April 23, 2020 - MN Spokesman-Recorder by MN Spokesman Recorder

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April 23-29, 2020 Vol. 86 No. 38

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Hennepin County jail population cut by 44% Protective measures reveal ‘way too many people in the jail’

By Analise Pruni Contributing writer

etention centers and jails around the country are scrambling to reduce their populations to help decrease the spread of COVID-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Hennepin County proves to be no exception. The Hennepin County jail population has gone from 815 on March 16 to 456 on April 14. The facility has had only one reported and confirmed case of someone testing positive for the coronavirus as protocols have been put in place to protect inmates and workers. “The first step was getting that population down,” said Chief The clock marks where Hennepin County Jail sits in City Hall in downtown Minneapolis. Deputy Tracey Martin of the Photo by Paige Elliott Hennepin County Sheriff’s Of“I think ultimately we’re go- Working with HCMC, the Min- deputies and the healthcare staff.” fice. “It was working with the Physical distancing is encourjudicial staff, with Hennepin ing to find that we have held nesota Department of Health, aged with reduced populations, and various other public safety ,” County Attorney’s Office, De- too many people in jail pretrial agencies, the Hennepin County stricter admittance processes are Sheriff’s Office released a plan to enforced, and contact from peocurb the potential spread of the ple outside the facility has largely been eliminated. virus in its facilities. “One of the first things we did “They really started looking at what we needed to do and what was suspend all social visiting,” partment of Community Cor- mused Hennepin County Chief procedures we needed to imple- Martin said. “Obviously that’s rections and Rehabilitations, the Public Defender Mary Moriarity. ment to ensure that we keep really tough to do, because peoSafety measures taken in- everybody as safe as possible ple within our facilities, they rePublic Defender’s Office, the clude creating ways to reduce within our detention facility,” ally rely on those visits from their City Attorney’s Office; it’s just a the inmate population as well as Martin said. “Not only inmates loved ones.” huge collaboration amongst evEveryone who works within the health and sanitation proce- but all of the workers that come erybody to take a look at that and the secure perimeters of the jail is in on a daily basis, including the dures that have been introduced. see what we could do.”

“I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be a client being held in jail, being scared.”

temperature-tested and screened. Accused coming in are put into single cells rather than dormitory or group settings to initially monitor them for signs of illness. Martin added that they also have Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves for deputy staff and medical staff that come in contact with inmates, as well as for inmates who exhibit signs of infection. “To date we have only had one positive test, and we’re happy about it, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed because we also know that this spreads quickly and it spreads easily,” Martin added. “We’re very cautious, and we’re keeping all of our new protocols in place.” While practicing innovative ways to limit the number of pretrial accused in the detention centers, lawyers from the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office and others are nevertheless continuing to interact in court with in-custody clients. “It’s really tough because our lawyers are very client-centered and they work very hard at developing relationships with clients, and you don’t do that by standing six feet away from them,” said Moriarty. “But our staff understands that we are protecting our clients by maintaining those boundaries, and we have to have those conversations with clients about why we’re do-

Pandemic is pushing us toward a ‘new normal’

The national NAACP is holding virtual town hall meetings throughout the month of April to discuss the health, economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s Black communities. In addiion to providing excerpts from these

Dr. Peter Hayden Turning Point CEO Courtesy Turning Point

meetings as they occur over the comng weeks, the MSR also is talking o others both locally and nationally bout the impact the coronavirus outbreak is having or may have on our ocal Black community. This week:

of physical court proceedings some of the law is going digi tal. “We’ve set up quite a routine of remote hearings where our prosecutor is re mote, a lawyer is remote, and even the hearing judge is re mote,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. “We have a thing in Hennepin County called ‘Teams,’ which is a little bit like Zoom except it’s more secure.” He said that while they are continuing to charge for ■See JAIL on page 5

Whether better or worse than the ‘old normal’ remains to be seen

Part 2 of a continuing story

By Charles Hallman Contributing writer

ing what we’re doing.” She added that “The sheriff’s office has done an outstanding job with coordinating with doc tors from Hennepin Health Care in developing a protocol.” Moriarty said that lawyers wear masks for these interactions but misinformation surrounding how these protections can work has created confusion and fear not only for the public but also in the detention centers. “I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be a client be ing held in jail, being scared,” she said. “You’re scared anyways and you’re not quite sure what accurate information is.” Other precautions such as a plexiglass screen in court separating the accused from their lawyers and judges make communication diffi cult among all parties. In lieu

addressing communities’ spiritual vices for the past several weeks: “I’ve seen in the faith community and mental states. a better response to faith at a time e are daily reminded when perhaps faith could have of the mortality toll the been a little waning when the COVID-19 outbreak has had on America in general and on the Black community in particular. Less is known of the toll the stayat-home orders since late March has had and continues to exact on the community’s spiritual and pandemic hit us,” Howell told mental state in these uncertain the MSR. “Our concern is that the faith days. The NAACP’s new Faith For- community remains strong and ward Initiative “to acknowledge encouraged, not lose hope and and lift up the role of religious faith in a pandemic that is unprecinstitutions as beacons of hope, edented in our history.” Howell healing, and as direct service added that he is “amazed by the providers in communities all number of people that are watchacross the country and world” ing us” through social media. The Pew Research Center, a was formed earlier this month. “There is a need to be social, to national non-partisan group, rebe connected with others, and cently found through a survey for those not used to being alone, that four in 10 Americans attend this can be very painful psycho- “virtual” religious services, and logically,” said Bishop Richard 59% say their religious habits Howell, pastor of Shiloh Temple have changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. International Ministries. “As faith leaders, we have tried His church and others have resorted to holding “virtual” ser- to encourage people…to follow

our governor’s orders and stay home,” Howell continued. “That is unusual for many because isolation definitely can set in where people don’t know what to do

“I’d rather be in the house for five weeks than be in the grave for eternity.”

among Black females of all ages from 1999 to 2017. Suicide is among the 10 leading causes of death and the second-leading cause of death for youth and young adults ages 10-34, the CDC reports. “Pre-COVID-19 we have a woefully underfunded mental health system in this country,” Harris said. Nationally renowned author and motivational speaker Ivlana Vanzant suggested, “We have to be creative, faith-filled and focused” in dealing with the crisis. “I’d rather be in the house for five weeks than be in the grave for

with their time and their energy. But we as a faith community are very encouraged that good things will come out of this.” Mental health “is taking its time in the spotlight” during this crisis, American Medical Association President Dr. Patrice Harris of the American Medical Association said April 15 during the second in a series of NAACP virtual town hall meetings. Not being able to leave home or perform regular activities can be stressful, and can lead to more anxiety, she said. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide rates have increased by 9% Bishop Richard Howell among Black males and 65% Courtesy of Shiloh Temple

eternity.” Turning Point, Inc. Founde President Peter Hayden said tha stay-home-orders have forced hi substance abuse treatment cente to adjust how they meet thei clients’ needs. “We’re open,” h affirmed. “We can’t take as man clients as we normally could, b cause we had to rearrange ou building” due to social distan ing guidelines,” he said. “We are following all of th rules from the state and the go ernor” and adjusting norma business hours to maintain Tur ing Point’s services for existin clients, Hayden said, adding tha visitors—even clients’ famil members—aren’t allowed insid the building at this time. “You have to call in. Both Hayden and Howe predict there will be a new no mal for everyone in post-COVID America. “The pandemic is no going to eradicate the dispar ties,” Bishop Howell stresse “but something brand new could come out of this, a new normal tha ■See NAACP on page 5

Healthcare industry bias portends trouble for Blacks during pandemic

overpass, when suddenly a City of Miami police officer pulled up behind him. From his patrol car, the uniUniversity of Miami Health System physician Armen Hen- formed officer began to innocuderson was loading supplies into ously question Henderson, who his van recently, preparing to test is Black. Henderson described he city’s homeless population the encounter like this: "He [the or the coronavirus under an I-95 officer] just said, 'Are you littering over here? Do you live here? Do you work here?' And I was like, 'Yes, I live here. This is where we put our bulky trash and the City comes to pick it up every week at this same place." Suddenly, the encounter turned sinister, Henderson said. The officer jumped from the car “and started yelling, 'You call me sir or sergeant when I'm talking to you.’ I never said I was a doctor. But I didn’t cuss,” Henderson told the MSR. “He PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

By Jon Jeter Contributing writer

just grabbed my arms and cuffed me.” Henderson said when the officer started to handcuff him he called for his wife to bring him his ID. A video of the incident taken by the couple’s home security cameras show Henderson’s wife exiting the house moments later with what appears to be a driver’s license. The video shows the officer releasing Henderson from handcuffs several moments later. The video has been viewed over seven million times on vari-

the coronavirus pandemic is nearly twice as deadly for Blacks and Latinos as it is for Whites. There are, in point of fact, two scourges for two Americas—one biological, one man-made. While Whites need only concern themselves with the first, People of Color generally, and 42 million African Americans especially are tasked with surviving the worst global pandemic in a century. They must do so with no more material resources than their ancestors owned on New

“I can definitely see bias creeping into decisions about who gets ventilators.” Years’ Day in 1863 when Abraous social media forums. “He just got in his car and ham Lincoln signed the Emancidrove away,” Henderson told the pation Proclamation. What this means is that the MSR, “without apologizing.” The confrontation between same racist attitudes that comthe two men on the last Saturday pel law-enforcement officers to in March helps to explain why terrorize Blacks in the streets are

often shared by some medical professionals who treat African American patients with a cold indifference. A recent study by the American Bar Association concluded that, aside from wide racial disparities in access to health care, “Black people simply are not receiving the same quality of health care that their White counterparts are receiving.” The ABA continued, “For ex-

ample, one study of 400 hospitals in the United States showed tha Black patients with heart dis ease received older, cheaper, and more conservative treatments than their White counterparts Black patients were less likely to receive coronary bypass opera tions and angiography. After sur gery, they are discharged earlier from the hospital than White pa

April 23-29, 2020

Drew to lead MPR Duchesne Drew has been tapped as the new president of Minnesota Public Radio. Drew was formerly at the Bush Foundation, where he was in charge of its leadership programs, community innovation and communications teams. As MPR president, Drew will lead strategy, programming, and daily operations serving MPR’s growing regional audiences through MPR News, Classical MPR, The Current, and MPR’s rapidly expanding digital, social and mobile services. Prior to his role at Bush Foundation, Drew was managing editor of operations at

the Star Tribune, where he began as a summer intern. “I’m delighted to be joining MPR,” Drew said. “Minnesotans are relying on MPR now more than ever. Our music and news services are proving their importance in people’s lives. I’m honored to lead these talented teams, and I look forward to helping us serve even more Minnesotans.” In addition to serving on the board of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, Drew is a member of the Itasca Project’s working team and Make It, MSP’s Leadership Council, which is focused on attracting and retaining talent

Viswanathan, Joyner join Historical Society

Duchesne Drew within the Twin Cities region. Drew’s other board commitments include the African American Leadership Forum, the Monitors Club, the Leadership Learning Community, and the Columbia Daily Spectator. —Information and photo provided by MPR

The Minnesota Historical Society has appointed Avi Viswanathan as the new director of the Department of Inclusion and Community Engagement (DICE), and Briana Joyner was named chief inclusion officer. She also serves as MNHS Human Resources director.

"While we are all facing difficult circumstances and our communities are dealing with emerging challenges,” said Viswanathan, “we have an important opportunity to build deep, meaningful relationships with each other. MNHS has a pivotal role to play, and I am hon-

Avi Viswanathan

ored to be part of that work.” Viswanathan has held positions in the nonprofit, public and academic sectors. Most recently, he served as the director of the Community Engagement Institute at Nexus Community Partners in St. Paul. He currently teaches a course in communitybased leadership at the University of Minnesota. He holds a law degree from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. Briana Joyner joined the MNHS human resources department in 2016, was appointed chief inclusion officer in 2019, and director of Human Resources, Volunteers and Interns in 2020. She has more than 10 years’ experience working in the field of human resources and providing strategic leadership. Joyner also serves as a member of the board of directors at Hallie Q. Brown, helping to create meaningful community impact. —Information and photos provided by MNHS

As head of DICE, Viswanathan will lead the organization’s focus on community engagement with external partners while Joyner oversees MNHS’s commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and the continuing development of an organizational culture that supports diversity, inclusion, access and equity. “Diversity and Inclusion are a strategic priority for our organization,” said Kent Whitworth, director and CEO of MNHS. “Avi and Briana will help MNHS continue to build empathy and understanding in our work with all Minnesotans, including within our staff.” Briana Joyner

April 23-29, 2020

How to manage your anxiety during this pandemic

By Dr. Valerie Lemaine, M.D., M.P.H. Guest contributor The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a range of challenges and stressors into our everyday lives. These are unprecedented times. There is no roadmap to tell us exactly how to navigate this situation. We now live in fear and even panic that we might catch the virus and pass it on. We worry about loved ones becoming infected, we worry about the financial impact of the shutdown on our lives, and we wonder if food supplies will run out. Some of us might have even been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are either in the hospital

fighting for our lives or confined at home while receiving treatment! People are impacted by this pandemic differently, and we know emotions can be heightened and uncertain. While worry can alert us to actions we need to take to remain safe and secure, worry can also lead to anxiety, panic and impulsivity. In addition, a large majority of people are now spending more time at home, whether because they have lost their employment, because they must take care of their children or a sick family member, or because they are now forced to work from home. Furthermore, social distancing can increase feelings of isolation. There has never been a more critical time to focus on your health and build your resilience. What is resilience? It is the ability to not fold under pressure, even if you don’t feel calm and confident. Here are a few suggestions: • Reduce your anxiety by reducing your risk. Practice good hygiene. For example, sneeze and cough into your elbow; wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your face with unwashed hands; clean and

disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; etc. • Keep your schedule of daily activities as regular as you can. Setting out a daily plan can help reduce anxiety by taking charge of the things you can still control in your life at the moment. Even things as simple as regular mealtimes and bedtimes can help ease tension. • Get regular exercise and spend time outside, when possible. Staying active and having opportunities to be in nature are helpful ways to reduce your anxiety while still keeping a safe distance from others. Try walking or, if you own a bicycle, go for a ride. • Manage your flow of information. While you might want to stay updated on the latest news, it is easy to get lost and going down an internet rabbit hole. Choose reliable sources of information about the pandemic and establish boundaries on checking for updates. Yes, it is important to get regular accurate information. However, continuously scrolling through social media or constantly refreshing the news is likely to increase your anxiety. Select a few trusted news outlets and commit to checking for updates no more than once or twice a day.

• If a spiritual practice is important to you or has been in the past, work it into your regular routine. Practice self-care and try to cultivate a mental wellness practice for you and your loved ones, such as talking nightly with your family about moments of the day that were fun and enjoyable. Find fun ways to stay connected with individuals you and your family are separated from. Video calls, phone calls and text messages are a great ways to stay in touch with family members and friends while social distancing. • Try deep breathing when you feel anxious. Mindfulness tools like grounding exercises and deep breathing may be helpful to alleviate fears. • Realize that it is okay to be worried about the current situation. Experiencing anxiety is completely normal. Don’t brush off your feelings or minimize your fears. Instead, what you want is to avoid making your feelings worse. Find a friend or family member with whom you feel comfortable talking about your feelings openly. • Reach out to your mental health provider. If you have a mental health provider, or if you find yourself feeling

Courtesy MGN overwhelmed with anxiety to a point where it interferes with your ability to go about with your daily life, reach out for professional help. There are telehealth services to connect with mental health professionals who can help you. Make an effort to think about some of the reasons you have to be thankful and positive during this difficult time. When you find yourself getting worked up over the virus, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Remember, worrying won’t change anything. Take things day by day and focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Dr. Valerie Lemaine, M.D., M.P.H., is a top-ranked, board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Edina, MN. She received her M.D. from University of Montreal, Canada, where she also completed her plastic surgery. She obtained her M.P.H. from Columbia University, NY. She also completed a reconstructive microsurgical fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Dr. Lemaine then accepted a staff position at the prestigious Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) where she worked as a plastic surgeon, taught and published clinical research. In 2018, she transitioned to private practice and joined Plastic Surgery Consultants and Minnesota Oncology.

If you must leave home, wear a mask!

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the face of the national effort to deal with the coronavirus crisis, recently commented,

hypertension, and overall decreased access to healthcare, and now you compound it with this deadly disease, it's no surprise we are going to get hit harder." In Chicago, nearly 70% of virus-related fatalities are Black, even though African Americans make up less than one-third of the population. In the epicenter, New York City, 59% of deaths are in the Queens and the Bronx; both areas have high Black and Hispanic populations. Down south in Louisiana, African Americans, who only account for 32% of the population, make up 70% of the state's deaths. These numbers are beyond stunningly tragic. I have publicly called for immediate safety measures to protect the community during

"When you look at the proportion of people that get into serious trouble and die, again, it's going to be disproportionate towards the African Americans." When I asked myself, “Why is the Black community getting hit so hard by this?” I realized that the Black community has been burdened by poor health for a long time. If you consider pre-existing conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes,

the COVID-19 pandemic, citing recent, deeply concerning statistics in making this public call. Black people are dying at a higher rate from complications related to COVID-19 infections than many others. Specifically, I take a different view on the value of protective masks than one recently reported here. Over one thousand people died from COVID-19 complications in the U.S. the day before yesterday, over 1,300 died

A special message from Dr. Charles Crutchfield Contributing writer

Masks save lives!

yesterday, and the number is will block aerosol that carries facemask. This isn't just about going up. The numbers are ex- the virus from the breath of as- the individual in the mask. Think of the mask as protectpected to peak in Minnesota in ymptomatic shedders. ing you as well as all of your friends, relatives, elderly, and anyone else in the Black or broader community who may be vulnerable to the virus. Preserving medical masks Dr. Fauci, perhaps our na- for doctors and healthcare two to three weeks, with over 50 people dying per day. This tion's leading expert on the providers is also critical. All topic, has said that up to 50% other masks—including homesituation is gravely serious. I am urging immediate ac- of people may be asymptom- crafted masks—are advised for tion. Even if these numbers are atic shedders. That is, they are everyone else. So to sum up, stay home. If higher than what may result on spreading the virus without any given day, when it comes being aware of it. Wearing a you absolutely must venture to protecting those vulnerable mask to trap the aerosol-con- out, wear a mask to protect to the virus, it's better to be safe taining coronavirus particles yourself, your loved ones, and than sorry. We should take im- has tremendous upside poten- anyone you encounter, especially at-risk African Amerimediate measures that have tial and minimal downside. While social distancing cans. the most impact on saving people's lives. Not just African alone can help, the aerosol effect from asymptomatic shed- Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD American lives, but all lives. Based on indications from ders makes social distance is a board-certified dermatolocurrent research and medical practices combined with mask gist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of data, as well as the position use critical. For a great tutorial by Dr. Minnesota Medical School and a of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the federal Center for Jerome Adams, the surgeon Benedict Distinguished Visiting Disease Control (CDC) I am general, on making a mask Professor of biology at Carleton encouraging everyone to take at home, please visit www. College. He also has a private CrutchfieldDermatology.com/ practice, Crutchfield Dermatolthese proper precautions: 1. Stay home! 2. If you need groceries or medications from a pharmacy, order from a store that delivers. 3. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, and sanitize home surfaces susceptible to being touched. 4. Don't touch your face! 5. Practice appropriate social distancing. 6. If going outside the home, ALWAYS WEAR A MASK! I agree with CDC guidelines: If you absolutely have to venture out, social distance AND WEAR A MASK. Any mask! Many people have COVID-19 and don't even know it. These people are called asymptomatic shedders, and they can potentially spread the virus by coughing and sneezing. They may even spread it by breathing heavily into the air, even when they don't feel sick." This is similar to the phenomenon that occurs when a person breathes on a mirror and it fogs up. That's aerosol. Nearly any masks

Many people have COVID-19 and don't even know it.

ogy in Eagan, MN. He received his MD and Master’s Degree in molecular biology and genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. Minnesota Medicine recognized Dr. Crutchfield as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. Dr. Crutchfield specializes in skinof-color and has been selected by physicians and nurses as one of the leading dermatologists in Minnesota for the past 18 years. He is the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians. He can be reached at CrutchfieldDermatology.com or by calling 651209-3600.

April 23-29, 2020

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.

COMMUNITY VOICES Wall Street, not workers, drives federal COVID measures Florida, and Georgia have refused to shut their states down and give clear stay at home orCOVID-19 pandemic is ders to halt the spread of the virus. changing the world before our And the Federal Reserve is very eyes. In less than three doing everything it can to protect months, it has exposed the grotesque nature of the capitalist Wall Street, in total disregard of the real-time needs of millions of system to millions, ground the people. If Trump and his political world economy to a halt, and allies in government, Wall Street, reveals the interconnectedness and the corporations are sucof our little planet As bad as this crisis is on its cessful in forcing a considerable own terms, it is made consider- number of workers to go back ably worse by the mis-leadership to work before the pandemic has from the White House, Congress been brought under control, it and many state and local govern- will turn into an outright calamity in the U.S. We cannot afford to ments. let this happen. President Trump not only By Cooperation Jackson

U.S./corporate COVID response a crime against humanity MELLANEOUS By Mel Reeves Last week it was revealed that an election judge in Chicago died who had been working the Illinois primary in March. He did not have to die! But his death and the deaths and sickness of hundreds of thousands of workers in the U.S. were caused by what can only be described as criminal neglect at the least and at worst, crimes against humanity by the sociopathic corporate cartels and the U.S. government. This government and the captains of industry, the corporate cartels, have put working people on par with slavery. But at least the slave owners had to keep the slaves alive! Most of the U.S. public is in shock, while others are acting like lunatics insisting that they be allowed to party and risk “other” people’s lives with their irresponsible behavior. But when the shock wears off there will be lots of regrets and lawsuits because the incompetence of the present administration, the demands of capitalism, and the callous. indifference by many bosses will surely make them liable. Their response to this crisis is

Just as unbelievable, they continued with their elections in April, yet again putting lives at risk. And for what: a contest between two sociopaths? Truth is there should be no election but rather a referendum on what kind of government we want, either one that is for us and by us or one that in emergencies will leave us to fend for ourselves. Incredibly, some well off, well-educated sociopaths have made the news suggesting as Indiana Rep. Trey Hollingsworth has that, “In the choice between the loss of our way of life as Americans and the loss of life, of American lives, we have to always choose the latter." That statement can only be categorized as sick, twisted and demented! Their indifference included the elderly, many who have served their country and this society in honorable ways, raising future workers and responsible and effectual human beings. They, too, proved expendable as the U.S. dragged its feet refus. ing to provide adequate testing while refusing to prioritize them despite it being widely known of their particular vulnerability to this disease. Many of their op-

At least the slave owners had to keep the slaves alive! nothing short of immoral. Only sociopaths who lack the ability to identify with human needs would have put human beings in harm’s way for an election. The state of Illinois, the Democratic National Committee and the government knew the risk of holding an election in the middle of a pandemic, but nevertheless knowingly risked the lives of others to carry out their agenda, ultimately putting lives at risk.

erators refused to spend a dime to protect them as they died like flies in nursing homes. And their attendants, mainly Black, Brown and immigrant, who take marvelous care and take pride in their work for their senior clients, are dropping as well because they just are not high enough in the pecking order. At last count, at least 41 New York transit workers have died simply because they were trying

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to do their job. Service workers suddenly became soldiers bravely taking risks on our behalf, said the sociopaths, and many of us nodded in agreement. But the mailmen signed up to deliver the mail, not to put their lives at risk. The transit workers signed up to drive the bus. or the train not to risk their lives. The sanitation workers signed up to get rid of our garbage not to put their lives on the line. Factory workers signed up to make goods and make a living, not to put their lives on the line. And the deplorable corporate heads have had the nerve to call grocery store workers “heroes” as their workers took all the risks, while they raked in all of the profits. Few showed the concern for the well-being of their workers as did Relinda Vasquez, the owner of Bravo Supermarket in Little Haiti in Miami, who paid for face shields, masks and gloves for her workers out of her own pocket. And shame on us; we did not use our buying power to insist that we would shop only at stores that provided personal protection equipment to its workers. Amazingly some store chains refused to allow their workers to wear face masks for fear it would scare away customers. This is nothing short of CRIMINAL! It’s obvious. this privatized system of health care does not work in the case of a national medical emergency. And the heads of many of these systems have behaved criminally as well, absolutely refusing to do all that they could to make sure that frontline workers who were daily coming face to face with the COVID-19 disease were protected. As a result, hundreds of frontline healthcare workers have contracted the novel coronavirU.S. and dozens have died. Imagine that dying in a situation that was totally preventable. But greed and just plain old indifference has cost the lives of valuable healthcare personnel. Who really believes the U.S. government could not have used its industrial strength and capability to manufacture face shields, N95 masks, gloves and body covering needed to protect these workers, these professionals, these human beings? And Black people, as usual, have disproportionately been victimized by this evil, enabled by the disease COVID-19 because of pre-existing health issues brought on by the condition of living Black in America. If we survive this plague, Black people should be at the front of the line along with the rest of the U.S. working class to bring its case before The Hague, the World Court, charging the U.S., Wall Street, the corporate cartel and its thought-leaders with crimes against humanity! Mel Reeves welcomes readers responses to mellaneous.19@yahoo.com.

protect workers and consumers, undermining unions and other working-class organizations. He has expanded roundup and deportation operations, and refused to provide adequate medical treatment for federal prisoners. Right now the federal response is being driven by finance ministers and corporations, rather than the medical experts and front line workers directly addressing the response to the pandemic, abandoning the potential power of a coordinated federal response. All this is just a sample of the crimes against humanity unfolding daily at the hands of

“The federal response is being driven by finance ministers and corporations, rather than the medical experts and front line workers” failed to heed the advice of the state's intelligence services regarding the potential threat of the coronavirus, he downplayed its severity for months, and has refused to mobilize the vast resources at the disposal of the U.S .government to address the crisis. He continues to deny the science and proven medical advice and is now threatening to retract social distancing orders and call for everyone to return to work by the end of April. A bipartisan Congress just passed the largest corporate bailout in history, that provided paltry relief to most working people in the form of a one time payoff that won’t cover most people’s rent and utilities for a month. The governors of Mississippi,

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Disaster capitalism and White supremacy are running amok. The Trump alliance of the neo-fascist right, combined with sectors of finance capital, the fossil fuel industry and the religious right are exploiting this crisis to accelerate climate change, reshape society and redefine the geopolitical order. In the midst of this pandemic they have eliminated critical environmental protection standards (reducing already poor air quality giving new horrible life to the Black Lives Matter slogan borne of Eric Garner’s murder, “I cant breathe” as millions struggle for air). Trump has eliminated various health and safety standards to

the White House. We must stop the worst most deadly version of this pandemic from becoming a reality, and we have to ensure that we never return to the society that enabled this pandemic to emerge and have the impact it is having in the first place. We must do everything that we can to create a new, just, equitable and ecologically regenerative economy. This commentary was penned by the leadership of Cooperation Jackson based in Jackson, Mississippi, who have called for a workers strike on May first.

Coronavirus provides opportunity for real equity By Marcus Owens This is a time to take a moment to pause and take inventory of who we are as a community. We get to see each other’s true colors, including the systems that make up our society. Things are happening so fast, and the word “essential” has taken on a whole new meaning. You may have all kinds of thoughts and feelings about what is happening right now, most of which are valid. What you may not know is what will happen next—for you, your neighbors, and your friends. This pandemic is impacting marginalized communities in so many ways, and we’re only beginning to touch the surface of its impact. Recent data around the COVID-19 outbreak, which does not discriminate based on race, shows it is disproportionately affecting Black communities across the country. In cities like Chicago and Detroit, Black folks make up 70% and 40% of deaths, respectively, due to complications of the virus, which is disproportionately higher than the population rate. This shines a bright light, as Dr. Fauci (director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) stated in a briefing on April 7, 2020, on the health disparities within the Black community. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and asthma are underlying issues that increase the risk of severe complications in those who become infected with the virus. However, saying that the prevalence of these health issues among African Americans is due only to lifestyle choices, genetics, and other factors overlooks the historical conditions in which Black

Americans have had to survive. Over the past 100 years, our communities have been red lined, disinvested in, isolated, and subject to discrimination in all forms. Our urban core Black communities have poor air quality due to industries such as metal recycling plants polluting our air, which can cause asthma, respiratory problems, and other health issues. The lack of healthy food options in African American neighborhoods and over-saturation of fast-food restaurants and unhealthy dining choices leads to higher obesity rates. Add to that the over-polic-

be listened to, and we need solutions focused on our needs to come from our community, including the systems we must interact with. Whether it is computers, tools, and resources for our families (needed to learn remotely); or Universal Basic Income for workers or employees and entrepreneurs that are forced to close to flatten the curve of the pandemic, we need specific and direct solutions. Despite all this, you’re not alone in your experience of this public health issue. You have an entire community around you ready to step up and be part of the solution.

Our communities have been red lined, disinvested in, isolated, and subject to discrimination. ing of the Black community and safety issues that result from the lack of economic and educational opportunities experienced by many African Americans leads to the prevalence of underlying health issues, as well as mental and emotional health challenges. All of this has been brought forward over the years with slow to little response from our systems. Only when the issues are exacerbated to an extreme state is there any acknowledgment that there is a problem. Now is the time to address these issues head-on with real solutions. The African American community cannot continue to be an afterthought in solution development. What works for the mainstream population doesn’t necessarily work for us, and the time for debate is over. We need to

All you need to do is your part, not as an individual but as part of a larger collective—that collective includes the African American community and Indigenous and People of Color communities that are suffering during this time. It’s not enough for you and yours to be all right; let’s stop that thinking because it doesn’t serve any of us in the long run. Let us work together to not only recover from this pandemic but also to address the underlying issues that have made our community vulnerable in the first place. As the old proverb goes: the best time to have planted a tree was 20 years ago, and the next best time is now. Marcus Owens is the executive director of the African American Leadership Forum.

April 23-29, 2020

NAACP

BiAs Continued from page 1

the city’s Overtown neighborhood at the beginning of March. "We’ve tients—at a stage when discharge been out there once or twice a week is inappropriate. handing out tents, toiletries, masks, “The same goes for other illsocks," he said. nesses. Black women are less likely The 35-year-old Henderson than White women to receive radigrew up in a hardscrabble neighation therapy in conjunction with borhood of North Philadelphia. a mastectomy. In fact, they are less He was first introduced to racism likely to receive mastectomies. Perin medicine when the White dean haps more disturbing is that Black of a prominent Ivy League medipatients are more likely to receive cal school advised him to consider less desirable treatments. a career as a nurse rather than as a “The rates at which Black padoctor, despite the fact that he had tients have their limbs amputated a 3.8 GPA and had participated in is higher than those for White pathree clinical trials as a researcher. tients. Additionally, Black patients Studies have shown that docsuffering from bipolar disorder tors’ racial attitudes color much of are more likely to be treated with the disparate health outcomes for antipsychotics despite evidence Blacks, resulting, as one example, that these medications have longin a tendency to under-prescribe term negative effects and are not pain medicine for Blacks because effective.” of the myth that they have a higher Henderson said that only four tolerance for pain and higher rates percent of licensed physicians of addictions. Whites, on the other nationwide are Black, meaning hand, are more likely to be overthat on top of the litany of cradleprescribed. to-grave disadvantages that help “I’m not saying it’s all doctors, to weaken African Americans’ but we know that these biases are immune systems—from living passed down from one generation in food deserts and atop environto the next,” Henderson said. mental dump sites, to the prolifRacial bias, combined with a eration of water and utility shutoffs, failed market-based approach to to homelessness, to prison overhealth care, is simply ravaging crowding, to high-stress levels— Black America. Six years ago, Eric at night rather than back to the Garner’s final gasping words workhouse facility. while trying to fend off a police Continued from page 1 “There are many of us that feel chokehold, “I can’t breathe” came presumed crimes, the Hen- there are way too many people in to symbolize the asphyxiation of nepin County Attorney’s Of- the jail simply because they can’t African Americans’ dreams for a fice has substituted mail court afford bail,” Moriarty asserted. better life. Similarly symbolic is a summonses for many cases that “It’s interesting. Many people coronavirus patients’ breathless would have traditionally had an have been released, and our jail question earlier this month as a officer bring the accused to the population has been cut drasti- New York city nurse anesthetist cally, but there isn’t a huge crime connected him to a ventilator: jail. He added that many of the wave out there.” “Who’s going to pay for this?” work release program offendAnalise Pruni welcomes reader ers from the Hennepin County Jon Jeter welcomes reader reWorkhouse, located in Plymouth, responses to apruni@spokesman- sponses to jjeter@spokesman-rehave been issued tracking brace- recorder.com. corder.com. lets so they can return home

JAil

Blacks are often treated by doctors who share the same racial biases as the police officer who handcuffed him. Studies have shown that the affluent are tested for the virus at a rate that is far higher than lowincome people; as evidence, Henderson noted that a testing site in Miami’s historically Black neighborhood of Liberty City opened only three weeks ago. Moreover, he said, he’s heard of doctors charging Black patients in South Florida as much as $200 for the $40 test. “I can definitely see bias creeping into decisions about who gets ventilators and who gets [do not resuscitate].” People are testing positive and getting sent home, and how can you quarantine when you live in a [crowded] two-bedroom apartment? There is no protocol, and if there is no protocol, doctors can do what they want. I definitely think that unconscious bias is playing a role in the way that things are happening the way they are.” These disparities are part of the reason that Henderson and activists with the nonprofit groups Dream Defenders and Showering Love began an outreach effort in

Continued from page 1

Legals

we can be more community and really looking out for each other.” “We got to culturally retrain ourselves no matter what,” Hayden said, noting that the time-honored custom of shaking hands might be a thing of the past. “We have to draw on something different than what we are accustomed to, but we can do this,” Vanzant surmised. “We have to prepare ourselves for a new normal. We have to…do things a new way.”

State of Minnesota Assumed Name/Amendment To Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: Blink Baby PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 2128 W. Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411 USA

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

SIGNED BY: Edith E. Douglas, Owner EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: betty.douglas530@icloud.com DATED: 03/16/2020 11:59 PM

NAMEHOLDER

Edith E. Douglas 3314 Knox Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55412 USA

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.

Minnesota Spokesman - Recorder April 23 & 30, 2020

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: October 11, 2006 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $25,000.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Robert J. Letendre, Jr. MORTGAGEE: US Federal Credit Union DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded with the County Recorder in and for the County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, on November 15, 2006, as Document No. 8892336 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to Above Realty, LLC, recorded January 15, 2020, as Document No. 10747111 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 6, Block 1, Krig Heights PROPERTY ADDRESS: 416 Division St, Excelsior, MN 55331 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Hennepin AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $45,135.93 THAT there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure requirements; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; THAT pursuant to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of Hennepin County as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: July 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Room 30, 350 South Fifth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys' fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) Months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. The date on or before which the mortgagor must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property redeemed under section 580.23: January 4, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: April 13, 2020 Above Realty, LLC Assignee of Mortgagee HOELSCHER LAW FIRM, PLLC By: /s/ Brian G. Hoelscher Brian G. Hoelscher #0238752 Attorneys for Assignee of Mortgagee 13100 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 224-9551 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. FORECLOSURE DATA Minn. Stat. Sec. 580.025 (1) the physical street address, city, and zip code of the mortgaged premises is 416 Division St, Excelsior, MN 55331; (2) the name of the transaction agent, residential mortgage servicer, and the lender or broker, as defined in section 58.02, if the person holding the mortgage is a transaction agent as defined in section 58.02, subdivision 30 are as follows: – not applicable; or the name of the residential mortgage servicer and the lender or broker, as defined in section 58.02, if the person holding the mortgage is not a transaction agent as defined in section 58.02, subdivision 30 are as follows: residential mortgage servicer – Superior Financing, Inc., lender or broker – Above Realty, LLC; (3) the tax parcel identification number of the mortgaged premises is: 35-117-23-24-0034 (4) if stated on the mortgage, the transaction agent's mortgage identification number is: - not applicable; (5) if stated on the mortgage, the name of the residential mortgage originator as defined in section 58.02 is: US Federal Credit Union Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2020

April 23-29, 2020

‘Say Her Name’ is a worthy examination of injustice and stayed in it, she’d be alive today. But, then, she would not For Your Consideration: have been Sandra Bland. In this space, MSR columnists Indeed, she wouldn’t have will offer their favorite books, TV been a great many of today’s shows and more to help readers Black women. That, we see, is stay engaged during the statewhat precipitated her tragically wide Stay At Home order. This senseless death. An attitude in week, Dwight Hobbes reviews the face of White authority from the 2018 documentary “Say Her a White woman would be seen Name: The Life and Death of as self-assertive autonomy, but a Sandra Bland.” Black female defiantly claiming her lawful rights is viewed as By Dwight Hobbes arrogant and unruly—in a word, Contributing writer uppity. In the film, a blonde, blue“Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland” (HBO – eyed demonstrator at one of a DVD) painstakingly documents dozen protests across America that had this smart, outspoken frankly acknowledged, “As a Black woman known her place White woman living in America,

I know that what happened to Sandra would not happen to me.” The first few frames tell the story, illustrating in stark clarity how an incensed, reactionary

ing from arbitrarily commenting on her irritation at being pulled over quickly to mounting unprovoked hostility. There’s no apparent reason that he makes for ordering her to put out a cigarette, which she challenges with, “Why? I’m in my car.” Nor is there any evident cause for him to insist she step out of the car. Something she also challenges, replying that she’s about to call her lawyer. Trooper Encinia, not once stating why she should comply except to claim he gave her a lawful order, begins repeating himself in an angry tone, threatening, “I will remove you.” The back and forth escalates with Bland asserting, “I’m not under arrest.” “You are under arrest,” Encinia retorts. “For what?” asks Bland. Still giving no explanation, Encinia reaches for her. Her response: “Don’t touch me.”

"Sandra Bland was passionately committed to making a difference in the world." lawman’s mental disposition cost 28-year-old Bland her liberty and, at length, her life. On July 10, 2015, Bland headed to the grocery store and was pulled over by Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia for not signaling when she changed lanes. From the outset, he’s antagonistic, go-

“Get out of the car, now!” he said wielding a taser. He adds, “I will light you up!” “Why am I being apprehended?” she asks. He repeatedly gives the order, by now yelling at her. Bland, relatively calm, answers, “Wow. For failure to signal!” Encinia will later claim she

kicked him, charging assault on a public servant (he was subsequently indicted for perjury). There’s no kick seen, but clearly the sound of him slapping her and his demand that she stop recording the incident on her cell phone. Once she’s out of the vehicle, she is roughhoused to the extent that she says, “I can’t wait to go to court.” But Bland never gets there. Taken into custody, she is discovered three days later hanging by the neck in a Waller County jail cell, dead. Supposedly it was suicide. “Say Her Name” details, point by point, that there is a great deal about Bland’s death being ruled a suicide that simply does not add up, including that the plastic garbage with which she allegedly hung herself had neither her fingerprints nor DNA on it. Sandra Bland was passionately committed to making a difference in the world. As is chronicled by footage from her “Sandy Speaks” video blog, 30 or so recordings on social empowerment with a candid, casually upbeat approach to such subjects as personal growth, African American history, Black on Black crime and more. Her blog included a poignantly humorous installment, encouraging the wearing of natural hair. It pointed out how sensitive we can be about that other n-word: naps. “Under the edge-up, you got naps. Under that Brazilian

[or] when you get that perm. You have...naps,” said Bland. She also stepped onto seldom trod ground, seeking to build a bridge of communication across colors, expressing in one installment, “[This is] to focus directly on my White people. Black people know all lives matter. But, what I need you guys to understand is that being a Black person in America is very, very hard. ...We get pissed off when we see situations where someone surrenders to the cops and still be killed.” Bland, who grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, had graduated from Prairie View A&M, was starting a summer job there and planned to eventually go for a master’s degree. Her sister, Sharon Cooper, recalled talking to her on the phone during Bland’s trip down from Chicago. “When she was driving, Sandy kept talking about going back to Texas. [She said], ‘My purpose is to go back...to stop all of the injustices against Blacks.’” “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland,” directed by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner, gives every indication she became yet another victim of said injustice. Dwight Hobbes welcomes readers’ responses to dhobbes@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Prince and the history of Minneapolis By Rashad Shabazz Contributing writer

cated on the western side of the river, was formed in 1856 and became a city in 1867. In 1872, the two cities merged. Due to its proximity to the waterfall, Minneapolis staked its economic future on milling. At the end of the 19th century, Minneapolis was producing more flour than any other region in the country, earning the title “flourmilling capital of the world.” As the city’s industrial ambitions grew, so too did its immigrant population. Scandinavians came in waves, and more Norwegians settled in Minneapolis than in any other state in the union. They were joined by migrants from the American Northeast and South looking for work. The rugged towns on the icy shores of the Mississippi River hadbecomeathrivingmetropolis.

It’s been four years since Prince’s death, but fascination about the artist, the man, and his mythology endures. On April 21, Alicia Keys, the Foo Fighters, Usher, Beck and several of Prince’s collaborators will be paying tribute to the late musician in a special concert, “Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince” in Los Angeles. Prince’s peers, critics, and fans are often quick to cite his creativity, versatility, and talent. But as a longtime Prince fan who’s also a human geographer, I’ve found myself drawn to the way his hometown, Minneapolis, Minnesota, cultivated his talent. Prince did not come of age in a vacuum. He was raised within Music central to the city’s the sonic landscape of a city that identity Though mills dominated the had a rich tradition of musical

an important change to its public school curriculum, one that ingrained music in the city’s identity: Musical education became mandatory. All students in every school had to take and pass a music class in order to matriculate. The superintendent of music education, Thaddeus Paul Giddings, spearheaded the effort, designing and promoting a curriculum that stressed sight reading, posture and tone. Giddings was a bold innovator: Minneapolis’ school system was the first in the nation to make music education compulsory. To Giddings, music was not just a simple pleasure but a fundamental part of childhood development. “Music for every child and every child for music” was the mantra that guided him. As a result, Giddings democratized music education and mu-

“He was surrounded by a sonic culture built on fusion, education and Black styles.” education, experimentation, and innovation. Long before Prince put the city on the musical map with albums like “1999” and “Purple Rain,” local musicians were creating a polyphonic sound that reflected the city’s migration patterns—a sound influenced by economic, social and political forces. Prince inherited this musical landscape and would go on to synthesize the sounds of the city to change the course of 20thcentury pop music. Simply put, Prince would not sound like Prince without Minneapolis. The waterfall that built a city Minneapolis’ story began with a struggle over land. In 1680, European explorers came across the only waterfall on the Mississippi River. Wanting to harness its power and settle the land around it, these pioneers began a century-long war with native Americans over control of the region. By the dawn of the 19th century, the federal government had taken control of the area and its resources. The municipality of St. Anthony was incorporated on the eastern side of the river in 1849. The town of Minneapolis, lo-

landscape, it was music that united the city’s disparate identities and ethnicities. The early music scene was a mix of sounds—Scandinavian folk music, Northeastern classical music and Southern hillbilly rhythms. Church hymns, folk songs and the patriotic jingles of military and marching bands filled the streets. Glee clubs cropped up at the newly founded University of Minnesota. Smaller groups, like the Quintette Club, a four-part harmony group, sprung up. And in 1855, the Minnesota Musical Association put on the city’s first music convention. Music could also be heard day in and day out in the bars and brothels that drew mill workers. Meanwhile, the Northeastern robber barons who owned the mills along the river built majestic music halls to resemble those in New York and Boston. The Pence opera house opened in 1869. Classical music societies, opera clubs and the first philharmonic clubs were also founded during this time. By the 1880s, the city was regularly organizing public concerts that attracted huge crowds. Then, in 1910, the city made

sic performance. So successful were his methods that, according to a 1940 article in the Minneapolis Star, one in every six children in the system—spanning race, class and ethnicity— played at least one instrument. Black migration brings the 12bar blues Between World War I and World War II, nearly 2 million Blacks fled the South. Fleeing Jim Crow racism and lynching, they landed in cities across the Northeast, West and Midwest, including Minneapolis. Minneapolis didn’t see the massive influx of Black migrants that other major cities experienced, but Black Southerners nonetheless had an outsized impact on the city’s music scene. Their primary contribution was the 12-bar blues, which introduced the city’s White residents to the sounds and rhythms of the Mississippi Delta. The progression allows a musician to play three chords in constant rotation—the one, four and five chords—to create a steady harmony. This, in turn, creates space for solo improvisations. These influences—combined with the city’s promotion of music and emphasis on education—

Prince performs at Minneapolis’ First Avenue nightclub in August 1983. Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ensured that Prince, who was born in 1958, would be raised in one of the country’s most fertile incubators for new music. Yes, his parents were talented musicians, with his father’s piano playing inspiring him from a young age. And Prince was a genius: By his mid-teens, he could play guitar, piano, drums and bass; he could hear a song and instantly play it back. But his music classes in school played a significant role in his music education. He was also surrounded by a sonic culture built on fusion, education and black styles—a scene that prized

combining genres, improvisation and creating new sounds. In his magnum opus, “Sign O’ the Times,” Prince created a mash-up of psychedelic-rock, gut-bucket funk and cuttingedge R&B. Like the sounds of Minneapolis, this double LP defied existing musical genres and made synthesis its raison d'être, expanding the horizon of what was possible in popular music. We also witnessed the city’s rich musical legacy in the diverse sounds that emerged alongside Prince’s: Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements and the Suicide

Commandos, to name a few. Minneapolis gets little love whenever there’s a Prince tribute. People are quick to cite his brilliance, legendary work ethic—the man didn’t sleep—and virtuosity. All of which are worth noting. But in the music of Prince Rogers Nelson, the unseen notes of a city born amid war, mills and migration linger. Rashad Shabazz is a member of the American Association of Geographers. This story was republished by permission from The Conversation.

April 23-29, 2020

Legals

Job Ad 1 Employment

CONDEMNATION STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 27-CV-20-4211 The Honorable Thomas S. Fraser State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Vevea Family, LP, et al. Respondents. IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES NOTICE To the Respondents hereinabove named: You, and each of you, are hereby notified that on June 15, 2020, at 12:30 o’clock pm., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, before Judge Thomas S. Fraser, Courtroom 1959, in the Government Center at Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, the above named petitioner will present to the above named Court a petition now on file herein for the condemnation of certain lands for trunk highway purposes. A copy of said petition is attached hereto and incorporated herein. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, That at the above time and place the above-named petitioner will also move the court for an order transferring title and possession to petitioner of the parcels described in the petition in accordance with Minn. Stat. §117.042, as of July 20, 2020. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that all persons occupying the property described in the petition must VACATE THE PREMISES AND MOVE ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM SAID PREMISES ON OR BEFORE JULY 20, 2020. All advertising signs or devices located on the property being acquired must be removed by July 20, 2020. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that (1) a party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the court hearing and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a court order; and (2) a court order approving the public use or public purpose, necessity, and authority for the taking is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days after service of the order on the party. Dated: 3/23/20 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota /s/ William Young WILLIAM YOUNG Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0393502 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2128 (651) 757-1386 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) william.young@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER CONDEMNATION STATE OF MINNESOTA

IN DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Vevea Family, LP, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., City of Rogers, County of Hennepin, Gordon Roberg, Kathy Roberg, also all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest or lien in the real estate described in the Petition herein, Respondents. IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES PETITION To the District Court above named the State of Minnesota brings this Petition and respectfully states and alleges: I. That Trunk Highway Legislative Route numbered 392, which has been renumbered 94, and which has been located according to law and designated as a controlled access highway, passes over the lands herein described. That it is duly covered by Right of Way Plat Orders numbered 98329 and 98330. That it is duly covered by Designation Order numbered 29048. II. That the Commissioner of Transportation deems it necessary that the State of Minnesota for trunk highway purposes obtain the lands herein described in fee simple absolute, together with the following rights: to acquire from the owners whose lands front thereon and existing right of access to said highway in those cases which are

herein particularly mentioned, and to keep and have he exclusive control of all access to said highway in accordance with the law governing controlled access highways, and to acquire a temporary easement in those cases which are herein particularly mentioned. It is the intention of the above-named petitioner to move the court for an order authorizing the Court Administrator to accept and deposit in an interest bearing account payments from the petitioner to the court pursuant to Minnesota statutes. Further, it is the intention of the above-named petitioner to move the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels herein described, prior to the filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §117.042. The petitioner reserves its right to recover costs of clean up and testing and all

other damages arising from the presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous

materials on the property described herein, from all potential responsible parties, including respondents herein where appropriate, in a separate legal action to the extent

permitted by law III. That the following described lands in these proceedings taken are situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota; that the names of all persons appearing of record or known to your petitioner to be the owners of said lands or interested therein, including all whom your petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are as follows: FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 224 C.S. 2780 (94=392) 902 S.P. 2780-97RW All of the following: That part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 25, Township 120 North, Range 23 West, shown as Parcel 224 on Minnesota Department of Transportation Right of Way Plat Numbered 27-234 as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; containing 41240 square feet, more or less; together with other rights as set forth below, forming and being part of said Parcel 224: Access: All right of access as shown on said plat by the access control symbol. Temporary Easement: A temporary easement for highway purposes as shown on said plat as to said Parcel 224 by the temporary easement symbol, said easement shall cease on December 1, 2023, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes. Names of parties interested in the above described land and nature of interest: Vevea Family, LP Fee Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. Lessee City of Rogers Special Assessments County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 239 C.S. 2780 (94=392) 902 S.P. 2780-97RW All of the following: That part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 6, Township 119 North, Range 22 West, shown as Parcel 239 on Minnesota Department of Transportation Right of Way Plat Numbered 27-233 as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; containing 26400 square feet, more or less; together with other rights as set forth below, forming and being part of said Parcel 239: Access: All right of access as shown on said plat by the access control symbol. Temporary Easement: A temporary easement for highway purposes as shown on said plat as to said Parcel 239 by the temporary easement symbol, said easement shall cease on December 1, 2023, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes. Names of parties interested in the above described land and nature of interest: Gordon Roberg Kathy Roberg Fee County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments WHEREFORE, Your petitioner prays that commissioners be appointed to appraise the damages which may be occasioned by such taking, and that such proceedings may be had herein as are provided by law. Dated: 03-10-2020 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota /s/ William Young WILLIAM YOUNG Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0393502 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2128 (651) 757-1386 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) william.young@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 100722

MINN. STAT. § 549.211 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The party or parties on whose behalf the attached document is served acknowledge through their undersigned counsel that sanctions may be imposed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 549.211. Dated: 03-10-2020 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota /s/ William Young WILLIAM YOUNG Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0393502

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, April 9, 16 and 23, 2020

From Classified Business System Analyst Department/MN Business Systems Analyst Spokesman-Recorder VITS Consulting Corp has openings for the position BusiPHONE: 612-827-4021 ness SystemMinnetonka, Analyst with Bachelor’s degree in Computer Ledelsea, MN, Business Systems AnaFOR BILLING Science, Engineering any, Technology, Information Syslyst. Req. Master’s in Eng. Mgmt, Comp. Sci, Elect. & INQUIRIES tems or related to work closely with the IT team as well Commun. Eng., Software Eng., or related field, & 2 yrs & TEARSHEETS as the business stakeholders to understand needs, gather exp. in: systems analysis; business analysis; SQL forthat rePLEASE CONTACT requirement, identify potential options and solutions tail and healthcare data analysis; creating reports includwill meet the business need, determine ACCOUNTING DEPT feasibility and ing Business Intelligence Data Analytics; translatflesh out solution options. and Responsible for the management of software process from requirements gathering ing data source analysis and data requirements into data LEGAL NOTICES and createdSIZE: process flowETL; along with systems transformation rules for analysis, data 4 COL Xdiagrams 18 requirement design documentation, management approval, developanalysis; extracting and development of customized reRATE $15.53 PCI (1ST RUN) ment to testing and Go-Live. SUBTOTAL: $1118.16 ports. Position requires Travel within Metro Area 90 %. Submit résumé to ayesha@ledelsea.com Work location is Plymouth, MN with required travel to +or $10.35 PCI (additional runs) No agencies phone calls. client locations throughout the USA.Please mail resumes $745.20 X 2 weeks = $1,490.40

to 3350 Annapolis Lane N, Suite A, Plymouth, MN 55447 GRAND JobTOTAL: Ad 1 $2608.56 (OR ) email : hr@vitsconsulting.com

Business Systems Analyst Ledelsea, Minnetonka, MN, Business Systems Analyst. Req. Master’s in Eng. Mgmt, Comp. Sci, Elect. & Commun. Eng., Software Eng., or related field, & 2 yrs exp. in: systems analysis; business analysis; SQL for retail and healthcare data analysis; creating reports including Business Intelligence and Data Analytics; translating data source analysis and data requirements into data transformation rules for ETL; requirement analysis, data analysis; extracting and development of customized reports. Position requires Travel within Metro Area 90 %. Submit résumé to ayesha@ledelsea.com No agencies or phone calls.

Job Ad 2

Sr. Business Systems Analyst Ledelsea, Minnetonka, MN, Sr. Business Systems Analyst. Req. Master’s in Comp. Sci., Eng. Mgmt.., Software Eng., or related degree, & 2 yrs. exp. in: business analysis, Adabas, DB2, MS SQL Server, MS ACCESS 97/2000; MS-Office tools; Share point; Morgan Stanley Tools, Service-Now; PEEK; N2O; PREDICT; and CMS. Position requires travel within Metro Area 90 %. Submit résumé to ayesha@ledelsea.com No agencies or phone calls.

Job Ad 2

April 23-29, 2020

Vikings armed to reload!

Fitz Beat

Larry FitzgeraLd

irtually every game and sporting event the last two months around the world has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic public

health crisis. This week the NFL is moving forward with its scheduled annual NFL Draft April 23-25. Ok, it won't be the same. The league previously had designated Las Vegas, Nevada as the host location. That part was canceled because Sin City, like most of America, has been shut down due to social distancing restrictions. This week NFL Commis-

sioner Roger Goodell will conduct the draft from his New York home. Many general managers for the 32 teams were first critical of conducting a draft when they, the teams, were not able to do what they normally do. Each team gets to bring in as many as 30 potential draft prospects and free agents for on-site team location interviews and workouts. But since March 10, all NFL team headquarters have been closed. Another major issue of the GMs and personnel critics was security concerns and phone line tapping. Goodell ordered all the GMs to shut up and stop complaining under the threat of being potentially fined. So here we go: the league’s first-ever virtual draft. I agree with Goodell— we can't stop living life as we know it in fear of the COVID-19. This draft will be different and restricted, however. The teams have had more than enough time to view tapes and video of players. And remember, they also had the annual Combine in early March to which over 300 players were invited. This draft is loaded with wide receivers and lineman. The Vikings will have 12 picks in this year’s draft, including two number-ones. They have suffered some significant losses, trading lead-

ing receiver Stefon Diggs to Buffalo for a number-one pick. They released starters tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Xavier Rhodes and lost Pro-Bowler Everson Griffen, Trae Waynes, Jayron Kearse, Stephen Weatherly and Mackenzie Alexander to unrestricted free agency. No time for excuses or crybabies: It's time to move forward. That time is this week. The team also lost both defensive and offensive coordinators, George Edwards and Kevin Stefanski, which could hurt continuity. For a team that finished 11-7 as a Wild Card in the tough NFC North, this draft is critical to weather the storm. It’s unclear if the Vikings are reloading or rebuilding, particularly with major salary cap restrictions. Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday and Friday at 9:10 am and at www. Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on "Almanac" (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com or visit Larry-Fitzgerald.com.

WNBA commish hopes for a season with or without fans Sports will be forever changed because of the coronavirus outbreak, predicts WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The W commish talked with reporters last Friday, including the MSR. “Everyone is making so many predictions,” she said. “All I know is predictions today will be wrong, not only in the future but maybe even tomorrow. Things are changing every day. “Even if we conquer this pandemic,” she continued, “life isn’t going to be the same in live sports. So we’ve got to find different ways to engage those fans.” Engelbert was among other pro sports commissioners who recently met with the White House via conference call and discussed how to resume, such as the NBA and NHL, or how to start their respective seasons, such as the W and Major League Baseball.

The MSR asked Engelbert, the only female in the group, if America’s longest-running women’s pro league is being taken as seriously as the malerun leagues. She responded, “I think we have a strong voice.” She later added, “We all have obviously similar challenges as to how we think about starting up sports with or without fans, and the different complications and logistics that come with that. I think what’s helpful is hearing the other commissioners talk about challenges.” WNBA team training camps were scheduled to open this week, and the 2020 season was set to start on May 15. Both are now on hold. “Our goal is to have a season when it’s medically advisable and feasible,” Engelbert said, whether it’s with or without fans, whether it’s at a neutral site or multiple sites or back in

our arenas. Other than deferring training camp and the tip of the season, we haven’t taken any of our other options in our scenario plan off the table.” The commissioner added that she and league officials won’t be rushed into starting up until it is safe to do so. “You need to be all working together,” Engelbert said. “I think we have the opportunity to collaborate with the state and local governments…the cities and the states in which we play.” Engelbert said she is convinced that sports in post-COVID America will be remarkably different. “We’re going to have to figure out ways in the meantime as we figure out how we come out of this pandemic. “We have to be thinking about the different ways to engage that fan, whether it’s from merchandise, whether it’s from

NFL fan behavior could reflect implicit bias

he National Football League arguably is America’s most popular sport. But among its fan base, it is also the sport most biased against the over three-fourths of its players who are Black. This began in 2016 after QB Colin Kaepernick and others began protesting police brutality and social and economic inequity among Blacks and other people of color in the U.S., which sparked a backlash among fans and others because it was done

them on television, including those “damn highlights,” in his words. It’s now been three years and counting. Yet Blacks largely still remain pro-football fans—66% according to a 2019 The Undefeated. com poll of Black NFL fans. Statista’s March report on sports fans by ethnicity says Blacks overall are more “avid fans” (34%) and “causal fans” (41%) of sports than Whites (28% avid, 37% casual). But does a racial divide exist considering that Whites make up 70% of the NFL fan base and television viewers? This prompted Texas A&M Sport Management Professor George Cunningham and South Carolina Sports Economist Professor Nicholas Watanable to jointly study if racial bias affected NFL game attendance and television viewership. They released their study results earlier this year, finding that the NFL protest did

Courtesy of Texas A&M

added. “People have done it for a long time. “We express bias in ways that we really don’t know that we are doing it,” he explained. “A lot of people don’t think about racism and sexism or other forms of prejudice unless it is explicit in nature. “Some people say [implicit] bias is a habit,” the professor said, suggesting that people need to be intentional and work on dealing with it daily. It’s more than a one-day implicit bias training session, but recquires training plus following it up and not cause a significant dip in at- being intentional about it in your life and your actions toward othtendance. “We didn’t assess patriotism. ers,” he noted. “Whether you are a football We do know that implicit bias went up and attendance went fan, policymaker, or you are just down over the time frame of the interacting with your friends study,” Cunningham said in an and loved ones, implicit bias can MSR phone interview. “It could influence how you engage with be a patriotic element to it, but others. To be aware of that and some of the other data suggest try to reduce that bias would be that there could be a racial ele- helpful.” ment, and racial attitudes could Charles Hallman welcomes reader influence things as well.” Implicit bias is real, but not responses to challman@spokesmaneveryone readily admits it. recorder.com. Even “well intentioned and fairminded people” aren’t aware of their implicit bias, Cunningham

“We express bias in ways that we really don’t know that we are doing it.” during the national anthem. Kaepernick later was whiteballed from the league. According to Nielsen, NFL attendance and viewership was down, depending on the age group, by as much as 20%. There was a 20% drop among Black women age 18-3, but only 2-3% among men and women age 55 and older. White females 18-34 showed the largest drop (19%) and the lowest among men and women age 55 and older (8%). This columnist also joined activist Shaun King’s 2017 call for a national NFL boycott to not attend games in person or watch

MSR file photo

Cathy Engelbert a watch on broadcast, whether it’s could we actually have a fan replicate the feeling in an arena by pumping noise into an arena.”

Elevating the WNBA For the first time on its main channel, ESPN televised last week’s three-round WNBA

Draft. We asked WNBA Commissioner Engelbert if she will advocate for the four-letter network to do this in coming years as well. “Our overall strategy is to look at getting more WNBA games on more platforms where our future fans and our fans of today are consuming their live sports,” she told us. “We’re in constant communication working together to elevate the WNBA. “We hope that the success [of last week’s draft broadcast] will lead into further success and top billing, not just on ESPN but all the media partners that we have.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Significant Six PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

Hopkins guard Paige Bueckers

This week’s photo spread honors Class 4A state tournament defending champions Hopkins players Paige Bueckers (21-point per game average), Maya Nnaji (20 points per game) and Amaya Battle (10 assists per contest); and Class 3A state tournament defending champions DeLaSalle players Kiani Lockett (15 points per game), Nurjei Weems (14 points per game) and Savannah White (12 points per contest). Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com. Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Hopkins center Maya Nnaji

Hopkins guard Amaya Battle

DeLaSalle Guard Kiani Lockett

DeLaSalle forward Nurjei Weems (#22)

DeLaSalle Guard Savannah White