Vol. 90
Inside this Edition...
Read about festive shows to celebrate the season on page 10.
THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934
December 7 -13, 2023
Phone: 612-827-4021
No. 19
Golden Valley’s mayor-elect Roslyn Harmon hopes to bridge the community divide By Cole Miska Contributing Writer n its 136 years, Golden Valley has never had a Black mayor— but that will change when Roslyn Harmon is sworn in next month. Harmon, a 47-year-old Black woman who runs the nonprofit Dispute Resolution Center, was the first person of color to run for mayor in Golden Valley, which is roughly 80 percent White. Harmon beat her opponent, Gillian Rosenquist, by 26 votes. Harmon says her priorities as mayor of Golden Valley will be affordable housing, public safety, community healing, and making sure citizens are heard. She plans to create town-forum meetings and other avenues where citizens who either do not have time or may be too intimidated to speak at a council meeting can voice their concerns. Harmon says she doesn’t
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(PEACE) commission. “It wasn’t until I really started doing a lot with the city of Golden Valley that I just saw concern,” she says. “Not only within the divide in city leadership but the divide in community, in city leadership as well as city staff. And for me in my day job—at the Dispute Resolution Center—that’s what I do. I work really closely on behalf of disputes and restorative work.” Harmon believes her work in conflict resolution will be useful in addressing issues that continue around Golden Valley’s police department. The city lost over 20 officers in the past two years after an investigation found Golden Valley police offiMayor-elect Roslyn Harmon Courtesy photo cers made racist remarks as well as other misconduct. Harmon like politics and did not con- as a member of Golden Val- says this has left a lot of discord sider herself a politician before ley’s Diversity, Equity, and In- between the police department running for mayor. She only clusion (DEI) Commission, and and city council, as well as withgot into politics within the past as vice chair of the city’s Police in the council itself. year, after seeing issues in the Employment, Accountability, Along with new police chief city while fulfilling her duties Community, and Engagement ■ See HARMON on page 8
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Minneapolis Public Schools District names new superintendent By MSR News Service he search for a new Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) superintendent is over as the school board announced on Friday that Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools in Minnesota, has been chosen.
ensuring that schools are safe and supportive environments for all students and her belief that all students can learn at high levels. “This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Sayles-Adams. “I began my career in education working as a teacher in North Minneapolis, and that’s where I learned that strong schools
Olson Bridge mural brings the North Minneapolis community full circle By MSR News Service n a cold Saturday afternoon, a mural installation was unveiled on the Olson Memorial Bridge sound wall across I-94. It helps restore a bit of history that was lost more than 20 years ago. The ceremony on December 2, brought together Minneapolis artists and Northsiders to recreate a new version of acclaimed 20th-century African American artist John Biggers’ “Celebration of Life” mural that was torn down in 2001 to make way for the Heritage Park housing development in North Minneapolis. A collaboration between the artists collective the John Biggers Seed Project, the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, Minnesota Department of
Transportation, and Minneap- said Mica Lee Anders, one of olis Arts and Cultural Affairs, the artists whose work is feathe public artwork project tured in the mural. was 10 years in the making. “It was really important to Work on the installation be- use Adinkra symbols, which are West African symbols. gan in 2014. “There was a call put out for They’ve been incorporated artists, and we just applied for into a lot of African American it,” said Christopher E. Harri- art,” continued Lee Anders. son, one of the original artists “We tried to infuse the art with who contributed to the new the meaning of those symbols. “We wanted to tell a story mural. “So, it was really important to get the flavor of the so that when you follow the community to come through mural there is a story that’s being told. There’s water in the final project.” The mural, which is com- at the bottom of the mural, posed of more than 20 glass- which is very important here enamel panels, stretches across in Minneapolis. There’s the the chain link fence on either seed, and the bird, and the side of the I-94 bridge. “The growth,” added Anders. “The mural represents the goal was to study Biggers’ work, but really think about this com- cycle of Minneapolis. The munity. To think about Minne- growth. The destruction and apolis. To think about what it then the rebirth that is hapmeans to have a highway here,” pening in North Minneapolis.”
John Biggers Seed Project artists
Photo by MSR News
Newly named superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams Courtesy photo
Photo by H. Jiahong Pan The unveiling of the mural was followed by a program at the Capri Theater that detailed the history of the project, with reflections from Seed Project artists Ta-coumba T. Aiken and Bing Davis, as well as Councilmember Jeremiah Ellison, who is a member of the collective. A reception followed. “It’s a love letter to North Minneapolis,” said Harrison. “We speak to the generations that come before us and those who come after.” Contact the MSR News Service staff at msrnewsonline@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Twenty-five applicants from 16 states emerged in the nationwide MPS superintendent search. Last week, the search was narrowed to two candidates, Dr. SaylesAdams and Dr. Sonia Stewart, the current deputy superintendent of Hamilton County Public Schools in Tennessee. “We are thrilled Dr. SaylesAdams will lead Minneapolis Public Schools into the future and are excited about her deep educational experience, passion for lifting students up, and proven track record of improving student performance at public schools,” said Board Chair Sharon El-Amin. “She will provide both a vision and a strategy for continued growth for every student at MPS regardless of their background or zip code.” Dr. Sayles-Adams has 28 years of experience in education, including as a teacher and principal in Minneapolis, and an assistant superintendent in St. Paul, before moving to Eastern Carver County in 2020. She has been lauded for her firm commitment to
make a strong community. I am honored and thank the School Board for their vote of confidence in my commitment to serve as the next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. “I look forward to partnering with teachers, students, staff, and the community to make sure every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.” “She will provide both a vision and a strategy for continued growth for every student at MPS regardless of their background or zip code.” Dr. Sayles-Adams’ starting date will be determined pending contract negotiations and approval. Rochelle Cox has served as the interim superintendent after Ed Graff, the previous MPS superintendent, ended his contract in 2022. Contact the MSR News Service staff at msrnewsonline@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Business startup event for Black and Brown entrepreneurs By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer s a Jane-of-all-trades, Charlotte Epée-WillSuN has channeled her passion for business into several endeavors. Over the past four years, she’s launched three businesses including Black Bumble Solutions, where she provides IT recruitment and business consultation, and GrooVVee, an entertainment platform centered around content from the African diaspora. Her latest venture, BIPOC Startup Week, aims to support Black BIPOC Startup Week founder Charlotte Epée-WillSuN and Brown business owners in Photo by Abdi Mohamed the Twin Cities who are looking to
navigate the complex world of tech entrepreneurship. Raised in Nigeria, Epée-WillSuN grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. Her father launched his insurance business at 22 years of age and expanded it to four African countries. Though she pursued a career in accounting after graduating from Augsburg College, Epée-WillSuN was eager to carve out her own path in the tech world. In looking to network and develop her business in the technology sector, she attended various startup-focused events in the Twin Cities. For roughly three years, Epée-WillSuN attended conferences hoping to connect and find guidance on her journey as a tech entrepreneur but found herself on the outside of the predominately White industry. This led her to create an inclusive space for entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds. “One thing I always thought I was missing was that
the leadership was typically not BIPOC. There was usually no BIPOC leadership,” she said. Epée-WillSuN would only see roughly a dozen Black and Brown people in attendance in the span of a few days. Frustrated by the lack of representation, she pivoted to creating her own quarterly event that would address the needs of Black and Brown entrepreneurs and create a comfortable space for them to connect. BIPOC Startup Week kicks off Wednesday night on Dec. 6, at the W Hotel lobby and is followed by three days of programming at the Workbox co-working space in Foshay Tower and Finnovation Lab located in Finnegan’s Brew Co. December 7-9, participants will be able to hear from a range of experts including venture capitalists, bankers and artists. The event is free to the public and is scheduled to ■ See BIPOC on page 8
2 December 7 - 13, 2023
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Former FBI informant charged with stabbing Chauvin By H. Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer he U.S. Attorney’s office has charged a fellow inmate with the Black Friday stabbing of Derek Chauvin on November 24. On Friday, December 1, 52-yearold John Turscak was charged with attempted murder for stabbing Chauvin 22 times with an “improvised” knife. Court documents and other news outlets report Chauvin was in the law library making copies when Turscak said he saw an opportunity to attack. Courtesy US Bureau of Prisons Turscak told FBI agents that he Federal Correctional Institution-Tucson had considered assaulting Chauvin for a month because he is a high- The attempted murder and assault more than 40 indictments, after he profile inmate, and mentioned that with intent to commit murder each admitted to dealing drugs, extorthe would have killed Chauvin had carry maximum penalties of 20 years ing money and allowing fellow gang prison guards not responded in time. in prison. Assault with a dangerous members to assault others. The criminal complaint says Turscak weapon and assault resulting in seThe Los Angeles Times reported decided to assault him on Black Fri- rious bodily injury each carry maxi- that Turscak said during his sentencday because of its symbolism for mum sentences of 10 years. ing in 2001 that he believed he had the Black Lives Matter movement Turscak is currently serving a the FBI’s blessing to do those crimes and the “Black Hand” symbol asso- 30-year sentence for racketeer- because the FBI told him to do whatciated with the Mexican Mafia. ing and conspiring to kill rival gang ever he needed to do to stay alive. In addition to the attempted mur- members. A former leader of the The federal prison in Tucson has der charge, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Mexican Mafia, he committed those been beset by safety and maintealso charged Turscak with assault crimes while acting as an informant nance issues over the past several with intent to commit murder, assault for the FBI in 1997. The FBI ulti- years, in part because of staffing with a dangerous weapon, and as- mately stopped working with Tur- issues. Last November, an inmate sault resulting in serious bodily injury. scak, who helped the FBI secure managed to obtain a weapon and
tried unsuccessfully to shoot a visitor at an adjacent prison camp, according to local media. In April 2022, an altercation resulted in the death of Austin Carlin, who was convicted in Texas for kidnapping a minor and taking them across state lines. In 2018, former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of abusing over 150 girls during his career, said he was assaulted while at FCI Tucson. Chauvin is serving a 22-and-ahalf-year state sentence for murdering George Floyd at 38th and Chicago by kneeling on his neck for nine and a half minutes, while serving as a
Minneapolis police officer. He is also concurrently serving a 21-year federal sentence for violating the civil rights of Floyd and one other person he detained. Other media outlets report Chauvin’s attorneys and family were able to contact Chauvin on Friday. He has been released from the Banner University Medical Center hospital and is back in the federal correctional facility in Tuscon. His attorney has been contacted for comment. H. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader comments at hpan@spokesman-recorder.com.
Turscak told FBI agents that he would have killed Chauvin had prison guards not responded in time.
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Swap the electronics for these educational and STEM toys If you’re busy making your holiday gift list and checking it twice, you may be scanning your kids’ gifts, wondering what to buy that’s both educational and fun. Rather than heading directly to the electronics aisle, check out this list of educational toys that will actually help your kids develop their STEM and creativity skills. There are so many options available that you’re sure to find something that’s kid and parent-approved. Key features of educational toys If you’ve searched the toy aisle recently, you know many boxes are labeled “educational,” but is that true? We often confuse toys that teach things for educational toys. In reality, there are a few key features to keep in mind if you’re searching for that genuinely educational gift: • The toy is open-ended. There is not just one prescribed way to play or path to follow. • Children can use the toy independently (even if they like grown-up involvement, too). • The toy is age-appropriate (this includes not easily breaking when the target age group uses it!). • Children can play with the toy in new ways as they grow. It’s clear from this list that most of the technology-oriented “educational” toys don’t actually fit into this category. While they may teach your child facts and allow them to practice academic skills, they aren’t helping them build the
Puzzles and board games These gifts are classics for a reason. The planning, spatial reasoning, communication, and critical reasoning skills necessary for puzzles and board games are essential for growing minds. Look for puzzles beyond your child’s current skill level so they have room to improve. Cooperative board games are an excellent choice for kids under age seven. When you remove the competitive aspect, kids are more likely to hone their problem-solving skills and have fun. Choose games for just two players so you can Daily life tools Children learn primarily by have one-on-one connection quire nature items doing and are often eager to time, single-player games for • Guided science journal for mimic the adult responsibilities kids when they’re “bored,” and observing wildlife they see in their daily lives. Giv- multi-player games for family • Geocaching kit and guide ing them tools to complete these bonding. • Walkie-talkies to promote tasks independently, either for It’s easier than ever to find more independent exploration real or pretend, can help them gifts that are both educational • Seeds, pots and soil for a learn to navigate our world. and enjoyable. patio garden • Child-size cooking tools MSR + Minnesota Depart• Mini broom and dustpan Creative resources • Age-appropriate hammers, ment of Health (MDH) share a It’s crucial to remember that clamps, tool belts (these can be mission of protecting, maintainSTEM toys aren’t the only edu- functional for slightly older kids) ing and improving the health of cational options. Fostering your • Career kits (doctor, vet, ALL Minnesotans. Our shared child’s creativity and language teacher, park ranger, construc- vision for health equity in Minskills is just as important, so tion worker, chef, artist) nesota, where ALL communities are thriving and ALL people have what they need to be healthy is the foundation of our partnership to bring readers our feature, Parenting Today. Good health starts with family! To view our weekly collection of stories, go to our website or scan the code. add a few creative resources to their gifts this year. • Magic trick sets • Blank journals (for keeping notes, writing magic spells, drawing, or sending letters) • Dress-up costumes and accessories (yes, pretend play is educational) • Kinetic sand or playdoh • Figure sets (animals and people) • Reference books (illustrated almanacs, dictionaries and encyclopedias) • Knitting or crochet supplies • Art supply kits
Parenting Today presented by
Experiment kits Science experiments haven’t lost their appeal since our childhood days. You can now find experiment kits that go far beyond making a home volcano, so choose a few topics to let your kids investigate various educaBuilding materials tional avenues. Ideas include: • Beginner microscope set Whether you have toddlers or tweens, building materials (includes sample slides with inare some of the most basic ed- teresting materials) • Crystal-growing kits ucational toys available. When • Rock tumblers you let kids experiment with • Beginning circuitry kits building, they strengthen their • Make your own mini planSTEM skills, resilience (something always falls down), and etarium creative thinking. Here are a • Terrarium kits few ideas: • A set of plain wooden Adventure packs blocks Any time you can encourage • Magnetic tiles kids to get outside and explore • Foam shapes with slots their world, you’re providing an that fit together educational opportunity. They • Bristle blocks (great for learn to observe, hypothesize, small hands) test ideas, and adapt. • Fort-building kits • Backpack with compass, • Legos (with AND without whistle, binoculars, and flashthe instructions!) light for exploring • Potion-making kits that re-
neurological pathways that open-ended, hands-on toys can. Fortunately, many educational options are available for kids of all ages, so you’ll have no shortage of ideas when shopping this season.
December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
CDC says America is at a crossroads with HIV/AIDS By Stacy M. Brown On the eve of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out a call for urgency and a collective commitment to ending the HIV pandemic in America. Agency officials said while there has been recent progress in HIV prevention, the world remains at a crossroads. “Without sufficient investment in HIV prevention, we risk turning back the clock on the progress we’ve worked so hard as a nation to achieve,” said Dr. Robyn Neblett Fanfair, acting division director at the National Center for HIV and the CDC. “Together with ongoing commitment, we can honor the hundreds of thousands of lives lost to HIV-related illness in the United States and millions worldwide by ensuring that everyone benefits equally from four decades of groundbreaking scientific advances,” Fanfair stated.
Officials said expanded efforts will be vital to reducing these disparities, and HIV prevention resources have not kept pace with needs. “This progress is promising. However, substantial and widening disparities persist, and efforts must be further strengthened and expanded to reach all populations equitably,” Fanfair continued. CDC officials added that community engagement has been a crucial part of HIV prevention work since the beginning of the epidemic, and ongoing community engagement remains core to Ending the HIV Epidemic in the Without investment U.S. (EHE’s) success. in HIV prevention, “Through EHE, CDC and its we risk turning partners are implementing innoback the clock. vative, whole-person approaches designed to identify and address factors related to inequity and get powerful HIV prevention tools The CDC estimates that 1.2 into the hands of every person million people in America have who needs them,” Fanfair wrote. HIV, and one in eight carriers For EHE to be successful, indon’t know it. Although new terventions must be brought to infections have declined over- scale to address inequity and all, the CDC noted that tens of eliminate longstanding barriers thousands of people in America to care that require a significontinue to get HIV each year, cant and sustained infusion of and progress isn’t reaching all new resources, Fanfair asserted. groups equitably due in part to “However, allocated funding deeply entrenched social deter- has consistently fallen short of minants of health. former and current presidents’
Courtesy of NNPA
requests for funding the EHE initiative.” Effective HIV prevention is also cost-saving. Officials said reaching EHE goals by 2030 would prevent over 255,000 HIV cases and save over $100 billion in direct lifetime medical costs. However, the ability to make further progress in stopping HIV transmission hinges on the ability to bring to scale innovative approaches designed to address disparities and their drivers, including HIV stigma, racism, and other social and structural determinants of health, CDC officials cautioned. “On the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day, we stand at a crossroads. Without sufficient investment in HIV prevention, we risk turning back the clock on the progress we’ve worked so hard as a nation to achieve,” Fanfair said. “Together with ongoing commitment, we can honor the hundreds of thousands of lives lost to HIVrelated illness in the United States and millions worldwide by ensuring that everyone benefits equally from four decades of groundbreaking scientific advances.” Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA Newswire national senior correspondent.
December 7 - 13, 2023
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The Coven
December 7 - 13, 2023
Business
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A co-working space for underestimated communities
Black Business SPOTLIGHT
more women and people of color to join ally fruitful conversation, solve problems, ality among members of The Coven is man’s work at The Coven is showcasthe industry. They found that the issue approach solutions, and maybe even just that many of them find themselves at ing what happens when you invest By Abdi Mohamed was deeply rooted and would take a larger experience some joy together,” she said. transitions in their lives. Some are start- in underestimated communities, a Contributing Writer shift in culture to make significant change. They successfully crowdfunded ing their own business ventures or just phrase popularized by investor Arlan $350,000 to open their first space in getting back to work and experiencing a Hamilton to describe marginalized When she was just a teen, Alex Stein- Cutting the corporate cord 2018. The money raised was mostly in- change in their lives. communities that often don’t receive man would spend her summers working a chance at opportunities due to havIn 2017, Steinman would go on to centivized through promoting pre-sold at her father’s insurance business an- launch The Coven alongside Bethany memberships. This served as a proof of ing limits placed on the. “One of the biggest swering calls as his receptionist. Watch- Iverson, Liz Giel and Erinn Farrell. The concept for the team and showed future “It puts the onus of creating incluinsights is seeing men ing him operate and grow his business four affectionately referred to their investors that there was a need for spacsive spaces on the other side,” she said. come into this space planted the seed of entrepreneurism in group as “the coven,” having confided es like The Coven. They opened their “It’s the other people who are underesand feeling seen Steinman’s mind. in one another about the unwelcoming second location in St. Paul in early 2020, timating my abilities, and all I can do is “I just loved the idea of creating continue to show up as my whole self themselves, even though something of my own,” she recalls of her we didn’t build it for them.” and continue to fight for other people.” teen years. With three locations in the metro, Now, as an adult, Steinman has seen The Coven is planning to launch more that idea materialize. She’s the CEO and Members have also seen an added locations in Minnesota and across the one of the co-founders of The Coven, benefit in joining a workspace cen- Midwest. They opened their fourth loa Twin Cities-based co-working space tered on women, non-binary and trans cation in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, earlier centered on women, non-binary, and people. In creating a space that breaks this month, marking their first franchise trans people that is quickly expanding its the usual office culture, those outside outside of the state. footprint across the region. of the target audience have felt just The Coven team chose Eau Claire for She credits her parents and her expeas welcome. Things as simple as art, its creative community because they rience in the advertising world for having fresh fragrances, and room tempera- were interested in markets similar to the paved the way for this venture. ture were a big enough shift for those Twin Cities, what Steinman describes as After studying journalism and adver“blue dots in red states.” new to the space. tising at the University of Minnesota, Their focus is still the Midwest with “One of the biggest insights is seeing Steinman pursued a job at Carmichael men come into this space and feeling possible options in the South. “We’ve Lynch Spong, now known as Carmichael The Coven co-founder Alex Steinman in the St. Paul headquarters seen themselves, even though we didn’t got interest in North Carolina, South CarLynch, a Minneapolis-based advertising Photo by Chris Juhn build it for them,” Steinman said. “Black olina, Denver, [and] 15 different states and marketing firm. She would continue men in particular come in and they feel that have reached out,” Steinman said. her career working at another agency— seen by the art that we have represented As they look to empower more Fallon—as an account manager. nature of their industry. communities across the country, The just before the onset of the pandemic. At in our space.” She would learn early on in her career Those interested in joining The Coven Coven has firmly planted its roots in “We wanted to create a world in which a time when many businesses struggled the importance of fostering relationships you could show up to work as any ver- and even closed their doors, The Coven have a range of options for membership. the Twin Cities metro as it announced as she worked directly with corporate sion of yourself,” she explained. “We saw their business grow. There are individual plans, teams, those its plans to open a new location in St. clients. However, being in an industry wanted to create the world that people looking for dedicated desks, and even Louis Park in 2024. with little diversity became a challenge deserve to work, learn and grow in. Surviving the pandemic single-day passes. for Steinman. The company also offers members The Coven Eat Street in Minneapolis is at That’s kind of the impetus for The Coven.” “During the pandemic our membership “As a Black woman in the industry, To set themselves apart from the doubled because people were willing to rates for private offices and digital mem- 2429 Nicollet Ave; contact them at (612)there weren’t very many of us at my existing options, Steinman and her co- keep paying for their membership be- berships. There are also free professional 699-0850. The Coven headquarters in St. agency,” she said. “There were a lot of founders aimed to foster a sense of com- cause they wanted us around,” Steinman development courses available on their Paul is at 165 Western Avenue North, Suite initiatives to try to get more students of munity that was lacking in traditional of- said. “I feel so grateful for our community website for those looking to launch or 8; contact them at (651) 207-6979, or visit color into the industry, but there weren’t fice culture. https://www.thecoven.com/community. grow their existing business. who kept us alive during that time.” a lot of initiatives meant to keep people.” Since their launch, The Coven has “This is a place where you can sit next Steinman would work with some of to somebody that you’ve never met be- raised over $3 million from various ven- Investing in underestimated Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader her colleagues to host events and pro- fore. A place where activists and bankers ture capital firms and foundations. comments at amohamed@spokesmancommunities mote an inclusive workplace to entice can sit next to each other and have a reAccording to Steinman, the commonMuch of the thinking leading Stein- recorder.com.
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HARMON
sion has been working for two years to start a process that she is hoping will allow both Golden Valley’s community and police officers to feel heard. “We’ve had to be very careful with community response. But we also wanted to be careful with the police response. Because we don’t want anyone to feel like they’re being attacked or they’re being blamed, or feeling as if the community is putting them under surveillance or anything like that,” Harmon says. Harmon believes that political fallout from other areas has trickled down to parts of the city and that there will be
a lot of relationships to repair. She recently met with The Loppet Foundation to discuss conflicts they had been having with Golden Valley’s parks and recreation department. Harmon says the Loppet Foundation had felt a lack of support and had been identifying with Minneapolis, even though their building was located on the Golden Valley side of the border. But after their conversation with her, they could now identify with Golden Valley. “I saw how there was just such a need for the city to have more courageous dialogue and for voices to be heard,” Harmon says. “I truly
felt this was perfect timing in terms of restorative work, in terms of repairing harm, in terms of conflict resolution. In all of these things, I just felt like it was my time to be able to help the city move forward, and not so much the politics.” Initially, Harmon says, she was worried about running into racism while campaigning, saying one of her biggest fears was being cursed at or being called the n-word, especially given the city’s history of racially restrictive covenants, segregation and discrimination. But Harmon says everyone in Golden Valley was very kind to her during the campaign, and that
mendation one day before the filing date for the race but did not write one for her. The Stonewall DFL also endorsed Rosenquist, but not Harmon. Harmon says she did not let doubt get in the way and decided to “go for it,” advice she would give to other Black women in suburban communities who may be thinking about running for political ofshe believes people judged her fice. Harmon says she had based on her qualifications and many doubts during her campaign, but despite them, she not her race. One group Harmon says she still won the race. did not feel supported by was Cole Miska welcomes reader the local Democratic Party (DFL). Harmon says the local DFL gave comments at cmiska@spokesRosenquist a letter of recom- man-recorder.com.
BIPOC
one of her passions and spotlight creatives in the community. Continued from page 1 With fashion as her favorite form of self-expression, Katie run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Haghighi was more than happy the first two days, with multiple to help Epée-WillSuN organize sessions taking place every hour. the event. The two connected There will also be pitch competi- over their shared goals of suptions from 1-3 p.m. porting BIPOC business ownThe first two days will focus ers and their experiences in the on daily panels and network- Twin Cities startup world. Having launched her brand ing. However, Saturday includes more emphasis on creativity earlier this year, Haghighi was eager to connect with other diand artistry.
ed, with a portion of them being sold to independent designers to upcycle the items. She sought to gain traction with her company in the local startup community but didn’t see herself reflected in the other companies that were receiving support. “Throughout the events that I kept going to, it was like, ‘Where is anybody else that is not White and looks like me?’” she stated. Haghighi shared that BIPOC
three-day event is to highlight the work of student entrepreneurs. Epée-WillSuN was pleasantly surprised when she contacted post-secondary institutions in Minnesota to invite them to the event. “When I reached out to the directors for the business programs at these schools, the majority of the students that were in the entrepreneurship programs were immigrants, or of the BIPOC population,” she said.
Tech creatives Two Afrobeats artists are scheduled to perform along with a Latin artist. Filmmakers will be able to showcase their short films throughout the day. Saturday will also include a marketplace for BIPOC-owned companies to sell their goods at the event. The week’s festivities will lead to the culminating fashion show to spotlight local fashion designers. As a fashion designer and brand owner, Epée-WillSuN saw the event as an opportunity to bring attention to another
Student engagement Atharv Kulkarni is also a part of the planning team behind the event. He’s charged with getting speakers and providing support wherever needed. Back when he was a student at the University of Minnesota, Kulkarni was a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion board at the Carlson School of Startup Week is a great vehicle Business. He hosted events and not only for budding entrepre- town halls for students and facneurs, but also to gain inspira- ulty, but over time realized that tion for those interested in the the food that was being catered didn’t reflect the conversations tech industry. Another aspect of the they were having.
Kulkarni then contacted Week is the inaugural event food businesses in the lo- to a quarterly program. Epéecal community to cater their WillSuN shared that she events, which led him to launch looks forward to building his business, BIPOC Business upon this event and hopes Map, a directory with roughly to gain more partners in the a thousand businesses rang- future. So far, she’s been able ing from legal services and hair to secure sponsorships from salons to restaurants and trans- U.S. Bank and Stearns Bank portation services. among others. He shared Epée-WillSuN’s Despite her experiences in desire to connect Black and the past, Epée-WillSuN says Brown entrepreneurs with that the Twin Cities still has the business resources and close potential to be a launching pad the gap in disparities. In pursu- for BIPOC-led tech ventures. ing his own venture, Kulkarni She credits local communities learned that BIPOC communi- and their support for businessties were facing the same issues es as the reason why. in sustaining their businesses, “One thing that makes the yet weren’t communicating Twin Cities a great space for their experiences. startups is that it has a very “One thing I’ve kind of found strong, supportive ecosystem,” in my business spaces is every- she said. “Once you have an inithing’s very siloed,” he said. “I tiative that resonates with peowould wish that we would ple and they can identify with it, kind of collaborate together, you will be amazed at how many especially in the Twin Cities people gravitate towards helpwhere the communities are ing to build it.” not too big.” Abdi Mohamed welcomes Twin Cities tech ecosystem reader comments at amohamed@ This week’s BIPOC Startup spokesman-recorder.com.
Continued from page 1 Virgil Green, Harmon hopes to have officers’ concerns heard while also continuing the work of reforming Golden Valley’s police department. Harmon affirms the investigation’s findings of departmental racism, but says she does not believe that all officers who chose to leave were racist. Harmon says they are currently holding the first community engagement sessions on what changes city residents want to see in the police department. The PEACE commis-
verse entrepreneurs. Her company FR8 is a clean-tech circular fashion platform, where users can have their clothes picked up to be donated at a small fee. The clothes would then be sort-
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Join Us in Shaping Fair Bail Reform in Ramsey County At this gathering, we will discuss the group’s effort to reform the county’s pretrial system and provide an opportunity for you to contribute your insights regarding the next steps. Together, we aim to collaboratively shape a system that serves the needs of all our entire community.
December 12, 2023 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Virtual or In-Person RSVP and learn more:
ramseycounty.us/BailReform
December 7 - 13, 2023
9
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HOMES• FAMILIES• LEGACIES HOMES• FAMILIES• LEGACIES
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I Our trusted Advisors are ready to work with you The 9000 Equities Fund will provide affordable first mortgages to households struggling to access financial support in the African American community!
FINANCIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT ■ CREDIT REPAIR ■ FAVORABLE MORTGAGE LOAN PRODUCTS • DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE ■ ACCESS TO REPUTABLE LICENSED PROFESSIONALS ■
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612-871-9000 Our trusted Advisors are ready to work with you The 9000 Equities Fund will provide affordable first mortgages to households struggling to access financial support in the African American community!
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Since 2004, Build Wealth MN, has helped thousands of first time homebuyers notjust buy a home... but keep it!
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10 December 7 - 13, 2023
Arts & Culture
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Five festive shows to celebrate the season Nothing rings in the holidays like live entertainment, be it a play or concert. Savor the season with these holiday productions and check the MSR’s online calendar for more events.
directed by Addie Gorlin-Han is still a crowd-pleaser. Runs until December 30. $24-$134. Info: bit.ly/GuthrieChristmasCarol
Black Nativity Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul “Black Nativity” is back to help usher in the season with a joyous and soul-stirring telling of Langston Hughes’ classic musical. Since 1987, Penumbra Theatre has brought to life this story of light born into a dark world to bring hope and redemption. The minimal set design lets the music shine, led by musical director Sandford Moore and the Kingdom of Life Church Choir. Dennis Spears adds lively showmanship as the crowd is treated to such favorites as “No Room in the Inn” and the toe-tapper “Mary, What You Gonna Name That Pretty Little Baby.” Jamecia Bennet (Sounds of Blackness) takes the show to the next level with soaring vocals and an exquisite range laid bare on the moving “O, Jerusalem in the Morning.” Runs until December 24. $20-$45. Info: penumbratheatre. Matthew Saldivar (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Greta Oglesby org/events (Ghost of Christmas Present) Dan Norman/Guthrie Theater
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. In this favorite Dr. Seuss holiday tale, the Grinch has long observed and disdained the Christmas joy and merriment found in Whoville and he’s decided he’s had enough! Reed Sigmund and Dean Holt lead a production filled with music, Seussian rhymes and more. Through the combination of kindness and community, the audience is taken on a journey to witness the evolution of the once-cantankerous Grinch’s heart. Runs until January 7. $15-$89. Info: bit.ly/CTCGrinch
Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen Ginger Commodore and friends bring good tidings of soul with Christmas classics and originals, remixed and reframed as R&B, funk and gospel. Enjoy holiday favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Ginger Commodore Courtesy of Chanhassen Dinner Little Christmas,” “My Favorite Theatres Things,” “This Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and more. Also on tap are band originals laced with R&B stylings, jazz riffs and gospel harmonies. Runs December 13-14. $44-64. Info: chanhassendt.com/ shows/soulchristmas Holiday Blues Show Cornbread & Friends The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls. Come celebrate the holidays with 94-year-old living legend James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris, Sr. The Cornbread, as he often refers to himself, has been playing blues, boogie-woogie and rock ‘n roll piano for Twin Cities audiences for decades. The father of Jimmy Jam, Cornbread has opened for Elvis and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious recognitions (Blues Hall of Fame, Sally Award, etc.). Enjoy this intimate holiday blues show with Cornbread Harris and Friends. Runs December 14-15. $15-20. Info: thehookmpls.com/ event/cornbread-holidayshow
Dancer MerSadies McCoy in “Black Nativity” Courtesy of Penumbra Theatre A Christmas Carol Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis If you’ve ever been relieved after waking from a bad dream, you are sure to relate to Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption. As the story goes, the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas PresJames Samuel “Cornbread” Harris, Sr. ent and Christmas Future and shown the errors of his ways. Courtesy of The Hook and Ladder Theater Though the staging of the Ghost of Christmas Present was Antonisia Collins, Reed Sigmund, and Keegan Robinson in Chilmore subdued than previous years, and Nathaniel Fuller was dren’s Theatre Company’s “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole For more holiday events, visit spokesman-recorder.com/events. missed as Scrooge, this rendition starring Matthew Saldivar and Christmas!” Glen Stubbe Photography/Children’s Theatre
Buy $150 in CDT Gift Cards, get a $25 Bonus Card for use on food and beverage in 2024! Never Expires! Valid for any show Order by phone or online! Bonus ONLY available by phone or in person at the Box Office. Valid on gift card purchases through Jan 5, 2024. Not valid on prior purchases or with other offers or discounts. Other restrictions may apply.
952.934.1525 ChanhassenDT.com
In Our Hands
Native Photography, 1890 to Now
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
October 22–January 14 Enter into the vivid worlds of Native photography, as framed by generations of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Native American photographers themselves. In Our Hands: Native Photography, 1890 to Now is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Lead Sponsors:
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Major Sponsors:
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Generous Sponsors:
Media Sponsor:
Lorraine R Hart Artwork: Cara Romero (Chemehuevi, born 1977), TV Indians (detail), 2017, archival inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist © Cara Romero
Get Tickets Today! Closing Soon artsmia.org 612.870.3000
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Opinion
December 7 - 13, 2023
11
PERSPECTIVES FROM WITHIN
Prisoner rehabilitation By Keith Crow
Federal government’s plan to eliminate lead exposure By Stacy M. Brown
schools and other buildings. Further bolstering those efforts, the American Rescue Plan’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, with an investment exceeding $20 billion, supports water infrastructure projects, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to clean water initiatives.
as there are no daily rounds or cruel and unusual punishment. professional mental health sup- Capping segregation at seven days (Mandela rule) would The Minnesota Correction- port staff currently available. bring the Minnesota DOC in al Facility (MCF) at Rush City administration is partially at In-unit ADA workers alignment with other states fault for all the disorder here. Pursuant to the American and the United Nations decree. The past three Rush City ad- with Disability Act, the MCFministrations were there to Rush City administration could Stop the over-punishment promote change, but very little create two workers each for all When a prisoner commits a was actually done. And they units. The positions would be rule violation at MCF--Rush City, to assist all prisoners in their he is sentenced to a certain numcouldn’t wait to transfer out. To encourage rehabilitation units who are in wheelchairs ber of days in segregation. Upon here at MCF-Rush City, here or use canes with accomplish- completion of their time in segare some ideas from a prisoner: ing daily activities. (e.g., get- regation that person is then put ting cleaning supplies, laundry, on 90 days in SHU. Why? Other Reintroduce the dog program and assisting disabled prison- Minnesota prisons have 30-days MCF-Rush City previously ers by helping transport them SHU. In fact, MCF-Rush City had participated in the dog pro- to medical appointments, the 30-days SHU in 2019. Why has gram, training and caring for law library, to the yard or gym). SHU status become more punidogs. Prisoners were allowed tive and with no rehabilitation? to care for dogs in kennels in Once a prisoner remains The United their cells. For whatever reaout of trouble for 90 days after Nations has his segregation time, he then son the program was canceled. moves to the Temporary UnasThe new administration deemed any could reintroduce this prosigned (TU) list. This separate long-term prison wait list is typically for four gram, as it has been proven segregation as five months, depending on successful here. Having a pet cruel and unusual to how many jobs open up. is very meaningful and can punishment. give a person a reason to wake up in a good mood. Besides, Create jobs who could be angry with a lov- Restorative Justice CommitWith the implementation of tee member positions Minnesota Rehabilitation and ing dog around them. Currently, prisoners who are Reinvestment Act (MRRA), the Overnight industry (Anagram) serious about self-growth and Minnesota DOC will need to The overnight industry work rehabilitation volunteer their abide by the law and create proslowly declined before Co- time to attend and co-facilitate gramming and give prisoners opvid-19 pandemic almost elimi- the restorative justice program. portunities to earn good time at nated it entirely. The MCF-Rush The cognitive-learning skills MCF-Rush City prison. Having a City administration could lobby gained from peers are tremen- job is considered programming. Rush City has roughly 960 for new contracts to be brought dously beneficial for all involved. back to stem the sense of hope- The paid positions would allow prisoners. Approximately 50lessness for the majority of the more time and opportunity to 62 are in segregation. There are coordinate fundraisers, more 85 kitchen workers, 56 workRush City prisoners. There are currently day shifts frequent food sales, concerts, ers in seven different units, in Anagram. So, the request for guest speakers, photo sales, approximately 90 educational more work is feasible—and why and other activities. There is prisoners, and an estimated tremendous potential in restor- 60 industry workers, totaling not overnight shifts? roughly 300 inmates involved ative justice prison programs. Restore mentor programs in rehabilitation programs. That means more than 570 Many prisoners have earned Restore open flag their mentor certification while When MCF-Rush City first prisoners are locked in their in prison. Many have earned opened in 2001, there was cells all day without access tutor certification. I personally open flag—meaning recreation to rehabilitation or programs. have earned a reading-tutor time in unit. Parole violators How is this rehabilitation? certificate from the Minnesota were the only group not perBoard of Education. mitted a job and restricted to Keith Crow is a resident in the The MCF-Rush City admin- the SHU (special housing unit) Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) at Rush City. istration could create two ad- status of 22-hour lockdowns. The administration could reThe Twin Cities Incarcerated ditional on-unit jobs, where trained mentors can check in vert to that policy and restore Workers Organizing Committee on all individuals in the unit the open flag for all non-seg- is a union of prisoners, ex-priswho may be struggling with let- regation prisoners. The United oners, families, and communities ter writing, or simply checking Nations has deemed any long- working working to transform in on an inmate’s mental health term prison segregation as the justice system in MN.
In addition to comprehensively addressing lead expoIn its effort toward creating sure, the administration said it’s safer communities, the Bidentackling hazards in paint, dust, Harris administration said it is acair, soil, food and workplaces. Proposed EPA regulations aim tively addressing the pervasive to strengthen lead-based paint issue of lead exposure, with the hazard removal standards, parEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiling a proposal to ticularly crucial for protecting fortify the Lead and Copper Rule, children and communities. identified as a crucial step in The administration’s comachieving the president’s vision mitment extends to internaThe newly of a lead-free future. tional collaboration, with partlaunched Get The proposal mandates nerships between the CDC and water systems to replace lead the EPA’s Office of Internathe Lead Out service lines within the next tional Affairs focusing on global (GLO) Initiative decade, aligning with the presiinitiatives such as the Global partners with Child Thrive Act. The CDC’s dent’s Bipartisan Infrastructure 200 underserved Lead Detect Prize, a $1 million Law—a groundbreaking $50 initiative to speed the developbillion investment in upgradcommunities, ing the nation’s water inframent of sophisticated pointproviding crucial of-care blood lead tests, is one structure. With over 9.2 million technical assisexample of how the White American households, particutance to access House described innovations larly in low-income and minoriin blood lead testing as a priorty communities, relying on lead funding for lead pipes, this initiative is a pivotal ity. This initiative reflects the service line move to ensure access to clean administration’s commitment removal. drinking water. to enhancing testing accuracy The White House said the and lowering environmental EPA’s proposal goes beyond The newly launched Get contamination risks. mere lead service line replace- the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative “As the Biden-Harris adminments, incorporating stringent partners with 200 underserved istration marks its first annimeasures such as enhanced communities, providing crucial versary, these comprehensive tap water sampling require- technical assistance to access efforts showcase an unwaverments, comprehensive lead funding from the Bipartisan ing dedication to eradicating service line inventories, and Infrastructure Law for lead ser- lead exposure and ensuring a streamlined actions to mitigate vice line removal. Key financial healthier, safer future for all,” lead health risks. commitments include a $340 officials stated. Already, the EPA has al- million investment in PhiladelStacy Brown is the senior na- By Michael A. Grant located over $3.5 billion for phia and a $336 million loan for lead service line replacements, Chicago, both directed toward tional correspondent at NNPA During the late 1970s, I significantly impacting homes, lead pipe replacement. Newswire. went to work for the Carter administration in the press office of Health and Human Services Secretary Joseph Califano. While our agency was focused primarily on domestic issues, one of President Carter’s all-consuming objectives was a foreign policy issue: How to broker a peace between Israel and her Arab neighbors. With Carter’s tenacity and the willingness of Israel’s Menachem Begin and Egypt’s Ansubmissions@spokesman-recorder.com war Sadat to come to Camp David to hash out what would later be called the Camp David Peace Accords, the world was given an example of how seemingly unbridgeable national interests could be harmonized through skillful diplomacy. Today, some 45 years later, submissions@spokesman-recorder.com the Middle East is once again mired in deadly conflict with casualties mounting for both Israelis and Palestinians. An attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians has been countered by airstrikes on innocent Palestinians with a ground insubmissions@spokesman-recorder.com. vasion resulting in the deaths @MNSpokesmanRecorder of thousands, including more than 3,000 who are children!
Call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza
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Over 1,500 Israelis and at least 12,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. The number of wounded on both sides is much larger. Over 200 hostages are being held in captivity.
sovereign powers, ruled by governmental authorities recognized by the United Nations and the world community. To be an honest broker in this latest conflict, the U.S. must demonstrate to the people of the region that it wants a The sooner this fair deal for both sides. If with our foreign aid Israel has carte war is ended, blanche ability to encroach the better for all and occupy without restraint, concerned. This Arab resentment will proliferate, thereby giving justificaincludes Israelis. tion to rogue states’ desires to exploit local tensions. My prayer is that the peoThe humanitarian crisis in Gaza has already reached ple of the world will insist on nightmarish proportions with an immediate ceasefire beshortages of food, clean drink- tween Israel and Hamas. Picing water, medical supplies and tures of the human suffering fuel needed for hospitals to broadcasted around the world operate reaching dangerously should shock the conscience low levels. Children are suffer- of all who say they believe in ing and dying! Prime Minister a just and compassionate God. If you have read this article, Benjamin Netanyahu believes that this will be a protracted please join a worldwide movestruggle; hopefully, he will be ment calling for an immediate proven wrong. The sooner this cease-fire between Israel and war is ended, the better for all Hamas. Remember President concerned. This includes Israelis. John F. Kennedy’s exhortation: The United States has lever- God’s work on this earth must age to discourage further car- truly be our own.” nage. We have not effectively Michael A. Grant, J.D. is forused our resources as bargaining chips to secure a reliable mer president of the National two-state solution with two Bankers Association.
12 December 7 - 13, 2023
Bulletin
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Sister Spokesman ends 2023 with self-care event at Northpoint
Attendees at Sister Spokesman’s “Season of Self-Care” event By MSR News Service
Tracey Williams-Dillard
(l-r) Dr. Rosario, Tracey Williams-Dillard, and Erika Keaton
The first question at the Sister Spokesman’s event on Saturday, December 2, was: “What is self-care?” The endof-year “Season of Self-Care” event was timely for those dealing with the winter blues. Sister Spokesman founder Tracey Williams-Dillard greeted attendees and introduced the many small-business vendors offering self-care products and services in keeping with the December theme. Kylee Jackman, MSR/Sister Spokesman entrepreneur, described the fresh MSR and Sister Spokesman swag and new merchandise available leading up to the 90th Anniversary celebration in August 2024. Health and wellness expert Dr. Inell Rosario and therapist Erika Keaton led the panel discussion on the nature of selfcare, and what resources and activities are available. They stressed the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, massage therapy, and increasing one’s physical activity. Dr. Rosario pointed out that increasing physical activity can increase the body’s chemical responses and hormones in our system that can alleviate anxiety and depression instead of medication. And thanks to YouTube, there are
many workout routines that don’t cost anything. Dr. Rosario is the president of Andros ENT and Sleep Center, and founder of Enhance MD Body and Skin Clinic, both with locations in Inver Grove Heights and Roseville Minnesota. Erika Keaton is a counseling practitioner at LynLake Centers for Wellbeing. She also works as a mental-wellness therapist at Ujamaa Place, counseling African American men ages 18-30. For more information, visit https://ujamaaplace.org/. Held at Northpoint Health and Wellness Center at 1256 Penn Ave. N., Suite 5100, in North Minneapolis, the afternoon included lively games, lunch, shopping with the small business vendors, and drawings for cash and prizes. A custom Sister Spokesman playlist provided a steady stream of funk, pop and R&B, while attendees shopped, networked, and celebrated the end of a wonderful year of Sister Spokesman enrichment, education and community unity. Sister Spokesman’s next event, “Do More in 2024,” takes place on Jan. 4 from 12-3 p.m. at LifeSource, 2225 West River Road N., in Minneapolis. Visit @ SisterSpokesman on Facebook for the latest.
FOR MORE INFORMATION call 612.827.4021 Find us at
@sisterspokesman Panelists Dr. Inell Rosario and therapist Erika Keaton
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
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
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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
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Employment & Legals
December 7 - 13, 2023
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Filed in District Court State of Minnesota Nov 27 2023 4:14 PM State of Minnesota Ramsey County
Sharyn Melissa Massey vs Senica Jefferies
District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62‐HR‐CV‐23‐1299 Case Type:Harassment Notice of Issuance of Harassment Restraining Order by Publication
To Respondent: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining Order has been issued on November 21,2023. A hearing has not been scheduled. You may request a hearing on this matter by filing a Request for Hearing HAR301 with the Court within twenty (20) 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: Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center 25 W. 7th Street Room B122 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 order. Donald W. Harper Juvenile and Family Court Administrator Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 7, 2023
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
From Classified DISTRICT COURT Department/MN DISTRICT Spokesman-Recorder SECONDCaseJUDICIAL Type: Personal Injury
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY
From Classified Department/MN Court File No. 27-PA-PR-23-1529 Estate of Linda Lee Sushko Spokesman-Recorder Decedent NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT
PHONE: 612-827-4021
OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
PHONE: 612-827-4021
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES Notice is hereby given that informal appointment of Michael Steven Sushko, whose address 4950 Rosewood Lane, Plymouth, MN 55442 as personal rep&isTEARSHEETS resentative of the estate of the above-named decedent, has been made. Any heir, PL E A SE CON TAC T devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal repI NG DE P Tpersonal representative and resentative orACCOU may object to N theTappointment of the @ BI LL IisNG @SPOK - the estate including, the personal representative empowered to fully ES administer after 30 daysM from date ECOR of issuanceDE of letters, the power to sell, encumber, A the N -R R .COM lease or distribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders.
R AMSEY COUNT Y LEGAL NOTICES
Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate FLAT are required to present R theATE: same to$110 said personal representative or to the Probate Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: November 8, 2023 Yvette M. Andrade, Please proof, respond with email confirmation to Registrar
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SUMMONS
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES TEARSHEETS THE STATE OF& MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started aTlawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s PL E A S E CON TAC Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are ACCOU N T I NG D toEthis P lawsuit T even though it may not official papers that affect your rights. You must respond yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.CO 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must
Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.
Dated:November 8, 2023
Court File No.: TBD
Isaac Harris, Plaintiff, vs. Angela Price, Pernell Price, Defendants.
Court Administrator The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 30, December 7, 2023 unless you specifically request a hard copy.
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 PROBATE the person who signed this summons located at: 2700 Snelling Ave N, Suite 460, Roseville, MN 55113. 2W EEK RU N 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the FLAT RAnswer AT Eyou $215.00 D or disagree with each Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your must statePREPA whether you Iagree 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. Please Note: New email address for all future ads 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 ads@spokesman-recorder.com 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. IfThe you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not MSR handles billing digitally. need to respond. A This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoi default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legalrequest help from a lawyer. If you do not have unless you specifically a hard copy. 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
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 23, 30, December 7, 2023
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“Honestly, I’d probably say track just because it was individual. Continued from page 14 Just knowing that no matter how successful you were, signed to play at West Virgin- you’re still adding [points] to ia, the Jefferson, Wisconsin the team [score]... You were native reversed course and representing your team,” Football and wrestling probsigned with Minnesota shortly after Dawn Plitzuweit was ably are next on her favoritehired earlier this year to coach sports list. “I was always in male-dominated sports,” AJ adthe Gophers. “She’s working on an indi- mitted. “I was a little aggressive. vidual skill,” Coach P said of When I started playing basketJohnson, one of seven Minne- ball, everyone just thought I sota freshmen now tied with was very aggressive… I was not Wisconsin as the youngest used to female sports.” At times Johnson’s limited team in the Big Ten with 10 underclassmen. “Obviously basketball experience shows. she has a level of athleticism But the tough-minded forward makes up for that with that is second to none.” In high school, Johnson her grit and strength. “I’m a very good rim-runner. was a five-sport athlete: track and field (state champion dis- I’m a pretty good rebounder,” cus thrower), football (quar- said Johnson of her positives. terback and offensive line), “Things I need to work on—just wrestling, golf and basketball, be more confident with the where she was named all- ball when I get in the post and state honorable mention, av- being able to post-up better. “I know my ceiling is very eraging nearly 17 points and 11.5 rebounds her senior year. high. So I just need to keep “I had only played two sea- working, working on the little sons of AAU. So I didn’t have things,” said Johnson. “I have a whole lot of skill,” continued an awesome team and amazing coaches.” Johnson. Being from a border state, Asked which of the five sports she participated in was Johnson’s loyalty will be sorely her favorite, Johnson replied, tested when Wisconsin and
SOE
Minnesota meet each other later in Big Ten play. “I grew up a diehard Badger fan,” she said. Banham hopes to stay Rachel Banham is the lone holdover on Dawn Plitzuweit’s first-year staff. The former Gopher great and current Minnesota Lynx was hired last year by former coach Lindsay Whalen. “Obviously, it’s so different than last year. But it’s been fun to learn a new system,” said Banham. “Being able to interact with the girls and help on the court, that’s been so much fun for me.” The 5-foot-9-inch Banham just completed her fourth season with Minnesota and is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason. She told the MSR she wants to stay in Minnesota. “I love Minnesota, everybody knows that about me,” the eight-year veteran guard said. “I love this organization, but I definitely will talk to everybody and just feel out and see what’s best for my future and the rest of my career.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
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Gophers’ Johnson admits to being ‘a little aggressive’ here are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2023-24 school year and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher freshman basketball player Ayianna ‘AJ’ Johnson Ayianna “AJ” Johnson has impressed both her coaches and teammates since her arrival at Gopherland. The 6-foot-3-inch freshman forward runs the floor well, hits the boards hard, and might be
Ayianna “AJ” Johnson
spokesman-recorder.com
MeMe’s back in town
“I have an awesome team and amazing coaches.” the team’s strongest player. She definitely has impressed this longest-tenured Gopher beat reporter. The first-year player is a load to handle. Johnson’s 19 points off the bench against Chicago State last month clinched the deal for me. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot just coming here,” said Johnson after a recent game. Originally ■ See SOE on page 13
Photo by Charles Hallman
t was an announced crowd of 2,820, but at least six rows of Black people sat behind the visitors bench at Williams Arena last week—a rare sight at Gophers WBB home games. Most of the fans on November 29, when Norfolk State played Minnesota, weren’t there for the home team but rather for Spartans junior forward Kierra Wheeler, a Minneapolis native and Robbinsdale Cooper grad. “We were super excited when we found out that Norfolk State was playing this game and on this court,” noted Katrena Wheeler, Kierra’s mom. Kierra’s old high school brought a busload of folks to The Barn that night. “They brought a lot of fans, and it’s good to see that support is still here,” observed her mom. The 6’3” Wheeler led Norfolk State (14 points, nine rebounds), in the Spartans’ 74-43 defeat at Minnesota. “It felt amazing to come back home and just see my high school and my family showing me love,” said Kierra afterwards. “It just shows how strong my community is, and it keeps motivating me to go harder and keep pushing myself to show other athletes [in the area] that they are capable of going Division I.”
Plenty of metro connections in this Gopher game
(l-r) Sister Kaheesha Green, mother Katrena Wheeler, #22 Kierra Wheeler, father Mario Green, sister Aja Wheeler Photo by Charles Hallman “Hustle, just hustle since Coach Larry Vickers said of KiAfter starting out at a JUCO in Florida where she was first she was a young girl,” said her erra, also known as ‘MeMe.’ “I team all-conference, Wheeler father Mario Green, a key re- thought MeMe did a great job. transferred to Norfolk State serve on Clem Haskins’ Gopher She always managed to show and helped the Spartans win teams (1987-91) who played up against bigger defenders.” the 2023 MEAC women’s bas- with the Harlem Globetrotters. Afterwards, despite her fiketball championship title. The “I know she’s a hard worker. She nal stats, the junior Wheeler, team ranked first in the nation continues to progress, contin- a MEAC preseason first team in scoring defense and field ues to listen to coaches and im- pick, said she’d rather have left goal defense, and fifth nation- prove each and every year.” that night with the win. “I’m a player that wants to Her mother, Katrena Wheelally in steals and turnovers do anything and everything for forced per-game and threemy team to win. If that means point shooting defense. “It felt amazing to score zero points and getting At Cooper, Wheeler was a come back home 20 rebounds, that’s fine. As four-year conference first teamand just see my high long as we get to win, I’m satiser and made the 1,000 point club at the end of her sopho- school and my family fied,” said Wheeler. Wheeler nonetheless showed more year playing with older sisshowing me love.” out for her family and supportter Aja on a Cooper state-titlewinning team as a freshman. er, a Minneapolis Roosevelt ers, a large contingent of mostly “There’s been a lot of people grad and 1992 all-metro team Black fans at Williams Arena who doubted her when she member, scored nearly 1,700 that’s a rarity. For them, they was young,” added older sis- points, snatched 608 rebounds, were pleased with their favorite ter Kaheesha Green. “She’s and collected 432 assists in her daughter’s performance. “I just want to say it’s a great worked hard from the day she Teddies career. “I’m super emopicked up a basketball. I’m su- tional about basketball, and I crowd,” concluded MeMe’s mom. see that fight that I had. She “We’re just glad to be here.” per proud of her.” According to her parents, has the same thing,” she said of Charles Hallman welcomes both hoopsters in their day, her college-hoopster daughter. “She does a good job showing reader comments at challman@ Kierra has a little bit of each of up for games like these,” NSU spokesman-recorder.com. them in her.
Petersen and Grady
a winning team for Wolves’ telecasts
erra Wheeler developed into By Charles Hallman an all-metro player averag- Sports Columnist ing 18 points per game as a ne is a Minnesota State championship for Hopkins senior and is now among the and NBA legend In 2022, Battle teamed top players in the MEAC (Midwho played with and with Maya Nnaji (University Eastern Athletic Conference). against the greats of his generof Arizona) and Taylor Woodation. The other has a rich barison (University of Michigan) to Mom and Dad starred in tone voice that would rival the lead the Royals to the Class 4A hoops too state championship. They were During the late 1980s, Kierra late Barry White. Together Jim led by current head coach and and Aja Wheeler’s mother Katrena Petersen and Michael Grady former Minneapolis North girls Wheeler teamed with Angelique make great music as color anabasketball standout Tara Starks. Brittain, Kim Carpenter, Cindy lyst and play-by-play, respecHovet, Carita Green and Jennifer tively, on Minnesota TimberHanson to help Minneapolis Roo- wolves telecasts. State championship for RobGrady is in his second year binsdale Cooper sevelt capture two St. Paul City girls In 2018, Kierra Wheeler, as a basketball titles in 1989 and 1990 as the voice on the Wolves mic, freshman, along with older sis- during her freshman and sopho- only the second Black person as the team’s main broadcast ter Aja Wheeler, who went on to more years. play at HBCU Alcorn State, AnTheir father, Mario Green, voice since Gus Johnson in the drea Tibbs, and Ty’neecia Longs, played under Clem Haskins at mid-1990s. Since 2003, Peled the Hawks to the Class 3A the University of Minnesota tersen has worked as color analyst, offering his keen insights 1987-91. state crown. The metro area was well rep- and curated commentary from Cooper was coached by Kiara his years as an NBA player and Buford. Buford led St. Paul Cen- resented. WNBA championship assistant tral to Class 4A titles in 2007 and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald coach for over two decades. He 2008, before embarking on an impressive career with the Gophers. welcomes reader comments at also did the same on radio prior to moving to the small screen. After her freshman year, Ki- mcdeezy05@gmail.com. According to Grady, almost Here are some more metro connections from the past:
he recent NCAA women’s basketball game between the University of Minnesota and HBCU foe Norfolk State University provided plenty of metro area connections, with the Gophers winning 74-43 on Wednesday, November 29, at Williams Arena. Sophomore point guard Amaya Battle (Hopkins) contributed 14 points and five assists to the Gophers’ victory while junior forward Kierra Wheeler led Norfolk State with 14 points and nine rebounds.
one of the best analysts in the NBA.” No slouch himself, Grady is a seasoned pro who began his broadcasting career in his home state of Indiana in 2003. He is an Emmy winner (2016), and has done play-by-play for NBA TV and Turner Sports, from the start he and “Jim Pete” the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and were in sync. Watching and lis- the WNBA’s New York Liberty. tening to them telecast games Before joining the Wolves in is clear evidence of that, as if 2022, Grady spent the last five the two have been together years on the YES Network dofor years rather than just one ing Nets and New York Yankees season so far. Grady and Pe- games. tersen are both entertaining Grady said he did his homeand knowledgeable. work prior to meeting Jim. “I “It takes two to tango,” Grady watched every single game told the MSR prior to the sea- from the previous season afson. “I have to give him a lot of ter I got the job,” admitted the credit because he showed me a announcer. He said he wanted lot of grace and welcomed me. “just to get a feel for Jim’s ca“I’ve heard amazing things dence and how it flowed with about Jim,” he continued. “He’s his previous partner.”
“It takes two to tango.”
Norfolk State University forward Kierra Wheeler (Robbinsdale Cooper) blocks out University of Minnesota’s Mallory Heyer during a game at Williams Arena Wednesday, Nov. 29. Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
Michael Grady (l) and Jim Petersen
Courtesy of Twitter
Yet it wasn’t until their first-ever broadcast together that Grady quickly realized the experience working with Peterson would be a smooth transition. “We literally hit the ground running,” said Grady of Petersen. “He’s a pro doing this [for 26 seasons]. “I have to say I’m pleased with the way we’re actually flowing together and giving each other room to work,” said the voice of the Wolves. Grady came into the 202324 Timberwolves season very positive about their on-court success. “I’m an optimist. I feel this team has a real opportunity to do something special. That’s what my excitement is.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.