jazz segments from the famous variety show archive. Streaming each segment is possible, but only on the dates specified. Check out the schedule for dates. One of the best segments I saw included Count Basie with Joe Williams.

If you’re a jazz fan or a musician, it’s fair to say that we all miss experiencing live music. One way to satisfy that desire is to seek out Blue Note artist Norah Jones, who has released her first live album, “Til We Meet Again,” on April 16.

There’s a new live version of the smash hit song, “Don’t Know Why” included in the new release. The song was recorded in 2018 at Live au

Campo in Perpignan, France, with Pete Remm on organ, Christopher Thomas on bass, and Brian Blade on drums.

Her Blue Note album mates, rising stars vibraphonist Joel Ross and saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, along with legends saxophonist Charles Lloyd and organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, all have new albums out now, too.

There are other impressive live albums from across Blue Note history such as pianist Horace Silver’s “Doin’ the Thing” record at the Village Gate in 1961 with Blue Mitchell, Junior Cook, Gene Taylor, and Roy Brooks. This album is included in Blue Note’s 80 Vinyl Series.

Here’s yet another way to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month: according to JazzTimes, Newvelle Records (newvelle-records.com) is producing a streaming concert series on Friday nights in April that will feature a dozen noted artists performing live music from a recording studio in New York City.

Happening on April 22, 2021, class of NEA Jazz Masters—the highest honor that the U.S. gives jazz artists, will virtually recognize drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath, ra-

The late great Billie Holiday is celebrated in April. She was born 106 years ago on April 7, 1915.

Photo courtesy of MGN dio deejay and historian Phil Schaap, and saxophonist/ composer Henry Threadgill.

At 8 pm ET on April 22, the @ NEArts, in collaboration with SFJAZZ, will present the 2021 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert. Watch free broadcast at arts.gov or sfjazz.org.

For this year’s Jazz Appre-

ciation Month, NPR’s “Jazz Night” invites viewers to tell them what role jazz plays in their life. On nrp.org they will highlight selected submissions of viewers’ audio posts and photos sent to “Jazz Night in America’s” social media.

Questions they want to

of a double album of duets by trumpeter Roy Hargrove and pianist Mulgrew Miller who are no longer with us. Resonance Jazz will release it next month on vinyl and CD. Also, this month we’re remembering the great Billie Holiday who was born 106 years ago on April 7, 1915.

One of my all-time favorite Holiday albums is “Lady in Satin.” NEA Jazz Master and pianist Randy Weston would have turned 95 on April 6.

Looking forward, the Newport Jazz Fest happening on July 30-August 1, 2021, is providing the latest updates about this summer’s festival at newportjazz.org. Jazz fans can’t wait to get back. For one thing, look out for some surprise collaborations at Fort Adams. For general festival questions, please email info@ newportfestivals.org.

Jazz Appreciation Month reaches an apex on April 30, which is International Jazz Day, celebrated around the world to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peace through music.

be answered include “What is your favorite moment in jazz?”; “Is there a special moment in your life where jazz played an important role;” and “Why is public radio imRobin James welcomes jamesportant to jazz?” onjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.

Jazz fans will be very happy to celebrate the new release “In Harmony,” the title

‘Mahalia’ biopic showcases groundbreaking gospel legend in sports broadcasting at ESPN and then as the anchor of ABC’s "Good Morning America" since 2005. Now, the Robin Roberts is interna- former athlete and trailblazer tionally known for her work who helped usher in an era

By Nsenga K. Burton Contibuting writer

Danielle Brooks as revered gospel legend Mahalia Jackson

of women broadcasters has turned her attention to the life of iconic gospel singer and activist Mahalia Jackson. Robin Roberts Presents: “Mahalia,” the story of one of the most

Courtesy of Lifetime Hey nieces & nephews, it's Dear Auntie; I know we can all get into our feelings during this difficult time in our state. But I want you to know you can be upset, angry, and hurt. I ask that you please don't hold your feelings in— it isn't healthy. Talk to whomever you feel comfortable with as needs occur. It's vital as a community that we heal together.

revered singers in American history, debuted April 3 at 8 pm. EST on the Lifetime Network and continues to be replayed.

Roberts, who was born in Tuskegee, Alabama and raised in Mississippi before heading to college at Southeastern Louisiana University, speaks often about her love of Louisiana. The daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, Col. Lawrence E. Roberts and educator Lucimarian Roberts, who was the first African American to serve as chairwoman of the Mississippi State Board of Education, Roberts aimed high as an athlete, student and eventually broadcaster.

Roberts credits her faith for her wins against an ongoing battle with cancer and credits her parents for imparting discipline and faith, two qualities that are inherent in the story of gospel legend and

civil rights icon Mahalia Jackson.

Born in New Orleans, Mahalia began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the Civil Rights Movement. Her recording of the song “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions of copies, skyrocketing her to international fame, and gave her the opportunity to perform at diverse settings, including in front of a racially integrated audience at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and at John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball.

An active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Jackson sang at numerous rallies, including the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in hopes that her music would encourage and inspire racial

last to lose his life at the hands of the police. All we can do is do what comes naturally, and that is to mourn, be honest with our feelings, and not take each other for granted. Let's love one another.

Do you think he/she is responsible? Do you have a designated person who has access to your house keys? Do you have a key to your children's homes?

When you have answered these questions, you will need to be true to yourself and think about what type of an adult child you have.

Whose Keys?

Dissolution

Dear Auntie, Why do young people feel Dear Auntie, they need keys to your home I know that you deal with re- after being independent and lationships, but can you tell us grown? They have their place, how to get past this situation? and they think that your house is their house.

Dear Reader, When I think of what I say to help people during this difficult time, I would advise people to be honest with their feelings. Let people know that you are having a hard time, because you are not the only one.

I love my people very much, and I wish all of us a good life.

I know Daunte Wright is not the first, and sadly, won't be the

Dear Reader, Now we all know that we as parents want what's best for our children. We raised our children to be able to take care of themselves and their families. I believe that your children love you and want to be there for you, which is beautiful.

First, you need to know why they want a key to your house.

equality. From Rock’n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions, “Mahalia” is executive produced by Roberts and Linda Berman.

“Mahalia” stars Julliardtrained and SAG award-winning actress Danielle Brooks, known best for her outstanding work as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson on Netflix’s hit series "Orange is the New Black" and her Tony-nominated role as Sophia in the Broadway production of “The Color Purple.”

Check your local listings for repeat viewings of “Mahalia,” currently running on Lifetime.

Nsenga K. Burton is founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @ Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire.

Remember, Dear Auntie is always here to give you food for thought. It is ultimately your decision. Send your relations questions to Dear Auntie any time, any place at dearauntie@spokesman-recorder.com.

8

April 22-28, 2021

BULLETIN

Courtesy of MGN

Free virtual Alzheimer’s and dementia conference The Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, Dakota Geriatrics and the University of North Dakota Department of Geriatrics will join forces to present a free virtual conference on Alzheimer’s and other dementia on April 28, 2021, 3-6 pm CST. Currently, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 50 million people worldwide have dementia.

Titled “Navigating the Journey to a Dementia Di-

Participate in the first-ever Minneapolis garden tool swap Spring is officially here. Many of us are turning toward our home and our green spaces. When cleaning out your storage, hang on to unused yard tools and gardening items.

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling and community partners will be holding the first-ever city-wide swap event of garden tools and plant related equipment.

From first time gardeners to those Courtesy of MGN with green thumbs, all are welcome at this free event.

Logan Park Mark your calendars for Saturday 690 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN May 8, 2021 11 am – 1 pm and bring 55413 your unused items to a swap event near you.

Folwell Park 1615 N. Dowling Ave., Minneapolis, Event locations: MN 55412 Corcoran Park 3334 20th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407

Visit the Solid Waste & Recycling's website for more information.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Park 4055 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55409

High-risk oak wilt season is now: Do not prune oaks April marks the beginning of the high-risk season for oak wilt, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding people not to prune oaks from April through July.

This is the best way Minnesotans can prevent the spread of the deadly oak wilt disease.

Oak wilt is a nonnative, invasive fungal disease that kills all species of oak in Minnesota. It spreads two ways: above ground by sap-feeding beetles and below ground through connected roots. By avoiding pruning or cutting oaks in spring and early summer, people prevent fungus spread by sap beetles carrying spores from infected trees to fresh cuts.

“Once oak wilt gets stared, controlling the disease is expensive,” said Rachael Dube, DNR northwest region forest health specialist. “The good news is, by following pruning guidelines, people can prevent or reduce the spread of oak wilt in their yards, woods, and communities.” Dube encourages residents to limit pruning to November through February when there is no risk of oak wilt transmission.

One of the DNR’s goals is to halt the overall northward expansion of oak wilt in Minnesota, which in recent years has reached the northern portions of Morrison and Pine coun-

Photo courtesy of Sander Weeteling/ Unsplash ties. In addition to following pruning guidelines, Dube cautions campers, cabin owners and visitors, and hunters not to move firewood. Moving oak firewood can spread oak wilt over long distances.

Use locally sourced firewood or firewood with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) certified seal to prevent moving oak wilt.

For more details on oak wilt prevention and how best to deal with infected trees and wood, see the DNR’s oak wilt management at bit.ly/mnoakwilt.

—Information provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

agnosis,” the upcoming conference is geared toward individuals concerned about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, and want to learn more.

“The conference will feature healthcare providers and caregivers who will share their perspectives on the disease,” said Nikki Wegner, Alzheimer’s Association program manager.

There are currently over 11 million unpaid dementia caregivers in the U.S., providing an estimated 15.3 bil-

lion hours in care, valued at nearly $257 billion.

“Attendees will also learn about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and hear from physicians experienced in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia,” Wegner added.

Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in North Dakota and the fourth leading cause of death in Minnesota. As cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to rise across the country, the im-

portance of an accurate and early diagnosis is especially imperative.

Registration is required to attend the conference and available at: http://bit.ly/navigatingdementia. For questions or more information, contact Beth Olson at bolson@alz.org or 701-952-0800.

Employment & Legals From Classified

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: CROFT & FROST, LLC PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 333 Washington Avenue N Ste. 401 Minneapolis MN 55401 USA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: Croft Enterprises, LLC 333 Washington Avenue N Ste. 401 Minneapolis MN 55401 USA By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/herbehalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

SIGNED BY: Paul Croft MAILING ADDRESS: 333 Washington Avenue N Ste. 401 Minneapolis MN 55401 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: paul@croftenterprisesllc.com Filed: 4/5/21 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 15 & 22, 2021

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Department/MN Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 Spokesman-Recorder ASSUMED NAME: Nicole's Tasty Treats PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 3423 Emerson Ave N PHONE: 612-827-4021 Minneapolis MN 55412 USA NAMEHOLDER(S): FOR BILLING Name: Address: Nicole Marie Harris 3423 Emerson Ave N INQUIRIES Minneapolis MN 55412 USA

& TEARSHEETS

If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the PLEASE CONTACT attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this docuACCOUNTING DEPT ment, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.

@ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) ASSUMED NAME whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document his/her$150.00 behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I FLAT on RATE have completed all required fields, and that the information in this 2 WEEK RUN document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed thisdocument under oath.

April 22-28, 2021

9

From Classified MDLC REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE Department/MN Legal Aid. ADVOCATE, Mid-Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

For details, go to: www.mylegalaid.org/employment.

PHONE: 612-827-4021

FOR BILLING MDLC PROGRAM ASSISTANT, INQUIRIES Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. & TEARSHEETS For details, go to: www.mylegalaid.org/employment.

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECOR COM Walker Art Center ASSUMED NAME

The Walker Art Center is currently seeking a Visual Arts FLAT RATE $150.00 Curatorial Fellow. Interested applicants can apply directly to 2 WEEK RUN the posting at: https://walkerart.hiringthing.com/job/252079/ visual-arts-curatorial-fellowship or you can follow current Please proof, respond with email confirmation to display@ openings on an ongoing basis by signing up at walkerart.org/ SIGNED BY: Nicole Harris spokesman-recorder.com Please proof, respond with email confirma jobs.

MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided display@spokesman-recorder.com EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: nicoleharris07@gmail.com Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder April 22 & 29, 2021

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: Serial Chillers PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 1415 E 66th St

Richfield MN 55423 USA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: Ruppert Johnson Co. 5528 1st Ave S

Minneapolis MN 55419 USA If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

SIGNED BY: Branden Johnson MAILING ADDRESS: 5528 1st ave S Minneapolis MN 55419 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: abrandenmessage@gmail.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 15 & 22, 2021

State of Minnesota County Hennepin In the Matter of: John Allen Laumann Petitioner vs.

Kelly Marie Laumann Respondent

District Court Judicial District:Fourth Court File Number:27DAFA19-2617 Case Type:Domestic Abuse

Notice of Issuance of Ex Parte Extension of Order for Protection by Publication (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)

Family Justice Center, 110 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's order. /S/ Jessica Rahier Court Administrator / Deputy Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 22, 2021

Request for Proposal for General Contractor for Union Park Flats Project for Pride in Living, Inc. is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify general contractors in the Twin Cities area who are qualified to participate in the predevelopment process, manage subcontractor bidding, and ultimately construct a new multi-family affordable housing development in Saint Louis Park. The new development, Union Park Flats, will consist of 60 units of wood frame construction atop a precast ground floor structure, over a sublevel parking garage. The building will meet Green Communities and SB2030 requirements. A variety of public sources will fund this project, which require strict compliance guidelines and hiring requirements. PPL has a strong organizational commitment to advancing racial equity, which will be one important factor in the GC selection process. The RFP questionnaire can be obtained by contacting Abbie Loosen at (612) 455-5220 or abbie.loosen@ppl-inc. org. Responses will be evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the RFP. Via this process PPL will select one general contractor to join the development team and, after all funding has been awarded, build the building. Construction start is anticipated fall 2022.

RFP responses are due Tuesday May 4 at 4 pm.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 22, 2021

Washington Continued from page 10

Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-379 Antonio Department/MN Dawayne Johnson Notice of Issuance of Emergency Spokesman-Recorder (Ex Parte) Order for Protection by Publication (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8) PHONE: 612-827-4021 In the Matter of Amanda Marie Champion and OBO minor child vs AntonioFOR Dawayne Johnson BILLING

INQUIRIES To Respondent:

& TEARSHEETS

To Respondent named above: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Extension of Order for Protection has been issued in the above matter. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator's office within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court administrator's office at the following address:

April 12, 2021 Date

The MSR handles billing digitally.

This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you From Classified MSR handles billing digitally.

Sr.The Electrical Engineer specifically request a hard copy.

This means you will Department/MN From Classified get e-tears and e-mail NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF WAIR PRODUCTS INC. voices you View, specifically request a har Spokesman-Recorder for Medtronic, Inc locatedunless at Mounds MN. Translates Department/MN PLEASE BE ADVISED that Wair Products Inc. is in the process of dissolving user needs, FDASpokesman-Recorder regulations and medical device standards and has filed a Notice of Intent to Dissolve with the Secretary of State of Mininto product requirements and system architecture. Masters’ PHONE: nesota on March 30,612-827-4021 2021. Claims may be made with the Company by filing degree in Electrical Engineering and two (2) years’ experisuch claim in writing. The date by which all claims must be received shall be PHONE: 612-827-4021 90 days after the first publication date of this Notice. ence in electrical engineering in the field of medical devices FOR BILLING and two (2) years of post-bachelor’s progressive experience INQUIRIES All claims to be submitted should be addressed to: Wair Products Inc. c/o FOR Research, BILLING in all of the following: development, design, and Thomas Johansson 1401 W Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55411 & TEARSHEETS INQUIRIES testing of electrical components, equipment, systems, and PLEASE MinnesotaCONTACT Spokesman Recorder, April 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2021 & TEARSHEETS networks for medical devices; Design and implementation ACCOUNTING DEPT PLEASE CONTACT of electronic circuits both digital and analog utilizing elec@ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM trical circuit development tools, powerDEPT electronics, digital ACCOUNTING signal processing, @control BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECOR From Display Adsystems, and microelectronics; MOSFETs, BJTs,COM PWM circuit designs and Li-Ion battery ASSUMED NAMEHousing Partnership Minnesota Department/MN designs; Software Packages to include OrCAD, Cadence FLAT RATE $150.00 Spokesman-Recorder Minnesota Housing Allegro and Altium Designer; Design and development of 2 WEEK RUN Partnership, a local non-profit, is seeking LEGAL NOTICES test systems and test protocols required for verification and Human Resources System Solution proposals beginning 2 COL 1.5 = 321 CFR Part 820 PHONE: 612-827-4021 validation; FDA SIZE: regulations to X include March 23, 2021 to April 23, 2021. Interested bidders should RATE $15.53 PCI (1ST IEC RUN) and medical device standards to include 60601 and contact Daniel Atunah-Jay acounting@mhponline.org, Please proof, respondatwith email confirmation tofor display@ ISOFOR $46.59 is required.: Lean or 13485.BILLING The SUBTOTAL: following certification a complete bidder’s package. All proposals must be completspokesman-recorder.com Six INQUIRIES Sigma Green Belt Certification. Apply at https://jobs. ed and submitted by 4:00 PM CST on Friday, April 23, 2021. medtronic.com/, Req.#2100096K. is an equal RATE $10.35 PCIMedtronic (PER ADDITIONAL & TEARSHEETS opportunity employer RUN-committed 3 WEEKS)to cultural diversity in the PLEASE CONTACT workplace.

All individualsDEPT are encouraged to apply. $93.15 The MSR handles billing digitally. $31.05 X 3 = SUBTOTAL ACCOUNTING Classified State This of Minnesota District Court means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices un- From @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM Department/MN Ramsey County Second Judicial District less you specifically From Classifiedrequest a hard copy.

Total: $139.74

department. Last year I think a lot of women athletes in both the WNBA and WNSL spoke out a lot about things they are passionate about.

“I think it is important for these women to get their stories told,” said Washington.

“We are definitely interested in bringing on women as clients.”

continued. “We’re a minority in baseball. There’s not a lot of us.”

Operating her Double Coverage firm these days under pandemic conditions is challenging as well. “You have to be more creative,” Charles Hallman welcomes said Washington. reader responses to challman@ Nonetheless, she is looking spokesman-recorder.com. to expand her business. “We are in the midst right now [of starting] a WNBA and WNSL

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Order for Protection has been issued PLEASE CONTACT in this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator's ACCOUNTING DEPT of this notice. You may obtain a office within 12 days of the date of publication copy of the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER. from the court administrator's office at the following address:

COM

Ramsey County District Court 25 West Seventh Street NOTICES St Paul MN 55102

LEGAL SIZE: 2 COL X 4 = 8 Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not RATE $15.53 PCI be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's order.

TOTAL: $124.24 Dated: April 12, 2021

Donald W. Harper Court Administrator

Spokesman-Recorder

EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY proof, respond with email confirma SIZE: 2612-827-4021 COLPlease X 1.5 INCHES =3 PHONE: PERSONAL DRIVER/ ASSISTANT NEEDED RATE $42.00display@spokesman-recorder.com PER COL. INCH TOTAL: $126.00 PER WEEK FOR We areBILLING looking for a dynamic individual for the role of DrivThe MSR handles billing digitally. er/Personal Assistant. This is a unique position that requires INQUIRIES This means you PRINT will get e-tears and e-mailed +2 WEEKS ONLINE WITH exceptional interpersonal skills, a proactive@$150.00 approach to your & TEARSHEETS voices unless you specifically request a hard +2and WEEKS ONLINE ONLY @$300.00 duties respect for personal boundaries.

The ideal candiPLEASE CONTACT date must be willing to accommodate a high degree of flexiACCOUNTING DEPT bilityPlease in their work respond schedule with and beemail available on short notice. proof, confirmation to display @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM Compensation will be commensurate with experience and spokesman-recorder.com. include a competitive salary and extended benefits package.

RAMSEY COUNTY Contact ( Davidklatzker99@gmail.com ) for more details.

Possible Publication dates between the request time fram March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021.

Spokesman-Recorder April 22 & 29, 1WEEKMinnesota RUN Distribution methods (10k and May 6, dist 2021by mail and 100 newsstan FLAT RATE $100.00 PREPAID Deadlines are one week prior to the print date. Once eve is approved we will email you an invoice that you can ei on the invoice or mail a check.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 22, 2021

Please proof, respond with email confirmation to display@spokesman-recorder.com

From Classified PREP Department/MN

Hawks defeated Alexandria 80The MSR handles billing digitally.

This means you will get29e-tears e-mailed invoices in Classand 3A competition.

Spokesman-Recorder Continued fromyou pagespecifically 10 unless request a hard He recently copy. added Mr. Basketball to his numerous honors.

PHONE: 612-827-4021 Chaska in the state tournament semifinals.

Holloman one of the state’s best FOR BILLING With juniors Maya Nnaji, Junior Tre Holloman put evINQUIRIES Alayna Contreras and Amaya eryone on notice for next year af& TEARSHEETS Battle and sophomore Taylor ter leading Cretin-Derham Hall PLEASE CONTACT Woodson returning, the future to the Class 4A state championACCOUNTING DEPT ship game, where the Raiders only gets brighter. @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM lost 75-61 to Wayzata.

Holmgren wins fourth title The 6”3” guard, also one of LEGAL NOTICES It’s been quite the career for the state’s top football prospects SIZE: 2 COL X 3 = 6 Chet Holmgren. In addition to as a defensive back, averaged RATE $15.53 PCI (1ST RUN) being the No. 1 prep player in 20 points, nine assists and four TOTAL: $93.18 the nation and winning every steals per game this past season. local and national award, the 7’1” senior captured his fourth state Mitchell Palmer McDonald welchampionship after the Red comes reader responses to mcdeezy@ Please proof, respond with email confirmation to display@ spokesman-recorder.com The MSR handles billing digitally.

Barnes making history in coachThis means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless ingcopy. for their respective teams in you specifically request a hard the Final Four,” noted Engelbert.

Continued from page 10 “I think it is about building a pipeassistant coach] and Tamika line and making sure that when Catchings [now Indiana Basket- the next head coaching jobs beball Operations VP]. Bethany come [available], when there’s a Donaphin, who works on my vacancy in the front office, I defiteam [as league operations head] nitely think we have to do better is a former player. [Dallas HC] across the board.

Vickie Johnson and [Minnesota “But I think we are making assistant Plenette] Pearson and progress,” said Engelbert.

[Seattle assistant Noelle] Quinn, and [Las Vegas assistant Tanisha] Charles Hallman welcomes readWright and [Phoenix assistant er responses to challman@spokesChasity] Melvin. man-recorder.com.

“It’s great to see former players like Dawn Staley and Adia

SOE

The MSR handles billing digitally.

This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices un you specifically request a hard copy.

From print to online www.spokesman-recorder.com We’re have more ways to hook you up!

10

Sports

April 22-28, 2021

Stands empty of Blacks on Jackie Robinson Day!

Five state tournament highlights School League (MSHSL) coordinator of officials Jim Robinson, who passed away at the age of 88 in November. Robinson was the first Black official to work a state tournament in 1971.

PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

A

n unprecedented prep basketball season recently ended. Here are five highlights of the girls’ and boys’ state tournament.

All-Black officiating crew makes tournament history Lamarr Sullivan, Craig Laird and Ricky Spencer made history when the all-Black officiating crew worked the Class 4A state boys’ basketball championship between Wayzata and Cretin Derham Hall game a week and a half ago.

It was the first time in state tournament history that an allBlack crew officiated the game.

The move was made to honor longtime Minnesota State High

Robinson honored throughout tournament During the semifinal and final rounds of the state tournament, a moment of silence was given for fans and spectators to reflect on the contributions Jim Robinson gave the sport of basketball as a game official and later, MSHSL coordinator of officials.

During the tournament, all officials wore a JR3 (Jim Robinson III) commemorative patch, designed by Teron Buford. Himself a tournament official, Buford worked the Class 3A championship game between Minnehaha Academy and Alexandria.

I

looked high and low as best I could without binoculars, but my futile efforts found no Black fans at a recent Minnesota Twins baseball game. It was the annual Jackie Robinson Day last Thursday by Major League Baseball (MLB). April 15 also was Robinson’s 100th birthday.

All 30 MLB clubs annually commemorate Robinson’s 1947

“Baseball doesn’t appeal the same way basketball and football does.”

Starks, Hopkins will be back When Tara Starks took over as Hopkins’ girls’ basketball coach this past season, the Royals rarely missed a beat. Hopkins finished the season with a 16-1 record and was ranked No. 1 in historic debut that broke basethe nation until losing 67-62 to ball’s decades-long color barrier.

■ See Prep on page 9 Players, managers, coaches, umpires, and all on-field personnel wear Robinson’s uniform number 42. The number has been permanently retired by MLB since 1997, the first time baseball did this for every team.

The game-long recognition was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Last Thursday, however, there was only one American-born Black player on either team (Minnesota’s Byron Buxton) and two Former basketball officiating pioneer Jim Robinson was given Black coaches (the Twins’ Toma moment of silence before the Class 4A state boys’ basketball my Watkins and Kevin Morgan).

Boston, one of 11 teams without championship.

Photo by Lamarr Sullivan a single Black player on their 25man roster, had no Black coaches

Black media helped WNBA succeed The WNBA this year celebrates 25 years as a successful pro league, and Black-owned media dutifully played an unrecognized but important role in its success.

Unlike most mainstream media, who treated the W over the years worse than Cinderella’s stepsisters and whose naysay-

because we had been solidly on point years before with our coverage during the team’s formative years.

During last week’s conference call with reporters, Nitecast Media’s Nick Robinson reminded WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of the importance of Black media and asked how

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

ers wrongly predicted its demise, the Black Press and other nonmainstream media nonetheless gave women’s pro hoops deservedly prime time coverage on our sports pages and websites.

When the Minnesota Lynx began its dynasty run, winning four championships in oddnumbered years (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and reached the finals seven times, the MSR didn’t need to join the local media bandwagon

MSR file photo

Black media and Black-owned businesses will be a part of the W’s overall diversity strategy.

Diversity can be a buzzword too often uttered while returning to non-diverse business as usual.

But the commish reiterated that she and the W are putting action rather than just words in place.

“We would love to have more coverage,” Engelbert responded.

“We’re also working with our teams on engaging with local

Black small- to medium-sized businesses. I know some of our teams are already doing a great job on that, but making sure that we’re continuing to because of our diversity and being 80% percent women of color.”

That fact alone should put Black media in front of the line when interview requests, etc. are made rather than getting placed back behind the mainstream outlets who now, finally, are recognizing that the WNBA is here to stay.

“We absolutely are open and would love to talk with anyone and welcome further conversations about how to engage with the league, the teams, with the players,” pledged Engelbert.

“Our players were fired up last year when we did some things in the Bubble using Black-owned businesses, and they love that we’re focused on that.”

The MSR asked Engelbert about coaching diversity in a league where the majority of its players are Black but there’s only one Black female head coach.

“I am totally focused on diversity in hiring practices,” said the commissioner. “It’s making sure that we’re helping build that pipeline of individuals who then would be in the running for these head coaching positions or ownership positions, like with [former player] Renee Montgomery” [now a part-owner with the Atlanta Dream].

“I know it may not view from outside in as enough, but I think we’re building a really outstanding pipeline,” she continued.

“We have [former players] Rebekkah Brunson [now a Lynx ■ See SOE on page 9

either.

And no Blacks in the stands— on Jackie Robinson Day! “I’m thankful for what he went through and did for us,” noted Watkins, now in his 12th year in the Twins organization and his third season as first base/outfield coach.

Robinson was not only a ballplayer but also an activist long before he donned a baseball uniform. He helped convince White America that Blacks have more to contribute than by entertaining or serving them.

“I understand the historical significance of what African Americans have meant to baseball,” said WCCO’s Henry Lake, “and how we utilize that sport to move forward progress in terms of race relations.”

Robinson, who died in 1972, retired from baseball in 1956 after 13 seasons in the majors and a season in the Negro Leagues.

Honoring him “is still relevant,” said Morgan, who joined Minnesota in March as field coordinator after 22 seasons with the New York Mets organization, helping train their minor leaguers.

The 2021 MLB Racial and Gender Report Card by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport released last week showed a very small uptick: 7.6 percent of MLB players are U.S.-born Blacks, up from 7.5 percent in 2020. In 2011 it was 13 percent. Texas (10) and Seattle (8) lead the majors in Black players.

Depending on who you ask, baseball folk offer many reasons for the dwindling number of Blacks playing baseball. One is poor marketing by MLB of its few Black stars. Young Blacks often parrot that baseball is boring and takes too long.

“We ask the question all the

“I’m a fan of baseball,” said Lake, but he admits baseball isn’t anywhere on many young Blacks’ radar. “Baseball doesn’t appeal the same way basketball and football does.”

But according to a 2019 sports participation report, baseball and softball combined ranks as the U.S. team sports most participated in with over 25 million participants, and baseball alone has seen a 30 percent growth in participation since 2014.

Kevin Morgan

Tommy Watkins (r) Courtesy of MN Twins

time,” said Watkins. “We got to get them to play and start them young.”

I became a baseball fan in grade school. One of the best field trips was in sixth grade to the 1968 Detroit Tigers’ second home game of the season, which later resulted in the team’s first World Series championship in over 30 years.

I love watching baseball. Last week’s one-run victory by Minnesota over Boston was more exciting to me than when I sat watching an eight-point Wolves win the following night.

Yet this hasn’t translated into more Black MLB players, even when 51 Blacks out of 289 draftees in the MLB draft between 2012 and 2020 have been firstround selections. And even more important, it hasn’t resulted in more Blacks in the stands. Even on Jackie Robinson Day. “I’m a sports fan. I’m a fan of baseball,” concluded Lake. “But our kids don’t gravitate to baseball.”

Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Publicist helps athletes promote their images client, and do all the work, but I got to give you a percentage of it,” she recalled. “If these big Owning and operating her agencies have the confidence to own public relations firm is both hire me, why not do it my way?” rewarding and challenging in Washington’s clients over the meeting her clients’ needs, said years include NBA, NFL, MLB Ari Washington. “I’m a woman- and MLS players. At first, she owned agency since 2011. Run- did “a lot of stuff…pro bono. I ning a business period is hard, even more so on the PR side,” noted Washington of her Atlanta-based Double Coverage PR Group. “But as a woman, you

By Charles Hallman Contributing writer

athletes. I tell my clients if you don’t want your parents to read it, don’t tweet it. If you don’t want your parents to see it, don’t tweet it.”

She wouldn’t speculate just how many women-owned PR firms are out there, but she assured us that more than one

“I tell my clients if you don’t want your parents to read it, don’t tweet it.” are a brand yourself. You got to watch everything that you are doing.

“I started my firm when I was 22 years old” and barely a college graduate, said Washington, a 2011 Michigan State University graduate. Through her intern stints with two NBA teams, a minor league hockey club, and working in the MSU men’s basketball office as an assistant for Head Coach Tom Izzo, she gained invaluable experience and forged important connections She soon realized that running her own program is far better than being a part of someone else’s.

“When I read through contracts…[employers] want me to go out, recruit the client, pick the

Ari Washington Submitted photo was charging the guys nothing, just [getting] my name out there,” because a lot of PR is about word-of-mouth, she said.

“I’m not an agent. I’m a publicist,” she explained. Among her services are event planning, crisis communications and management, public affairs, public appearances and media relations.

You can add social media to that list as well, as pro athletes use them for their promotional means, Washington said. “That’s a challenge for anybody, not just

are working with MLB, unlike falsely reported in a recent ESPN interview with a female agent in recognizing Women’s History Month. “I know that there’s women agents in MLB that have their own agencies,” said Washington. “I had a problem with [ESPN] not fact checking.

“I personally know of five Black women in MLB that are either agents or, like myself, do PR and marketing for athletes and not necessarily working for a team,” she ■ See Washington on page 9