April 4, 2019 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

April 4-10, 2019 Vol. 85 No. 35 www.spokesman-recorder.com

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

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934

SOUND OFF

Are Black Americans due reparations? If so, what does that look like to you?

With reparations being such a hot-button topic, thanks, in part, to a viral clip from Trevor Noah and City of Minneapolis Councilmember Andrea Jenkins calling for real conversation, the MSR was inspired to hit the streets to find out what our communities think. Interviews were conducted by MSR contributors Onika Nicole Craven and Stephenetta Harmon.

Minnesota’s racial disparities require more than rhetoric and outrage

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founder and CEO of Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI), noting that successful communities of color will boost Minnesota’s overall bottom line.

This starts with “demand[ing] transformational change,” Black said. “We must work together to remind our elected officials, business leaders, and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders that we don’t only want program results, we need a growing economy that includes us,” she added. “It’s possible.

It’s critical. And the time is now.”

Economic and political leaders across the state have been weighing in much more intentionally over the past year, raising the volume on their calls for change.

“When will we demand a concrete “The fact that we continue to grow as a region in every other facet, and are mak- action plan be developed with clear ing progress in employment and business investments with measurable benchmarks growth, while the wage gap widens should ■ See diSparitieS on page 5 deeply concern us all,” said Tawanna Black, forming, ranking 88th when it came to racial inclusion and 83rd for relative poverty.

By Stephenetta Harmon Editor-in-Chief innesota has a rich reputation for being one of the greatest states to live and work unless you are African American or a person of color. And, every few months, a new report surfaces to remind us of this — highlighting looming disparities ranging from economics and criminal justice to education and housing.

The latest, from the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, shows the Twin Cities continues to grow and prosper while communities of color are not enjoying the same benefits — and the disparities are only widening.

The 2019 Metro Monitor surveyed economic growth, prosperity, and inclusion in the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas in 2017. Minneapolis was among the worst per-

“I don’t think we need to be looking at new ideas and solutions. We need to be going back to our roots of cooperative economics.”

Patrick Henry students unite to uplift Black male narrative

Yes, but how could we, simply, monetize our pain? And there is so much restorative work that needs to be done, in terms of criminal justice, education reform, housing, etc.

It would have to be both monetary and restorative — without both happening in tandem, we’ve done nothing. And if the reparations don’t look like a repair of the system, there is no reparation.

Every structure that exists today would have to be torn Brittany Delaney, 29, Poet and educator — Richfield down. The system is not broken, it is functioning as precisely as it’s supposed to function and failing precisely the people who it’s designed to fail. So, if we still are operating within that structure of White supremacy and not addressing key issues, just getting a check alone will mean nothing. Could we handle White people preaching that racism no longer exists post payoff? Didn’t we get enough of that during the Obama era?

I believe as Black Americans, our reparation is well overdue. Not to put a particular amount that is due back, but I believe each person over 21 should receive a weekly check for the rest of our lives (eg; $3,500/week) non-taxed!

Len Jones,46,DeanofStudents — Minnetonka

Photos by Amy Villyrack

Patrick Henry students and staff at 100 Black Men Strong event

By Solomon Gustavo Contributing Writer Hundreds of young Black men converged at the Minnesota State Capitol to take control of their future and change perceptions of what it means to be a Black man in America.

More than 300 Patrick Henry staff, students, and their supporters, outfitted in red, white and blue “Black Excellence” t-

shirts, took over the Capitol’s rotunda on March 22 as part of Patrick Henry High School’s 100 Black Men Strong day-long retreat.

There, students broke into session groups in various Senate offices to give presentations on such issues as interacting with police, the portrayal of Black men in the media, and claiming political power.

Trayvionne Mitchell, a soph-

Yes, I believe so. I believe the amends should come in the form of changing systemic laws that have and do hold some African Americans back from progressing in the U.S. I also feel any money paid should go towards education, housing, community rebuilding, etc. so there is a greater longterm benefit thus providing empowerment and economic growth to the current and future generations of people.

omore, shared how quickly and thoroughly narratives, especially in social media contexts, can get misconstrued.

“We hear too much ‘this Black man is bad, he’s a thief, he’s crazy,’” Mitchell told the MSR. “We don’t hear ‘he just graduated high school, he just graduated college, he just helped his community.’”

Also in attendance and contributing to presentation ses-

sions were Minneapolis police officers, state legislators, and officials. Patrick Henry public relations coordinator Quinton Bonds, noted, however, “All of the sessions were student-led. It was a really cool peer-to-peer learning situation.”

This year’s gathering was an expansion of the program that first kicked off last school year

Felicia Land, 39 — South Saint Paul

■ See Sound off on page 5

■ See StudentS on page 5

BLACK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: CAJUN TWIST

Bringing Louisiana flavor to the Twin Cities New Orleans and seeing how the people are amongst each other — how you really see not just culture, but personalities come out through food. Seeing that and then finding a lack of it here felt like it was so necessary to bring a taste of New Orleans to the Twin Cities.

a Black woman, when you go tell someone you want to cook a cuisine that’s not necessarily considered American food, it’s different. It’s not necessarily soul food, but it’s Cajun.

MSR: What’s your most requested dish?

TW: The gumbo and the burger sell the most.

MSR: How did you choose the location?

TW: I wanted to be here and do it this way and stand out and do something different.

Tiona Washington I [first] put in a proposal for WaterPhoto by Chris Juhn works, which is downtown Minneapolis. But, when I found out who they Walking into Cajun Twist, located off Cajun and Créole cuisine, offering such chose, I was relieved because [this locaof Theodore Wirth Parkway in Golden staples as gumbo, zydeco rice, jamba- tion] matched the culture better. Plus, I Valley, visitors are treated to beautiful laya and yaka mein along with a special wanted to be in a space that was open wooden architecture and the alluring Bayou Burger. We sat down with Tiona 365 days a year. [Waterworks is] closed aroma of Louisiana-based cuisine. The Washington, owner and founder, to find in the winter. I don’t know many placrestaurant opened in January in Minne- out what inspired her to bring her South- es that are owned by the Park Board that apolis Parks and Recreation Board’s new ern cuisine to the Bold North. are open all year long.

Trailhead building, sharing space with MSR: What inspired you to launch MSR: What makes your business the Loppet Foundation Winter Recre- your business? stand out? ation.

Tiona Washington: I think just living in TW: I think a lot of times, especially as Cajun Twist’s Louisiana Seafood Gumbo There, the cozy eatery specializes in

■ See BBS on page 5

Submitted photo

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April 4-10, 2019

Local therapist launches free video course to address racialized trauma

By Stephenetta Harmon Editor-in-Chief

R

enown therapist Resmaa Menakem has just launched a free online series empowering individuals and communities to address and heal from race-based trauma.

Studies continue to show that African Americans suffer more mental health problems than their White counterparts. And, much of the problems are attributed to racial microaggressions — from overt racial discrimination to over racism.

tures five 15-minute videos, begins by defining and exploring the basics of racial trauma. “We can’t help ourselves even begin to heal racialized trauma if we don’t acknowledge that it even exists,” said Menakem.

While his work centers primarily on mental health issues, Menakem defines racial trauma as a physical, rather than emotional, response. It is essentially an interactive extension of his latest book, My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, which focuses on how the physical nature of trau-

the things around them and maybe start on the journey on what to do to heal.”

Menakem added that true healing must come from self work. We can’t hid or run from it, we have to lean into it,” he explained. “White folks ain’t going to do it for us and they can’t do it for us,” said Menakem. “They shouldn’t do it for us.

They have to do their own work.”

The North Minneapolis resident referenced two shooting deaths this past Sunday — one in Minneapolis on Highway 55 and the death of rapper/activist Nipsey Hussle on Sunday — as even more reason for

“There is a sanctioned annihilation in this society that has said it is okay to destroy Black bodies. We’ve internalized that piece and just ripped each other apart” Yet, Black people are the least likely to seek treatment and when they do, most therapists aren’t trained to deal in race-based trauma.

Enter Menakem, MSW, LICSQ, SEP, who specializes in race-based trauma work, addressing conflict, and body-centered healing.

“The most important thing for me is that my people get a chance to understand that they’re not defective and that something happened and continues to happen to their people and to their bodies,” Menakem told the MSR. “And that a lot of that experience that we don’t have a language for can be the result of trauma that happened in other generations.”

The five-day course, which fea-

ma impacts not just our minds, but our bodies as well and how that is passed down through generations.

The remaining four days focus on specific body traumas amongst Black people, including how the history of enslavement continues to affect the Black body today; White body trauma and the impact of White supremacy, along with the impact of stress on police and the general community.

“The video piece is my way of getting to people who aren’t able to sit down and read a 275-page book. You don’t necessarily have to have five years of therapy in order to heal,” he said. “[With this], people can begin to grapple with some of these pieces and affirm some of

communities to educate themselves on how to deal with trauma.

“Our people have so much pain that is unaddressed that we end up destroying people that look like us,” he said. “There is a sanctioned annihilation in this society that has said it is okay to destroy Black bodies. We’ve internalized that piece and just ripped each other apart.

“It also happened to us as a collective and we have to begin to develop collective ways of moving and reclaiming pieces that were stripped from us,” he continued.

“This course is really about us beginning to look at these pieces and beginning to bring language and context to it so we don’t keep ripping each other’s throats out.”

Resmaa Menakem

For more information or to sign up for the free 5-Day Racialized Trauma eCourse, visit resmaa.com.

Submitted photo Stephenetta Harmon welcomes reader responses at sharmon@spokesmanrecorder.com.

April 4-10, 2019

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Combating the opioid crisis

This alarming epidemic requires everyone’s help to counteract

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD

and Alexis E. Carrington The opioid crisis has been national news for the past several years, affecting thousands of people throughout the country, with seemingly no end in sight. It involves an increas e in opioid addiction and overdose caused by misuse of opioids, such as prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Opioids trigger the release of endorphins, the “feel good” neurotransmitter, which numb your perception of pain and boost feelings of pleasure. When the drug wears off, you can have a desire to experience those good feelings again. Continuous use of this drug can lead to dependency and, eventually, addiction.

While the epidemic has peaked within the past five years, it has been gaining momentum since the late 1990s. This was a time when prominent pharmaceutical companies reassured members of the medical community that patients wouldn’t become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, resulting in widespread misuse of these medications by physicians before it became clear they were highly addictive.

The statistics showing the prominence of opioid misuse and overdose warrant immediate attention from

consumers and legislators. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 130 people in the U.S. die every day after overdosing on opioids.

From 1999-2017, more than 700,000 people died from drug overdoses.

That is more than 10 times the number of people who died in the Vietnam War. Opioids are often prescribed for chronic pain; however, roughly 25 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.

Approximately five percent of people who abuse prescription opioids will transition to heroin.

The CDC says the economic burden of this crisis is $78.5 billion a year, including costs of healthcare, loss in productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

The significant magnitude of this national crisis is quite apparent. Here, we will identify and examine current approaches to correct the opioid crisis and what you can do in your community to combat the opioid crisis.

What government is doing With all of these startling statistics, what is being done about it? Several government agencies are brainstorming new ideas and programs to counteract this growing crisis. For instance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has several approaches including: • Developing treatment programs that optimize the use of opioid treatment medications such as Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, Clonidine and Methadone.

• Continuing to research the use of cannabis as a new tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. Cannabis and opioid systems in humans interact very closely. Perhaps this will open a door for the development and utilization of cannabisrelated medicines to treat opiate addiction. Although promising, much more research needs to be done. Cannabis will not be the solution, but it may be a significant

• •

• • •

component in the war against the Opioid Crisis.

Improving access to treatment and recovery services.

Promoting the use and widespread availability of overdose-reversing drugs such as naltrexone (Narcan).

Strengthening understanding of the epidemic through more public health surveillance data.

Providing up-to-date research on pain and addiction.

Advancing better practices for pain management by healthcare professionals.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), a research branch of HHS, echoes these initiatives by conducting research for new non-addictive strategies to manage chronic pain, as well as meeting with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals to prevent the snowball effect of opioid misuse.

The CDC plans to take it one step further by partnering with public safety, such as law enforcement, to address the growing illicit opioid problem. Officials are also considering attacking the source to reduce opioid availability. This includes targeting the opioid manufacturers who produce much more medication than is actually needed.

Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of Oxycontin, is currently involved with lawsuits from over 30 different state attorneys general (including

Minnesota’s) and over 1,500 personal liability suits. We are just at the beginning of these legal challenges.

Also, legal minds have discussed the possibility of prosecuting the large pharmaceutical distribution companies that make sure that the supply is plentiful across the country by delivering opioids to every drug store in the country at quantities that appear to be ridiculously high.

What local communities must do An important question to ask is what you can do at a community level. You must realize that anyone

who takes opioids is at risk of developing an addiction. The public must be made aware of this. An individual’s personal history and the length of time opioids are used both play a role, but it is impossible to predict who’s vulnerable to eventual dependence and abuse of these drugs.

Another thing you can do for your family and community is become aware of the signs of addiction, which include but not limited to: • Irresistible craving for a drug • Compulsive use of the drug • Continued use of the drug despite repeated harmful consequences If you are prescribed an opioid by your physician to manage acute pain, such as after a surgery, opioids are safest when used for three or fewer days. Try to avoid using opioids unless you absolutely have to for recurrent chronic pain.

If you do need opioids, ask your doctor for the lowest possible dose for the shortest time required, and use it exactly as prescribed. The key is to have a discussion with your doctor on the proper pain management specific for you.

You can help prevent addiction in your family and community by disposing of unused opioids properly, specifically by contacting local law enforcement or using the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) medication discarding and takeback programs. If there are none in your area, contact your pharmacist on how to properly discard the medication.

It is critical to realize that anybody who uses opioids, either prescribed or illegal, are at risk of developing dependence and possible addiction.

Therefore, we must educate ourselves and our community of this matter to combat this evolving crisis one neighborhood at a time.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He also has a private practice in Eagan, MN. He received his M.D. 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. Dr. Crutchfield was recognized by Minnesota Medicine as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. 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.

Alexis E. Carrington is a senior medical student at St. George’s University School of Medicine and a graduate of Pepperdine University. She is currently applying for a dermatology residency and research fellowship.

Lawmakers announce pLan to make prescription drugs more affordabLe, accessibLe House DFL lawmakers have introduced a new plan to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to Minnesotans.

Skyrocketing prescription prices have become a national crisis — nearly one in four adults in the U.S. cannot afford life-saving medicines. In Minnesota, a recent report shows that 30 percent of residents have not filled or taken their medicine as prescribed, skipped doses, cut pills in half or substituted with over-the-counter drugs due to prohibitive costs.

Smith, a Type 1 diabetic, died of diabetic ketoacidosis after rationing insulin and diabetic supplies. “The price of his insulin supplies without insurance was $1,300 a month,” said Smith. “The price has risen over 1200 percent over the past 20 years. Without regulations in place, the pharmaceutical companies have had free reign to consistently raise prices on essential life- saving medications.

“Not having access to affordable insulin is a right-to-life issue,” said continued.

While Blacks may not be the face of this

“Minnesotans should not be forced to choose between their groceries and their needed medication, but this is happening all across our state — it’s wrong,” said Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield) in a recent press statement. “It’s our responsibility to hold Big Pharma accountable and make health care work for everyone. We are committed to real action this session to address the unsustainable, crushing cost of prescription drugs.”

The problem is getting worse, with doubledigit price hikes for prescription drug prices on average over the past several years.

Nicole Smith-Holt spoke at the press conference of her son, Alec Smith’s, death in 2017.

new legislature — Blacks and other populations of color will be the ones most affected. Minnesota holds one of the highest health disparity rates for African Americans in the country — ranging from diabetes and obesity to new HIV infections. With widening income gaps as compared to Whites, a new Brookings report ranked the Twin Cities as one of the top 10 worst cities among the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas.

The comprehensive plan includes several main goals, including legal protections to stop price gouging, reformation of pharmacy benefit manager practices, leverage state purchasing power to lower drug costs and access to emergency supplies of insulin.

“Big Pharma is fighting as hard as they can to keep costs and profits high, but the Minnesota House of Representatives will take action to address prescription drug price increases regardless of their money and influence,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler.

“We hope Senate Republicans will join us in

standing up to Big Pharma and addressing this issue.”

— Information provided by Minnesota House of Representatives. Photo by Getty

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April 4-10, 2019

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.

Mellaneous

Anti-bigotry resolution exposes bias against Rep. Omar

By Mel Reeves Contributing Commentator Considering the silence coming from Congress in the wake of the recent New Zealand terror attack, it is a strange irony that just last month, the U.S. House passed a resolution condemning bigotry. Even more so, it used a Black Muslim woman, Rep. Ilhan Omar, as a prop to motivate their actions after she made remarks that some misinterpreted as anti-Jewish.

Ilhan tried to make a point about the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a lobbying group that attempts to influence “domestic” policy by giving money to candidates. While that is true (and this is a very important distinction), AIPAC does not influence U.S. “foreign” policy.

ent as far as it will go. No demands to end discrimination in employment.

Yet, we are to believe the U.S. House of Representatives is opposed to bigotry? They haven’t yet solved the water crisis in Flint or mandated that all the damned Confederate statues honoring the traitors of the so-called “lost cause” be taken down. They won’t even pass a toothless resolution — that’s what it is ‘cause it has no power — to insist that law enforcement stop treating Black folks like second-class citizens and shooting them with impunity.

Hell, even the resolution refuses to call violence against Muslims, Blacks and Jews designed to terrorize and intimidate those populations what it is: terrorism.

This the legislative body of the same settler government

by him saying “from the river to the sea” after a speech in which he made clear that he was defending the rights of Palestinians to simply live in their occupied territories.

In the same vein, outrage led (at least it was reported as such) by influential members of the Jewish community in Alabama caused the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to withdraw its decision to give Angela Davis the Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights award. This happened despite Davis’ long-established record as an opponent of all discrimination — including antiJewish hatred.

The Institute later changed its mind and awarded Davis.

But, it reportedly was influenced to deny her the award because of her advocacy for Palestinian rights. If this is true, it only served to raise

The hypocrisy is absolutely glaring.

The U.S.’ unequivocal support for Israel is U.S. government policy and is borne out of the desires and aims of American imperialism, not some lobbying group. American imperialism does exactly what it wants to do and is controlled by nobody and no other entity, other than itself.

The hypocrisy is absolutely glaring. The resolution was not motivated by what Omar said that was misinterpreted purposely as anti-Jewish, but rather, who was saying it, exposing their own anti-Black and anti-Muslim bias.

Congress, in essence, called out a Black woman who tried to bring attention to the oppression of other people of color — the Palestinians. Congress and the U.S. power structure consistently turn a blind eye on Palestinian suffering and mistreatment at the hands of the Israeli government.

While Congress wrote an empty resolution condemning bigotry, it has not lifted a finger to address the fall-out from White supremacy as carried out institutionally in the “land of the free.” There are no sweeping resolutions to rid this nation of ghettos or to roll back the laws that led to a kind of legalized slavery (mass incarceration) which has so negatively impacted the Black community.

There are no resolutions to federalize education, guaranteeing all youngsters an equal opportunity to take their tal-

that voted down a United Nations resolution drafted last summer “deploring the use of excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians,” while labeling it as “morally bankrupt.”

Moreover, U.S. legislative bodies steadfastly refused to pass an anti-lynching resolution when White terror was in vogue. Passing legislation to outlaw the violence was out of the question. Yet, Congress mustered the unmitigated gall to call on the carpet a Black woman for calling out the mistreatment of a people of color.

Talk of old tropes, stereotypes and old prejudiced sayings — which some incidentally are unfamiliar with, especially as it relates to Israel — have revived old Jewish and Black suspicions, which serve neither side well.

It does not serve the U.S. Jewish community to place a microscope on everything Black folks do or say. In fact, it is sometimes self-defeating.

Black people have the right to criticize Zionist Israel, especially if that criticism is not based on its Jewishness, but its wrongs.

It is not helpful to assign old meanings to everything someone says, especially if the context indicates that nothing offensive was meant.

In the case of Marc Lamont Hill’s firing by CNN, establishment figures and people with influence were offended

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suspicions among two groups that are both the target of White supremacy.

Ironically, going after Hill and Davis is like throwing the hypothetical “baby out with the bath water.” Both have distinguished careers as human rights advocates and anti-racist fighters, which include opposition to anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred.

Again, Black and Jewish suspicions will not serve either community well. Make no mistake, if this country does use race in a last attempt to save American imperialism, it will go after Black folks first, Brown and other folks of color will follow. Jews will not be far behind as witnessed by the current climate of hatred.

S.I. Rosenbaum warned in a recent Boston Globe editorial that “White supremacy could turn on us at any moment.”

He said there is a temptation for Jews who appear as “White” to apply “one of the oldest minority survival tactics — assimilation into White supremacy and its agendas.”

He further explained: “the essence of this strategy is collaboration, capitulation, and cowardice. It’s the hope that when they’re rounding people up, they’ll come for someone else first, and maybe never get around to you and yours. Maybe you can even slow that progress by rounding people up yourself.”

And to be absolutely clear, the White power structure holds real power in this country. The tail does not wag the dog.

The Lamont Hills’, the Angela Davis’, the Omars, can criticize Israel all they want and it won’t change Israeli policy toward the Palestinians. But, the power structure wants them silenced because they fear the potential of consistent advocacy on the Palestinians behalf.

They fear a real movement, they fear the real moral authority (borne out of its own oppression) that Black advocates bring to the cause that has the potential to expose the immorality of Israel’s occupation and oppression of the Palestinians. justice then peace Mel Reeves welcomes readers responses to mellaneous19@ yahoo.com.

Through My Eyes The Minneapolis Story Continues

‘No collusion’ report reveals big problem for Democrats

By Ron Edwards Contributing Commentator After more than two years of investigation into collusion between President Donald Trump and Russia during the 2016 elections, Special Counsel Robert Mueller recently forwarded his findings to Attorney General William Barr of the United States. Barr subsequently released a four-page summary of the 300+ page report, writing the investigation “did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities.”

One can only imagine how many lawsuits from legislative committees and various public interest groups will flow from these 81 investigations, the result of which will exhaust the Supreme Court with endless cases of litigation.

News outlets (print, broadcast and digital), including those in the Twin Cities, will also be exhausted by all the moves and counter moves. Will it take a second civil war between the political left and right to bring order?

I know how difficult it will be for some to accept my conclusion that “Vladimir Putin has won,” as the campaign dossier that started all of this was aided and abetted by Rus-

How long will “America, the beautiful” remain America, the confused and duped?

The summary has Democrats and liberal journalists in a meltdown as they question how else President Trump could have beaten Hillary Clinton? This “no collusion conclusion” reveals how many elected and appointed politicians, and their staff — including 2020 candidates — and the journalists that spread their talking points, had fooled us into believing only their view of collusion could prevail.

These legislators, the alleged guardians of the Constitution, behaved like little children on a political playground, where name-calling and petty actions exposed their laziness and lack of understanding about Mueller’s investigation, dragging the American public through their bureaucratic mud.

What will be the price paid by mainstream media for misleading readers and viewers for the past two years with claims that Mueller’s report would show that, when all was “settled,” Trump had indeed colluded with the Russians?

Legislators and mainstream journalists should be embarrassed. Instead, House Democrats are already setting Mueller’s report aside, ordering 81 new investigations. Both House Financial Services Committee Chair Maxine Waters and House Judicial Committee Chair Joe Adler have said the Mueller report is not the end, but instead just the beginning of investigating Trump.

sia’s meddling, which it has done for over 30 years. Russia and Putin’s success in helping to control and interfere in the American election has gone better than anything the Kremlin dreamt up.

Many ask how this will affect the 2020 election. Both sides say it will help their side get elected. Whichever way it goes, after the meltdown over the Mueller Report’s unexpected “no collusion” conclusion, the questions remain: “Will God Bless America? Will God help deliver us from mainstream journalism’s ineptness, laziness, and indifference? How long will “America, the beautiful” remain America, the confused and duped?

Finally, will America’s sons and daughters have to fall on internal fields of battle in order to preserve this nation?

Abraham Lincoln said, ”Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.” With all the counter “truths,” which truth will prevail?

Offer a prayer not only for yourself but for all of us. We will need it.

Stay tuned.

Ron Edwards is an author and hosts radio and TV shows.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD THROUGH THE MSR Send story ideas, news tips and opinions to sharmon@spokesman-recorder.com Send sports, community news, and health stories to jfreeman@ spokesman-recorder.com Send entertainment stories, events you want posted, and notices exclusively for our website to pelliott@spokesman-recorder.com

April 4-10, 2019

Tawanna Black speaking at 2018 Critical Issues Forum Photo by Walter Griffin

diSparitieS Continued from page 1

and transparent accountability metrics?,” questioned Gary Cunningham, president and CEO of Metropolitan Economic Development Association, in a Facebook thread engaging some of the state’s top leaders. “Where is the regional/state plan to address this? Where is the investment? Who is going to take the lead? It is obvious what we are doing isn’t working.”

Black agreed. “Good intentions, a multitude of siloed programs and initiatives, and millions in investment haven’t been enough to transform our racially segregated economy,” said Black in a recent statement.

Positive growth won’t just come with just one plan or tactic. Instead, Black told the MSR, “this challenge requires system solutions in every sector, with an approach that centers African Americans and other communities of color and the businesses we own, as vital assets in our region’s economic growth.”

Minneapolis City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins told the MSR that the disparities speak to both systemic and cultural disconnects.

“I wish that I knew the exact answer,” said Jenkins. “But, I don’t think we need to be looking at new ideas and solutions. We need to be going back to our roots of cooperative economics, which means [looking at] how do we, as a community, buy the land so we’re not displaced from our communities,” she said.

“How do we create [and support] cultural districts that already exist — like 38th Street — that have historically been Black, thriving business community where we had commerce and vitality,” continued Jenkins. “How do we invest in [spaces like] that to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and do long-term patient investing in these businesses so that they can survive? Jenkins said lack of patient capital — investor funding that doesn’t demand an immediate return — is one of the biggest roadblocks for businesses.

“That’s why so many businesses by people of color, women, go under so fast — because they can’t sustain,” she added, noting that less than .05 percent of investment funding goes to Black and Brown companies. “It’s flat out racism.”

Through her work at CEI, a cross-sector organization focused on pushing the needle forward on inclusion, Black called for challenging and disrupting public, private, and civic systems that maintain economic exclusion.

“We challenge and then support leaders to act with accountability for ensuring that people of color achieve parity in jobs, income and wealth with Whites,” she said. It also includes develop-

ing “new, more inclusive talent, procurement, and investment policies and practices” alongside metrics to hold players accountable.

Jenkins added that all levels of government, including city, county, and state must be held accountable. But, while reports continue to flood in and leaders rally for litigious and legal change, many question where is the community outrage to ignite and drive robust changes to the system?

Jenkins noted the disparities often translate into a different kind of trauma.

“Economic violence is just as painful as the physical violence that our community suffers and experiences,” noted Jenkins. “It’s traumatizing. Economic violence puts us in very precarious situations, such as homelessness and not being able to provide educational opportunities for our kids. And so the cycle just keeps perpetuating itself.

“How do we not just make a place for healing — which is important — and reconciliation. We have to really start talking about that and about reparations in a real serious way,” she contineud.

“And it’s going to be a big conversation. They’re talking about it on a national level. I think talking about it on a City level is going push other communities, institutions and bodies to talk about it.”

Mental health expert Resmaa Manekem advised communities searching for solutions to not internalize and blame themselves for the disparities, which he said results from “trauma that happened in other generations and through slavery.”

“We are not broken, there is no defect in us.

This happened to us,” said Menakem. “And now we gotta figure out we reclaim ourselves so we can heal from this and not keep passing it down.

If you remove the idea that the White body is the supreme standard by which all bodies of humanity shall be measured. If you remove that out of the structure, Black people would be just fine.”

But Black people aren’t and racism, in whatever form, still remains.

“This system has been broken a long time and there is no accountability to address it,” said Cunningham. “We are not going to social service our way out of this. We need real investments. We need measurable results. Who will have the courage to do the right thing?”

Minneapolis City Council VP Andrea Jenkins MSR file photo The Center for Economic Inclusion will continue this discussion at its 2019 Powering Inclusion Summit convening business, philanthropic, and public executives on April 30 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 3rd Ave. S. in Minneapolis. For info, visit centerforeconomicinclusion.org.

Stephenetta Harmon welcomes readers responses at sharmon@spokesman-recorder.com.

Sound off Continued from page 1

I believe that Blacks should be paid reparations because even though slavery ended decades ago, the effects are still being felt today. This country was built on our backs and is still getting free labor by imprisonment of Black men. No other races face the hardships and prejudice that Black Americans face on a daily basis.

Reparations would be a way to show that America cares about the Black race and that it apologizes for all the wrongdoings by the ancestors of the White Americans that are reaping the benefits of what Black people did for this country and is still doing today.

Taiheichen Celestine-Lloyd, 43 — Coon Rapids, MN

I think Black Americans are due reparations. Even though no amount of money could wipe away all the pain and suffering endured by their ancestors, I think a monetary gift should be given to all Black American families that is an amount enough to own a home without a mortgage and higher education for four years to two children.

Sheila Crabbe, 33, Teaching Assistant — St. Paul

5

StudentS Continued from page 1

to help empower young Black male students who were happy to have the opportunity.

Mitchell heard about the event last year and thought it was important. “A lot of kids noticed,” he said. Plus, he’d get to leave class for an all-day event.

But, that’s where the excitement stopped and typical schoolday malaise took over — it was just a series of lectures at the school. As enticing as the topic of being strong Black men was to young Black male students, a day full of sitting still and listening to presentations wasn’t “really eye-catching,” said Mitchell.

“We want to move around.”

So, the kids empowered themselves and talked to Bonds about changing the event’s dynamics. “We chose to do it at the Capitol,” said Mitchell, believing the setting might dramatically invoke the students’ power to change things.

Bonds said the Capitol was the perfect place to inform students of their potential political power, and the ways it is systematically chipped away.

Quinton Bonds (l) with Patrick Henry senior Alonzo Harmon.

Photos by Amy Villyrack In his presentation, Smith reported that in North Minneapolis schools, 90 percent of the students are on free or reduced lunch and the average salary for a North Minneapolis family is

“We hear too much ‘this Black man is bad, he’s a thief, he’s crazy. We don’t hear ‘he just graduated high school, he just graduated college, he just helped his community.’”

“Out of 201 legislators, only six are African American,” he said of the Minnesota House, adding students may not be aware of the disparity, or details of insidious things like Black voter suppression.

But, Bonds said, being at the Capitol and sitting in Senate chairs and having informed discussions might inspire them to fill those legislative seats themselves one day.

“I see myself as a leader already,” said Isaiah Smith. The junior, who is pursuing college to study business or science, contributed to the presentation on Black men claiming their political power.

“I kinda wanted to make sure we aren’t targeting them,” said Compton. “I actually did want to see other people’s sides.”

The presentation on police interactions included common perceptions Black communities have toward police and vice versa. “People think the police are dirty, brutal and stuff,” said Compton. “They’re not all like that.”

Compton said students asked police questions, like how they feel protecting people and if they see any bias on the job. Compton said the police acknowledged seeing bias, as well as earnest efforts to right past issues.

After the events, Bonds said the students are now building upon their experience to change not only how others see them, but also how they see themselves as Black men. That includes working toward building partnerships with various community organizations and government officials.

“They are continually adjusting that lens through active study and community and political engagement,” he said.

under $40,000. He also shared how Black families are bumped from their neighborhoods by gentrifiers.

The way out, said Smith, is to graduate high school, go to college or work, and be sure to vote in every election.

“It felt really cool, felt really powerful,” added freshman Kanye Compton about meeting in the Capitol.

Compton helped with a presentation on being a Black man and interacting with the police.

There were police in attendance, he said, some who spoke and Solomon Gustavo welcomes some who listened. Compton reader responses to sgustavo@ said he was happy to see the po- spokesman-recorder.com. lice and talk with them.

BBS Continued from page 1

MSR: How do you think your business affects the Black community?

TW: By creating jobs, but not just jobs — we’re creating hope. A lot of people come to me and ask, “How did you do this? How did you get the funding?” I think mainly just knowing that being here gives people hope. It makes other women say, “You know what, I can go open up a restaurant somewhere” or “I can go open up this clothing boutique” or “I can go open up this law firm somewhere else.” It gives them hope.

Those kinds of things make me happy. And the customers — seeing all the customers come in whenever we do events and during lunch rushes [and] seeing everybody out here eating and excited about eating. To me that’s amazing.

MSR: Do you have a vision of where you want to go with your business?

TW: [I see myself] branching out and opening more locations. Also, using [this location] as a testing or training ground to help other people that want to open up restaurants or run a kitchen and learn about the process.

MSR: What advice do you have for prospective business owners?

TW: I’d say pull in all of your resources. There are a lot of inexpensive or free resources that they MSR: What’s your biggest challenge in owncan go and set out their plan. Someone can evaling a business? uate it with them and go over the process to help TW: I’d say managing. I’m a visionary — when them. Go to Meda [Metropolitan Economic Desomeone tells me an idea, immediately I can see velopment Association]. They helped me a lot it in its finished state and how we’re going to get with a press release and getting information out. there. But, when you get to that finished state, there are a lot of things involved in the process.

MSR: Is there anything else you want to add?

There’s management, the whole HR services side TW: To any and all entrepreneurs that are lookof it. ing for help, encouragement, support pull on me In the beginning of the project, it was getting as a resource. I try to be available to people. funding. Being a woman who maybe didn’t have the best credit, didn’t have access to different reMSR: Any special events? sources or people, that was the hard part.

TW: On Fridays, we’re starting pretty soon, Once I got open, it’s the staffing and training.

“Live after Five.” It’ll be kind of like mixing and I’m really big on integrity. I like employees that I mingling, drinks, things like that. We’ll be out on feel have integrity and character and that are gothe patio with the bonfire setup. We have differing to greet customers with a smile. Everybody’s ent deals for catering services. not like that, some people just want a job. So, it’s different having someone that just wants a job Cajun Twist is located at 1221 Theodore Wirth versus someone that wants to be in this space Parkway in Golden Valley. For more information, visand make sure that people are happy. it eatcajuntwist.com. First-time MSR customers get an additional 10 percent off their first order now through MSR: What’s the most rewarding part of ownApril 30. ing a business?

TW: Employees! When people come in and Interview conducted by Chris Juhn. they’ve had a tough day and they’re happy to work or just to be in the kitchen. Even when they’re about to take their lunch break and they get excited about what they’re going to eat.

6

April 4-10, 2019

Nipsey Hussle, inspiration beyond tragedy

Nipsey Hussle

Photo by MGN

By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer The murder of the hip hop icon cum community activist Nipsey Hussle proves that the age-old adage about crabs in a bucket sadly still holds true.

If you’re too young to know how it goes, ask your mama.

She’ll tell you with a straight face, that when stuck in a pail and crabs see one of their own attempting to crawl out, instead of getting in formation to march out together, they drag that crab back down with them.

Shot to death in broad daylight at only 33, Hussle née Ermias Davidson Asghedo had done the unthinkable. He’d

started out in life scrambling in the streets, graduated to thugdom in one of the worst gangs on records and then thrived as a legitimate citizen and businessman.

He came up from nothing — less than, really — out of South Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District, banging with the Rollin’ 60s Crips Neighborhood posse. He got out of that life, a huge accomplishment in itself, carved out a career on the mic and, unlike many who get wealthy that way, eschewed a lifestyle of the rich and famous. The tragic irony is, if he had, he’d be walking around breathing today, enjoying the rewards of having gone straight.

Indeed, he transcended stereotypes to become a role model you would not believe if you saw it in the movies. Recording royalties and concert fees weren’t the half of it. Nor was his investment retail ventures, including Marathon Clothing and Vector90, right there in his old stomping grounds on West Slauson Avenue instead of Rodeo Drive.

This was a man who looked over his shoulder at what he’d left behind and committed himself to keep others from subsisting in the dead-end existence he escaped.

Before he was gunned down last Sunday, shot six times, in the parking lot of his establishment, Hussle had

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plans to sit down with L.A. Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and LAPD Chief Michel Moore to discuss what could be done about the very issue of gang violence. How to prevent it.

If you look at his lyrics to the track, “Dedication,” his perspective held an outlook borne of the piercing insight that comes from first-hand experience: “Young Black n*#ga trapped and he can’t change it/Know he a genius, he just can’t claim it/’Cause they left him no platforms to explain it/He frustrated so he get faded/But deep down inside he know you can’t fade him/How long should I stay dedicated?”

You can believe this wasn’t some publicity stunt — he was serious about working to cure a plague that curses urban Black America, savaging the lives of men, women and children, whole communities. He was in it for the long haul and would be dedicated until his dying day, which came, it goes without saying, way too soon.

As of press time, police have identified 29-year-old Eric Holder as a suspect in Hussle’s killing. The two reportedly knew each other and had a dispute of some sort. One thing for sure, it wasn’t some crazed White supremacist hell-bent on stopping Black progress.

No, it was that faithful enemy in our own backyard — one of us. Showing, yet again, that we don’t need the White man

Nipsey Hussle with daughter Emani at this year’s Grammy’s Photo courtesy Getty to keep us down, we can do a fine job ourselves.

Let it sink in that he was no sperm donor-at-large or some free roaming baby-daddy. Instead, he settled down in domesticity with actress Lauren London without any of the scandal generally attendant to celebrity hookups. They were raising her son Cameron with his daughter Emani Asghedom (there’s a photograph of him with her on the red carpet at this year’s Grammys that

will break your heart) and their son Kross Asghedom.

This was someone whose efforts, indeed, his example, promised a future that stood to change lives around him. And he is gone.

Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses at dhobbes@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Northrop Presents

DAVID ROUSSÈVE/ REALITY Sat, Apr 13, 7:30 pm

LIFESOURCE

2225 WEST RIVER RD N, MPLS., MN 55411

Explore the life of jazz musician Billy Strayhorn in a vibrant multimedia dance/theater work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 612-827-4021 GET CONNECTED! www.facebook.com/sisterspokesman • @SisterSpokesman

#heysista #soulsista #SisterSpokesman

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 612-827-4021 GET CONNECTED! www.facebook.com/sisterspokesman • @SisterSpokesman

northrop.umn.edu

David Roussève. Photo ©Ian Douglas

Halfway to Dawn

April 4-10, 2019

7

GET FIT CHALLENGE: Tips for your holistic health Overall, in order to reach our healthy weight potential, we must look at the whole person, instead of just one aspect of ourselves. No matter what your health or weight goals, you should pay attention to all aspects of your life so that your whole person can be happy, healthy, and strong.

Brandi Phillips welcomes readers responses to bphillips@spokesmanrecorder.com.

GET FIT CHALLENGE: Recipe of the Week

DETOX WATER

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

By Brandi Phillips Contributing Writer

W

hen trying to live a more healthy and well-rounded life, it is important to focus on more aspects than your physical appearance. Yes, our hair, our nails, weight, and clothes are all important. However, the inside has to match the outside.

As we end this journey of the Sister Spokesman “Get Fit” Challenge, brought to you by Wellife 360, we want to remind you to focus on the whole person. As we journey toward increased wellness, mental (intellectual), physical, spiritual, and social wellness are keys to our complete wellness.

In terms of weight, it may be close to impossible to lose, gain, or maintain it, if we do not check the other key holistic health factors mentioned above. So, let’s explore how focusing on all aspects of your health is beneficial to achieve your desired weight.

Mental (Intellectual) – This a two-fold approach. What we think and what we choose to learn on our journey counts. If we consistently tell ourselves we cannot do something, it will be much harder to accomplish. Also, if we’re not open to explore and try new things, pay attention to our body, and logically put together a formula that works for us, we will not be able to reach our weight goals.

Physical – This is an aspect that many of us focus on. We consistently do more, or fewer, workouts.

We buy gadgets and gimmicks. We look to makeup and movie stars to help us look more beautiful. Truth is, unless you take a close look in the mirror at your body and design a plan (or get a professional fitness plan), your weight goals may never be reached.

Spiritual – Most of us neglect this area of our whole self the most.

The spirit is what dwells within us, and our emotions are what come out of our internal spiritual life.

But as humans, we tend to focus on the emoting. If we take the time to look within and find things that feed our spirit, things that bring us joy and feel safe, it will show on the outside. Also, the more we stress, the more our bodies maintain and retain cortisol levels in the body, leading to more stored fat.

Social – What does socializing have to do with losing weight?

First, it helps you feel happier and connected, feeding your spirit and producing good emotions because you are getting out and mixing and mingling. Second, by being social, you may meet new people who are on a similar healthy living or weight loss journey.

Brought to you by Sister Spokesman and Wellife 360 INGREDIENTS: • Spring water • lemon slices • cucumber slices • fresh mint leaves • Squeeze lemon juice into glass of water • Place squeezed lemon rinds into the water • Add cucumber slices and mint leaves • Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (leave in longer for stronger flavor) • Drink up, feel refreshed and make more!

If you have questions about living healthier,naturally, log on to Wellife360.org.

Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash

Breaking up (with your bestie) is hard to do or has well-behaved children? Whether you think this is fair or not, true or not, it’s all about perception.

• Having an affair or becoming too emotionally involved with your best friend’s spouse/partner.

• Growing apart – Life changes, interests change, we move away and move on; we grow distant either physically, socially and/ or emotionally.

Life Etiquette, it’s all about respect for ourselves, respect for others and respect for the world around us.

By Juliet Mitchell Contributing Writer A young lady called me a few days ago in tears because she had broken up with her bestie. The pain she felt was gut-wrenching and very real. We talked through the anguish of her loss.

I gave her time and space to reflect on their long-standing relationship, all they had been through and how, in many ways, her best friend was closer to her than her biological sister. I advised her to mourn the loss, wallow in her tears for a while and and dry them and get ready to move on to better, healthier relationships.

After the call with my young friend, I thought about a couple of best friend breakups I’ve experienced. I have experienced three such breakups in my life. Sadly, one will probably never be reconciled. I wondered, are there etiquette rules, guidelines or protocol for breaking up with your best friend?

Regardless of the reason for the “breakup,” it’s an emotional experience and oftentimes, an emotional rollercoaster. After being betrayed and broken-hearted, after the hurt, anger and emotional pain you felt or may continue to feel, you can still maintain some semblance of self-respect, dignity, and honor by applying these 5 etiquette tips for breaking up with your bestie.

Courtesy of Getty

As I’ve done on many occasions, I consulted with the “experts,” those knowledgeable and experienced on the subject. And, as with previous life etiquette subjects, I received

much more feedback than I can include in this column. I will, however, summarize my findings by offering a few key tips on the subject.

First, I’d like to share with you a few reasons why best friends break up. Then I will leave you with five life etiquette tips for breaking up with your bestie with dignity and respect.

Most common causes for bestie breakups • Betrayal and broken trust – This includes talking behind your friend’s back and sharing intimate details of your bestie’s life.

Our best friend may know more about our secrets than our siblings or our life partners.

I’ve been blessed with five really good besties. We have talked about everything under the sun — our parents, siblings, spouses/ partners, jobs, health, wealth and yes, sexuality, and relationships. Our best friend is the person that we can be open, honest, and totally raw with, so for them to betray our trust cuts like a knife.

• Envy and jealousy – This can range from your bestie becoming more popular at school, work, church or in social circles or attaining a higher level of educational or career advancement. Perhaps your bestie dresses better, makes more money, marries

1. Mourn the loss: Cry, weep, throw an all-out “hissy fit.”

2.

Talk it out with a “trusted” friend; better still, seek counsel from a licensed professional or your faith leader.

3. If you can, and if your former bestie is open to it, talk it out with him or her. Only the two of you can decide if this relationship can be saved.

4. Don’t bad-mouth the person. I know it’s hard because you may really want to, but I advise you to take the Michelle Obama approach and “go high” instead of low. In other words, even if you heard that your friend has said some negative things about you, don’t dignify or give energy to it. Remember, you are better than that. Take the high road.

5. Seek inner healing; take time to make sure you are emotionally healthy and reflect on what you may have done to contribute to the “break up.” Then, get ready and make room for your new best friends.

If you found this column interesting, entertaining or helpful, let Ms. J know at Facebook/Ms J or by emailing her at jmitchell@ spokesman-recorder.com.

8

April 4-10, 2019

Apply for openings on Minneapolis boards and commissions

BULLETIN

Several board and commission positions are open for City Council and mayor appointments this spring. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis help shape key policy decisions, give community-based input into the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights. The City seeks applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting services are available on request so all residents can participate.

People can apply through the open position pages linked below and stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions and timelines by visiting minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings.

The positions are open until filled.

Boards, commissions and advisory committees The City of Minneapolis has more than 50 volunteer-based boards, commissions and advisory committees that advise the City on issues and help develop policy and administer services. Boards and commissions fall into a handful of categories: appeal boards, development boards, general advisory boards and special service districts (defined areas within the city with special services).

Appointments to boards and commissions are made twice a year: in the spring and fall.

There are 77 open positions on 10 City boards and commissions: • Animal Care & Control Advisory Board. Apply by April 19.

• Census Complete Count Committee. Open until filled.

• Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission. Apply by April 12.

• Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Apply by April 19.

• Racial Equity Community Advisory Committee. Apply by April 12.

• Southside Green Zone Council. Apply by March 30.

• Upper Harbor Terminal Community Planning and Engagement Committee. Apply by April 14.

• Violence Prevention Steering Committee.

Open until filled.

• Workplace Advisory Committee. Apply by April 12.

• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Apply by March 30.

Seeking more diverse representation Minneapolis’ appointed boards and commissions are becoming more inclusive with a steady increase in residents of color serving. A new study shows that the City has met its race diversity benchmark with board and commission members within 80 percent of the city’s demographics. Thirty-three percent of the City’s board and commission members are people of color, whereas the population of Minneapolis is 36 percent people of color.

The City also still pursues more diverse representation in its appointed boards and commissions with: • High school and technical school graduates.

• Renters.

• People ages 18-24.

Potential applicants can find more information at 612-673-2216 or OpenAppointments@ minneapolismn.gov.

Free tech support!

Get your questions answered and your problems fixed

N

eed help with your computer or other devices? As part of Minneapolis Tech Month in April, Emerge Technology Center will host a Fix-It Tech event on Thursday, April 11. Bring your laptops, desktop towers, with power cords, to work with volunteers to repair your device.

Fix-it tech event goals are three-Fold:

• Educate the community: Residents can get their items fixed as well as get tech questions answered and find tips on how to maintain and protect personal devices.

• Experience for IT students: IT students can gain experience in tech support alongside IT professionals and connect with residents concerning their technology needs.

• Raise awareness of technology programs: The event provides a venue to promote free digital literacy training resources, low-cost computer and Internet options, local IT education programs, and IT careers.

WHAT: Fix-It Tech

WHERE: Emerge Community Development, 1834 Emerson Ave., N, Minneapolis WHEN: Thurs., April 11, 5:30-8 pm COST: Free

Courtesy of Facebook/FixItTechMN

April 4-10, 2019

Legals

Employment

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN In the Estate of CLARA CAROLINE SWEENEY, Decedent

DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION Court File No. 27-PA-PR-19-345 NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL

AND INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is given that an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar, along with a Will dated April 7, 2004. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed Kristin L.

Housing

The Director of Individual Giving is responsible for man-

aging the robust Individual Giving efforts at the Guthrie and for being a major gifts officer. The priorities of this position is to prospect, solicit and steward gifts of $5,000 and above. Apply online here: https://bit.ly/2UjSZOL

Coyle, whose address is 1255 Alameda St., St. Paul, MN 551 17, to serve as the personal Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed With the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to

Find even more ads, pictures, & news at

Director of Individual Giving at the Guthrie Theater

representative of the decedent’s estate.

Foster Care Adoption Supervisor Bethany Christian Services is hiring a Foster Care Adoption Supervisor in Plymouth, MN: https://bethany.csod.com/ ux/ats/careersite/4/home?c=bethany#/requisition/1876

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interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection.

Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters testamentary, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the decedent.

Notice is further given that, subj ect to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having

Fitz

Continued from page 10

claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred.

Dated: March 22, 2019

Dated: March 22, 2019

Julie Peterson

Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer

Registrar

Court Administrator

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, March 28, April 4 & 11, 2019

STATE OF MINNESOTA

DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF ANOKA

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT NOTICE OF HEARING FOR PUBLICATION

Melissa Jean Walton, Petitioner Vs.

Case No. 02-FA-19-332

Chundra Tyiesha Walton, Respondent.

TO: Chundra Tyiesha Walton, THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Respondent personally appear at the Anoka County Courthouse, 2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka Minnesota 55303 on April 23,2019., at 9:00(a.m.) and explain why the relief sought in the Petition for the Order for Protection should not be granted.

If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner's request may be granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's Order.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT LORI O'BRIEN COURT ADMINISTRATOR DATED: March26,2019

BY: C.Boza Deputy

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, April 4, 2019 STATE OF MINNESOTA

DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF COTTONWOOD

FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DOMESTIC ABUSE

Jennifer Marie Creps, Petitioner

Case No. 17 FA1 9 1 13

Vs John A. Creps, Respondent.

NOTICE OF HEARING FORPUBLICATION

To Respondent named above: An order has been issued directing you to appear at Cottonwood County District

Ten Tournament Championship game.

The Big Ten was the conference of the year in Men’s Basketball sending a record-tying eight teams to the NCAA tournament, three to the Sweet 16 and two to the Elite Eight. It’s no secret that the Spartans are the favorites to win the National Championship.

Auburn (30-9) from the South Eastern Conference beat Kentucky 77-71 in overtime to reach the school’s first Final Four.

Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton are Auburn’s biggest celebrity alumni names.

The Tigers like to shoot the three. They were a top 10 team in December and slipped a bit. But now look at them. They have battled back! They destroyed No. 1 seed North Carolina 97-80 in the Sweet 16, and the Tar Heels beat Duke twice and refused to lose to Kentucky a third time, so watch out.

No. 1 Virginia holds the Atlantic Coast Conference banner, the last of a record three NCAA (Duke, North Carolina) ACC Conference No. 1 seeds. They are 33-3 and hold the nation’s best record. Based on seeding, they are the favorite paper champions right now.

Since 1985, the ACC

Conference has dominated this NCAA tournament by winning 10 championships. This is Virginia’s best team since the days of Ralph Sampson. But watch out for David, disguised as Auburn.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (30-6) from the Big 12 are back and better than ever. Last year they reached the Elite Eight. They are West Regional Champions for the first time in the school’s history and they have had big-name championship-winning coaches before like Bobby Knight, and Tubby Smith. They are a dynamic defensive team.

They really get after you; they don’t allow you to pass the ball. They hold their opponents to an NCAA best 36.8 percent shooting, and just 58 points a game. They match up against Big Ten Champion Michigan State on Saturday.

I can’t wait.

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.

Court , Windom MN on May 8 , 2019 at 9:30 AM .m. and explain why the relief sought in the Petition for the Order for Protection should not be granted.

You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court from the COTTONWOOD County Court Administrator’s Office.

If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner’s request may be granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s Order.

DATED: April l, 2019

BY Sheila Pierson COURT ADMINISTRATOR / DEPUTY Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, April 4, 2019

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577

TraCey williams-DillarD

CeCil e. NewmaN

Publisher/CEO

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are included in this year’s Final Four visitor’s guide.

Spokespersons from both organizations said they didn’t think so.

“They don’t include us [Black-owned businesses] on things like that,” said Destiny Brooks of Mama D’s restaurant in South Minneapolis.

“They don’t know about us,” echoed Sammy McDowell, who owns and operates Sammy’s Avenue Eatery on West Broadway in North Minneapolis. “It would’ve been great if they [the MLOC and other big event organizers] included the local restaurants.”

The MLOC estimates that at least $142 million in spending will be generated from the Final Four this week. But unless visitors, especially those of color, are adventurous to seek out non-downtown places — the lion’s share of the economic spending will once again be centered in the downtown area.

Opinion Writers Myrle Cooper Ron Edwards Frank Erikson Rev. Irene Monroe Mel Reeves Lucky Rosenbloom

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Tracy Henderson a miracle in itself,” he said.

“We had a successful year. I will have a full offseason and a recruiting [time] and I think it will be pretty good,” he concluded.

the case.

“This is going to be different than the Super Bowl,” Metro Transit Howie Padilla said of the Final Four. “It isn’t as high a security event. You will have more access to the event.”

“This event and downtown is open for everyone,” City of Minneapolis Public Works Director Robin Hutcheson added.

This doesn’t mean some nerve-racking disruptive moments won’t exist, especially if you’re not interested in the Final Four.

“There will be a couple of closures . . . and we’ll have detours set up,” explained Hutcheson. “We’re confident that people will be able to get in and around downtown, and everybody will be able to get where they need to go.”

“We haven’t forgotten our daily riders,” added Padilla. “We will have regular service. All stations up and down the Green Line and the Blue Line will be open and all our bus routes as well.”

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

Getting around town Last year’s Super Bowl proved a headache for many of us locals with all the downtown security checkpoints that resembled border crossings. This time around, city officials assured us that this won’t be

SOe about his Final Four experience: “I feel really good to get these calls and talk to them about basketball,” Davis admitted. “I noticed the respect I get. They know who I am and still talk about [it]. I inspire [other Black coaches] so much and the situation I was in.”

UDM hired Davis last August, which put the experienced coach and his staff on a fast track to assemble a competitive squad in time for the 2018-19 season.

“I love the challenge. We put together a team in two weeks and signed 10 players after August 24. To sign 10 players after August 24 is

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Women’s Final Four reflections The Women’s Final Four also is this weekend in Tampa. Tracy Henderson played

in two of them with Georgia in 1995 and 1996.

Henderson, the Northside native who last week was inducted in the Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, briefly recalled playing in the 1995 Final Four in downtown Minneapolis.

“We always reflect and talk about [it], going to UGA then coming back to Minneapolis to play in the Final Four to showcase my talent,” noted Davis. “It was an honor, and I have been blessed over the years.”

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

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April 4-10, 2019

FINAL FOUR IS IN FULL FORCE! History-making Black coach Welcome: Auburn, Virginia, Texas Tech and Michigan State! savors Final Four memories Sports odds and ends

By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer

The Final Four is here and so is the basketball world.

Minneapolis has long been planning for the 2019 Men’s NCAA Final Four. And ready or not, it’s on!

Many bubbles burst this weekend, but none were bigger than Michigan State beating No.1 Duke 68-67. Thanks, Michigan State, for destroying millions of basketball fans’ bracket and pools, and denying the most dynamic circus-like story in all of basketball from reaching the games marquee event!

Duke, Zion Williamson and the most talked about freshman basketball class since Michigan’s Fab Five, are, for now, a fart in a windstorm. Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo is, in his own

Courtesy of MGN right, one of the game’s great coaches. He beat Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the one team (1-11) that has virtually owned him to deny Duke.

Izzo will reach his eighth Final Four with the Spartans (32-6) and appears to be peaking. The team is led

by Big Ten Player of the Year guard, Cassius Winston, a savvy star who plays as good

Coach Tom Izzo Drives Michigan State to his 8th Final Four Photo courtesy of Larry-Fitzgerald.com

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as a point guard should. He scored 20 points and had 10 assists to deny Williamson and join the great Magic Johnson and Draymond Green as the only MSU players to achieve that feat in an NCAA tournament game.

Michigan State is really that good; I saw them capture the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago. They play well together and are tough and physical on defense, holding opponents to 37.6 percent shooting.

They were co-Big Ten regular season champs with Purdue, and they beat the Gophers twice, including knocking them out of the East regional NCAA tournament in Des Moines. They also beat state rival Michigan, a team that started 17-0 three times, including in the Big ■ See Fitz on page 9

The list of all-time coaches to play for an NCAA championship literally is a short one, and the list of Black coaches doing this is even shorter.

Just 10 Black coaches have led their men basketball squads to Final Fours: two of them coached at Minnesota (Clem Haskins, 1997 and Tubby Smith, when he was at Kentucky in 1998). John Thompson (1982, 1984, and 1985) and Nolan Richardson (1994, 1995) are the only Black coaches to do it multiple times.

Of those Black coaches, Thompson (1984), Richardson (1995), Smith (1998) and Kevin Ollie (2014) are the only ones to win the NCAA championship.

Mike Davis (2002), the first Black coach at Indiana, joined them as the fifth Black coach to have a team play for a title. He was hired in 2000 to replace the fired Bob Knight and coached IU for six seasons. He also coached at University of Alabama Birmingham (200612) and Texas Southern (2012-18).

Mike Davis Photo courtesy of University of Detroit Mercy replaced the legendary Knight — oft-combative, but also popular among the school faithful.

“It was pressure but I didn’t take it personally,” Davis said. “I was just focused ... to do something special for the program. The [In-

“Only four teams are playing and the whole country is focused on you. It felt so surreal . . . it was a trip that you always want to experience.”

We recently talked to the longtime coach, who just finished his first season at the University of Detroit Mercy. Although his Hoosiers finished runners-up to Maryland, Davis easily remembered his team’s run to Atlanta in 2002.

“Once we got to the Final Four, it seemed like a whirlwind,” Davis recalled. “Only four teams are playing and the whole country is focused on you. It felt so surreal . . . it was a trip that you always want to experience.”

Making history as Davis did when he was first named interim coach and then given the job full time at Indiana is one thing, but he

diana] fans wanted us to win another championship.”

Looking back, “You have to experience it as you go,” continued Davis, adding that nothing really prepares you for a Final Four run. “You want the team to lock in on everything you talk about since day one,” he said.

“When you talk about playing your best basketball in March, [you] talk about great attitude and great chemistry, great effort; you want them to be locked in on all that.”

Davis said that he regularly fields calls

Final Four visitor’s guide misses diversity mark

charles hallMan

An estimated 100,000 visitors and four remaining college basketball teams are expected to arrive this week for the Final Four in downtown Minneapolis.

But, Tuesday’s North Commons court rededication was “really one

of the first activities of Final Four week,” said Minneapolis Local Operating Committee (MLOC) President Kate Mortensen.

This is a clear departure from previous Final Fours hosted in Minnesota (1992, 1995, 2001), as it con-

cerns engaging the Black community with such large scale events.

“We launched our (Final Four) logo at North Commons,” Mortensen noted. “We got involved in the community so many times with the Fan Jam, and doing our Legacy Project at North Commons.”

However, after the North Commons rededication, the bulk of the Final Four scheduled events will be held at near the Vikings stadium in downtown Minneapolis this weekend. This includes the Final Four Friday (team practices and a college all-star game at the Vikings stadium); the March Madness Music Series (at The Armory); and the Tip-off Tailgate on Nicollet Mall — all free to the public. There’s also the Final Four Fan Fest at the Minneapolis Convention Center from Fri., April 5 to Mon., April 8, which is not free but open to the public.

“We really hope the communi-

ty hear our invitation and come to these Final Four events,” said Mortensen.

However, when this columnist covers an out-of-town sporting event, we usually check with arena folk — local Black workers — for

■ See SOE on page 9 suggestions on nearby Black-owned places to patronize. Such businesses typically aren’t promoted in visitors’ guides. The same can be said for the Final Four.

The MLOC and Meet Minneapolis, the city’s visitors and convention bureau, were asked if any Black-owned businesses

(l-r) Sammy McDowell, Michael McDowell

■ See ViEw on page 9

Photos by Charles Hallman

Scott’s accomplishments bring back memories

PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

When Coach Tanysha Scott led her alma mater DeLaSalle to their first Class 3A state tournament girls’ basketball championship since 2013, many things came to mind.

There was the first time I saw her as a DeLaSalle point

guard slashing and dashing her way down the court leaving nothing but a blur during an early season jamboree.

There was the time in the summer of 2001 when she played in the first annual Inner City All Star Classic girls’ basketball game following a stellar prep career for the Islanders.

There was the time when I saw her in four seasons as a point guard for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

There was the time she coached at Minneapolis South in the same gym that her sister Tayler Hill starred in for five years.

There was the time she left Minneapolis South to go back

home and coach the place in which she made a name for herself.

There were the two state tournament appearances she led the Islanders to.

Finally, there was the day that she, her assistant coaches, and team became champions. Scott definitely coached the way she played — with fire, passion and intensity. Her team displayed the same qualities en route to the championship.

There was the toughness of freshmen point guard Kiani Lockett, the smoothness of backcourt mate and classmate Savannah White, the timely shooting of sophomore center Nora Fran-

cois, the deadly three-point shooting of freshman guard Sydney Runsewe, the inside scoring of junior forward Nurjei Wems, and the consistent and steady play of senior center Mary Claire Francois.

Scott’s imprint was evident throughout her team’s championship run. She made her mark in high school and continued to build on her success in college as a player.

Today, she is the coach of champions.

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

DeLaSalle Coach Tanysha Scott Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald