November 23, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Vol. 90

Inside this Edition...

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THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

November 23 - 29, 2023

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City Council rejects MPD hiring and retention bonuses again

By MSR News Service n Friday, November 17, the Minneapolis City Council voted 8-5 against the mayor’s tentative agreement with the police union that would have paid officers retention bonuses designed to address staffing shortages in the MPD. Previously, the council voted against the agreement 7-5 at a budget meeting earlier in the week, before Mayor Frey called a special session for Friday to take up the issue again.

According to the agreement, eligible employees in the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis (POFM) bargaining unit would receive incentives of $18,000 over three years for existing officers according to a payment schedule. New recruits would receive $15,000 over three years.

The first installment for new hires of $5,000 would be paid upon successful completion of a probationary period. The second payment of $5,000 would be earned one year after completion of the probationary period, and the final payment of $5,000 would be earned two full years after completion of the probationary period.

Officers who were already employed with the department would receive an $18,000 bonus over the three-year period for remaining with the department. The MPD bonuses would be paid for with public safety funds from Minnesota’s surplus and were included in

the mayor’s 2024 recommended budget, at a cost of $15.3 million, including payments for 731 sworn officers by 2028.

“As an employer, we need to compete to recruit and retain police officers. That’s no surprise to anyone who has been paying attention,” said Mayor Frey before last week’s city council votes.

“Our officers are doing incredibly hard work every day, and we need to pay them accordingly. It’s also clear that stronger managerial authority for the department and chief is a key piece of our overarching reform and safety work,” said the mayor.

The agreement with the union was intended to get control over the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) shift-bidding process. The current shift-bidding process requires that vacant shifts remain open for 28 days before the police chief can assign staff to those shifts—leaving precinct residents underserved for almost a month.

With the reforms outlined in the agreement, the police chief would be able to assign officers after just 10 days of a shift being vacant, filling vacancies at a much faster rate and with greater discretion. “This will directly impact communities that we all strive to protect,” Frey said on Friday.

■ See MPD BONUSES on page 5

Will Black businesses save Downtown Minneapolis?

By H. Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer hile Shalawn Randall was growing up in Minneapolis, she dreamt of having a business downtown. “It’s where my friends and I hung out. It’s home. You always feel safe at home,” said Randall at her tent at the Taste of Minnesota earlier this year.

In late 2021, she realized those dreams when she opened B’Youtique, a women’s clothing store, on the skyway level in the Baker Center. She had help from a Minneapolis Downtown Council program that is trying to fill downtown retail spaces Strive Bookstore owner Mary Taris, in her left vacant as corporate chains flee and nine-to- downtown business inside the Young-Quinlan five office workers hesitate to return. building on Nicollet Mall Photos by Chris Juhn The neighborhoods encompassing downtown Minneapolis have 450 retail shops today, nesses to use. “The question of scale is somedown from the 550 retail stores comprising thing that downtowns all over the country are six-million-square-feet of space that existed in working through, and it will take partnerships 1972— a drastic decline. Four of those stores between property owners, the city, and orthat existed in 1972—Dayton’s, Donaldson’s, ganizations like ours to solve,” said Shannon JC Penney and Powers—comprised 1.9 million- Fitzgerald, director of partnerships at the Minneapolis Downtown Council. square-feet of retail space.

In 2018, the Minneapolis Downtown CounThose stores all closed during the past 50 cil started a program called the Chameleon years, and the last major retailer to leave downShoppes to transform vacant retail spaces into town was Macy’s in 2017. The last clothing “equity opportunities for BIPOC- and womenchain in downtown Minneapolis, Marshalls, owned businesses,” according to Fitzgerald. closed in January of this year.

“We’re passionate about opening up business Some of the spaces remain vacant because ■ See DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS on page 5 they’re too big, thus impractical for small busi-

Remembering Andre ‘Debonaire’ McNeal: a pillar in the Twin Cities community

By Tony Kiene Contributing Writer The Twin Cities is mourning the loss of a cherished fixture in the community. Andre McNeal, affectionately known to family, friends, and colleagues as “Debonaire,” tragically passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, in a single-car accident along Interstate 94 in North Minneapolis. He was 53 years old.

A native of Chicago, McNeal was born February 10, 1970, and graduated from Neal F. Simeon High School on the city’s South Side in 1988. An exceptional student, he was always an enterprising young man. It was during his years at Simeon that McNeal began to showcase his organizing skills along with a multitude of other talents that would serve him well during his life.

Among his many titles throughout his life were entrepreneur, comedian, radio personali“I was a KMOJ alum and still frequented the ty, impresario, nonprofit founder and CEO. McNeal made his way to Minneapolis in the mid- station,” noted Lee, remembering the first time 1990s, where he began working as a deejay at he met McNeal. “You could see right away he ■ See DEBONAIRE on page 5 KMOJ and soon befriended Travis Lee.

Community feedback on proposed Third Precinct

By Cole Miska Contributing Writer The Longfellow Community Council hosted an informational meeting on Thursday evening, November 16, to share information with the community about the new police building that will be constructed in the neighborhood.

Minneapolis council members who represent the Longfellow neighborhood—Robin Wonsley and Jason Chavez—as well as Jamal Osman, were invited to speak at the event to give the community the latest information on the new Third Precinct building.

The council members discussed the history of the search for a precinct location, their hopes of getting a Department of Public Safety in the new building, and what public safety services they would like to see.

The city of Minneapolis has been searching for a new loca-

Community members exPrecinct site not be built at all.

In November, after several pressed similar frustration during votes to study Third Precinct Thursday’s meeting, with some locations in Seward and down- feeling that the council had not town, the city council voted to done enough to ensure the Delocate the Third partment of Precinct headPublic Safety “Time and time again, would be able quarters as well they’re being asked to to meaningfully as a community show up by the city to operate in the safety center in the Seward community if share their thoughts, neighborhood based out of the their feedback, their at 2633 Minnew location. input, their expertise, Some question nehaha Avenue. and their time around whether the Mayor Jacob critical priorities like department will Frey’s proposal public safety.” projected a cost even operate (l-r): Council members Jamal Osman, Jason Chavez, and Robin Wonsley at 3rd Precinct com- between $7 to out of the buildmunity meeting hosted by the Longfellow Community Council Photos by H. Jiahong Pan $8.5 million for ing at all, as the the Department of Public Safe- plan for the location passed with funding only guaranteed for potion for the Minneapolis Police nity feedback sessions earlier attended the feedback sessions ty in the new building.

The public safety depart- licing operations.

Department’s (MPD) Third Pre- this year, where the community expressed frustration that they According to Wonsley, the cinct headquarters since it was was presented with a choice were not being heard. Black ment did not present a plan or burned down during protests between the original Third community leaders wanted to conduct engagement for what Commissioner of Public Safety over George Floyd’s murder in Precinct location at 3000 Min- develop 2600 Minnehaha into will go into the space, leaving told the city council that comMay 2020. The city, along with nehaha Ave. or a site at 2600 a Black economic development the three councilmembers to munity safety operations might center. Other community mem- appear in a meeting full of dis- be “phased in” after the opening local neighborhood organiza- Minnehaha Ave. ■ See 3RD PRECINCT on page 5 Community members who bers preferred that a new Third gruntled residents. tions, held a series of commu-

2 November 23 - 29, 2023

Metro

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Twin Cities “multiverse” convention attracts Black and Brown comic book fans

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer Leslie Barlow has felt at home with other nerds as long as she can remember. However, as someone who frequents conventions geared toward sci-fi and comic book fandom, she struggled to feel fully welcome as a Black woman.

In recognizing the need for an inclusive space, Barlow sought to bring about a new convention that catered to Black and Brown nerds like herself. That idea became “ConFluence: A Cultured Multiverse,” a two-day convention organized by artists with a focus on centering content made by Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

The convention took place over the weekend at the Northrop King Building in Northeast Minneapolis. AtThe Avengers tendees were able to take part with all the in a series of panel discussions, dope nerds workshops, and a cosplay contest. There was also a marketof color place spotlighting diverse artists from the Twin Cities.

Barlow has been attending conventions for over a decade and has enjoyed the sense of community that they brought.

“I loved that I didn’t feel quite alone in my interests,” she said.

Despite being able to express her fandom at these conventions, Barlow was disappointed to see the lack of representation across the board.

There was a lack of diversity in ConFluence organizers Ashley Koudou (left) and Leslie Barlow (right) dressed as Gamora Photos by Abdi Mohamed the invited guests, vendors, and

Don Samuels to challenge Rep. Ilhan Omar for 5th Congressional seat in 2024

By MSR News Service On Sunday, November 12, Don Samuels officially announced that he is running against incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District in the 2024 Democratic primary.

The two faced off in 2022, when Samuels came within two percentage points of defeating the incumbent. However, this time around the race will attract even more attention, because it is a presidential election year.

“Our neighbors deserve a leader who will represent our

values in Washington, D.C., working with the Biden administration and other democratic colleagues to strengthen democracy, promote peace around the globe, and create a future of opportunity in America,” said Samuels, who announced his intention to run on WCCO’s Sunday news-radio program.

“At a time where democratic institutions are under attack both at home and abroad, I believe there’s an exhausted majority of my neighbors looking for leaders who seek to strengthen our civic founda-

tions using government to make a difference, not to just cynically make a point. That’s what I’ve done throughout my life, and that’s what I’ll do if I’m elected,” Samuels said in a press release.

“Locally, my opponent was a strident supporter of the defund the police movement, even rebuking President Barack Obama when he referred to it as a ‘snappy slogan’ that would make reform more difficult,” said Samuels. “Nationally, she also voted against President Biden’s signature infrastructure legislation,” he added.

In addition, Samuels points to Rep. Omar’s foreign policy record, citing her vote against aid to Ukraine, her opposition to sanctions against Russia and Turkey, and her statements regarding Israel since the war in Gaza.

Samuels was previously elected to the Minneapolis City Council and later to the school board, before running against Rep. Omar in the DFL primary last year.

MSR welcomes reader comments at submissions@spokesmanrecorder.com. For more MRS stories, visit spokesman-recorder.com.

convention staff. She knew she had to address this issue and make a change, but she knew she couldn’t do it alone.

“I figured the first way to do that would be to essentially assemble The Avengers with all the dope nerds of color that I knew,” she said laughing. Barlow reached out to her wide network of artists and organizers in the Twin Cities and was able to coordinate with them on the convention.

Crice, a South Minneapolisbased artist and designer, was among the members of the planning team. He was excited to take part in organizing the event, and because of Barlow’s standing in the artistic community, many people were ready to contribute.

■ See CONFLUENCE on page 8

November 23 - 29, 2023

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HOMES• FAMILIES• LEGACIES HOMES• FAMILIES• LEGACIES

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4 November 23 - 29, 2023

Health

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Prescriptions for fruits and vegetables can improve the health of people with diabetes

By Kurt Hager and Fang Fang Zhang

grams were studied, participants selected the produce of their choice at grocery stores A new study found that the or farmers markets using health of people with diabe- electronic cards or vouchers. tes, hypertension and obesity They typically received about improved when they could $65 per month for four to 10 get free fruits and vegetables months.

Researchers pooled data with a prescription from their doctors and other health pro- from 22 U.S. produce prescripfessionals. tion locations operated by Researchers found that Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit these patients’ blood sugar lev- that promotes access to afels, blood pressure and weight fordable, healthy food. None of improved in a new study pub- the pilots had previously been lished in “Circulation: Cardio- evaluated. All 4,000 particivascular Quality and Outcomes.” pants either had, or were at risk The improvements researchers for, poor cardiometabolic health saw in clinical outcomes could and were recruited from clinics have a meaningful impact on serving low-income neighboroverall health. hoods.

For example, systolic blood Participants in these propressure, or blood pressure dur- grams ate more fruits and vegeing heartbeats, decreased more tables. They were also one-third than eight millimeters of mer- less likely to experience food cury, or mm Hg, while diastolic insecurity—not having enough blood pressure, or blood pres- food to meet basic needs and sure between heartbeats, de- lead a healthy life.. creased nearly five mm Hg. For context, this is about half the Why it matters drop gained through medicaMore than 300,000 Ameritions that lower blood pressure. cans die annually of cardiovasMany U.S. healthcare pro- cular disease and diabetes cases viders have been experiment- tied to what they eat.

The people in the estimated ing with “food is medicine” programs, which provide free, 13.5 million U.S. households exhealthy food to patients—some- periencing food insecurity are more likely than others to have times for a year or more.

This is the largest analysis cardiometabolic health probto date of produce prescrip- lems, such as diabetes or heart tion programs, which are one disease. They also have shorter variety of these efforts. They life expectancy and higher medlet patients with diet-related ill- ical costs.

Most Americans, regardless nesses get apples, broccoli, berries, cucumbers and other kinds of their income, don’t follow a of fruits and vegetables for free. healthy diet. However, research that lower-income In Los Angeles, Boise, shows Houston, Minneapolis, and Americans tend to eat food other locations where the pro- that’s slightly worse for their

tion pilots.

Eight state Medicaid programs have received or applied for federal waivers that would allow Medicaid to pay for produce prescriptions for up to six months for some people. However, these programs remain unavailable to most Americans who might benefit.

What’s next Researchers are evaluating “food is medicine” pilots funded by the Flexible Services Program in Massachusetts’ Medicaid program and also running a large, randomized controlled trial in which one group of patients with cancer will get free home-delivered meals and another will receive standard care.

Kurt Hager is the instructor of epidemiology at UMass Chan Medical School and Fang Fang Zhang is a professor of epidemiology at Tufts University.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

fcafotodigital/E+ via Getty Images

health than those who can af- Infants and Children, known as WIC, was created. ford to spend more.

Within a year of the latest The 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition conference, two government and Health brought together experts who outlined a national strategy to eradicate food insecurity and reduce diet-related illnesses. It ended with a strategy calling for, among other things, more produce prescription programs.

The last White House conference on hunger and nutrition, which occurred over 50 years earlier, led to significant and lasting changes in U.S. food policies. The National School Lunch Program expanded and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,

agencies—the Indian Health Service and the Veterans Health Administration—anThis article is republished with nounced produce prescrip- permission from The Conversation.

Consumer Alert:

Be aware of scams while shopping for health insurance

MNsure’s open enrollment period for 2024 medical and dental coverage began on Nov. 1. As shoppers search for the right coverage, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and MNsure have issued a joint public service announcement alerting consumers to be aware of scams targeting Minnesotans who are no longer eligible for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program).

This alert is specifically for Minnesotans who submitted their Medical Assistance renewal paperwork, found out they do not qualify for the program, and need to find new health insurance. When trying to buy health insurance, they may be vulnerable to scams from someone pretending to be MNsure that sells them a bogus insurance product.

In some cases, scammers have taken money from consumers by saying they must pay for help enrolling in a plan or asking them to pay for premiums up front over the phone.

“Consumers should be on the alert for health insurance scams, including people claiming to represent MNsure who are not legitimate. MNsure.org is the safest place for consumers to shop for and buy health insurance with confidence or connect with a trusted, MNsure-certified assister for free application and enrollment help,” said CEO Libby Caulum.

“Scammers are trying to trick Minnesota consumers into signing up for something that sounds like comprehensive health insurance when it is not,” said Jacqueline Olson, the Department of Commerce’s Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement.

“Our mission is to protect the interests of Minnesota consumers, and the Minnesota Commerce Department takes complaints about the fraudulent and unauthorized sale of insurance seriously. Scammers need to know that their conduct is being pursued.”

Three tips for consumers to confirm you’re working with MNsure: 1. Check the website URL. Make sure you click on MNsure.org if using a search engine, or type MNsure.org into the address bar.

2. Take advantage of MNsure’s free and anonymous cost estimates online. MNsure.org has a cost estimator tool that allows you to shop for health plans without submitting your contact information. Be careful with websites that insist on collecting your telephone number to provide you with an estimate. Providing your telephone number to these websites may lead to numerous unwanted calls.

3. Watch out for unsolicited

calls and requests for payment over the phone. MNsure will never cold call you to try and sell you health insurance or give your phone number to a broker without your prior permission. MNsure will never call and ask for a Social Security number, credit card or bank account number.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed: If you are asked to pay for assistance getting health insurance through MNsure or think you have been scammed, report it to MNsure immediately by calling the anonymous complaints telephone line at 844466-7873. Report the person’s name, organization, contact information, and website you used. MNsure refers cases to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Enforcement Division, which investigates fraud complaints from consumers.

Source: MNsure, Minnesota’s official health insurance marketplace. For more info, visit www. mnsure.org.

November 23 - 29, 2023

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MPD BONUSES

Continued from page 1

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the department is currently down more than 300 officers. While the pace of attrition has slowed, he admitted, “We have not yet stopped the bleeding. I have been clear that we must act urgently to address our hiring and retention crisis, and that includes financial compensation and incentives that reflect the reality that being a Minneapolis cop today is the toughest job in policing.”

Ward 11 Councilmember Emily

DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

Continued from page 1

opportunities that may not have been possible before. We’re thrilled to be a part of an evolving downtown that evokes inclusive interest, attraction, and pride.”

The program, which is supported by a grant and is partially city-funded, currently supports seven businesses.

Five of the seven businesses are Black-owned. A sixth, FX Minnesota, is Hispanic-owned, while a seventh, Coconut Whisk, is partly Asianowned. The spaces they inhabit are made available through relationships the Downtown Council has with property owners.

One of those businesses is the Strive Bookstore, located inside the YoungQuinlan building on Nicollet Mall. The bookstore opened in June. “Because of my relationship with the Downtown Council, I was recommended to be the bookstore in this space. And I just couldn’t pass up that opportunity,” said bookstore owner Mary Taris.

Taris, a bookworm, never saw herself opening a bookstore. She did, however, want to start a publishing company because she struggled to find books that included students of color. “So after 15 years of teaching

DEBONAIRE

Continued from page 1

was special. I immediately admired his skills as a deejay.

Just the way he connected with people. He was so funny, so intelligent. Debonaire lived to entertain. And he became really popular in this town… really fast.”

McNeal’s emergence at the “People’s Station” set the stage for his indelible impact on the local entertainment scene—producing, promoting, and often emceeing first-class events across the region. One of McNeal’s closest friends, James Burroughs, also recalls the first time they met.

“I think it was at a housewarming party for someone,” Burroughs recollects. “And Debonaire being from Chicago and me having relocated here from D.C., we understood that there wasn’t a lot for Black

“I think just throwing money out there is not the solution.”

is scheduled for a vote on December 5.

Councilmember Jamal Osman, representing Ward 6, said he supports the MPD on staffing issues, but questions whether retention bonuses are effective. “I think just throwing money out there is not the solution,” Osman said, noting the money could be sent to a community safety center in the newly approved Third Precinct site. “We can use this money to be more effective… than hoping we will get recruitment.”

MSR welcomes reader comments at Koski was concerned that the proposal submissions@spokesman-recorder.com. was being “rushed” to meet the deadline for the city’s 2024 budget—which For more MRS stories, visit spokesmanincludes funding for the bonuses—that recorder.com.

and having to find extra books and The owner, Lutunji Abram, was food for pop-ups every now and resources on my own time and on my looking for a place to have a com- then, including a seafood boil over own dime, I just decided that I had to mercial kitchen and was considering the summer. She also hosts cooking do something more,” said Taris one opening in Northeast until a broker classes.

Over the summer, she orgarainy October day in her sprawling showed her the Elliot Park location bookstore. while it was still under construction. nized a street festival with the Elliot Taris ended up starting a pub“This warm feeling came over me. This Park Neighborhood, Inc., the local will be the space, primarily my own neighborhood association that she lishing company and published 10 commercial kitchen. But I said, well, serves as a board member. The fesbooks, which include memoirs and why not take a chance at retail,” said tival, which closed off 14th Street guides on how to handle microagAbram. between Grant Street and Park Avgressions. She eventually realized The corner doesn’t get a lot of foot enue, hosted local entrepreneurs and she could have more of an impact traffic, even though the neighbor- performers performing music and by opening a bookstore. “I could get more books into the hands of hood is surrounded by apartments spoken word, as well as people who our children and connect across that house a diverse array of resi- devoured hamburgers and Abram’s cultures,” added Taris. dents, from students to the working peach cobbler cups.

She loves having a bookstore Lutunji Abram, owner of Lutunji’s class to those in recovery. One block Though the crowds didn’t rival downtown, in part because she Palate at 14th and Park away, people park their cars in lots to those of Taste of Minnesota, Abram meets people from various places go work at nearby Hennepin County noticed something: “They stayed. $750,000 into next year’s budget so Medical Center or to attend games at They lingered. And they even came the Downtown Council can expand nearby U.S. Bank Stadium. Perhaps inside [to my store] because a couple “With a bookstore I could the program and fill more vacant detracting from the sidewalk expe- people wanted iced coffees.” retail spaces. The Minneapolis City rience, thousands of people drive get more books into the Though the Chameleon Shoppes Council will vote on adopting the along the streets just outside Luhands of our children and tunji’s to get downtown and nearby program is not opening new stores at budget on December 5. connect across cultures.” this time, the Downtown Council inThe boost in funding may allow the freeways at a fast clip.

The low foot traffic doesn’t con- vites aspiring entrepreneurs interested Downtown Council to consider expanding their program to other parts cern Abram, a former MSR intern in participating to complete an apand walks of life. “We meet people of downtown. “If it makes sense for who says she has a successful whole- plication online at https://www.mplsfrom all over the world here because the program to grow beyond Nicollet, sale business with products stocked downtown.com/chameleon/generalwe’re so close to the convention cen- we will pursue that,” said Fitzgerald. at the shelves of area grocery stores vendor-application/. Learn more about ter. And whenever there are convenMeanwhile, other Black entrepre- such as Cub Foods, Lunds & Byerlys Lutunji’s Palate and stay updated on tions in town, people like to find the neurs are setting up shop elsewhere and Hy-Vee. Still, she is working to upcoming events at https://www.facelocal bookstore,” said Taris. book.com/Lutunjispalate downtown of their own volition. Nes- bring people to her corner.

Every second Tuesday evening The Chameleon Shoppes program tled on the ground floor of an apartmay expand next year to support ment building at the corner of 14th of the month, Abram hosts openH. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader more entrepreneurs. Mayor Jacob and Park is Lutunji’s Palate, which mic events. She also allows aspiring comments at hpan@spokesman-rechefs to use her kitchen to prepare corder.com.

Frey is recommending investing opened in May 2022.

entertainment. In 2015, he founded the Doorstep Foundation, an organization that connects local youth with mentors in the community to help young people chart a course toward success in school, work, and life. The goal of the Doorstep Foundation is “to never leave the problems of our people on anyone else’s doorstep.”

McNeal’s service to the community also included his work with the Northside Achievement Zone, Den Brothers, and the Hope and Healing Counseling Services among many other groups.

“Debonaire was giving to a “I can’t begin to count the fault, and it was hard for him number of A-list celebrities I to say no to anyone,” Lee obmet through Debonaire,” says served. “His guest list was Lee. “These were people that always bigger than his ‘paid’ were on a first-name basis guest list.” with him. People that loved Lee added, “And he loved him. Just like everyone else his wife and kids. He’d brag on that got to know him.” those kids all the time. And that McNeal’s influence and smile of this. Wow! It would the positive impact he made light up a room instantly.” in the community stretched Burroughs remembers that well beyond the world of smile too and what an amazing Debonaire and his wife Zakia McNeal

people to do here.”

Together, McNeal and Burroughs established Bachelor Boy Entertainment, which brought many notable concerts and events to the Twin Cities.

“His guest list was always bigger than his ‘paid’ guest list.”

said. “And they show services, saying many people 3RD PRECINCT Wonsley up and when their input is are uncomfortable around poContinued from page 1

of the precinct. Wonsley acknowledged the community’s frustrations.

“Time and time again, they’re being asked to show up by the city to share their thoughts, their feedback, their input, their expertise, and their time around critical priorities like public safety,”

collectivized and formed into reports and analysis, they’re seeing the trend of the city or city leaders dismiss that and go in a very different direction—the direction [the city] intended on anyway.”

Other community members expressed concern about people having to enter a police station to access the Department of Public Safety’s social

lice. One community member expressed fear that the culture of MPD would spread to the Office of Public Safety if they shared a space.

Wonsley authored a legislative directive sent to Frey to request a “comprehensive overview” of how the community safety center would contribute to existing community safety models. She also

“For several years community members have been the ones leading this conversation.”

requested a list of community safety functions and programs that would be offered at the new Third Precinct upon its opening. Wonsley requested the mayor’s response no later than Jan. 31 of next year.

Wonsley said she was “impressed, but not surprised” at how many community members showed up to express their opinions at Thursday’s meeting.

“It shows that for several years community members

“connector” McNeal was. “Debonaire connected people in so many ways. He helped people socially, personally, professionally,” explained Burroughs.

“Debonaire impacted us in so many ways. Through his foundation. Through music and culture. Helping to make this a place for Black people to enjoy life, to be successful, to connect with one another.”

McNeal is preceded in death by his mother Susan, brother Michael, and daughter Anaja.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Zakia Robbins-McNeal, and sons Darius, Jachai and Andrew.

A public visitation took place on Friday, November 17, at Shiloh Temple International Ministries in North Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation by visiting https://linktr. ee/ZakiaRobbinsMcNeal.

Tony Kiene welcomes reader responses to tkiene@spokesman-recorder.com.

have been the ones leading this conversation and shaping the new vision for what public safety looks like in our city, but also what does that look like even from a standpoint of a building,” Wonsley said.

H. Jiahong Pan contributed to reporting for this story.

Cole Miska welcomes reader comments at cmiska@spokesman-recorder.com.

6 November 23 - 29, 2023

Business Black Tech Creating tech equity in Talent communities of color spokesman-recorder.com

Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer Drone racing, 3D-printed jewelry, and virtual reality.

These might sound like things from the plot of a sciencefiction film, but that was the scene at “Community TechFest,” which took place on November 11 in downtown Minneapolis. Black Tech Talent’s third annual event was held at Coco, a coworking space located near the U.S. Bank stadium, and showcased several different activities for young people to learn about cuttingedge technology.

Michael A. Jackson launched TechFest in 2021, a year after he founded Black Tech Talent, a company dedicated to connecting Black tech talent to opportunities with corporations that are try-

through a three-day hybrid event. Attendees were able to partake in a pitch competition and speed recruiting sessions, putting talent directly in front of the hiring team at some of Minnesota’s largest companies.

After the summit, Jackson was approached by people who expressed a desire to see a version of the summit geared towards children, an idea that he believed would broaden the experience for those who may feel intimidated by tech-

Father and son at Black Tech Talent’s annual event ing to close the hiring gap and create a more diverse workforce. By the end of their first year, Black Tech Talent had recruited 20 companies to their platform and plan to expand to locations outside of Minnesota.

To further the company’s mission, Jackson held a summit in 2021 to bring tech enthusiasts together and allow like-minded people to get together online and in-person

nology.

“There’s still a part of the community that hears tech and they turn their brains off.

So what I’ve done is I’ve heavily focused on advertising this as family friendly. It brings little kids out because people do it for their kids,” he said.

Jackson sought out to find vendors and sponsors later that year and launched TechFest with the aim of creating a pipeline that would put young

events will help them developmentally.”

Jackson envisions a plan to diversify the country’s tech landscape, a plan he sees taking decades but that will lead to young people having the chance to work in a techbased role straight out of high school.

“If we’re looking at it as a 20-year play, then that means centers and libraries.

Growing up in St. Louis, the kids that we’re bringing to Missouri, Hightower didn’t TechFest now, hopefully they have access to the sort of do something amazing, conworkshops he now facilitates. tinue accessing the tech,” he Through technology and desaid. “Our goal is that those sign, he was able to find career same youth will not only be independence and hopes to able to get jobs, but they’ll be pass on that same experience. scouted through us the same “That’s what I would give any way we’re scouted for being youth, the ability to carve your athletes [and] for entertainown path,” he said. “Do you ment.” want to make software? Do Jazmine Darden of Sparkz you want to make hardware?

3D and Sam Hightower of Black Tech Talent founder, Michael A. Jackson Do you want to make physical Make with Sam were two venproducts?

The 3D printer can forces that we don’t necesBlack children on the path to dors showcasing the practical give you access to all those sarily have access to,” he said. rewarding tech careers. uses that 3D printers can have Several vendors were pres- “That starts with people like us in day-to-day life. Darden, an worlds.”

Jackson is looking to take ent at the event, many of them being in those rooms to make instructor at Dunwoody Colhis company to New York City those decisions about where introducing tech activities lege, shared the importance of those public dollars go.” to young children and their Nimco Abdi had heard of families. The large hall that the event on LinkedIn, and as serves as an operating base someone with a background in for several startups and entretech she thought it would be preneurs was lined with video a great way of introducing her games and remote-controlled two young girls to her field. vehicles. Children were able Abdi came to the United to make their own 3D designs States seven years ago with and learn the beginner aspects a degree in computer science, of writing code. but because of the language Doc Woods, a father of three from Brooklyn Center, barrier she found herself back brought his son and his friend at square one. Abdi graduto the event to give them ated from Metro University more insight into the creation this past spring and has used of their favorite video games. Black Tech Talent as a platHe left the event surprised form to network and learn with the level of access young more about opportunities people have to technology to- such as TechFest to further her career. day.

“What caught my attention Jazmine Darden (l) with young participant at Community TechFest was the equity and the avail“There’s still a part ability of those types of technology pieces,” he said. of the community introducing young people to and has been investigating the resources on the ground to Woods shared that he’s tech early in life. that hears tech had conversations with White “It’s so important to expose best build out the infrastrucand they turn counterparts who have enthem young because they ture needed to launch a new their brains off. rolled their children in codwill lose interest in math and chapter. In the meantime, he ing classes, giving them a leg So what I’ve done science probably by middle hopes to work with state ofup in the future compared to school, and by high school it’s ficials to find ways to help is I’ve heavily Black and Brown children who too late,” she stated. “I have a develop an educational and focused on haven’t been introduced to slideshow showing over there workforce program aimed at advertising this such programs. He stated that talking about how 3D printing diversifying Minnesota’s tech he’d like to see more resources as family friendly.” is being used in the medical industry.

“For this to grow to the level allocated to communities of field, how it’s being used in it needs to grow and for it to be color to give young people the sports, how they have consustained, we need the state of She believes that immiability to learn about tech cacrete 3D printers that are 3D Minnesota to see the value in it grant parents should especialreer options early in life. printing houses.” and to invest in it,” he said. “We ly take advantage of tech re“I think public dollars should Outside of Dunwoody, need the government to get sources for children as a tool be put aside for more access Darden holds workshops at involved and be a partner in for their development.

“You for our children to that type Minneapolis Public Schools making sure this happens as it often have a divide in Somali of technology and those workand collaborates with orgafamilies where parents might nizations such as the YWCA continues to grow.”

For more information, go to not have a degree or speak and Big Brothers Big Sisters. www.blacktechtalent.org.

English,” she said.

Hightower also spends his “Seeing all of these new time demonstrating 3D printAbdi Mohamed welcomes technologies will open their ing and other tech activities eyes. Having them involved such as virtual reality and aug- reader comments at amohamed@ and a part of these types of mented reality at community spokesman-recorder.com.

Where do you turn when you have big and small dreams about how to change the world? Your local community foundation is here to help.

MINNEAPOLISFOUNDATION.ORG/TOGETHER

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Arts & Culture

November 23 - 29, 2023

7

Patrick Adams’ musical journey: A tribute to Southside Minneapolis

By Tony Kiene Contributing Writer “Do you remember those Kemp’s ice cream buckets?” says Patrick Adams when describing his initial foray into music. “I took five of those, grabbed a pair of drumsticks, and found some space around the house where I could make some noise.” That’s how it all started for Adams, who recalls that he was eight, maybe nine years old at the time.

Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Adams was literally a stone’s throw from the old Central High School. He had several older cousins who were musicians, which inspired his own interest. Those cousins included Robert Brown, Jr., a classmate of one Prince Rogers Nelson at Central during the mid-1970s.

“Everybody called him Bobby,” Adams explains. “I remember him telling me about conversations he had with Prince in school, the plans they both had to make their way in the world through music.”

And when Prince’s debut album “For You” was released in 1978, Adams remembered just how proud and excited everyone in the neighborhood was.

“He was one of us. He made it. Maybe we could too.”

sufficient at the same time.

He taught himself to play other instruments, nurtured his singing voice, and constantly studied songwriting, not to mention the art of both production and performing. “I even learned to dance,” he chuckles.

LA calling Around the time he turned 21, Adams made his way to Los Angeles, where it didn’t take long for him to find work.

“I just loved it. I settled in Baldwin Hills. Beautiful weather every day. I was driving a nice car. Had a nice place. It was the life.”

In addition to working as a session musician, Adams was programming beats, adding samples, and providing background vocals for a number of artists in LA’s emerging rap scene. One of those artists was the late LaTasha Rogers, known professionally as MC Trouble and the first-ever female hip-hop artist signed to Motown.

Adams returned to Minneapolis in 1989 for the birth of his first child. He soon found himself on the set of Prince’s 1990 motion picture Graffiti Bridge, performing as a member of George Clinton’s “Funkestra.”

After running into an old friend he landed yet another gig, this time with Morris Day, who was preparing to record his latest for It was around that same time that Adams was entering Warner/Reprise.

Central High himself when his father surprised him with his “I saw James Bryant, who I’d known first real drum kit. At 17, he was playing in a band with Bobby, from the neighborhood, played baswho’d signed to City of Lakes Records. Before he knew it, ketball with, seen many times at First Adams was keeping the beat on a hit that was in heavy rotaAvenue,” says Adams, “He worked with Prince for years and then he went on tion in clubs across the Twin Cities.

Released in 1983, “Make You Mine (Tight Jeans),” which to work for Morris. He introduced us. co-credited Adams on the arrangement and featured Denise And Morris hired me as a songwriter.”

Blaylark on vocals, is nine-plus minutes of pure funk that He contributed two songs to Day’s deftly captures what the Minneapolis Sound was all third album, 1992’s “Guaranteed”—the about. Forty years later, as Adams says himself, “It’s ultra-funky “My Special,” and the equalstill bumpin’.” ly soulful “Deeper.” Yet it was another As graduation drew near, Adams had a decision opportunity, one that he couldn’t have to make. A standout athlete at Central, he was conpossibly seen coming, that kept Adams busy for the remainder of the nineties. sidering scholarship offers to play college football.

On April 4, 1992, for the first time But he ultimately decided that wasn’t his calling. in 41 years, Minnesota hosted the “I’d put so much time and effort into this craft NCAA Men’s Final Four. And unlike the by then,” recalls Adams, “plus the idea of going out Patrick Adams Photo by Chris Juhn 1951 edition that played in Williams on the road, meeting girls. I said to myself, “‘Yeah.

Arena, upwards of 40,000 fans descended on the Metrodome, one of whom was NBA legend I think I’ll do this music thing.’”

Adams played in a couple more bands locally, but by the mid-80s he’d seen enough to know Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

Monroe, who began managing his own record label before retiring from basketball, heard that bands break up all the time. “I didn’t want to be caught on the outside looking in.”

■ See ADAMS on page 11 So he began to think about how he could chart his own course in the industry and remain self- one of Adams’ demos and reached out to schedule a meeting

“He was one of us. He made it.

Maybe we could too.”

Tis the season: Holiday favorites, Grammy nods and more list full of holiday cheer.

Bells,” “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Vocalist Samara Joy is a two- Let it Snow,” and a wildly original time Grammy Award-winner, “Silent Night” with the talented who is nominated again this guitarist Marvin Swell. Also, “A year, this time for Best Jazz Christmas Hymn” features vibist

By Robin James Performance (for new vocal or Stefon Harris. This one’s special.

Contributing Writer instrumental solo, duo/group or Vocalist Gregory Porter also collaborative jazz recordings) for has a Christmas album entitled It’s that time of year when the her album “Tight.” She also has “Christmas Wish.” Check out his Grammy Award nominations are a new holiday album entitled “A soulful version of “Someday at out, and holiday gift guides are Joyful Holiday.”

Christmas.” Other tracks include beginning to roll out with ChristJoy takes on the Christmas Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowmas albums on the list by various songbook with tunes such as flakes,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” jazz artists.

“The Christmas Song” and “O among others.

This year, there are plenty Holy Night,” plus Stevie Wonder’s Along with Joy, in the Best of deserving artists who have “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me,” among Jazz Performance category I was received Grammy nominations. others. It’s certainly not your aver- happy to see pianist Fred Hersh Grammy nods help artists a age Christmas album. And believe and bassist Esperanza Spalding lot, but not everyone believes it or not, she just turned 24 years nominated for “But Not for Me.” in their true value. In fact, I’ve old on November 11.

They are also nominated in the known some jazz artists who Pianist Christian Sands puts Best Jazz Vocal Album category have called them the “Scammys.” everyone in a cheerful mood for their album “Alive at The VilAs for holiday jazz albums, I with his new album “Christmas lage Vanguard.” can think of old favorites, and Stories” out now on Mack AvI just have a huge apprecianow there are new favorites that enue Records. tion for their individual artistry could potentially be added to my He plays renditions of “Jingle and now for their work togeth-

Brilliant creativity, wry wit, and emotional twists and turns: The British Arrows packs it all into a heartfelt and memorable year-in-review.

Get tickets: walkerart.org/britisharrows The Walker’s presentation of the 2023 British Arrows Awards is sponsored by

BRITISH ARROWS Awards

Media partner

Samara Joy

Courtesy of Verve Records

Grammy Awards will take place er. The title track “But Not for “Basie Swings The Blues.”

Also in this category is the live on February 4, 2024.

Me” features impressive vocals As for my old Christmas alfrom Spalding, so it’s no won- Mingus Big Band for “The der they were nominated in Charles Mingus Centennial Ses- bum favorites, I have to include both categories.

“Together at Christmas” featuring sions.”

Vocalist Cecile McLorin SalI was also thrilled to see saxophonist Houston Person vant is also nominated for her saxophonist Miguel Zenon and and vocalist Etta Jones. The alvocals on her album “Melusine.” pianist Luis Perdomo nominated bum is available on HighNote In the Best Instrumental Album in the Best Latin Jazz Album cat- Records. category (for albums containing egory for their album “El Arte Del Finally, I must add my allgreater than 75 percent playing Bolero Vol. 2.” time favorite, “Ella Wishes You a time of new instrumental jazz reThe same can be said for Vijay Swinging Christmas,” from Verve cordings), pianist Kenny Barron Iyer, Arooj Aftab, and Shahzad Records. “Sleigh Ride” is the ultiis nominated for his album “The Ismaily nominated in the Best Al- mate track.

Source.”

So, there you have it. Go ternative Jazz Album category for Pianist Billy Childs is also their album “Love in Exile.” Singer- ahead and get your holiday nominated in this category for songwriter and bassist Meshell cheer on now and gear up for his album “The Winds of Change.” Ndegeocello was also nominated the Grammy Awards!

In the Best Large Jazz Ensem- in this category for her album ble Album category, the Count “The Omnichord Real Book.”

Robin James welcomes readCongrats to all the Grammy er responses to jamesonjazz@ Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart is nominated for nominees. The 66th Annual spokesman-recorder.com.

8 November 23 - 29, 2023 spokesman-recorder.com

CONFLUENCE

of the books from Ron Brown.

He ended up giving my son a small card of one of the SpiderMans. He drew and signed the back of the card for my son because he was so enamored with him.”

Asian and Asian American geeks, diversity was at the core of the Continued from page 2 convention schedule.

Boisey Corvah attended the As an avid comic book and convention with his mother and anime fan, Crice agreed that sister and was intrigued at the there was a need for more spac- idea of having a space for other es for Black and Brown nerds to fans of Marvel and Star Wars. gather. “When you see yourself “It’s great for tag,” Corvah said not represented in a space you about the building. “I think what want to create, I think it’s better they’re doing here is really aweto create your own rather than some. It’s diverse and it’s for the try to conform or make space in community.” another realm that doesn’t want you,” he said.

“We’re geeks and we

Culturally inclusive community When planning the event, Crice and other organizers considered what aspects of a traditional convention they would include and how they could best uplift the local community through “ConFluence.” He pointed out the need for more shared spaces in general since the pandemic and civil uprising in the Twin Cities, especially for the artist community. me: With panels and workshops covering topics such as Afrofuturism, writing inclusive worlds, ress: BIPOC character design, and

resembling Mace Windu. Standing next to a cardboard cutout of Chewbacca, Childs shared his excitement at having a space where people of color are welcomed and can share their love of all things fandom.

“We’re geeks and we love science fiction, futurism, and pop culture as a whole. But not all spaces promote and let you know that everybody’s welcome. This one had a great emphasis and focus on that,” he said.

Childs said that he works to have a similarly inclusive approach to how he runs his comic bookstore where he advocates for literacy and curates products that ensure everyone sees themselves on the page.

He stated that representation is crucial because visualizing ourselves is a fundamental part of how we learn about the world.

“I am so glad I didn’t miss out on it, and I’m looking forward to the next one,” Childs said.

Partnering with local companies ConFluence partnered with Family Tree Clinic and other health groups to provide convention-goers with services and resources while enjoying their time there. Dr. Zeke McKinney from Advocates for Better love science fiction, Eric Childs, owner of Mind’s Eye Comics Health and Mekka Clark from futurism, and pop the Stair Step Foundation parculture as a whole. ticipated to provide resources But not all spaces promote low for starting this because it’s where it’s at,” said Gupta.

Breasha Turner accidentally to community members. so cool.” and let you know that The ConFluence convention Dressed in a Ms. Marvel ended up bringing her children everybody’s welcome.” costume, Shalini Gupta spoke to the convention, but was also had a number of sponsors to why she brought her sons excited at what she stumbled that helped bring the convenOn Saturday, Corvah’s Anand and Neeraj to ConFlu- upon. tion together. Among them younger sister Marwein, ence. “I wanted the kids to see “Our whole family is very big were Blick art materials, Eastdressed as Ahsoka from Star it and be in space where it was on Marvel and DC and all of it,” side Food Co-op, Du Nord SoWars, got fully immersed into envisioning Black and Brown she said. Turner came to the cial Spirits, and the Minneapolis the convention experience. “It folks,” she said.

Northrup King Building for a Institute of Art. doesn’t happen a lot where you Eric Childs, the owner of “I work in environmental jus- COVID vaccination but stayed could just go somewhere and tice, and I feel like reimagining for the workshops and activities. Mind’s Eye Comics, was also then everybody’s dressed up as the future is what we have to Abdi Mohamed welcomes “Upstairs we actually saw a lot a sponsor of the event. He ata Marvel character,” Marwein do. I feel like this is the critical of Black and Brown artists, and tended the Confluence con- reader comments at amohamed@ said. “I’m thankful for Leslie Bar- work we have to do. Sci-fi is my son was so interested in one vention donning a Jedi outfit spokesman-recorder.com.

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Opinion

November 23 - 29, 2023

9

Shop and dine on “Small Business Saturday” on November 25

By Geri Sanchez Aglipay and Brian McDonald

AI could impact Black voting in the 2024 election

By Barrington M. Salmon

warned that misinformation to a public database used by driven by artificial intelligence law enforcement to execute For much of the last cen- may worsen considerably for warrants; to collect credit card tury, segregationists and their African American voters lead- debts; and by public health enanti-Black racist allies who ing up to the 2024 presidential tities to force people to take were intent on ensuring that election. mandatory vaccinations.

African Americans couldn’t ex“What we have seen through “These threats played upon ercise the right to vote,erected our work demonstrates how systemic inequities likely to an assortment of barriers to racial justice, voting rights, and resonate with and intimidate technology are inextricably Black Americans,” Hewitt said. that end.

Segregationists used the linked,” said Hewitt, president The methods used for those courts, local and state laws, and executive director of the deceptive robocalls in 2020 literacy tests, poll taxes, fraud, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil look primitive by 2023 stanbrute force, violence and in- Rights Under Law during his dards.

Campbell concurred. She timidation by the Ku Klux Klan testimony.

“Voters of color already face said AI would allow this type to impede and prevent Black people from exercising their disproportionate barriers to of weaponization to be more the ballot box that make it significant using texts, video Constitutional right.

In the 21st century, voter more difficult and more costly and audio.

“AI increases the ability to suppression has gone high- for them to vote without factech with the same characters toring in the large and growing do that in larger formats” she still plotting to control who cost of targeted mis- and dis- said. “You have open source votes, when and how. They are information on our communi- where just about anyone who wants to can use AI for neemploying an assortment of ties.” methods including artificial infarious means. There is a lot of angst with those doing voting telligence (AI). Concerns about “In malicious hands rights and elections work.” misuse of AI in the electoral and absent strong Campbell and Hewitt agree ecosystem is what brought regulation, AI can that the exploding capabilities Melanie Campbell and Damon clone voices so that of AI technology can drastiT. Hewitt to testify before the calls sound like U.S. Congress. cally multiply the amount of trusted public figures, Campbell, president and harm to American democracy. election officials, or CEO of the National Coalition Campbell adds that Google, even possibly friends on Black Civic Participation Microsoft and Meta are the and relatives.”

(NCBCP) and convener of the front-line companies who acBlack Women’s Roundtable tivists hope will step up and (BWR), spoke of the urgency Campbell and Hewitt said put guardrails in place before around creating safeguards that during recent election the 2024 elections is overand federal legislation to pro- cycles, African Americans whelmed by AI-driven misintect against the technology’s have been specifically tar- formation and disinformation. misuse as it relates to elec- geted by disinformation cam“In malicious hands and tions, democracy, and voter paigns. The pair referred to a absent strong regulation, AI education, while fighting back lawsuit, NCBCP vs. Wohl, filed can clone voices so that calls against the increasing threats by the Lawyers’ Committee sound like trusted public figsurrounding targeted misinfor- and involving NCBCP which ures, election officials, or even was a plaintiff two men who possibly friends and relatives,” mation and disinformation.

“AI has the potential to be targeted Black voters in New said Hewitt. “The technology a significant threat because York, Pennsylvania and Ohio could reach targeted individuof how rapidly it’s moving,” disinformation via robocalls in als across platforms, following Campbell said. “There was an effort to sway the outcome up the AI call with targeted Russian targeting of Black men of the 2020 Elections. online advertisements, fake The goal was to discourage bot accounts seeking to follow with misinformation in 2020 to encourage them not to vote. African Americans from voting them on social media, customby mail, lying that their person- ized emails or WhatsApp mesIt started in 2016.”

Both civil rights leaders al information would be added sages, and carefully tailored memes.”

AI regulation should include transparency and “explainability” requirements so people are made aware of when, how, and why AI is being used to ensure that it is not used to grab data from those who have not given their consent.

Voter information should not be tied to private information to target voters without safeguards. submissions@spokesman-recorder.com The effort being led by the Lawyers’ Committee and the NCBCP comes against the backdrop of similar alarm from the Biden administration, some lawmakers and AI experts who fear that AI will be weaponized to spread disinformation to heighten submissions@spokesman-recorder.com the distrust that significant numbers of Americans have towards the government and politicians.

President Joe Biden recently signed what’s described as “a sweeping executive order” that focuses on algorithsubmissions@spokesman-recorder.com. mic bias, preserving privacy and regulation on the safety of frontier AI models. The

American Express in 2010.

Small businesses are the engines of our economy.

Saturdays are a cherished They create two-thirds of net day. Many spend their Sat- new jobs, and in Minnesota urdays running errands – 525,156 small businesses whether that be to get a hair- employ 1.3 million people cut, visit a gift shop, or stop (which comprises 45.7% of by the local hardware store. Minnesota’s workforce). The Saturdays are for stocking day also advances equity by up on groceries at the neigh- helping small businesses capborhood market, or self-care ture a larger piece of the crititime at the yoga studio. Sat- cal holiday season consumer urdays are making fun memo- spending.

“With the Biden-Harris Adries with family and friends at corner coffee shops, or a lo- ministration’s Investing in cal restaurant to gather post- America economic agenda, the football game. More often United States has experienced than not, Saturdays are spent a historic small business boom at small, independent retail- being led by women and peoers that provide consistent, ple of color at a rate 65 percent quality goods and services for faster than the pre-pandemic their communities. average. By shopping small, Saturday, November 25 is we help create and preserve an especially important day. jobs which expands opportuIt marks the 14th anniversary nities for inclusive prosperity of Small Business Saturday, and generational wealth buildwhere American consumers ing in communities,” says SBA come out in droves to shop Great Lakes Regional Adminissmall and dine small, in-person trator Geri Aglipay. or online, in mammoth support Shopping small online is of small businesses nation- also encouraged, as e-comwide. The U.S. Small Business merce is a priority of SBA AdAdministration (SBA) is proud ministrator Guzman because it to be a co-sponsor of Small helps make small businesses Business Saturday, founded by competitive across global

markets. The SBA Great Lakes Regional Office and the SBA Minnesota District Office are thrilled to promote Small Business Saturday!

“Every independent store and dining venue are pillars in our communities. Small Business Saturday is a day to connect, appreciate, and celebrate the unique character and diversity of our local communities across the North Star state. Dining and shopping small spurs neighborhood growth and vibrancy,” according to Brian McDonald, SBA Minnesota District Director.

Make big moves! Shop and dine small at local Minnesota small businesses for Small Business Saturday on November 25 and throughout the holiday season.

For information, visit www. sba.gov/mn and www.sba.gov/ saturday.

Geri Sanchez Aglipay is the SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator for Region V, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Brian McDonald is the SBA Minnesota District Director.

PERSPECTIVES FROM WITHIN

Rehabilitation and restoration of staffing at Oak Park Heights

By Jonathan Corbett

and came in and did a rushed gest that senators and legislaraid on the most outspoken tors enact a law or policy that Oak Park Heights has an is- inmates. Me and seven others takes away half of their pay for sue with prison workers union- were rushed out of our cells. any day we are locked in our cell, izing, not because our wages And the canine was brought where they only have to serve food through the door, while are outrageously low—50 cents through to search our cells.

During their second search the rest of the day they sit and to $2.00 per hour—but because it requires corrections staff to they asked me to do a drug test. talk amongst each other.

Let’s get taxpayers their work on weekends. As a result, The angry Black man must be the DOC has been taking away high. I do the test. It’s negative. money back. There are many our weekend hours so that they They leave it on the table as other abuses of authority that they search my room again with I’m sure the Department of Jusare only one to two hours.

They claim it’s staffing short- three to four staff for at least 30 tice would find. But neither the age, an age-old excuse. In truth, minutes, in hopes it turns posi- government nor many media the staff call in sick on the tive with time. outlets help the outcast of sociweekends, so we can’t get our They find nothing worth ety get justice. time out of our rooms. taking me to the segregation We won’t fall into their trap When a fight happens be- unit for (which was the reason to try and take away the new tween inmates or a staff assault, for both searches and the drug Minnesota Rehabilitation and they take away our weekends, test). They figure by getting rid Reinvestment Act. The first peras if to punish the people who of me that this issue will slide son who is freed under the bill didn’t participate in the inci- under the table, and they can and gets in trouble will be the dent will teach us some type of continue to abuse the state’s DOC’s new poster child. They lesson. But to be honest they funding by acting as if they are want us locked up. It’s been part pretend like Oak Park Heights working full eight-hour shifts, 2 of their agenda.

But let’s expose the flaws max security prison is violent. p.m. to 10 p.m. in the system and see who’s I’m sure if you look at the rates willing to plug the leaks. of violence in every other max We won’t fall into That’s progress. While conprison in America, Minnesota their trap to try will rank at the bottom or close. ditions are not like those in and take away the [Mississippi’s] Parchman Farm We told staff we wanted our weekend hours and our 10 p.m. prison documentary, things at new Minnesota hours out [of our cell] instead of Oak Park Heights definitely Rehabilitation and need to be fixed. Black staff, 8 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, Reinvestment Act. who haven’t been hired yet, which started during Covid when our time was modified. are needed too.

I spoke with [Oak Park I was just in administrative The DOC has never operHeights DOC] on behalf of my segregation for about 45 days. ated with full staffing. The only peers. They told us we wouldn’t Because I wanted to shower difference is that now they get get our weekend time out or and call my family on the week- paid more to do less. Why are our weekday 10 p.m. schedule end and the prison didn’t like taxpayer dollars going to people switched back because appar- that we spoke up about it. So who don’t do a full day’s secuently that is the time when their now I hear their solution is to rity work? staff now got off work. They’re remove canteen—[concession still understaffed on the week- purchases from inmate acJonathan Corbett is a resident of ends, yet three different units counts]—from Oak Park Heights the Oak Park Heights correctional come out every weekend and to another prison. facility. The Twin Cities Incarcerated only one works as we do.

I’m asking for an investiga- Workers Organizing Committee is a When we decided not to tion into the practice of calling union working to transform the juswork, they sent us to our rooms in sick that happens here. I sug- tice system in MN. executive order also encourages open development of AI technologies, innovations in AI security and building tools to improve security.

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed others concerned about this issue who fear that malevolent actors misusing AI could upend democratic insti-

tutions and cause Americans’ confidence in democracy to plunge precipitously.

“When people around the world cannot discern fact from fiction because of a flood of AI-enabled disinformation and misinformation, I ask, ‘Is that not existential?” Harris said in a speech at the 2023 AI

Safety Summit in London, England. Harris concluded, “We’re going to do everything we can.

This is one of the biggest concerns most people have.”

Barrington Salmon is an NNPA contributing writer. This commentary was edited for length.

10 November 23 - 29, 2023

Bulletin

spokesman-recorder.com

Vikings players trade footballs for turkeys at annual Thanksgiving giveaway

By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer The Minnesota Vikings executed a successful game plan against hunger. On Nov 14, the team, along with United Healthcare, distributed 1,250 Thanksgiving dinner baskets to people involved with more than a dozen Twin Cities community organizations.

“Everyone should have a Thanksgiving meal. Everyone. One small way that we can help out is through this Courtesy photos program,” said Brett Edelson, Coach McConnell lends a hand.

CEO of United Healthcare of MN (UHC), North Dakota, lected Vikings players to work. dessert option, and more; the Instead of carrying the meals were crafted to provide and South Dakota. “This sets the right tone for the holiday pigskin, gridiron greats Cam a complete Thanksgiving feast Bynum, Harrison Phillips, Al- for up to five people. season.”

Coach Kevin O’Connell and Held on a sunny morning exander Mattison, and Patrick at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Jones carried baskets featur- Vikings legends Esera Tuaolo, Performance Center in Eagan, ing a frozen turkey, creamy Stu Voigt, and Rickey Young the drive-through event put se- mashed potatoes, stuffing, a also helped serve and greet

the crowd. The Vikings cheerleaders, the SKOL line, and the Vikings’ DJ were also on hand to make the event all the more festive.

In addition to the meals, UHC and the Vikings distributed make-at-home turkey craft kits for families to be able to assemble. A few of the players made their own hand turkeys and delighted families by giving them as a surprise gift.

Community organizations that participated included the YWCA - Minneapolis, the Division of Indian Works, the San- Vikings running back Alexander Mattison at the holiday neh Foundation, Big Brothers meal giveaway Big Sisters, the Boys & Girls carry them to cars in the drive- see a lot of joy. It’s not just the Club, and MAC-V. meal, it’s the love, it’s doing This is the sixth year that through lane.

“These are our friends and what’s right for each other.”

United Healthcare has partnered with the Vikings for the neighbors. When I think about Sheletta Brundidge welcomes Thanksgiving giveaway when the years past when I have their employees volunteer participated, I just love to see reader responses to sbrundidge@ to distribute the meals and the smiles,” said Edelson. “You spokesman-recorder.com.

MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the

Overnight winter warming spaces open in St. Paul As we gear up for what may be another cold Minnesota winter, Ramsey County is ensuring that individuals without permanent shelter have a safe and warm refuge at night.

Last week, Ramsey County officially opened its first winter warming space of the season in St. Paul for single adults and couples. Additionally, on Dec. 1, another warming space will open designed specifically for families and youth ages 14 to 24. The exact locations are as follows: St. Paul Opportunity Center 422 Dorothy Day Place For single adults and couples Opened Nov. 15 Central Baptist Church 420 N. Roy Street For families and youth Opens Dec. 1 The warming space locations will remain open every night through the end of March 2024 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. They will provide seating, blankets, light snacks, and hot beverages such as hot cocoa and coffee. Warming essentials like hats and gloves will also be provided to those in need of cold weather supplies.

Ramsey County staff will be available to answer calls at 651-266-1050 and respond to emails sent to ColdWeatherReferrals@ramseycounty.us from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., facilitating referrals to available warming spaces or additional shelter beds.

Ramsey County staff will operate a free shuttle van service, ensuring transportation to and from winter warming space locations from designated pickup points every day running from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

For detailed information visit ramseycounty.us/WarmingSpaces.

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Dr. B.C. Russell, Pastor 2600 E. 38th Street.

Mpls., MN 55408 612-827-7928 fax: 612-827-3587 website: www.greatfriend.org email: info@greatfriend.org Sunday Church School: 8:30 am Sunday Worship: 9:30 am

“Winning the World with Love” Grace Temple Deliverance Center

Dr. Willa Lee Grant Battle, Pastor 1908 Fourth Ave. So. Mpls., MN 24 Hour Dial-A-Prayer: 612-870-4695 www.gtdci.org Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Prayer Daily 7 pm Evangelistic Service: Wednesday & Friday 8 pm

Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor 451 West Central St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444 Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8 & 10:45 am Prayer Service: Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church" Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM

At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com email:bethesdamn@prodigy.net

Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm

IN PRINT & ONLINE! CALL 612-827-4021

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Employment & Legals

November 23 - 29, 2023

11

spokesman-recorder.com

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY

Isaac Harris, Plaintiff, vs.

Angela Price, Pernell Price, Defendants.

DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Personal Injury Court File No.: TBD

SUMMONS

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: 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 21 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: 2700 Snelling Ave N, Suite 460, Roseville, MN 55113.

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: October 17, 2023

By: /s/ C. Jeremy Lagasse_______ C. Jeremy Lagasse (#396834) Attorney for Plaintiff 2700 Snelling Ave. N., Ste 460 Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 493-0426 jeremy@aaronfergusonlaw.com

Filed in District Court State of Minnesota From Classified Nov 7 2023 9:54 AM

Department/MN State of Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Ramsey County

District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62-HR-CV-23-1175 PHONE: 612-827-4021 Case Type:Harassment

Carter Vincent FOR BILLING vs Jessica Koppelman

INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS To Respondent: PL E A S E CON TAC T YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining AC COU N T I NG D E Order P T has been issued on 10/16/2023. @ BI L L I NG @SP OK E S A hearing has not been scheduled. You may request a hearing on this matter by M A N -R E COR D E R .COM filing a Request for Hearing HAR301 with the Court within twenty (20) days of the date this Notice is published. You may get a copy of the HRO from the court SU atMthe MONS administrator’s office following address: Ramsey County Juvenile and Family PREPA I D FLAT R AT E: Justice $110 Center 25 3 W.W 7thEEK Street Room X RU NB122 TOTAL: $320 Saint Paul, MN 55102 Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or to get a copy of the Harassment Restraining Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s Please proof, respond with email confirmation to order.

Children’s Health Care dba Children’s MN in Minneapolis, MN.

Req. Master’s deg in Industrial Engr, Mfg Engr, or Systems Engr & 2 years’ exp as a performance/quality improvement engr, mgmt engr or related engr role or Bachelor’s deg in Industrial Engr, Mfg Engr, Systems Engr and 5 years’ experience as a performance/quality improvement Engr, mmgt engr or related engr role. Must possess 2 years with: Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, PDSA, and/or other improv method; leading large and/or complex process improv initiatives & projects incl design, project mgmt & doc (reports/presentations); solving problems using A3 thinking, hypothesis testing, active listening, & relentless PDSA cycles. Must possess Lean Certification or Six Sigma Black Belt.

Remote work is permitted. Please submit résumé to melissa. coulson@childrensmn.org. No agencies or phone calls please.

Sale 139588, Conveyance 2022-0041: For Sale by bid - MnDOT owned property, 2,963 sf vacant of land located on W Middleton Ave. and May St., St Paul, Ramsey County. To be sold by sealed bid on 2/6/2024 at 2:00 at Central Office, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul.

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

Bid Form, http://www.dot.state.mn.us/row/propsales.html . Info LandSales.

MN.DOT@state.mn.us

PHONE: 612-827-4021

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 9,16,23

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES Director, Campaign Analytics and Attribution: & TEARSHEETS Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, PL E A SE CON TAC T Minneapolis, MN. N aTbachelor’s I NG DEorPforeign T Requires aACCOU minimum of equivalent de@ science, BI L L Itechnology NG @SPOK S - or related STEM gree in data relatedEfield, N -R COR R .COMresponsible post field plus M at A least 7 E years of DE progressively

baccalaureate experience as an analytics manager, business/ marketingRanalyst, or COU relatedNT occupation. leastICES 7 years of A MSEY Y LEGALAtNOT experienceFLAT with each of the following: Applying data-science/ R ATE: $110 research techniques and tools; PNL for media allocation; Building predictive models using SAS tools; Translating complex data tasksPlease into business solutions;with Creating forecast and proof, respond emailrisk confirmation to response models; Campaign management, data extraction and ads@spokesman-recorder.com ads@spokesman-recorder.com media optimization; Experience with Data bricks or tableau, Donald W. Harper Oracle andThe SAS; andhandles Creation of mathematical TheCourt MSR handles billing digitally.

Juvenile and Family Administrator MSR billing digitally. or simulation This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices models. Position is based of get ande-tears reportsand to Thrivent’s This means youout will e-mailed HQ invoice unlessSpokesman-Recorder you specificallyNovember request23,a 2023 hard copy. unlessMN, you but specifically a hard copy.

Minnesota in Minneapolis, allows forrequest the option to telecommute from a home office anywhere in the United States. For confidential consideration, please apply at https://careers.thrivent.

Filed in District Court com/ (requisition #:36559). No agencies or phone calls please.

State of Minnesota Nov 15 2023 10:09 AM

State of Minnesota Ramsey County

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 23, 30, December 7, 2023

Performance Improvement Consultant:

Notice of Issuance of Harassment Restraining Order

by Publication

For Sale By Bid

District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62‐HR‐CV‐23‐1211 Case Type:Harassment

In the Matter of Jordan Ashley Schwartz vs Notice of Issuance of Christopher Deshaun Richards Harassment Restraining Order

by Publication From Classified

Department/MN

To Respondent: Spokesman-Recorder YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining Order has been issued on October 27, 2023.

A hearing has not been scheduled.

You may request a hearing on this matter by PHONE: 612-827-4021 filing a Request for Hearing HAR301 with the Court within twenty (20) days of the date this Notice is published. You may get a copy of the HRO from the court administrator’s office at the following address: FOR BILLING Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center INQUIRIES 25 W. 7th Street Room B122 & TEARSHEETS Saint Paul, MN 55102 Failure to appear at aAscheduled hearingTAC or to getTa copy of the Harassment PL E S E CON Restraining ACCOU Order will not be a defense to N T I NGprosecution D E P Tfor violation of the Court’s order.

BILLI NG @SPOK ESM A N-R ECOR DER .

COM Donald W. Harper Juvenile and Family Court Administrator

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder EMPLOYMENT DISPLAYNovember 23, 2023 SI ZE: 2 COL X 3 I NCH R AT E $44.60 PER COL . I NCH TOTAL: $267.60 ductions. One of his latest sure he wanted to continue. “I ing new material as well. didn’t want to do the same muIn deciding the new direc- songs, “If I Ruled the World Continued from page 7 + 2 W EEK ON LI NE(Change + $150 of Heart),” is an ode sic as before,” he reveals, “so I tion he wanted to Sexplore, TOTAL: $417.60 to his Southside Minneapolis started writing gospel songs. Adams started to think about neighborhood in the wake of before arriving in Minneapo- This was my way to express his many influences from the murder of George Floyd. lis. Monroe signed Adams to how God was speaking to me.” James Brown to Prince; Stevie He also got married, joined to Sly; Slave to Earth, Wind & “If I Ruled the World” is an his own deal, and in addition Please proof,Taylor; respond impassioned, with email confirmation stirring pleato for to James to recording so much mate- the church, and became deep- Fire; Chicago ad@spokesman-recorder.com.

Forand more exposure: unity. to Babyface; Pa- peace, love rial over the years, he spent ly involved in the ministry. For Teddy Riley We are inviting andalso even jazz our clients to advertise on our the better part of the decade the most part, he put music trice Rushen; webLewis. site for 2 weeks for aAdams’ flat feenew of $150 perisposition music availworking and producing artists aside altogether to focus on great Ramsey of printable ad. on all streaming services. his family and his community.

“Growingwith up, apurchase lot of artists on the East Coast.

In 2010, Adams and his were recording six, seven, eight, To learn more about this artist, “Earl allowed me to stay The MSR handles visitdigitally. patrickadamsmuzic.com. songs, ” hebilling here in Minneapolis. But I fre- ex-wife started a youth sports even 10-minute This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed inquently traveled to New York, program called Warriors Elite notes. “I was interested in dovoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.

Tony Kiene welcomes reader New Jersey to work on these Basketball. “As we were raising ing that myself. And I was lookprojects,” says Adams, “Got to our own kids, we came across ing to capture a particular feel, comments at tkiene@spokesman-recorder.com. work with so many extraor- so many others that didn’t have take a particular journey. And I dinary musicians, producers, the same opportunities. We wanted it all to be instrumental.’

The result is “Ear Slap,” a engineers. And Earl, he’s the wanted to give something back.”

During the ensuing years, five-song EP that is a melodic, godfather to one of my daughters. That’s what he’s meant to however, Adams thought eclectic blend of jazz, soul Continued from page 12 about getting back into music. and funk that has a smooth me and my family.”

So, sometime in 2017, he went feel, but “still slaps you all up back into “the lab” as he calls in your ears,” laughs Adams.

‘If I Ruled the World’ (.273) and second behind In 2023, he also started After 20 years or so in the it, revisited some of his older Fairleigh Dickinson in the music industry, Adams wasn’t compositions, and began writ- his own label, Groove ProNortheast Conference. The ’23-24 Sharks return their two top scorers from a year ago along with eight newcomers, five from the transfer portal. old women under her charge, the D1 level, it feels like it’s Haynes is fully aware “You can really have a positive getting better. At our (junior that she is in an elite Continued from page 12 impact on their lives, and you college) level, I don’t know. group—Black female head “I can represent Black feXIIIB coach of the year; and can help them develop and coaches. With that comes 2014 NJCAA Division III learn all those non-basketball males in rural, predominantly women’s basketball coach of things as well,” she pointed White communities,” conout. cluded Nelson. “I feel like I’ve the year.

“Honestly there’s more flex- been so welcomed and so Now in her 10th season, Nelson is Northland’s all-time ibility at this level,” stressed appreciated being up in that Continued from page 12 winningest coach, both in Nelson when asked why she area and being able to help wins and winning percentage. hasn’t pursued moving up to players.

“Just being able to reprewomen… You’re providing “I love teaching the game a four-year school. “I got two women who are going to to our players,” continued little kids, and it’s nice to be sent Black females and being do something with their Nelson, who also serves as able to be a coach but also able to show how we can help college degrees [after playing women’s athletic coordinator not to be on the road all sum- young women…has been a rebasketball]. and a business administra- mer, on the road every week- ally special thing as well.”

“Now I’m in Chicago where tor at the school. She’s also end. It’s that happy middle.”

Nonetheless, Nelson Next—a recent historic you can branch out to do married with a young son and would like to see more coach- event involving former local anything, and you can always daughter. stay in this city once you Being a wife, mother, es who look like her get that legendary hoopsters who are graduate.” college administrator, and chance to succeed. “There is now coaches.

Williams is fully aware of instructor, as well as a suc- still too much to talk about Charles Hallman welcomes the low number of D1 Black cessful head coach is close Black female coaches being women’s basketball coaches, to ideal, said Nelson, adding head coaches,” she said. “My reader comments at challman@ or Black coaches overall for that with 18- and 19-year- perception is that at least at spokesman-recorder.com.

From Classified Department/MN Senior Software Engineer Spokesman-Recorder Site Reliability Engineering: Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN. PHONE: 612-827-4021

Open to telecommuting from anywhere in the U.S. Multiple positions available.

Req. Master’s or foreign equiv. in Info.

FOR BILLING Tech., Comp.

Sci., Info. Sci./Sys., Software Eng., Electronics INQUIRIES Eng. or rel. & 2 yrs. Exp. as site reliability eng., DevOps &fld.

TEARSHEETS eng., or relPL occupation; or Bachelor’s E A S E CON TAC Tor foreign equiv. & 5 yrs. exp. Must ACCOU poss. a min.NofT2I yrs.

NGw/each DE PofT the following:Cloud AWS, AWS Administration @SSM, BI L&L Cloud I NGFormation @SP OKTemplates; ESof Windows Linux Sys., Storage, & Networking; M or AN -R EOperating COR DE R .COM Docker or Kubernetes; Terraform & Ansible;Jenkins CI/CD & Azure Pipelines;Programming & YDebugging w/ Python, R A MSEY COU NT LEGAL NOT ICES Bash, & PowerShell;Logging aggregation solutions incl. ELK & AWS FLAT R ATE: $110 CloudWatch; &Monitoring/Observability stack experience incl.

Dynatrace, Splunk, AWS CloudWatch, & Kibana Watchers. Apply at https://jobs.medtronic.com/, Req.with #23000H3N. No agencies Please proof, respond email confirmation to or phone ads@spokesman-recorder.com calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

The MSR handles billing digitally.

This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoice unless you specifically request a hard copy.

ADAMS

SOE

VIEW

WILLIAMS

responsibility.

“I think as Black women in the game…that we have to promote the excellence of it,” said Coach Haynes. “We can’t be shy to talk about it.

I think that more will come because there are a lot of qualified coaches. It’s only in due time.”

Now on her fourth season at LIU, Haynes said, “You can see more Black women getting in the game, see more [Black] head coaches get-

ting opportunities. And with these opportunities, they’re doing amazing jobs.

“We’re closing that gap a little bit,” concluded Haynes on the low number of Black head coaches in college basketball. “I think what we have to do is make it as close as possible…for the next person that comes behind me.”

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

“I think it needs to be that matter. the norm rather than the “I don’t think it’s a rare exception,” said Williams. exception,” said Williams of “There can never be enough.” her position. “I think we’re As the Cougars proceed making strides. On opening through their season, “Our night we had plenty of [Black] kids are bouncing back and coaches that got their debut they’re not going to shy away as head coaches.”

She pointed out Yolisha from the competition, and (Lisa) Jackson at South we’re just gonna stay at it. I’m Alabama—“one of my former excited,” said Williams. “I have assistants,” Williams noted with a good staff around me…young pride. “You had Providence women that want to stay in with Erin Batth [in her first basketball and coaching.” year as head coach]. I think Charles Hallman welcomes Northeastern came away with an opening win” for first-year reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

HC Priscilla Edwards-Lloyd.

12 November 23 - 29, 2023

Sports

spokesman-recorder.com

Seasoned Black women college coaches lead by example

There are nearly 100 Black female and male coaches leading women’s college basketball teams this season. Last week the MSR talked with three veteran Black female HCs in separate in-person interviews after their respective contests.

Chicago State Northland coach finds Long Island coach says coach sees life balance at JC level she’s not a rare exception growing opportunities

ta’s four straight NCAA tournament appearances, includ“Not a lot of time to prepare,”

By Charles Hallman ing three Sweet Sixteen berths admitted Williams, who CSU Sports Columnist and the 2004 Final Four. She hired as WBB head coach was a three-year starter and ndrea Williams is in her in July 2022. The 27-year two-time team captain. second year guiding coaching veteran in all three A kinesiology graduate Chicago State through a divisions came to Chicago (Minnesota, 2006) and a busiwomen’s basketball independent State after three years leading ness administration graduate schedule. As a result, she has D2 Fort Valley State.

(Capella University, 2009), Most of this season’s schedule literally no off nights.

Nelson recalled that becoming There are scheduled road takes place in November and a coach wasn’t in her sights.

First of a two-part story games at Power Five schools December, “so there’s not time “I had no plan to coach, it ene Haynes is the prosuch as Minnesota and Notre off,” continued Williams. Given wasn’t in the cards for me. But gram’s first and only here are six Black head Dame, a Thanksgiving week such challenges, nonetheless coach since Long Island coaches in men’s and I just fell in love with that betournament at Cleveland State, “We need to stay Division I women’s basketball at cause of the players and rela- University combined the LIU and another tournament in so we’re a viable option for Miami, Fla. around Christmas whatever conference picks us the Minnesota collegiate level tionships I’ve been able to build Brooklyn Blackbirds and the LIU Post Pioneers in 2019-20. She this season. Shannon (Bolden) with them,” admitted Nelson. time before the 23-24 slate up,” the coach explained. was named the women’s basWilliams is the second Nelson, because of her years eventually levels off with six ketball head coach in April 2019 of the Cougars’ last seven consecutive Black female HC of service, is the dean of Min- “I love teaching after five seasons as a Duke games at home—11 home Minnesota hosted this season. nesota Black coaches. the game to University assistant coach.

The former Gopher and CSU played the Gophers after games in total. our players.”

Haynes, a former collegiate they hosted Rene Haynes’ Marshall native was hired as star at Michigan State (2004Long Island University squad Northland Community and But once Nelson got start- 08) who played a couple of at The Barn. (Haynes is also Technical College women’s ed, she proceeded to become seasons overseas, virtually head basketball coach in 2010. featured in this week’s MSR.) perhaps Minnesota’s most got into coaching due to her When told of her current We first talked to Williams successful Black basketball brother-in-law, she explained. last summer shortly after place in Minnesota sports as coach at any collegiate level, “I came back home to Ohio Once NAIA and NCAA CSU hired her, featuring her the longest-tenured Black all at Northland, located in after I finished playing profesDivision II members, the twice in pre-game and post- coach, Nelson said, “I did not predominantly Black public game pieces before and after know that. I didn’t realize that. Thief River Falls. She won the sionally. My brother-in-law school’s first national champi- said he needed a middle school university located on Chicago’s her team played Minnesota Pretty cool.” onship in any sport in 2014. coach. He said can I help him The 2002 Minnesota Ms. South Side transitioned to last season.

She coached two national out with the high school team.

“I love what I do,” noted Basketball, Shannon Bolden Division I in 1994. CSU left the teams (2016, [I said] why not? So I did that Western Athletic Conference Williams, who began coaching scored 2,143 points at Mar- runners-up 2020); was eight-time MCAC and at the same time was a in 2022 after nine seasons. in 1995 at Edinburgh University shall Senior High School and Both the school’s women’s of Pennsylvania. “It’s always was a two-time Class 3A Play- Northern Division coach of substitute teacher. I thought and men’s basketball teams good to be around the girls, the er of the Year. She went on to the year; eight-time Region my passion…was teaching.

“That started my coachplay as independents.

■ See VIEW on page 11 ■ See WILLIAMS on page 11 be a key member of Minneso-

“I think we’re making strides.”

Andrea Williams

Photos by Charles Hallman

Shannon Bolden Nelson

ing, and I pretty much never looked back,” she continued.

From a private school in Ohio, Haynes went on to be a graduate assistant coach at Florida State, then an assistant coach at Western Michigan before reuniting with her former MSU coach at Duke for five sea-

“I think as Black women in the game that we have to promote the excellence of it.” sons. Then came her first head coaching opportunity at LIU. “Coaching just kind of fell under the umbrella of teaching,” said Haynes, “of having the patience and being able to break down things. I’ve always been a giver… If I can change the life of somebody, if I can help them…develop into a better player, that’s what I was gonna do.”

Haynes is among the 1,000plus Blacks coaching in college sports these days. “When people see me,” said Haynes proudly, “I want them to know and see a strong Black woman.”

LIU last season ranked in the top 25 nationally in threepoint percentage defense ■ See SOE on page 11

Rene Haynes

El-Amin, Moore lead teams at collegiate level College. Moore, Ms. Basketball leading the Thunder to a 130ond season as the girls’ basketball in 1998 after leading the Polars 123 overtime victory over the coach of her alma mater. to the Class AAA state girls title Golden State Warriors.

Faith Johnson Patterson: Holmgren, the Class of the same year, led Minnesota The former Marshall Universi2021’s top high school prosNorth College-Mesabi Range. ty High School and University Point guard Ibrahim El- pect in the country, also hit of Wisconsin star Hall of Fame Amin (Minnetonka) led ARCC the game-tying bucket to send girls basketball coach is leadwith 23 points and seven as- the game into the extra period. ing Maranatha this season.

Holmgren’s father David HolRicky Davis: The former sists, leading the host Golden Rams to a 74-71 victory. mgren starred at Minneapolis NBA star is in his second Guard Aron Whiteside led Central and Prior Lake, graduatseason at Minneapolis North, Mesabi Range with 19 points. ing in 1983, and went on to play where he led the Polars to the at the University of Minnesota.

City Conference and Twin CitHolmgren off to a great start ies championships last season. ormer Minneapolis North James Ware: The former Former Minnehaha Acad- Five coaches leading high basketball greats Kha- emy and Gonzaga University school basketball teams in Hopkins boys basketball star is lid El-Amin and Tamara basketball star Chet Holmgren 2023-24 back to lead Park Center, who Moore squared off against one is making up for missing the finished runner-up in the Class Colin Moore: Starting his another leading their teams 2022-23 NBA season, which fourth season at St. Paul JohnAAAA boys basketball compein a community college men’s would have been his first, av- son High School. The Govertition last season after winning basketball matchup. the crown in 2022. eraging 17 points per game for nors are the defending St. Paul El-Amin, 1997 Mr. Basket- the Oklahoma City Thunder.

City conference champions. ball after leading the Polars to The 7’1” center and No. 2 Brianna Edward: The former Coaches and Minneapolis North alums Khalid El-Amin Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonthree consecutive state cham- pick of last year’s draft scored Minneapolis North and Provence (Anoka Ramsey) and Tamara Moore (Minnesota North College- ald welcomes reader comments pionships from 1995-97, led 36 points and 10 rebounds in University standout is in her sec- Mesabi Range) Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Anoka-Ramsey Community