PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 December 10-16, 2020 Vol. 87 No. 19
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Many retailers reluctant to enforce COVID rules Governor’s executive order widely ignored
By Amudalat Ajasa Contributing writer While most retailers have posted signs insisting that holiday shoppers wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, strict enforcement of the policy appeared lax in some major shopping venues last week, including the Mall of America and the Rosedale Mall in Roseville. The MSR spent time at the Mall of America on Wednesday, December 2. Many shoppers were wearing masks, but others were seen walking and eating maskless despite the mall’s rules. We also spent time last week at the Rosedale Mall. “Upstairs there are often patrons that are eating between the potato and the pretzel place that don’t have masks on,” said April Jereczek, a worker at Sock City pop up in the Rosedale Mall. “Security can walk through the mall and tell them, but then they walk away and somebody takes their masks off again.” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order
on November 18 allowing restaurants to remain open, but for take-out only. Mall restaurants fall under the jurisdiction of this executive order. The executive order includes specific rules for businesses that allow them to decline services to customers without masks or request that such customers leave the premises in order to ensure the safety of workers and other customers. “You are not allowed to drink or eat in the shopping center inside,” said Lisa Crain, the senior general manager at Rosedale Shopping Center. However, the closure of in-person dining within restaurants and bars has led shoppers to eat while walking around the mall. Crain explained that guests are encouraged and reminded to wear masks, but there isn’t any enforcement apart from that. The mall uses an educational approach to remind guests of the mandate. “If we have people that refuse to do it, we don’t enforce it. We just continue to encourage them to comply,” Crain revealed.
“With people's responsibility and sanitizer stations throughout the our intentions to make sure peo- center. We have floor details so
separated,” Crain said. “Well, I’ve seen two signs that say that people aren’t supposed to [walk and eat],” said Jill Degaetano from the Minnesota Awesome pop up. “It’s supposed to be takeout only…but yes, I have seen it. I’m really surprised that they say not to [walk and eat] but they have places like the pretzel place open and Dairy Queen.”
Uneven enforcement Malls and stores are under pressure to find a delicate balance when asking customers to comply with the governor's orders. “We are required to ask them to [wear masks] because it’s not only the safety of the customers, but it’s about the safety of the employees too,” Mina Her, brand ambassador at Forever 21 in Rosedale, explained. Some mall workers said they Despite the warning signs, many continue to eat or drink are able to refuse guests if they with masks down. Photo by Amudalat Ajasa aren’t wearing a mask before entering stores. “We are seeing ple understand the new policies, people understand that we are people walking with masks, and [we hope] that people will com- social distancing. We reduced all if they aren’t we say, ‘You have of our seating areas down to 50% to have a mask on or you can’t ply with them’ “We’ve had signage that masks from 100%, so we do have lim- come in,’” said Aaliyah Ellis, a are mandatory. We have hand ited seating so people are socially sales associate at Journeys in
Rosedale Mall. Rosedale mall has also changed their air flow filter system and adapted their normal holiday programming to encourage social distancing. The Mall of America uses a similar approach to encourage their shoppers to wear masks. “We have implemented the Red Shirt Crew” Sarah Grap, MOA public relations director, explained. “These team members are positioned at each entrance in bright red to ensure everyone entering Mall of America is wearing a mask and wearing it properly.” Guests are required to wear a mask when they enter the mall. Red Shirt Crew members are also deployed to remind customers of the mandate that requires food to be consumed outside of the mall. The mall also has signage with this reminder. “Many aren’t aware that they are not able to eat or drink food purchased at Mall of America under this current mandate,” Grap said. “Again, this takes everyone working together to ensure the safety of guests visiting Mall of ■See Retailers on page 5
Honored St. Paul cop shoots naked unarmed man Protesters demand criminal charges for fired officer By Mel Reeves Community editor “No justice no peace, prosecute the police,” and “no good cops in a racist system” were among the chants heard last Friday, Dec. 4 as over 100 people marched down University Avenue in St. Paul demanding former St. Paul cop Anthony Dean be criminally charged following his November 28 shooting of Joseph Javonte Washington. Washington was naked and unarmed at the time of the shooting and appeared to be experi-
county attorney is providing the resources, and particularly when doing so will improve public trust in the criminal-justice system—I will give that request my fullest consideration," said Ellison in a written statement. “The St. Paul Police Department is one of the most lethal departments in the country, in the top 20 out of 18,000,” said Touissant Morrison at the protest called by Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence. The march from the police station in St. Paul’s midway to University and Lexington temporarily shut down the Metro Transit
Dean, who opened fire while other officers did not, had been what many considered one of the good cops. He had been praised recently by Axtell for his work on the St. Paul gang unit. Dean was named Officer of the Year in 2016 by the Minnesota American Legion. He was also given the department’s life-saving award for saving a woman trying to jump from a bridge. St. Paul Police Federation President Paul Kuntz said in a written statement that Dean had “led an exemplary career.” Dean’s attorney, Robert Paule, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press
U of M med students fighting injustice report battle fatigue dedicated to combating racism and implicit bias in medicine since 2014. She said that despite various efforts to approach adUniversity of Minnesota med- ministrators and make change ical students are continuing their happen at the school, she and
By Jasmine Snow Contributing writer
equip its students with the tools to tackle these issues head-on in the field. The group usually takes advantage of Health Equity Week, a global event centered on educa-
Photo by Louie Tran yearlong fight to improve education and curriculum standards regarding health disparities and racism in medicine—but they are getting tired of it. Through years of slow collaboration with administrators and mostly ambivalent peers, several Toshira Garraway addresses the crowd gathered December 5 demanding former St. Paul U of M medical student groups police officer Anthony Dean be charged for shooting Joseph Javonte Washington late have repeatedly shown up both last month. Photo by King Demetrius Pendleton in and out of the classroom for that he shot the naked, unarmed important issues affecting Comencing some kind of mental crisis. Green Line. “This is not about what hap- Washington “to protect his fel- munities of Color. Dean was fired within days of the shooting by St. Paul Police pened prior to the incident,” said low officers and himself.” While However, following glacial Toshira Garraway in a speech to Dean was the only officer to efforts from the university and Chief Todd Axtell. On the same day, Ramsey the crowd, referring to Washing- open fire on the unarmed man, a summer spent reckoning with a 46-second video of the incident the police killing of George Floyd, raised red flags for some. these students are exhausted, The video captured a female frustrated, and worried about officer yelling “Gun! Gun!” as their futures as physicians of colWashington emerged from a or in a pandemic-stricken world. dumpster where he had been County Attorney John Choi re- ton’s assault on his girlfriend pri- hiding. In the video, officers tased Who’s fighting for whom? Dominique Earland is a secferred the case to Minnesota At- or to his confrontation with the Washington, which was followed police. “Police should not add to by an attack by a police dog. ond-year medical student and torney General Keith Ellison. Officers yelled for others to president of the U of M’s chapter “When a county attorney our pain. They say they are fightasks us to take over a sensitive ing crime, but they are commit- cease tasing the victim because of White Coats for Black Lives case—particularly when another ting crimes.” ■See Officer on page 5 (WCBL), a group that has been
“They say they are fighting crime, but they are committing crimes.”
other students are getting weary. “There’s a multi-faceted exhaustion that comes with all of this,” said second-year medical student and WCBL member Reme Abulu. “[As a Black medical student] it can be really overwhelming to look and see that you’re up against this huge mountain. “You just have to keep pushing and trying to keep advocating and keep making people aware. But there’s so many things that people need to be made aware of,” said Abulu. WCBL is just one of several medical student groups at the U of M focused on bringing equity and social justice to the forefront of medicine. The group has consistently said that, as one of the largest producers of physicians in a state with some of the worst health inequities in the country, the University of Minnesota has an obligation to take these issues more seriously and
tion and action items in dealing with disparities in public health. In the past, they have held lunch lectures and evening workshops to address a disconnect between race-related issues, health education, and a lack of practitioner diversity within the field. Last summer, these students came out to act as field medics during the protests in Minneapolis demanding prosecution of the police who killed George Floyd. They also organized several protests of their own and gathered hundreds of signatures on petitions demanding more from U of M policymakers. Along with other medical school student groups, they protested the initial George Floyd autopsy report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, as well as the defacing of Floyd’s memorial by former fourth-year medical student Daniel Michelson. ■See Students on page 5
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December 10-16, 2020
Mobile lab takes school to the kids By Dwight Hobbes Contributing writer Minneapolis sustains a less than enviable standing when it comes to educating students of color. Indeed, Ceresi Wilburn Foundation for Children reported in 2019 that Minnesota’s 2016-17 graduation rates for African American and Hispanic students placed dead last among the 50 states.
Minneapolis, Harvest Best Academy (HBA), partnering with Summit Academy OIC, virtually effects education as activism with its innovative mobile lab dubbed The Beast. "In the past," says HBA board member Anura Si-Asar, "Black students have been on the bottom of every educational statistic such as graduation rates, standardized test scores and college admissions and completion rates. Our students en masse are not
be as creative, innovative and determined as possible in order to address this educational desert in our community right now." Central is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum that goes out to the students, since they can't come to the school. Si-Asar added, "Currently HBA has limited space and doesn't have room for a science tech STEM lab. However, we are trying to create a
Courtesy of HBA need in order to succeed." Louis King, Summit Academy OIC president-CEO, stated, "While it is unfortunate that the Minneapolis Public Schools got $31 million in funding for COVID relief and did not invest any money in supplemental measures for the children, the community has come together and pro-
The national graduation rate for Black students in 2019 was 77.8%. In Minnesota that rate finally improved to 65%. Still, the steadily worsening COVID-19 crisis threatens to increase an already disastrous disparity. Schools have closed, leaving youngsters subject to instruction by parents who may not have done well in class themselves and, in any event, aren’t professionally trained teachers. Accordingly, in North
reaching their potential in our current educational system in the U.S. ‘So we were struggling before COVID, and now we have regressed educationally to where we are hardly receiving any education. It's like a flashback to enslavement, where we had to create our own freedom schools and midnight schools to educate ourselves. ‘This is how bad it is right now,” said Si-Asar. “We must
STEM corridor for near North Minneapolis. This Mobile Innovation Lab is the key to reaching our community in these trying times.” Eric Mahmoud, Harvest Preparatory School and Seed Academy founding executive director, underscored, "We will be able to take STEM projects right to neighborhoods in the community." He added, "It's really to keep that interest, keep that spark going. And give our students what they
dren. These sites include the YMCA, Friendship Academy, Zion Baptist Church and others.” It is, of course, imperative that the endeavor pass muster with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Accordingly, it adheres to MDH's 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools, “Health Con-
“We will be able to take STEM projects right to neighborhoods in the community.” vided $2,000,000 in partnership with the Minnesota Business Partnership and firms that include U.S. Bank, Excel energy, and Securian to name a few. “We have sites in North and South Minneapolis and are providing learning pods and zoom tutors for over 300 chil-
tions they should consider to optimize education and promote health and safety, while mitigating risk throughout the school year." In compliance with these guidelines, the mobile work stations are separated by plexiglass and the lab runs HEPA air purifiers as well as providing masks and face shields. The mobile lab is not only for HBA students, but for Northside students in general. Features include studies in 3-D printing, cyber security, robotics, coding and math. “Our next challenge,” said King, “is to prepare to help the children who have had no classroom instruction for 18 months after COVID passes.”
siderations for Navigating COVID-19.” An excerpt from the 22-page document reads, "We developed this document Dwight Hobbes welcomes to provide pre-K through reader responses to dhobbes@ grade 12 (K-12) school lead- spokesman-recorder.com. ers guidance around policies, practices, and strategies that districts and schools must implement and recommenda-
December 10-16, 2020
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The missing link of COVID-19
Practical measures to address the virus outside of hospitals
By Mark Holder, MD Guest Contributor
cerebral vascular disease, and renal disease, etc. This is costly in dollars and lives lost, as well as, ineffective when compared to prehospital management. Perhaps time will come to reevaluate the management of disease in healthcare, but it is certainly time to treat COVID-19 patients before they near death. As a practicing Physician treating COVID-19 infections, there is hope in early prehospital management. And I hope to share insights that are not making headline news, but are practical ways to minimize disease and save lives.
the medical literature about the value of Vitamins and minerals in COVID infections. The use of supplements may be used by asymptomatic patients as well as patients with COVID. Supplements worth taking during this pandemic include; multivitamin, selenium, zinc, and l-lysine. Takeaway-Thesupplements above are safe and may be helpfulinhelpingtopreventCOVID infections. 3) Prophylaxis
Hydroxychloroquine(HCQ) has shown promise to prevent COVID-19diseaseneedstobe COVID-19 infections in studies. As we approach three thousand deaths from the COV- addressoutsideofthehospital,to In practice, none of the patient ID-19 virus in the US, and we curbthePandemicandsavelives. s that I have placed on HCQ prophylactic therapy have conbrace ourselves through the tracted COVID-19. second round of lockdown, 1) Fitness we must reconsider strategy Takeaway-Elderlyandthose It is well known that COand do a few things differently. The population is growing in- VID infections are worse in with chronic conditions should creasingly scared, and they are the elderly and persons with seekaPhysiciananddiscussrisk receiving no medical treatment chronic disease. What is much andbenefitsofHCQprophylactic from the medical establishment less discussed is that healthier therapy.HCQprophylactictherwhen they are positive for CO- people fair better with diseases apy may reduce their risk of conVID-19 at the time of diagnosis in general and COVID is no ex- tractingCOVID-19infection.As thevaccineismadeavailablethese if symptoms are not severe. ception. individualsneedtobeinthefront Those same patient are returnTake away - eat heathy, exer- ofthelinetoreceivevaccination. ing to the hospital in respiratory distress, cerebral vascular cise at least 4-5 times per week, event (strokes), and myocar- sleepatleast7hoursperday,and 4) Pre-hospital COVID-19 dial infarctions (heart attacks) do not abuse alcohol and drugs. Therapy and are then being hospitalized. There are treatment regiMuch of the treatment of this 2) Supplementation mens for COVID-19 infections disease is occurring in the hosThere is some evidence in that are keeping people alive pital; as is done in heart disease,
Courtesy of MGN and out of the hospital. In practice, most patients that start our treatment regimen within the first week of COVID symptoms, are improving by day 2 of therapy and relatively well after a week of beginning the therapy. Take away - If you have been exposed to a known COVID infected person, are experiencing symptoms(nasalcongestion,decrease in smell/taste, sore throat, cough, body ache, headache, decreasedappetite,andfatigue),or
have been diagnosed with CO- tomized medical services and VID-19infection,seekaphysician health services memberships. Dr. Holder has practiced Medwho is treating COVID-19 and icine at Grady Health System in start therapy ASAP. Atlanta, GA; Phebe Hospital in . Mark Holder, MD is a Board Gbanga, Liberia; JFK Hospital Certified Family Medicine Doc- in Monrovia, Liberia; Jackson tor (and owner of Mperial Health Memorial Health System in in Edina, MN). He is a graduate Miami, FL; AM/PM Emergency of University of MN-Physiology; House calls in Miami, FL; The Morehouse School of Medicine; Port of Miami Clinic; MD Now and University of Miami Family in West Palm Beach, Florida; Medicine Residency. He is natural- Whittier Clinic (HCMC) in Minly optimistic, creative, determined, neapolis, MN; and Mperial Health and caring. Dr. Holder provides in Edina, MN. patient-centered care through cus-
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December 10-16, 2020
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.
Same ole same ole USA By Kim Codella
Latest jobs report will reflect U.S. economic reality By Dean Baker The resurgence of the pandemic is likely to be the biggest factor driving labor market performance in November, especially in a context where most of the CARES Act supports have ended. We are likely to see weak, if any, job growth for the month as the areas most affected by the spread, such as restaurants and hotels, face weaker demand and/ or legal restrictions. We have seen a sharp upward surge in long-term unemployment (more than 26 weeks), as many of the people who were laid off during the shutdowns have not been reemployed. Long-term unemployment always rises in a downturn, but the increase in the share of long-term unemployed has been extraordinarily rapid in the Pandemic Recession. This matters because people who have been unemployed for more than six months generally have a harder time being reemployed. This recession has had a much sharper impact on women than men, as sectors that disproportionately employ women have been hardest hit. One measure of this impact is the drop in women’s labor force participation. The labor force participation rate for women over 20 was down by two percentage points from its year-ago level in October, compared to a drop of 1.5 percentage points for men. This gap may grow in November. There was also a sharp decline in the number of people voluntarily working part-time, which is more than 12.0% below its prepandemic level. These jobs overwhelmingly go to women who don’t want to work full-time because of caregiving responsibilities. While large sectors of the
economy are hurting due to the pandemic, construction and manufacturing, which traditionally are hard hit in a recession, are doing relatively well. We are seeing a boom in residential construction, which is offsetting weakness in the non-residential sector. Manufacturing output increased 1% in October and is only 3.9% below last year’s level. State and local government sectors have already shed more than 1.3 million jobs from their pre-pandemic level. Since these governments are facing massive budget shortfalls, we are likely to see further job loss in the November data. The monthly wage growth data were hugely distorted by composition effects in the shutdown months and the immediate bounce back in July and August. However, now that we are seeing more normal rates of job growth, trends in the average hourly wage are being
keep on the payroll. That does not seem to be the case in the Pandemic Recession, as average weekly hours stood at 34.8 in September and October, up from 34.4 hours in the same months of 2019. Some of this drop is due to a composition effect, as the hardesthit sectors tend to have shorter workweeks. However, the same story of longer workweeks persists even within more narrowly defined sectors. For example, for nonsupervisory workers in fullservice restaurants, the average workweek last month was 24.7 hours, the same as the average for 2019. By contrast, in 2009 and 2010 it was just over 24.0 hours, compared to a pre-recession average of 25 hours. In fast-food restaurants, the 24.5 workweek was actually somewhat above the 2019 average of 24.3 hours. This matters hugely for employment since longer hours mean fewer jobs. With a given
It is not clear why employers would
choose to go the route of reducing workers rather than hours in this recession, but from the standpoint of employment, it is very bad news. driven primarily by actual wage increases rather than changes in the mix of workers. Wages had been growing at slightly more than a 3% annual rate before the pandemic. (Growth had actually slowed just before February.) It appears as though the rate of wage growth may now be closer to 2%, given the weakness of the labor market. In a recession, average weekly hours typically fall, as employers deal with the reduced demand for labor in part by assigning fewer hours to the workers they
The daily lives of Americans are multi-cultural and have been for a generation. Growing up in the 1960s, my parents told my sister and I that we were lucky to live in the Bay Area because it had people from all over the world. This is true everywhere now. The economic paradox from which this country was born, equality financed by slavery, manifests itself today as “wage slavery” for most U.S. workers. The economic racism on which this country is founded is at the core of how we perceive and distribute wealth. All our institutions, however great, that was produced by this wealth, reflect this racism. The United States does not have a history of racism, it has had the fatal flaw of racism, from the beginning. Congress isn’t stalling on economic relief. Corporations are getting what they need, right? Washington is punishing a
We are stuck and have been for two hundred and forty-four years. population that wants change. Politicians do not want to hear left-wing views about using tax money on taxpayers. Since politicians (of any party) must raise money from the uber-wealthy to run their campaigns they cannot change the racist economics that keeps their donors rich. This country’s leaders are being clear that there is no level of suffering they are not willing to inflict on the population to maintain power. The denial of Universal healthcare during a pandemic is the only example needed. Trump’s openly White supremacist views are a win for him and politicians of any
of trillions of dollars (exported racism). Ironically, Trump through his ineptitude and dereliction of duty has lessened the grip of our empire and our ability to bully the rest of the world. Trump has also spied on the citizenry less than Obama. The Black Lives Matter Movement and the leaders growing out of it have flourished under Trumps’ incompetence in contrast to the Obama administration that shut down Occupy Wall Street quickly, ruthlessly, and competently. President-elect Biden’s reestablishment of what looks a lot like the same players before Trump, does not bode well for the change this country needs. This terrible virus is not the cause of our current crisis. It is just a harsh light on what was in plain sight. This death and horror are self-inflicted pain, we brought it upon ourselves. Our society was in turmoil before the Trump presidency. People died for lack of healthcare and medical coverage and faced medical bankruptcy before Trump’s COVID-19 fiasco. Economic inequality and wealth concentration was well underway before Trump and his cronies came in. The nation was racist before Trump. Our great nation was founded on the labor of slaves, millions of slaves, generations of them. This is where our most hallowed traditions and institutions were born. Today our national fatal flaw, racism, stands in contrast to our national diversity, the day-today reality of our lives. These can’t coexist.
face the racist economic policies on which it is based. We are stuck and we have been for two hundred and 44 years. Over a century ago W.E.B. DuBois said, “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.” And here we still are. There is no way to move forward with hardship, debt, and sickness for the many and economic stability for the few. Despite the state of the nation, I am optimistic, truly. Even a car crash can stop an out-of-control car. President Trump is a car crash. I am Kim Codella is a recently renot a big fan of U.S. activities tired California Community Colabroad. Nineteen years of war lege instructor from California. in the Middle East at the cost
Letter to the Editor
M Health Fairview spokesperson responds to last week’s MSR amount of labor demand, a 24- article “M Health Fairview closing hour workweek, requires 4.2 % emergency room during COVID more workers than with a 25- peak denounced.” hour workweek. It is not clear why employers would choose to *Your story opens with Money go the route of reducing workers trumps mercy in cost-saving rather than hours in this reces- measure. This is an opinion sion, but from the standpoint of statement, not supported by fact. employment, it is very bad news. Is your story an opinion piece? One encouraging sign in the If so, it should be labeled as summer and fall months was such. If not, this statement needs a sharp rise in the share of un- to be removed. We have never, employment due to voluntary and would never, make any quits, from a record low of 2.5% decisions as an organization that in April to 7% in October. The jeopardizes or jeopardized our fact that workers would leave a ability to care for patients. job without another job arranged is an indication of confidence * You quote two people in their labor market prospects. criticizing me before quoting The October figure was still well me. In addition to this being below the 14% levels seen in pre- questionable journalism, I spent pandemic months. We may see 45 minutes on the phone with some fallback given the resur- you. It should have been clear gence of the pandemic in the last to you that I personally, and month and a half. our system generally, have an Typically, the unemployment interest in ensure this story is rate for Asian Americans has reported well. I would have been slightly lower than the un- appreciated the courtesy of being employment rate for whites. In allowed to respond to these this recession, it has been run- acquisitions, a courtesy you ning somewhat higher than the clearly extended to Ms. Turner white unemployment rate, al- and Ms. Wiler. though the gap has been closing (1.6 percentage points in Octo- * Mary Turner asks questions of ber). This likely reflects a larger my comments I am not given share of Asian Americans being the ability to respond to (“Who employed in small businesses makes up the other 45%? Aren’t that have been hard hit by the they important?”). You should pandemic. We may see this gap have given me the chance to increase again in the November respond. data. Dean Baker is the senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C.
stripe. The rest of us, conditioned like Pavlov’s dogs, condemn the racist deplorable(s). This is much easier than addressing the ugly economics that produces in our fellow Americans, ignorance, intolerance, desperation, alienation, and racial hatred. A divided and angry populace is easy pickings for any politician. Some may have voted with enthusiasm this last presidential round. I think most of us voted against who we hated the most. I believe that many of my fellow citizens felt as I did, these candidates were losers. What great nation presents Donald Trump and Joe Biden in an emergency as real choices? The earth was not hit by a meteorite. There are no Barbarians at the gates or terrorists. The only bombs and gunfire here are domestic. All our wounds as a nation are selfinflicted, even Trump. This country will and should dissolve if we can’t
* “They don’t want to do their share for the homeless.” We are leasing the former Bethesda Hospital to Ramsey County at a cost intended to literally pay the utility bills for the
explicit purpose to care for the homeless. This is a move the Minnesota Nurses Association is on the record opposing. This could have been found in an easy google search. Your own publication covered this topic. I’d also direct you to our work on homelessness and health disparities. * M Health Fairview is not a corporation. It is a non-profit organization. * We invested in Open Cities, not St. Mary’s. What I likely said is that we’ve made major investments and have developed strong partnerships like with FQHC’s at Open Cities and St. Mary’s. I am misquoted by saying “there are too many hospitals in downtown Saint Paul.” I never would have said that. What I likely may have said is that M Health Fairview is the smallest emergency room of the three major hospitals in downtown Saint Paul and that folks requiring access to a hospital in downtown Saint Paul would be well served with Regions and United. * The comment about 25-bed ICU from Ms. Wiler is inaccurate. I’m not sure where that came from. We have more serge beds and ICU bed capacity at St. Joes than we did at Bethesda. * The entire conversation about beds in Bethesda is inaccurate. To my disappointment, we in fact spent a significant amount of time discussing this very topic. As you will recall, bed count is irrelevant. What matters is having the people to staff these
beds. And that staff level has not changed from Bethesda to St. Joseph’s. * We still work together to divert patients to the proper places. Despite your quote from Ms. Wiler, that has not changed. It is inaccurate representation of reality. * Ms. Wiler is opining on what hospital systems can and can’t handle without any supporting data. Did you ask for any? Otherwise it is simply her words. I provided data to support what I say. I assume, because you did not print it, she did not. * By the end of the story there are 6 critical voices in your story. Did you seek comment from anyone else? This is outrageously unbalanced. * I fear your utter lack of enthusiasm for reporting factual information may inhibit our organization’s ability to work with you in the future. Joe Campbell, system director, M Health Fairview Communications Editors note: Mr. Campbell’s last sentence appears to imply that M Health Fairview and the MSR have a relationship. We want to be clear that we have no such editorial or business relationship.
December 10-16, 2020
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store worker who wished to remain anonymous. “I started seeing people Continued from page 1 piling in without masks, and ers that invaded their store there were a number of inrefusing to wear masks. Their stances happening right away actions put themselves, work- of people chanting ‘freedom’ ers, and the other customers at as they walked around the risk of contracting COVID-19. store in groups,” the worker “I was made aware [by a described. “There was a man coworker] of the anti-mask up front that was offered a protesters about 30 minutes mask for free, as is our store before they showed up… No policy, who took one and then manager or team leader told immediately threw it on the us or gave us a strategy plan ground.” The store’s intercom anbeforehand,” explained a
StudentS Continued from page 1 Group members said they remember the work they did before Floyd’s killing and the pandemic as being stressful and hard in its own way. Now, with the added weight of working to become a Black physician in the middle of a pandemic that disproportionately impacts direct health care workers of color, Earland said it often seems like BIPOC students are left in the dust when trying to cope with this new reality. “I think it’s really scary,” Earland said. “There aren’t really forums to talk about it. I don’t think I have the skills to really address it. And when you look at the mental health of especially Black women in medicine, it’s clearly taking a toll.” Where from here While these groups often have White members and White allies in their peer group, it is clear that
Black and Brown students—especially women—are leading the way in these advocacy efforts at the U of M Medical School. While these students have said they have no intention to stop anytime soon, they don’t deny that the work is wearing on them. “I think what makes it even worse as a Black female medical student is that I’m doing all of this for no recognition, during a pandemic, and during a time where Black people are still being shot down by the police,” Earland said. “To think that the least [administrators] could do is listen to some of the recommendations…makes them seems a bit ridiculous.” Earland, Abulu, and many other medical students have begun working with other local and national chapters of medical student associations to determine advocacy options and pool resources. Recently, they formed a local “Med Ed” coalition to support work done with administration.
nounces that masks are required for shoppers within the store, but the recent protest shows that those rules aren’t strictly enforced. “Security did not threaten to kick them out, and this is after one of them was verbally harassing an employee in produce and a customer trying to shop,” the worker explained. “The head of HR in our store encouraged us to continue business as usual and treat the anti-masker like any other guest.”
Photo by Louie Tran
The worker was told that Target doesn’t have a legal protocol that allows the store to remove shoppers who refuse to wear masks. “They could have doubled down and actually enforced the mask policy,” the worker added. “Security said, ‘We can only ask guests at the door to wear a mask. We can’t control if they take it off in the store… There’s nothing we can do. Sorry.’” The MSR reached out to Target for comment but at
According to these students, there have been some promising efforts on behalf of the U of M. For example, several students said they looked forward to working with Dr. Ana Núñez, the medical school’s new vice dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, who they said seems sincere in her outreach so far. However, most of the students said they will remain skeptical until real change has been made. “Yeah, we can complain on a feedback card, but physicians who don’t care are still going to practice medicine,” Earland said. “[Administration and other medical students] can easily ignore us. They can and do, just ignore the feedback cards. They can just not go to the optional lectures. We are making progress, but we’re still in a period of learning I guess.”
“I think a lot of minor changes have been made so far,” said second-year medical student and Student National Medical Association member Tim Nyangacha. “My main frustration is that we are hoping for more substantial change and more immediate change, and I think our administration may be slower in acceptJasmine Snow welcomes reader ing these changes… I think we have been burdened with a lot of responses to jsnow@spokesmanrecorder.com. the work, especially early on.”
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and a fine of up to $100. Per the mandate, businesses (and their owners and management) can be subject MN COVID-19 laws Minnesota’s Mask Man- to criminal charges: a misdedate that has been in effect meanor, up to a $1,000 fine since July 25, 2020 per Gov. and up to 90 days in jail for the Walz’s executive order man- failure to execute the mandate. dates Minnesotans to wear a They can face civil enforceface covering inside all indoor ment and fines up to $25,000. businesses and public indoor Amudalat Ajasa welcomes spaces. Citizens who fail to follow reader responses to aajasa@ the mask mandate within spokesman-recorder.com. businesses can be subject to petty misdemeanor charges press time had not received a response.
OfficeR Continued from page 1
it would adversely affect the dog that was still attacking the man. The officers appeared in the video to be watching and making no attempt to assist Washington as he struggled with a gunshot wound, the tasing, and the dog that was still biting him. Before his confrontation with police, the Lakeville man reportedly assaulted a former
girlfriend in her home and using a kitchen knife forced her to drive to St, Paul. The wom-
an said Washington grabbed the wheel, causing an accident, at which time she took the opportunity to escape. Police confronted Washington not long afterward. Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.
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Business
December 10-16, 2020
‘Soulified’ food that’s healthy, too Wholesoul a Lavender & Sage Eatery
By Ashley Lauren Contributing writer “We’re a female, family-owned business,” said Kathleen Johnson who works alongside her daughters Kelli “Lavender” Johnson and Ordia “Sage” Drew to manage Wholesoul a Lavender & Sage Eatery. The talented “Soulified Crew” work as a collective to create healthier versions of soul food.
They began offering their food from a food truck, but now customers can find them at Driftwood Char Bar in Minneapolis on Thursdays and Fridays to order pick-up. Unfortunately, like many other Black-owned businesses, the COVID pandemic has negatively impacted their livelihood. Johnson said, “We basically started over. The whole COVID thing has wiped us out as far as energy
Kat Snack Kelli “Lavender” Johnson focuses on creating exquisite baked goods. Although she is very involved in the business, her passion is baking, and she owns Lavender Treats. All the food they create incorporates fresh and organic ingredients that make the soul food and delectable desserts, simply outstanding.
is concerned. We’ll do it as safely as we can. We have social distance space.” Although unexpected setbacks have sprouted, the family embodies a spirit of resiliency. There’s an interesting backstory of Wholesoul Eatery. The journey began at Arnellia’s in 2014. Johnson recalled, “Arnellia lost her cook—We wanted to get
in the food business and focus on introducing healthier versions.” She added, “I offered to run the kitchen at Arnellia’s,” and that’s when she started cooking. Johnson humbly acknowledges Arnellia Allen, who passed away from cancer in 2017, as her mentor. Allen owned Arnellia’s Nightclub and made history as the first African American woman to own a bar in St. Paul. “Arnellia taught me a lot about running a food business,” Johnson said. “From there, in 2015, we had the opportunity to take an entrepreneur’s course at Neighborhood Development Center (NDC).” At that time, she was offered a chance to debut her soul food at Prince’s Paisley Park After Dark. “That particular opportunity stems from our family ties to Prince. Kirk Johnson [a former Prince associate] is my brother, a drummer.” She was thrilled to have an opportunity. “We were in Prince’s kitchen. We were able to get help from NDC, Neon, and the Black Chamber of Commerce,” Johnson said. The financial support helped them prepare to present their food at Paisley Park. She disclosed that Prince loved their signature “mac & cheese, pancakes, and turtle cheesecake.” The sandwich menu boasts names like Catfish Sammich, Kat Snack, Remoulade Po Boy Bun Catfish Sammie, and/or FIIES Clucker Sammie, LBEST Smashed Cheeseburger, Mary Tyler Moore, P.R.N “Prince Rogers Nelson,” and/or the Wholesoul Sampler. The “Soulified Sides” include Mac & 8 Real Cheeses, Louisianastyle red beans & rice, greens w/ smoked turkey, candied yams,
The ladies of Wholesoul : (l-r) Lavender, Kathleen, and Sage mashed potatoes, buttery broiled asparagus, honey butter bacon brussels, and specialty seasoned fries. Lavender’s Treats offers incredible dessert options. All products are made with organic ingredients. Customers can enjoy such items as the classic 7 Up Pound Cake, and Curl Crusty Peach Cobbler. Johnson shared that her dear friend Carol Williams served as the inspiration behind their signature dessert called the “Curls Crusty Peach Cobbler.” She was her musical mom and manager. When Johnson isn’t cooking up soul food, she enjoys singing on stage and helping others do the same. She is the founder of the Musicians 4 Musicians organization. Many may not know that Johnson was also musically connected to Prince in the early 1990s. As a professional vocalist, “I sang in the studio and on tour with him on recordings—backup vocals,” Johnson recalled. Johnson would lay down background vocals on songs written by Prince that were later used
by other artists. The repertoire of artists included Monie Love, Jevetta Steele, Tevin Campbell, Carmen Electra, Mayte, Lois Lane, and more. She elaborated, “I’m a mentor; I mentor up and coming artists. We developed a live music series,” Johnson said. They’ve performed at upscale venues like the Dakota Jazz Club, Bunkers, and Crooners. Most recently, Johnson launched a musical project that pays homage to Etta James. She recently covered the legend’s songs at Crooners Supper Club. Johnson stressed the need to support Black-owned businesses. “We’re legit. When we have that platform and support, success is going to happen,” said Johnson. She continued with a word of advice for other would-be entrepreneurs. “Find a mentor or mentors, any positive light, and go to it. Be encouraged on what is tried and true.” She added, “Be in the circle where the energy feels right.” Wholesoul A Lavender & Sage Eatery at Driftwood Char Bar is located at 4415 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis. They offer pick-up
Submitted photos service on Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 8:30pm. The restaurant is currently offering a Happy Hour special, $4 OFF Kat Snacks, from 4-5 pm. Also, patrons can enjoy 15% off first-time orders by using the "Shop Now" button on the eatery’s Facebook page @ WholesoulMN. Customers are encouraged to preorder, so the meal is ready at time of pickup. For more info, call 952-200-4903 or visit www.wholesouleatery.com. Ashely Lauren welcomes readers’ response to alauren@ spokesman-recorder.com.
December 10-16, 2020
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All That jazz: A closer look at this year's Grammy nominees Thana Alexa ever for Best Jazz Vocal Album for “Modern Ancestors.” • SECRETS ARE THE BEST Below find a full list of the nominees in the jazz cat- STORIES Kurt Elling Featuring egories that include Best Improvised Jazz Solo, Best Jazz Danilo Pérez Vocal Album, Best Jazz In• MODERN ANCESTORS strumental Album, Best Large Carmen Lundy Jazz Ensemble Album, and Best Latin Jazz Album. • HOLY ROOM: LIVE AT ALTE OPER Best Improvised Jazz Solo Somi With Frankfurt Radio Big Band • GUINEVERE Christian Scott Atunde Ad• WHAT'S THE HURRY juah, soloist Kenny Washington Track from: Axiom
James on Jazz By Robin James Contributing writer The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on January 31, 2020, in Los Angeles. Its format is not yet known. But we do know that Trevor Noah will host the awards ceremony. "RoundAgain, the first recording from Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride and Brian Blade since 1994’s “MoodSwing,” has been nominated for Grammys for Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Improvised Jazz Solo for Redman on “Moe Honk.” Congrats are in order to pianist Gerald Clayton who earned two Grammy Award nominations, Best Jazz Instrumental Album for “Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard," and Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Celia” from Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard." Also, kudos to Minnesota native and five-time Grammy-winner Maria Schneider for her latest album “Data Lords.” In the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category, these standouts were up nominated: “On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment” from trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, and “Waiting Game” featuring drummer
Vocalist Carmen Lundy Terri Lyne Carrington and Social Science. This is Akinmusire’s first-ever nomination. Who are some of the biggest snubs of the 2021 Grammys in the jazz categories? For starters, there were no nods for, “Without Deception” by Kenny Barron/Dave Holland Trio featuring Jonathan Blake. Barron has been nominated 11 times but has never won a Grammy. This was a highly anticipated collaborative project with two of the most beloved artists today. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis effort “Black, Brown, & Beige,” didn’t get a nod for their rendition of Duke Ellington’s most ambitious composition. The recording is their label Blue Engine’s first release devoted entirely to El-
Courtesy of Afrasia Prod. lington and is also Marsalis’ first recording of the work. Yet another snub, "Charles Lloyd: 8: Kindred Spirits (Live From The Lobero).” This live recording was made in his hometown of Santa Barbara and is a range of celebrations to mark Lloyd’s 80th birthday last year. Julian Lage is on electric guitar, Gerald Clayton on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Eric Harland on drums. Lage is nominated for “Tomorrow is the Question” for Best Improvised Jazz Solo. On another note, it's great to see that saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s "Becoming" score earned him a nod for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. And a big congrats to vocalist Carmen Lundy who is nominated for the first time-
• PACHAMAMA Regina Carter, soloist Track from: Ona, by Thana Alexa • TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION Julian Lage, soloist • CELIA Gerald Clayton, soloist Track from: Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard
Best Jazz Instrumental Album • ON THE TENDER SPOT OF EVERY CALLOUSED MOMENT Ambrose Akinmusire • WAITING GAME Terri Lyne Carrington And Social Science • HAPPENING: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD Gerald Clayton
• MONK'ESTRA PLAYS JOHN BEASLEY John Beasley • THE INTANGIBLE BETWEEN Orrin Evans And The Captain Black Big Band • SONGS YOU LIKE A LOT John Hollenbeck With Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry, Gary Versace And The Frankfurt Radio Big Band • DATA LORDS Maria Schneider Orchestra Best Latin Jazz Album • TRADICIONES Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra • FOUR QUESTIONS Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra • CITY OF DREAMS Chico Pinheiro
• VIENTO Y TIEMPO • ALL BLUES LIVE AT BLUE NOTE TOChick Corea, soloist KYO • TRILOGY 2 Track from: Trilogy 2 Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Chick Corea, Christian Mc- Aymée Nuviola (Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade Bride & Brian Blade) • TRANE'S DELIGHT • ROUNDAGAIN • MOE HONK Poncho Sanchez Redman Mehldau McJoshua Redman, soloist Track from: RoundAgain, Bride Blade by Redman Mehldau McRobin James welcomes readBest Large Jazz Ensemble Bride Blade) ers' responses to jamesonjazz@ Album spokesman-recorder.com. Best Jazz Vocal Album • DIALOGUES ON RACE Gregg August • ONA
8 December 10-16, 2020
BULLETIN
Free COVID-19 testing in the Twin Cities As COVID-19 cases continue to track at an alarming rate across the state and nation, health professionals continue to stress the need for testing. If you’re interested in getting a COVID-19 saliva test, you can do so on both sides of the river. Saliva testing is offered every day at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, and at the Minneapolis Convention Center. You can also take a test from home. More details: Free saliva testing: Roy Wilkins Auditorium (next to Saint Paul RiverCentre) 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Monday - Friday: Noon to 7 pm Saturday - Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm Free saliva testing: Minneapolis Convention Center 1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis Monday - Friday: 9 am to 7 pm Saturday - Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm Free parking is available and marked in nearby surface lots and parking ramps. Enter on the west side of the building off 1st Avenue, then continue to Exhibit Hall E. Also, if you’d rather not leave your home, saliva testing kits are available at no cost to anyone with or without symptoms. To order your kit, visit bit.ly/MNHomeCOVIDTests. Nasal swab testing continues to be available at various community sites across the state. For more info, visit bit.ly/MNCOVIDtesting.
Resiliency Fund to aid community organizations
Ramsey County recently released a new fund to help community organizations that provide workforce, employment, food and basic needs, and health and well-being services to residents in 2020. The fund is an initiative of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts program, Applications are being accepted from Nov. 16 through Dec. 7 at noon. Organizations may be eligible for multiple areas of the fund. A separate application will be required for each area. The Resiliency Fund will be administered on behalf of the county by SPEDCO. The workforce fund is open to organizations that provide programming such as: • • • • • •
Job search and employment readiness. Career exploration. Career pathways. Educational attainment. Financial and digital literacy. Other ancillary workforce needs.
Funding available • Workforce: Grants of up to $10,000 are available. • Food and basic needs: Grants of up to $50,000 are available. • Health and well-being: Grants of up to $50,000 are available. Eligibility To be eligible, your organization must meet the following criteria as of April 1, 2020: • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State. • Provide evidence of revenue loss and/or increased costs due to COVID-19 for second and third quarters (April 1 through September 30) of 2020 in comparison to the second and third quarters (April 1 through September 30) of 2019. Your organization must also meet one of the following requirements: • Have a physical location or at least 40% of 2019 clients residing in Ramsey County. • Provide workforce development services through CARES Act Funding from Ramsey County in 2020. Use guidelines Funds will help organizations pay for critical eligible expenses incurred from April 1 – Sept. 30, 2020, including: • Rent payments. • Mortgage payments. • Utilities. • Payments to suppliers. • Payroll. • Operational costs related to reopening including PPE and HVAC/building modifications. If an organization has received any federal CARES Act funding, a PPP loan, Ramsey County CARES funding (RISE) or CARES Act funding administered by another municipal government, and/or an SBA EIDL loan, the Ramsey County Resiliency Fund funds can only be used to cover specific expenses that were not covered by any of these programs. If an organization has received CARES Act relief funding (including PPP loan or SBA EIDL Advance Grant) they must demonstrate a loss of revenue or increase in expenses greater than the relief funding to be eligible for a grant.
Are you struggling to cope with the stress of daily life, parenting or the new challenges of COVID-19? Help is one call away. Call Ramsey County Mental Health Crisis & First Aid. The adult hotline is 651-266-7900. Children (under 18) should call 651-266-7878.
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Worship
For more info and to apply, go to bit.ly/ResiliencyFund2020.
Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Bethesda Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor
Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor
451 West Central
St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444
Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:
Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"
At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street
2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org
Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net
Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service
Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am
The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
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
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
December 10-16, 2020
View From Classified
SOE
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time to talk. He once conmendous for us this year,” Whasoled me years ago after a len said of Hubbard. “She knows heartbreaking loss to the Continued from page 10 the deal, what [is] to be expected, Continued from page 10 Department/MN state’s number-one team in day in day out.” Spokesman-Recorder Notice of Issuance of “I’m able to talk about what “I’m a nine, I’m feeling good,” the Minnesota Timberwolves the regional semifinals on Harassment Restraining Order andPHONE: Lynx. He612-827-4021 and Robinson, a bad call in the final min- declared Hubbard on her physi- it takes to be a Division I basby Publication Mahdi Aden Siarag Vs Khadar Muhumed who is in several HOFs, were ute. The game had many cal health. “I would say my game ketball player in the Big Ten,” inducted together in 2011 bad, one-sided calls against is probably at 6.5, 7. I’m not back Hubbard said, “to give little FOR BILLING To Respondent: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining Order has been issued in INQUIRIES the state coaches’ Hall of us that night, but he told where I like to be, but I’m defi- wisdom moments whenever on 10/29/20. me that the three-man crew nitely working toward getting I can.” Honor. & TEARSHEETS would not work any more back to where I was.” She also admitted that perhaps During last year’s Final PLEASE CONTACT x An order has been issued directing you to appear to a hearing on December 3, 2020 at 10:15AM before Referee Clysdale for a Harassment games that season. she’s finally gotten past being The redshirt senior is the Four in Minneapolis, RobACCOUNTING DEPT Restraining Order Hearing and explain why the relief sought in the Petition for “We got cheated this sumstar-struck playing for Whalen, team’s oldest player on a Gopher inson was honored by the the Harassment Restraining Order should not be granted. mer because we didn’t get the third year Gopher HC. team that features five froshs and NCAA with its Living LegYou must contact the Ramsey County Court Administrator’s Office at 651-266RAMSEY COUNTY 5130 for hearing location details. to bump into him at Lynx four sophs, including second“I’m still star-gazed on evend Award. You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court from Said Olsen, the Ramsey County Court Administrator's Office. 3WEEK RUN a longtime games,” bemoaned Olsen. “It year guard Jasmine Powell, who erything she’s done,” HubIf you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner's request may be will be the hardest walking is the team’s top returning scorer bard said of the former broadcaster, “He representFLAT RATE $300.00 PREPAID granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecuinto the arena at state tour- from last season. ed that group of elders who Gopher star and four-time tion for violation of the Court's Order. “She has been doing well,” WNBA champion. “I walk took the responsibility of naments… It will feel a lot OR checking in on young people, different with him not being said Hubbard of the Detroit na- into her office and I see all tive, one of five sistahs on the her [Olympic] gold medals helping and serving them. there.” A hearing has not been scheduled. You may request a hearing on this matter by filing a Request for Hearing HAR301 with the Court within twenty (20) A little known fact about roster, especially her playmaking. and [WNBA] rings… Wow! I Like Kwame McDonald, he days of the date this Notice is published. You may get a copy of the HRO from would check in on me, call Robinson: “He was a shopa- “[Powell] passes have been great.” didn’t realize how much she the court administrator's office at the following address: JFJC, 25 W. 7th Street, St. Paul MN 55102. Once a starry-eyed freshman, actually did.” me to give me advice when holic,” noted Lissimore. “Jim was always the one to find Hubbard sees herself now as a I first started working for Hubbard joked that it seems Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or to get a copy of the Harassment Restraining Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the the Timberwolves. He sat me wherever the great shops well-seasoned veteran. “When I that she has been at MinnesoCourt's order. first got to the U, I was told how ta longer than the actual five down and gave me some life were.” 6/29/2020 Court Administrator Robinson not only left beDivision I basketball was so hard years. “I am in the middle of advice.” Ramsey Minneapolis South long- hind his family, friends and and you got to work to earn your my masters [in sports manMinnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 26 & December 3 & 10, 2020 time boys’ basketball coach others to mourn him, but time and minutes,” she remem- agement] right now. I will Joe Hyser said of Robinson, also a long list of folk who he bered. “It is hard to win a game, be able to graduate with this stuck in the middle of nepotism. “He always treated me with touched in his life with cher- especially in the Big Ten. one in May [2021],” she said “I think now as a leader, I can proudly. They now are coached by Ryan respect and always come to ished memories. “I am going to miss him,” talk a lot more—I wasn’t very Saunders, son of Flip Saunders, at least one of four games evContinued from page 10 talkative before. I think Coach the team’s late former coach and ery season. It didn’t matter to said Henderson. Charles Hallman welcomes [Lindsay] Whalen has brought reader responses to challman@ Chicago Faragut High School, a part owner who died tragically him if we were good or bad.” Charles Hallman welcomes that out of me.” In my other life as a vetformer NBA MVP who he paid of cancer. spokesman-recorder.com. “Her leadership has been treeran local boys’ basketball reader responses to challman@ We all know you win with over $300 million. Garnett can't stand the man after he reneged players. And yes, the Timber- coach, Robinson was always spokesman-recorder.com. on his vow to make Garnett part- wolves have talent, yet year after kind to me and always had year they lose. The pain continowner. Last week Taylor extended ues. the contract of 23-year-old guard Obituary Larry Fitzgerald is a longstandMalik Beasley by four years for $60 million. Beasley averaged ing contributing columnist at the Spokesman-Recorder. 20.7 points and 5.1 rebounds Minnesota Sunrise, April 9, 1932 - Sunset, November 19, 2020 after coming to Minnesota from He can be heard weekday mornings Edward "Eddie" Manderville, age 88, on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 Denver. died November 19, 2020. He is survived by Beasley has been jailed and am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monhis wife of 62 years, Lorraine, his daughter, charged with several felonies in day and Friday at 9:10 am, and at Shauntel; and two grandsons. Manderville Minnesota. The Timberwolves www.Gamedaygold.com. He also worked as a building inspector for 20 years • Employment have also brought back veteran commentates on sports 7-8 pm on for the city of Minneapolis, and later served guard Ricky Rubio. He's a for- “Almanac” (TPT channel 2). Follow • Rentals as the executive director of Neighborhood mer Timberwolves number-one him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry • For Sale Housing Services. pick. He helped Phoenix win welcomes reader responses to info@ • Divorce Fast Eddie" began golfing at the age of 26 eight games in a row last year larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www. and became a golf legend in Minneapolis. He • Adoption Larry-Fitzgerald.com. and sweep the Timberwolves. shattered the color barrier in the Minnesota • Bid Despite Taylor, the brilliant gold and competed in most of Minnesota billionaire businessman who sits • Public Notices Golf Association's golf championships over courtside, the Timberwolves are ognized on July 28, 2018 when Jacob Frey, the past 50 years, including the U.S. Senior CALL mayor of Minneapolis proclaimed it "Ed Open and Senior Amateur. Eddie had eleven holes in one, two of which he hit back to back Manderville Day". Eddie will be remembered for his smile, infectious laugh, love for life at Theodore Wirth Par Three Golf Course and the game of golf, and for being a constant on August 9, 2013, an event with odds of less fixture at the putting green at Theodore than 67 million to one. Wirth. We will MISS you Eddie. Eddie taught golf at Anwatin Middle School and formed the Gelende Ski Club, the A Celebration of Life yet to be deterfirst and only African American non-profit mined. Memorials can be sent to the Fairway ski club in Minnesota. He volunteered at the Foundation, PO Box 80658, Minneapolis MGA since 1990, including working as a rules official for many tournaments and was a MN 55408. OR via paypal at info@fairwayfoundation.org (please put in notes “Eddie long time member at Rush Creek. Manderville”) All of his accomplishments were recState of Minnesota Ramsey County
District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62HRCV20914 Case Type: Harassment
Fitz
IN PRINT & ONLINE!
Eddie Manderville
612-827-4021
P.O. Box 8558 Minneapolis, MN 55408
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 10, 2020
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December 10-16, 2020
When will the losing stop?
Fitz Beat Larry FitzgeraLd
E
very day we are getting closer to another NBA season. December 22 it all starts again, as if things were not bad enough trying to survive during a pandemic. This is painful: 14.7 million people have tested positive for coronavirus in the U.S. according to Johns Hopkins University, and 281,789 Americans have died since March 1. Last week a record 2,875 people died in one day. Just wanted you know where I'm coming from mentally. I'm so sick of hearing lies about voter fraud by a man who accepts no responsibility for killing people. People who believe in God and what's right are being over shadowed by liars, by people who have given in and given up. The truth is that 73 million Americans voted on November 3 for Donald Trump, an impeached president. That's how devalued our country is that people support hate and lies from a con man and are proud of it. America is burning. We just can't see it.
The Timberwolves have drafted Anthony Edwards of Georgia number-one overall in the NBA Draft. When I think number one, I think Michael Jordan, Patrick Mahomes, LeBron James. That's what great organizations do with the top overall pick—they win! Karl Anthony Towns a few years ago was the Timberwolves’ number-one pick from Kentucky. A terrific talent who signed a five-year $190 million deal, Towns lost his mother earlier this year to the coronavirus. In fact, Towns has lost seven family members total this year to the coronavirus. Seven is supposed to be a winning number. Towns clearly needs a doctor to talk to. He plays with passion for an organization that has missed the playoffs 15 of the last 16 years. The last time the Timberwolves were in the playoffs, Tom Thibodeau was coach. Jimmy Butler, who led Miami to the 2020 NBA Finals, was here and an All-Star. Players play, coaches coach, owners own. Glen Taylor owns the Star Tribune and still owns the team that he bought in the mid-1990s for $88 million. Clearly his team has increased in value annually. His investment, because of the increased league popularity, is now up to $1.4 billion. He got the City of Minneapolis to renovate Target Center two year ago. He drafted Kevin Garnett out of
Jim Robinson’s passing lamented by many
I
t’s inevitable that all of us will leave this earth one day, but even knowing that, when you’re notified that someone you have known for years has passed away, the news isn’t any less shocking. Jim Robinson passed away Nov. 30 at age 88, another in a growing list of local and national notable Blacks who left us too soon this year. “One of the most inspiring persons I ever met in my life.” – Ronnie Henderson “I can’t picture milestones [in her life] without him.” – Lea B. Olsen “An iconic figure.” – Jeff Munneke “His legacy of service and leadership really will be greatly missed.” – Lisa Lissimore “A great loss.” – Al Frost Robinson, born and raised in St. Paul, made history and broke barriers several times over, first as a high school athlete. Later he made Minnesota history in 1971 when he became the first Black official to work a state high school boys’ basketball tournament.
MSR file photo
Jim Robinson He began working high school football and basketball games in 1956. He was among the first Black officials to work Big Ten and other college games
your butt, he got into your butt. If he needed to be nice to you, he’d be nice to you.” “He was very instrumental in getting Black officials in the MIAC,” added Frost, a retired Minneapolis high school teacher and athletic administer. “I appreciated him.” Robinson over the years was a familiar fixture at high school, college and pro basketball games but never sat on a high horse. Yet before, during halftime, and afterwards he humbly welcomed MSHSL associate director of well-wishers of all ages and genders. Robinson’s. “I always would walk over Robinson was an unabashed advocate for Black officials. Said and say hello and give him a Henderson, a veteran Black of- fist bump,” said Munneke, vice ficial, “If he needed to get into president of fan experience for
(1998-92), and organized and ran officials’ clinics throughout the state during the off season. “He was always very, very even keel,” said Lissimore, a
“He represented that group of elders who took the responsibility of checking in on young people, helping and serving them.” for the next 16 years before a knee injury forced him to retire. Then Robinson became a Minnesota State High School League coordinator of officials in 1991, a MSHSL board member
■ See Fitz on page 10
■ See View on page 10
Senior Gopher Diva excels in leadership role
Three former prep stars advance and a community legend is remembered
“I’m able to talk about what it takes to be a Division I basketball player in the Big Ten.”
There are approximately 100 African American and other studentathletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2020-21 school and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher redshirt senior Barn, played without fans. basketball player Gadiva Hubbard “We don’t know the rest of A typical oft-asked question of the schedule, [but] we are back college seniors: “Can you believe on the court. We can’t ask for four years have passed?” Fortu- more than that,” said a relieved nately Gadiva Hubbard and this Hubbard, who’s affectionately called “Diva.” reporter avoided this ritual. “Mentally it was hard,” she The 5’-9” Virginia Beach, Va. guard and her Gopher team- recalled of last spring’s sudden mates this week start Big Ten shutdown. “I just came back play. It’s been a long while since from a [foot] injury and had to COVID-19 knocked out sports get myself back together to play
(Stillwater), Crystal Flint (CretinDerham Hall) and Tansyha Scott (Roseville). Ellis-Milan starred as a center at St. Paul Central, where she was coached by Taylor, and at the University of Minnesota in the 2000s. PreP Scene After averaging over 12 The University of Texas men’s points a game her freshman basketball team defeated Indiana Dr. Mitchell year in 2016-17 and starting 31 University 66-44 in a Division I PalMer McDonalD of 32 games the following seabasketball matchup that featured son, Hubbard missed her entire Sims, a former prep star at Cristo junior season due to injury. She This week’s column features a Rey Jesuit, playing for the victoribounced back slowly last season former prep basketball star earn- ous Longhorns, and former Robbut finished averaging 11 points ing a head coaching job (Ashley binsdale Armstrong standout and led the Gophers in minutes Ellis-Milan), two former metro Thompson competing for the played. Hoosiers. Hubbard also last season beBoth came into the game as came the 26th player in school members of their team’s starting lineups with the 6’10” senior Simms averaging 6.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and Thompson, a junior, scoring 11.5
had a best of 22 points and 13 rebounds in a 79-58 win over Providence College. Jim Robinson, who passed away last week, was many things to many people. In 1971 he was the first African American official to work the state tournament. He was also among the first Blacks to work Big Ten basketball games. He became supervisor of of-
Race Thompson Courtesy Indiana U. Athletics
Ashley Ellis-Milan Courtesy MN Timberwolves basketball players competing at the collegiate level (Jericho Sims and Race Thompson), and a community leader and basketball official pioneer (Jim Robinson). Ellis-Milan, who was recently named the head girls’ basketball coach at East Ridge after stints as Gadiva Hubbard Courtesy of Brad Rempel, MN Athletics an assistant with Minneapolis South and DeLaSalle, joins the in March and caused its current last year. We stopped right in the history to hit 1,000 career points, Suburban East Conference that uncertainty as the 2020-21 sched- middle when I was trying to get reaching the milestone in 80 already boasts three of the state’s ule began last week with two back to how I was [before the games, 12th quickest in program top coaches in Willie Taylor history. non-conference games at the injury].” ■ See SOE on page 9
Jericho Sims Courtesy U of Texas Athletics points and grabbing 7.5 rebound per contest. Sims’ season high is 12 points in a 78-76 win over Davidson University, while Thompson
ficials in 1991. He was president of the Minnesota Mr. Basketball committee and also served as executive director of the Loft Teen Center in St. Paul. But he will be most remembered in the basketball community as a person who was always there to give advice and support, to listen and look out for those who were fortunate to meet him. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.