February 14, 2019 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Celebrate Minnesota Black History

February 14-20, 2019 Vol. 85 No. 28 www.spokesman-recorder.com

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Council member on increasing diversity in Brooklyn Center

Black History salute

MINNESOTA’S FIRST BLACK POLICEWOMAN

ETHEL RAY NANCE Photo by Chris Juhn

April Graves By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

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rooklyn Center City Council Member April Graves is looking to change the face and landscape of the city’s political system by working within it. Now into her second term, she has learned to appreciate the virtues of deliberation and consensusbuilding in governing. According to RoadSnack, Brooklyn Center has the largest Black population in the state. Nearly 30 percent of the city’s residents are African American or are of African de-

scent. Yet, Graves noted, until recently the council did not look like its residents. “When I first ran [in 2014], there was no one of color on the council or running. No women — especially single mothers like myself, which make up a fair amount of the population. It didn’t make sense in a city this diverse.” That diversity is something she feels well qualified to appreciate and served as her impetus to run. “I’m used to being a bridge builder between different views or perspectives. I come from a very mixed family. My mom’s White, my dad’s Black. I also have

cousins and niece and nephews who are Native and Asian American,” she said. “The council should be representative of the city in which we live. I thought I could bring a voice to the conversation that hadn’t been there in its history.” Growing up in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, she was a teen mother of four who persevered, obtaining a bachelor of the arts degree in social science and creative writing from Metropolitan State University. In 2013, she served a term of service through AmeriCorps at Brooklyn Center High School.

YWCA forum calls for more ‘White humility’ By Solomon Gustavo Contributing Writer

has real consequences, causing Blacks to tie themselves in Dr. Robin DiAngelo, author knots to maintain White comof the bestseller White Fragility, fort, said DiAngelo from the has built a career around mak- lectern at Western Presbyteriing White people uncomfort- an Church in Minneapolis last able. Her work concentrates on Thursday. tearing down the social protections that allow Whites to cry their way out of talking about race. Those tears may soften some hearts, but that fragility

DiAngelo spoke as part of the Minneapolis YWCA’s “It’s Time to Act” four-part forum series, designed to get people past discussing race — which, given White fragility, is hard enough — and taking what

“The right question to ask, instead of ‘is something racist?’ is to ask how racism manifests...”

Robin DiAngelo

Photo courtesy YWCA Minneapolis

■ See Graves on page 8 they learn out into the world, influencing their actions. The series is designed to help go beyond conversations around race, faith and social justice issues. These forums, even one as seemingly straightforward as one on fragility (and filled with White progressives all too eager to be “less White) has to begin with an in-depth argument that there is a problem. “I’m done having conversations about race,” Rubén Vázquez, YWCA vice president of racial justice and public policy, told the MSR. “I want us to start taking action.” The only way to have beneficial race talks — or action — said DiAngelo is through Whites getting over themselves and toughening up. According to her, the first challenge of unflinching race conversations is White humility. Racism is not individual; it is systemic, “embedded in all institutions and also in cultural definitions of who’s normal, whose stories are told, whose stories are not told, who tells the story…who behaves professionally, who is intelligent, etcetera.” This messaging is perpetuated through everyday socialization. While growing up, if Whites were involved in

In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota. This week, we salute Ethel Ray Nance, Minnesota’s first African American policewoman and first African American to work in the state legislature. While the job of stenographer may not seem groundbreaking, Ethel Ray Nance made headlines for it. She was the first African American to be hired for the position in the Minnesota State Legislature in 1923 — just one of many firsts in her career. Nance was born in 1899 to a Black father and Swedish mother in Duluth, where Blacks were few (only 400 in 1900) and racial unrest was rampant. After a lynching of three young Black men, her father William Ray organized the Duluth NAACP in 1921, where he served as president and Nance got her start as an activist and writer. After a year at the legislature, she went on to work for the Kansas City Urban League and eventually moved to New York to work as secretary for the New York Urban League director of research and contribute to Opportunity magazine during the Harlem Renaissance. She soon returned to Minneapolis where she served as associate head resident for the historic Phyllis Wheatley House. Two years later, the Minneapolis Police Department formed its first women’s bureau, and Nance was hired as its first African American policewoman.

Ethel Ray Nance outside Phyllis Wheatley House at Easter, 1927 Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society She quit in 1931 due to arthritis and went on to hold secretarial jobs with the State, the Minneapolis Urban League, and the Minnesota Department of Education. By 1945, she had landed work as secretary for W.E.B. DuBois. Nance then returned to work for the NAACP’s West Coast Regional Office in San Francisco and helped found the San Francisco African American Historical and Cultural Society, where she worked for 10 years. Nance worked a series of other jobs in the Twin Cities and San Francisco before retiring in 1978 from African-American Historical and Cultural Society. In 1978, at the age of 79, she became the oldest person to receive a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco and in May 1979 worked on the Minnesota Historical Society’s public forum “Black Women in Minnesota, 1920–1940.” Nance received numerous awards during her career, including honors from the African-American Historical and Cultural Society and the Negro Historical Society. She remained active until her passing on July 11, 1992 in San Francisco. Nance photo courtesy Duluth Public Library

■ See YWCa on page 8

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: YUMYUM BROWNIE SHOP

Built on grandma’s inspiration By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer Jerilyn Sheppheard, 18-year-old owner-proprietor of The Yumyum Brownie Shop, has never been at a loss for initiative. As a youngster in the Frogtown area of St. Paul, industry pretty much came naturally to her — organizing a neighborhood bike parade, devising an extra-curricular program at school with her kid sister, creating a community garden — and led to her career as a fledgling entrepreneur. Since 15, Sheppheard spent summers in her yard, operating a variation on the tried-and-true concept of lemonade stands — except, she sold brownies. Three years later, she’s now running Jerilyn Sheppheard

her own shop offering such goodies as brownies, cake jars, homemade ice cream and other deserts that have customers marveling at both her entrepreneurial and baking skills. “Ever since I was little I always liked doing stuff. I was always into it. I just wanted to start a business. I didn’t know what kind, but something I’d never seen before,” Sheppheard said. “I had ideas, but didn’t write a formal business plan.” It was a matter of starting small and taking one step at a time. She didn’t go about it conventionally, with such preparation as a blueprint and investors. She didn’t even take out a loan. “We saved up from the first time and Yumyum Brownie Shop’s Cookie Crunch Shake ■ See sBs on page 8

Submitted photos

February 16-22, 2017

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Money Matters

7 tips to tackle your financial goals with confidence

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any Americans have a certain vision for their financial future, but not a clear path for how to achieve their goals. We all know we want better credit and enough money to retire, but financial stability extends well beyond that. Do you have a savings plan? Are you prepared for financial emergencies? What about college for your kids? Whether you are a novice when it comes to counting your coins or an experienced investor, there are always steps you can take to take control of your financial destiny. You don’t necessarily need a professional financial planner to do so, say some experts. “Many individuals are quick to hand over responsibility for their future to financial advisors and fund managers in the hopes of achieving better returns than they could on their own,” says Dale Gillham, an analyst, financial educator and author of Accelerate Your Wealth: It’s Your Money, Your Choice. “If you’re looking for the best person to handle your investments without any conflict of interest, look no further than yourself.” While that may work for some who are financially savvy, others will work better with the guidance of an expert — especially when it comes to long-term financial goals. But either way, we all need to empower ourselves with basic information to reach our desired financial levels.

Here are seven basic tips to help you tackle your finances. Set a specific goal Setting goals may boost your confidence about achieving them. According to Lincoln Financial, those who set a financial goal for themselves in 2017 were more likely to feel that their finances had improved over the course of the year, compared to those with no financial goal. Whether it’s saving more for retirement, paying off a debt or investing in stocks, setting a goal is a great place to start. Make a plan Having a financial plan in place can help you prepare for life’s surprises and face them with confidence. A financial plan doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should cover everything that’s important to you at this specific stage of your life.

Photo courtesy of Getty Build your investment portfolio “Investing is less complicated than you might realize,” says Gillham. “With some simple knowledge of

investments if the market drops. Build diversity into your retirement income plan by incorporating different sources of lifetime income in addition to Social Security. Do you have a pension? Have

No matter how good your financial expert, make it a priority to stay on top of financial trends and changes. A financial advisor can provide an objective voice to help you stay focused on your goals while balancing your risk preferences and time horizon. They can also provide education to help determine when to fine-tune your plan. If you already have a relationship with an advisor, schedule time to review your plan and make any necessary adjustments.

proven strategies, you can build wealth on your own.” This includes managing a portfolio of five to 12 stocks which is easier to manage and represents lower risk. Consider multiple sources of protected lifetime income According to Lincoln Financial, 82 percent of pre-retirees are concerned about what will happen to their

you considered incorporating an annuity as a portion of your plan? “Diversifying your portfolio to include a source of protected lifetime income, like an annuity with optional benefits, can help to safeguard savings and provide for predictable income in your retirement,” says John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution, Lin-

coln Financial Group. “Never invest more than 20 percent of your total capital in any one stock,” Gillham adds.

come this year. Discuss taxsmart strategies with your advisor to help increase your income and keep you on the right track.

Build an emergency fund If you’re a regular reader of Money Matters, then you should know by now that 40 percent of adults in the U.S. are unable to cover a $400 emergency expense. So, setting goals, without planning for a rainy day will get you nowhere fast. Instead of just planning to make it through a financial crisis, most experts advise saving up at least three months of living expenses in case of job loss or unexpected expense.

Do your research No matter how good your financial expert is or how much you think know about finances, make it a priority to stay on top of financial trends and changes. Follow websites like BlackEnterprise.com and NerdWallet.com for up-to-theminute news and find books that address your needs. The key to financial success is staying focused on your goals and working with a plan. If you don’t choose to connect with an expert, make sure to research and set clear strategies for your success.

Strategize taxes Recent changes in tax laws have some concerned about how taxes will impact their finances and retirement in-

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February 14-20, 2019

How safe is CBD oil?

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD

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rom bath oils and soft drinks to skin creams and coffee bars, everywhere you look, you can see what looks like the next hot product: CBD oil. CBD, or cannabidiol, oil is a member of the cannabinoid family of molecules found in marijuana and plants closely related to marijuana, such as hemp. Although CBD has been around since the 1940s, CBD’s popularity has dramatically increased along with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana across the United States. There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most commonly studied cannabinoids. CBD oil is extracted from the buds and flowers of marijuana and related plants, such as hemp. But, unlike THC, which is psychoactive marijuana derivative oil, CBD does not pro-

duce a “high” or intoxicated feeling. CBD does have medicinal benefits, however. Proponents of CBD claim that it can treat a variety of conditions including seizures, pain, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, acne and other skin diseases, and even some forms of cancer. Experts are not quite as enthusiastic because solid scientific research has not verified most of these claims, yet. That has not stopped marketers and producers. In addition to CBDinfused products popping up in bath and body stores and local coffee shops, many malls now have “CBD stores” dedicated to selling a variety of products containing CBD oil. You can even search “CBD oil” on Amazon.com and well over 1,000 products are displayed – all touted to treat a wide variety of health concerns. Read on to learn more about the different types of cannabinoids and safety and effectiveness of CBD. Three types of cannabinoids Phytocannabinoids These compounds, like CBD, are found in plants like marijuana and hemp. Endocannabinoids These are found in the human body, discovered as a result of studying phytocannabinoids. They are deriva-

tives of a chemical called arachidonic acid. Many tissues and organs contain receptors for endocannabinoids, which are released by human tissues in times of pain and inflammation. It is welldocumented that receptors for endocannabinoids are located throughout the human body, including skin cells and the nervous system and brain. The endocannabinoids in the skin can regulate cell growth which can be used in cancer treatments. The endocannabinoids in the nervous system and brain may affect thinking and understanding, memory, body movements, and pain control. Synthetic cannabinoids These are man-made cannabinoids used for research

Seward Co-op Celebrates Black History Month

purposes and in some currently available products. They may eventually be employed in pharmacologic preparations and drug treatments used for cannabinoidresponsive conditions. The rest of this column will focus on the phytocannabinoid, CBD. Is CBD safe? Unfortunately, most CBD is being produced without regulation. As a result, purity and quality can vary greatly. In a recent study, 70 percent of products evaluated contained a different amount of CBD than listed on the label. Most products examined had less CBD, but some had more. Also, about 15 percent of CBD-containing products had measurable amounts of THC. This derivative can cause anxiety, just the very thing CBD is reported to calm, and THC should not be in CBD products. Additionally, CBD is poorly absorbed. Only about 20 percent of CBD gets absorbed, so the quality and purity of CBD products are critical for their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that CBD can have adverse effects on the liver. This seems to be the case in about five percent of all people. Other studies need to be done to see how CBD affects a person if the person consuming CBD is taking other medications. This is extremely important. In general, there are relatively few side effects. So, the downside in using CBDcontaining products is relatively low, but liver and other possible drug interactions must be considered.

Is CBD legal? This is really a grey and ever-changing area. It appears to be legal in the 30+ states where marijuana is legal, but the overall national legal status has not been challenged yet, and the FDA has taken a very quiet and conservative stance. Recently, a farm bill was proposed and is expected to pass that will make hempderived CBD legal. Keep in mind that just because something is legal does not mean that it is FDA-approved to treat anything or everything that is printed on the label. Is CBD effective? There are CBD receptors in our bodies. In the presence of bound CBD, our bodies can produce physiologic responses. In fact, CBD is FDA-approved to treat certain epileptic seizures in children. There is emerging research that CBD may be useful in treating anxiety, and there are countless anecdotal reports that it helps muscle aches, joint pain, depression, psychiatric conditions, and insomnia. The number of human trials for other diseases is small but promising. In fact, CBD’s use as an anti-inflammatory may be the next area for future FDA investigation and approval. As mentioned, many cells in our bodies have CBD receptors, so it stands to reason that CBD can have other physiologic effects in humans, such as on pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep. Unfortunately, due to the murky legal status of CBD, research to uncover these physiologic responses has been sparse. As for

other health claims, much more research, especially on humans rather than animals, needs to be done. Unfortunately, due to lack of regulation, manufacturers of products that contain CBD can print just about any health claim that they want on the product label, and buyers, desiring a relatively inexpensive, natural treatment, may just believe it. As the new farm bill clears, legality issues over research should move forward at a much faster pace. Additionally, the best method of CBD delivery (oral, topical or inhaled) should be studied for the best treatment results. Should I use CBD? CBD is a promising product for a variety of challenging medical conditions, but more research needs to be done. If one is considering the use of CBD when other tried-and-true treatments are not working, don’t just buy something off the shelf because the label says it will help you. I would strongly suggest using CBD-containing products with the guidance and care of a physician knowledgeable about and familiar with CBD-containing products. The future appears bright for CBD-containing products, but its ultimate success will depend on the production of high-quality products with safe, proven and approved results. Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He also has a private practice in Eagan, MN. He received his M.D. and Master’s Degree in molecular biology and genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. Dr. Crutchfield was recognized by Minnesota Medicine as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. He is the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is also an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations, and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians.

AFRICAN HERITAGE DAY ON THE HILL

Everyone Welcome

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2019 IN THE

CAPITAL ROTUNDA 2:00 — 4:00 p.m. 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, Minnesota 55155

2823 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis & 317 E. 38th St., Minneapolis

www.seward.coop

Join us as we rally in the Capitol Rotunda and visit with lawmakers to discuss the future of the State! For more info visit bit.ly/2CNAtU2

Attendance is free, Register today!

Keynote Speaker: Keith Ellison,Minnesota Attorney General

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February 14-20, 2019

Changing the rigged game that perpetuates inequality Moreover, the legacy of these policies, practices and attitudes continues to permeate American culture today in myriad ways, some easily seen, others unseen. Today, while we live in a society that has passed a litany of civil rights bills and other leThe Antigal protections, rampant social Poverty inequality (particularly among Soldier those of color) continues to exist. by And, not only are many of those Dr. Clarence aforementioned laws under conHightower stant threat, but there are scores A little more than a centuof systematic tools and tactics that ry ago, German sociologist Max Weber famously put forth a theoretical mod- counter any movements to effect change and el which, when translated to English, become bring about increased equity. Sociologist Michael Schwalbe identifies a known as the “iron cage.” In essence, the concept of the “iron cage” is that people are number of these dubious tactics in his book forced and confined to their social condition Rigging the Game: How Inequality is Reprobased on the “teleological” agenda of a gov- duced in Everyday Life. Schwalbe exernment or bureaucracy. Teleology can be defined as “the reason or pands on the writexplanation for something in the function of ings of Takaki (and its end, purpose, or goal.” Put another way, if others like Michael a ruling body rationalizes that a certain pop- Omi and Howard ulation is inferior (morally, physically, intel- Winant) in explorlectually, etc.), then they basically have the ing the “roots of inequality” in Amerlawful authority to oppress that population.

It’s not enough to know that there is a great deal of inequality in the United States and around the world. We need to know not only how much, but also how. If we can see how the rules of the game are rigged to create and sustain inequality, we can see how they might be unrigged — how a different set of rules and arrangements might be created. — Michael Schwalbe

“These realities allow the wealthy to become even more adept at making government serve their interests.” In his 1979 classic book Iron Cages, Ronald Takaki, the late historian and forerunner in the arena of ethnic studies, demonstrates how White attitudes toward populations of color — which were, in large part, fueled by pseudo-science and quasi-medicine, propaganda and untruths, and other strategies of domination — shaped the foundation of race and culture in the United States. Such strategies were used as a justification for slavery and Jim Crow, the forced removal and genocide of indigenous people, and the historic marginalization of other “minorities” including Mexican and Chinese people.

ica and links it to how the game is still rigged today in favor of the wealthy and powerful. This, of course, relegates the poor, people of color, women, and others to the margins of society; or to their “iron cage.” Among the tools that reproduce and sustain inequality, Schwalbe identifies neighborhood redlining, tax breaks and loopholes for the rich, voter suppression and gerrymandering as well as barriers to employment and

education (or “getting in the game”). He also speaks to some of the “legal” definitions of the day, such as “money is speech” and “corporations are people.” These realities allow the wealthy to become even more adept at “making government serve their interests.” This, in turn, undermines our democracy. Without question, none of this is new to most Americans. Nonetheless, this is the arena in which our fight against poverty, racism, and injustice must take place. We must continue to call out and challenge the so-called rules that “rig the game.” We must not surrender to the idea that

nothing can be done. We must resist and conquer the narrative that continues to “blame the victims” for their plight. And perhaps more than anything else, we must see and respect one another as human beings. As Schwalbe concludes, “A rigged game, one that creates and perpetuates inequality… diminishes our humanity. If we want to do better than this, we need to critically analyze the rigged game in which we’re caught and which we help to reproduce. The next step is to change it.” Clarence Hightower is the executive director of Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties. Dr. Hightower holds a Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University. He welcomes reader responses to 450 Syndicate Street North, St. Paul, MN 55104. Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN. AND WHERE WE’RE GOING.

During Black History month, we remember the past in order to create a prosperous future. We salute and acknowledge the innovations, accomplishments and culture of African-Americans. From scoreboards to boardrooms and from concerts to congress, you are making differences that can be felt every day. Toyota salutes those who are driven to succeed because determination can lead to elevation.

©2019 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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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.

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April Sellers’ lawyer responds to Kevin Powell’s harassment claims Our January 31 story “Kevin Powell claims ‘ruthless harassment’ from White Minnesota after defamation lawsuit,” continues to spark conversations about what led to Powell losing the lawsuit brought against him by Minneapolis dancer April Sellers. In the Q&A, Powell, a longtime activist and celebrated author, shares his side of the story, which he says was not properly explored during the trial and subsequent media coverage. He also shares how he and his wife, Jinah Parker, now face extensive racial harassment. Since then, the MSR has received numerous comments and feedback on the article, including from Sellers’ lawyer Aaron Scott, who claims inaccuracies in Powell’s account. Read below for his commentary on specific passages from Powell’s interview. Powell: “We waited two weeks to respond, and only because whoever April Sellers was also happened to post the original hate email to Facebook (a space with one billion people), and only after speaking with Rohan Preston of the Star Tribune, my colleague of 25 years or so, who said the email sounded like something April Sellers in Minnesota would send, because he knew her and had observed her over the course of years.”

Scott: It is demonstrably false that none of the more than 30 people to whom Kevin Powell sent “Open Letters” falsely attacking April Sellers “ever responded in any form.” During the course of the litigation, Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker lost four separate discovery motions addressing their failure to produce documents and the mysterious, inexplicable destruction of email and text message data that they had an obligation to produce. During the middle of the trial, Kevin Powell’s attorney attempted to crossexamine a witness using a chain of Facebook messages that the Defendants had failed to produce despite their obligation to do so. This led to additional sanctions by the court and the disclosure of three separate Facebook message chains between Kevin Powell and recipients of the “Open Letters” introduced at trial as exhibits 182, 183, and 184. Kevin Powell’s narrative that no one “ever responded in any form” to his allegations against April Sellers is knowingly and demonstrably false. Powell: “The next time we heard anything was in late December 2017, from Sellers’ lawyer Aaron Scott, saying we were being sued for over $500,000.

Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker are not the victims in this case. Scott: These allegations about Rohan Preston are false, were the subject of extensive testimony under oath at trial, and falsely impugn the character of Rohan Preston. Rohan Preston testified about exactly what he told Kevin Powell during their phone call and specifically denied saying anything to the effect that “the email sounded like something April Sellers in Minnesota would send.” In fact, Rohan Preston testified that he never believed the email had been sent by April Sellers and urged Kevin Powell to do more research into the identity of the sender. Powell: “Second, we sent the open letter Sat., Nov. 4, with my BCCing [blind copy emailing] it to about 35 people, none of whom ever responded in any form.”

There was no offer by April Sellers’ lawyer to make an apology publicly, no offer to make a public retraction, nothing. Just a demand for money.” Scott: This claim is demonstrably false. The December 14, 2017 letter included a section titled “Demand for Retraction and Compensation.” It instructed Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker to: “(1) take all immediate steps to retract and correct the false statements you have spread about April Sellers; (2) identify to our firm every person to whom your false allegations have been made and when; and (3) compensate Ms. Sellers for the damage you have caused.” Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker inexplicably took no steps to retract their false claims and actively thwarted efforts to determine how

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far their false stories had been spread, concealing evidence and receiving courtimposed sanctions for their lack of cooperation. Powell: “From June 2018 to right before the trial in December 2018, we offered several times an apology and a retraction, and every single time her attorney rejected it, saying money had to be attached, as much as $200,000-$300,000. Even moments before the trial begun, Scott and Sellers rejected an offer to accept an apology. So, it is patently false to say that this could have been remedied from the beginning with a simple apology. The lawyer never asked for one; he asked for money.” Scott: These claims are again knowingly false. Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker have never apologized to April Sellers even now, more than a year after they spread their false stories about her. It was not until the end of August 2018 — after more than seven months of litigation during which we had taken the Defendants’ depositions, twice won discovery motions sanctioning Defendants for their conduct, won a motion to add a claim for punitive damages into the case, and established that Kevin Powell’s text messages had inexplicably disappeared because of what he claimed was a “phone malfunction” — that Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker first raised the possibility that they would be willing to say something complimentary or apologetic to April Sellers if she dropped her lawsuit and received nothing more from them. This concept was further explored in a court-required mediation in September, but never again. It is completely and utterly false that “moments before” the beginning of the trial an offer to apologize was made and rejected. Powell: “So the question also begs itself now, for us: Where is the apology to us for being dragged through this for a year, for the thousands of dollars we had to spend, borrow, raise, simply to deal with this? And where is the apology to us for having our reputations slandered and smeared over and over again? Yes, we greatly empathize with April Sellers of Minnesota. We would love to apologize to her directly, but two wrongs do not make things right. The lawsuit and dragging us through an absolutely unnecessary trial were completely wrong and inhumane.” Scott: Kevin Powell and Jinah Parker are not the victims in this case. The fact that Kevin Powell believes he is entitled to an apology at this point is very revealing — especially given that neither he nor his wife have offered any apology to April Sellers despite having known for more than a year that they accused the wrong person. The reality is that he and his wife could have apologized to April Sellers at any point since they falsely attacked her in November 2017 and they have never done so.

IN RESPONSE TO: In response to “Kevin Powell claims ‘ruthless harassment’ from White Minnesota after defamation lawsuit,” by Stephenetta Harmon, January 31, 2019 Isn’t there any possible way Powell can sue for harassment, pain, and suffering? Has he even conferred with his attorney (if he has one)? Powell received a taste of the passive-aggressive experiences Blacks in Minnesota and throughout the Upper Midwest experience on a daily basis, masked “Minnesota Nice” and “aww, shucks” behavior that allows Whites to justify their barbarous behavior towards Blacks under the veneer of liberalism, progressivism and moderation. The White masses aren’t our “brothers and sisters,” so he needs to acknowledge his experiences wholly and truthfully, and not allow White supremacy an out. Quite frankly, I assume some of those racist letter writers had “I’m With Her” bumper stickers on their vehicles in 2016! — Joshua As a longtime journalist & anti-racism activist, I find the situation with Kevin Powell disturbing. Having read all three articles (City Pages, Strib & [MN] Spokesman-Recorder, it appears that Kevin Powell’s story keeps changing with one constant: even though it was Powell who defamed a woman who had done nothing to him and his wife, Powell keeps claiming he’s a victim. Kevin Powell has worked in journalism for 20+ years but, in this situation, he failed to do basic fact-checking. He just assumed which “April Sellers” had written a private email to his wife. Powell failed to even hit the “reply” button on that email and communicate directly with the author of that private email. Instead, he crafted a 1,500-word self-serving attack on the reputation of the Minneapolis choreographer “April Sellers” — who had done nothing to him–and Powell deliberately sent his slander to 35+ “gatekeepers” in the Twin Cities arts community. The deliberate goal was to ruin Sellers’ career. When the Minneapolis woman tried to communicate with Powell, he refused (again) to communicate with her directly. By any yardstick of the law or journalism, Kevin Powell engaged in defamation of character against an innocent person who did nothing to him. To then, claim that he’s a victim of white supremacy in this case (his only “evidence” being the race of other people involved — not any actions) is despicable, self-serving & reinforces & helps the right-wing racist memes that “there’s no racism–only ‘race hustlers’ & race-baiters’ today.” Character assassination against people of color in the media is very very real. As both a journalist & activist, I’ve challenged it when it inevitably is used against survivors & victims of police violence. But, in this case, it’s Powell who engaged in character assassination–and is continuing to do it. “Mistaken identity” is also a real thing in journalism — I made an honest mistake some years ago that could have done great damage to a beloved public figure in the Twin Cities. As soon as the mistake was brought to my attention, I persuaded my editor to let me do a significant story (not just a “correction box”) to address my mistake and clear the reputation of the person I had inadvertently wronged (I had trusted sources in that situation who were also mistaken). Luckily, I was even able to do an in-depth interview with the person — who said it was obvious I had no malicious intent. Sad to say, these basic ethics of journalism (and life) do not seem to be present with Kevin Powell. He’s even done this (at least) once before: sued a film company over their (fair use) of facts from published interviews about Tupac Shakur for a film on the artist. When that didn’t get Powell money, he switched history to say that he’d “made up big parts of the interview”— so, it was actually fictions & the company owed him money for that!” Powell lost that case, too. It seems reasonable to conclude that Kevin Powell’s credibility is very thin, at best. He was clearly in the wrong here — yet, still refuses to own that. I hope no legitimate news organization will hire him for journalism. He should stick to music reviews — where opinions, not facts are all that’s wanted. — Lisa Fenton Is this April Sellers form Minnesota White, Black or what color? Appeal the case and then sit down with the newspaper as you did with the MSR and tell your side of the story and file a civil suit against the April Sellers in Ohio for defamation against you. The Ohio lady seems like a racist going against her own. Please don’t generalize that all Whites are racist, that just makes us mad and then we, in turn. want to generalize about people of color. There are good and bad on both sides. I like to get to know the person and ask questions before I make a judgment of that person. A friend of mine (a person of color) taught me that. Good luck with your appeal. — Warren Abraham

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February 14-20, 2019

BEYOND BOUNDARIES:

PaviElle French heals with soulful symphony By Stephenetta Harmon Contributing Writer

S

t. Paul native PaviElle French’s first-ever symphony is a testament to dreaming big and defying boundaries. What started out as a whim to see if she could work with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) turned into a commissioned piece, complete with a supportive mentor and orchestrator. Now French is set to debut “A Requiem for Zula” — a seven-movement homage to her late mother — this weekend at the Ordway Theatre as part of SPCO’s Tapestry19 Festival. The multi-hyphenate artist (singer, composer and actor, just to name a few) is clear about the significance of her latest endeavor. “To take that piece into the Ordway, into Benson Hall,” French tells the MSR, “and take that through to the orchestral realm — realms that we [as African Americans] traditionally are forgotten about and not necessarily welcome in — “it’s like I’m taking a very soulful Black aesthetic, and my community and everything that made me, on my back into this place and they’re going to play it. They’re gonna play it how I wrote it. That’s amazing.” Sonically, she’s bridging her R&B upbringings with classical strings to create her own musical montage. “I’m playing my kind of music and not just necessarily following the rule of European classical music. This is like me meeting them halfway,” she explains. It’s music with purpose. The 15-minute movement journeys through the seven stages of grief following her mother’s passing in 2011. But it’s not about exploiting Black girl pain — it’s for healing. “That’s why it goes through the courses [movements],” she says. “It may not be the same order, but this is grief for everyone. And, I was really trying to paint that picture in an alchemist’s kind of way, where I’m going to heal us up. I’mma talk about it first and then I’m going to resolve, so we do this together.” It’s also about representation and paving another path for younger generations to follow. “The kids, the community, need to see that you can bridge hip hop, you can bridge soul, you can bridge your Blackness with anything and create new art be-

cause that’s what we do,” she says. She takes pride in that, as well as being given a plat-

been, like lyric-wise, it’s always been in spurts. This just poured out.” From there, orchestrator

‘Yes, I got you. However you give this to me is how we’re going to write it so it will sound like that.’ And it does!”

all can do anything we put our minds to. “I don’t care if I don’t have these credentials or if I don’t write this music on a staff or if I don’t do these classical things and have this technical talk that y’all have. “And, I want people to have that same kind of confidence and not thinking that they have to have these things in order to get the opportunities in life that they want to get. Some stuff we really have the power to

“You can bridge soul, you can bridge your Blackness with anything and create new art because that’s what we do.” form to highlight her musicianship. “I’m a woman, and so people automatically assume that people are writing this music for me. And I’m like, nope, that’s me — from not just the words, but the actual sounds.” Finding its genesis in 2017, she teamed with SPCO to begin the creative process in January 2018. It took nine months to create, from musical conception to lyrics. “I played piano. I wrote the oboes, the violin, trumpets, the whole sections, the timpani; I wrote the drums, I wrote everything,” says French. She worked through the music, noting that she “hears songs and melodies in color.” She also tapped into her mother’s musical influences — “My mom was a real big music head” — including Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis and Barry White. After that, everything just flowed. “It was just like my artist light was on. I think that’s the first time in my life that anything has ever happened like this,” she shares. “I’ve always been able to song write, but it’s always taken time and it’s always

PaviElle French

Michi Wiancko helped her transform her music into a full-fledged symphony. “She understood...and she was just so on with me. I said, ‘That needs to be written in the music that way.’ And she said,

NEW BEGINNINGS Life After Incarceration

Writing her first symphony should have been nervewracking, but it was more of a triumph. “[This is] me being able to walk into that unknown and show people that you can step outside of your fear — you can have a second chance at life even if you have major traumatic things that have happened to you,” she says. She says it also made her stronger in her belief that we

SATURDAY

MAR 2

ONLY

$5

BRING A SISTA!

12-4

MINNEAPOLIS URBAN LEAGUE

Photo courtesy of SBH Photography

make happen, and we can step outside of the barriers that are against us and still be like, ‘Nah, I’m going to get this done.’” But that triumph didn’t happen overnight. French has more than 20 years in the music industry, even longer in the theater, appearing in her first production at the age of five. But she hit a low point even before the back-toback deaths of her parents in 2010 and 2011. “I was already feeling defeated about the industry. I had stopped gigging. I was just done.” She packed her bags and left for Hawaii. “I went somewhere that I’ve never been in my life. I knew nobody down there. I just kind of had gotten a word in my head that said, ‘If you don’t go, you will die.’ And not necessarily in a physical way, but everything that I have been and that I’ve come this far to be, I will lose that if I didn’t get away from here and go heal and go heed the word.”

At this event, our panelists will discuss resources for women reentering society after incarceration, and provide information for

#heysista #soulsista

She returned in 2013 with a newfound passion for music and for the past six years has been on the grind — forming a band, releasing a fulllength album, and receiving numerous awards (including an Emmy, First Avenue’s Best New Band in 2014, and City Pages’ Best New R&B Artist in 2015). “I’m a believer in manifestation and all that — I came back with the intention and with the purpose and with a very strong knowing of what

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I was trying to achieve. But, for me to come back and then all this stuff starts happening… I really could hear my mother telling me, ‘Nah, you got to go back home. You’re not done.’” And, she’s still moving forward. Even before its world premiere, the piece is garnering major buzz. Twin Cities PBS has followed her creative process and will feature the piece in its award-winning “MN Original” series, and MPR has committed to recording the symphony’s debut. French is also mapping out future performances. When asked what she hopes to leave on the stage, she says it’s the “legacy of her mother’s love. I hope that everything that pours out of me shows how profound her effect was on me and on the community.” She also hopes the piece speaks to the spirit of the old Rondo neighborhood. “I hope [the audience] understands how much I love and value where we come from and the things that have made us who we are together.” She adds, “If I keep telling my stories, stories about the people that were in the community or the community itself, you can’t erase us.” “A Requiem for Zula” will debut as part of SPCO’s inaugural Tapestry19 Festival. The show will run Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8 pm at Ordway Concert Hall in St. Paul. It will also run Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 pm at Benson Great Hall in Arden Hills. Tickets range from $12$50. Admission is free for children and students. For more information, visit thespco.org/ tapestry19.

February 14-20, 2019

BULLETIN

2019 Black History Month Community Calendar

FEBRUARY 22-28

Each week this month, MSR editors share their top picks for events celebrating Black History Month.

February 22 Lutinjue Palate’s Grand Opening 8 am - 5 pm @ Lutinjue Palate, 930 Hennepin Ave., S., Mpls Celebrate Black business and satisfy your soul food cravings at the grand opening of Lutinjue’s Palate. Enjoy such signature dishes as Harriet’s Escape Vegan, Buttery Butter Peach Cobbler, Dr. T. Adams Philosophy Pecan Cobbler, Exquisite Nicksology Macaroons and Coconut Cake Bites, to name a few. Info: bit.ly/LutunjiGrandOpening Not in Our Neighborhood! 7-9 pm @ Landmark Center, 75 5th Street W., St. Paul Presented by Minnesota Landmarks, written by Tom Fabel and Eric Wood, and directed by Eric Wood, this original historical play depicts the true story of vicious opposition by White Groveland Park citizens to an African American couple moving into their neighborhood in 1924. The play runs until Feb. 23. Info: bit.ly/NotOurNeighborhood

February 23 Children’s Reading Circle: St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter 10-1045 am @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave., N. 4th floor, Mpls. Free Mayor Carter will read children’s story favorites as the guest speaker of this free family gathering. Info: bit.ly/CarterReadingCircle Kinky Curly Theological Collective: Spirituality for Black Women 12-3 pm @ Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul;. Free Join the kick off the Unveiling the Black Woman Inside writing series, which aims to provide a space for women of African ascent to define themselves through the practice of spiritual, movement, and writing in the company of other women. Bring a notebook and wear comfortable clothes. Info: bit.ly/KinkyCurlyKickOff Hebrews to Negroes Movie Screening & Q&A 12:30- 5 pm @ Sabathani Community Center Auditorium, 310 East 38th St., Mpls. $25 Join leadership of the Church of Kingdom Treasure Int’l for the Minnesota screening of The Negro Network’s From Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America. Info: bit.ly/HebrewstoNegroes

Hattitude Paint Party 2-4 pm @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave., N. 4th floor, Mpls. $30 Artist Tipton Hammond, whose paintings are on display at the museum’s “GRACE” exhibit, will lead participants in painting their own artwork to take home. Registration is required as seating is limited. Info: bit.ly/HattitudePaintParty ANGRY BLACK WOMAN & Well-intentioned White Girl 5:30-8:30 pm @ North Community High School, 1500 James Ave., N., Minneapolis Amoke Kubat and Jennifer Johnson express daily “unsaids” between Black and White women in a play that delves deep into those hidden dehumanizing narratives through storytelling and audience participation. Info: bit.ly/AngryBlack The Free Black Table Open Mic 7-9 pm @ Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave., 8th floor, Mpls. Free. Brought to you by Black Table Arts, this open mic event promises an intentional evening of performance dedicated to the celebration of Black artists. Sign up begins at 6:30 pm and fills quickly; it is suggested that performers arrive as early as possible. Info: bit.ly/BlackTableOpenMic

February 24 A Celebration and Collaboration of Sistahood in Black History 2-5 pm @ New Creation Church, 1922 North 25th Ave., Mpls. $5-10 Billed as a mother-daughter empowerment and unity event, this celebration promises good food, inspirational conversations, a motivational speaker, bonding activities for mothers and daughters, as well as live entertainment and a fashion show. Info: bit.ly/CelebrateSisterhood The Miseducation of the Black Man Discussion Series 3-4:30 pm @ 1011 W Broadway Ave., Mpls. Free As an extension of the ”Men with Daddy Issues” series, this community conversation will center on the true history of the Black man leading up to present-day traumas. The discussion is open to men, women, children and community organizations, with the goal of discovering collaborative solutions to strengthen the Black community. Info: bit.ly/MiseducationBlkman VocalEssence WITNESS: Yet They Persist 4-6 pm @ Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. $10-40 Part of the VocalEssence educational outreach program, WITNESS, this concert features traditional and contemporary

pieces as well as some exciting special guests, such as Atlanta’s Spelman College Glee Club. The event is in celebration of African and African American trailblazers like Minneapolis City Council Vice-President Andrea Jenkins, former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, and history-making Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Info: bit.ly/YetTheyPersist

February 26 African Heritage Day on The Hill 2-4 pm @ Minnesota Capitol, ROTUNDA, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. Free Come out and hear from elected officials of African heritage to advance the vision in Minnesota together. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will keynote this year’s event. Info: bit.ly/AfricanHeritageDay

February 28 African American Read-In: Books, Poetry and Songs 3:30-7:30 pm @ Webber Park, 4440 Humboldt Ave., N., Mpls. Free In celebration of the power of local African American literature, this event features Tish Jones, founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks, Danielle Daniel, Dr. Artika Tyner, Wisdom Young, a presentation from Youth Readers Theater, plus an open mic session. Info: bit.ly/WebberReadIn Assata Speaks: The Black History Month Edition 5- 8 pm @ Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. $10 Speakers Rosalind Sullivan, Jena Holiday and D’Narius Lewis headline the Black History Edition of Assata Speaks promising messages to remember. Info: bit.ly/AssataSpeaks Author Talk: Shannon Gibney 6-7:30 pm @ Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park. Free Professor Shannon Gibney reads from her second novel Dream Country, a story about family tapestry, sacrifice and dreams. Info: bit.ly/ShannonGibney Discussion on racial inequality with Dr. Samuel Myers 6-7:30 pm @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave. N, 4th floor, Mpls. Free University of Minnesota Professor Dr. Myers will lead a discussion on his book Race Neutrality: Rationalizing Remedies to Racial Inequality. His work focuses on the impact of social policies on the poor. Info: bit.ly/DrSamuelMyers

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YWCA Continued from page 1

a discussion about race, said DiAngelo, it wasn’t about Whiteness or how it operates. It was instead about the inherently substandard characteristics of other races as compared to them. And, using conventional defenses as evidence of not being racist, such as “I work with Black people,” or being nice, or not being southern — “makes it impossible to talk” to White people about their inevitable, system-baked racist worldview. She also noted that culture is specifically structured so that White people have the choice to remain stuck in their ignorance. “You can get through graduate school without ever discussing racism,” she said, adding the same applies to teacher education, medical school, social work education, law school, and the requisite qualifications for any office or administration or leader. “If you are White and you have

not devoted years of sustained study, struggle and focus on this topic, your opinions — you’ll have them — they’ll necessarily be uninformed and limited and superficial,” DiAngelo said. White progressives do it too, she pointed out, and because they are most likely to spend the most time with people of color, she said it’s White progressives that do the most daily harm. So, confronting White progressives with their inherent bias is hardly a case of “preaching to the choir.” “You are not the choir. I’m not the choir. There’s no choir,” said DiAngelo. “The moment I think I’m the choir, I’m going to be complacent.” Racism, she reiterated, is not a single event, but a system that cultivates people “with something profoundly anti-Black” — even among Blacks. The right question to ask, instead of “is something racist?” said DiAngelo, is to ask how racism manifests in that particular situation. “All space is White space,” she added. What a Black person must take into account before driving down a road or

walking into work or a store requires more thinking about race than White people may undertake in their lifetime. Some of her punch lines on the absurdity of White fragility and inflexibility — like the idea that she’d be qualified for a racial ethics committee because she’s vegetarian — landed like a release valve, with the overwhelmingly White crowd in attendance roaring with delight. But when DiAngelo struck more sensitive chords, her lines echoed through a room of awkward silence. Acknowledging there is a problem and understanding every detail of it are two different things. Granted, fully grasping the tools of the master’s house will help the oppressed in dismantling it, as DiAngelo pointed out in referencing Audre Lorde’s famed quote. But, just talking about discomfort and ignorance can be nothing more than a stalling tactic. The YWCA has sensed this obstruction in organizing this series, but judging from DiAngelo’s insights and the audience response, it’s going to take

GrAveS

he’s been there awhile. There are also Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards; African American and Communication Coordinator AnContinued from page 1 gel Smith, who is a Black woman; [as well as] Neighborhood Engagement Liaisons Cindy Devonish, Sheku Samba and Corey WeatherIn addition to serving on the council partspoon. time, Graves also whets her social-political engagement skills at the Minneapolis Health MSR: Anything else? Department—Adolescent Health and Youth AG: I advocated for liaisons for the Park & RecDevelopment Division, preventing youth and reation Commission. We also have commuteen dating violence in North Minneapolis. She nity engagement specialists through the City has also worked as a youth engagement coordiHall office. Those are some of the big things I nator at a North Minneapolis youth arts organiwas able to push through long conversations zation and on the Minneapolis Youth Coordiand building trust [and] bringing other council nating Board’s Outreach and Engagement team. members to realize it’s something needed to efGraves spoke recently with the MSR about fectively serve the diversity of our city. critical issues, reflecting on her first term. Here is our conversation, edited for clarity.

Attendees at Minneapolis YWCA forum on “White fragility,” February 5 at Westminster Presbyterian Church Photo courtesy YWCA Minneapolis more than a carrot and stick to jump- ster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette start these conversations into true ac- Avenue in Minneapolis. For more information, visit ywcampls. tion. org. The next forum, “Before Jesus Was White: Unlearning Our Truths,” featurSolomon Gustavo welcomes reader ing Rev. Dr. Curtiss DeYoung and An- responses at sgustavo@spokesmanthony Galloway, will take place Thursday, recorder.com. April 11 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at Westmin-

see the small business incubator. I don’t know MSR: Where do you see the impact of Presiexactly how it will look, but I’m optimistic that dent Trump’s prevailing attitudes and procedures in this? it will happen. AG: That’s the problem. If you think about it, MSR: What more do you want to see take the attitude toward immigrants from people place? like our current president is ridiculous, because AG: Now that we have more staff to focus none of us would be here besides the indigenous on community engagement, we need to be people of America without immigration. intentional and strategic about involving our I prefer to focus on solutions we can bring at community in the decision-making process. the local level, [like] who I can work and collabOften, it’s not about hosting events at City Hall, orate with to help the community. Every year, but about going out into the community and we take our legislative priorities and send them connecting with [citizens] — whether that’s to our representatives at the state level. This ispartnering better with the schools, with other sue of immigration status, which affects all of parks, libraries, and other businesses to make us, should be one of the highest priorities. sure there’s a sense of belonging and community and collaboration on issues the city is facing. MSR: How has your perception of the position changed since you first took your seat? AG: The first couple of years, I did a lot of watching and listening. I spoke up when it was necessary. I’ve always hated that government moves slow. I now understand it better. Sometimes, I still feel we need to stop talking and act. Other times, it’s important to be deliberate, discuss matters, and build consensus on how things I would also like to see improvement in our will impact those who are most affected. policing. I don’t get the data I’d like from our police department, and that’s something I’ve MSR: How do you see yourself serving the talked at length about at the council and with community now? the city manager. I’m optimistic the city man- AG: I always considered myself to be a commuager and Police Chief Tim Gannon are working nity organizer and activist, not a politician. I on it, but a lot more can be done. still feel that way, though I’m an elected official. Especially for communities of color, it’s difficult MSR: Like what? to support a candidate and then be frustrated AG: The multicultural advisory committee is when you don’t see the changes you want to see. important, but there are ways it could be better What powers, what controls do we have to utilized. For instance, to get our officers to be switch this corrupt system that’s been in place more culturally competent and to help problem for years that disproportionately, negatively imsolve when culture is a barrier between the of- pacts people of color? And as soon we get leadficer and who they’re interacting with. ership of color, we want to see things change Also, immigration issues, particularly [as immediately. it concerns] the Liberian community. A lot of I do, too. But, we need to recognize that peothem are scared under DED and Temporary ple of color in political positions are in a system Protected Status. Both are about to expire. that [remains] racist and was set up to keep us Other immigrant communities are af- out. It’s not easy to automatically make changes. fected as well. It’s putting a lot of families in All types of approaches are needed. There fear. It economically impacts our communi- are those who need to be calling out racism and ty, strongly, because they pay taxes. They go to discrimination, shutting down traffic. There is schools. They live in and contribute to our com- also the need for people to sit at the table and munity in multiple ways. say things that need to be said in a way the opA huge section of our population just [might position can hear in order to move issues forbe] unceremoniously kicked out of the country, ward. [told] you don’t have the right to be here anymore, particularly after people have been here Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses at for decades and put down roots. dhobbes@spokesman-recorder.com.

“People of color in political positions are in a system that remains racist and was set up to keep us out. It’s not easy to automatically make changes.”

MSR: As an incumbent, what are your greatest challenges? April Graves: A lot of the first term was about building relationships with other council members. Getting them to feel comfortable talking about issues that tend to be uncomfortable for White people, like racial equity, the inMSR: That’s a pretty impressive list. What are tersections of economics, opportunity and acyou working on now? cessibility. AG: We recently hired a small business and development workforce coordinator. That MSR: What have been some successes? was something I advocated hard for: to have a AG: We passed a resolution around racial ecosmall-business incubator. nomic equity. I was able to push an initiative When I ran the first time, I talked about [havrelated to the community center and youth. It ing] a mini-global market, where small busiwasn’t very welcoming to young people and ness owners and entrepreneurs who lack the families. We now offer more free programming resources to open a storefront could build busithrough the center for families, where in the nesses and share the rich cultural foods, tradipast there wasn’t much of that going on. [We tions, music [and] art that really make Brooklyn needed] to get them to utilize this resource and Center a cool place to live. We need to work in not have the cost be a barrier. We expanded our these areas. youth jobs program. Small business growth will be a huge part We’ve increased the diversity of our leaderof how the City continues to be viable as an atship. More people of color are on the staff. We traction to people that don’t live in the city, as have a Black city manager, Curt Boganey — well as a resource for those who do. I hope to

SBS

Hence, Yumyum Brownie Shop is situated on the corner of University and VictoContinued from page 1 ria avenues in St. Paul, just off a bustling main drag and right from then on I saved money.” across from the Metro Transit The “we” actually is she, enlist- Light Rail and a bus route. ing support from family and a Accordingly, street traffic is small sales force of business- good. Customers can also place minded youth like herself. orders online. On-hand orders

“Ever since I was little I just wanted to start a business.” “I hired five younger girls, and every summer we worked,” she said, methodically expanding. “As I went, I had to learn different things, like licensing. I called the Department of Health and they guided me through certain parts. Everything I had questions about, I looked up on the Internet.” So, putting herself through a self-taught, grow-as-you-go crash course in commerce, she struck out on her own. Sheppheard is now a student St. Paul College, where she is studying culinary arts and running a booming storefront. She put up the proverbial shingle this past December, where she adheres to the timeless retail adage that there are three keys to setting up any shop: location, location, location.

cessful that business is entirely self-supportive, paying salaries and the all-important aspects of overhead — from rent and space at a commercial kitchen and supplies to lights and water and gas for deliveries. She’s also keen on supporting the neighborhood. “We have community involvement meetings every Wednesday, and kids are able to come and share ideas of how to give back to the community.” It was through these meetings that she and her staff have, for instance, facilitated supplying meals to the homeless. “We’re really trying do a lot for the community,” she said. “We hold events all week long for everybody to participate.” This includes an open mic night, family game night twice weekly, a fun zone with games and other activities for children, as well as homework help each afternoon. She also has an eye out for opening a second location soon. To peers interested in following her example, she advised, “Go for it. Don’t let anything stop you. Anything you don’t know, definitely look into it and don’t let people discourage you.”

are fulfilled immediately. They also do next-day orders; catering takes three days. “My grandma, Sallie, she gave me advice, but she wanted me to do it by myself. She’s really old school. Very independent.” Sallie, who was a rolemodeling source of inspiration, passed away just weeks before the doors opened. Her spirit, of course, is still with Sheppheard. “She was very proud of me,” said Sheppheard. “She was always the person I went to with different ideas. I made the recipes and she tasted everything I made and [told me whether] it was good. “I shared news with her, like when I got opportunities. It’s Yumyum Brownie Shop is locatdifferent, not having her to go to, but I think I got it.” An under- ed at 858 University Avenue in St. statement if ever there was one. Paul. For more info, visit facebook. Her offerings are so suc- com/yumyum.brownies.3

February 14-20, 2019

Legals STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY Hamza Abubakar-Elmehra, Plaintiff, v. Cristian Hernandez and Kathryn Sauve,,

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT SUMMONS

Defendants THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendants: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham & Curtis, PA 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff 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 you for the relief requested in the complaint. 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 about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: December 13, 2018 By:Megan M. Curtis BRANTINGHAM & CURTIS, P.A. Jeremy Brantingham, #0299558 Megan M. Curtis, #0393601 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF

SOe Continued from page 10 she is one of the few Black female assistant coaches in the MIAC. After a two-sport career (basketball and track) at St. Thomas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Phillips later co-created the MLK Park Fundamental Youth Basketball Development Program. She established the MLK Minneapolis Travel Basketball program based in South Minneapolis. She also coached girls’ basketball at Minneapolis Edison and Southwest for five years. Phillips, a coach for nearly 20 years at the high

school and youth level, said that she’d support Black females pursuing coaching at all levels, “not just at the college level. We have very good young ladies who know the game, and I think they should be out there [coaching].” “I coach boys as well [as girls]” in AAU basketball, Phillips said. “I was always interested in kids, and mentoring was something I would do” after college. “It was 20 years ago that it set in that I like what I am doing.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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Fitz Continued from page 10 So take a deep breath, fellas. You’ve come a long way. It’s time to pick it up. The NCAA Final Four will be played less than two miles from your Minneapolis campus at U.S. Bank Stadium. All it takes is an at-large bid — that’s four or five wins — and you’re in and the countdown begins. Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday and Friday at 9:10 am, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com or visit Larry-Fitzgerald.com.

PreP

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Continued from page 10 Augsburg in an 83-68 loss to the Tommies for firstplace honors in the MIAC. McLemore led the way with 20 points, Wubben had 18, and Solseth chipped in 10. I missed another great game. St. Louis Park overcame a 35-24 halftime deficit to force the game into overtime, with Cooper prevailing 72-68.

Kierra Wheeler scored a game-high 23 points for Cooper, Andrea Tribble had 17, and Aja Wheeler 15. Olmen and Alexander led St. Louis Park with 17 points apiece, Coley had 11 and Olson 10. I should have kept my word. Next time I will. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail. com.

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View Continued from page 10 Whitecaps. She leads her team this season in penalty minutes as well. “Because I’m short, I like playing with the big dogs,” she said. “I’m not afraid to go into the corners, playing rough, not dirty.” WNHL salaries currently are very modest ($10,000 to $26,000), so Rodgers also teaches skating to youngsters. “It’s kids just trying to learn to skate or [in] their first year in hockey,” she said. “I [also] do some lessons with mites and 10U boys and girls. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the money gets better and I can support myself” playing pro hockey, Rodgers said. “But if I can keep support-

ing myself with coaching on the side, I hope to keep playing forever.” One day Rodgers hopes to be a pediatric nurse, but not before she completes her skating career. She said she has a lot of hockey left in her: “I have fun and love the game.” She also wants to be a part of helping the WNHL, now in its fourth season, become a solid domestic destination for current and future collegians to play. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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February 14-20, 2019

GOPHERS ON THE BRINK

W

hen the NCAA Men’s Final Four is in your home city, it’s obviously important to be in contention. For Coach Richard Pitino, his Gopher team has been competitive with a few impressive wins over top 30 teams along the way like Iowa and Wisconsin. But with seven games left in the Big Ten, the Gophers have suddenly hit a wall with three straight losses to Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan State. The Gophers are 16-8 overall and 6-7 in the conference. They have slipped to eighth place in the rugged Big Ten Conference. Twenty

Richard Pitino

wins should get the job done; that means going 5-2 or 4-3. Pitino has only once had a team that he’s taken to the NCAA, and this is his sixth year as Gophers head coach. With Nebraska, Indiana, number-seven Michigan and Rutgers next, the Gophers need to get on a roll fast. The Big Ten tournament starts on March 13 in Chicago at the United Center. Obviously, winning the tournament grabs the Big Ten Conference automatic bid to the NCAA. That is not likely to happen, although it could. Senior forward Jordan Murphy ranks number one in school history in career double doubles. His leadership and solid play down the stretch will be critical. This is a talented young group of Gophers, but lately their confidence and ability to consistently make threepoint shots has abandoned them as a group. ■ See Fitz on page 9

Photo by Steve Floyd

Short hockey pro enjoys ‘playing with the big dogs’

N

the right fit for me. ina RodBU was the perfect gers, as a fit. I loved the city.” young hockShe played a total of ey player, wanted 146 games at Minneone day to integrate sota and BU. the National HockConnecticut ey League (NHL). “It Charles played Minnesota was a dream growhallman last month, the oning up,” the WNHL’s Connecticut Whale forward ly time Rodgers’ team played recalled. “I wanted to be the in her home state this season, her rookie season. It also was first girl in the NHL.” The Minnetonka native her first time playing in Minand Hopkins High School nesota in front of family and grad instead is the Whale’s friends as a pro hockey playonly Black player. Rodgers, er as well. “It means a lot to come the only Black woman selected in the 2017 WNHL Draft back to the same communi(17th overall), was a four- ty you grew up playing in,” year letter winner, two-time Rodgers admitted afterward. all-conference selection, and She especially liked seeing 2014 Minnesota Ms. Hockey an arena — the Minnesota Whitecaps’ home ice is in finalist.

ANOTHER

VIEW

“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that pro money gets better and I can support myself playing pro hockey.” Rodgers stressed, “I modeled my game after [Natalie] Darwitz,” the former Gopher star, U.S. National Team captain, and now Hamline’s head women’s hockey coach. “She played at Eagan and went to the U of M. I was fortunate to take lessons from her. She’s my favorite.” Rodgers went to the U after high school and played on two national title teams (2014, 2016). She also made all-academic in her sophomore year. “Then I transferred out to BU [Boston University],” she noted. “[Minnesota] wasn’t

Sports odds and ends

Hamline freshman guard steps up

Chan’el Anderson-Manning By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer Chan’el AndersonManning didn’t expect to be a regular in her first collegiate basketball season. Neither did her coach, but both individuals seem fine with the unexpected results. With two games to play, Hamline (12-11 overall, 7-9 MIAC) is tied for seventh place with St. Catherine and one game behind St. Mary’s (sixth place) for the final MIAC playoff spot. A win in either game this week (Wednesday at St. Olaf; Saturday at home against Bethel) would guarantee Hamline a win-loss record of .500 or better for the first time since 2012-13. The 5’-7” AndersonManning, a St. Paul Cretin-Derham Hall grad, is third in scoring (nearly 10 points a game), second in min-

utes played, and leads in assists and steals on the Pipers this season.

was prepared for whatever came.” Focke noted that Anderson-Manning’s winning experience as a prep player “has been great for us. She has been phenomenal and great.” The point guard earlier this season set up the game-winning shot in a comeback home win against St. Mary’s, and later against Carleton tied the Hamline record for made threepointers, going 7-for-7 in her 21-point performance. “I took a couple of extra shots in warmups,” Anderson-Man-

“Every day I worked hard. I was prepared for whatever came.” “She is carrying a lot of weight” as a freshman starting point guard, said second-year Hamline Head Coach Alex Focke. He admits that he didn’t see the guard starting so soon — Anderson-Manning has started all but two games this season. “You don’t really know until you start working with somebody” after they arrive on campus in their first year, the coach explained. Asked if she’d envisioned herself starting as a freshman, Anderson-Manning said, “No, I didn’t. But every day I worked hard… I

ning recalled of her record-tying night in mid-January. “I was pretty hot. Then in the game, every chance I

Jennifer Phillips

got I took the shot, and it all worked out.” Her teammates, upon realizing that she was on the verge of setting the three-point record, urged her to go for it. “I took one more and [tied] the record.” A nderson-Ma nning seems to have adjusted to college life off the court as seamlessly as she has on it. “She as a student has gotten herself involved” as a member of student campus groups, the coach pointed out. “I’d say the easiest adjustment for me was making friendships off the court,” the freshman said. Coaching opportunities sought More female coaches of color are needed, Augsburg Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Jennifer Phillips strongly suggests. In her first year at the Minneapolis school,

downtown St. Paul — packed with young girls “giving me high fives even though I wore [a visiting team’s] jersey.” However, most Whitecaps games, which are sellouts, aren’t populated with many girls of color, which is not much different from the WNHL itself; Rodgers is among a very few players of color [less than five] playing this season. Nonetheless, these youngsters and possibly future pros are seeing Rodgers and others like her in action. “Just knowing that peo-

Nina Rodgers

Photo by Charles Hallman

ple like me can follow your dreams, they can do the same thing,” Rodgers stated. They just need to “work hard…and keep pushing.” At 5’-5”, Rodgers plays

aggressively — she had Connecticut’s only penalty that night, a two-minute minor for body checking in a shutout loss to the host ■ See View on page 9

CORRECTION In our Jan. 31 issue, two Gopher student-athlete’s photos were misidentified. They are correctly identified in the photos below. We apologize for the error.

Rachel Munson

Kristen Hayden Photos by Charles Hallman

I missed two great girls’ basketball games

PreP Scene Dr. mitChell Palmer mCDonalD

This past season I missed two of the greatest girls’ basketball games of the season because I either chose to attend other events or simply called it an evening. Those are two choices that I’ve come to regret. Here’s what happened:

Friday, January 4, 2019 I had a very busy week getting readjusted to my job as a social studies teacher at St. Paul Johnson after winter break. I had planned to attend a girls’ basketball game between host St. Louis Park and Robbinsdale Cooper. St. Louis Park was coached by alum and former star athlete Arsenio Richardson, while Cooper, the defending Class AAA state champions, are led by two-time St. Paul Central Class AAAA state champion Kiara Buford. Buford led the Minutemen to titles in 2007 and 2008 and also starred four years at the University of Minnesota. Instead of attending the game, I decided to rest up for next week. Man, did I miss a game. It went into three overtimes, Cooper emerging with a 90-85 victory. Aja Wheeler led winners with 28 points. Kierra Wheeler had 16, Sierra Lynch con-

■ See SOe on page 9

Kaezha Wubben Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald tributed 12, and Arthel Massaquoi chipped in 10. Reagan Alexander was the high scorer for St. Louis Park with 18 points. Lindsey Olson followed up with 17, Sophie Olmen followed up with 15, Shayla Miller added 13 and Kendall Coley 10. You would have thought I would have learned my lesson after that. I thought so too at the time. One thing for sure, I thought at the time — I wasn’t going to miss the rematch. Saturday, February 9, 2019 The weather caused the rematch to be moved to Saturday, February 9. I even told former Minneapolis Washburn girls’ basketball coach Tyler Coley — after running into him at the Gophers-Rutgers woman’s basketball game last week — that I was going make the game. “I will be there for sure,” I said with emphasis. I didn’t make it. I ended up at the University of St. Thomas watching Tamira McLemore (Eagan), Kaezha Wubben (Hopkins) Arianna Jones (Osseo), Camille McCoy (Park Center), Camryn Speese (DeLaSalle) and Jazmyn Solseth (St. Croix Lutheran) represent

Photos by Charles Hallman

Kierra Wheeler

■ See PreP on page 9