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August 5-11, 2021, Vol. 88 No. 1
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Suni Lee’s gold a victory for all Hmong By MSR News Service
I
t’s an American story, an immigrant story,” is how Bo Thao-Urabe, executive director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, described the Olympic gymnastic success of gold medal winner Sunnisa “Suni” Lee of St. Paul. This is a part of the narrative of people pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps.” The daughter of Hmong immigrants, Lee won the gold medal in Tokyo in the women’s individual all-around event of the gymnastic competition and subsequently captured the hearts of people worldwide. She also won a bronze medal in the uneven bars competition and
has garnered three medals including a silver as part of team USA in the team competition. “For our community, her win is a source of great pride,” said Thao-Urabe who is Hmong. This is what our parents and our ancestors knew we could do. They knew about out potential. “It’s unfortunate that we live in a country that has not given us every opportunity to sucTokyo Olympic Gold medalist and Saint Paul native ceed,’ she said. ‘We Sunnisa “Suni” Lee Photo courtesy of MGN, Olympic graphic courtesy of Pixabay could have had an
Olympian long before now. The way the press has talked about it [Suni’s success] is as if our community has not been here. It seems it takes something like this to almost create value and worth for us.” Lee took the spotlight after Simone Biles sat out due to emotional and physical issues. But before she reached the Olympics, the 18-year-old had to overcome the adversity of losing an aunt and uncle to COVID-19, her father’s partial paralysis, and her own injuries and anxieties. Both her parents expressed the significance of Lee’s Olympic success to the Hmong community. “I can’t find the words to express how happy we are, how important that was to me and my family and to the whole Hmong community throughout the world,” her father, John Lee, said in an Associated Press interview. Her mother expressed the same sen-
timent in a local story on Lee’s success: “It’s amazing that she’s the first Hmong ever,” said Yeev Thoj. “It’s a huge thing for the community and for our families.” Not only has Lee brought attention to her family and the Hmong community through her performance; she has also displayed amazing empathy and grace throughout the Olympic games. She almost skipped the national games because she wanted to be available to her father, who had suffered lower body paralysis after a fall off a ladder while helping a neighbor trim a tree. Her father’s accident occurred just before the national championships, and she told her family at the time she wasn’t going. But her father insisted that she go, telling his daughter that she had worked too hard not to compete. She has called her dad her best friend. He has supported her from the beginning, placing her in gymnastics at age ■ See Lee on page 5
Civil rights pioneer left a mathematical legacy Bob Moses passed on July 25, 2021 By Hasan Kwame Jeffries Contributing writer As an organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the 1960s, Bob Moses traveled to the most dangerous parts of Mississippi to help African Americans end segregation and secure the right to vote. But it would be tutoring students in math 20 years later at his daughter’s racially mixed middle school in Massachusetts that would lead to his life’s work—The Courtesy of MGN Algebra Project. The Algebra Project is a nonprofit dedicated to helping students from historically marginalized terpret mathematics in a variety of contexts. Moses communities develop math literacy, which is an founded it in 1982. After researching Moses’ role in the Civil Rights individual’s ability to formulate, employ and in-
Movement—“Bloody Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt”—and later interviewing him for various projects about SNCC, it became abundantly clear to me that The Algebra Project sprang directly from his civil rights work in Mississippi. That work helped transform Mississippi from a segregationist stronghold into a focal point of the civil rights revolution. In his book “Radical Equations,” Moses recalls that in 1982 he was surprised to discover that his daughter, Maisha, who was entering the eighth grade at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, would not be taught algebra because the school did not offer it. Without knowledge of algebra, she could not qualify for honors math and science classes in high school.
Math endeavors Moses had a background in mathematics. In 1957, before joining the Civil Rights Movement, he earned a master’s degree in philosophy at Harvard University and then taught middle school math for a few years in the Bronx, New York, at Horace Mann School, a prestigious private school just north of where he grew up in Harlem. From 1969 to 1976 he taught algebra in Tanzania before returning stateside to work on a doctorate in the philosophy of math. Moses asked Maisha’s teacher if he could provide his daughter with supplemental math lessons in class since Maisha refused to be tutored at home—she opposed doing what she called “two maths.” The teacher consented, but on the condition that Moses instruct some ■ See Moseson page 5
Inmates released because of COVID face returning to prison By Niara Savage Contributing writer Kendrick Fulton, 48, is one of about 24,000 federal inmates who have been permitted to serve their sentences outside prison walls after being granted release on home confinement amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since his release in September 2020, Fulton has gotten a job with Coca-Cola, earned his Commercial Driver's License, and celebrated his first birthday at home in nearly two decades. “It’s been great…just being home, having the chance to be re-acclimated to society,” he told the MSR. While living with his sister in Round Rock, Texas, Fulton has been working to rebuild his life after spending 17 years in prison on nonviolent drug-related charges. He views his release as a second chance. Now, Fulton and others who’ve begun working or started college outside prison
walls face the possibility of being forced to return in the absence of federal action. In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on President Joe Biden to grant clemency to prisoners who were released on home confinement as thousands of inmates grapple with the reality of their precarious futures. A bipartisan group of criminal justice advocates submitted a letter to Biden on July 19, asking that he use his presidential powers to commute inmates’ sentences. “This is your opportunity to provide second chances to thousands of people who are already safely out of prison, reintegrating back to society, reconnecting with their loved ones, getting jobs and going back to school," said the letter from 20 advocacy groups including the ACLU, Amnesty International and the NAACP. Phillip Holmes of the Twin Cities Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee considered how inmates’ return to federal prisons would impact their families. “Once again families, husbands generally, are being plucked (l-r) Kendrick Fulton and his sister
Ed ‘Fast Eddie’ Manderville’s life celebrated By Raymond Boyd Contributing writer Minnesota lost a golf legend on November 19, 2020— Ed “Fast Eddie” Manderville, who passed November 11, 2020 at 88 years of age. His many friends and admirers celebrated his life on July 28 at Theodore Wirth Chalet. Lorraine, his wife of 62 years, Mayor Jacob Frey, Al Bangoura, Park Board Superintendent Tom Ryan, MGA CEO, and many friends attended the celebration that evening. Mayor Frey proclaimed
July 28 “Ed Manderville Day.” Fast Eddie is a golf legend, especially at Theodore Wirth Golf Course where everyone loves and respects him. He had 11 holes-in-one. He is not only a legend in Minnesota but a legend around the world after CNN wrote a story on him after his two back-to-back holes-in-one on two par-threes: holes seven and eight at Theodore Wirth on August 13, 2014. The national hole-in-one registry states that the chances are 67 million to one that anyone can hit two holes-inone in one round of golf. On hole seven at the par-three
COVID pervasive throughout U.S. prisons A January Justice Department memo issued under the Trump administration prior to Biden’s inauguration clarified that inmates released to home confinement under the CARES Act to curb the spread of the virus would have to return to prison one month after the official state of emergency ends if their sentences extend beyond that period. According to the COVID Prison Project, which tracks data and policy to monitor the virus and its impacts on the prison system, there have been more than 400,000 cases of COVID-19 among incarcerated people, and more than 2,500 have died. A Biden legal team concluded in July that the law was correctly interpreted in the Trump-era memo, which applies to about 4,000 inmates. Although the end of the state ■ See Prison on page 5
City finalizes rent control ballot measures Sam De Leon Contributing writer After six months of grassroots organizing by the Minneapolis United Rent Control (MURC), the Minneapolis City Council voted in favor of a ballot initiative that will create a pathway for a strong rent control policy. During the council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee meeting, 11 of 13 council members voted in favor of two charter amendments establishing a process for passing rent control in Minneapolis on July 21. The proposals will appear on
■ See Manderville on page 5
away… They’re providers. It’s going to create unnecessary hardship on families that have dependent children.”
the ballot for the November 2021 municipal elections. “Minneapolis United for Rent Control [MURC] is fighting for a strong policy that caps rent increases at 3% annually and applies universally to all units, which is actually in line with the key findings of Minneapolis City Council’s own study conducted by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA),” said Chris Gray of MURC. "The first lie big developers are going to use is that 'rent control' sounds like a good idea, but it doesn't work. Calling rent control 'rent stabilization' won't stop them from saying this, and 'rent
control' is easily understood by the renters.” Minnesota law prohibits any law to control rents on private residential property unless the ordinance, charter amendment, or law that controls rents is approved in a general election, according to Minnesota Statute. The first proposal would change Article I of the Minneapolis charter and allow registered voters to write rent stabilization policies and petition to put them on a ballot initiative by November 2022. The second proposal would change Article IV and allow the city council to write rent stabilization policy and submit it ■ See Rent on page 5
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Metropolis
August 5-11, 2021
State kicks off ‘Vax to School’ student vaccination campaign By MSR News services Last week, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota’s ‘Vax to School’ campaign an effort to get students fully vaccinated by the beginning of the school year. Minnesotans 12 years of age and older are authorized to receive the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, which takes five weeks to go from first dose to fully vaccinated. To kick off the campaign, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released a video of educators from across Minnesota calling on students and families to get vaccinated to ensure a safe and worry-free school year. “Our kids deserve to be kids again” said Governor Walz. “Inperson learning is critical to a child’s well-being and academic success. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep our students
healthy, keep our educators and families safe, and prevent the virus from spreading in our communities.” “Our students deserve a worry-free and fun year back in the classroom, and we are doing everything we can to make that a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We know our kids do best when they’re in the classroom learning from their teachers, playing with their friends, and engaging in sports and activities— and getting them vaccinated is the best way to keep them safe while they do so.” Over the next month, the campaign will highlight voices from educators, pediatricians, and parents on the safety, efficacy, and critical need to get students 12 years of age and older vaccinated against this deadly virus. Currently only one-third of Minnesotans 12-15-years-old and less than half of Minnesotans
Gov. Tim Walz
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan
16-17-years-old are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated kids remain vulnerable to life-threatening symptoms and long-term health consequences from virus exposure. “COVID-19 has taken so much from us over the past year and a half, but we have the power to help our children and our schools get back in the classroom with
vaccination,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for those 12 and older. We know this disease can be severe even in younger people. Even if it is mild, we don’t want to see our kids miss any more school or social activities due to a disease that can be prevented.” “Throughout the pandemic,
Twin Cities issues water restrictions By MSR News services So far it’s been one hot summer. Add in the smokey skies due to Canadian wildfires, and you have one smoldering season. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for the majority of the state, including the Twin Cities. The lack of rainfall has only made the situation worse. While Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park implement odd-even water restrictions every year from May 1 to Sept. 30, in light of the ongoing drought this year, both Minneapolis and St. Paul also issued water restrictions this week. Water restrictions will also take place in surrounding cities. Because Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope get their water supply from Minneapolis, those suburbs all fall under the same restrictions. On Monday, July 26, the Bloomington City Council
Courtesy of MGN will be asked to adopt a resolu- sequently, effective Wednesday, tion implementing water restric- July 21, the City of Minneapolis has implemented even-odd wations outlined here. ter sprinkling restrictions until further notice. MINNEAPOLIS The City’s sprinkling restricThe City of Minneapolis is tions are in place to help reduce now included in a drought warn- demand on the Mississippi River ing as defined by the Minnesota during the ongoing drought. Department of Natural Resources Drought Action Plan. Con-
Sprinkling restrictions Sprinkling lawns is NOT allowed from noon to 6 pm on any day. On calendar days that are even numbers (examples: July 26 or Aug. 18), the even side of the street CAN sprinkle lawns outside of the noon to 6 pm time window. Examples: 1238 Oak St. or 2574 Cedar Ave. On calendar days that are odd numbers (examples July 27 or Aug. 19), the odd side of the street CAN sprinkle lawns. Examples: 1247 Maple St. or 2561 18th Ave. Exceptions Bushes and flowers may be watered with a hand-held hose as needed. Vegetable gardens and new sod (first two weeks from placement) may be watered on any day but not during the prohibited afternoon hours of noon to 6 pm. Trees may be watered with a dripping hose, bucket or tree wa-
we have prioritized safe in-person learning because we know that’s what our students need,” said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller. “Vaccines continue to be a critical part of our strategy to ensure our students have the kind of school year they deserve, while keeping everyone in our school communities healthy and safe.” Every Minnesotan 12 years of age and older is eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. All available COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective— in Minnesota 99.9 percent of people who have been fully vaccinated have not gotten COVID-19. Minnesotans 12 and older can get vaccinated wherever the Pfizer vaccine is being administered. Minnesotans can visit Vaccines. gov to filter by vaccine type and find a provider offering the Pfizer vaccine in their area, call their
pediatrician to make an appointment, walk into a local pharmacy, or visit the Community Vaccination Program site at the Mall of America. Now is also the perfect time to ensure children are caught up on other recommended vaccinations they need to stay healthy. Adolescents can get all the shots they need on the same day, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Minnesota parents should talk to their health care provider about what vaccinations their children need. “These vaccines work—we’re preventing severe illness and reducing the spread of the virus with every vaccine we administer,” said Governor Walz. “Our students, educators, and school staff deserve this level of protection as they head back to the classroom this fall.”
tering bag as needed. ST. PAUL
Water conservation tips • Water during the coolest part of the day to avoid evaporation. • Water grass only when it needs it. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week. • Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators. • Take shorter showers using low flow showerheads instead of baths. • Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth. • Load dishes into the dishwasher without rinsing them. • Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded. • Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run. • Use a large pan to clean vegetables rather than letting the water run. • Only wash full loads of laundry.
Starting Tuesday, July 20, 2021, St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) customers are encouraged to engage in watering schedules involving odd/even watering and watering time restrictions. Odd/Even Watering: SPRWS customers with oddnumbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor watering to oddnumbered days of the month. SPRWS customers with evennumbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor water use to evennumbered days of the month. Watering Time Restrictions: SPRWS customers are asked to limit outdoor watering to the cooler times of the day—before noon or after 6 pm—to minimize evaporation.
States reach $26B settlement with major opioid manufacturer, distributors By MSR News Service Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison last week joined a large multistate coalition announcing a historic $26 billion agreement with major opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors— Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen—hat will bring much-needed relief to communities in Minnesota and across the country that have been devastated by the opioid crisis. Minnesota’s share of this agreement could be as much as $337 million over 18 years, with significant payments frontloaded in the first five years. The spending of State of Minnesota funds from the agreement will be overseen by the State’s Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council. The agreement also requires data transparency and significant industry changes that will help prevent this type of crisis from ever happening again. The agreement would resolve investigations and claims against these companies of the nearly 4,000 states and local governments across the country that have filed lawsuits in federal and state courts. “There is no amount of money that can ever make up for the death and destruction these
companies caused in the pure pursuit of profit. No amount of money can bring back the nearly 5,000 lives we lost in Minnesota or fully restore the communities devastated in every part of our state,” said Ellison. “But it is still critically important to hold these companies financially accountable for their role in creating and extending the opioid crisis, and this agreement does that and more. I’m especially pleased it requires them to turn over data that will help us learn what they did to us, and puts in place controls to ensure that they can never do it again. I will continue to fight to make transparency part of any and all future agreements with opioid companies. “We have worked hard for many years to secure this agreement. I await the final terms, but assuming they are acceptable, I encourage every Minnesota community to sign onto this agreement so that we can continue the process of healing and accountability,” said Ellison. States and their local governments will receive maximum payments if each state and its local governments join together in support of the agreement. This settlement comes as a result of investigations by state attorneys general into whether the three distributors fulfilled their legal duty to refuse to ship opioids to pharmacies that sub-
mitted suspicious drug orders and whether Johnson & Johnson misled patients and doctors about the addictive nature of opioid drugs. Funding overview The three distributors collectively will pay up to $21 billion over 18 years. Johnson & Johnson will pay up to $5 billion over nine years with up to $3.7 billion paid during the first three years. The total payments will be determined by the overall degree of participation by both litigating and non-litigating state and local governments. The substantial majority of the money is to be spent on opioid treatment and prevention. Each state’s share of the funding has been determined by agreement among the states using a formula that takes into account the impact of the crisis on the state—the number of overdose deaths, the number of residents with substance use disorder, and the number of opioids prescribed—and the population of the state.
Attorney General Keith Ellison
and state regulators with aggregated data and analytics about where drugs are going and how often, eliminating blind spots in the current systems used by distributors. Injunctive relief overview • Use data-driven systems The 10-year agreement will result in court orders requiring to detect suspicious opioid orCardinal, McKesson, and Am- ders from customer pharmacies. • Terminate customer pharerisourceBergen to: • Establish a centralized macies’ ability to receive shipindependent clearinghouse to ments, and report those comprovide all three distributors panies to state regulators, when
MSR file photo
they show certain signs of diversion. • Prohibit shipping of and report suspicious opioid orders. • Prohibit sales staff from influencing decisions related to identifying suspicious opioid orders. • Require senior corporate officials to engage in regular oversight of anti-diversion efforts. The 10-year agreement will
result in court orders requiring Johnson & Johnson to: • Stop selling opioids. • Not fund or provide grants to third parties for promoting opioids. • Not lobby on activities related to opioids. • Share clinical trial data under the Yale University Open Data Access Project. • Human toll of the opioid crisis In 2020 alone, opioid overdose deaths nationally rose to a record 93,000, a nearly 30 percent increase over the prior year. According to the Minnesota Department of Health Drug Overdose Dashboard, 4,821 Minnesotans died of opioid overdoses from 2000-19. The crisis is far from over today: preliminary reports show 654 opioid-involved deaths in Minnesota in 2020, a 59% increase from 2019. Emergency room visits for opioid-involved overdoses increased from 1,618 in 2016 to 3,990 in 2020. Native Americans in Minnesota are seven times more likely than White people to die of a drug overdose, and African Americans are twice as likely.
Health & Wellness
What everyone needs to know about strokes
Courtesy of istockphoto.com
By Mosi Bennett, MD, PhD Guest contributor
cans. Lack of access to care to identify and treat stroke risk factors or symptoms also contributes to the high burden of stroke in African Americans.
A stroke occurs when part of the brain is injured because it doesn’t get enough blood or oxygen. There are two main types of stroke. An ischemic stroke is a type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel. The other type of stroke is called a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding into the brain itself or the surrounding area from a leaking or ruptured blood vessel.
What are the risk factors for stroke? Many of the conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, obesity, and a family history of heart disease, may also increase the risk of stroke. Stroke risk factors are more common in racial and ethnic minorities. More than 40% of African Americans have high blood What are the symptoms of pressure, which is the numstroke? A stroke can cause mild ber-one risk factor for stroke. symptoms, or it can cause Strokes can also occur in peomajor disability such as the ple who have no risk factors. inability to walk or speak and can even be deadly. How is a stroke identified and Some of the common symp- treated?
therapy and rehabilitation. The long-term outcome of a stroke also depends on the type of stroke. Some people can recover completely, while others may have a long-term loss of function or disability. How do we prevent a stroke? The most effective approach to reduce the risk of stroke is through education and prevention. There are known racial disparities in stroke awareness: Studies have shown that African Americans are less likely to recognize stroke risk factors, stroke symptoms, or the need for urgent treatment. There are things that each of us can do to reduce the risk of stroke. Some of the lifestyle changes include avoiding cigarettes, improving eating habits, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also important to
Courtesy of MGN toms are slurred or garbled speech, confusion, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, droopiness of the face, or problems with vision. It is important to act quickly and see a doctor or nurse if any of these symptoms occur. The faster a stroke is treated, the less likely it is to cause a major or permanent disability. How common are strokes? Stroke is a leading cause of death and a major cause of serious disability for adults. Every year, more than 800,000 Americans— 100,000 of them African Americans—will have a stroke. Strokes can occur at any age, but the risk of stroke increases as you get older. Strokes are almost twice as common in African Americans as in their White counterparts. The disparity in stroke incidence is even more noticeable in younger people. The risk of a second stroke, as well as the impairment after a stroke, is also higher in African Americans. Additionally, younger African Americans are more than three times as likely to die from a stroke as White Ameri-
Stroke symptoms usually occur suddenly, but they can also develop over days. The damage from a stroke depends on the size and location of the affected area in the brain. Early treatment of a stroke can sometimes prevent the devastating consequences. When a stroke is suspected, immediate medical attention is required. A doctor or nurse will order a head CT or brain MRI in order to get images of the affected area of brain. How is a stroke treated? The treatment of a stroke depends on the type of stroke. In the early hours after a stroke occurs, some types of strokes can be treated by a medication or procedure to remove a blockage in the affected blood vessel and restore the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. In the days and months after a stroke, the treatment may also include careful control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as specific medications to minimize the risk of blood clotting. Stroke treatment may also involve a course of physical
get blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and under control. A healthy lifestyle plays a big part in reducing the risk of disability and death from stroke. If stroke symptoms do occur, act quickly and seek medical care. Rapid treatment may mean the difference between a mild stroke, a severe stroke, or even death. Mosi Bennett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified heart failure and transplant cardiologist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to attend medical school and graduate school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and then cardiovascular disease and heart failure fellowships at the Cleveland Clinic.
August 5 - 11, 2021
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Opinion
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.
The struggle for voting rights continues
By Rev. Jesse L Jackson, Sr.
CIA’s Guantanamo Bay prison was itself a crime By Melvin A Goodman Nearly two decades ago, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) began its sadistic program of torture and abuse, and the Department of Defense created a prison at Guantanamo to evade U.S. law. We are still learning about the horrors of the Global War on Terror. On July 16, military prosecutors finally asked to erase information obtained through torture and abuse. Several days later, the Biden administration transferred its first detainee out of Gitmo, repatriating a Moroccan man who had been cleared for release five years ago. These two items provide an opportunity to document the inadequacy and the errors of the mainstream media’s coverage of CIA’s unconscionable crimes. Secretary of State Antony Blinken audaciously claimed that it is difficult to transfer detainees until the United States receives assurances that the “rights of these people will be protected in that country.” In other words, the senior diplomat of the country that tortured and abused hundreds of captives; violated various Geneva Conventions by kidnapping individuals and turning them over to countries such as Syria and Pakistan that conduct torture and abuse; created secret prisons throughout East Europe and Southeast Asia; and used Guantanamo to circumvent U.S. laws is now concerned about the health and safety of these abused individuals. Over the years, false statements from government officials have been treated as facts by the mainstream media. Per-
haps Blinken is unaware that many U.S. captives who were turned over to third countries were actually released by those countries for lack of sufficient evidence of culpability. Blinken should familiarize himself with the Inspector General report on Khalid al-Masri who was a victim of an erroneous rendition. In 2004, the CIA’s Inspector General completed a study of the torture and abuse that was used in the CIA’s secret prisons, but various CIA directors have argued against the findings of the report. Former CIA director General Michael Hayden lied about every aspect of the torture program in his briefings to Congress, including the genesis of the program; the number of detainees; the intelligence allegedly obtained from coercive tactics; and the illegal conduct of the interrogators. He asserted that “fewer than 100” detainees were moved through the CIA’s detention program, but that is an understatement. Moreover, some individuals were moved or rendered from one country to another or to the U.S. military and therefore not counted as part of the CIA program. Hayden also stated publicly that “fewer than a third” of the detainees were subjected to “enhanced interrogation techniques,” the Orwellian term for torture and abuse. Far more detainees were subjected to elements of the program, including sleeplessness, shackling, and constant light and noise. There were numerous examples of detainees who were rendered by mistake who were tortured. Of course, he was probably comfortable lying to members of the intelligence committee who had been
briefed on the program several years earlier and did nothing to stop it. The entire process was criminal, but the mainstream media failed to highlight what were essentially war crimes. The CIA had legal protection with memoranda from the White House and the Department of Justice, but media failed to note that the torture and abuse began before the memoranda were prepared and that the torture techniques exceeded what the DOJ considered legitimate. CIA officers served as accusers, investigators, renderers, interrogators, judges, juries, and jailers. There was no appeals process. Too many innocent people were kept in custody long after there were reasons to do so. We will probably never know how many of these people ended up in Guantanamo. The decline of congressional oversight of the intelligence community and the weakening of the role of the Inspectors General throughout the intelligence community have enabled the CIA to escape accountability for its role in conceptualizing and implementing an unconscionable program of torture and abuse. CIA Director Tenet who approved the torture program left the government with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor that can be given to a civilian. Whenever Tenet was asked about CIA torture, his standard reply was, “We don’t do it and I’m not going to talk about it.” Tenet’s immediate successors, Representative Porter Goss and General Hayden had no interest in accountability. Goss defended the “techniques” as “unique and innovative ways, all of which are legal and none of which are torture.” At its peak, Gitmo held more than 675 men. According to the New York Times, there are currently 39 men in the prison. Only 11 have been charged with crimes. There have never been charges against the other 28 individuals, and a federal parole-like panel has approved transfer for 10 of them, including a 73-year-old Pakistani with heart disease. The only accomplishment of the torture program was the degradation of the United States and the Central Intelligence Agency. Melvin A. Goodman is a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and a professor of government at Johns Hopkins University.
The right-wing majority on the Supreme Court just undercut the Voting Rights Act again. Having gutted the section that required pre-approval of state voting laws to protect the rights of minorities to vote in Shelby v. Holder, Republican-appointed justices now have castrated the backup clause—Section 2— which bans racial discrimination in election practices in Brnovich v. DNC. The result will open the floodgates even further to the wave of partisan laws that Republicans are pushing in states across the country to suppress the votes of African Americans and other People of Color. The right-wing justices continue their assault on the meaning and power of the Voting Rights Act, a triumph of the Civil Rights Movement that Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, noted represents the “best in America.” Every movement for equal justice under the law in this country has been met with a brutal reaction. When reformers tried to limit the spread of slavery into new states coming into the republic, the slave states seceded, launching the Civil War, the deadliest war in American history. After losing the war, when the federal government began reconstruction to free the slaves and guarantee equal political and economic rights to all, the re-
action was brutal, with lynching and terrorism—led by the Ku Klux Klan and others—spreading to suppress the rights of the newly freed slaves. In the end, segregation— America’s version of apartheid—spread through the South, and the hope of the civil rights amendments was crushed. Now, after the Civil Rights Movement, the Voting Rights Act and the election of Barack Obama, the reaction has been fierce. Across the country, Republican legislators have sought to make it harder for African Americans and other People of Color to vote. The long lines that mark inner-city voting sites are a graphic demonstration of the success of those efforts, for many people can’t take the hours off from work to cast a ballot. In each era, the lawless reaction—and blatant violations of the Constitution—have been ratified by disgraceful decisions in the Supreme Court. The court ratified segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson, inventing the doctrine of separate but equal—a concept that existed only in the judge’s imaginations, not in the realities of any of the former slave states. Voter suppression following the Civil Rights Movement was ratified in Shelby v. Holder and now in Brnovich vs. the DNC, that have essentially gutted the Voting Rights Act, the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement. The so-called “conservative” justices on the Supreme Court are rewriting the laws passed
by Congress to serve their own partisan purposes. Now the excuse is to limit voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of such fraud other than in the ravings of partisan politicians. This struggle will continue. Clearly, Republicans across the country have decided that rather than seeking to win the votes of African Americans and other Peoples of Color, they would rather pass measures to suppress their vote—from discriminatory changes in voting practices, to gerrymandering of districts, to (most dangerously) empowering Republican legislatures to overturn the results of an election. Once more people of conscience must stand up and organize to protect the right to vote and to counter those who would suppress it. Once more, right-wing justices have written another shameful chapter of judicial ignominy that must simply be overturned. Once more Congress must act to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to counter the brazen efforts of the court’s right-wing to neuter it. Once more, those standing in the way of equality under the law will find that the movement for justice will not be deterred. Rev. Jesse L Jackson Sr. is a longtime religious and civil rights leader.
Mpls. officials still have not taken police violence seriously By Wayne Nealis Mayor Frey’s and the city council’s plodding, tepid response to police violence since the murder of George Floyd shows a lack of urgency and backbone. A case in point is the recent study the City released on revising the Field Training Officer (FTO) program. Its recommendations are more akin to a public relations announcement than serious reform. Frey said the study indicated that more “quality control” was required. How about some quality control in hiring, disciplining, and firing officers? Any serious quality control process would have ended Derek Chauvin’s career long ago given his record of misconduct and brutality. Instead, the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) made him an FTO. Since May 2020, three more Black men were killed by law enforcement in Minneapolis. None of the killings were justifiable. This includes Winston Smith, killed June 3 by local sheriff deputies working with federal marshals. Even after Smith’s killing, City officials delayed acting, knowing that the next deadly encounter loomed in the months ahead. They did not have to wait long. On July 6, officer Brian Cummings, defying department recommendations, pursued a suspect in a high-speed chase. The careless act ended with him plowing into the car of Leneal Lamont Frazier and killing him. Frazier was not involved in the chase. Laneal is the uncle of Darnella Frazier, who courageously recorded the murder of George Floyd. Cummings must be fired. In late June, a Time magazine exposé criticized the city and local media’s response to the killing
of Terrance Franklin, 22, in 2013. The article details MPD officers’ cover up and lies. Under these circumstances, any other employer would fire an employee. The exposé should send outrage throughout the city. Yet, the five officers involved—Lucas Peterson, Michael Meath, Ricardo Muro, Mark Durand and Andrew Stender—remain in the MPD. The mayor, with the backing of the council, should immediately fire these officers. When the Police Officers Federation challenges the firings, raise the ante by additionally terminating officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze, who killed Jamar Clark, 24, in 2015. It is long past time for City officials to stand up to the Federation. Tell Federation officials that the City aims to clean out the department of those unfit to serve, beginning with all those who have killed unarmed people. Next to go will be those with long track records of using excessive force. The Federation’s lawyers and leadership will likely file unfair labor practices and ask for court injunctions, but the purges should continue with the firings of the officers responsible for killing Dolal Idd, 23, in December 2020 (officers Paul Huynh, Darcy Klund, and Jason Schmitt). Moreover, officer Ryan Keyes and Neal Walsh who shot and killed Travis Jordan, 32, in 2018, should also be fired. If the City can fire the three officers who aided Chauvin in murdering Floyd, why not fire the officers who killed Chiasher Vue, 52, in 2019? Seven officers were at the scene firing a total of 59 bullets at Vue, killing him. They are Sgt. Troy Carlson and officers Donnell Crayton, Kyle Pond, Aaron Womble, Toua Yang, Jason Wolff, and Daniel Ledman. Those who fired their weapons
should be dismissed. Add officer Ryan Kelly to this list. Kelly, along with Jason Schmitt, killed Thurman Blevins, 31, in 2018. Last summer at a protest at the Federation offices in Northeast Minneapolis, several speakers called for the City to break the contract. A contract that protects the jobs of the officers that killed Franklin and Clark is not a contract, it is a de facto protection racket as the speakers called it. So long as the City is held hostage to such an agreement, only milquetoast steps to reinvent public safety and policing are possible. The Federation, under the agreement in effect, acts as the de facto employer as it wins most reinstatement cases. It is not surprising then that City officials refrain from firing unfit officers like Chauvin or Petersen. However, the Federation’s authority will be challenged if a charter amendment in November passes that would remove the MPD as a standalone charter department. If passed, the MPD will be replaced with a new Public Safety Department that will, in turn, inherit these problems. Once constituted, its first order of business should be to require all officers to reapply for their jobs and to establish a community-based vetting process to review each current officer’s record to determine who should be retained and who should be let go. The murder of Floyd caused an uprising across the country and the world that an estimated 25 million people participated in. Yet it is business as usual—City officials appear spineless. It is long past time for the mayor and the council to rise to the historic rebellion of May and June 2020 and fire all those who have stolen someone’s life. Wayne Nealis is a Twin Citiesbased writer and activist.
August 5 - 11, 2021
Lee
Her success is a testament to the tightness of the St. Paul Hmong community, which Continued from page 1 yearly organized fundraisers a balance beam, so her father to support her. When her teammate Simbuilt a balance beam for his daughter to practice on in the one Biles was no longer able family’s backyard, which is to perform, Lee was one of still there. Her mother said she the first to support her. She had a strong grip as early as six stepped up and told the world and U.S. media in a tweet, “We months. Lee said she wanted to win do not owe anyone a Gold for first-generation Americans medal. We are winners in our and the Hmong community. hearts.”
The Twin Cities is home to the largest Hmong population in the U.S. There is talk about the Hmong community being unseen, but here the Hmong have made their mark, especially in St. Paul where Hmong businesses, nonprofits, and cultural centers are an important part of the multi-cultural and multi-racial landscape. The ethnic group, which historically was largely agrarian, has its origins in China.
Moses
courses of study because he believed that Black, Brown, working-class and Continued from page 1 poor children could master algebra— or other advanced classes—even at an of Maisha’s classmates as well, accord- early age. He also knew that these same stuing to his book. Moses agreed. Like the teacher, he dents would be eager to study math if believed that all children, including those from historically marginalized communities, deserved a chance to take advanced math and science classes in high school. At the end of the school year, Maisha and the three students who studied with her passed the citywide algebra exam. They were the first from their school to do so, according to his book. Excited by this success, Maisha’s teacher asked Moses to work his math magic with more students. But it wasn’t instruction revolved around their lived magic. Moses succeeded in teaching algebra experiences. Rote memorization would to the students who were frequently not work; content had to be relatable. Moses agreed to teach the incoming tracked into less rigorous classes and
“Algebra becomes available as an organizing tool now for educational rights and for economic rights.”
Prison Continued from page 1
of emergency is not expected to come this year due to an uptick in COVID cases attributed largely to the spread of the Delta variant, the lives of inmates released under the act are shrouded in uncertainty. Fulton, who is set to be released in 2032, said he hasn’t really begun to consider the prospect of returning to prison after 10 months of living at home. “I guess I’m not even really thinking about it,” he said. “I hadn’t even wrapped my mind around it.” Fulton was sentenced under the 100-to-1 crack versus powder cocaine sentencing guidelines, which were established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Acts of 1986 and 1988 and relate to the amount of crack versus powder cocaine necessary to trigger mandatory minimum prison sentences. Under the sentencing guidelines, possession
Rent Continued from page 1 to voters in 2022 or later. “The charter amendments would open a path for Minneapolis to pass rent control,” said Gray. The proposals received a major push from Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender and Vice-Chair Jeremiah Ellison in January. The full city council voted to forward the proposed ballot measure to the Charter Commission in February. In February of this year, the council heard from more than 100 residents on proposed rent control charter amendments that would take action to stop displacements in Black, Indigenous and immigrant communities. Renters expressed concern about gentrifications, housing costs and getting pushed out of the city. Later that month the council
of five grams of crack cocaine mandates the same minimum sentence as 500 grams of powder cocaine, which resulted in significantly disparate outcomes for African Americans. In 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act reduced the mandatory minimum sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine from 100-to-1 to about 18-to-1. Then in 2018, the First Step Act, which provides retroactive sentence reductions to people imprisoned under the 100-to-1 crack cocaine disparity, was signed into law. A judge has denied Fulton’s request for a sentence reduction. He appealed the decision in February, and the case is pending. After his release, Fulton launched “Life In The Feds,” a website and online community aimed at giving the public an inside look into what serving time via home confinement is like. Fulton’s more than 18,000 followers on Tik Tok have been able to share the special moments that followed his release, including his first walk with his
approved and pushed two rent control proposals to its Charter Commission. However, the majority of the council rejected recommendations made by the city’s Charter Commission citing concerns about the language and legality. Council Members Linea Palmisano and Lisa Goodman voted against the council language and instead pushed for rent stabilization language proposed by the Charter Commission, which rejected the proposal that would allow citizens to write the policy and petition to put it on the ballot. “I’m concerned that we would knowingly submit this to the voters—a charter amendment that’s in conflict with state law,” Palmisano said. “This is different from a city ordinance; this is changing the city's charter.” She also recalled when the City was in court this year for submitting proposals that were in conflict with state law. This was regard-
The legend bought his first set of golf clubs at the age of 26 and was self-taught. Continued from page 1 Manderville was a teacher of golf, a mentor, and an course you will find an hon- MGA senior tour member. orary bench at the hole, and He taught golf at Anwatin by the putting green there is a Middle School, filling classes ball-washer in his honor—he to capacity. He played in the called himself the "CEO of U.S. Senior Open and the Senior Amateur. Martha Arraball-washing.”
Manderville
Photo courtesy of MGN
5
Many lived in the mountains viewed collectively as persona and hills of Laos, and after tak- non grata after the war, finding themselves having to flee genocide attempts. Many spent years in refugee camps as they sought to resettle in this country. “Many of us came here with little more than the clothes on our back and what we could carry in bags,” said Thao-Urabe. “We feel like she ing the side of the U.S. in the did it for us.” Vietnam conflict they were
“It’s a huge thing for the community and for our families.”
possible. Reaching more youth, however, required a dramatic shift in the culture of learning at the school. Expectations regarding when young children from marginalized groups should study algebra had to change, which was no small task considering many children weren’t Key to a better life Moses believed that math proficiency expected to study algebra at all. Just as he once organized sharecropwas a gateway to equality in a post-industrial society. “In our society, algebra pers, he began organizing parents. is the place where we ask students to master a quantitative literacy require- Emphasis on independence In the Civil Rights Movement, Moment. And so hence, algebra becomes available as an organizing tool now for ses routinely deferred to the wishes and educational rights and for economic desires of the people he was organizing, so much so that he left the movement in rights,” he said in 2007. But Moses wasn’t interested in teach- 1965 when he felt people were turning to ing just a few students, much as he him too often for solutions to their probwasn’t interested in registering just a few lems. This was the approach of his menBlack Mississippians. He wanted to in- tor, veteran activist and SNCC adviser struct as many young people as possible, Ella Baker, who led by asking questions in the same way he wanted to organize rather than by providing answers. Only two years after Moses’ daughas many Black people in Mississippi as
ter passed the citywide exam, the King school offered algebra to students in the seventh and eighth grades, and even provided Saturday classes for parents. Today, The Algebra Project is fighting to ensure students receive the quality math education they deserve by supporting learning cohorts in dozens of schools across the country where students have historically performed poorly in math on eighth-grade state tests. The impact of the project at Mansfield Senior High School in Mansfield, Ohio is illustrative. In the eighth grade, the math proficiency of The Algebra Project cohort was 17%. By the 10th grade, that number had risen to 82%. Ella Baker was fond of saying, “Give light and people will find the way.” Few did that better than Bob Moses.
ternative to the current overcrowded prison system, especially for nonviolent offenders. The U.S. is the world leader in incarceration and spends $80 billion a year to keep over two million people locked up. In 2018, Americans paid nearly $38,000 to keep the average federal prisoner behind bars, but as Fulton pointed out, serving a sentence via home confinement is far more cost effective. “They’re saving $40,000 a year in taxpayer money,” Fulton said. “I’m out here working, I’m out here paying taxes.” Holmes also acknowledged the economic upsides to a reformed criminal justice system. “They’re being productive, they’re paying taxes. They’re adding to the tax pool, they’re actually contributing to society. When they go inside now they’re on the dole of the taxpayer so to speak,” he said. “There has to be some compassion in some of this stuff to make it flow better and work better. We just don’t have that right now.”Biden has prom-
ised to refashion the criminal justice system by expanding restorative justice programs and cutting incarceration rates by “more than” half, he told a voter in 2019. White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates reiterated the administration’s commitment to prison reform amid calls for Biden to grant clemency to those released as the number of people in federal prison continues to grow under his presidency. "President Biden is committed to reducing incarceration and helping people reenter society. As he has said, too many Americans are incarcerated, and too many are Black and Brown,” Bates said. “His administration is focused on reforming our justice system in order to strengthen families, boost our economy, and give people a chance at a better future.”
eighth graders, even though none of his children were in the class. “I was beginning to think I had found my work,” he wrote in “Radical Equations.” His work was teaching math literacy in the emerging digital age.
mom in 17 years. “I’m hoping that people could see maybe this could be the new criminal justice reform,” he said. “This beats being behind the fence. I can’t go and come like I want, but I’m not subject to communal bathrooms, communal showers… This is a peek into [the lives of] people who return home from federal prison.” No recidivism and no expense Of the 24,000 prisoners released under the CARES Act, only three have committed new crimes, according to the Bureau of Prisons. About 150 people were returned to prison for violating conditions of their release, including leaving home without authorization. “If a person has not committed a new crime, what is wrong with letting him continue out his sentence and enjoy his family and be a productive member of society?” Holmes questioned. For decades, home confinement has been floated as a viable al-
ing a proposal requiring police officers to carry insurance. Council Member Jeremiah Ellison said he doesn’t support Palmisano’s push for the charter commission's substitution. “I think the charter commission proposal provides an undue burden to a pathway for rent stabilization. It diminishes both the council's ability to draft a policy and the public’s ability to have an opinion,” said Ellison. “We have thought this through,” said Bender. “We have met with the city attorneys many times over many years, and I think that we have before us—in the version that passed in February—a robust approach to getting a policy in front of voters, getting ourselves options to deal with the legal ambiguity and state law around rent stabilization.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey indicated he will veto the charter amendment that establishes a pathway to passing rent dondo, co-founder of BWOC (Black Women on Golf Courses), said he played a big part in teaching the women and many others how to play the game of golf. He was a Minneapolis building inspector for 20 years and served as executive director for the Neighborhood Service in North Minne-
control through a ballot initiative, according to MURC. Even so, the city council has the power to override his veto at their meeting on Friday, August 6, with only 9 of the 11 “yes” votes. According to the Minneapolis City Council, more than 180 local governments across the country have created similar policies, including statewide regulations in Oregon and California. Currently, only four states and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., have some form of rent control in place: California, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey, according to Apartment Guide. Rent control is a broad term for legislation that puts limits on a landlord’s ability to increase rent. Rent control laws allow cities to regulate the housing market and are most common in cities where housing is scarce or overly expensive. apolis. Manderville supported the Fairway Foundation, which helps teach young Black youth the game of golf. “The golfing world lost a legend. And I lost my best friend, he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He was a man with a heart of gold and a love for life, that smiled all the time.
This article first appeared online in The Conversation and is reprinted here with permission.
Niara Savage welcomes reader responses to nsavage@spokesman-recorder.com.
“Any working-class person who has rent control in a city like New York or San Francisco will tell you it's probably the reason they can continue to stay in these cities,” said Gray. “However, it is true that these places have rent control and the prices are still going up, but that's because big developers and real estate lobbyists have undermined rent control with concessions and carve outs over the years,” Rent stabilization, which is what the city council has proposed, promotes stable, predictable rent prices. Rather than capping a renter at a set price, under stabilization rent increases are based on a set percentage adjusted by where the tenant lives, market rates, and health of the economy, according to Apartment Therapy. However, rent stabilization also means that property owners may not make as much profit.
The city council’s proposed amendments are centered on rent stabilization, which is more common in the U.S. and advances housing security. Gray and other advocates prefer the second charter amendment because it would give Minneapolis residents a clear path to put forward their own rent control policy. “This means MURC could put our policy—an annual cap at 3% on rental increases with no exemptions—on the ballot in November 2022 to be decided by voters,” said Gray. “This path gives the movement more power to fight for the renter-led proposal, rather than leave the process to City Hall and the influence of the landlord lobby.” Sam De Leon welcomes reader responses to sdeleon@spokesman-recorder.com.
He will always be my suRaymond Boyd welcomes per-hero and I will live my reader responses to rboyd@ life as he did with a smile on spokesman-recorder.com. my face and love in my heart for all people,” said Steven Lasley. For more info, email Eric Goodlow at info@fairwayfoundation.org.
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August 5-11, 2021
Business
Local designer aspires to inspire community
endary artists ranging from Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Prince. The Prince t-shirts are the most popular item. She also offers an
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Local social entrepreneur Ashley Lauren is the owner/designer of Diva Rags & Suavé Clothing and founder of the Diva/Suavé Project. Both entities are headquartered in Minneapolis. Diva Rags was established in 1999. Lauren creates one-of-akind accessories, couture apparel, and signature “Avid Evaus” aromatherapy oils. A variety of fresh incense is also available. Lauren grew up in South Minneapolis. She graduated from Interdistrict Downtown School (F.A.I.R. School), and Metropolitan State University where she received the Outstanding Student Award. Her academic achievements grasped the attention of local news outlets and helped propel growth in business. While Lauren attended Metropolitan State University, she received numerous accolades: Reatha Clark King Award, City of Minneapolis Nellie Stone
Johnson Award, Art for Change, Stephanie Ball Bailey Youth Leadership Award (City of Minneapolis), and Woman of Peace Award (Peacepower Foundation in Florida). Lauren was also featured in the Women’s Press. She said, “I’m a lifelong learner and I love utilizing fashion as a way to Diva Rags merch table at Walker Art Center Photos courtesy of Ashley Lauren uplift the masses.” The popular Diva Rags business came into fruition while Lauren was attending high school. At the time, she began selling customized headscarves to classmates. They requested custom designs to be placed upon the scarves, and eventually on shoes and apparel. Lauren is known for adding positive affirmations and messages upon scarves and apparel in an effort to inspire individuals through fashion. Furthermore, upon graduating from high school, Lauren pursued a college education as she continued to operate Diva Rags. She opened her first storefront in 2006 at the Midtown Global Market (MGM). Lauren said, “The process of opening a business requires discipline, focus, and passion—it’s important to never lose sight of your mission and the reason why you started.” During 2006, the business expanded, and Lauren established her very own clothing line that showcased the Diva and Suavé Diva Rags owner Ashley Lauren with rapper/actor Common logos. Shortly thereafter, she acat the George Floyd one-year anniversary celebration. quired licensed apparel of leg-
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battle hair loss due to chemotherapy or alopecia areata. Lauren has also donated her signature aromatherapy oils and scarves to numerous individuals. There are a variety of exquisite products to choose from. Lauren creates couture pashminas and a plethora of exquisite and high-quality scarves. Customers can order online or shop at local stores throughout the Twin Cities: Ethique Noveau, Floral Art By Tim, Know Name Records, Walker Methodist in South Minneapolis, and the MN History Center. Operating and owning a business requires “passion, faith, and perseverance,” said Lauren. Hard work pays off, too. Lauren was acknowledged as CBS Local’s MN Fashionista. She was awarded the UPS Small Biz Salute and featured in various news outlets, ranging from KSTP News, CNN (Tuloko), Art Cunningham Show and awarded Zion Rootswear’s Grand Prize Winner for marketing and distributing Bob Marley Merchandise. Overall, Lauren has a passion for fashion, helping cancer patients, making change in the community, and inspiring youth to live their dreams. She gave advice for the upcoming entrepreneurs: “Always be humble and never forget where you came from; humility is everything. Also, don’t pay attention to negativity, it only serves as a distraction. Stay focused despite trials, tribulations, and resistance. Dreams really do come true.”
exemplary customizing service for apparel and accessories. In 2006-2007, Lauren created the Diva/Suavé Project that serves as a local charity. She developed the program to pay homage to her late grandfather Danny Davis and his civil rights plight. Lauren wanted to figure out a way to manifest positive change within her community because she values social responsibility. To elaborate, the Diva/Suavé charity is geared toward educating youth about entrepreneurship, life, and career readiness skills. “It’s important to honor by making change and keep the torch lit for those who’ve ignited the flame before us,” said Lauren. Right now, Diva Rags can be purchased online and at various local stores throughout the Twin Cities. “The key to success is never giving up despite the hardships one may face—it’s important to cherish those who support you and put God first,” said Lauren Lauren further expressed, “I For more information, visit love designing and enhanc- www.divarags.com or call 612ing the quality of life for others 701-7436. Customers can order through fashion.” She offers online via diva-rags.square.site. complimentary scarf tying demonstrations to customers who
August 5 - 11, 2021
Arts & Culture
7
‘Ailey’ offers exciting glimpse into dance legend’s journey By Dwight Brown Gifted artists create a spirit so strong it lives on long after they’re gone. That’s the case with legendary choreographer/dancer Alvin Ailey. It’s like he never left. Never passed on. Documentary Director Jamila Wignot records the history, evolution, and continuation of Ailey’s work during the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 60th anniversary year. Choreographer Rennie Harris, founder of Rennie Harris Puremovement, a hip hop dance theater company based in Philadelphia, is creating a dance piece (“Lazarus”), dedicated to Ailey’s style. As he choreographs, he puts his mission into context: “A dancer is a physical historian. Valued community information is stored in a dancer’s body.” As Ailey’s legacy is brought forward, former members of AAADT and other admirers reflect and pay tribute to their mentor. Judith Jamison (Ailey dancer, 1965-1979; artistic director 19892011): “Alvin breathed in. We are his breath out. That’s what we’re living on;” and Bill T. Jones (Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and guest AAADT choreographer): “Choreography was his catharsis.” Their reverence, along with that of dancer George Faison, stage manager Bill Hammond
Alvin Ailey and others, attests to Ailey’s ethos and artistry, which left a spiritual impression on his disciples and the performing arts community. Director Jamila Wignot, with photos, footage, performances and vintage interviews with Ailey, paints a genius’s portrait that was brushed with achievements and adversity. Her archive is aided by Daniel Bernard Roumain’s musical score and Naiti Gámez’s perfectly lit cinematography. The keen abilities of editor Annukka Lilja help the director and archival producer Rebecca Kent assemble all the anecdotes, details, clips and other vestiges of Ailey’s
Photos courtesy of NEON/.
bio into a coherent and respectful life-journey album. The tragedies of the artist’s truncated existence (died at age 58) are on view, too: bouts with mental illness, and the slow, deadly progression of AIDS, a scourge that challenges his life until its last chapter when he would sit on a couch in his studio to continue his craft. Not the ending one would suspect for a dancer born in Texas who came to New York City in 1954 to live out his dreams: “I had beautiful things inside me I wanted to get out,” he once said. Some of those beautiful things became
classic dance pieces, such as his iconic “Revelations,” his quintessential blend of African American heritage, music and the Black experience. An 82-minute non-fiction film is not enough time for any documentarian to recount and depict all the aspects of Ailey’s life. It touches on him being a pioneer in the arts at a time when Black dance companies were few and far between. The nuts and bolts of him building AAADT aren’t as in-depth as historians may like. The inside scoop on a man arrested for stalking at Columbia University is not detailed, which may disappoint leering gossips. Respect seems to be the key here. Other details can be found on a Google search or should be included in a bio-feature film or
miniseries if some smart producer decides to tell the whole story. There are those in life who were meant to break through and set standards. Ailey is one of them. His accomplishments and legacies are verified by this reverent and galvanizing film. A doc that celebrates dance that’s a reflection of Black life as created by a gifted pioneer. “Ailey” saw a limited release on July 23 and is slated for a nationwide release on August 6. Locally, it is slated to run at Lagoon Cinema in Uptown. For more movie info, visit neonrated.com/films/ailey. Dwight Brown is an NNPA News wire film critic. Find more of his work at DwightBrownInk.com
TikTok is the latest battleground for dances being pilfered for profit established in 1787 and 1790 dated to specifically include and based on statutes from choreographic works. But this By Jill Vasbinder Britain, didn’t grant rights to hasn’t exactly led to a windfall In January 2020, 14-year-old artists and dancers. Only writ- of royalties for choreographers. Jalaiah Harmon created what ers were protected. In fact, the very concept of A delicate dance with would become one of the biggest viral dance sensations on owning choreography didn’t copyright Congress has established exist until the 20th century TikTok. But few users knew that when dancers started to lay four guidelines to determine whether a work can be granted Harmon, who is Black, in- claim to their work in court. In 1909, an Indian dancer copyright protection: originalvented the dance, which she dubbed the Renegade—at least named Mohammed Ismail ity, fixation, idea versus expresnot until a month later, when tried to sue White dancer Ruth sion and functionality. In choreography, it’s the The New York Times drew St. Denis, claiming he was the attention to her case. That’s originator of one of St. Denis’ fixed “expression” that’s bebecause a TikTok user had copied the dance, and it was that TikToker’s rendition that went viral. Because Harmon didn’t get credit, she wasn’t able to reap the benefits of more views and followers, which, in turn, could have led to collaborations and sponsorships. Harmon is only the latest in a long list of women and People of Color whose choreography and dance work have been pilfered for profit—a story that dates back to the origins of jazz Laying claim to a dance isn’t as straightforward as doing the dance in the 19th and early same for a poem. 20th centuries. Tara Moore via Getty Images But these days, TikTok is the battleground, and it isn’t just Harmon who’s had her work “Oriental” dances. In 1926, Af- ing protected, not the “idea” lifted. In June 2021, several rican American blues singer behind it. This is why New popular Black creators were so Alberta Hunter claimed she York City Ballet can copyright fed up with having their danc- held the copyright to the popu- their choreographed version es stolen or not credited that lar dance the Black Bottom, an of “The Nutcracker,” but other they decided to join forces and African American social dance. artists can create their own Hunter performed the Black versions or expressions of the go on strike, refusing to post new dance content to bring at- Bottom in front a White audi- story as plays, storybooks or ence in 1925. A year later, the choreographed dance. tention to the issue. Artists and scholars still dedance appeared in George White’s revue “Scandals,” bate what, exactly, it is that a Choreographers fight for which ignited the Black Bot- dancer or choreographer is tryroyalties ing to claim as their own. Is it Laying claim to a dance tom dance craze. However, little came of the dance as a work of art, the isn’t as straightforward as, say, a poet saying they have exclu- Ismail and Hunter’s efforts. choreography or the specific sive rights to a poem they’ve More attempts would follow. performance? So, while creators can apIn 1963, performer Faith Dane written. Designed to protect “intan- sued M&H Company for roy- ply to register the recorded gible cultural goods,” copy- alties for her choreography in expression of their idea with right, according to the U.S. “Gypsy” and lost. In the 1950s the government, many choreCopyright Office, gives “Au- and 1960s, choreographer Ag- ographers—perhaps due to so thors and Inventors the exclu- nes de Mille advocated for many gray areas in what is elisive right to their respective copyrights specific to chore- gible for copyright—still don’t ography because she got very realize that they they have Writings and Discoveries.” Established in the hopes of limited royalties for her work something of value that can or rewarding innovation and pro- on the hit musical “Oklahoma!” should be protected. George Balanchine, the It wasn’t until 1976 that moting progress, the first U.S. copyright laws, which were copyright protection was up- founding artistic director of
New York City Ballet, had a heart attack in 1978. But he didn’t draw up a will until he was told the dozens of dances he created would generate licensing income that would go to next of kin unless he directed otherwise. When pop culture pulls from avant-garde Avant-garde artist Anna Teresa De Keersmaeker’s brief spat with Beyoncé illustrates the tricky nature of determining what constitutes copyright infringement or plagiarism. In 2011, De Keersmaeker claimed that Beyoncé, in her music video “Countdown,” had plagiarized De Keersmaeker’s dances from two different works—“Rosas danst Rosas” and “Achterland”— without giving her credit. Both artists made public statements acknowledging what happened. It seems that though a substantial amount of De Keermaeker’s movement was transposed into “Countdown,” it was also transformed—from a White, elite avant-garde setting to a Black pop culture setting. A case could be made for fair use, the doctrine that permits the unlicensed use of copyrightprotected works in certain circumstances. Nonetheless, this episode illustrates the gray areas of what is protected by copyright. Does performing someone else’s dance movements in a new setting—for an audience who may not have any connection or knowledge of its origins— make it OK? Does this make it a new work? Copyright protection was devised primarily to promote progress. The thinking went that if authors and artist were given control of their work they would create more original work, earn a living from it and continue creating. But the incentive for progress can also exist outside of copyright protection. This is what dancer-turned-lawyer Jessica Goudreault argued in
a 2018 article for the Cardozo Law Review. She writes that for some dance styles “the field might never evolve without the opportunity to copy,” which “sustains and encourages innovation.” I would argue that this applies to the dances on TikTok. Without the ability for users to freely imitate the dances, those moves wouldn’t go viral. The creators of the dances would not get their moment in the sun—however brief it is in social media—and other creators might be less inspired to innovate if they didn’t have the examples of those who came before them.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
Can copyright protection even work for TikTok? If Tik-Tokers and choreographers are looking to license a new dance, should they rely solely on the copyright system and all its restrictions? Or is there another way to get credit and promote innovation in dance? When dance videos are posted to the web, they are, by default, protected under copyright. In theory, this should prevent dancers from having their work used by others without permission. In reality, it is often diffi-
cult to know who made it first and what constitutes fair use. When does doing some dance steps turn them into a new dance piece? Furthermore, discovering the original author or authors of a dance isn’t easy. That’s because unlike posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, TikTok posts aren’t time-stamped. Posts appear in a user’s feed in order of popularity, not chronologically. Identifying who posted the content first is tricky. I would suggest that common law copyright is not the right solution—and that the principles of Open Source might better serve creators. Open Source, a social movement by computer programmers, is underpinned by licensing criteria that ensures integrity of authorship, among other principles. Open-source licensing could resolve the issue of the correct people receiving credit for their works. This could take the form of an Open-source license— which has yet to be clearly laid out for dance works—or a Creative Commons license with a “CC-BY” designation that requires attribution, but leaves space for copying, adjusting, remixing and innovation. For this to happen, TikTok would need to add a time and date stamp, in addition to a license preference feature. Perhaps honoring legacies and influences by naming where something came from can begin to heal the damage that’s taken place over the years to People of Color and other choreographers who’ve had their work cribbed with nary an acknowledgment or thanks. Jill Vasbinder, senior lecturer in dance, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This story was republished with permission from The Conversation.
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August 5-11, 2021
BULLETIN Need a summer cool down? Try Open Skate
Photo by Kelli McClintock/ Unsplash
Open Skate is back at Highland Arena and TCO Sports Garden! Take a break from the summer heat and cool down with some on-ice fun. Admission is free—simply bring a pair of your own ice skates or you can also rent skates from us for $10. Open Skate events are on Sundays from Aug. 1 to Sept. 12.View the full summer schedule and times at ramseycounty.us/OpenSkate
Share your thoughts: park rules Ramsey County park ordinance aims to promote the safety, health, enjoyment and welfare of everyone in their use of the park, and also serves to protect park property and resources. Last amended in 2007, the county is rewriting the park ordinance to make it more equitable, fair and modern. Ramsey County is looking for your feedback on three key areas: 1. Park hours. 2. Tobacco use in parks. 3. Alternatives to the current fines and penalties for ordinance violations. There will also be an opportunity to review and comment on a revised draft of the ordinance. Share your thoughts through an online survey at bit.ly/RamseyOrdinanceSurvey, or plan to join us at an upcoming virtual community
Photo credit Ramsey Country conversation on Thursday, Aug. 11 or Tuesday, Aug. 17. Learn more about the project and future engagement opportunities at ramseycounty.us/ParkOrdinanceProject
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Bethesda Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor
At the Old Landmark
Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor
451 West Central
St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444
Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:
Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"
1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am
Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm
2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM
Youth development nonprofit to lead golf day at City of Lakes Summer Games Free day of golf and service for youth in Twin Cities metro First Tee Minnesota, a nonprofit program integrating life skills curriculum with golf instruction, is partnering with the Seeds to Harvest coalition’s City of Lakes Summer Games to host Golf Day on Saturday, August 7, between 9 am and 4 pm, at North Commons Park in Minneapolis. Golf saw an explosion in popularity in 2020 as more people sought outdoor activities during the pandemic, and local organization First Tee Minnesota is now introducing golf to kids and teens who might not otherwise have exposure to the game and the life lessons it teaches. The event is part of the City of Lakes Community Summer Games, which is being held July 18- August 7, 2021. Hundreds of third-through eighth graders from across the metro area will get the chance to participate in traditional and non-traditional sporting events led by experienced coaches each week in North Minneapolis. The games will bring communities together after this challenging time, promoting peace,
Courtesy of City of Lakes Community Summer Games that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges by integrating golf with life skills. First Tee provides active learning experiences that develop inner strength, self-confidence and resilience WHEN AND that kids can carry into WHERE: Golf Day at everything they set out the City of Lakes Com- to accomplish. munity Summer Games HOW FAMILIES will take place August 7 with an open house for- CAN REGISTER: Free mat. Families can stop registration for Golf by anytime between 9 Day (and other events) am and 4 pm at North can be found on EventCommons Park, 1801 brite. Go to bit.ly/ James Avenue North, in CityofLakesGolf Minneapolis.
progress, service, and sportsmanship at North Commons Park, North Community YMCA, and other local facilities. This event is possible thanks to the support of the Toro Company.
WHY: First Tee enables youth to build strength of character
August 5 - 11, 2021
9
O’nika’s Angels continues to do good in the neighborhood
A
O’nika’s Angels’ free, inaugural BBQ, including Charles mid all that we have seen in the past few McMillian, one of the last months with CO- people to speak to George VID-19 and the high rates of Floyd alive, and a key witness crime afflicting the City of in the Derek Chauvin murder Minneapolis, O’nika’s Angels trial. McMillian stopped by continues to shine a light in for a plate before heading back to work. the community. “Thank all of you that On Saturday, July 31, over 300 people came out to stopped by to volunteer, BBQ
or to say hello or donate,” said Onika Nicole Craven, founder of the nonprofit. “And a special thank you to Mr. Steve Johnson of Cub Foods for letting us use his property. It was a very successful day!”
(l-r) Onika Nicole Craven, Charles M cMillian
ce and Tony ermit Walla K ) -r (l rs te Pit mas
and Rachel Aug
Jackson, Sr.
Over 300 peo ple were fe d.
Wallace Logan, Jocelyn Pastor Dupree
r crew s (center) and he ba Cobb Edward lim Ka ain pt Ca Fighter Minneapolis Fire Photos courtesy of Onika Nicole Craven
10
August 5-11, 2021
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Sr. Principal Data Software Engineer Medtronic, Inc., Mounds View, MN. Reqs. Bachelor’s in Comp. Engr. or Software Engr. +5 yrs. prog. post-bac. exp. w/data software engr. Exp. must incl. 5 yrs. exp. in each of the following: SQL relational dbases, SQLServer, Oracle, Apache Hive & NoSQL dbases; building & optimizing ‘big data’ data pipelines, architectures & data sets; Metadata mgmt. principles & methods; big data tools to incl. Hadoop, Hive, HBase, Spark & Kafka; log mgmt.. tools to incl. Elastic, Kibana, Logstash, Beats & Fluent; data pipeline & workflow mgmt.. tools to incl. Azkaban, Luigi, Airflow, Apache NiFi; AWS cloud services; Object-oriented & object function & scripting languages to incl. Python, Java, C++, C#, Scala & Bash; & Windows & Linux operating systems. To apply, visit https://jobs. medtronic.com/, select Req. #21000JCW. No agencies or phone calls please. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
Administrative Assistant
Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). Three years of adminstrative experience required. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Requires basic computer expertise, including use of database, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications; general office knowledge involving filing, data entry, operating multi-line phone system and customer service. Sound organizational, written and oral communication skills. Ideal candidate will have a positive, team-player attitude and is highly motivated. Candidate must be willing to adapt to a fast-paced work environment that is deadline driven. He or she must be attentive to details and adept at prioritizing assignments. This part-time position requires: • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access • Well-organized, efficient, high-energy, able to juggle multiple tasks • Great interpersonal and communication skills • Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities • Excellent writing, typing and proofreading skill • Two years adminstative assistant experience required
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MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577
Tracey Williams-DillarD
cecil e. NeWmaN
State of MinneSota – DepartMent of HuMan ServiceS
Children and Family Services Director of Equity and Inclusion 63,8729 - $105,402 annually As the Children and Family Services Director of Equity and Inclusion you will provide leadership and direction to division directors and staff in the Children and Family Services (CFS) Administration to strategically plan for and obtain legislative, stakeholder, and organizational support for changes in multiple public programs overseen by CFS to promote access and more equitable outcomes for Minnesotans who receive publicly-funded services. Why Work For Us GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, 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.
To view the complete position description and to apply, please visit www.mn.gov/careers, JOB ID# 46746. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the job information line at 651.259.3637. If you have questions about the position, contact Shaneen Moore at shaneen.moore@state.mn.us
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l auNa Q. NeWmaN CEO/Publisher 1976-2000
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Contributing Writers
Sports Writers
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Abeni Hill Dwight Hobbes
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Administrative Assistant Open Account Representatives Cecilia Viel
Onika Nicole Craven Steve Floyd Chris Juhn Travis Lee
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Employment & Legals Notice of Abandonment Notice is hereby given that the following watercraft has been abandoned for 60+ DAYS on the property of 2538 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, (612-889-9004). Deltavan Cruiser, 25’, 1980, white/tan, MN8710GC. Application for Registration/ Title will be made in accordance with Section 345.75 of the Code of MN statutes if watercraft is not claimed & removed within 30 days of 1st publication of this notice. Please contact the MN DNR with questions. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder July 29 and August 5 & 12, 2021
A/1 Contract No. 22-051
INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids will be received by the Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul for REPLACEMENT OF TRASH ENCLOSURES AND SITE IMPROVEMENT AT MT AIRY HOMES, Contract 22-051, until 2:00 PM, Local Time, on August 16, 2021 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud via Zoom App. Bids must be submitted electronically, in a .pdf format. To Northstar Imaging, www.northstarplanroom.com The Replacement of Trash Enclosures and Site Improvement at Mt Airy Homes is a project involving the demolition of existing block retaining walls and replacing with reinforced concrete wall, demolition of three existing block wall trash enclosures and replacing with reinforced concrete and rail fabricated enclosures. The project also include construction of sidewalk, railings, grading and landscaping. A complete set of bid documents are at www.northstarplanroom.com, under public plan room, REPLACEMENT OF TRASH ENCLOSURES AND SITE IMPROVEMENT AT MT AIRY HOMES, Contract 22-051, or calling 651-686-0477. Digital downloads are no charge, contact Northstar for hard copy pricing. Bids must be accompanied by a 5% bid guarantee, non-collusive affidavit, EEO form and Minnesota Responsible Contractor Compliance Affidavit. The successful bidder will be required to furnish both a performance bond and a separate payment bond. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A TOUR OF THE SITE ON AUGUST 3, 2021 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE MT AIRY HI RISE COMMUNITY ROOM, 200 EAST ARCH STREET, ST. PAUL, MN. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CONFERENCE THERE WILL BE A PRE-BID TOUR OF THE SITE. ALL QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THIS PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE ADDRESSED BY ADDENDUM, IF NECESSARY. The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY
VICTOR FATUNSIN PROJECT LEADER (651) 775-9573
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder August 5, 2021
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-21-825
In Re: Estate of Kathleen M. Pohtilla, Decedent. NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is given that an Amended Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar, along with a Will dated September 14, 2018. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed Nancy J Piazza, whose address is 5012 Valley View Road, Edina, Minnesota 55436, to serve as the personal representative of the decedent's estate. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection. Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after twenty-eight (28) days from the issuance of letters testamentary, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the decedent. Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent's estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred. Dated: July 21, 2021
Alonna J. Warns Registrar
Dated: July 21, 2021
Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer District Court Administrator Bryan Zlimen (MN# 387909) Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC 1821 University Ave. W., Ste 104S St. Paul Minnesota 55104 Telephone: (651) 331-6500 Email: bzlimen@zmattorneys.com ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder August 5 & 12, 2021
State of Minnesota Ramsey County
District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-808 Case Type: Domestic Abuse In The Matter Of Bailley D. Smalley Vs Lee Y. Drakeford Notice of Hearing by Publication (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8) To Respondent named above: An order has been issued directing you to appear at the Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center, 25 W 7th St, St. Paul MN 55102 on August 25, 2021 at 8:15 AM and explain why the relief sought in the Petition for the Order for Protection should not be granted. You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court from the Ramsey County Court Administrator's Office. If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner's request may be granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's Order. Court Administrator Ramsey County District Court Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder August 5, 2021
August 5 - 11, 2021
11
From Classified LEGAL SUPPORT STAFF Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details, go to mylegalaid.org/ employment.
PHONE: 612-827-4021
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS tions]. That is really what got me PLEASE CONTACT started.” ACCOUNTING DEPT Continued from page 12 Barnes then set out to start her @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER academy, which was first held COM
View
in 2018 on her campus in New breakout sessions, panels and in- Orleans with several of her colLEGAL NOTICES leagues speaking to local girls. A teractive activities. SIZE: 2 COLFrom X 2 = 4Classified “I felt like they [participants] year later, on a friend’s insistence, RATE $15.53Department/MN PCI (1ST RUN) State of Minnesota District Court definitely got what they needed,” she held a similar event in KanRamsey County Second Judicial District SUBTOTAL:Spokesman-Recorder $62.12 PHONE: 612-827-4021 said Barnes, the Academy’s head sas City. Court File Number: 62DAFA21705 Case Type: Domestic Abuse “cheerleader”—the “CEO”— or The pandemic put things off RATE $10.35PHONE: PCI (PER612-827-4021 ADDITIONAL RUN) $ FOR BILLING “chief enthusiasm officer” as one for a year, but this year Barnes In The Matter Of Shalissa M McCurry SUBTOTAL: $41.40 X 2 = 82.80 INQUIRIES Vs Steven J Hartman panelist crowned her. “In every used her birthday to ask for supTotal: $143.92 Notice of Hearing by Publication & TEARSHEETS BILLING role that I’ve been in,FOR that’s what port. “I was able to get 25 schol(Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8) PLEASE CONTACT INQUIRIES I’ve done,” explained Barnes of arships just off a personal appeal ACCOUNTING To Respondent named above: DEPT & TEARSHEETS her ever-present positivity. on my Facebook page to cover Please proof, respondCONTACT with email confirmation to di @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM PLEASE “As a basketball coach, I was the costs for these young leadAn order has been issued directing you to appear to a hearing on August play@spokesman-recorder.com 5, 2021 at 815AM before Referee Clysdale for an Order for Protection ACCOUNTING the coach on the sidelines giving ers whoDEPT attended my academy.” Hearing and explain why the relief sought in the Petition for the Order for LEGAL NOTICES @director, BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECOR high fives. As athletic I Each attendee received a “sucProtection should not be granted. The MSR handles billing digitally. SIZE: 2 COL X 6 = 12 COM am coaching and cheering my cess kit”and e-mailed invoices This means you will get e-tears You must contact the Ramsey Court Administrator’s Office at 651RATE $15.53 PCICounty (1ST RUN) coaches unless on. I amyou providing them request “They a project, their specifically a each hardhad copy. 266-5130 for hearing location details. TOTAL: $186.36 with what they need…and I profinal presentation based on RAMSEY COUNTY You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court vide some direction and instrucwhat they learned,” said Barnes. from the Ramsey County Court Administrator's Office. tion, but [with] a lot of1WEEK positivity.” RUN“These presentations were basiIf you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner's request may It’s been well documented cally reflections of what they got FLAT RATE $100.00 PREPAID be granted as a default matter. Failure to with appear will not beconfirmation a defense to Please proof, respond email to display@ that athletics positions at all levfrom the experience. It was truly prosecution for violation of the Court's Order. spokesman-recorder.com els aren’t as diverse as they could the transformational experience Court Administrator and should be. A hair stylist a that I dreamed it would be for Ramsey The MSR handles billing digitally. few years ago planted the idea of them. This means will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless Minnesotayou Spokesman-Recorder August 5, 2021 doing something to help increase “I’m now committed to helpyou specifically request a hard copy. those numbers of Black females, ing these young leaders be a part Barnes recalled. “She had been of a network that will continue bragging to some other clients to pour into them and help them of hers aboutClassified me being the only grow…not just meet up one time From STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT woman in my field. I’m not the and we don’t hear from them Department/MN COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Type of Case: Personal Injury only Spokesman-Recorder woman.” again. Court File No. But Barnes is among few, “I believe what I am trying to Judge however—under 10 percent of create [is] developing the next PHONE: 612-827-4021 Michael Robert Henderson, college athletic directors and as- generation and connecting Plaintiff, SUMMONS sistant AD positions are filled by them to a network of people FOR BILLING vs. Blacks. who can assist with that deINQUIRIES Bruce Frank Bruggenthies, “It takes time to get to the point velopment,” she said. “Defi& TEARSHEETS Defendants. where you can get into the job,” nitely I feel like we have the PLEASE CONTACT 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against stated Barnes, the Dillard Unigroundwork now to continue ACCOUNTING DEPT you. The From Plaintiff’sClassified Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do versity AD. “What would it look to go from here.” not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER. Department/MN You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the like ifCOM these young women had Court andSpokesman-Recorder there may be no Court file number on this Summons. access to a network of women Next week: More of Dr. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR whoSUMMONS are already doing the work? Barnes and her journey RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this Summons a TheyFLAT wouldRATE be more $200prepared written response called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you PHONE: 612-827-4021 received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person and understand what kind of Charles Hallman welcomes who signed this Summons located at Milavetz, Gallop & Milavetz, P.A., 1915 academic experiences as well reader responses to challman@ The MSR handles billing digitally. 57th Avenue North,BILLING Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. FOR as internships andyou work spokesman-recorder.com. This means willexperiget e-tears and e-mailed inINQUIRIES 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your encesvoices will help them eventually unless you specifically request a hard copy. & TEARSHEETS written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state work their way to [these posiwhether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you
From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
PLEASE CONTACT
believe the Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the ComDEPT plaint, youACCOUNTING must say so in your Answer.
ketball player and a reporter, and she also participated in the NABJ student journalism program. “I started then and fell in love with the idea of helping people tell the Black story,” she pointed out. FLAT RATE $200.00 PREPAID woman, New uniquely knows After college, New worked 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE: You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information how important telling stories in various positions including a The MSR digitally. about places where you handles can get legalbilling assistance. Even if you cannot get legal is, especially in these pandemic- half-year as a sales rep with the help, you This must still provideyou a written to protect and your rights or you invoices unless means willAnswer get e-tears e-mailed plagued days. “I think there are MLB’s Washington Nationals, may lose the case. you specifically request a hard copy. so many different challenges a “fan experience” rep with the 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to I know I will face being in this Kansas City Chiefs, and a graduor be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send space because my perspective ate research assistant with The your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative is different, but that’s also why I Institute for Diversity and Ethics means of resolving this dispute. thrive in this space,” she stressed. in Sport (TIDES) while studying MILAVETZ, GALLOP & MILAVETZ, P.A. “I welcome the challenges. I for her dual masters in sports will be challenged every single business management and an Dated: 6/8/2021 /s/ Alan Milavetz______________ Alan S. Milavetz, Esq., #0164677 day—I can’t control that. But MBA at Central Florida. She also Attorneys for Plaintiffs what I can [control] is how I react worked in the NBA’s Orlando 1915 57th Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 to it.” Magic marketing department Telephone: (763) 560-0000 As a high school international before her stint with the WizardsFacsimile: (763) 566-0211 amilavetz@milavetzlaw.com baccalaureate student, New then Mystics organization (2019-21). realized that her poetry writ“I came to the Lynx because I Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder July 22 & 29, and August 5, 2021 ing gifts could be well suited for wanted to get back to my world journalism. “How can I turn my of marketing the players,” she writing ability and my love of said. future. From Classified Of course, we all know what storytelling into more than a job?” Department/MN happened later. There were the she asked herself. Charles Hallman welcomes readContinued from page 12 Spokesman-Recorder The young woman got in- er responses to challman@spokesthree state championships at Minnehaha Academy, the sellout volved with her school’s newspa- man-recorder.com. PHONE: 612-827-4021victory over Sierra Canyon at the per, doing double duty as a bas1994-2017 with a girls’ game Target Center, and a runner-up FOR coming later in BILLING 2001 and finish- finish in the NCAA Final Four as INQUIRIES ing the same year, was in full a freshman at Gonzaga. But perhaps the most telling swing by& theTEARSHEETS time Suggs got his chance. PLEASE CONTACTmemory I have from watchACCOUNTING DEPT ing Suggs hold his own against Back to the game: It was end@ Reuben BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDing when checked a some of the metro area’s top seER.COM young Suggs, who was either a niors was the reaction from a fan 3rd or 4th grader, into the game. I was sitting next to. “Why is he From print to online RAMSEY The crowd explodedCOUNTY and Suggs, even playing?” the fan quipped. www.spokesman-recorder.com who was nowhere close to the “What makes him so special?” We have more ways to hook you up! RUN I think we now have the anpowerful1WEEK force he would beFLATthem RATE $100.00 swer to that question. come, dazzled with his ballPREPAID handling, passing and scoring. Mitchell Palmer McDonald The minutes he played were brief, but the secret was out. welcomes reader responses to Suggs was a player with a bright mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
New
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRIT@ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM TEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THE SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court PROBATE Continued from page 12 may decide against you and award the Plaintiffs everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A Default Judgment can then be entered against WEEK RUN you for the2 relief requested in the Complaint. Additionally, being a
Prep
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Sports
August 5-11, 2021
Academy shows young women how to succeed in sports careers
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First in a series
The MSR recently attended a four-day virtual “So You Want A Career in Athletics” (SYWACIA) sports leadership academy for girls and young women of color in sports. Afterwards, several panelists and speakers agreed to share with us, as they did with the attendees, their individual career journeys and lessons learned in their fields. Coaching, executive leadership, sports medicine and entrepreneurship will be addressed in this multi-part series. This week: Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes
r. Kiki Baker Barnes proudly wears many hats: college athletic director, interim conference commissioner, entrepreneur, wife and mother. Perhaps her most notable hat she began wearing a couple of years ago as founder of a sports leadership academy for young Black girls and women. The So You Want a Career in Athletics Sports Leadership Academy is an intentional program to connect participants with women leaders in sports who are working as coaches and athletic directors as well as other essential athletics careers that Blacks aren’t as attracted to, such as sports medicine and academia. The attendees also will develop such skills as career mapping, building self-awareness and self-confidence, goal setting, and leadership development. The four-day academy (July 8-11) was held virtually. Each day featured a keynote address,
Boxing ‘brothers’ provide mutual support eventually wound up in Minnesota, making his pro debut in downtown Minneapolis. The 23-year-old later won He admits the two fighters inneapolis is now are like brothers, and James the vacant WBA interim super middleweight title on the home to two world said he’s proud of that. “When he sees me doing same fight card as James in champion boxers. At first glance, they are the something, then it pushes his adopted hometown. He unlikeliest of couples: South- [him] to do something,” barely went a round before knocking out his opponent at the Armory on June 27, with James proudly watching in the audience. When a reporter asked about his relationship with James, speaking through his girlfriend, who doubled as interpreter, Morrell responded, “[I’m] very thankful for
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Jamal “Shango” James, left, and David Morrell, Jr.
side-born Jamal “Shango” James and Cuban-born David Morrell, Jr., who defected from his homeland a couple of years ago and is still learning English. Both train at the ■See VIEW on page 11 Circle of Discipline gym in South Minneapolis. Yet James and Morrell are brothers-in-ring, each with his own championship belt. “Together they look like two little brothers,” said retired baseball great Tony Oliva, the two men’s father figure. “I’ve known Jamal since before he was born. His mother and my wife are like sisters,” the Cuban native told us. Oliva has been very helpful in Morrell’s transition as well. “It is really exciting for me,” he said with pride. “They make me really excited on how well Jamal and David are doing.” “We push each other,” James told the MSR last month after a media event at which he and Morrell took questions on their careers. Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes Submitted photo
added “big brother” James. “We’re able to just really push ourselves to the next level by bumping off each other.” James (27-1) and Morrell (5-0) won their respective championships nearly at the Tony Oliva, left, and Jamal James same time. The 6’-2” James Photos by Charles Hallman turned pro in 2010 and last August won the vacant WBA all that he’s done and all the more than a boxing gym.” interim welterweight title in support that Jamal does proBoth James and Morrell vide. When we are training, are expected to be at the Arit’s him, me; him, me; and it mory this Saturday, August 7 feels great.” to watch two unbeaten welAsked why Minnesota terweights, Gabriel Maestre became his post-defection (3-0) vs. Cody Crowley (15-0), home, he said, “I did have both vying to someday fight other choices coming from James for the title. Maestre Cuba. However, learning has been saying as much the [English] language was on social media, calling the easier here. I was able to champ out. adapt very quickly from the “I think he’s goofy,” said Los Angeles. The 33-year-old trainings, from amateur to James. I think he should fois ranked 10th in his weight pro. I’m thankful for all the cus on the [Saturday]fight. support that I have received This is my home. I got the class. Morrell left Cuba in 2019 since I come here to Minne- belt.” after an impressive ama- sota.” Said James, “I’ve had a teur career, a 130-2 record Charles Hallman welcomes and three gold medals (2016, little bit longer [pro] career, reader responses to challman@ 2017, 2018), but his country but he’s just had an extreme- spokesman-recorder.com. wouldn’t allow him to turn ly long amateur career. I’m pro. He defected instead and grateful and glad that we’re
“We’re able to just really push ourselves to the next level by bumping off each other.”
Helping athletes tell their stories Lynx communications manager markets the players By Charles Hallman Sports columnist Little did Cymonne New know that by accepting a position with the Minnesota Lynx earlier this year she would also become a history maker. As the team’s basketball communications manager, the Kansas City native becomes the first Black of either gender in decades to hold such a key role with a Twin Cities pro team. “It’s crazy,” said New during an MSR interview last month. “When you first reached out and told me that, I was very surprised, but also a feeling of pride that I am the first. I have to make sure that I do it well for [other] Black
“My role is not to tell players what to say because a lot of the players know what to say.” men and women [who come after her]. A little bit of disappointment that it’s been this long.” New’s main responsibility is Cymonne New connecting the Lynx players and
both champions at the same time coming out of the same gym. I mean, nobody’s really doing it like that, especially in Minnesota.” The Circle of Discipline, located just off Lake Street in South Minneapolis, “has an old-school vibe,” noted James. “At the Circle, we have a more communitybased focus. Amateur boxing is just one of the sport programs that we use to work with these young men and women. We’re all about mentoring and building confidence, installing discipline and leadership qualities. It’s
Courtesy MN Lynx
Suggs showed talent early
coaches to fans and media, prepping them for interviews and appearances. “I am with the team created in 1994 by Reuben and all the time, and that’s the good former North teammate Ralph part of it,” she explained. Crowder as a protest because While studying for her journalism degree at the University no one from Class A champion of Missouri-Columbia (2011-15) St. Agnes and Class AA champ with a minor in business adminMinneapolis Washburn was seistration and Black studies, New lected to play in the coaches’ anPreP Scene said she abandoned her originual all-star game featuring the nal goal of becoming an on-air Dr. Mitchell sportscaster to pursue, in her estiPalMer McDonalD mation, a more rewarding career. “I was always about storytelling,” continued New, “giving Jalen Suggs had talent at voice to those who didn’t have young age. them. What I like so much about On a hot August day in the PR (public relations) is connect- late 2000s, the 6’4” guard, who ing people to the players. My role was the number-five overall pick in media relations is to be able to for the Orlando Magic in the connect media to the players.” 2021 NBA draft last week, gave The Lynx players for the most people a glimpse of what was to part make her job easy because come years before he starred at they have great stories to tell. Minnehaha Academy and Gon“The best thing about the WNBA zaga University. is…they know what they want There was already a buzz Jalen Suggs to say,” New said. “My role is about Suggs’ ability when he Courtesy Gonzaga University not to tell players what to say was in elementary school, and because a lot of the players know Derek Reuben gave a crowd of state’s top players. what to say, but [rather] to help 1,100 a chance to see what all the St. Agnes’ seniors (Marlon organize their thoughts. hype was about. The place was McCoy, Jhamai Phipps, Char “There is a lot going on in the Gangelhoff Center on the cam- Davis, Lester Jackson, Craig WNBA.” New expressed her pus of Concordia University-St. Vaughn) and Washburn’s sedisappointment that most sports Paul. niors (Akeem Carpenter, Aaron media don’t seek out storylines. Reuben, himself a former bas- Boone, Byron Suttles, Eric “The story ideas are there, and it’s ketball star at Minneapolis North Minea and Adrian Patterson) crazy to me that we have to pitch who was Minnesota’s Mr. Bas- were all Black. Ironically, Reuben stories [to media],” she com- ketball in 1988, oversaw the In- himself was selected to play in plained. ner-City All-Star Classic (ICASC). the coaches’ game as a senior. The ICASC was a showcase The ICASC, which ran from ■See PREP on page 11 ■See NEW on page 11