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Inside this Edition...
THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934
December 16–22, 2021
Vol. 88
Read more about Ginger Commodore on page 7.
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No. 20
Great expectations for Black men teaching
By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer
teachers are Black. Normandale Community College launched its Black Men in ccording to state Teaching (BMIT) program this data, less than 2% school year to recruit and supof Minnesota’s K-12 port Black, African American,
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and African men for elementary and secondary teaching jobs. Marvis Kilgore, the program’s first director, was born and raised in Holly Springs, Miss. He said he had Black
Marvis Kilgor, left, and Darius Meyers
U.S. Bank apologizes for egregious racial profiling
teachers all through his By Mel Reeves schooling, beginning with pre- Community Editor K. Joyce Ester, Normandale’s president since 2014, noted win Citians were that she had Black female stunned last week by a KSTP report entitled ■ See TEACHERS on page 5 “Banking While Black.” The news segment revealed how a bank manager at a Columbia Heights branch not only refused to cash a Black customer’s payroll check, but also called the police on the man. The customer, Joe Morrow, had an account with
T
Photo courtesy of Normandale
U.S. Bank, and the check was drawn on a U.S. Bank account. The bank manager contended that he had previously seen imitation checks from Morrow’s workplace, UNFI. When police asked the bank manager if he had called the company to confirm Morrow’s employment there, he said he did. Later, video revealed that he lied to the police. “I was being humiliated ■ See PROFILING on page 5
Photo courtesy of Google Street View
Billion$ bound for MN How will the infrastructure money get spent? By R.B. King Contributing Writer
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ast month, President Joe Biden signed the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law. The MSR spoke with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to find out how the bill will impact the lives of Minnesotans. MSR: How is this bill different from the proposed Build Back Better plan? Smith: Well, I think that the Infrastructure Bill and Build Back Better go together. They’re sort of two parts of the important work that we have to get done. The Infrastructure Bill is gonna be a big deal for our state… It includes historic investments in transportation and in broadband, including in transit. What that means for Minnesota is billions of dollars that will come to help us improve and repair our road system. And it’ll mean dollars for, I’m sure now, transit, which is so important for getting people out to their work, into their jobs, and getting around their community, and much-needed investment. And I might just highlight the stuff, the work that we’ll be doing in broadband, to expand
broadband, including helping to make broadband more affordable. There is a special program called the Digital Equity Act, which will end digital redlining, which is a real problem for poorer communities, marginalized communities when we find that the big cable companies just don’t serve them at the same level as they serve other communities. So that’s the infrastructure piece of it, but then the other part of it, which we are working on right now in the Senate, is Build Back Better, and that is really about lowering taxes for working people with the child tax credit. It’s about lowering costs for child care and prescription medicine and health care, and it is paid for by…having the richest people, and biggest corporations, pay their fair share. So it makes our tax system more fair. That is extremely important to making our economy work for everyone. I certainly think that’s not happening right now. MSR: How far will this bill go in solving Minnesota’s infrastructure problems? Smith: Well, this will allow us to repair and improve thousands of miles of roads. It will mean hundreds of millions of dollars to allow transit systems in the Twin Cities and also in
Photo: MGN U.S. Senator Tina Smith
Submitted photo
regional centers around the state to improve you care about addressing the climate crisis their systems, replace old and outmoded buses. and addressing problems of air pollution, this It includes resources for including elec- is gonna really be meaningful. I’m excited for tric buses, which I think is a really big deal. If ■ See SMITH on page 5
New Orange Line connects workers with 200,000 jobs Driver shortage slows the run schedule
By Henry Pan Contributing Writer You don’t want to drink the
Orange Line juice that runs its buses, but you might want to ride it, depending on where you’re going. The Orange Line, Metro Transit’s
latest addition to its complement of rapid transit routes, opened on December 4. The route connects downtown Minneapolis to Burns-
ville on Interstate 35W. It replaces Routes 535 and 597 and parallels Minnesota Valley Transit Authority’s Routes 460 and 465.
The Orange Line was conceived as early as the 1990s when the Minnesota Department of Transportation ■See ORANGE on page 5
Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle (center) cuts the Orange Line ribbon as Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Tina Smith and others look on. Photos by Henry Pan
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December 16-22, 2021
Health & Wellness
New COVID-19 omicron variant is spreading rapidly How concerned should we be?
as names also is easier than ordinary people (non-scientists) having to remember the scientific names of these variants, such as omicron’s scientific name of B.1.1.529. The recent finding of a new COVID-19 variant is a real By Zeke J. McKinney, concern. The changes to the MD, MHI, MPH COVID-19 virus found in this Guest Contributor strain show many changes that look likely for this new variant On November 24, 2021 a to have higher rates of reinfecnew COVID-19 variant was tion with the COVID-19 virus. identified from a test in South So far, the data on new Africa. The appearance of this cases agrees with this finding, variant shows us that we must showing that this new variant remain vigilant in protecting can avoid the immunity gained ourselves until we can get this from prior infection. This new pandemic under control. variant has been found in COVID-19 variants are several countries around the different strains of the disease world, as well as in more than that have developed from 17 states in the U.S. when this changes to the virus’ genetic article was written. makeup (its DNA) through In general, this new variant the virus being spread and is spreading very rapidly, even making copies of itself inside faster than the delta variant that of humans. As more and more is most common in the United copies are made, the chance States and Minnesota for the increases that random mispast several months. Many of takes in the copying process the cases in the U.S. are related can lead to changes in the virus to recent travel around the U.S. DNA, which may result in it be- and to other countries. ing a new and different strain. Because of how quickly These random chances for this virus is spreading, the changes in the virus can lead United States has new travel to changes in how well the restrictions from several virus can infect and spread southern African countries between humans and how in place as of December severe a disease it can cause. 6th. Even though we canIf these changes make the not predict where the virus virus easier to kill or harder to will continue to be found, it spread, then this new strain seems likely that additional may never be found. If on the travel restrictions may be put other hand these changes in place in the near future. make the virus easier to The hard part about new spread and harder to kill, then restrictions in the United this new strain will survive. States and in Minnesota is The World Health Organithat restrictions around the zation has named this variant country were lifted during the “omicron,” the 15th letter of past summer (2021) when the Greek alphabet. Greek COVID rates were lower as letters are used to name the vaccines became more availdifferent COVID-19 variants able. Here in the U.S. we are in order to organize them. lucky to have vaccines availThis way of naming variable very easily. ants is used to avoid asMost other countries still sociating variants with the do not have as much access country or area where they to vaccines as we have here. were found, which can lead This means that even though to discrimination or stigma vaccination rates are high here against people from those ar- in the U.S., until we can make eas. Using these Greek letters sure the rest of the world is
vaccinated, the virus will continue to spread and change. Right now, there is not enough information to know how well vaccines will protect us against this new omicron variant. Scientists (including myself) believe the vaccines available right now still provide the best available protection in addition to keeping distance from others, wearing masks, and limiting activity outside of the home. With this new variant quickly spreading, companies that make vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna, are already working on vaccines designed to stop the omicron variant. This means that we may find ourselves needing a new vaccine soon. Many of us have been feeling “COVID fatigue” over the past couple of years. The reopening of schools and businesses has felt like life had returned to normal a bit. The omicron variant is showing us that we must continue to be careful about this pandemic so we can get it under control. This means that if you have not gotten a vaccine or a booster, now is a great time to do so. It also means that you should try to limit gathering indoors with others that do not live with you. If you must get together with others, wear a mask and keep the gathering short. We all must do our part to limit how much this virus can keep affecting our communities. Dr. Zeke McKinney grew up and lives in Minneapolis. He primarily practices clinical occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) in St. Paul and St. Louis Park, MN, and he is one of few clinicians in Minnesota who evaluates work and community-related environmental toxicologic exposures. He is also a researcher for the HealthPartners Institute, including on a COVID-19 vaccine trial. He focuses on health equity and environmental justice for all communities.
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December 16-22, 2021
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December 16-22, 2021
Opinion Stop normalizing Islamophobia Farrah Hassen
The transgender experience in prison By Jeffery Young
tary confinement for a year and told by a captain that my identity was a disruption to security and Transgender prisoners across I wouldn’t be let out of solitary the nation face a variety of confinement unless I grew a hardships based on their gender beard and acted like a man. identification, such as sexual “At one point, Stillwater prisand physical abuse, solitary on staff restricted where I could confinement, exclusion from go in the cell block because rehabilitative programming, other prisoners complained inadequate health care, and about transgender people being prison placement that jeopararound them. I was basically dizes their safety and wellbetreated like Black folk were ing. Minnesota Department of treated in the Jim Crow era. Corrections (DOC) statistics “Many transgender prisoners showed that in September are vulnerable to extortion. I 2019 there were 29 prisoners have a lot of family in here, so in the DOC who openly identiextortion doesn’t happen to fied as transgender. me, but some of us are really Over the last year, the DOC alone in here. There should be has changed some of its policy support programs for transgento address concerns of the der prisoners and anyone who transgender prisoner community struggles with their sexuality.” and their supporters, such as reSavannah, whose birth quiring staff to refer to prisoners gender is male, was seven by the pronoun they prefer. But years old when she started there still remain unaddressed identifying as a female. She issues, according to Savannah said she didn’t fully present Williams, a transgender woman herself as female until she was housed in Minnesota Correc18 because her father often tional Facility (MCF) Stillwater, a beat her if she displayed any prison for males. feminine behavior. Savannah said the DOC Savannah has spent never asked her if she would nearly 15 years in prison feel safer housed in a facilfor a “financially motivated” ity that’s designated for the crime. Research has shown gender she identifies with. Acthat nearly half of transgender cording to DOC policy, transprisoners are charged with an gender prisoners are allowed offense classified as “financially to submit a request to transfer motivated,” often due to the to a facility that matches their difficulties transgender people gender identity. However, making a living in the aboveSavannah said the DOC has ground economy. never allowed a prisoner to be “It’s hard to get a job,” Savanhoused in a facility designated nah said. “That’s why you’ll see for a gender opposite of a a lot of us hustling or escorting.” prisoner’s birth gender. Asked what she thinks of “I’ve had to endure a lot of prosecutors who punish and sexual harassment by staff in incarcerate transgender people MCF-Fairbault and Lino Lakes,” for making a living illegally, Savannah said. “In MCF-Oak Savannah said, “Look at what Park Heights, I was put in soli-
normalization of Islamophobia in America, which has soared to frightening new Hateful attacks on Ilhan heights since 9/11. Omar and other Muslims Islamophobia contains reshould be forcefully conligious and racial components demned, regardless of partiand generally refers to fear, sanship. In her latest act of demon- prejudice or hatred of Muslims, or those perceived to izing Muslims, Rep. Lauren be Muslim. Islamic traditions, Boebert recently insinuated culture and religion come at multiple events that Rep. to be viewed as threats to Ilhan Omar could have been Western values, which often a suicide bomber because of leads to hostility, intolerance her Islamic faith. This might and discriminatory practices. be business as usual for the These views have become Colorado Republican, but for Muslim Americans like myself, commonplace in our culture. Politicians and pundits rouit’s another painful reminder tinely make false claims that of prevailing hatred in the Muslim Americans seek to country we call home. replace the Constitution with In the past, Boebert has made other pointedly hateful “Sharia law.” Even more pervasively, Hollywood and the anti-Muslim comments. She mainstream media endlessly once called Omar the “Jihad portray Muslims as inherently Squad member from Minviolent or oppressed. nesota” during a speech on After 9/11, Muslims the House floor, as well as an became the main target of “honorary member of Hamas” U.S. government policies that on other occasions. resulted in racial profiling and Boebert offered a nonFBI surveillance of mosques apology apology on Twitacross America. And from ter for her latest vitriol but 2000 to 2009, hate crimes refused to apologize directly against American Muslims to Omar. More disturbingly spiked by over 500%, accordyet unsurprisingly, Republiing to Brown University’s can leaders have remained Watson Institute. People silent and refused to rebuke of Arab and South Asian Boebert’s dangerous and descent who “looked” Muslim bigoted rhetoric. were also attacked. Although House DemoSince 9/11, the world’s cratic leaders have connearly two billion Muslims demned Boebert’s latest have had their religion comments, it remains to be conflated with the reprehenseen whether they’ll issue a sible terrorist acts of a few formal resolution or penalty individuals. The Trump adregarding her statements. ministration further exacerMeanwhile, Omar has bated anti-Muslim sentiment reported hundreds of death through its policies, including threats. the “Muslim ban,” which This episode isn’t just about an unhinged Congress- barred citizens of seven predominately Muslim countries woman stoking the extreme fringe of the Republican base. from traveling to the U.S. Twenty years after 9/11, a The real issue is the ongoing
alternatives we have. Look at the root of what’s causing trans people to escort and rob. What are they lacking—housing? Employment? Is there family conflict or violence? If society was more accepting of transgenders, I think the majority of us would never be in prison. We wouldn’t be committing crimes. We wouldn’t be committing crimes to survive.” The DOC’s Transgender Committee is responsible for making policy recommendations for transgender and intersex prisoners. The committee is comprised of the DOC health service director, medical director, director of behavioral health, director of nursing, and a few staff from where the prisoner is incarcerated. “The DOC doesn’t have any transgender people on the policy committee, and they have never asked me for my input,” Savannah said. “How are you going to make policy affecting transgenders when you have no understanding of our experiences?” The DOC does allow Savannah to receive hormone treatment, but when she made a request for gender-conforming surgery over three years ago, they told her it’s a cosmetic procedure and denied her request. To date, the DOC has never approved a request for gender conforming surgery. Recent research reports media and public interest that untreated transsexual By John Logan generated by these highpatients have a suicide rate profile campaigns. of 20 to 30 percent. I asked Union drives have sudThe organizing drive at an Savannah if she thinks the denly become hot news. In Amazon warehouse in AlaDOC responds appropriately a closely watched Nov. 29, bama by the Retail, Wholeto transgender prisoners who 2021 decision, the National express thoughts of suicide or Labor Relations Board (NLRB) sale Department Store Union from January to March 2021 attempt to end their lives. “No,” ruled that Amazon had comwas one of the most closely she said, “I don’t think DOC mitted serious violations of watched union campaigns has responded well to any federal labor law during a in decades. It generated prisoner with suicidal thoughts, union campaign at a warelet alone transgender people. house in Bessemer, Alabama. media coverage of Amazon’s anti-union behavior and They just lock you in solitary In the decision, the NLRB confinement.” The DOC makes some accommodations for transgender prisoners, such as allowing them to shower alone. Transgender prisoners may also even arguably helped revive choose which corrections offiattacked Amazon’s “flagrant the so-called “labor beat” in cers, based on their gender, can disregard” for election rules, newsrooms after years of conduct pat searches of them. saying it “essentially hijacked “I’m speaking out because the process.” The online retail languishing. The NLRB decision transgender people in prison giant won the union vote, need a voice,” Savannah said. held earlier this year, by a 2-1 provided negative headlines “People need to know what’s margin but will now be forced for Amazon. “Amazon made ‘free and fair’ Bessemer union happening to us in here and into a do-over election. in the world.” People who are Meanwhile in Buffalo, New election ‘impossible’” ran the headline of the Alabama concerned about transgender York, baristas at Starbucks news site Al.com. The Jeff prisoners should study prison voted to unionize on Dec. Bezos-owned Washington policy, work with current and 9, making them the coffee Post ran with: “Labor board previously incarcerated people chain’s only unionized workcalls for revote at Amazon as well as advocacy groups, force in the United States in warehouse in Alabama in and bring their policy concerns what has been touted as a major victory for union.” to prison officials, state legisla- “watershed” moment. Even if it were to win the tors and other government As a labor scholar who has second ballot without violatagencies. tracked unionization efforts ing the law, Amazon is highly for 20 years, I believe we Jeffrey Young writes for the could be on the cusp of a new sensitive about negative media, Stillwater Prison Mirror and labor relations order, spurred and company officials will likely loathe any coverage of another resides at MCF-Stillwater. in large part by increased
September 2021 report by UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute surveyed Muslim Americans and found that 76% had experienced Islamophobia recently. Close to a quarter of respondents identified “discrimination, racism and prejudice,” followed by “ignorance or misconceptions of Islam,” as the top issues facing Muslim Americans. These survey results only confirm why Boebert’s Islamophobic remarks against Omar must be forcefully condemned, regardless of partisanship. Leaving this behavior unchecked would send a message that hatred against Muslims is totally acceptable. Even worse, it may inspire more acts of anti-Muslim hatred on top of the over 500 incidents documented in the U.S. so far this year. Regardless of whether it occurs in the halls of Congress or in our communities, Islamophobia must end because, just like other forms of hate, it has no place in a free and just society. The Muslim American perspective is rarely sought out in public debates over matters of our own discrimination. In that context, Rep. Omar’s response provides a much-needed voice: “I know that when we proudly stand up for our values—when we celebrate the diversity of this country, and the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution—others stand with us.” Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst, and adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at Cal Poly Pomona. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
Amazon, Starbucks union battles are hot news Growing media attention is good for the labor movement
At 68%, support for unions is at its highest level since 1965.
high-profile union election. Labor rights go mainstream The NLRB order itself was arguably less interesting— despite its huge potential significance at Amazon—than the fact that it resulted in lengthy articles in several major media outlets. Over the past year or so, organized labor has seemingly entered the mainstream again. This follows decades of apparent dwindling interest in union drives in the public sphere. A Google Ngram— which charts the use of terms in publications—shows a decline in the appearance of “unionization” and “union drive” from the late 1970s to the late 2010s. This decline correlates with the growing weakness of unions over that period: Unions represent only 10.8% of American workers today, down from 20% four decades ago. Into this decline has come a recent wave of positive press for unions. It corresponds to almost record-high rates of public approval for unions. In fact, at 68%, support for unions is at its highest level since 1965. In addition, most Americans think union decline has hurt working people.
■ See UNION on page 11
December 16-22, 2021
Profiling
ing like you are guilty.” Morrow said the cop told him, “Being angry made me look guilty.” The officer did not Continued from page 1 address the bank manager’s behavior, however. “How are they going to kick around a poor in front of everybody in the line,” Morrow working-class man who was just trying to cash recalled. “When he said, ‘Mr. Morrow, your his check?” asked civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. She and her check is fake,’ that was the worst part. “They called my name and everything. The manag- organization, the Racial Justice Network (RJN), er pretended to call [his workplace] and check. They reached out to U.S. Bank to express outrage were supposed to check out the check and verify it over the incident and on Thursday issued before calling me out,” Morrow told the MSR. The episode was a humiliating one for Mor- “I was being humiliated in front row, who not only was wronged by the manof everybody in the line.” ager but was treated in a patronizing manner by the Columbia Heights cop who responded demands for accountability. “U.S. Bank prides itself on valuing diversity, to the incident. The officer placed Morrow in handcuffs before getting all the details. In equity and inclusion, yet it failed to uphold essence, Morrow was considered guilty auto- those values in its interactions with a Black customer who was simply trying to gain access matically—the very root of racial profiling. After things were cleared up, the officer to his hard-earned money,” said Sonja Western, thought it important to pull the aggrieved par- a teacher and member of the RJN. ty into a separate room and chastise him for not responding as calmly as the cop thought CEO issues apology After initially denying any wrongdoing, U.S. he should. According to Morrow, the officer said, “If you are innocent, you shouldn’t be act- Bank acknowledged that the situation could
Smith
ine how the neighborhood could be stitched back together. The infrastructure bill includes a billion dollars Continued from page 1 for helping projects like Rondo, helping to reconnect them. Rondo would be a great candidate for those dollars because they have an what it’s going to mean. You know, we’ve had a long back- outstanding plan. The damage that was log of projects in this state that are done to the neighborhood is so clear, worthy projects. Everyone agrees and it’s such an opportunity to knit they need to get done, but we just that back together. Reconnect Rondo haven’t had the money to do them. has some great ideas for even covering And that’s gonna change with the up [I-94] as it goes through the Rondo Infrastructure Bill that the presi- neighborhood, and then using that dent signed into law just a couple of covered-up space for arts and culture and small business and housing, which weeks ago. If you wouldn’t mind, there’s a would be really exciting. couple of things that I think are MSR: What areas in Minnesota particularly interesting that I want to highlight. In the Infrastructure would you say are struggling infraBill…let me put it this way. We know structure-wise? Smith: Well, it’s an issue throughthat in Minnesota, and all over the country, we have historically Black out the state no doubt. We see neighborhoods like the Rondo neigh- challenges in city centers like Minneborhood that were just carved in half apolis, but we also see challenges in by interstate freeways that plowed places like Duluth and Fargo-Moorright through those communities, head, and Mankato. There has just been a real shortage of investment in just doing great damage. There is a fantastic effort in Rondo our transit systems and transportacalled Reconnect Rondo to reimag- tion systems for decades.
have been handled better. On Friday afternoon, Andy Cerere, president and CEO of U.S. Bancorp, issued the following statement addressed to the Minneapolis community: “I am deeply sorry for where we failed and accept full responsibility. Our commitment to racial equity and inclusion, and that of U.S. Bank, is unwavering. “What Mr. Morrow experienced is not the experience any customer should have. All of our employees, including executive management, are required to complete two levels of unconscious bias training, in addition to other training to prevent bias and negative customer experiences. Sometimes, unfortunately, we don’t live up to our goals. “We are revisiting and expanding our employee training and guidance on how to work with customers in a more empathetic manner, recognizing the need to be culturally sensitive. We’re dedicated to fair and responsible banking practices and have policies in place designed to help ensure all customers are treated fairly and with respect. “While we are not perfect, improving racial equity has been an area of intense focus for U.S.
Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.
County, have prioritized. And [they] are ready to go, so the dollars can be put to work right away. But beyond the traditional formula grant money, there also will be competitive grant dollars. That means that projects, for example like the Reconnect Rondo project, can submit grant applications and apply for those dollars. So of course, not everybody will get that, but I think that projects like Rondo would be in a really good place. When it comes to broadband, we actually have a good program in Minnesota to distribute broadband MSR: Do you know how the dollars in partnership with local formoney will be disseminated in the profit providers. I would expect that in Minnesota, it’ll be up to the goverstate? Smith: Well, if you take the trans- nor. But I would expect that the govportation part of the bill, just as an ernor would use his border-to-border example, the money will flow to the broadband program to distribute State and then to counties and cities those dollars because it’s a way of through the traditional funding for- accessing help that communities are mulas that we have. There just will already used to. be more money. MSR: To what degree will this I like that because the projects that are prioritized are projects that bill address the housing crisis in the local community, whether it’s Minnesota? Smith: Well, we have a significant the City of Minneapolis or Hennepin
and pervasive shortage of housing, both affordable rental housing as well as affordable homeownership. The Build Back Better bill has a lot of help for housing. It’s gonna have $150 billion for housing. Of that, about $60 billion is gonna be invested in rehabbing public housing, which is the largest investment in rehabbing public housing that we’ve seen in history. And part of that will be resources to help with fire safety. I fought for that especially because of our experience with the Cedar High Rise fire that took Minnesota lives a couple of years ago. And it’s outrageous to me that high-rise apartment buildings like that didn’t have sprinkler systems. So what I made sure got included in the housing portion of the bill is resources to make sure that those public housing high rises, when they are getting rehabbed, are retrofitted with fire suppression and sprinkler systems.
demic support, leadership training, cultural competency training, international summer experience, professional mentors, and “tailored advising to ensure successful transition into a four-year program,” he added. “Why only Black men?” Kilgore is often asked. “I pose a question to that question: Why not Black males? When we look at the historic systemic racism and discrimination, oftentimes Black males get sorted. We look at the data alone, just looking at the educational gap as it relates to graduation rates. “This program has the potential to be transformative, not just for Black men but for all of American society,” said Kilgore. “My intentions are to work with fourth- and fifth-graders,” said Meyers. “I would love to stay in Edina. I feel that me being out there is a positive because those kids got to see how a Black man really is. My main goal down the road is…an [teaching]
opportunity in the urban area.” Said Kilgore, “I affectionately refer to our inaugural cohort as the great expectations, because I honestly have great expectations for all three of these young men. We are expecting about three or four to join us in the spring cohort.” Having more Black teachers, especially Black males, is “not just an impact for Black and Brown children, but it’s also an impact for White children so that they change the narrative…that they are not the scary Black man,” noted Ester. “People can reach out to me—my email is marvis.kilgore@normandale. edu,” concluded Kilgore. “We are looking for mentors for our program, people who mirror ideally the demographics of the men in our program. We won’t turn anyone away.”
folks so that young Black men see it Normandale, “I needed someone who could come in and basically be given as something that they want.” Kilgore’s education experience a blank piece of paper and create a Continued from page 1 includes teaching elementary bilingual whole program,” added the president. Although new to the Bloomingmath and science in Houston, Texas for teachers, but not that many. Darius Teach for America. He was an ESL lec- ton-based two-year college, BMIT Meyers, Jr. doesn’t remember seeing turer and program coordinator at the isn’t novel: Clemson University’s Call any Black male teachers when he Community College of Qatar for almost Me MISTER program is among many attended school, but he hopes one “This program has the potential to be transformative, day to change that. “Darius Meyers, Jr. is the embodinot just for Black men but for all of American society.” ment of Black excellence,” declared Kilgore. Meyers is one of three Black a decade and once taught English at a such initiatives around the country British institution of higher education. dedicated to bringing more Blacks men in the first BMIT cohort. “We had a lot of really amazing into teaching. “I know that my colThe teaching profession isn’t promoted to Black males as it should be, men apply for that position,” recalled leagues around the country are doing said Ester. “There’s a perception out Ester on the search for the first BMIT really amazing work,” said Ester. Meyers, who is a school paraprofesthere that teachers don’t make a lot director. “We were able to get Marof money, that it’s not a great job. I vis, his energy, his passion, his level sional in Edina, and his fellow cohorts think oftentimes culturally, for Black of motivation. He gave me a four- are receiving $10,000 annual scholarmen, they think about careers that page document of all the things that ships that cover tuition, fees and books. are going to make money because he had done, the people that he met, “And it allows for a $3,500 modest living allowance,” explained Kilgore. they want to support a family… We the ideas that he had.” The program also provides acaBecause the program was new to have to put the profession in front of
Orange
Bank, including donating our branch at 2800 Lake Street in Minneapolis for community redevelopment, helping close the homeownership gap by hiring more Black loan officers and appraisers, and supporting the growth and expansion of small businesses in the Black community. “We are listening to the community. We live and work in and learn from them. In the case of Mr. Morrow, we fell short and I apologize on behalf of the bank. We will continue to listen and learn from the community as we expand our efforts to advance the cause of equality for all.” It’s not clear what kind of discipline was handed down to the manager involved in the incident, but a source told the MSR that he has not been seen at work lately. “After it got cleared up, the manager said whatever happens to me happens—so he knew he was wrong,” Morrow told the MSR. “[The manager] told me that if I had trouble with my check again, to come see him.” Morrow has retained counsel and has not at this moment accepted any offer from the bank.
When it comes to broadband, people think a lot about how there are real gaps in connectivity for people living in rural communities. But I know from my many conversations that there are many, many folks that live in the central cities who can’t afford the broadband connection because it’s too expensive, or because they lack access to tablets for example or laptop computers. So those are the kinds of things that we are going to be able to fix with the bill that we signed into law just a couple weeks ago.
Teachers
said at a press conference celebrating the Orange Line opening. “Hundreds of units of affordable housing were going to be taken.” Continued from page 1 Dibble was involved in advocating for the Orange Line as a community organizer. The state legislature eventually required MnDOT to study discussed rebuilding I-35W to alleviate congestion. The initial plan called such a line between Minneapolis and for widening the highway with no pub- Lakeville in 2003. The project cost $150 million to lic transit improvements whatsoever. “And it was a done deal, no transit,” build and was partially funded by the DFL Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls) federal government. But Metro Tran-
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sit says the costs are worth it, considering that it connects to 200,000 jobs, 30% of which are outside of Minneapolis. It also connects directly to Burnsville’s Heart of the City, a burgeoning residential, arts and retail center. Benjamin Harper was one of the first to use the Orange Line on opening day. A resident of South Minneapolis, he was waiting at the new Lake Street station for a bus to Burnsville to work a temp job manufacturing furniture. “I just picked [the job] up ‘cause I needed some extra cash,” Harper said, adding that the Orange Line won’t have a significant impact on his life. Met Council Member Phil Sterner, on the other hand, sees himself using the Orange Line quite a bit. “I actually go to church on 46th Street [in] Richfield on 66th. I have a rental property that I bought there, so I’m actually going to be pretty active,” Sterner said on the day of the opening. The route does have some drawbacks. It does not serve MVTA’s Burnsville Transit Station, a hub for routes serving the Mall of America, Prior Lake and Shakopee. Riders
R.B. King welcomes reader responses to kaysi003@umn.edu.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesmanrecorder.com.
factured and purchased earlier this year that climate change activists opposed because of their impact on the environment. Although the agency’s federal grant application stipulates only diesel buses are to be used, the agency is allowed to use other types of buses on the route on a trial basis, such as electric buses, coach buses, and double-deckers. Originally scheduled to operate every 10 minutes on weekdays, it currently runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends because of the agency’s ongoing driver shortage. lane on its entire route. And while it Also on December 4, Metro Tranhas a dedicated ramp to downtown sit returned to service electric buses Minneapolis and a dedicated tunnel dedicated to the C Line serving Penn under Interstate 494, it shares a lane Avenue in North Minneapolis after with carpoolers most of the way. they were sidelined nine months due Metro Transit Project Manager to charger issues. The agency is also Charles Carlson says it’s more effi- almost finished with its transition to cient this way. “We can actually maxi- a low-floor accessible bus fleet with mize the efficiency of infrastructure the December 16 auction of 14 of investment, and the width of the its 22 remaining buses with stairs to highway we can actually use, versus climb to the doors. having a bus and express lanes and general-purpose lanes by combining Henry Pan welcomes reader them,” Carlson said. responses to hpan0003@gmail.com. The route uses diesel buses manuwanting to connect to any of those routes must first cross a six-lane highway to transfer between buses or ride MVTA’s Orange Link, a move that could take at least five minutes. It also lacks a dedicated transit
“Hundreds of units of affordable housing were going to be taken.”
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December 16-22, 2021
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Arts & Culture
December 16-22, 2021
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Holiday treats for jazz fans features guest singers, and Farewell to pianist Barry this year’s special guest Harris. He passed away at was vocalist Alita Moses. the age of 91 on Dec 8. You The band opened the may remember him from concert with a joyous the iconic “Sidewinder,” a classic Blue Note album from “Jingle Bells.” Other songs to follow included “Mary trumpeter Lee Morgan. He is also credited with helping Art Had a Baby,” a spiritual and arrangement by multiBlakey during his time with instrumentalist Victor the Jazz Messengers. Goines. The best song of Harris had been hospitalThe Nov. 30 concert highlighted holiday classics. the night was one re-made ized and died of complica Courtesy of jazz.org into a Christmas song, “It’s tions due to COVID, accordEasy to Blame the Weather,” ing to an obituary by Mark the band took an early inter- Autobiography of Benny Gol“because why not,” Marsalis Stryker for NPR Music. mission and played longer for son” written by the Philly jazz said. Arranged by multiJazz at Lincoln Center’s legend himself along with Jim instrumentalist Sherman Irby, the second half, which was holiday tradition—Big Band Merod. The book is published indeed a treat. Holidays is back! Well, sort of. the song featured Moses in Congrats to vocalist Cecile by Temple University Press fine form. The orchestra, led by coand will be available on May McLorin Salvant, who has The band closed with the musical director and trumpet16, 2022. Golson is 92 years been a special guest with spiritual “Go Tell It on the er Wynton Marsalis, brought young. JLCO for Big Band Holidays, Mountain,” arrangement by its festive big band arrangeHe is an NEA Jazz Master co-musical director and trum- for signing with Nonesuch ments of holiday classics to who is also a prolific composer, Records. Her new album peter Marcus Printup. Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for a arranger and saxophonist. Gol“Ghost Song” will be out It highlighted a fantastic one-night-only on Nov. 30 at son has composed such popular March 2022. solo by Goines on tenor Pablo Center at the Conflujazz standards as “Along Came Another cause for excitesaxophone. There was no ence. Each year for their Betty” and “Killer Joe.” He also ment is “Whisper Not: The encore unfortunately, but holiday show the orchestra
composed music for film and television that includes “It Takes a Thief” and “M*A*S*H. The great saxophonist Sonny Rollins said, “Composer supreme, tenor man supreme, jazz man supreme, good guy supreme: that’s Benny Golson!” Both Rollins and Golson are the only two remaining jazz musicians who appear in the famous Great Day in Harlem photo featuring many jazz greats. December birthdays include two of my favorites that are no longer with us, singer and songwriter Lou Rawls and pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. Luckily, they left us with plenty of good music. It’s December and Christmas is right around the corner. so there’s lots of music to choose from, but wait just a little longer and jazz fans will really have something to be merry about in the New Year. For example, Blue Note just announced a 6-LP Tone Poet vinyl box set of Ornette Coleman’s Blue Note albums coming out on Jan 28. Nicholas Payton, 48, has a new offering out now, “Smoke Sessions,” (Smoke Sessions Records). It features
a dream team collaboration with elder jazz statesmen, bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist George Coleman, who is a special guest on the album. Coleman is well known for his work with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock in the 1960s. The outstanding drummer Karriem Riggins also appears on the new recording. The New Orleans trumpeter told Jazz.FM 91 writer Javon Christopher Anderson that Davis’s “Four & More” was the album that really inspired him to take up music seriously, and ever since then Ron Carter has been an idol and a favorite musician of his. Carter played on “Four & More.” Payton’s “Smoke Sessions” was released on Oct 29, 2021. If you’re still looking for something special to do this New Year’s Eve and don’t mind a quick drive to Chicago, go check Payton out at the Jazz Showcase. He’ll be there Dec 29-Jan 2. Payton last played in the Twin Cities in 2019. Happy Holidays, everybody! Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.
Ginger Commodore brings ‘a whole lot of soul’ to Christmas classics By Nadine Matthews Contributing Writer Singer and member of the original R&B/ gospel group Sounds of Blackness, Ginger Commodore already thought of Aretha Franklin as her “kindred spirit in the musical sense” when she met the legendary vocalist at a Minneapolis airport as a teenager. “I was part of the welcoming committee for her,” recalled Commodore in an interview with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. Commodore, who performed at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres on December 14 and 15, said, “Aretha Franklin was very popular in my teen years, and so I learned all of her songs. It kind of started from there.” Commodore also got plenty of encouragement
from family who regularly made requests for her to sing. “It was the Aquatennial, the summer music festival, a celebration of our City of Lakes, and she was brought in to sing,” Commodore said of her meeting with Franklin. “She was just very pleasant. And she asked if I wanted to get a picture with her. I said of course, yes, and so we posed for a picture.” Commodore still has that enlarged image in her home. After that brief meeting when she was a girl, Commodore continued to emulate Franklin, intensely admiring her singing. One of Commodore’s favorites was Franklin’s rendering of “Nessun Dorma,” an aria, or solo, from Puccini’s opera “Turandot.” “That was amazing to me because she was able to
transfer her soulfulness into the classical idiom. It was absolutely fascinating.” Commodore also saw Franklin as a role model in other ways, apart from her outsized singing talents. Even as Commodore herself chose to move stylistically away from R&B and into an R&B-inflected jazz genre, she studied the way Franklin, the indisputable Queen of Soul, carried herself and handled her career. “She just embodied so many of the things that make sense to me if you’re going to be someone that’s looked up to: Be a nice person, be the best that you can be in your art, try to be as kind as possible, know what you’re doing. Those are the things that drew me to her and have molded the way I move forward.”
Ginger Commodore Courtesy of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Those lessons have stayed with Commodore, who said she was also heavily influenced by jazz vocalist Dinah Washington and the First Lady of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, throughout her long career. She shared how she prepares herself and her band to create great performances: “I try to make sure I know what I’m doing, what I’m thinking about, and what it’s for.” Commodore does extensive research about the music she performs. “When I go into a performance—like I’m working on my holiday show right now—I’ve done the research on lyrics and styles, and the different people that have performed the song. I’m learning lyrics and feeling what was felt when the previous people performed the songs. I try to tune in. Once I internalize that, I’m home free. That’s what makes for good performances.” Commodore went on to have a successful career in jazz, drawing praise from
greats such as Dee Dee Bridgewater and Miles Davis. Music is a Commodore family affair, with her husband being a drummer and both of her children working with R&B artist Stokely of Mint Condition fame. Her son Brandon is Stokley’s musical director.
“I try to make sure I know what I’m doing, what I’m thinking about, and what it’s for.” In fact, her husband and daughter will join her this month at her Chanhanssen performances. “Ashley sings with me when she’s not
on the road with her band. When they’re on the road, I don’t get to work with them, but when they’re home, I snap them up!” Commodore will be performing many holiday classics including” God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Santa Baby,” and “My Favorite Things.” “It’ll be Christmas songs,” she explained. “But they won’t all be traditionally performed.” Another guest singer, Mychael Rambo, performs Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” and “Christmas Time.” Commodore emphasizes that these holiday arrangements will not be what people normally hear. “It’s a soulful mix, so it will be a different feel. I like it, and people seem to like it as well. For more on Ginger Commodore, visit gingercommodore.com. Nadine Matthews welcomes reader responses to mmatthews@spokesman-recorder.com.
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December 16-22, 2021
Business
Serial Chillers Cryotherapy venture broadens Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Ashley Lauren Contributing Writer Local entrepreneur Branden Johnson is the proud owner of Serial Chillers, a cryotherapy business located in Richfield, MN. The enterprise is geared toward helping individuals heal athletic injuries and focus on physical maintenance by utilizing cryotherapy. Johnson explained that he was “born and raised” in St. Paul. Before he became an entrepreneur, “I was chasing my basketball dreams when I found it because the Dallas
access to ‘the cool new stuff’
Mavericks was one of the first teams that started doing cryo [cryotherapy] and I was at a camp trying to make a team,” Johnson said. He added, “I was down with the Arkansas RimRockers, and that’s when I found cyo, and I tried it out for the first time in Dallas and this was the greatest thing ever.” Johnson felt the physical benefits of cryotherapy, which inspired him to invest in his own business. As a result, Johnson was compelled to conduct research about cryotherapy. He
said, “I talked to the company that had the machines down there, and I was just asking to find out as much information as I could.” Then Johnson received an opportunity to invest in the machine. Johnson recalled, “I did a revenue share with them—so I put $15,000 down on the machine and then I had to pay them a percentage of revenue until it was paid off.” He elaborated, “So I paid $65,000 for the machine when it was all said and done.” In 2010, “When I first opened up, I opened up in the Medical Arts Building, downtown Minneapolis, and my first clients were the Timberwolves. I had J.J. Barea and Kevin Love—so those were my first clients,” Johnson said. He stayed in that location for two years. Venture capitalists swooped in on his business. They provided him with a substantial amount of money, but after four years they terminated the deal. Johnson was surprised, but he gracefully departed the business deal. “They were venture capitalists—I left,” Johnson said. In 2016, Johnson branched out on his own. “I saved up a little bit of money, and then I opened this place [Serial Chillers],” Johnson said. He added, “I did what I could—gutted the entire place and redid everything.” The business is inviting and “We use vaporized nitrogen to lower the skin’s temperature geared toward enhancing the quality of life for everyone quickly and safely.”
Sponsored by
that walks through the doors. Physical maintenance is important, especially for athletes, Johnson said “You have Floyd Mayweather that does this all this time. He’s still doing cryo, he’s still doing all of the health and wellness stuff, because he’s about taking care of his body.” A lot of athletes utilize cryotherapy as a way to rejuvenate their bodies. Johnson said, “It’s not easily accessed for everybody, so that’s why creating a space where people have the access to do it, it’s just them actually taking ownership of their own body.” Johnson emphasizes the importance of focusing on preventative care. With athletes, “Giving them a maintenance plan—saying, hey, you need to do this on a regular basis, is just a mind shift,” he said. “The high-end athletes get all of the cool new stuff. Then you go 15-20 years down the road and the FDA, CDC start to approve what they want to approve,” Johnson said. “So you’ve got the elite athletes getting all the best care, taking care of their bodies, but they’re pushing so hard that there’s a very short life span. Our medical industry is based on us breaking down. That’s just how it’s set up.” Athletes push themselves, and it’s important for them to be mindful of the toll on their bodies. “High school athletes’ ACL and MCL surgery has gone up 400% in the last 10 years, and you’re telling me
Serial Chillers owner Branden Johnson Photos by Ashley Lauren our training hasn’t gotten any creased energy, and full-body healing,” according to the better to stop that? “Let’s deal with the immune website. Johnson shared words of system,” Johnson said. “That’s wisdom about his plight and the goal with what we’re advice for young upcoming doing here, just giving those entrepreneurs: “The future is tools and trying to make bright. We’ve been through it easy enough for people the worst of it already, so just to accept their selves as there’s nothing we can’t make something that can actually it through. heal. Most of us think the “Don’t be afraid to fail, and body just goes down.” But, he everything is perfect in the says, that’s not the case. moment.” What happens when cus tomers book a cryotherapy Serial Chillers is located at session? “In your three-to1415 E. 66th in Richfield, MN. four-minute session, we use For more information, visit vaporized nitrogen to lower the skin’s temperature quickly www.serialchillers.com or call and safely. The body instantly 612-345-5963. starts to trigger natural Ashley Lauren welcomes regulatory functions, which reader responses to alauren@ leads to cell rejuvenation, an spokesman-recorder.com. immune system boost, in-
Deluxe Business Spotlight: Sammy’s Avenue Eatery continues entrepreneurial journey of the neighborhood’s beloved café to support Sammy’s even further with branded merchandise. Not only will these items spread goodness in the community, but also offer another revenue stream for Sammy’s to grow even stronger.
New website
For nearly 10 years, Sammy’s Avenue Eatery has been a mainstay for the community along West Broadway in North Minneapolis. The well-known café is a place of solace, offering local residents a dependable space for conversation as well as healthy options for dining out. “We love serving our diverse and thriving community— folks are real in North,” said owner Sammy McDowell. Dipping into his personal savings and taking inspiration from his grandmother, Sammy opened the Broadway shop and hasn’t looked back, adding a food truck and a soon-toopen food hall just blocks from the original location. The latest project will fulfill his dream to mentor younger entrepreneurs to one day open their own restaurant business. With plans for growth
A fresh, new logo
Sammy McDowell (l) and SBR Season 6 cohost Baron Davis and incubator space on the horizon, it was the perfect time to reexamine the business. Fortunately, Sammy’s Avenue Eatery was one of six Black-owned businesses selected to be featured in Season 6 of the Small Business Revolution— an Emmy-nominated series by Deluxe, designed to help small businesses overcome marketing, finance and operational challenges.
Harnessing the power of community One of the first areas of improvement was refreshing Sammy’s website to highlight not only the fresh menu, but also capture the café’s spirit of hospitality. The marketing team from Deluxe focused on designing a site that would greet online visitors the same way they are greeted in person—with a smile and a friendly “Hello, what would you like?”
signed a signature wall mural as a backdrop to enhance the dining experience. Adding some swagger to Sammy’s SWAG Lastly, Deluxe wanted to provide an opportunity for fans
Along with the new website, the design team from Deluxe wanted patrons to feel the energy and comfort of owner Sammy, as well as the café’s commitment to freshness through its staple offerings. In addition to the new logo, the team also de
Watch the Complete Makeover To hear more about how this neighborhood café has become the backbone of North Minneapolis, head to Hulu, or smallbusinessrevolution.org, where Deluxe teams up with community leaders and industry, financial, and tech experts to help Sammy’s Avenue Eatery continue its entrepreneurial journey.
Metropolis
December 16-22, 2021
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Israeli government gives local nonprofits ‘social impact grants’ By Henry Pan Contributing Writer Three Twin Cities-based neighborhood organizations received $5,000 grants from the Israeli government as part of their bid to connect with communities and help them through challenging times. It’s the first time the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest organized such an opportunity. “We created the social impact grant with Minnesota in mind because of our admiration of the way you [Minnesotans] came together to pick up the pieces after very challenging times,” said Consulate General Yinam Cohen. The three organizations funded include A Mother’s Love, founded by former Minneapolis police officer Lisa Clemons to mentor those affected by gun violence; Mr. Basketball Academy, which mentors youth in basketball, life skills, and financial literacy; and Minnesota STEM partnership, which introduces people to the STEM fields. “We thought it was a great opportunity for us to partner, and so I’m really excited about this partnership,” said Mr. Basketball Academy founder and commissioner Tyron Terry, who says the money will help their organization recruit and mentor girls.
Mr. Basketball Academy founder Tyron Terry (l) with Consulate General Yinam Cohen (r). Michael Wulf, who runs the Minnesota STEM Partnership, appreciates the flexibility the grant would allow his organization to support its purpose. “This money allows us to exclusively focus on that purpose [of bringing STEM to BIPOC communi-
“We have developed great models for dealing with trauma and post-trauma syndromes.” ties]. When you get grants, sometimes you don’t always get a chance to have meaningful money. “This is a difference between buying a computer or buying a printer or buying, you know, toner or robotics equipment,” said Wulf. “This
Open Cities Health Center’s Board of Directors recently announced that it has named Mitchell Davis, Jr. as its new CEO effective December 2021. Davis has been the interim CEO of OCHC since June 2021. He brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for positive change within community health serving patients in the historic Rondo, Frogtown and North End neighborhoods of Saint Paul. He succeeds Dr. Cynthia Woods, former interim CEO, who stepped down earlier this year.
“Our board of directors is excited to introduce a leader of Mr. Davis’ distinction into our community to bring stability and innovation to Open Cities,” said Board Chair Ana Diaz. “Mr. Davis possesses the right qualities to grow our community health center and build new collaborations that will broaden our health care impact on Communities of Color.” Davis has been working in health care for over 30 years. Prior to joining OCHC, he had worked at the Minneapolis Urban League as the health and workforce devel-
hood that also sometimes could be tough, the Middle East,” said Cohen. “And trauma issues were a serious issue in Israel. So I think that, you know, throughout the years, we have developed great models, civil society organizations, about dealing with trauma and post-trauma syndromes.” The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest is charged with connecting to the following midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
is actually being able to give directly to the students that your organizations are serving.” Henry Pan welcomes reader Clemons also appreciated receiving the money, which responses to hpan@spokesshe views as an affirmation of the work she is doing in the man-recorder.com. community. “This is on a whole different level,” Clemons said, referencing that the work she is doing is being recognized on a global scale. “This will help us sort of move forward this project of teaching women to deal with lethal trauma, to be tenants, to be good tenants in a housing area, just to create a new value system and a moral compass that is lacking in a lot of homes,” Clemons said. “For now, we are grateful.” The consulate said they had over 100 applicants, to their surprise. “The three that we chose represent three different amazing faces of the community-based work here in Minneapolis that is based Lisa Clemons of A Mother’s Love Photos by Henry Pan
Open Cities Health Center announces Mitchell Davis, Jr. as new CEO
Mitchell Davis, Jr.
on values that we believe in… for others to see what you can do to change the world to create an impact,” said Cohen. The consulate general later visited A Mother’s Love, which utilizes community office space at the Cub Foods on West Broadway in North Minneapolis. There, Clemons showed the consulate general the work they did at the office, which includes tutoring and mentoring. Clemons also showed the consulate general a list of names dating back to 2013 of lives lost to gun violence, among themWinston Boogie Smith who was shot and killed by Hennepin and Ramsey County deputies in Uptown. “We come from a neighbor-
opment director, and also for the State of Minnesota as the minority and multicultural health director. Davis also served in leadership roles at the Minneapolis Foundation, North Memorial Healthcare, and the Minnesota Hospital Association. Davis holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Oakwood University and a miniMBA in healthcare administration from Saint Thomas University. Open Cities Health Center is a federally qualified health center in Saint Paul. The clinic was started by community activists in 1967 in the basement of Saint James AME Church in the historic African American Rondo neighborhood. It was one of the few clinics in the state dedicated to helping People of Color. The clinic’s first public health nurse, Mary Stokes, and first project director, Mrs. Timothy O. Vann, were African American women who began volunteer services that included immunizations and health education. Previously known as Model Cities Health Center, OCHC continues to serve culturally diverse populations needing health care with the legacy of welcoming everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Information and photo provided by Open Cities Health Center.
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December 16-22, 2021
I’m a mom first. I may be Dr. Nina FordJohnson a pediatrician, but I’m a mom first. My babies are my top priority, always. With this Delta variant going around affecting Black kids at a higher rate, I’m telling any parent with children 5 and older to get the COVID vaccine. Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov
December 16-22, 2021
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BULLETIN
Union Continued from page 4 Labor law reform The issue of labor rights has seemingly garnered the nation’s attention like nothing I have seen in my lifetime or even in the past half-century. And growing awareness of the issue could have an impact on efforts to improve the legislative environment for unionizing. A recent poll found that 59% of respondents supported strengthening labor laws through proposals such as penalizing companies that retaliate against workers trying to unionize and eliminating “rightto-work” laws that allow employees to benefit from union contracts without paying dues. In the past, lack of public
awareness has helped torpedo labor law reform campaigns. In 2009-2010, during the campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act, it was rare to encounter anyone without a professional labor interest who had ever heard of the legislation, which attracted only lackluster support from the Obama White House and died in the Senate. At present, the Bidensupported legislation aimed at strengthening the right to choose a union, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, is firmly on the back burner despite support from a majority of voters. In the face of opposition from Republicans and three Democrats, the legislation is seen as a long shot in the Senate, which historically has been the graveyard for labor reforms. The PRO Act might similarly die there,
although pro-union advocates hope that meaningful financial penalties for employer violations will at least make it into the $2 trillion Build Back Better bill. For the PRO Act to become a live proposition, it would likely need to convert its popular support into pressure on members of Congress. This is the only way, in my view, to achieve meaningful change and make unionizing easier. Headlines that focus on the coercive power that big corporations like Amazon exert over workers participating in elections could go some way to bolster support for union drives. Labor is hot Unions are set to continue to be a talking point in the national media with the Starbucks vote. The coffee chain had been engaged in what has been described as “aggres-
sive” anti-union tactics ahead of the vote, including forcing employees to attend mandatory anti-union meetings. Although it involves only a few dozen workers, the Workers United-SEIU union victory at Starbucks in Buffalo is seen as one of the most important labor organizing victories in several decades. Corporate America has employed brutal anti-union campaigns for decades. What has changed, from my perspective, is that such activities are now seen as newsworthy—at least when the companies involved are household names. This coverage provides a stark contrast with past media coverage, which often depicted unionized workers as “overpaid, greedy, and undeserving of their wealth.” In the words of a New York Times article on Nov. 7, 2021, the “media loves labor now.”
Talking union In addition to Amazon and Starbucks, in recent months an expanding number and variety of employees have been talking about forming unions at their own workplaces. In the past few months alone we have seen media, tech and museum workers form unions and either stage or threaten strikes. Coverage of the union campaign at Amazon is one reason talk of unionizing is seemingly spreading. But there are other factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has spurred numerous labor fights—big and small—and safety struggles by Amazon warehouse workers and Amazon-owned Whole Foods workers. Meanwhile, the advent of social media has made it easier to create buzz around pro-union campaigns, such as the recent “#Striketober”
hashtag campaign. Organizing, it appears, can be contagious— under the right conditions. Seizing the moment? It’s not yet clear that unions and their allies can capitalize on this apparent newfound public attention and convert it into increased membership levels or changes in legislation. But I believe we are at a unique moment in U.S. labor history. The question is, will unions take advantage of the increased media attention— and the negative headlines for high-profile companies attempting to quash workers’ rights—and spur a new era of labor activism? John Logan is professor and director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University. This story was republished with permission from The Conversation.
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December 16-22, 2021
SOE Continued from page 14 Micheaux arrived in Gopherland no slouch—she was a four-star recruit rated among the top 100 high school players in the country and ninth best power forward by one rating group. She averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds, made all-state and all-region, and led her school to district and regional titles in three seasons. She was a Michigan Miss Basketball finalist. But college ball and the Big Ten is no cakewalk, and Micheaux knows that her previous accolades mean nothing these days. “She’s helped me a lot,” said Micheaux of Gray-Miller’s tutelage. “Back in high school, I didn’t have a pump fake. I now have an up-and-under [move].” Whalen loves Micheaux’s
NCAA Continued from page 14
is now 2-0 against teams coached by Blacks (Jacksonville, Michigan). “It is cool,” Johnson responded to this reporter’s question after last Saturday’s win, “to see two prestigious schools
soft hands. “I think she has some of the best touch I’ve ever seen,” said the coach. “[Her] timing, physicality, touch around the basket— she has a really bright future.” The coach reminded me last week that since the season is still relatively young, Micheaux needs “that second wind…to get used to the pace” of the college game. “I’m excited for her,” she said. Micheaux said she ultimately wants to work with kids after college: “I want to help kids accomplish the goals and dreams they have for themselves.” But until then, her focus is on books and hoops. “I’ve seen a lot of growth in me, to be honest.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesmanrecorder.com.
have two minority coaches. We are just trying to continue to do our job, leading the right way, molding these men the right way and having success on the court. Hopefully, if we continue to do that, it will open doors for other people.” WNBA schedule The WNBA released its 2022 regular season schedule, which will feature a record-
View Continued from page 14 barrier. He just always saw that as a new opportunity for him to be stronger and for him to persevere.” “I’ve known Tony for years,” said Dr. Charles Crutchfield II of Oliva. He and his grandson Charles IV attended the Dec. 6 press conference at the Twins ballpark for Oliva and former Twins teammate Jim Kaat, who also was elected to the 2022 HOF class. “I know both personally,” added the longtime doctor. “He was such a complete player and a great teammate,” said Kaat, who appeared on Zoom, when asked about Oliva. However, John Wesley Donaldson, who played for at least 25 different teams over a 33-year career
high 36 games per team. All 12 clubs will tip off on Friday, May 6 and will conclude their 26th season on Sunday, Aug. 14, followed by the playoffs. Minnesota will open at Seattle. The Commissioner’s Cup, which was first introduced last season, will return. It’s an in-season tournament pitting conference rivals against each other during the first half of
(1908 to 1941) was not inducted, and Dick Allen, a 15-year MLB veteran with a .535 slugging percentage, among the highest of his era, has fallen at least a vote short for induction every time his name is on the ballot. “Yes, we’re disappointed that when that opportunity came around, it didn’t work out,” said Peter Gorton, who has spearheaded the effort to get Donaldson in the Hall for many years and runs The Donaldson Network. “If people don’t know about him, we’re available to tell them,” said Gorton. “He’s very good,” remarked Oliva on Allen not getting in the Hall. “I don’t know what happened.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesmanrecorder.com.
the regular season in 10 designated “Cup games” per team. The team from each conference with the top record in Cup games will compete for the Cup on July 26. Seattle won it last season, coached by Noelle Quinn, one of three Black female HCs. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME:
True North Tidy Co
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:
530 5th Street SE Minneapolis MN 55414 USA
NAMEHOLDER(S): Name:
Jennifer Andrews
Address:
530 5th Street SE Minneapolis MN 55414 USA
If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required,or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Jennifer Andrews MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: truenorthtidy@gmail.com
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 9, 16, 2021
State of Minnesota
Case Type: Personal Injury
County of Hennepin
District Court Fourth Judicial District Court File Number: 27-CV-21-14773 The Honorable: Judge Susan N. Burke
John Thompson, Client: Plaintiff Size: vs Run: Ad William Knebel, Ad Options: Defendant
SUMMONS True North Tidy Co 3.4167 x 5 12/9/21 and 12/16/21 $150.00
THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you.
Prep Continued from page 14 the basketball team to the Class 3A title in 2019. He has emerged as the team’s leading scorer at 18.8 points per game, including a 27-point effort in the Gophers’ recent 75-65 victory over the University of Michigan Wolverines. Some of the state’s top prospects With the boys’ basketball season underway, here are a few of the state’s top prospects that come to mind in no particular order: Tre’ Holloman (CretinDerham Hall), Willie Wilson (Minneapolis North), Kendall Blue (East Ridge), Alonzo Dodd (South St. Paul), Prince Aligbe (Minnehaha
The Plaintiffs Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw
Academy), Mercy Miller (Minnehaha Academy), Braeden Carrington (Park Center), and Pharrel Payne (Park Cottage Grove).
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Samedy’s volleyball career ends The outstanding and brilliant collegiate volleyball career of senior opposite hitter and two-time Big Ten Player of the Year Stephanie Samedy has ended as the No. 12 University of Minnesota Golden Gophers lost 3-0 to the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA Tournament regional Finals this past weekend at the UW Fieldhouse in Madison. Samedy finishes as one of the best to ever do it. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
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.
L AUNA Q. NEWMAN CEO/Publisher 1976-2000
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these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must
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2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person
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Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must
Charles Hallman
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Dr. Mitchell P. McDonald
say so in your Answer.
Steve Floyd
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who signed this summons located at:
Minneapolis, MN 55404 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the
Chris Juhn
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN
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RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case.
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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
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do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places
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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.
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Bethesda Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor
Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor
451 West Central
St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444
Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:
Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"
At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street
2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org
Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net
Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service
Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am
The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday
Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm
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 the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
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Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 16, 23, 30, 2021
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Case: Thompson vs Knebel 27-CV-21-14773 Are you a renter who is having difficulty paying rent or utilities due Size: 3.4167 x 10 to COVID-19? Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul have teamed Ad Run: 12/16/21 - 12/30/21 up to create the Saint Paul-Ramsey County Rent Assistance Program, Ad Options: -a new tenant assistance program for Ramsey County renters struggling to pay rent due to the financial burdens of COVID-19. Eligible renters include households that earned 80% or less of area median income in 2020, or in the most recent month. Ramsey County Navigators can walk you through the application step-by-step in person or over the phone.
Call 651-266-0600 or visit a Service Center.
Employment & Legals
December 16-22, 2021
State of Minnesota
Case Type: Personal Injury
State of Minnesota
Case Type: Personal Injury
State of Minnesota
Case Type: Personal Injury
County of Anoka
District Court
County of Hennepin
District Court
County of Hennepin
District Court
Tenth Judicial District
Fourth Judicial District
Fourth Judicial District
Court File Number: 02-CV-21-5454
Court File Number: 27-CV-21-14725
Court File Number: 27-CV-21-14769
The Honorable: Laurie J. Miller
The Honorable: Judge Patrick D. Robben
The Honorable: Dynna L. Street SUMMONS
Fatima Ibrahim
13
Plaintiff vs Issack Hassan Defendant THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant:
SUMMONS
Abdiwahid Hussein,
Monique Riley-Pratt,
Plaintiff
Plaintiff
vs
vs
Trey Powell
Payne Nadarangua Nantambu
Defendant
Defendant
SUMMONS
THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant:
THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant:
1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you.
1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you.
The Plaintiffs Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw
The Plaintiffs Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw
these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must
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
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.
there may be no court file number on this summons.
2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR
2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR
RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a
RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a
written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you
written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you
received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person
received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person
who signed this summons located at:
who signed this summons located at:
Brantingham Law Office
Brantingham Law Office
Minneapolis, MN 55404
2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202
2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Minneapolis, MN 55404
332 Minnesota Street, Suite W1610
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written
St. Paul, MN 55101
response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether
response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written
you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the
you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the
response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether
Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must
Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must
you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the
say so in your Answer.
say so in your Answer.
Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN
RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED
RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN
THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case.
THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case.
RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED
You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against
You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against
THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case.
you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not
you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not
You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against
want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond.
want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond.
you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not
A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in
A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in
want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond.
the complaint.
the complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you
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
do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you
where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must
where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must
do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places
still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
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
6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be
ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of
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
the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response
the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 9, 16, 23, 2021
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 16, 23, 30, 2021
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 16, 23, 30, 2021
Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 12/7/2021
Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 12/13/2021
1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiffs Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham Law Office 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202
say so in your Answer.
A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.
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 the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
Case: Fatima Ibrahim v Issack Hassan: 02-CV-21-5454 Size: 3.4167 x 10.25 State of Minnesota District Court Ad Run:County 12/9/21 - 12/23/21Second Judicial District Ramsey Ad Options: Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-1302 Notice of Issuance of Emergency
Malcolm Horton, Jr.
(Ex Parte) Order for
State of Minnesota
District Court
Ramsey County Judicial District Case: Hussein vs Powell Second 27-CV-21-14725 Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-1341 Size: 3.4167 x 10 Ad Run: 12/16/21 12/30/21 Seydina Aliou MBaye Notice of Issuance of Emergency Ad Options: -(Ex Parte) Order for
State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333
Case: Pratt vs Nantambu: 27-CV-21-14773 Size: 3.4167 x 10 ASSUMED NAME: Ravel, a Curion Company Ad Run: PLACE 12/9/21 - 12/30/21 201 Irving Avenue North Suite 210 PRINCIPAL OF BUSINESS: Ad Options: -Minneapolis Minnesota 55405-1816 USA NAMEHOLDER(S):
Protection by Publication
Protection by Publication
Name:
Curion LLC
(Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)
(Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)
Address:
111 Pfingston Road Suite 450
In the Matter of Keyla N Velazquez and OBO minor children
In the Matter of Shalonna Marie MBaye OBO
vs Malcolm Horton, Jr.
Minor Child vs Seydina Aliou MBaye
To Respondent:
To Respondent:
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Order for Protection has been issued in
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Order for Protection has been issued in
this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator’s office
this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator’s office
within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of
within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of
the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court
the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court
administrator’s office at the following address:
administrator’s office at the following address: Ramsey County District Court
25 West Seventh Street
25 West Seventh Street
St Paul MN 55102
St Paul MN 55102
Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a
Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a
defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s order.
defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s order.
December 7, 2021
December 13, 2021
Court Administrator Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 16, 2021
Sr. Scrum Master for Medtronic, Inc. Sr. Scrum Master for Medtronic, Inc. in Mounds View, MN. Req. Master’s in Comp. Sci., Software Engr., Comp. Engr., Info. Sys., or Economics & 2 yrs. exp. in Agile & Scrum. Must possess a min. 2 yrs. exp. w/each of the following: Azure Client: Velazquez Jr 62-DA-FA-21-1302 DevOps, Microsoft TFS,v&Horton Confluence; concepts of product Size: x5 development &3.4167 lean portfolio mgmt. to incl. SDLC (Software Ad Run: 12/16/21 practicing Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall, Development Lifecycle) Ad Options: & Scaled Agile--Framework (SAFe); Agile consulting for multiple enterprise level organizations undergoing Agile software transformations; end to end product roadmap delivery; coordination of multiple scrum groups, incl. mature groups as well as newly formed groups; & coordinating Software group activities which incl. pair programming & test-driven development. The following Certification is required: Certified Scrum Master. To apply, visit https://jobs.medtronic.com/, select Req. #21000VVP. No agencies or phone calls please. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
United States If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document.
Ramsey County District Court
Donald W. Harper
Deerfield MN 60015
Donald W. Harper
If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required,or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Pam Ball MAILING ADDRESS: 111 Pfingston Road Suite 450 Deerfield Illinois 60015 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: ap@curioninsights.com
Court Administrator Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 16, 2021
Human Resources Manager New Hope Living, Brooklyn Park, MN seeks Human Resources Manager M-F; 9 to 5 PM. Recruiting, interviewing, Case: MBaye 62-DA-FA-21-1341 hiring, and conducting onboarding process for new employees. Size: 3.4167 x 5 Provide and performance management. Ensure that job Ad Run: training 12/16/21 Ad Options: and -- record keeping are current and adhere to all descriptions local, state, and federal regulations. Run applicant background checks, managing personnel files; investigate and resolve concerns between employees. Coordinate and complete all unemployment related paperwork; follow all HIPAA guidelines concerning client PHI and personnel files. Master’s Degree in Business Administration or Related Field required. Email resume and cover letter to: info@newhopelivinginc.com
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder December 9, 16, 2021
Writers invited to join the Spokesman-Recorder The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, weekly African Client: Ravel, a Curionnewspaper Company (print and online), American community Size: 3.4167 x 5 welcomes inquiries from freelance writers interested in Ad Options: For an additional $150 with print, you can get online writing compelling news$300 stories and features. Without print Looking for writers intimately familiar with the African American experience, interested in telling its stories. Experience in journalistic writing preferred. Payment is per article and is commensurate with experience. Send inquiries to Mel Reeves (Community editor), at mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.
14
December 16-22, 2021
Sports
Oliva, O’Neil Hall of Fame inductions long overdue
hen Tony Oliva’s name was announced as a member of the 2022 National Baseball Hall of Fame class, three words came to mind: It’s about time. When Buck O’Neil made the same class, four more words were echoed: It took too long. Cooperstown, a Mayberry-like town in upstate New York, is home to the Hall of Fame, where it takes at least 75% of the votes for a player to be elected. For too many players, it’s an annual waiting game in December and
January for a call from the Hall folk. “You had a different committee” this time around, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Executive Director Bob Kendrick last week told the MSR. He referred to the Early Baseball Era Committee that finally selected O’Neil (1911-2006), a 10-year Negro Leagues veteran player and manager, who later became the first Black coach in Major League Baseball, and Bud Fowler (1858-1913), who is credited as the first Black professional baseball player in U.S. history. Fowler once played for
“He was such a complete player and a great teammate.”
NCAA grad rates up, racial gap narrowing By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist he overall NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for college football players of bowlbound teams “substantially” improved from last season, especially the long-standing racial gap, says the latest “Keeping Score When It Comes” report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES). Richard Lapchick The overall GSR is 81.3%, MSR file photo up from 78 percent in 2020, reported TIDES Director Richard Lapchick on the Dec. head coaches in Big Ten men’s 7 report. Yet he quickly point- basketball, a 100 percent imed out that the Black-White provement from five years ago graduation gap, although when there were none. closer, still exists: 78% for “The Big Ten and Minnesota Black players and nearly 90% has the right guy here,” said for White players. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo “While the gap between on first-year Gopher HC Ben White and Black football stuJohnson, one of four first-year dent-athletes decreased this coaches in the conference. year,” he wrote in the report’s The other Black coaches are executive summary, “the gap Micah Shrewsberry (Penn this year is 11.7 percent, down State), Mike Woodson (Indifrom 16.3 percent last year. It ana), Danny Manning (Marycontinues to be a major issue.” land), and Juwan Howard, now “This is a snapshot in time,” in his third season at Michigan. Lapchick told the MSR last There are two Black week. “I’ve been told by peo- women head coaches in the ple on campus that students conference: C. Vivian Stringer in general are spending more (on health leave) and Marisa time in their studies than they Moseley, who’s in her first have in the past because they season at Wisconsin. had a lot more normal lives” “I know what it’s like to be after the pandemic-affected a first-year head coach,” said 2020 year on college camIzzo, who’s been State head puses nationwide. coach since 1995. Like John-
“Minnesota is doing so well in terms of closing the gap here.” The Big Ten has the highest GSR for Black football players with multiple schools in bowls this season. Minnesota is among seven Big Ten schools in bowls this year, which includes Michigan in the national championship semifinals. The Gophers, scheduled to play West Virginia in Phoenix Dec. 28, has a 93% graduation rate for its Black players but 100% for its White players. “Minnesota is doing so well in terms of closing the gap here,” said Lapchick. Big Ten Black coaches Today there are five Black
son, the Hall of Fame coach’s first head coaching opportunity occurred in the Big Ten. “To do that in the Big Ten is not easy,” he recalled. “I want him to do well. It will be good for the Big Ten.” After speaking to reporters following the Spartans’ win over Minnesota last week, Izzo told the MSR, “Micah at Penn State is really good. Juwan has already proven himself. Ben is going to be a great addition because he’s a good guy and he is going to do it the right way.” For the record, Johnson
■ See NCAA on page 12
(l-r) Charles Crutchfield IV, Charles Crutchfield II, Tony Oliva Photos by Charles Hallman a team in Stillwater, Minn. in the then-Northwestern League in 1884. “I think they looked at it in a broader sense,” added Kendrick. O’Neil and Minnie Minoso (1925-2015) both were bypassed in 2006 by a special Hall of Fame committee that inducted 17 former Negro Leagues players, managers
Tony Oliva and Jim Kaat (on screen)
and executives. Minoso, the titles, five-time hits leader and an eight-time All-Star. first Cuban to play in the He has waited 45 years to majors, was a former Negro get the call from the Hall on Leaguer and the secondDec. 5. ever major leaguer to play “We never gave up,” said in five different decades (17 Oliva’s wife, Gordette. His seasons). daughter Anita told us, The 83-year-old Oliva, who played 15 seasons with “Sometimes it’s hard to put yourself in the shoes of my the Minnesota Twins, was father. I’ve been waiting for the winner of three batting
so long. This is something that he has wanted and we’ve waited for for so long. “When my father came to the United States [from Cuba], there was still a lot of segregation in baseball. Not only was he Black, he didn’t speak any English. But he never saw that as a huge
■ See View on page 12
Top Gopher recruit has Coach Whalen excited There 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 2021-22 school and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher freshman basketball player Alanna Micheaux. efore this season, after a practice, Minnesota WBB Coach Lindsay Whalen asked this observing reporter my first impression
“She’s had some really good games.” of freshman forward Alanna Rose Micheaux. You could see
her 6’-2” physicalness, and Whalen, high on her overall toughness, then predicted that Micheaux will before long see plenty of court time. Micheaux made her collegiate debut at Arizona State Nov. 12, grabbing two rebounds in almost four minutes in the Gophers’ second game of the season. Since then, she is averaging just under 14 minutes a contest. “I couldn’t have done it without the team,” declared Micheaux after her breakout 23-point, seven-boards in a 25-minute performance Dec. 1 at home against North Carolina. She missed only two shots in 10 tries and later earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the first for the Gophers since Jasmine Powell in 2019-20, who won the award twice that season. Sadly, some local report-
hyperbole. “She’s had some really good games,” noted Whalen last week after a practice. Now in Big Ten play, the Wayne, Mich. forward will be challenged going up against the conference’s best frontcourt players. “It’s going to be a big-time challenge,” said the coach, “so it’ll be good for her.” “I feel like with more practice and the more time I put into my craft, I can bring more to the team,” said Micheaux. Assistant Coach Shimmy Gray-Miller works with the team bigs. She told me that Micheaux works hard and is Alanna Rose Micheaux picking up the college game at Photo by Dr. Mitchell McDonald a steady pace. “We see her work after practice [and] before practice,” ers after her breakout game virtually put Micheaux among marveled graduate student the Gopher greats, something Deja Winters of her teammate. “She’s been putting in work.” both she, Whalen, and this reporter quickly dismissed as ■ See SOE on page 12
Hopkins, Minnetonka, Gopher men, Samedy making their mark Maya Nnaji, and junior Taylor Woodson. Kiani Lockett, who is headed to Creighton University next fall, and Desiree Ware, likewise to the University of Alabama-Birmingham, lead the Skippers. The head coach at Hopkins is former Minneapolis North girls’ basketball standout Tara Starks. his week’s column includes two girls’ basketball teams ranked nationally, two former prep basketball stars leading the Gophers, a group of outstanding prep boys’ basketball players, and the end of an outstanding volleyball career at the collegiate level.
Johnson, Battle leading Gophers Ben Johnson and Jamison Battle, both graduates of DeLaSalle High School, have gotten the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team off to a good start. Johnson, a former Islanders guard who led the team to back-to-back Class 2A state Hopkins, Minnetonka ranked championships in 1998 and Don’t look now, but ’99 and then played collegiateHopkins (No. 2) and ly at Northwestern University Minnetonka (No. 19) are and Minnesota, has led the ranked in the ESPN High Gophers to one of their best School girls’ top 25. starts in school history. The second-ranked Royals Battle, a 6’9” sophomore, are led by University of Minstarred in football and basnesota signee Amaya Battle, ketball at DeLaSalle, leading University of Arizona commit ■ See PREP on page 12
Hopkins forward Maya Nnaji goes for the jump ball tip as teammate Taylor Woodson (20) watches during a 83-43 victory over St. Paul Como Park at Hamline University (St. Paul MN) on Friday November 26.
Minnetonka guard Kiani Lockett goes for two during a 54-25 victory over White Bear Lake Friday, November 26 at Hamline University. Photos by Dr. Mitchell McDonald