August 23, 2018 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 August 23-29, 2018 Vol. 85 No. 3 www.spokesman-recorder.com

African American history museum set to open its doors

MAAHMG leadership team: (l-r) Jack Rainey Jr., Coventry Cowens, Verlena Matey-Keke and Tina Burnside By Dwight Hobbes

Contributing Writer

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iversity is something of a Twin Cities calling card. Museums throughout the metro showcase state-of-the-art inclusion, exhibits and forums, including such venerated venues as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minnesota History Center and

Weisman Art Museum. Impressive as these establishments are, it is vital to have an institution devoted specifically to one’s culture. The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) stands to admirably fill that bill for African Americans. Tina Burnside, museum co-founder and civil rights attorney, notes, “Minne-

Bad landlords put City back in public housing business

sota is one of the few states in the country that does not have an African American museum. That had to change,” she said. Toward that end, she has partnered with writer and education administrator Coventry Cowens to open the new museum’s doors Saturday, September 8. Its inaugural exhibit, Unbreakable: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota, is set to showcase pioneers who settled in the state and women who made their mark on Minnesota and on America, highlighting the impact of the “Great Migration” on Minnesota. “African Americans have been in Minnesota since the 1800s, and we have contributed to the success and growth of this state and its cities and towns,” she continued. “In 2018, we cannot continue to ignore the struggles, challenges, successes and accomplishments of African Americans and our impact on Minnesota.” More than six million African Americans moved from the rural South to the North, Midwest and West from about 1916 to 1970. Driven by ■ See MuseuM on page 5

Photos courtesy of MAAHMG

Getting a business past its plateau Meda’s Mini-MBA offers help through the second stage of growth

appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court that revoked his renter’s license for his 43 The City of Minneapolis properties, leaving his tenants has recently launched a new with little time to move and program for renters who are nowhere to go in a city with a being displaced from their historically low vacancy rate. “The tenants that are living homes because of negligent landlords. Run by the Minne- in these units are effectively apolis Community Planning being displaced through no and Economic Development fault of their own. It’s due to (CPED) department, the Emer- the actions of the landlords,” gency Stabilization Pilot Pro- said Kimball. gram will provide affordable housing to 10 family tenants Stabilization a program goal Minneapolis City Council over the next five years. “This program started be- approved the pilot program cause there is an emergent on Aug. 3, allocating $2 milneed to provide housing to lion to purchase up to 12 houshouseholds that are being dis- es. Within weeks, the City had placed due to a rental license purchased eight single-family revocation of the landlord or homes and one duplex.

By Keith Schubert Staff Writer

“We have a model for how to make people less poor...”

condemnation of the buildings,” said Roxanne Young Kimball, senior project manager at CPED. North Minneapolis’ notorious landlord Mahmood Khan was one of several who created such a need, said Kimball. Last November, Khan lost an

“The City is not typically in the business of owning occupied property,” said Kimball, explaining the program was created in response to the immediate crisis negligent landlords have created for tenants. ■ See LandLords on page 5

2018 Mini-MBA graduates with Program Director Dominique Scott, seated By Judith Hence Contributing Writer Black business ownership is experiencing a major increase in growth. According to the Minority 2018 Small Business Trends survey, the number of Black-owned small businesses in the U.S. has increased by 400 percent from 2017 to 2018. And, in Minnesota, businesses owned by people of color are the fastest growing demographic, reports a 2017 survey by the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C. While this may sound like great news, many of these new businesses face multiple obstacles in getting and keeping their doors open. The Metropolitan Economic Development Asso-

ciation (Meda) was founded to help these existing – and future – entrepreneurs achieve success by providing financial services, business consulting, and market opportunities. The organization began in 1971 with Twin Cities business leaders who believed that one option for people of color to move out of economic hardship was to own a business. Recently, Meda did an analysis on the current minority business ecosystem, evaluating every stage of products and services in the business cycle. It reported “a very fragmented system of access,” said CEO and President Gary Cunningham. The organization found that if businesses didn’t have support, they stumbled when they

Celebrating The Queen “American history wells up when Aretha sings. Nobody embodies more fully the connection between the African-American spiritual, the blues, R&B, rock’n’roll – the way that hardship and sorrow were transformed into something full of beauty and vitality and hope.” — Former

U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 see the MSR’S triButes to the Queen of souL on pages 6 and 10.

reached the second stage of business growth. “[They] have used up all of their ideas and don’t know where to go; they plateau, or they go out of business,” Cunningham told the MSR. Lili Hall, president of Knock Creative Design, a Meda board member, and the 2016 “Employer of the Year,” lamented that “We live in a culture where there’s expectation that every business owner knows exactly what they’re doing.” One answer to the problem could be Meda’s newly developed Mini-MBA program, which uses peer-based learning to help entrepreneurs identify and avoid stumbling so they can move to the next level. The program also teaches entrepre-

neurs how to develop a threeyear growth plan to transform their leadership thinking. This July, it graduated its first cohort of 20 entrepreneurs – including eight Black-owned businesses – from the seven-month program. To maximize its impact, Meda brought in Boston-based Interise to help program participants reach the second and third levels of their business cycle. Cunningham and Scott were impressed with Interise’s success, having served over 5,000 small businesses in 70 programs around the country. “One hundred percent of [Interise’s] alumni businesses have reported being profitable with $655 million in government

■ See Business on page 5

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August 23-29, 2018

UNCF to award nearly $100K in scholarships to Minneapolis students

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ollege-bound students in Minneapolis just got a late-round scholarship opportunity from the country’s largest private scholarship provider to minority students. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which awards more than $100 million in scholarships to more than 10,000 students annually, is now accepting applications for its Minneapolis MLK Legacy Scholarship Program. The UNCF, in partnership with General Mills Foundation, has earmarked nearly $100K specifically for incoming Minneapolis freshman via the program. Funds for the scholarship were raised during UNCF’s 28th annual MLK Holiday breakfast at the Minneapolis Armory in January. Selected scholarship recipients will receive a renewable award of up to $4,812 each year up to four years beginning in the 2018-2019 academic school year. To be eligible, students must be permanent residents of the city of Minneapolis at the time of application and meet the following criteria:

• Possess a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form • Have a demonstrated, unmet financial need as verified by a college or university • Be a U.S. citizen who is African American or Hispanic. • Be an entering freshman who, in priority order, has been accepted and is planning to enroll full-time at any UNCF member institution, other Historically Black Colleges or Universities or an accredited four-year institution. To apply, eligible students must complete the application process online, including providing a current unofficial or official school transcript as proof of GPA and submitting a one-page personal statement of career interest along with one letter of recommendation from someone who is not related to the student. The application process closes September 28, 2018, at 10:59 pm CST.

For more information or to visit http://bit.ly/UNCF-MLK2018.

apply,

—Information provided by UNCF. Photo courtesy of Weekend Images/Getty

Parent-teacher relationships can help improve students’ success Here, Dr. Roggeman shares advice on why it is so important for parents to connect with teachers — and how to do it — to help support their children’s success. Establish a working, positive relationship with students’ teachers “Education is a partnership,” said Roggeman. “By establishing relationships, parents can be of more help to their children because they learn more about what is happening in class, keep current on classroom happenings and experiences, and help the child’s teacher to know the family and the child better.”

By MSR Editors With the start of the new school year, comes a laundry list of must-dos for students – from getting used to new schedules and curriculum to navigating classroom expectations. Parents also play a key role, especially for younger students, in helping them do well academically. This includes having an active presence in school and developing relationships with their children’s teachers. However, a recent University of Phoenix survey of more than 1,000 K–12 teachers, shows that many parents don’t get a passing grade when it comes to participation. Nearly three-fourths of teachers say less than half of parents are involved in the classroom, and the majority of teachers (58 percent) say that less

than a quarter of parents are involved. While it may seem overwhelming to pull even more time out of your busy schedules, building a positive and proactive relationship with teachers can have long-lasting effects. Studies show that parental involvement in their child’s education activities can help reduce absenteeism, increase class participation and raise grades. A 2017 Columbia University study showed that teachers communicating updates on attendance and homework to parents via text resulted in a 17 percent drop in student absences. ”Supporting teachers as they learn how to best help your child succeed is the best gift you can give them,” said Dr. Pam Roggeman, University of Phoenix College of Education academic dean.

Help your child learn to self-advocate “School should be a setting where children learn how to, and practice, problem-solving,” continued Roggeman. “This is a skill a parent can give to both their children and their teacher. This is also a life skill that will permeate all avenues of a child’s life. Regardless

of the child’s age, each can benefit from learning age-appropriate ways to communicate their needs to their teachers, in the moment.” Be open to supporting teachers Roggeman said support could range from responding to teachers’ requests for classroom supply donations to helping students stay current on long-term projects. It can even mean, she said, “giving teachers the benefit of the doubt when they make academic decisions they think best benefit their students.” —Information provided by University of Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Getty

Simple is better. In any language. You’ve got health plan questions. We’ve got health plan answers. In more than 200 languages. Find a plan for you at ucare.org. Medicare Individual & Family Medicaid

August 23-29, 2018

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A million more miles to cover Kidney failure has slowed but by no means stopped Steve Floyd

life, do things with your life, you don’t have regrets. I get satisfaction from that, knowing that I gave what I could and took advantage of life, whether I’m traveling, meeting people, learning cultures. When I worked at the county attorney’s office [as an advocate for families of homicide victims] and I saw so many deaths from people being killed, I developed this thing that every morning I got up, I’d tell myself, “I could die today.” And I’d tell people, well, one day I’m going to be right! But it’s a preparation. If you had 24 hours to live, what would you do? In saying that, that’s what you should do every day.

By Paige Elliott Digital Editor

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teve Floyd has lived a storied life with many chapters. When we sat down with him last fall, he reflected on his community outreach work as a gang and youth outreach worker, advocate for families of homicide victims, youth basketball coach, and world traveling photographer. Recently, the MSR caught up with Floyd again to discuss a lesser known part of his story: that of kidney failure. In the excerpt below, he (SF) opens up about what it’s like to live with the condition, how it has shaped his outlook on life, and how, after so many years of helping others, he’s now looking for help himself in the form of a donor. MSR: Roughly a year ago, you sat down with the MSR for a two-part story about your journey from gang outreach worker to photographer and your travels to Africa. The story covered a lot of chapters in your life, yet you did not disclose at that time that you had been living with kidney failure. Why? SF: Well, it seems that when people feel…something is wrong with you, they treat you differently. And to me, sometimes it can feel like a lot of negative energy. There is power in receiving people’s thoughts [about you] as if you’re sick or on the way out. So, I just kept it to myself until the appropriate time when people had to know — like right about now. MSR: So that negative energy feels contagious, so to speak? Do you begin to see yourself how they see you — as a sick person — as opposed to someone living with and managing a medical condition? SF: Yeah, that’s it. Exactly. MSR: Ok, so let’s start from the beginning. How long have you had kidney failure? SF: I had a biopsy in 1996. It was a random checkup… and that’s when they told me that I was having kidney fail-

Steve Floyd

Photo courtesy of Steve Floyd

ure. [Learning of the kidney damage] wasn’t shocking at the time because my kidneys weren’t that bad. But eventually, over time, they got worse. MSR: Did you have any symptoms prior? Certain things you couldn’t explain? SF: No, you don’t really get any symptoms, other than hypertension. High blood pressure is something that can cause or lead to kidney failure. And in my case, it was also influenced by ibuprofen. I was working out with NBA training camps [with a friend who played for San Antonio at the time], and before and after extensive, hard workouts you take an ibuprofen so you don’t feel the pain. Also, I started using it for headaches and hangovers. So since 1996, I started taking care of

myself. No more ibuprofen, but hypertension was still leading towards the damage. I got to the point where I didn’t eat anything out of a can or a box, nothing processed. And that [delayed the onset] of kidney damage up until I started feeling symptoms of being abnormally tired about two and a half years ago.

SF: Oh, it’s really humbling… You’re put in situations where you’re dealing with life and death. Most of us living don’t know how we’re gonna die, so basically, the kidney thing makes you aware of what you could die of. But there are a million more things you could die of every day. [Laughs] I’ve become more conscious of myself and the things that go on around me.

“I was thinking, ‘This is it. I’m dying. This is what it’s going to be like.” MSR: Had you heard anything about the dangers of overusing ibuprofen? SF: None at all. I was just popping them like candy. MSR: Has it been a humbling experience?

MSR: What gives you comfort or peace in this situation? SF: Well, as long as I know that I’m taking care of myself. And I know the things I’ve done with my life, the things I’ve seen. I think when you challenge

MSR: So you’ve become more intentional and purposeful now? SF: Yeah, it gives a purpose for that day and you value your time. Like today, I went out and sat in the sun. I listened to birds, trees… It gives me insight for that day and how I take care of myself. A lot of people don’t take care of themselves. If they can’t see [a health concern], they don’t think it’s there. And the thing about kidney disease and hypertension, you can’t feel it, but it’s there. It can hit you. It may not hit you so you die, but it can create complications of how you live your life in terms of things you can do…or things you no longer have a desire to do. MSR: On a bad day, what don’t you have a desire to do anymore? SF: Get up and walk. When I’m not doing dialysis, and the kidney stuff is really affecting me, I don’t feel like walking. You don’t eat. You don’t have any taste in your mouth. There’s no appetite. You’re tired all the time and just want to lay there. That’s what you really deal with. And after experiencing that for a little bit…those aren’t good feelings. It’s like, wow, the body is a very special thing. And to have toxins filtered out of your ■ See Floyd on page 8

Common medications like ibuprofen can damage your kidneys Severe damage can require dialysis, or even a transplant

By

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD Kidneys are essential, yet they are easy to damage and difficult to replace. Typically, everyone is born with two kidneys. These beanshaped organs, about the size of a fist, are located on both sides of the spine, just underneath the ribs on your lower back. Your kidneys serve several vital functions. They help get rid of waste products through urination, and they play a significant role in maintaining your blood pressure, help make vitamin D that keeps your bones healthy, make hormones vital in the production of red blood cells, and they maintain a healthy fluid balance in your body. Surprisingly, in addition to disease, some very common medications can be hard on kidneys and interfere with their ability to function properly. Prolonged use of these medications can permanently damage your kidneys. This damage can result in a need for dialysis and, in extreme cases, may even require a kidney transplant. Currently, 31 million Americans (10 percent of the population) are afflicted with kidney disease. Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) These seemingly harmless, yet readily available medications can cause severe damage to kidneys if they are used for a long time, or at high doses. This includes over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Also, prescription NSAIDs can cause similar problems. The misuse and long-term use of pain medications is responsible for up to 10 percent of kidney failure cases annually. Antibiotics Antibiotics can affect the kidneys in several ways. They can damage kidney cells; they can form crystals that are deposited in kidneys and prevent smooth urine flow; or people can develop allergies to the medications that damage the kidneys if the antibiotics are used over an extended period or administered at high doses. Diuretics (water pills) These medicines are used to help control blood pressure and some types of swelling, especially in the lower legs. It is a delicate balance. They can help the body get rid of unwanted water, which reduces swelling and blood pressure, but if they eliminate too much water, the body can become dehydrated. Being dehydrated over an extended period can be damaging to your kidneys. Acid controlling medications Many medications used to treat heartburn and acid reflux have also been shown to be damaging to kidneys if used for an extended period. Some medi-

cines are better for your kidney health than others. If you are taking medications to control acid reflux, heartburn or stomach ulcers, make sure your doctor is monitoring your kidneys regularly, or ask your doctor if there are medications that will help you that are not hard on your kidneys.

careful with all medicines. Many that would typically have little or no effect on your overall health can cause unexpected damage to you because of your kidneys’ already compromised state. In addition to the medicines previously discussed, these include medications that treat cholesterol, viral infections, diabetes and fungal infections, or are used

Vitamins and supplements Some supplements, especially those containing creatine, may not be healthy for your kidneys. Be sure to review all medications with your doctor at every doctor’s visit, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications, to make sure they are appropriate.

for specific imaging studies. Talk to your doctor before taking cholesterol or diabetes medication, antacid medicine for an upset stomach, or antimicrobial meds, like antifungal and antiviral drugs. Your doctor may recommend a different test or medicine, or a smaller dose of medicine that is safer for you.

Stool softeners Laxatives, especially ones that contain oral sodium phosphate (OSP), if used over an extended period, can hurt your kidneys. Be careful if you repeatedly need laxatives. Discuss with your doctor safe ways to maintain proper bowel health.

Kidney dialysis and transplantation If kidneys lose their ability to filter fluids and remove dangerous waste products, these products can build up inside us and eventually lead to death. This situation is called end-stage kidney (renal) disease. Diseases, medications or genetic abnormalities can cause end-stage renal disease. When this happens, a person must undergo dialysis – some several hours per day – to remove the

When kidneys are already damaged, certain drugs can make them worse or lead to kidney failure. If you have kidney disease, you must be extremely

toxins and stay alive. An alternative to dialysis is kidney transplantation. This occurs when a healthy kidney is surgically implanted from a donor into a person with non-functioning kidneys. The kidney can come from a live or deceased donor. One-third of all donated kidneys come from living donors. Only one kidney is needed to do an adequate job. This “onekidney requirement” makes living kidney donation a very real option. Kidney transplantation can be an acceptable alternative to a lifetime of dialysis. Approximately 20,000 transplants occur every year in the U.S. Transplantation offers several benefits, including a higher quality of life, lower treatment cost in the long run, fewer dietary restrictions, and a lower mortality rate. Kidney transplantation also carries significant risk. This includes the risk of surgery, the risk of kidney rejection, and the risk of the side effects of the medications used to prevent organ rejection. After careful evaluation, one may be considered appropriate for transplantation. There are certain situations, however, such as age and several health status conditions, which can rule kidney transplantation out. Finding a donor match Being accepted for kidney transplantation is not an easy feat. There are currently over 100,00 people waiting for a kidney transplant in the United States, and 100 people are added to the list every day. Once accepted, a suitable match must be located from a donor. Surprisingly, family members are not always good donors.

Finding a compatible kidney donor can take weeks to months to several years. The average wait for a compatible kidney is 3.5 years. Unfortunately, 14 people die every day waiting for a kidney transplant in America. Kidney transplantation is not a cure. After a successful kidney transplant, a lifetime of care must be initiated; nevertheless, kidney transplantation can be lifesaving. Electing kidney transplantation is a very personal decision that comes with risks and benefits. The decision must be considered very carefully by all involved including the patient, the patient’s family, trusted advisers and physician. If you are interested in becoming a kidney donor, start the discussion with your doctor. 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.

4 August 23-29, 2018 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.

The Black vote is not a political piñata By Jeffrey L. Boney Guest Commentator When it comes to politics in this country, there is one thing that seems to be a constant—the Black vote is important and always tends to make a difference. Although Blacks make up roughly 13 percent of the overall population in the United States, Black voters remain a powerful voting bloc that can change the trajectory of any election. It is no secret that Black people overwhelmingly vote for Democratic candidates in nearly every national election, with identical results being shown in local and state elections. Even in elections where a race is considered to be nonpartisan, such as for a mayor or city council seat, Black people have historically voted for the candidates that have self-identified or campaigned as a Democrat. While this has been the norm for decades, Black people have been on the receiving end of neglect and disparate treatment by candidates who win with the overwhelming support of the Black vote.

African Americans are often treated like the treats on the inside of a piñata. Politicians don’t care how they get Black votes – they just want those votes. Blacks are consistently pounded on and beat over the head with political messages during campaign season until they give up their precious and valuable vote. Then, once that piñata is finally opened, or in this case when votes are finally cast, Black voters are either forgotten or vilified depending on the outcome of the race. The routine is simple. When the results don’t go the way those who courted the Black vote wanted it to go, they blame the Blacks for the results. However, when the outcome is favorable to those who courted the Black vote, they celebrate the results, reap the benefits and then essentially ignore those same loyal, Black voters after the election is over. Because Black voters overwhelmingly vote for Democratic candidates, it would make sense for the Democratic Party to avoid treating Blacks like piñatas and taking them for granted.

Politicians don’t care how they get Black votes — they just want those votes. It is an interesting phenomenon to watch, as Blacks are strategically sought after and courted for their vote, with the hope of securing their collective support for specific candidates or certain issues. Black people are typically courted with the same archaic methods to get them registered and to the polls, while providing limited resources for voter outreach and education. On the surface, Blacks are marketed to as if their sacred vote means so much, but, historically, that often changes once their vote is cast. The way Black voters are treated, it is as if they have become a political piñata. You know what a “piñata is, right? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a “piñata” is “a decorated container filled with candies, fruits, and gifts that is hung up at parties or celebrations and hit with a stick by blindfolded persons until it is broken and the things inside it fall out.” As it relates to voting,

At a recent plenary session at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention in Detroit, Mi., Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez stated that the Democratic Party had become notorious for this routine. “Shame on us for taking African Americans for granted,” said Perez. “We can’t allow that to happen again and we won’t allow that to happen again under my watch. We can’t criticize Black voters for not showing up, because it’s not on them. It’s on the Democratic Party to show up and put our money where our mouth is to better organize in the African American community.” History shows, beginning with the Civil War era and through the early part of the 20th century, Blacks voted heavily Republican. One key factor for that was Republican President Abraham Lincoln’s decision to push for and pass the Emancipation Proclamation. After its passage, the Ku

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Klux Klan began to terrorize Blacks with threats of violence to discourage them from voting, while strongly putting a fear in Blacks to avoid supporting Republican candidates, unless they wanted to be lynched. The Democratic Party, at that time, did not solicit Blacks to be a part of their party, primarily because the majority of the members of their party were White, segregationist politicians who governed Southern states. Many Blacks who lived in the South were prevented from participating in the political process. It wasn’t until 1924 that Blacks were even permitted to attend Democratic conventions in any official capacity. That changed in 1948, when Harry Truman received roughly 77 percent of the Black vote. It was at the point that many Blacks began to self-identify as Democrats. However, not all Black people were ready to switch. It took a few more years for Blacks to shift to the Democratic Party in the way they have today. In 1956, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower got 39 percent of the Black vote and four years later, in 1960, Republican Richard Nixon got 32 percent of the Black vote. However, once President Lyndon B. Johnson championed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, while his Republican opponent Senator Barry Goldwater openly opposed it, he received 94 percent of the Black vote that year. The almost full migration by African Americans to the Democratic Party had begun. The following year, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law and since then, no Republican presidential candidate has gotten more than 15 percent of the Black vote. African Americans are more than just a vote. Blacks have sacrificed and contributed mightily to the betterment of our nation, and to our state and local governments. No political party should ever treat the Black community and Black voters like political piñatas. Black people need to receive the same type of support and political respect as all other groups of people in this country. If African Americans aren’t respected and are continuously treated better, then they might just become galvanized to the point where they either switch political parties or create their own — whatever it takes to avoid becoming a proverbial political piñata. This upcoming midterm election in November, along with the events leading up to it, will be telling and will show how much effort the Democratic Party has done to engage their loyal voting bloc — Black voters. Jeffrey Boney is a political analyst for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com and the associate editor for the Houston Forward Times newspaper.

Reverend Irene Monroe Does the GOP have a racist cut-off point? By Rev. Irene Monroe Contributing Commentator President Donald Trump traffics in racial epithets. Since his first year in office, Trump’s displays of xenophobic, misogynistic, LGBTQphobic, and racist remarks (to name just a few from his laundry list of bigotries) appear to have no cutoff point. The Republican Party under Trump doesn’t seem to have one, either. In a recent YouGov poll, 70 percent of Republicans said they believe diversity unfairly advantages Blacks and hurt Whites, 59 percent said Blacks don’t have as much motivation as Whites, and 59 percent said the judicial system treats Blacks fairly. And, two of Trump’s top staffers are just the tip of the racist iceberg. For example, in June 2018, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions used the biblical passage Romans 13 to defend Trump’s indefensible “zero tolerance” immigration policy. “I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of the order,” said Sessions. “Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves and protect the weak and lawful.” The scripture has been used as a text of terror by miscreant thugs in power throughout history, including slave owners, Nazi sympathizers, apartheid enforcers, supporters of Japanese-American internment, and loyalists opposed to the American Revolution. In 2017, Boston-born White House Chief of Staff John Kelly came off as a die-hard Lost Cause apologist on Laura Ingraham’s Fox News show. His remarks reopened a divide deep in this country about slavery when he told the conservative media television host that he viewed Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee as “an honorable man” and that “the lack of an ability to compromise led to the Civil War.” If a tape of Trump using the N-word appears, a tape that former White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman says exists, will the GOP have a cutoff point? What stance will the Republican Party take? Impeachment or apology? Or will it be too feckless to move forward?

The N-word is one of the most odious of words deriving from this country’s original sin of slavery. And, it is firmly embedded in the lexicon of racist language that was and still is used to disparage African Americans. If President Trump used the N-word, then he has breached his oath of office to respect and represent “all the people” as one who holds the highest office in a democratic society. Trump has a history of racist statements and actions toward Blacks. He mocked LeBron James’ intelligence, called CNN anchor Don Lemon the dumbest man on TV and said Auntie Maxine Waters has a low IQ. Trump has also called NFL players “sons of b*tches” for taking a knee at games, created birther fearmongering, and came to national attention when he took out full-page advertisements in four New York newspapers calling for the return of the death penalty for the Central Park Five — and he continued his call after they were exonerated. Trump’s embrace of White supremacy showed itself in his statement about Black immigrants from what he depicted as “sh*thole countries.” And Trump’s removal of White supremacist groups — the Ku Klux Klan, Identitarians, Identity Christians, Neo-Nazis, and neo-Confederates, to name a few — from a list of violent extremist groups put out by the Southern Poverty Law Center, highlights the Jim Crow era Trump wants the country to time travel back to when he says “Make America Great Again.” The GOP has already demonstrated an allegiance to its party over the country. White nationalists are gradually winning state and county seats, and Democratic incumbents are running scared in states with huge numbers of Trump supporters. Republicans have no cutoff point when it comes to Trump’s demands and his supporters. With no spine or moral compass, the GOP will neither impeach Trump nor make him apologize. The Republican Party — whether willingly or unwillingly — is dragging its feet and has become the party of racism. Rev. Irene Monroe is an African American lesbian feminist public theologian, sought-after speaker, and preacher.

Trying My Best The homeless need homes, not hugs By Frank Erikson Contributing Commentator On August 8, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, with the media in tow, went to a homeless encampment near Franklin Avenue and gave out free hugs to the homeless. The Star Tribune defined it as “empathy and inspiration in Minneapolis” in an article on August 12. If Mayor Frey wants to do something that really matters when it comes to this homeless crisis, he would go after the landlords who put the homeless out in the streets in the first place. If Frey really cared for these people, he would do something to help them keep their homes, instead of giving them a hug once they’re out in the streets.

Ask anyone who works with the homeless and they will tell you that we have this crisis because of stagnant wages and rapidly rising rents. In no time at all, landlords are raising rents $330, $400 or even $500 – and then driving down the street in $50K vehicles. The mayor needs to tell us if he is seeing this as appropriate and acceptable. This is beyond just capitalism, there is a deep sickness that drives it all. But, Frey is typical and playing it safe – he doesn’t want to hurt his bright future. Hopefully, he’ll move along and not seek another term as mayor. Frank Erickson lives in Minneapolis.

August 23-29, 2018

MuseuM Continued from page 1

impoverished segregation, they saw a need for industrial workers that first arose during the First World War as an opportunity to better their lot in life. “We wanted to tell the African American experience in Minnesota from the beginning,” explained Burnside. “Most people think African Americans came to the state in the 1960s, so we felt it was important to start with early settlers and pioneers. “We also wanted to highlight some amazing trailblazing women from the early 20th century,” Burnside continued. “We decided to also show the impact of the Great Migration on Minnesota’s Black population growth, because often this story focuses on Midwestern cities with larger Black populations, such as Chicago and Detroit. But the Great Migration also influenced Minnesota.”

LandLords Continued from page 1

Jeremiah Ellison, Ward 5 city council member and vice president of the Housing Policy and Development Committee, contends the City hasn’t housed people since the 1980s when the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority broke off to become its own entity. But, with the changing context of the housing crisis, he said, “I think it’s important that we be flexible as a city and how we support our most vulnerable tenants and renters.” Though the program is citywide, Kimball said they found most available homes that fit the criteria of being affordable, vacant, and move-in ready in North Minneapolis. Ellison also said many of the tenants who would be eligible for this program lived on the North Side. “Through conversations with those tenants…I think unanimously the people who were thinking about applying to this pilot program wanted to stay over North,” he said. With

The museum will also pay homage to African American war veterans. “We wanted to pay tribute to African Americans who served in the military during a time when it was segregated, and show their bravery in fighting for freedom yet still being denied such freedoms at home,” said Burnside. This is not the first organization to embark on establishing an African American museum in the Twin Cities. The most recent effort by another organization, however, was beleaguered by financial struggles and work disputes before it could even open its doors. “There have been multiple efforts to have an African American museum over the years, which have met many challenges,” noted Cowens. However, she said, “The important contributions of the Black community still [need] to be told.” Burnside agreed: “We’re excited about the exhibit and we think it’s a good foundation to start the conversation about African American history in only 10 units available, Kimball said the program would give priority to those facing displacement from their home within 90 days or less. Anna Decrans, innovation and special projects manager at Urban HomeWorks, the organization contracted by the City to manage the properties, added that priority would be given to those facing the shortest displacement time – within 30 days as compared to 90. Outside of that, she said, selections would ordinarily be made via a lottery system. Decrans reports, however, that the program only received 11 applications, all former Khan tenants, to rent the 10 units. The low turnout, she said, could be from people exploring other options, like buying the homes directly from Khan or from a nonprofit. However, she explained, “In my perspective, why it’s so low is because it was so quick to get it off the ground.” The program only opened its application process for three days, and the only place it was advertised was on the City’s website, she said. The applications process closed August 16.

“Minnesota is one of the few states in the country that does not have an African American museum. That had to change.” this state.” Burnside and Cowens also plan to avail the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery of other resources. They hope this includes the “TESTIFY: Americana from Slavery to Today” exhibit curated by the Diane and Alan Page Collection, which was hosted at Minneapolis Central Library in January. “We have reached out to Justice Alan Page and Diane Page to have a conversation with them about the museum and seek their support for the project and input,” said Cowens. She added, “We are reaching out to all segments of the Minnesota community, getting diverse opinions and hearing their passions and histories, which

has been part of our learning process in the organization and creation of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.” The Museum will also host a children’s literacy and reading circle on Saturday mornings, an obvious boon for African American youngsters. Does it not benefit other children as well, including recent African immigrants who, over the past decade or so, have become a significant presence? “We want everyone to come to the museum and the reading circle,” reflected Burnside. “Everyone is welcome. We believe it’s important to get children interested in books and reading to stimulate their imagination, and develop language and listening skills.

Selected applicants will have access for up to five years of affordable housing. After that time, they will be given the option to buy the home they are renting at an affordable price from the City, said Kimball. Homeownership, however, is not how CPED will be measuring the program’s success. “The purpose of this program is about stabilizing tenants,” said Kimball. More specifically, she said, success will be measured by, among other things, how cost-effective the program is and whether the situation for the tenants has improved over the course of the five years.

health care and mental health services,” Ellison said that would be a marker of success for him. Another indication of success would be if having stable housing creates a “positive ripple into other aspects of your life,” he said. With that, he said, is the potential to spread into commercial spaces, small business development, and wealth building for People of Color/ Indigenous (POCI) communities. “The idea is that we take folks from low wealth to wealth building within a span of three to five years,” said Ellison. For him, a big part of wealth building is homeownership, something POCI have been historically denied due to racist policies like redlining and racial covenants. Ellison’s hope, he said, is for the program to provide not only stable housing, but stable lifestyles and homeownership opportunities as well. “We have a model for how to make people less poor, quite frankly. I think that’s more than worthwhile to explore.” The City also encourages tenants to apply to the Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota program, Kimball said. The matched savings

Stability beyond housing Ellison noted that tenants renting from Khan showed they could make high monthly rent payments, so he wants the program to help tenants get access to other services to help them build and maintain a stable lifestyle. As such, each of the households in the program will work with a caseworker who will help them throughout the program. “If we can get them stabilized in their employment, if we can get them stabilized in their access to

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“We think it’s equally important for all children to learn about African American history because, unfortunately, it’s not being taught in schools beyond Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. When children learn about other people’s history, it breaks down barriers,” continued Burnside. “They develop an appreciation and respect for differences instead of fear.” The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is located at 1256 Penn Ave. N. in THOR Companies’ new headquarters in Minneapolis. It will celebrate its grand opening September 8, 9 am to noon, and will operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 pm to 5 pm; Thursdays, 1 pm to 7 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. maahmg.org. Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to dhobbes@spokesman-recorder.com. program helps Minnesota residents build assets who are living at or below 200 percent of the poverty line. Participants save up to $40 a month in a special savings account that the City matches at a 3:1 rate. “I think we, as a City, have accepted that it’s our job to support our most vulnerable residents when they are in crisis,” said Ellison. “But we haven’t made it a responsibility of ours to make people less poor, and I think that should be a responsibility of ours.” He added, “I think we’d save ourselves and the people we’re representing a lot of grief and stress if we took more responsibility to help people become less poor.” For more information on the program, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/ housing/WCMSP-213162. Keith Schubert welcomes reader responses at kschubert@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Business

tivated the graduates to make some “drastic changes in their business.” They have fired employees and Continued from page 1 hired managers to assume some of the entrepreneur’s responsibilities, she said. It has allowed them to spend more time on the program’s strategic plancontracts,” noted Program Director Dominique ning process. Scott. She said those numbers coincided with Meda’s “They have taken the program very seriously and inaugural program and its first cohort. have seen the progress throughout the business and “My expectations for the program were to really within themselves,” said Scott. enhance my business knowledge in moving our fuIn addition, said Cunningham, the collaboration neral home forward and into the future,” said Tra- has helped businesses move past the plateau mark cy Wesley, CEO of Estes Funeral Chapel and a grad- and accelerate their revenue by about 43 percent. uating member. “The program wasn’t easy. It really made me work to be able to try to understand the in- Applying to the program ner workings of what it takes to run a business.” Meda is currently accepting applications for its “They [went] from just thinking operational to second Mini-MBA cohort. To qualify, pro spective thinking…in a broader scale of how to grow the participants must be part of a minority-owned business that is at least three years old and with at least business strategically,” said Scott. Scott added that being in the program has mo- one employee.

Gary Cunningham Eligible applicants must apply online. There is a $1,000 fee, of which $500 is returned when the applicant graduates from the program. Once the application is submitted and reviewed, Scott contacts the business owner to ensure all the details are included. Even if it appears the application won’t qualify, she makes it a point to follow up with a phone call to offer support and answer questions. “I always call to correct and make sure their answers are accurate.”

cant to be fully committed to the program, she said. “They have to have that mindset of ‘I know I need to change something in the way that I’m running my business and how I think of myself as a CEO. I need help in knowing the fundamentals of running a business.’” Cunningham underscored the socio-economic value of business ownership: “If Black people are going to move out of being asset poor and being the ones that are in poverty, we have to build our own businesses and build our own structures to change those conditions.” He emphasized that the gateway to economic stability doesn’t necessarily have to always be government programs or a social welfare kind of situation. “It has to be us building our own businesses,” Cunningham explained. “So I say, if you’re African American and you Her next step is a site visit to get a “good feel don’t have a business, get one.” for the business.” Scott meets the employees and some customers. She will also interview the ownMini-MBA information sessions will be Tuesday, er to learn about their leadership style and business September 18, 6 – 7:30 pm and Saturday, October 13, goals. 10:30 am – 12 noon. If the applicant qualifies, she or he will have a For information about Meda or its upcoming one-on-one interview with each of five panelists. In Mini-MBA information sessions, go to Meda.net. the past, the panelists were David Edgerton, from the University’s Carlson School of Management; Judith Hence welcomes reader responses to Meda employees; and business and lending consuljhence@spokesman-recorder.com. tants. Scott plans to include an alumnus from the program’s first cohort, as well. Scott notes while applications to the program are increasing, the application process is extensive. “I made it that way because I wanted to make sure I was getting some quality candidates.” An important path to success is for the appli-

“If you’re African American and you don’t have a business, get one.”

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August 23-29, 2018

A VOICE UNPARALLELED: Aretha Franklin, 'Queen of Soul,' dies at 76

By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

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true great has passed. Aretha Franklin, “Queen of Soul,” had long been ill and on August 16, 2018, she succumbed to complications of advanced pancreatic cancer while in hospice care at her Detroit home, according to her family. The beloved performer leaves an iconic legacy instrumental in changing popular music the world over. Her early issues on Atlantic Records in the late 1960s and early 1970s, along with those of such fellow musical giants as Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, and Sam and Dave, spurred the onset of popularized soul music. Memphis-born Aretha Louise Franklin began her career at age 10 in the gospel choir of Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church where her father, C. L. Franklin, was a minister. Four years later, as manager, he took her on church tours and helped sign her to JVB/Battle Records for Aretha’s 1956 recording debut Songs of Faith, releasing the singles “Never Grow Old” and the standard “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” to gospel radio stations. Young Aretha occasionally traveled with The Soul Stirrers featuring eventual soul star Sam Cooke. Moving to Columbia Records at 18 and switching to secular music, Franklin tried various styles, including jazz, blues and doo-wop, recording Aretha: with the Ray Bryant Combo, The Electrifying Aretha Franklin and The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.

Working with producer Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records, she went to Alabama in 1967 and, backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, settled on the sound that launched her stellar career. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You garnered a twosided hit, the title song backed with “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” Then came her signature song “Respect.” Writer Otis Redding, who also penned her hit “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” glad-

ly announced between songs at the Monterey Pop Festival, “That girl just took this song from me!” Other tunesmiths she covered over the years included Bobby Womack (“I’m In Love”), Don Covay (“Chain of Fools”) and the team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin (“You Make Feel Like A Natural Woman”). With more than 20 number-one hits, she became the most- charted female artist in Billboard’s history. A gifted songsmith in her own right, Aretha Franklin orig-

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inals included “Day Dreaming,” “Think” and “Rock Steady.” Her legendary career was cemented with Spirit in the Dark, Young, Gifted & Black and the gospel album, Amazing Grace, which topped two million in sales. She hit a lull in the mid-’70s with Hey Now Hey that showcased the production of Quincy Jones. Despite the success of the single, “Angel,” this and subsequent projects for the label didn’t do well, save the singles “Until You Come Back to Me” and “I’m in Love.” She left the company in 1979 for a deal with Arista where she released 1981’s Love All the Hurt Away, which included her famed duet on the title track with George Benson, as well as a Grammy-winning cover of Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin.” Commercial success returned with a veritable vengeance in the mid-’80s as Jump to It and Who’s Zoomin’ Who? went platinum. Spanning six decades, Aretha garnered 18 Grammy Awards, charted 112 singles and sold more than 75 million records. She performed at the presidential inaugurations of Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama as well as at the Royal

Albert Hall before Queen Elizabeth. Aretha became the first woman inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was also inducted to the UK Music Hall of Fame and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Though not a public activist, on the arrest of Angela Davis, Aretha Franklin posted her bond, saying, “Angela Davis must go free. Black people will be free. I’ve been locked up and I know you got to disturb the peace when you can’t get no peace. Jail is hell to be in.” She also sang at the memorial service for civil rights immortal, her friend Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Aretha Franklin dealt with health issues for years. In 2010, she canceled several concerts after undergoing surgery for a tumor. Following a 2011 comeback at the Chicago Theatre, 2013 saw an increasing deterioration of health intermittently marked by canceled performances. Her final tour was in June 2014, kicked off with a show at Radio City Music Hall. Last year, health concerns scuttled a series of concerts before what would be her last live

performances at the Wolf Trap in Virginia and NYC’s Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. As news of her passing spread, condolences and reflections of Aretha’s legendary career poured in from artists and fans all over the world. Sam Moore of Sam and Dave released a statement that read in part: “Aretha Franklin and I have been friends and label mates for more than sixty years. I adored her… While I’m heartbroken that she’s gone, I know she’s in the Lord’s arms and she’s not in pain or suffering anymore.” Quincy Jones tweeted: “From the time that Dinah Washington first told me that Aretha was the “next one” when she was 12 years old until the present day, Aretha Franklin set the bar and she did it with the professionalism, class, grace, and humility that only a true Queen could.” Barbra Streisand shared her condolences on Twitter with a photo of the two singers together and stated: “It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.” Lauryn Hill offered: “Rest in peace to our Queen of Soul. Her contribution to music and to the empowerment and enrichment of our hearts, spirits, and souls is immeasurable. Thank you, Ms. Aretha Franklin, for sharing your anointed gifts with us. They changed the world. We are deeply grateful!” Jennifer Hudson has been confirmed to portray Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biography with music mogul Clive Davis executive producing. Davis also has confirmed a November tribute at Madison Square Garden. A private funeral for family and friends of Aretha Franklin will be held Aug. 31 in her hometown of Detroit. Public viewings will take place Aug. 28-29 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History from 9 am to 9 pm, also in Detroit. Dwight Hobbes welcomes readers responses to dhobbes@ spokesman-recorder.com. Photo courtesy of MGN.

The U of M To honor Prince

Explore your creative side with Sister Spokesman and Cheers Pablo at this special afternoon soiree. In addition to painting and sipping, we’ll enjoy our usual round of networking, games, prizes, dancing and music! Save the date and stay tuned for more details!

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The late, legendary Prince will receive another posthumous honor: a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Minnesota. Prior to Prince’s passing, the U of M had planned to present the iconic entertainer with the honorary degree in recognition of his extraordinary talent and influence, as well as his role in shaping the music and cultural landscape of Minneapolis. As a tribute to the Purple One’s enduring legacy, students from the U of M’s School of Music, along with special guest artists, will perform Prince-related music at the event. The ceremony takes place September 28, 7 pm, at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 S. 4th Street, Minneapolis. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To RSVP, go to http://bit.ly/HonoringPrinceRSVP. For more info, go to https://cla.umn.edu/events/honoring-prince. —Information provided by the University of Minnesota. Photo courtesy of MGN.

August 23-29, 2018

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Sorry to Bother You underscores the hard reality of code-switching By Chandra D.L. Waring Contributing Writer

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oots Riley’s new film Sorry to Bother You does anything but apologize. In telling the story of Cassius, a young Black man who becomes an extraordinarily successful telemarketer after he starts using his “White voice,” it showcases the magnitude of racial and class oppression. Colloquially, Cassius’ use of a “White voice” is known as code-switching, and the film highlights something that most African Americans would probably tell you: The ability to code-switch is often a prerequisite to becoming a successful Black person in America. As a race scholar and sociologist, I’ve studied biracial Americans who engage in code-switching. I found that the ability to deftly codeswitch has some real advantages. But, it also has its fair share of pitfalls. More broadly, it has led me to wonder what the persistence of code-switching tells us about race, opportunities and making connections in America today. Adapting to the dominant culture Code-switching is the practice of interacting in different ways depending on the social context, and it isn’t limited to race. Most of us interact differently when hanging out with friends than we would during a job interview. However, due in large measure to structural inequality and centuries of segregation, different cultural norms and ways of speaking have emerged among White and Black Americans. But, because the dominant culture is White, Whiteness has been baked into institutions as natural, normal and legitimate. So, there is much more incentive for peo-

ple of color to code-switch to adapt to the dominant culture to improve their prospects. White people rarely, if ever, feel this same pressure in their daily lives. For this reason, the notion of a person of color deploying a “White voice” in the workplace (or anywhere in American society) isn’t a new phenomenon. Biracial people create somewhat of a different dynamic due to their backgrounds. Often they have to navigate groups that are either all White or all Black. In each instance, they’re outsiders who need to send certain signals — or avoid certain landmines — to fit in. In my research, I explain how Black and White biracial Americans deploy what I call “racial capital.” I interviewed 60 Black-White biracial Americans and asked them how their lives were shaped by race. I soon realized that they seemed to be pulling from a repertoire of resources in order to break down racial barriers and establish in-group membership among both Whites and Blacks. I categorized this repertoire into four areas: knowledge, experience, meaning, and language.

Black and biracial Americans wouldn’t need to code-switch if we lived in a post-racial society.

they talk.” But this doesn’t always work. One person I interviewed explained that when he didn’t dap properly at his predominately Black barbershop, the other patrons laughed at him and treated

study told me that he is perpetually self-conscious about code-switching out of fear that someone would witness his behavior and question his authenticity. Another participant echoed his concern: “I feel

“To some people, I’ll say, ‘He was handsome!’ versus ‘He fine as hell, girl!’ And I think I’m the baddest because I can talk to this group and that group in the same way that they talk.” The language category involves code-switching For example, one of my interviewees bragged about her ability to code-switch: “To some people, I’ll say, ‘He was handsome!’ versus ‘He fine as hell, girl!’ And I think I’m the baddest because I can talk to this group and that group in the same way that

him like an outsider. Other times, people are “caught in the act,” meaning people witness them interacting differently in ways that are shaped by race. This makes others question their authenticity, which ultimately jeopardizes any connection. One participant in my

almost bad sometimes when someone sees [me codeswitch],” she said, “because they are like ‘What’s going on?’ Especially my boyfriend — he’ll be like ‘Who are you?’” And one person I spoke with said that it was “humiliating” when others saw him code-switch because people “just don’t understand.” These are the costs of code-switching, and my participants continually risked being misunderstood and treated as outsiders. But because of societal pressures, it’s a risk many Black and biracial people are clearly willing to keep taking. An oppressive script Code-switching would not be necessary if White privilege hadn’t been embedded in every social institution in American society for centuries. More and more, researchers have been able to show how racism has been rooted in how American society is organized. In the workplace, Black

2018

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people face more obstacles to career advancement and a growing racial wage gap. In education, schools in poor Black neighborhoods receive fewer resources, while teachers mete out disproportionately harsh disciplinary treatment for students of color. In politics, we see a lack of proportional representation among elected officials, and recently witnessed the election of a president who routinely disparages people of color. In entertainment, there is a lack of diverse, nuanced, fully human characters of color. Even in religion, deities have been whitewashed. Despite this documented reality, there are those who think that racism in America is a myth, that reverse racism is a threat or that our society is largely colorblind — a convenient way to avoid grappling with the severe discrepancy between societal values like equality and the reality of structural, intergenerational inequality. I argue that there would be no need for racial capital if we were truly in a “post-racial” society — that is, a society where race carried no meaning. Why would Black and biracial Americans feel compelled to change the way they interact, the words they use, if race no longer mattered? Although my study is about biracial Americans engaging in code-switching to bond with Whites and Blacks — and Sorry to Bother You is about a monoracial Black man engaging in code-

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switching to perform well in his job, both tell a similar story. For everyone involved, code-switching serves the same purpose: to create a connection that will generate opportunities. Yet, the fact that codeswitching is blatantly referred to as the “White voice” in the film it underscores the power of Whiteness — and the persistence of White privilege. Even though we are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, we are seeing racial tensions rise. Rampant racial inequality is evidence that White privilege continues to prevail. In the film, Cassius’ manager fervently urges him to “stick to the script.” There is no room for individuality, nuance or variation, which precisely captures the oppression of being compelled to code-switch. Whiteness is the script, and code-switching is merely a strategy to adapt. Race relations will continue to deteriorate unless our society’s script undergoes some serious revisions. Chandra D.L. Waring is an assistant professor of Sociology and Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of WisconsinWhitewater. This story was first published on The Conversation.

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August 23-29, 2018

Bridging The Gap

Tracey Williams-Dillard, Andrea Jenkins, Jacob Frey, John Tompkins, Dave Aeikens Photos by Nikki Love

Community members enjoy dinner on Minneapolis’ East 38th Street Bridge.

Floyd Continued from page 3

body [via the kidney] is very important. You start to do the things you’re supposed to do and things you should’ve been doing anyway. And that’s what helped me in the beginning. MSR: Let’s talk about where things stand now. What happened that’s caused you to open up more about your kidney failure? SF: Well, I was put on dialysis [two years ago]. So that takes up a lot of my time. But I do PD [peritoneal dialysis, a self-administered procedure] because it gives me a little freedom to do things at home. They give you a machine, teach you how to use the machine and hook it up. The solution, which is actually sugar water, you put in your abdomen, the peritoneal, which is the space between abdomen walls and muscles. The water solution dwells in your abdomen and flushes out toxins.

MSR: You do this every day? SF: Yeah, as my kidney function failed more, I had to do more. Now I’m doing it nine hours when I sleep. When I go to bed, I hook up [to the PD machine], and then I go to sleep. And it’s doing its work while I’m sleeping. When I wake up, I just unhook it... I do that every night. I’m glad PD was an option. I wanted a lifestyle; I wanted to keep my life because of the energy and the type of person that I am. I like to keep moving, keep going. And that keeps me at my normal way…along with my blood pressure pills. I take about 12 or 13 different pills each day right now that deals with different things my kidneys can’t deal with. But once I’m done with the regimen, I’m out and about for that day. MSR: Can you talk about the most recent health scare? SF: Well, my potassium was high and I didn’t know what was going on. My legs gave out, just totally gave out, and I broke my foot. I was walking in

Southside community members broke bread together on August 16 to celebrate the reopening of the East 38th Street Bridge in Minneapolis. Themed “Bridging the Gap,” neighbors and businesses came together for the dinner and engaged in conversation and shared visions for the community. Speakers included Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis City Council member Andrea Jenkins who later said she was ”filled with joy” over the big turnout for the event.

the living room one time, and it happened another time while I was in the shower. I was thinking, “This is it. I’m dying. This is what it’s going to be like.” But I said, let me gather myself. That was always important — not to panic. Then the phone rang and I had no way of getting to the phone. I had to crawl from the tub and eventually called my son who called the ambulance. It was scary and kinda funny because while on the floor I thought of every commercial where they say, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” [Laughs]

The thing about being a donor, there’s a mental aspect to it. Mentally, you have to be prepared. They take you through tests to see if you’re able to handle it.

MSR: So you were placed on a donor list four years ago. Do they check your family first for a match? SF: Yeah, my sister and other family members have been tested [and were unable to donate for one reason or another]. A couple people in my family drink [heavily] and that didn’t allow them to be good candidates. My sons are being tested now. My daughter got tested once… and is going to get tested again.

MSR: So if a person wanted to get tested, how would one go about it? What’s the first step? SF: There’s a number to the University of Minnesota donors and you would call them and let them know that you want to be a live donor. And they would ask you specifically who you wanted to donate to and then they would start that process. They’d call you in to take tests, take you through an extensive checkup, an exam, and then they’d just go from there to see how it matches. I always say

MSR: So you’re hoping for a live donor as opposed to a deceased donor? SF: Yes, a live donor would be more beneficial for me right now. There’s a better chance of the kidney lasting longer with a live donor… Long-term use of dialysis wears your body down, and the only way to get off dialysis is to get a donor.

that even if you’re not a match, just going through it and getting that examination of your body is well worth it. Also, people who donate are put on a priority list in case something happens to their kidney; they’re given priority to receive another kidney.

cause you think I may not be here in a while like you can see my death coming. I get up and go… Even under these conditions, I’ve been to Africa twice; I’ve been to the West Indies, Jamaica, you know, I travel with it. I always say I’ve got a million more miles to cover.

MSR: Does the person donating need to have insurance? SF: Nope, my insurance will cover it [the tests and surgery].

MSR: OK, so what would be most helpful? How would you like people to approach you? SF: It’s OK for people to ask how I’m doing because they know the situation. But just treat me regular. We can still laugh and joke and have a typical conversation. I like to say, life is a process. You’ve got to keep moving. Just keep moving.

MSR: So what’s been the most surprising thing about this process? SF: Learning about the body and its functions, what the kidney actually does. Technically, I mean. Seeing that, wow, if this doesn’t work, this will happen. And you think about how many people who walk around and have no clue what’s going on with their body. Also, I have to say, some of the reaction from people, once they know of your kidney failure, has been surprising. It’s all this, “Oh, you’re sick!” I’m like, man, as long as I’m taking care of myself, I feel fine. Don’t treat me differently be-

For more info on kidney failure, read Dr. Crutchfield’s column in this week’s issue and/or go to bit. ly/UofMKidneycare. To learn more about becoming a kidney donor, call the University of Minnesota at 612625-7010. Paige Elliott welcomes reader responses to pelliott@spokesmanrecorder.com.

August 23-29, 2018

Employment

Legals STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN Angel A. Fernandez, Petitioner vs Cindy Maribella Anariba,

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DISTRICT COURT JUDICIAL DISTRICT: FOURTH Court File No. 27-FA-15-546

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR CHANGE OF CUSTODY Spanish Interpreter Needed

WARNING: This is an important document that affects your rights. A court hearing has been scheduled, and the other party is asking for new court orders. If you do not understand this document, contact a lawyer for help. You must prepare a written response if you disagree with the other party’s requests and you want the Judge to consider your facts and information. You cannot simply attend the court hearing and tell the Judge your side of the situation. 1. A court hearing has been scheduled. Date: November 14, 2018 Time: 11:00 a.m. Room: 637 Judge/Referee: Thomas Fraser Address: the Family Justice Center located at 110 S. 4th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2. The other party asked for this court hearing. This Notice of Motion and Motion and the Affidavit in Support of Motion were prepared by the other party. They explain what the other party is asking for and how the requests satisfy the law. Dated: July 26, 2018 MN Spokesman-Recorder, August 16,23 & 30, 2018

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT LIEN FORECLOSURE SALE YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT, 1. Default has occurred in the conditions of the Declaration of Condominium Number 294, Manor Homes of Edina Condominium, Hennepin County, Minnesota, by Virginia L. Martin and/or Vulcan Recoveries, LLC as fee owners of the below-described property subject to said Declarations. 2. Pursuant to the Declaration of Condominium Number 294, Manor Homes of Edina Condominium, filed in the Office of the Hennepin County Registrar of Titles as Document No. T1462210 and the Notice of Assessment Lien dated May 4, 2018, recorded in Hennepin County on May 8, 2018 as Document No. T05531009 and the Assignment of Assessment Lien dated June 29, 2018, recorded on July 19, 2018 as Document No. T05545805 a lien exists for unpaid assessments and fees incurred as of May 4, 2018 in the amount of $4,011.55. 3. No action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by the statutory lien or any part thereof, or if an action has been instituted it has been dismissed or discharged prior to the commencement of these proceedings. 4. The holder of the lien has complied with all conditions to foreclose the lien for this debt secured by the assessment lien and foreclosure of said lien, and all notice and other requirements of applicable statutes. 5. As of the date of this notice the amount due is $4,491.54. 6. As of the date of this notice, the names of all parties that have been released from liability for the assessment lien are as follows: NONE. 7. Pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration of Condominium Number 294, Manor Homes of Edina Condominium, filed in the Office of the Hennepin County Registrar of Titles as Document No. 1462210 and the Notice of Assessment Lien dated May 4, 2018, recorded in Hennepin County on May 8, 2018 as Document No. T05531009 and the Assignment of Assessment Lien dated June 29, 2018, recorded on July 19, 2018 as Document No. T05545805, the lien will be foreclosed and the land located at 6983 Langford Court, Unit 33, Edina, Minnesota 55436, in the County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, legally described as follows: Detached Garage No. 33, Condominium No. 294, Manor Homes of Edina Condominium, Hennepin County, Minnesota will be sold by the sheriff of said county at public auction on September 20, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, 350 South Fifth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 in said county and state, to pay the debt then secured by said lien, including any additional assessments and late fees that may become due through the date of sale, along with the costs, attorneys fees and disbursements allowed by law. 8. The time allowed by law for redemption by the mortgagors, or mortgagor’s personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months after the date of said sale. 9. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGORS, THE MORTGAGORS’ PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTE, 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. 10. THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. 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. Dated as of August 2, 2018 BERNICK LIFSON, PA Jack E. Pierce (#250557) Matthew S. Greenstein (#392044) 5500 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 1200 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 Telephone: 763-546-1200 jpierce@bernicklifson.com mgreenstein@bernicklifson.com Attorneys for Palladium Holdings LLC Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, August 9, 16, 23, 30 & September 6 & 13, 2018

Fitz Continued from page 10

NFL players are being hit with huge financial fines in the thousands every game, and the players only make $400-$500 per game in the preseason. All those

years of concussions suffered from days past when the NFL allowed just about anything physical, with helmet slapping and crack back blocks in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, has led to many lawsuits. The owners are in a Catch-22 — protect the players now or make them believe you are trying to protect them so you won’t get

State of Minnesota County of Hennepin

Case Type: Other Civil Fourth District Court

Court File No. 27-FA-18-4136

In Re the Custody of: MKJ, DOB: 5/3/2009 MKJ, DOB: 4/28/2010 Tracy Romaine Lewis, Petitioner and Kristy Florine Owen, Respondent Mother, Michael Lee James, Respondent Father, Diane Lewis (deceased), Respondent Guardian or Other Custodian

SUMMONS FOR THIRD PARTY CUSTODY

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENTS:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Petitioner has filed a lawsuit against you to ask for custody of the following minor children: Michalen Krisstoffer James, BORN 5/3/2009; Mikiala Kae James, BORN 4/28/2010; A COPY OF THE PETITION FOR THIRD PARTY CUSTODY IS SERVED ON YOU WITH THIS SUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS, EVEN IF IT DOES NOT HAVE A COURT FILE NUMBER LISTED. READ THIS SUMMONS AND ATTACHED PETITION CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE. 1.The Petitioner has filed a lawsuit against you asking the Court to give Petitioner custody of the minor children. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition, and you must pay the required filing fee unless it is waived by the Court. Answer forms are available on the Minnesota Judicial Branch webpage at www. mncourts.gov/forms. 3. You must serve your Answer upon the Petitioner within twenty (20) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file an Answer, the Court may decide custody and give Petitioner everything he or she is asking for in the attached Petition. DATE: 6/21/2018 Tracey Romaine Lewis, Petitioner Minnesota Spokesman Recorder August 23, 30, & September 6, 2018

State of Minnesota County of Hennepin With Real Estate In Re the Marriage of: Ellen Debra Crayton, Petitioner and Anthony Van Luton, Respondent

Case Type: Dissolution Without Children District Court Fourth Judicial Court

Court File No. 27-FA-18-740 SUMMONS WITH REAL ESTATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: YOUR SPOUSE (HUSBAND OR WIFE) HAS FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU FOR DISSOLUTION OF YOUR MARRIAGE. A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK REGARDING THE LAWSUIT IS SERVED ON YOU WITH THIS SUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM THE COURT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE. 1. The Petitioner, (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. There should also be a copy of the Petitioner’s Financial Affidavit attached. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and your Financial Affidavit. You must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms and the Financial Affidavit form are available from the court administrator’s office. You must serve your Answer and your Financial Affidavit upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer and your Financial Affidavit, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. 3. This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address 6341 Ithaca Lane N, Maple Grove Minnesota 55311 in Hennepin County, State of Minnesota, with the following legal description: Timber Bay Estate, Lot 4, Block 2, according to the recorded plat thereof. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS: Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements apply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the Court or the proceeding is dismissed: (1) Neither party may dispose of any assets except (A) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (B) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (C) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding. (2) Neither party may harass the other party. (3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation. (4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the Court Administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider of a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota statutes, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the Court in later proceedings. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT.

NOTICE OF PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

MN TCM/MCO Unit Supervisor MN TCM/MCO unit is looking to add a full- time RN to supervise, mentor and lead a dedicated team of telephonic nurse case managers based in the Minneapolis office. Previous leadership experience, knowledge of managed care plans, computer skills and national certifications preferred. Submit letter of interest and resume to Michele_Swearingen @ CorVel Corporation or contact her at 612-436-2407 if you have any questions.

Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist – for Medtronic, Inc. located in Mounds View, MN. Responsible for developing regulatory strategies, preparing U.S. and international submissions and obtaining and maintaining approval for products and therapies to markets worldwide. Requires a Master’s degree in Regulatory Affairs or closely related and two (2) years post-bachelor’s progressive experience in all of the following: Building and Maintaining STEDs per IMDRF guidance; Working with EU MDD medical device, updates to Techfiles and Design Dossiers for US FDA medical device submissions; Reviewing promotional material and labelling for products; Writing and training for regulatory SOP (Standard Operating Procedures); Conducting standard guidance review and gap assessment; Performing change order process and product lifecycle management; Working with international (worldwide) medical device registrations and renewals; Working with 21 CFR 11, 800, 801, 803, 806, 807, 809, 820, ISO 13485 and ISO 14971. Apply at www.medtronic.com/careers, Req.18000FWQ. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply. State of MinneSota – DepartMent of HuMan ServiceS

Social Work Specialist Anoka $22.92 - $33.62/hourly; $47,857 - $70,199/annually Relocation expense reimbursement available! Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) is seeking talented social workers to join our team as a State of Minnesota employee. AMRTC is an inpatient psychiatric hospital serving adults with mental illness in a large, campus-based setting. Located just north of the Twin Cities metro area, this modern facility offers person-centered adult mental health care in a pleasant environment enjoyed by patients and employees alike. These full-time positions work primarily weekdays (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m.), with one evening shift per week and one Saturday on rotation every six to eight weeks. GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers an excellent employee benefits package, including low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable dependent coverage, employer paid life insurance, short and long-term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year. Apply online by TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th at www.mn.gov/careers, search for Job ID# 19248. Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer

Under Minnesota Statutes, Section 518.157, in a contested proceeding involving custody or parenting time of a minor child, the parties must begin participation in a parent education program that meets minimum standards promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court within 30 days after the first filing with the court. In some districts, parenting education may be required in all custody or parenting proceedings. You may contact the District Court Administrator for additional information regarding this requirement and the availability of parent education programs. Date: 08/07/2018

Signed: Ellen Debra Crayton

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, August 9, 16 & 23 2018

sued later. The challenge is for the players to adjust and for the fans to accept less physical football. The regular season is September and it’s fast approaching. This is the pre-season. Somehow the players and owners have to understand and trust each other. Now that, believe me, is easier said than done.

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 www.Larry-Fitzgerald. com.

Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM

• Employment • Rentals • For Sale • Divorce • Assumed Name • Probate To place a classified ad please call:

612-827-4021

GET NOTICED!

10

August 23-29, 2018

Vikings sustain Paying our last respects to Aretha pre-season damage A

T

raining camp continues for the Vikings in Eagan this week. However, for fans it’s over. You cannot go to the daily practices and sit in the stands and watch your heroes for free. After working out against the Jacksonville Jaguars for two days in Eagan and then playing them in a preseason game Saturday, the battered and bruised Vikings have to move forward after Saturday’s 14-10 loss, a game that featured 20 penalties for 200 yards, two fumbles, and at least six Vikings suffering injuries. Offensively, unlike the Denver game, the Vikings did nothing against the Jaguars. So it’s back to business, but now with injuries that could be significant. This important season for the Vikings has already been difficult. The death of Coach Tony Sporano is weighing heavily on the team’s hearts, while the real-

ity of moving forward and preparing for the next test are hurdles. Sporano’s son, Tony Jr., is the assistant offensive line coach for Jacksonville — last week was extremely emotional for all. This week the Seattle Seahawks are here Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The new rules changes in regard to tackling and lowering your helmets while tackling have resulted in confusion among some players. This just in: Football is a physical and violent game; to win you have to impose your will on your opponent. Yet the league is trying to insert rules they think will protect the players. It’s difficult to play with a helmet and that helmet not make contact with your opponent. In fact, it’s impossible. The speed of the game and the physical preparation force players to make splitsecond reactions at full speed. ■ See Fitz on page 9

retha Franklin wasn’t called “The Queen of Soul” for being a one-hit wonder. Franklin died last week of pancreatic cancer at age 76 in her Detroit home. Despite her worldwide fame, she never forgot her Motor City roots, which were grounded at the church of her late father, Charles Rev. C.L. Franklin. She taught hallman herself to play the piano, sang solos at age 10, toured with a gospel caravan at 14, and signed her first recording deal at age 18. “I love to sing everything,” Franklin said in a 1999 Fresh Air interview on NPR. “The church provided a training ground for me as a young artist. I loved going to church and being part of the choir.” Aretha could sing anything, from out there [on the field],” he recalled. “I something as simple as a nursery didn’t know what to say [except], ‘I love rhyme to an opera aria on short no- you.’ It was awkward for me because tice at the Grammy Awards. Her re- this is one of my favorite people, one of gal voice was unmistakable and un- my favorite singers. “My wife absolutely adores her. It matched. “I’m comfortable in my own skin and my six-inch heels,” she once was a cool moment,” Gardenhire remembered. told the Detroit Free Press. The Tigers, in town last week to Sports also were big in Aretha’s life. She sang the national anthem several play the Twins, paid tribute to Aretha times, with each rendition leaving awe- on the day of her death by using 15 of struck all who heard her. At the annu- her songs as subheadings on the game al Thanksgiving Day football game notes for the media. The host Twins in Detroit in 2016, Aretha wore a fur played several of her songs before the coat and a Lions team wool hat as she game. This native Detroiter unfortunateplayed at the piano and belted out the ly never heard Aretha sing in concert. song for almost five minutes.

ANOTHER

VIEW

“I didn’t know what to say except, ‘I love you.’ It was awkward for me because this is one of my favorite people, one of my favorite singers.”

One of the Vikings’ two fumbles in Saturday’s loss Photo by Steve Floyd

“I was lucky enough to walk out to her,” Detroit Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire told me last week – Aretha sang the anthem at the old Metrodome when he was a member of the Minnesota Twins coaching staff. “She was so gracious… I was just happy to be

Sports odds and ends

WNBA playoffs ‘wide open’ By Charles Hallman Senior Staff Writer The 2018 WNBA playoffs began Tuesday. For all intents and purposes, Minnesota’s post-season, which was scheduled for play at Los Angeles Tuesday night, may be over by the time you read this. “The league has flip-flopped,” Washington Coach Mike Thibault told the MSR after Sunday’s MysticsLynx contest. The Lynx (7th) and the Sparks (6th), the 2016 and 2017 championship finalists, must battle it out in a knock-out game rather than in the finals. The winner will play either Washington or Connecticut.

be good has surprised me,” first-year Storm Coach Dan Hughes told me a couple of weeks ago. His players “want to be a very good team, not just [a good one],” he pointed out. How ironic that two former Lynx players from their championship run last year were very instrumental in their new clubs’

“We have experience in this locker room.” “We haven’t been in this situation before,” Lynx guard Seimone Augustus admitted on Sunday. Center Sylvia Fowles added, “We play L.A. throughout the regular season. We know what they bring and they know what we bring, so we just have to make sure we go out to L.A. prepared.” Seattle and Atlanta this season earned the double bye into the semifinals by finishing one and two, respectfully. “Their drive to

successes this season: Renee Montgomery (Atlanta) and Natasha Howard (Seattle). Minnesota certainly could have used both of them this season. Montgomery left as a free agent, and Howard left via trade over the off-season. Neither was effectively replaced – this is among several questions the Lynx must address this off-season as they retool the team’s nucleus. The Lynx (18-16) struggled with consistency throughout this season. Team defense

and the ability to make stops when needed, along with a rare propensity to turn the ball over at crucial times, was more evident than in previous seasons. Their post-All Star weekend record was 3-6, including dropping three straight at home for the first time since a four-game skid in 2010. “This regular season has been a little rough,” Augustus said. “If we go out and play the way we did [in Sunday’s win over Washington] with a lot of pride and a lot of passion, things will work out in our favor,” she surmised. “We have experience in this locker room.” Hughes said that his most underrated player is a key reason for Seattle’s rise to the top this season. “I think she is one of the best, if not the best defensive player in 2018,” the coach said of 7thyear forward Alysha Clark. Clark last week received the July WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for her efforts giving back to

children in the Seattle community, including regular visits to sick children, holding toy drives, and teaching basketball skills to local youth. Hughes on Clark’s on-court efforts: “Her play defensively has been part of the success we’ve enjoyed. She is a player that always drives the toughest assignment — she has spearheaded an improved defensive team.” Thibault stressed that in this year’s playoffs, now in progress, none of the eight clubs can be taken for granted. “The playoffs are so wide open. I think every team in the playoffs can win the championship. I really do,” he said. “That’s due to the high talent level around the league.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder. com.

However, I was there when she sang “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” wearing a grand hat at the 2009 Barack Obama inauguration. Her 1972 Young, Gifted and Black album is among my vast music collection. The album was named the 76th greatest album of all time by VH1

Graphic courtesy of MGN in 2003. And of course, I am among many of my generation who learned how to spell R-E-S-P-E-C-T from her iconic hit. “I heard Mr. [Otis] Redding’s version and just loved it,” Aretha said in the 1999 NPR interview. “I decided that I wanted to record it.” Among my fondest memories is seeing her in the summer of 1978 arrive in a long, black limousine to marry actor Glynn Tubman at her father’s church just blocks from my home, wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Although the surrounding streets were blocked off for the occasion, while walking to work I was able to stand across the street and catch the arriving party, which included the Temptations as groomsmen. Aretha will lay in state at the city’s Wright Museum for two days before her scheduled August 31 homegoing services at the same church where Rosa Parks’ service also was held. “A beautiful lady,” Gardenhire said of her. “She’s the Queen of Soul, but in my opinion, she is just the Queen.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder. com.

Jackson excelling in football, baseball, academics at collegiate level During the 2014-15 school year, “Max Jackson is an outstandJackson completed his senior year ing student-athlete,” Frank at Cretin Derham Hall as a student White said of the two-sport colathlete excelling in football, basketlegiate star during a phone conball and academics. versation. Our discussion inFour years later, entering his cluded the lack of coverage of senior year at Saint John’s Unibaseball at the prep level at the PreP Scene versity (Collegeville), not much hands of mainstream media, but more importantly, my role has changed. Jackson, a 5’10” Dr. mitChell as a prep sports columnist for Palmer mCDonalD 180-pounder, enters this season as an African American communione of the Minnesota Interscholasty newspaper. tic Athletic Conference’s (MIAC) “The media focuses on football and bas- top student athletes. ketball at the pre and collegiate level,” said In football last season, Jackson played White, author of They Played for the Love of safety and totaled 47 tackles (21 solo and the Game: Untold Stories of Black Baseball and 26 assisted), two interceptions for toucha former high school basketball and foot- downs, and one fumble recovery while ball official and baseball umpire. “There helping the Johnnies earn their fourth conare African Americans excelling in base- secutive NCAA Division III playoff birth. ball, too.” He was also named a D3Football.Com All-American, All-MIAC firstteam and Academic All-MIAC. While excelling on the gridiron, Jackson has also established himself as one of the top baseball players in the MIAC. As a junior outfielder last season, he batted .373 with 34 runs batted in (RBIs) and 53 hits along with 13 stolen bases, while being named Academic AllMIAC and All-Region. As a sophomore, Jackson batted .316, earning All-MIAC Defensive first-team and Academic All-MIAC honors. As an incoming freshman in 2015, Jackson came in with a nice resume as a two-sport student athlete. He set a freshman record with 30 RBIs while batting .320. In his senior year at Cretin Derham Hall, he passed for 1,397 yards, 19 touchdowns, and rushed for 231 yards while leading the team to a 6-2 regular season record. Max Jackson Later that spring, he starred for Photo courtesy Saint John’s University Athletics the baseball team, contributing to a 15-5 regular season record. Well, White wasn’t exaggerating as he That is when White mentioned Jackson. The conversation culminated in a willing- talked about Jackson. In fact, after readness to broaden my coverage and White ing the information he sent, I think he held sending me information on a few athletes, back a little. including Jackson for starters. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes As I studied the info, I found more than reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com. what I bargained for. Check this out: