February 20, 2025 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder - Vol 91 / Edition 30

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black labor has been foundational to Minnesota’s growth Vigilance is crucial to protect hard-won gains

By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer

innesota, often recognized for its lakes and resilient winters, holds a lesser-known but equally vital distinction: its deep and equitable history of labor. Throughout the state’s evolution, the contribution of

Black labor has been instrumental in building industries, communities, and advocating for civil rights. By understanding this legacy, we not only honor those who paved the way but also underscore the critical importance of remembering and amplifying these narratives. From the early days of Min-

nesota’s statehood in 1858, Black laborers worked to carve out spaces in industries that often resisted their presence. Whether in agriculture, railroads, domestic work, or emerging urban sectors, Black workers brought skill, determination, and innovation to the state’s rapidly changing economy.

■ See BLACK LABOR on page 5

Preserving legacy Black doll collection finds a home at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

By Kiara Williams Staff Writer

or decades, Jeanne Hynes saw dolls as more than just toys. To her, they were storytellers — silent but powerful symbols of culture, history and identity. Through her extensive collection of around 2,000 dolls — representing different ethnicities, sizes and cultures, with nearly 1,000 of them reflecting the African diaspora — she sparked conversations about race, inclusion, creativity, and

human connection.

Now, after seven years of searching for the right place, her daughters have chosen to donate her collection of Black dolls to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR), ensuring that her mission of education and representation continues for future generations.

Hynes’ journey as a doll collector began after she and her husband adopted their biracial son, Daniel. Wanting him to see himself reflected in the world around him, she made

sure one of his first toys was a Black G.I. Joe action figure.

This early decision sparked what would become a lifelong dedication to collecting dolls from across the world, especially those representing the African diaspora. Over the years, she used her collection to engage in conversations about race, identity and representation. She carried these conversations into her work as an educator, special needs tutor, and activist.

Her passion led her to

■ See DOLL LEGACY on page 5

Former Minneapolis Public Schools employees allege cycle of race-based retaliation

By Clint Combs Contributing Writer

wo former employees of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) are speaking out about alleged retaliation and harassment by the district’s head of human resources, Alicia Miller. Sadiq Ahmed and Montique McCoy, both Black former employees, claim their careers were derailed by Miller after they raised concerns about her leadership.

According to the pair, Miller used her power to target them and other employees, particularly people of color, and retaliate against them for speaking out.

McCoy, who returned to MPS in October 2023, noticed an unsettling pattern upon her arrival. “By the time I came back, nine people of color had been fired in less than a year, all under Alicia Miller’s leadership,” she said.

McCoy also recalled a conversation with Miller at an Intel conference in April 2023, when Miller offered her the role of director in the Talent Acquisitions Department. When McCoy expressed that she lacked experience in that area, Miller allegedly responded, “If you don’t move, I can get rid of you. You’re still probationary.”

McCoy rejected the offer, but she says tensions esca-

lated soon after. She was excluded from key meetings and decisions within the department, and Miller reorganized the team without consulting her. McCoy felt the exclusion was intentional. “It felt like a deliberate move to marginalize me,” she said. “When I raised my concerns, things only got worse.”

One incident particularly stood out to McCoy. After she responded to an email regarding vendor contracts, Miller took issue with McCoy’s response, calling it “inappropri-

ate” via text. “I apologized and tried to clarify, but Alicia kept escalating things behind the scenes,” McCoy recalled.

She was then summoned for a face-to-face confrontation with Miller, who accused her of having a “tone” in her email. “She just kept yelling at me. It was clear she had already made up her mind,” McCoy said. “That’s when she told me I was ‘out of here,’ just like the others she had gotten rid of.”

McCoy attempted to reach out to the superintendent

for support but received no response. She filed a formal complaint against Miller, but according to McCoy, Miller retaliated by filing a complaint claiming McCoy had harassed her. “It became clear to me that this was part of a pattern,” McCoy said. “This wasn’t just a disagreement. It was retaliation, plain and simple.”

She noted that at the time, the district did not have a general counsel, so she requested an outside counsel to look into the situation. “We didn’t even have a general counsel at the time. I said I wanted an outside counsel to look into this, because we didn’t have general counsel at the time,” McCoy said, referring to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights.

“That’s

Sadiq Ahmed, another Black former employee, shared his own experience with Miller’s alleged retaliatory actions. Ahmed, who worked as the senior coordinator for the Climate Equity Department at MPS, was a witness in an investigation into Miller’s actions following allegations that she

had leaked confidential information to outside legal counsel.

“Two or three days later, the same senior HR officer found out that I was a witness, and then she started a harassment campaign,” Ahmed said. “She went to my director and then to the superintendent, saying that I was harassing her. Mind you, this person had praised my professionalism in an email just a month earlier. It didn’t add up.”

By mid-2024, after the investigation was handed over to an outside attorney, the situation took another turn. In June, Ahmed was informed that Miller had gone to the district’s internal legal counsel, accusing him of harassment. “I wasn’t even interacting with her, yet they were trying to investigate me,” Ahmed said.

“It felt like I was being targeted because I had spoken out.” He also pointed out that this type of retaliatory behavior

■ See RETALIATION on page 7

Ahmed explained that after he sent an email to the superintendent and his supervisor in early March 2024, explaining that the situation felt unfair and unjust, the district took no action. “I was never interviewed or questioned during the investigation,” he said. “It was clear to me that this was retaliation. I wasn’t given any chance to speak up, and no one seemed to care.”

Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Fields, owners of a drugstore on Dale and Rondo in 1950s St. Paul Minnesota Historical Society

Hynes poses with her dolls in Annie Wahl’s Saberville Display for Black dolls, circa 1994. Courtesy

Montique McCoy, former Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) director of worker relations within the HR department

Sadiq Ahmed, former worker at MPS, with civil rights activist Joanne Bland Courtesy photos

By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer

Historical drama ‘Nickel Boys’ has ugly parallels in Minnesota

Some stories demand to be told — not just once, but again and again, until the echoes of their truths are impossible to ignore. C, the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is one such story.

Director RaMell Ross approached this harrowing history with a unique vision, shaping a film that is as poetic as it is devastating. The film, which explores the trauma experienced by young Black boys at a reform school in the 1960s, resonates deeply as it brings to life a painful chapter in American history while questioning how far we’ve come in addressing the legacy of racial injustice.

One of the film’s most striking elements is its use of first-person perspective, a rare technique in cinema. Ross, who previously employed a similar approach in his documentary “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” uses this as a way to place the audience inside the story.

“I always ask who and what the camera is,” Ross shared. “The first-person perspective allows us to view history through the eyes of the boys, granting them the same power of vision that we have contemporaneously. It positions the audience as both witnesses

“The first-person perspective allows us to view history through the eyes of the boys, granting them the same power of vision that we have contemporaneously.”

and participants.”

This invitation provides an intimate perspective for viewers to experience the young boy’s journey as though we are standing alongside him, feeling the weight of his struggles and triumphs firsthand.

Ethan Herisse, who plays Elwood, delves deeply into his character’s emotional journey. Through his performance, the

audience feels the profound impact of systemic racism and abuse. Reflecting on some of the most difficult scenes in the film, Ethan said, “The ‘White House’ scene and the sweatbox scene were both challenging to bring to life. Both are very harrowing moments for Elwood, so there were a lot of difficult emotions to explore while shooting these scenes.”

Brandon Wilson, who portrays Turner, brings a quiet strength to his role, portraying a young man who forms a deep friendship with Elwood despite the grim circumstances they face. Turner’s relationship with Elwood provides a thread of hope amid the despair and highlights the enduring human spirit. Wilson’s performance powerfully conveys the emotional weight of his character’s struggles and his

complex journey toward both survival and self-realization.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Ross emphasized that the film intentionally refrains from over-exposing violent scenes of abuse. Instead, the director opted to convey the horror through sound and reaction shots, keeping the focus on the emotional impact rather than graphic depictions of violence.

“If you take the point of view of the characters, were the boys watching each other being whipped? No,” Ross explained. “They were hearing it, reacting to it. Overexposing suffering on screen can sometimes risk turning it into entertainment rather than empathy.”

This decision reflects Ross’s belief in the importance of empathy over spectacle, and his determination to avoid perpetuating violent imagery of Black suffering in cinema. “We already have those images in our heads,” he said. “We don’t need to see them again to understand the trauma.”

The team’s choices extend beyond the film’s visual techniques. Intentional changes were made to the script, such as altering the character of Mr. Blakely, who was originally white in the novel but is portrayed by black actor Gralen Bryant Banks in the film.

“We wanted a figure in the school that was relatable for Elwood,” Ross explained, “but someone who, despite similar experiences, saw things differently. He believes he’s doing right by the boys, which adds another layer of complexity to

the Mesabi Academy in Minnesota, a facility that was notorious for its abuse of Black boys. Mesabi Academy was closed down after decades of allegations and reports of physical and psychological abuse, much like the fictional institution depicted in the film.

The parallels between the abusive treatment of boys at these institutions and the experiences of Elwood and his friends are stark. Like the boys in ‘“Nickel Boys,” those sent to Mesabi Academy were often caught in a system that treated them as less than human, subjecting them to cruelty in the name of “reform.” In both the real and fictional worlds, the trauma of institutional abuse continues to haunt the survivors, highlighting the need for a reckoning with these dark chapters of history.

an amazing spirit and leaned into the collaborative process, trusting everyone, cast and crew, as much as we trusted him.”

In one of the film’s unscripted moments, Elwood is seen touching a spider web while visiting Boot Hill, a seemingly small but significant gesture that speaks volumes about his curiosity and humanity. “That moment was not scripted,” Ethan explained. “Knowing Elwood as a present and curious person, it just felt right to be drawn to the web.” Such moments of quiet beauty serve as poignant reminders that even in the midst of suffering, there are moments of grace, tenderness and wonder.

Ultimately, The Nickel Boys is an act of reclamation, a means of bearing witness to a painful history and a call for accountability. By fusing truth with art, Ross crafts a work that tells a story, and reverberates through time, demanding remembrance, reckoning, and

the

As Ethan noted, the process of making the film, despite its sadness, was also about appreciation —“appreciation for the opportunity to bring this history to life.” Through the lens of the boys, we are called to look at our own history, confront its injustices, and, perhaps most importantly, honor those whose stories have too

Aria Binns - Zager welcomes reader responses at abinns@

Ethan Herisse (left) and Brandon Wilson star in “Nickel Boys” Amazon Studios

Cinematographer, director and writer RaMell Ross IMBD Ethan Benavidez/For The Times

By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer

For decades, the Annex Teen Clinic has been a cornerstone of support for young people in Minnesota, offering confidential, affordable, and culturally competent sexual and reproductive health care.

For Black youth — who often encounter systemic obstacles to quality health care — Annex has been a trusted partner in the fight for health equity.

However, shifting political landscapes could jeopardize the future of clinics like Annex, limiting access to essential services and disproportionately impacting Black communities.

Black youth frequently face financial barriers, medical mistrust, and systemic inequities in health care. The Annex Teen Clinic helps bridge these gaps by providing free or low-cost services, medically accurate sexual health education, and affirming care. These resources play a crucial role in addressing disparities such as higher rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Black teens.

Annex is the only provider in Minnesota focused exclusively on the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people. “We provide services for anyone aged 25 and under. Most of the young people who access our care are BIPOC, low income, and/or LGBTQ+,” stated Holly Leppanen, executive director of Annex Teen Clinic.

“We serve primarily North Minneapolis and Northwest Hennepin County, although any young person in Minnesota is welcome to go to the clinic.”

Beyond medical services, Annex creates a safe space for young people to seek knowledge and support without stigma. “One of the things that’s unique about Minnesota in general is that we passed the ‘Minor’s Consent’ legislation in 1971,” states Leppanen.

“What this means is that young people have the right to access confidential sexual health care services independently. However, many youth remain unaware of this right or of the financial assistance programs available to them. Even though we’re fortunate to have laws and programs like this in Minnesota, many young people in our local community just aren’t aware of minor consent or they don’t know that they won’t have to pay out of pocket to get sexual health services in many cases.”

Despite its importance, Annex could face challenges due to proposed policy changes at the state and federal levels. Here’s what’s potentially at stake:

Parental consent laws

Minnesota has long allowed minors to access certain reproductive health services confidentially. However, if stricter parental consent laws are enacted, Black teens — who may not feel safe discussing these issues at

home — could be deterred from seeking necessary care.

Threats to Title X funding

Title X is a critical federal program supporting reproductive health services for lowincome individuals. Under the Trump administration, a gag rule (a rule that limits discussion of a particular topic) restricted clinics receiving these funds from providing abortion referrals, forcing many providers out of the program. If similar restrictions return under the Trump administration, like it did his first term, the Presidentcould again harm the Title X program through the regulatory process. Without legislative action, clinics like Annex could lose vital funding, limiting their ability to serve vulnerable youth.

Medicaid barriers

Many young people rely on Medicaid for health care. Previous efforts to impose work requirements on Medicaid eligibil-

ity disproportionately affected Black communities, where structural barriers to employment and health care access are more pronounced.

Discrimination in care

Under previous administrations, policies allowing health care providers to deny services based on religious beliefs were strengthened. If reinstated, these policies could make it even harder for Black LGBTQ+ youth and others to receive affirming care.

Annex Teen Clinic stands out as the only youth-centered sexual health clinic in the entire state. “We get to hold a special corner of the community in that we get to divert 100% of our attention to making sure that young people in particular are accessing a high quality of care,” said Iggy Gehlen, marketing communications and development manager.

In an effort to expand accessibility, the clinic has im-

plemented an online patient portal. “This allows young people to access their results, make appointments, and send messages to care providers

“We

on their time rather than only during business hours,” Gehlen explained.

“For those who have access to the internet, which is the majority of our patient base, this has led to increased accessibility as well as reduced anxiety for many of our patients and gives young people more options on how they want to engage with their health care.”

Education remains a major focus. “Our education director and manager spoke to a

packed room at the National Sex Ed Conference in Philadelphia last month,” Gehlen noted. “Their presentation was on positive youth development, intersectionality, and how we incorporate culturally responsive care. The hope is that other educators who work all over the country will apply a similar level of intention to their own teaching or care.”

Annex has also evolved its approach to meet the broader needs of young people. “In our early history, many people in the field defined sexual health for young people as the absence of pregnancy or disease,”

Trina Holley, HIV outreach coordinator said.

“Today, we take a much more holistic approach. We really focus on helping young people do things like form healthy relationships, practice consent, feel connected to the local community, and develop leadership skills.”

Annex is also committed to diversifying the health care workforce. “We launched a youth council for BIPOC young adults to explore public health as a career field,” Holley explained. “We see all the time that the young people we partner with are so invested in their community and are doing amazing work in public health already, but our field doesn’t reflect the diversity of our communities.”

The clinic has also hired multiple former program participants as staff members and board members.

Annex remains a crucial resource for young people, despite uncertainties in the political landscape. “We’ve been here for over 50 years, and I am so committed. This place is so beloved by so many people,” says Leppanen“ We’re just so grounded and rooted in a local community, and I’m confident we are going to be here.”

Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Teen Annex Clinic

Black Business SPOTLIGHT Breakfast Bar of MN Business

By Kiara Williams Staff Writer

The Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for businesses nationwide, with Black-owned establishments being disproportionately affected. Despite these hardships, the Breakfast Bar of MN has thrived in downtown Minneapolis, crediting its success to strong community support and adaptability.

Committed to community

More than just a restaurant, the Breakfast Bar of MN serves as a vibrant community space where patrons can enjoy a delicious meal, wind down, and catch a vibe in downtown Minneapolis.

The vision for the Breakfast Bar of MN was conceived by former NFL player and co-founder Marcus Williams. Inspired by his travels across the United States, where he experienced restaurants with great food, nightlife, and hookah, Wil

liams sought to bring a simi

lar experience to his home -

town. In 2019, he made that dream a reality, establishing the Breakfast Bar of MN in downtown Minneapolis.

As the business continues to expand, so do the possibilities within the space. Located at 319 1st Avenue North, Breakfast Bar of MN offers a rich and dynamic environment to explore and enjoy. The venue boasts an enclosed, heated outdoor patio, perfect for hookah and nightlife entertainment, as well as a back bar and dining area used for fine dining events, live music, and general dining. Additionally, there is a front dining space for guests to enjoy.

Beyond these first-level areas, an upstairs event space — still relatively unknown to many community members — was recently introduced and is set to expand significantly in 2025. This space will cater to corporate retreats, small wedding receptions, private gatherings, and co-working opportunities.

Whether you’re dining in, ordering online, or catering for a company event, Breakfast

A downtown destination alive with potential

Bar of MN has you covered. “We want to be seen as a destination for the community for various opportunities,” said coowner Darryl Lindsey.

Since opening, the Breakfast Bar of MN has had a notable impact on the local economy, hiring over 84 community members. Beyond job creation, the restaurant prioritizes sourcing fresh ingredients from local growers, with Lindsey himself cultivating a portion of the produce used in their signature dishes. Customer favorites include chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and the soul food plate.

Overcoming challenges

Despite its success, the business has faced its share of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been finding skilled labor to maintain high levels of customer service.

Another challenge has been adapting to the uncertainties of Covid and its aftermath while trying to anticipate the future of business.

Though they did and are still moving strategically to

keep the business alive and profitable. Lindsey shares that, “In doing so, we have had to pivot and downsize the business to meet the needs of the environment we are now in.”

The support of the community is never to be underestimated. Lindsey shares this sentiment, as he attributes much of the success to loyal patrons of the business: “I’d like to thank the community. The community is what has made us successful. [Through the pandemic] they showed up and showed out. They were great supporters of us from the beginning and still are.”

With continued community backing and strategic expansion, the Breakfast Bar of MN is poised for long-term success, solidifying its place as a staple in Minneapolis’s culinary and cultural scene.

Deliberate delegation

As a mentor and consultant to many, Lindsey’s advice to business owners is, “Be as versatile as possible in your skillset. Be willing to put in

the hard work and understand that you’ll be working around the clock to ensure that your business is successful.”

He also encourages entrepreneurs to make sure they invest in the professionals needed to assist them, whether it be legal, financial, or in the accounting arena. They need to adhere to all local laws, ordinances, policies and procedures so that they can focus on running the business, and those professionals

can focus on keeping the legal and financial matters in order.

For those looking for a latenight vibe, Greenhouse Lounge, located on the outdoor patio offers a specialty late night menu, hookah, and cigars. Open times and Happy Hour updates available on their Instagram @GreenhouseLoungeMN.

Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses to kwilliams@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Shrimp and grits

Chicken and waffles

Soul food combo

Courtesy photos

Breakfast Bar MN co-owner Darryl Lindsey

BLACK LABOR

These contributions were not limited to economic growth; they also served as a foundation for building thriving Black communities in cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.

The arrival of Black migrants during the Great Migration (1916-1970) further amplified this impact. Seeking better opportunities and escaping the violence of the Jim Crow South, many found jobs in Minnesota’s factories, mills, and service industries.

Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, these workers forged paths for future generations, breaking barriers and establishing themselves as indispensable to the state’s labor force.

Black labor in Minnesota did not exist in isolation. Alongside economic contributions, Black workers played a critical role in the development of cultural and civic institutions.

Organizations like the St. Paul chapter of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first successful African American-led labor union, were instrumental in advocating for better wages and working conditions. This union, founded

DOLL LEGACY

Continued from page 1

become a member of the Twin Cities Black Doll Collectors Club, where she built lasting friendships, including with fellow educator and doll collector Grace Belleson. Through this community, she found even more ways to showcase her collection and bring visibility to Black dolls, ensuring they were acknowledged and celebrated. Hynes was known for her ability to foster dialogue in any setting. Her home was a gathering place for local activists, foreign exchange students, and the Montessori youth she taught alongside her own children. One of the daughters, Beth, recalled hosting students from Mexico, Japan, Mali, and the Philippines, noting that her mother’s diverse cultural relationships deeply influenced her collection.

In 1967, at a time when white flight was common in North Minneapolis, the Hynes family joined the neighborhood. Beth remembered the conversation that led to their decision. An African American preacher and activist had been speaking at their church about civil rights when Jeanne asked, “What’s the best thing

from page 1

had become a disturbing trend, particularly for Black employees. “I’m not the only one who has faced this,” Ahmed said.

“Other staff members have shared their own stories about being targeted by Miller.”

By September 2024, after months of escalating tension, Ahmed’s position was eliminated from the district’s budget despite his successful leadership of the department.

“I had been doing the job and supporting my team, but suddenly I was the only one in my department whose position was cut,” he said. “It wasn’t

by A. Philip Randolph, laid the groundwork for broader civil rights advancements by connecting labor struggles with the fight for racial equality.

“I don’t ever remember a single day of hopelessness. I knew from the history of the labor movement, especially of the Black people, that it was an undertaking of great trial,” Randolph once stated, “that, live or die, I had to stick with it, and we had to win.”

tans were not only participating in the workforce at high rates, but also outpacing their white counterparts. With a labor force participation rate of 70.5%, Black workers in Minnesota rank third highest in the nation in 2021, exceeding the state’s white labor participation rate of 67.2%.

Furthermore, Black women — often excluded from unionized labor — led efforts in domestic work and caregiv-

“I don’t ever remember a single day of hopelessness. I knew from the history of the labor movement, especially of the Black people, that, live or die, I had to stick with it, and we had to win.”

This perseverance is reflected in the significant contributions of Black workers to Minnesota’s economy. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), in just over a decade, the number of Black workers in the state surged from 126,000 in 2010 to nearly 192,000 in 2021 — an increase of more than 50%.

Remarkably, this growth accounted for over one-third of Minnesota’s total labor force expansion during that period. Moreover, Black Minneso-

ing, industries that sustained families and communities while often being undervalued. Their contributions to both economic and social spheres were critical in ensuring the stability and growth of Black neighborhoods, particularly in the Rondo area of St. Paul, a historically Black community that survives despite systemic efforts to dismantle it.

The labor movement in Minnesota, much like the rest of the country, has been deeply intertwined with the struggle for civil rights. Black workers’

we [white people] can do?”

His response: “Move back into the city.”And so [they did, living in the Near Northside for a vital 6 years, and later (after a spell in Shakopee) settling in St. Paul, in the Selby-Dale neighbourhood.]

For Hynes, dolls weren’t just collectibles; they were alive with meaning, and she wanted people to engage with them — touch them, admire their details, and understand their significance. She often explained how the materials, features, and craftsmanship of each doll told a story about the era in which it was made. Whether it was a cloth doll sewn with care during the Great Depression or a finely

sculpted figure representing a historical moment, each piece had something to say.

“She’d talk to me about teaching through dolls — how they carry the stories of individuals, families, and whole communities, linking across generations,” said Nancy Hynes. “She loved theatre and puppetry; for her, the dolls were alive, ready to start talking, tell a story or, in the hands of children, put on a play. And so encourage them to learn about themselves, their history, and the history of others, while having fun.”

Hynes sought every opportunity to share her collection with the public, bringing it to schools, community

about funding; it felt like retaliation. The whole thing was swept under the rug.” Lynne Crockett, an activ-

ist who retired from MPS a decade ago, said that Megan Hickey, executive director of student support services

Constance

worker for St. Paul Family Service from 1936-1954 and at the Boy’s Farm from 1954-1958 Minnesota Historical Society

demands for fair treatment, equal pay, and safe working conditions mirrored larger calls for justice and equality.

Leaders like Nellie Stone Johnson, a labor organizer and the first Black person elected to a citywide office in Minneapolis, exemplify the powerful intersection of labor advocacy and civil rights.

“I’ve always been preaching a simple message, jobs, jobs, jobs…” Johnson stated in an interview with Doug Grow in the Star Tribune. “Back in the 1950s, it was fashionable for white liberals to go out to dinner with Black people. They’d take you to a restaurant like Charlie’s and people would think, ‘Isn’t this nice? This wouldn’t happen in some

events, and cultural gatherings. She believed dolls could be a bridge to understanding history in a deeply personal way, transforming education into something interactive, engaging and meaningful.

“I think the dolls were a tangible way for her to express her appreciation for the global community,” Beth said, reflecting on her mother’s fascination.

places.’ But I’d say, even then, what good does it do if we can go into nice restaurants, if we can’t afford to order in them.”

Johnson’s work with unions like the Hotel and Restaurant Employees’ Union helped secure landmark victories for fair employment practices in Minnesota, setting a precedent for anti-discrimination policies nationwide. Her legacy reminds us of the indispensable role Black laborers played in shaping industries and dismantling institutional barriers.

In 2025, the contributions of Black labor in Minnesota remain as relevant as ever. Remembering this history is not merely an act of acknowledgment; it is a call to action.

In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which revoked Executive Order 11246. Initially signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, EO 11246 prohibited employment discrimination by federal contractors and mandated affirmative action programs to promote equal opportunity.

The order also curtails the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which previously enforced affirmative action requirements, potentially reducing oversight of contractors’ employment practices. Furthermore, plans to reduce the federal workforce may have disparate impacts on Black employment, given the significant representation of Black workers in federal positions.

These developments underscore the importance of remembering and honoring the legacy of Black labor in Minnesota and beyond. As the state reflects on its history, it is crucial to remain vigilant in protecting the rights and opportunities that have been hard-won through decades of advocacy and resilience.

The contributions of Black workers have been foundational to Minnesota’s growth, and preserving their legacy requires an ongoing commitment to equitable labor practices and policies.

Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.

The revocation of this order eliminates requirements for federal contractors to maintain affirmative action programs and prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics argue that dismantling these DEI programs could disproportionately affect Black workers by removing safeguards against workplace discrimination and hindering efforts to promote diversity.

place to house her cherished collection, hoping to find an institution that would display and curate the dolls in a way that aligned with their mother’s vision — to spark dialogue, educate, and inspire. That answer came to Beth Hynes in an almost serendipitous way.

“I think the dolls were a tangible way for her to express her appreciation for the global community.”

When Jeanne Hynes passed away in 2017, she left behind an extensive doll collection, but in her final years, dementia eroded her ability to keep detailed records. With few notes or instructions, her daughters were left to determine the best way to honor her legacy.

Before her decline, Jeanne had shared with her daughter Ruth one clear request: Her Black doll collection — nearly half of her total collection — should remain intact and not be split up or sold. “She wanted them to go somewhere that people could see them,’” the family recalls.

For years, Jeanne’s daughters searched for the right

at MPS, expressed concerns about the hiring of Crockett’s granddaughter, Siobhan Davis, who worked under McCoy. According to Crockett, Hickey approached Alicia Miller, questioning the hiring decision.

Crockett recounted: “And it was reported to me that Megan Hickey went into Alicia Miller and said, ‘How did you hire Siobhan Davis? Don’t you know that’s Lynne Crockett’s granddaughter?’ There’s a problem right away, because I’ve always done good work. So what problem could there possibly be with my granddaughter being in human resources, unless we’re going to see something you don’t want nobody to see. Then Montique,” Crocket contin-

While listening to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard speak on MPR with host Angela Davis, celebrating the newspaper’s 90th anniversary, Beth had a realization. There was no better place for the dolls than the MSR, an institution deeply rooted in Black history and storytelling.

The synchronicity didn’t end there. In a meaningful alignment of legacies, Williams-Dillard’s own mother had also been an African American doll collector, reinforcing the deep connection between this donation and MSR’s mission to preserve and amplify Black narratives.

With this donation, Jeanne Hynes’ vision lives on. Her daughters hope that MSR will curate and showcase the col-

ued, referring to McCoy, “she put my granddaughter up for a raise, and Alicia told us, ‘She doesn’t need a raise. She’s married to an NBA player.’” Alicia Miller emailed the following in response to our request for comment: “Our HR Division is one of the most diverse within MPS with 55.4% of our team identifying as people of color. As of July 1, 2024, 53.29% of all MPS new hires identify as people of color. Not only is it illegal for race to be a factor in hiring or terminations, it is inconsistent with our values as an organization and my personal values.”

When asked about allegations of retaliation, Miller wrote, “Due to privacy concerns, I am unable to comment on specific

lection in a way that continues these much-needed conversations for generations to come — just as she intended. Through her dolls, Jeanne’s lifelong dedication to education, creativity and representation will continue to educate, inspire, and bring people together.

Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses to kwilliams@ spokesman-recorder.com.

employees at this time.” In response to the allegations, MPS spokesperson Mary Alice Rosko provided the following statement:

“Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is a diverse district where equity, representation, and anti-racism are cornerstones of our work. MPS honors the cultural diversity and the many talents and assets that we experience as a result of that diversity. MPS takes all complaints of retaliation and discrimination seriously. Any such complaints can be directed to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights.”

Clint Combs welcomes reader responses to ccombs@spokesman-recorder.

Clementine Fisher, social

Hynes family pictured featuring Dan holding his cat RC, his mother Jeanne Hynes to his right, and his father John Hynes to his left. Courtesy photos

Sojourner Truth doll

Lynne Crockett

Four key principles to help you secure your financial future in 2025

By Tamara Pollard

Whether you’re just starting out or already well on your way to financial security, incorporating better financial practices in your daily life can help guide your New Year’s financial resolutions and ensure that 2025 is the year you get on the path to a brighter financial future. These four essential principles are a great way to kickstart a new financial you.

1. Start saving now — not later

If you want to be financially independent, the sooner you start setting money aside the better. In fact, some might say there’s a penalty to putting off saving for the future called the high cost of waiting. The longer you wait to start saving, the more you’ll have to put away each month to reach your retirement goals. The sooner you start, the fewer dollars it will take.

If you’re years into your career and haven’t started saving or have only put a little aside, use the start of the new year to take a good, hard look at where you are and where you want to be a year — and even 10-20 years — from now. With that assessment in mind, you can then begin to make a plan that focuses on setting — and sticking to — a budget, paying down debt and saving for the future. The high cost of waiting will only get higher the longer you wait, so don’t procrastinate or get stuck thinking you’re

already too far behind to ever catch up. Even if you haven’t set aside much money, you still have time to course correct because it’s never too late to start.

Commit to paying yourself first and deposit a set amount each and every month into an investment program.

If you don’t already set aside a portion of your income each month, kick off the new year by creating an automatic transfer of 10% of each paycheck into a savings or retirement account. If 10% seems too high, then start by saving a bit less with the goal to increase your savings over time. It’s amazing how your money can grow if you invest even a small amount regularly at a good rate of return.

3. Calculate how long it will take to double your money

Do you know “The Rule of 72?” It’s an easy way to calculate just how long it’s going to take for your money to double. Take the number 72 and divide it by the rate of return you hope to earn, such as 3%, 6% or 12%. That number gives you the approximate number of years it will take for your money to double.

much money you can save over the long haul.

4. Leverage the power of compound interest

The power of compound interest shows how you can really put your money to work and watch it grow. When you earn interest on savings, that interest then earns interest on itself and this amount is compounded over time. The higher the interest, the more your money grows. With the power of compound interest at work for you, you’ll be amazed at how quickly a few hundred dollars can become a thousand.

Coupled with the other financial tools above, leveraging the power of compound interest shows how small steps today can lead to big gains tomorrow when it comes to

look

your

2. Pay yourself first

You pay your bills each month, so why not do the same with your savings? Treating your savings like any other recurring bill is a great way to set money aside without needing to put too much thought or effort into it. You can also create an automatic recurring payment to your savings or retirement account just like you would for any other monthly bill. And if you think you don’t make enough money to save some of it, then think again.

For example, with $10,000 at a 3% rate of return means your money will double to $20,000 in 24 years. But considering that same amount at a 6% rate will cut that time in half to just 12 years. A 12% rate cuts that time in half again, meaning it would only take 6 years for your $10,000 to double to $20,000.

Going through this easy math exercise as you set your financial resolutions for 2025 is a good way to see how

Photos courtesy istock

Arts & Culture

The brief but shining life of Paul

By Minnita Daniel-Cox

Paul Laurence Dunbar was only 33 years old when he died in 1906. In his short yet prolific life, Dunbar used folk dialect to give voice and dignity to the experience of Black Americans at the turn of the 20th century. He was the first Black American to make a living as a writer and was seminal in the start of the New Negro Movement and Harlem Renaissance.

Dunbar also penned one of the most iconic phrases in Black literature — “I know why the caged bird sings” — in his poem “Sympathy.”

“…When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore, When he beats his bars and he would be free; It is not a carol of joy or glee, But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core, But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings — I know why the caged bird sings!”

Published in 1899, “Sympathy” inspired acclaimed Black writer and activist Maya Angelou to use Dunbar’s line as the title of her seminal autobiography.

But Dunbar’s artistic legacy is often overlooked, despite the fact that his work influenced a number of other great African American literary giants, including Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, James Weldon Johnson, Zora Neale Hurston and Margaret Walker.

In a very real sense, Dunbar is your favorite poet’s favorite poet.

Laurence Dunbar

He gave dignity to the Black experience

A blooming life of writing

Born on June 27, 1872, to two formerly enslaved people from Kentucky, Dunbar was raised by his mother. They eventually settled in Dayton, Ohio.

There Dunbar attended the integrated Dayton Central High School. An exceptional writer, Dunbar was the only Black student in his class and became editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper as well as a member of the literary and drama clubs and debating society.

He also became friends with a white classmate who, with his brother, would later invent the airplane — Orville Wright. The two knew each other well. Their friendship led to business.

The Wright brothers owned a printing press and were the first to print Dunbar’s writings, including the newspaper Dunbar started and edited, the Dayton Tattler, the first Black newspaper in that city. After high school, the lives of Dunbar and Wright took different turns.

Unable to find consistent pay for his writing, Dunbar worked a variety of jobs, including as a janitor in one downtown Dayton office building and as an elevator operator in another. Not one to miss a business opportunity, the 20-year-old Dunbar sold his first book of poetry, “Oak and Ivy,” to passengers he met on the elevator.

He found another such job after he moved to Washing -

ton, D.C., and worked stacking shelves at the Library of Congress. According to his wife, Alice Dunbar, an accomplished writer in her own right, it was there that her husband began to think about a caged bird.

“…The torrid sun poured its rays down into the courtyard of the library and heated the iron grilling of the book stacks until they were like prison bars in more senses than one,” Dunbar wrote. “The dry dust of the dry books…rasped sharply in his hot throat, and he understood how the bird felt when it beats its wings

Dean Howells.

That review came with a mixed blessing. Howells’ praise of Dunbar’s use of dialect limited Dunbar’s ability to sell his other styles of writing. But that same review helped catapult Dunbar to international acclaim.

His stardom didn’t last long, though. Diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1900, Dunbar died from complications of the disease on Feb. 9, 1906.

But his work survives.

Dunbar’s musical legacy

In all, Dunbar wrote 600 poems, 12 books of poetry, five novels, four volumes of short stories, essays, hundreds of newspaper articles, and lyrics for musicals.

not only in the concert hall, but on the theatrical stage as well. Dunbar was librettist for an operetta by Samuel Coleridge Taylor, “Dream Lovers,” written specifically for Black singers.

Dunbar’s own extraordinary life became the subject for operas as composers Adolphus Hailstork, Richard Thompson, Steven Allen and Jeff Arwady composed works depicting Dunbar’s legacy. The collaborations of Dunbar and Will Marion Cook produced the first examples of contemporary musical theater.

against its cage.”

Dunbar’s first break came when he was invited to recite his poems at the 1893 World’s Fair, where he met Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist. Impressed, Douglass gave Dunbar a job and called him the “the most promising young colored man in America.”

Dunbar’s second break came three years later. On his 24th birthday, he received a glowing “Harper’s Weekly” review of his second book of poetry, “Majors and Minors,” from the prominent Ohioraised literary critic William

His poetry has been continuously set by composers, from his contemporaries to living composers still living today, including Carrie Jacobs Bond, John Carpenter, Harry Thacker Burleigh, William Bolcom and Zenobia Powell Perry.

“We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes.”

Florence Price’s numerous settings of his texts include popular and advertisement music, while William Grant Still’s “Afro-American” symphony features spoken epigraphs of Dunbar poems before each movement.

Dunbar’s legacy is apparent

‘We wear the mask’ Dunbar’s works celebrated all of humanity. He turned the plantation tradition on its head by using dialect to not only offer critical social commentary, as in his poem “When Malindy Sings,” but also to portray oft-ignored humanity, as in “When Dey ‘Listed Colored Soldiers.”

Dunbar’s works provide historical snapshots into the everyday lives of working-class Black Americans. None were as poignant as his poem “We Wear the Mask.”

“We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes, This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, And mouth with myriad subtleties.”

Minnita Daniel-Cox is an associate professor of music at University of Dayton, and a contributor to The Conversation US.

Paul Lawrence Dunbar, 1903 Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Education

Teaching the teachers

Educating the next generation of educational leaders

By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer

Timothy Berry is a lifelong Minnesotan who grew up on the North Side and is now helping prepare future school principals and district superintendents. Off campus, Berry celebrates Black culture through his talents in music and the arts. He uses both roles to remember and build on those who came before us in the effort to move ourselves forward.

Berry, who has been teaching at Minnesota State University Mankato for 13 years, is currently interim associate vice president for faculty affairs and equity initiatives. He now teaches graduate- and doctoral-level courses and advises students in developing their master’s thesis, doctoral projects, and dissertations.

Through the university’s administrative office, he is working to implement equity initiatives that improve student outcomes. “My role is teaching [and] advising as well as doing some work university-wide, particularly as it relates to racial justice.” During his time at the university, the makeup of his department’s faculty and staff has changed.

“I was the first Black professor in my department,” he says. “But since my time in the last 10-12 years, we have given intentional efforts to change that. Now the department has several other faculty [members] who are Black and brown.”

At the graduate level university-wide, there were disparities in the number of students who finished their master’s and doctoral programs. Students of color entering some programs have increased from 2% to 35% in educational leadership over

the years.

“In our master’s program and our principals leadership cohort, we have pretty high graduation rates across the board, which includes our students of color,” he says. “Universally though, we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Retention rates are also on the rise with decreases in the number of class dropouts, withdrawals, and failure rates. Historically, Berry says universities were created to “weed out those deemed undeserving to move to the upper echelons of society.”

With this mission, it should come as no surprise that students of color who excel during their K-12 education are met with barriers when they enter college. For students of color, this can range from implicit bias to racist ideas on university campuses. As a result, students of color are more likely than their white counterparts to experience academic probation.

Gateway courses may also

be a barrier. General educational requirements such as math and science can be a sticking point for students who struggle with these subjects.

“A lot of it is faculty development and giving [faculty] a different point of view in terms of mindset when it comes to what a professor’s role is in a university,” says Berry. “If your role is to teach, that’s different than being under the understanding that [your] role is to see who…deserves to be here and who doesn’t. That’s a mindset, opposed to teach[ing] all of the human beings that I have in my time here in order to help them be successful.”

Students of color are less likely to see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Derrick Bell, a founder of Critical Race Theory, talks about sickle progression and regression. Berry says we are now in a period of regression.

“You see a pushback from people on the political spectrum, especially nowadays,

Anita Alexander

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Benjamin F. Bryant

& Dr. Antusa S. Bryant

Deanna Callender

Shirlee L. Callender

Karl Cambronne

Liam Cavin

Janis Clay

Edward Coblentz

Coventry Cowens

Alvin E. Cunningham

Michael Davis

Victoria Davis

Marie Denholm

Michael Diehl

April A. Estes

George Ewing

Elizabeth Fealey

David Fettig

Readus Fletcher

Ken Foxworth

Michael Franks

Lee Friedman

Ella Gates-Mahmoud

decid[ing] to try to legislate and/or run on banning books or banning Black history,” he says. “A number of different educators are taking it upon themselves to supplement curriculum that is being targeted with resources to help students learn.”

The work of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison is a particular target. Critics seek to create a narrow, more whitewashed representation of the U.S.’s racist history and the effects it has had on Black people.

“There are educators that are saying, ‘No, we’re going to read this,’” says Berry. “‘This is to help [students] understand the full scope of what is important [and] to read from different perspectives.’”

For Berry, education isn’t the only way to support the next generation of leaders. Creative expressions such as music, dance, and other forms of art have been the throughline for African Americans from the slavery, Jim Crow, and civil

rights eras through our present-day circumstances.

Outside of the university, Berry spends time using his artistic side as a performing artist often performing with Urban Flavor Band. “We do all kinds of what people would call ‘Black forms of music’: R&B and gospel,” he says. “We do songs that are speaking to a broader message of wellbeing, uplifting, contemplating, and helping people to feel good or…reimagine their purpose.”

He has also written a full-

“Let’s make sure we remember, recapture, establish, and learn from those who come before us — our ancestors — in carrying their legacy forward in our work.”

length, spoken-word play called “Wounded Healers.” It premiered in 2019 and has since been presented to several audiences.

“It’s not just a performance where you go see a play,” says Berry. “It’s an opportunity to engage in a dialogue, too. So, part of the format is people experiencing a production and there is always a post-performance discussion.”

Berry is working to secure a production this spring and later during the summer. It is his way of remembering those who paved the way for future generations.

“I like the idea of just remembering,” Berry says. “Let’s make sure we remember, recapture, establish, and learn from those who come before us — our ancestors — in carrying their legacy forward in our work.”

Vickie Evans welcomes reader responses to vevans@spokesman-recorder.com.

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MRPP and Associate Communications

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Minister Dr. Ni Ora Hokes

Liz Oppenheimer & Jeanne Burns

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Ray Seville Productions

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Dr. Mitchell Palmer

McDonald

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Tim Berry uses art as education to honor the Black experience.

Tim Berry

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No better time to Buy Black

As companies abandon DEI, it’s time we abandon them

By Stacy M. Brown

While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate and thrive. According to NBC Select, over three million Black-owned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable. As corporate America abandons its DEI commitments, the power shifts to conscious consumers who invest in businesses that uplift and sustain marginalized communities.

Here are just a few standout Black-owned brands leading the charge:

Clothing and accessories

• Telfar – The brand that revolutionized luxury fashion with its motto: “Not for you — for everyone”

• Hanifa – A trailblazing womenswear brand founded by Anifa Mvuemba, known for its stunning digital fashion shows

• Pyer Moss – Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this label merges activism and high fashion

• Grayscale – A streetwear brand bringing bold aesthetics and social commentary to the forefront

• Sassy Jones – A standout accessories brand built on bold, unapologetic self-expression Beauty and skincare

• Fenty Beauty – Rihanna’s globally inclusive beauty empire that set a new standard for shade diversity

• Mented Cosmetics –Beauty products created specifically for deeper skin tones

• The Lip Bar – A Black-

woman-owned brand disrupting the beauty industry with bold, non-toxic lipstick shades

• Pattern Beauty – Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, specializing in products for textured hair

• Alikay Naturals – Natural haircare products with a devoted following

Home and lifestyle

• Estelle Colored Glass – Handblown glassware that brings Black excellence to fine dining

• Jungalow – A home décor brand from designer Justina Blakeney, blending culture and bohemian flair

• Linoto – Luxury linen bedding made with sustainability in mind

• Yowie – A modern design studio curating unique home goods from independent artists

Meanwhile, corporate America’s performative commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is unraveling at an alarming rate. In the years following the murder of George Floyd, corporations made bold promises to support marginalized communities, pledging billions in investments to level the playing field. But as the political landscape shifts and accountability wanes, those commitments are being discarded.

By Rob Schmitt

Worst Super Bowl halftime show ever

front of the entire world.

Last night’s [Feb. 9] blowout Super Bowl was more of a cultural spectacle than it was an athletic one. The game ended up being a clash between America’s fading woke culture and a return to normalcy that Americans have been begging for since the plague of wokeness arrived.

But woke, of course, is a hard stain to remove. The NFL gave us unquestionably the worst halftime show we have ever seen. A tiny rapper in bell bottoms, who 98% of the country has never heard of, was allowed to play most of his largely unknown catalogue for twenty grueling minutes in

The whole world just sat and wondered why they were watching this. “Who is this?” everybody asked. No matter where you were, nobody had a clue what this was, except maybe a half a percent of the people in this country alone.

American culture used to not allow such gratuitous racism. Now it applauds it.

And for a league so obsessed with diversity as the NFL is, maybe you noticed last night’s halftime show was the

first ever that we can recall that was fully monochromatic as far as race. In true woke fashion, this was done with no apologies whatsoever.

American culture used to not allow such gratuitous racism. Now it applauds it. Or at least it did. This is thankfully ending.

For the last several years, this has been applauded by the dumbest people in our society. Moments like this. This was all put together before the election, by the way. This is what the NFL put in front of hundreds of millions of people all over the globe.

Rob Schmitt is a Newsmax host.

A call for U.S. sanctions against Israel and Trump’s Gaza Grab

By Black Alliance for Peace

This month, President Trump named what many of us have known for some time — the intentions of the United States to complete the State of Israel’s final solution by announcing his plans to resettle Gazans and assume U.S. control and ownership of the Gaza Strip in Palestine.

cious, and wanton approach to foreign policy we observed under Biden, Blinken, Austin, and other Democratic party agents who were complicit in funding and arming Israel’s genocidal war machine 15 months before Trump assumed control of the White House.

Have any Democrats called for an immediate arms embargo and economic sanctions against the State of Israel? Have any Democrats pledged to block the use of the military to carry out Trump’s feckless and illegal pogrom?

“After the murder of George Floyd, Target made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses. When they pulled out of the DEI agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.”

Food and beverage

• Partake Foods – A Blackowned snack company offering allergen-friendly cookies and treats

• McBride Sisters Wine Collection – The largest Blackowned wine company in the U.S., run by two sisters redefining the industry

• Uncle Nearest Whiskey

– Honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the Black distiller behind Jack Daniel’s original recipe

• Capital City Mambo Sauce – The D.C. favorite taking over the condiment industry

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A staggering number of major corporations have scaled back or eliminated DEI programs: Amazon, Target, Amtrak, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, PBS, Google, Pepsi, General Motors (GM), GE, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, Accenture, The Smithsonian Institution, the FBI, Meta, Walmart, Boeing, Molson Coors, Ford Motor Co., HarleyDavidson, and John Deere have all abandoned or severely reduced their diversity efforts.

The very companies that once paraded their commitment to racial equity in multimillion-dollar ad campaigns are now quietly erasing those initiatives from their bottom lines.

Not everyone is staying silent. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is leading a 40day economic fast — or boycott — of Target in direct response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its DEI initiatives.

Bryant, appearing on the Black Press’ “Let It Be Known” news program, condemned the move. “After the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,” he said. “When they pulled out of the DEI agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.”

Target is just the beginning. Bryant calls for 100,000 people to halt their spending at the retail giant as a direct challenge to corporate America’s retreat from racial equity. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” he said. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.”

The boycott, designed to coincide with Lent, aims to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already

In signaling the U.S. imperial initiative, Trump has also revealed that the U.S. cannot be seen as a trusted partner or leader in pursuing global stability and peace. Indeed, the cognitive dissonance and moral infirmity associated with the U.S. colonial, imperialist mindset, driven by the sickness of white “supremacy” ideology, is now irrefutably elucidated.

As Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) founder and coordinating committee member Ajamu Baraka noted, “The Russians and Chinese must learn the lesson that the peoples and nations of the global South learned decades ago, and that is that the U.S. is a lunatic state that can’t be reasoned with.”

He continued, “The Russians should have learned this with Ukraine. But if the Chinese believe that they can keep their heads down and allow the U.S. to destroy peoples and nations, it is only a matter of time before the barbarians will be at their gates.”

This is nothing more than a continuation of the U.S.’s own settler colonial experiment that includes the extermination, ethnic cleansing, and displacement of Indigenous peoples from their sovereign homelands that commenced in the 15th century and continues today. The idea that even the most reactionary Arab governments would accept such a non sequitur proposal continues the same amateur, ineffica-

signed the petition at targetfast.org, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.

Bryant’s demands go beyond reinstating DEI. “White women are the number-one beneficiary of DEI,” he noted. “What I am asking for is a quarter of a billion dollars to be invested in Black banks so that our Black businesses can scale.” He also called for Target to partner with HBCUs by integrating their business departments into its supply chain infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA ) — the nation’s

To this end, BAP admonishes those who seek to use this as an opportunity to evoke the idea that conditions would be better if the U.S. government were currently controlled by Harris and the Democratic Party. Such a silly and sophomoric proclamation ignores the fact that it was a Democrat-controlled government that vetoed numerous United Nations ceasefire resolutions, allocated billions of dollars to support genocide and ethnic cleansing, and rightfully asserted that the State of Israel had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should not be at all surprising that Prime Minister Netanyahu is the first convicted war criminal to be invited to, and enjoy the pomp and circumstance of, the Oval Office.

“This is nothing more than a continuation of the U.S.’s own settler colonial experiment.”

For those who believe that the Democrats would be any better if they emerged victorious from the 2024 elections, BAP asks if there been any indignation or semblance of disapproval from leaders of the Democratic Party, including, but not limited to, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi or Representatives Jim Clyburn or House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries?

largest Black-owned media organization — has announced its own national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America’s retreat from DEI. “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. The impact of the boycott is already felt. Since Black consumers began boycotting Target, the company’s stock has dropped by $11, Bryant noted. Stockholders are now suing Target due to the ad-

Has the new leadership of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) declared it will no longer accept donations from or allow for the American Israel Political Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to influence its primaries?

It should be noted that Trump’s Gaza Grab Declaration would require the use of U.S. military force, which would be a violation of International Law, the Geneva Convention, and the basic tenets of human rights. To this end, BAP calls on the Congressional Progressive Caucus, as well as the Congressional Black Caucus, to immediately denounce previous Democratic Party stances on Gaza and to do all within their constitutional authority to proactively block the use of any U.S. military forces to carry out Trump’s plans. Furthermore, as using the military to colonize and occupy Gaza would be an illegal act and in itself a war crime, BAP reminds all U.S. military personnel of their duty to reject any and all unlawful orders pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The world is awakened, the Palestinian resistance and pursuit of their liberation is more ubiquitous and unwavering than ever, and global solidarity with Palestine remains inexorable.

Black Alliance for Peace (also referred to as BAP) is a people(s)-centered human rights project against war, repression, and imperialism. Learn more at @blackallianceforpeace.com.

verse effects of the boycott on its stock value. Bryant said the question is no longer whether corporate America will keep its promises — it’s clear that it won’t. He said the same companies that plastered Black squares on social media and made grand statements about inclusion are now proving where their true priorities lie.

“America has shown us time and time again: If it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense,” Bryant stated.

Stacy Brown is an NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent. Connect with her on social media at @StacyBrownMedia.

Employment &

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ANOKA TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: NAME CHANGE Court File No.: 02-CV-24-7664

In the Matter of the Application of:

Kaylee Ann Presswood Notice of Hearing by Publication

On Behalf of: (Minor Name Change)

Jayce Charles Naughton Minn. Stat. § 259.10

An application for Name Change has been filed by Kaylee Ann Presswood for a change of name for the minor child(ren) Jayce Charles Naughton to Jayce

Charles Presswood. A hearing on this Application will be held at 2100 3rd Ave, Anoka MN VIA ZOOM on 03/06/2025, at 1:30 p.m.

You may obtain a copy of the Applicant for Name Change from Anoka County Court Administration, 21300 3rd Ave, Anoka MN 55303.

If you do not appear at the scheulded hearing, the Petitioner’s Application for a Name Change for the minor child(ren) may be granted.

Dated: 01/28/2025

Sr. Product Security Engineer, Medtronic, Inc., Mounds View, MN.

Req. Masters’ Degree in Comp.Science, Comp. Engineering, Electrical Engineering or rel. engineering field & 2 yrs. of exp. as product or cyber security engr. or rel. occupation in cyber security engineering OR Bachelors’ Degree in Comp. Science, Comp. Engineering, Electrical Engineering or rel. engineering field & 5 yrs. of exp.as product or cyber security engineer or rel. occup. in cyber security engineering. Relocation assistance is not provided. Apply at https://medtronic.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MedtronicCareers, Req. #R21232. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

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Software Engineer-Test/Verification/Validation for Medtronic, Inc.

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her coaching career at UDM as an assistant coach (200810) and held similar roles at South Florida, Northwestern and Ohio State before being hired at Omaha in April 2020, where she was given a contract expansion following the 2023-24 season.

sets us back with that. If you look at the body of players that we are approaching, you would think that it would be important to have people that look like them in these programs that lead them.”

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Omaha and Kansas City are the only Summit League schools where both their head men’s and women’s basketball coaches are Black, a rare double-double at a primarily white institution (PWI).

was a repeated coach of the year winner, and will leave Florida State as its all-time winningest coach. He also coached at Oklahoma State, Miami, and a year as an NBA head coach.

Perhaps Hamilton’s place in history has been largely overlooked as the University of Kentucky’s first Black assistant coach (1974-80) and first Black associate head coach (1980-82).

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“It’s a really tough time in our country where they’re eliminating DEI initiatives and appreciation, so that’s hopefully not something that sets

us back.”

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Banks said that more Black HCs are needed, and that more diversity among those who do the hiring is even more important. “I think there’s still probably a lack of some diversity in those seats,” surmised Banks.

“It’s a really tough time in our country where they’re eliminating DEI initiatives and appreciation, so that’s hopefully not something that

Hamilton retires Florida State Men’s BB Coach Leonard Hamilton suddenly announced his resignation at the end of the season on Feb. 3. He told a reporter that the changing landscape of college sports and his belief that “a new voice” is needed after 22 seasons were among his reasons. Hamilton began his coaching career in 1971,

“I want to take a few moments to thank Coach Hamilton for all that he’s done, for all Black coaches out there, and for all the young coaches who are coming up,” said South Carolina State WBB Coach Tim Eatman during the Feb. 5 bi-weekly MEAC coaches conference call with reporters.

Eatman told the MSR on Hamilton’s impact, “He was at the forefront of trying to make sure that we made change for our young people. He spoke up like John Thompson did. He spoke up like Coach [C. Vivian] Stringer did and Coach [Marian] Washington did. It opened doors for people like myself and other coaches who are on the call because we all look the same.

“He did such a tremendous job of mentoring and to help develop all of us as young coaches coming up in the game,” concluded Eatman.

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

ly renowned Black professor. “It is so surreal,” admitted Felician. “To be in ‘Essence’ is like a dream.”

in Germantown, Pa., then playing with a Black female basketball team that won 11 straight national championships. She was inducted into the HOF in 2018.

“I ended up adding people who were well known if you know who these people are,” continued Felician. “But if you don’t, you may not know them.”

Her biggest project she is most proud of is being published in “Essence Magazine.” Her article, “100 Years of Black Women in Sports,” included interviews with a coach, an athlete, and Dr. Amira Rose Davis, a national-

She also did a 37-minute audio piece based on a threehours-plus oral history interview with her grandmother.

“Versie Jean: A Love Story” served as her final project for her Oral History class.

On stepping away from her original newsletter, Felician said it was at first a concern: “I was worried that I wouldn’t achieve because I took a break from the newsletter,” she said. But looking back now, Felician noted that it just reaffirmed her love and passion for history.

“I’m in my last semester of grad school.” She’s currently

working on her capstone project, which is due in April, and she continues to be available for other projects such as speaking and writing on Black women athletes and sports history, along with her newly named “Bria + History” newsletter.

“There’s so much history,” noted Felician. “There’s so many people that are overlooked. There’s still a lot of people who are extremely important parts of the story and are very, very important to the narrative and the idea that Black women have been playing sports forever.”

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

MARCH MADNESS

Continued from page 12

Under Baker Barnes’ leadership, the HBCUAC has expanded to 13 schools, including Stillman College in Tuscaloosa. It secured a historic media rights deal with Urban Edge Network to provide TV screening services for all member schools, and struck a sponsor partnership with Hope Credit Union, the nation’s leading Black and women-owned financial institution.

As a result, the postseason hoops tournament is called the 2025 Hope Credit Union Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships. Over the course of six days, two champions will be crowned.

Following is our thumbnail preview of the participating HBCUAC schools and leading scorers in next week’s tournament: Wiley (TX) College – Tay-

vion Fisher (men’s), 14.2 ppg; Jessica Nerestant (women’s), 11.1 ppg

Wilberforce (OH) College – Makyla Tucker (women’s), 14.3 ppg; Cali Davis (men’s), 19.7 ppg

Voorhees (SC) University –Ty’Shemia Bunkley (women), 11.0 ppg; Keshawn Evans (men), 17 ppg

Virgin Islands –Ashukamay’ah Phillips (women), 13.1 ppg; Jalil Langston (men), 13.5 ppg

Southern University at New Orleans – Jamal Gibson (men), 23 ppg; Jordan Harris (women), 13.5 ppg

Oakwood (AL) University –Saniya Keys (women), 18.5 ppg; Jordan Bell (men), 15.9 ppg

Dillard (LA) University –Tory Cargo (men), 15.5 ppg; Cassidy Lowe (women), 16.7 ppg

Fisk (TN) University –Keeli Burton-Oliver (women), 11.8 ppg; Doyel Cockrill III (men), 19.9 ppg

Philander Smith (AR) University – Raymond Reece (men), 19.8 ppg; Dasia Turner

(women), 14.9 ppg

Stillman (AL) College –Joshua Price (men), 12.7 ppg; Jaida Minter (women), 13 ppg Talladega (AL) College –Kameron Jones (women), 10.5 ppg; Shaun Walker (men), 13.3 ppg

Tougaloo (MS) College –Rodreckia Parker (women), 11 ppg; Antonio Patterson (men), 13,9 ppg Rust (MS) College –Jayden Stephens, Johnathon Molierce (men), 12 ppg; Patsy Johnson (women), 14.6 ppg Stillman guard Brenden Lankford-Johnson (St. Paul) is the only Minnesotan playing in the HBCUAC this season. The 6’3” senior has played in 80 games in three seasons with the Tigers and recorded 557 points, 237 rebounds, 101 assists and 75 steals. He hit a career-high 18 points against Thomas on Feb. 8, 2024. He is averaging 6.2 ppg this season.

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

Leonard Hamilton

Courtesy of X

motto is Where Winners Thrive.

Sports

This occasional series will highlight Black coaches at all levels of sport. This week: Nebraska Omaha WBB Coach Carrie Banks

here’s not a whole lot of all-Black coaching staff in college basketball other than HBCU schools. But Nebraska Omaha is one of the few non-HBCU schools that went against the norm.

Carrie Banks is in her fifth season at the helm of the Mavericks women’s basketball program. It’s the second season for Assistants Ansar Al-Ameer and Jaclyn Richard Harris, both coaches hired in 2023, and the first season for fellow

his week’s Fab Five photos feature photos from Cretin Derham Hall’s 74-60 boys basketball victory over DeLaSalle on Saturday, February 15. The pics include a point guard whose leadership led the victorious and host Raiders (Jason Johnson); a shooting guard teammate who had

Omaha a leader in Black college coaching

Assistant La’Karris Salter.

“I certainly think diversity is important in all aspects of life,” said Banks after her team played at St. Thomas earlier this month. Of her staff, she added, “They’re great people, they’re great coaches, and I feel lucky to have them.” Banks and Denver’s Doshia Woods are the longest tenured Black head coaches in the Summit League.

“I think she [Woods] is just a great resource for me, and I hope I can be for her as well just to bounce ideas off of each other,” stressed Banks.

After a collegiate playing career at the University of Detroit Mercy where she graduated with a communications degree in 2000, Banks began

March Madness Black college style A

preview of participating schools

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

uscaloosa, Alabama is the home of the University of Alabama and the regional center of industry, commerce, health care and education for the area locally known as West Alabama. The city of over 111,000 also will host next week the 2025 HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) women’s and men’s basketball postseason tournament (Feb. 25-March 2).

Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes told the MSR in an earlier article that the city and conference can’t wait to have Tuscaloosa be the starting point for this year’s March Madness, Black college style. The HBCUAC was formerly

the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference that was founded in 1981.

It is the only all-Black conference in the NAIA, and was rebranded last July to its present name to reflect this distinction.

“The new identity set out to showcase the vibrant legacy of its member institutions and share stories of impact at the intersection of heritage and higher education.”

“The new identity set out to showcase the vibrant legacy of its member institutions and share stories of impact at the intersection of heritage and higher education,” declared the conference website whose

■ See MARCH MADNESS on page 11

16 points (Jojo Mitchell); a forward who scored six key points, including a two-hand dunk, for Cretin Derham Hall (Monteff Dixon); a DeLaSalle guard who put on a three-point shooting clinic on his way to 33 points (Jeaden Udean); and a teammate who contributed seven points during critical moments (Dorian Pruitt). Tommy Ahneman led Cretin Derham Hall with 24 points and Ty Schlagel had 20.

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

All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Fab Five photos

raduate student Bria Felician first developed her love and passion for history when her mother pushed her and her sister to do historical projects in school.

“She would always require us to do some Black history thing when I was in elementary school,” recalled Felician.

“I remember my sister did an entire project on the history of hip hop.

“It was definitely my mom” who greatly influenced her love of history, especially Black women’s history, added Felician, who is finishing up her master’s degree work at Georgia State this spring.

“What really always stuck with

me is the idea of people being forgotten.” I was a subscriber of Felician’s “The Black Sportswoman” newsletter that she published weekly until she took a break while working on other projects. Last month, she and I chatted about her time away and going forward after she posted her “100 Years of Black women in sports + a catch up” on Substack. The Masters of Heritage Prevention she is enrolled in requires participating in an internship, explained Felician. “I really want to focus on basketball,” as she did in her internship at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA last summer.

“I did end up working on the Black basketball exhibit,” she pointed out. “My main side or intention was to add more women’s basketball stories, because the only one they had in the Black basketball exhibit was Ora Washington.” Washington (1898-1971) was a pioneer in basketball as winner of a 1931 national title for a local YWCA team

“There’s so much history. There’s so many people that are overlooked.”

■ See SOE on page 11

DeLaSalle guard Dorian Pruitt

Cretin Derham Hall forward Monteff Dixon Cretin Derham Hall point guard Jason Johnson

DeLaSalle guard Jeaden Udean

Cretin Derham Hall guard Jojo Mitchell

Carrie Banks

Photo by Charles Hallman ■ See VIEW on page 11

Brenden Lankford-Johnson

Courtesy of Stillman College

Author Bria Felician says,

Coaching While Black