January 19, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Encampment evictions continue in winter 2023

Activists, homeless people respond

By Cole Miska Contributing Writer

The displacement of unhoused people continued into the new year as MnDOT announced they will clear out a homeless encampment near downtown Minneapolis after a man was shot and killed there on Jan. 12.

This follows the eviction of one of Minneapolis’s oldest unhoused encampments, known as The Quarry, by the City on Dec. 30, 2022. The Quarry was one of more than a half-dozen encampments that were swept by the City in 2022.

“We will continue to urge the City to stop criminalizing the survival strategies of unsheltered homeless people, and we are strategizing ways to take legal action on their behalf to end the cruelty and violence of encampment evictions,” said Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality.

In response to the evictions throughout 2022, a group of activists hosted a “People’s Council” in South Minneapolis on Dec. 18. Aaron Johnson, one of the organizers, said the meeting arose out of a frustration that came from feeling like the city council was not hearing the requests of activists.

The meeting happened less than 24 hours before a different encampment sweep occurred in Minneapolis under the Interstate 35W bridge at 31st Street. “I thought to myself, we really need to have our own format where we can speak about these issues, because there are people dying and [the city council] is not even listening,” Johnson said.

“If they’re gonna

■ See EVICTIONS on page 5

Restoring affordable housing in St. Paul’s Highland Bridge area

By Evette Porter Managing Editor

he groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, January 17, for Restoring Waters and Nellie Francis Court— Emma Norton and Project for Pride in Living’s (PPL) new housing developments—is part of St Paul’s Highland Bridge Master Plan, which designated 20% of the 3,800 planned units for affordable housing.

Situated on 135 acres of land along the Mississippi River, on the old Ford Motor assembly plant site, the city is developing a new mixeduse neighborhood with clean technologies and high-quality, energy-designed buildings and infrastructure.

Emma Norton, the developer of the Restoring Waters project— a 60-unit transformational housing development—provides a

Beyond MLK Day, how are you keeping King’s dream alive?

[King’s dream] with my grandbabies so they can continue that legacy and make sure everybody gets along. There’s solidarity in the community and there are also good things going on in the community.

By Nikki Love Contributing Writer

During MLK Day this year, the MSR was once again out in the community, including KMOJ’s 10th Annual Soul Bowl. We asked community members the question: How are you keeping King’s dream alive?

I know we have a lot going on that brings people down, but this [Soul Bowl event] is one of the things I look forward to that makes everybody happy and come together. Just love on one another, and if you got family out there, make sure that you’re checking up on them ‘cause life is just too short. So just love everybody. That’s my motto.

Promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace where I work—I’m a manager out at Paisley Park. That is one of my biggest goals, as well as promoting equality and spirituality through music.

Show them the importance of family, and togetherness in our community. That’s what it’s all about.

[I came out to Soul Bowl] to spend time with my brothers and sisters on this glorious day and to remember the struggle that Dr. Martin Luther King went through and that it continues, and we still need to band together for change.

Leila French

word out that our lives matter and that we as Black people need to stand up and make sure we know what we’re doing. We need to stay on track and keep on going in our movement.

I’m going to be getting out in the community more and supporting all our local businesses. I’m going to be sharing

Recently, I went on strike

It’s time for all of us to band together and promote peace and prosperity amongst each other to be able to come together as adults in this community and foster good environments for our children. Promote positive energy and show them a better way than to be out in these streets.

That’s a hard question. I’ve been staying on the side of right and fighting through life. I know that King was a very good leader and high school just taught the basics about him. But college taught me that he was really trying to put his

I am keeping King’s dream alive through the children. Through positivity. Through my comedy camp. The youth that is being labeled as troubled; we find the talents behind the trouble. Some of these kids that get labeled as bad, in reality, they are actually talented. Sometimes you have to weed through the weeds and find these young talented, beautiful bright children. So, I’m keeping Dr. King’s dream alive through the children.

I am governing myself in a way that is inclusive to others. And in the event that I feel there’s some type of injustice going on in my immediate reach or that I become aware of, I do my best to make some noise about that.

Keep [the dream] alive, keep the music alive, keep the peace alive, like the movement that Dr. King stood for wasn’t just about equality and racial equality but equality amongst our people. It has been said that until we learn how to treat us, outsiders will never know how to treat us, so let’s treat ourselves the right way.

Nikki Love welcomes reader responses to nlove@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Black economic empowerment takes center stage at MLK Day event

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer

Community members and local and national leaders gathered last Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Amherst Wilder Foundation headquarters in St. Paul to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of the federal holiday and discuss issues close to home impacting the Black community in Minnesota.

Over 30 guest speakers and panelists were slated for the event to discuss a range of topics including the mental and physical effects of gentrification and engaging in public policy. Much of the day’s focus was on the history of the Rondo community and the economic impact of dividing the community with Interstate 94.

Food vendors and businesses lined the walkways and lobby area of the Wilder building, underlying the day's theme of economic development and empowerment. Between panels, attendees enjoyed musical performances from Priest and The Righteous 1’s, D’Nic, Ty’Davinchi, and others.

The event was organized by BOB Rewards

Black business and homeownership

“Most of our businesses are already businesses when they've come to us,” Webb explained. “We do help people and strategize

the incubation of new businesses, but primarily they've already started a business. Our goal is to

viable.”

them strategize more, to help

revenue coming to make them

With 35 years of experience in sales and marketing, Webb has pivoted in her career from working with companies such as Waste Management and AAA Motors to Black-owned businesses with the aim of providing the sales infrastructure they need to thrive.

Webb is a resident of Minneapolis, but a Rondo native, and in organizing Saturday’s event, she put the topics of Black economics and homeownership front and center for attendees.

Webb recalled a time when she and her peers at St. Agnes High School had to march

Anthony Johnson

JeTaun Smith

with Minneapolis Public Schools for 14 days for safe and stable schools and equal pay.

Patrick Adams

Elliot Vreeland

Marie Shante

Photos by Nikki Love.

Club, an organization founded by Michelle Gibson Webb in 2017, with the mission of changing the socioeconomic status of Black Americans through business partnerships,

skills-building, and homeownership. The organization became a nonprofit in 2020, and provides business owners with several programs to support their businesses such as brand

marketing, sales training, a virtual call center to field calls, and retail distribution services.

for

help

them keep the

very

(l-r) Portia Jackson, Anika Bowie, Keith Baker, and Dr. Deborah Mitchell

Photo by Abdi Mohamed

pass resolutions that affect us, we’re gonna come together in a democratic

MGN

The Restoring Waters and Nellie Francis Court groundbreaking Courtesy of Emma Norton

By Tim Walker

Hair discrimination is a proxy for racial discrimination, Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFLMpls) said on the House Floor Wednesday. She spoke about the many times she has felt pressure to straighten her natural hair out of fear of losing a job or not being taken as seriously in the workplace.

Agbaje sponsors the bill HF37, passed by the House 111-19, which specifies that racial discrimination prohib-

ited under the Minnesota Human Rights Act would include discrimination based on “traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locs, and twists.”

“The purpose of the bill is to allow more people to show up as their authentic selves in school or in the workplace without fear of repercussion because of their hair,” she said.

While the bill would apply to all hairstyles, Black people have been particularly bur-

dened by discrimination based on hair, said Agbaje. She cited research showing that 80% of Black women have had to change their natural hair to fit in at the office.

A similar bill sponsored by Agbaje last session passed the House but was not acted on by the Senate. The language in the bill comes from the CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” and has been adopted by 19 other states.

“By adding this clarifying defi-

nition to our law, we can proudly say that Minnesota is an inclusive state that wants everyone to thrive and not have the additional mental strain of worrying about their hair,” she said.

“In 2023, we should not be asking people to tamp down their identity or their culture.”

The Crown Act would need to be voted on by the full Senate and signed by Gov. Tim Walz before it becomes law.

Source: House Sessions Daily

Fewer women enrolling in college Pandemic, racial equity are factors

By Mike Moen

Higher education experts say a concerning trend has emerged in the pandemic—declining college enrollment among young women. Those pushing for greater equity at the college level say it appears to be another roadblock for women of color.

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center says across the U.S. freshman college enrollment for women last fall fell by more than 3%—compared to 1.2% for men. Ikram

Mohamud, college race equity initiative coordinator for the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership, said it isn’t out of the question to connect those numbers to the challenges families have faced during the crisis.

“We know that women of color are more likely to come from lower family incomes,” said Mohamud. “So, even with the pandemic and so many people losing opportunities, women of color have had to step up in different ways to either take care of the family [or] find another job.”

Mohamud added that while high-school graduation rates have improved for women of color in Minnesota, access to college has long been more difficult. That’s mainly due to affordability.

She said the pandemic has made those limited opportunities even smaller, leaving these young women to mostly consider lower-paying jobs. Mohamud pointed out that jobs that don’t require a college degree, but provide a steady income, skew mainly towards men.

“Long-haul trucking, construction,” said Mohamud, “a lot of male-dominated opportunities that women don’t have access to, do tend to pay fam-

ily-sustaining wages in Minnesota.” Minnesota has a goal of ensuring that 70% of adults ages 25 to 44—and across all racial and ethnic groups—have attained a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2025.

But Mohamud said to meet these benchmarks, financial aid reform is needed, including the Minnesota state grant program. She noted that it’s outdated in recognizing the unique economic challenges students of color often contend with.

MNC

Mike Moen writes for the Minnesota News Connection.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.

Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Mpls) Courtesy House Sessions Daily

Health

What are dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD Senior Medical Consultant and Nathan Keller, B.A. Guest Contributor

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating brain disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive condition that impacts memory, thinking and behavior and is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline in mental ability. It affects memory, thinking, problem-solving, social skills and language.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including memory loss, difficulty in organizing thoughts, problems with problem-solving, impaired ability to communicate, impaired motor skills, confusion, disorientation, and behavioral changes.

The cause of dementia varies, although age is the most common risk factor, and the condition typically affects people over 65. Other risk factors for dementia may include a family history of dementia, lifestyle, head injury, and other health conditions such as stroke or

Parkinson’s disease.

The management of dementia aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. This may include medications, therapies, lifestyle changes, and strategies for dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.

Medication can help reduce some symptoms and slow down the condition’s progress. Treatments such as occupational therapy and music therapy may also be recommended.

It is also essential to create a calm and supportive environment for the person with dementia, which can include providing secure and familiar surroundings and activities to engage them daily. Finally, it is important to educate family members and other caregivers about how to best care for the person with dementia.

Alzheimer’s (dementia) disease is characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain. These proteins accumulate between and inside nerve cells, disrupting brain cell function and eventually killing them.

As mentioned, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Exercise may help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies of Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s typically begin with memory loss and difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as forgetting names or misplacing objects. Changes in mood or behavior, such as becoming easily agitated or withdrawing from social activities, may accompany early symptoms.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may stop showing up to family gatherings, hobbies, clubs, and friend hangouts. As the disease progresses, affected individuals may experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, and coordinating movement.

These symptoms can significantly affect a person’s ability to do daily tasks and can lower the quality of their life. People with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones should be aware of these symptoms and see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Risk factors for Alzheimer’s

There are several known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most significant risk factors for the disease is aging. Alzheimer’s risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 65.

Furthermore, individuals with a parent, sibling or child with the disease are more likely to develop the condition. In addition to age and family history, genetic mutations have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. If you are concerned about developing Alzheimer’s, you may be interested in getting tested for these genetic mutations.

Genetic testing for Alzheimer’s is generally not recommended for people without symptoms, as the test results may not provide helpful information about a person’s risk of developing the disease. However, if you have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other risk factors, you may discuss the potential benefits and limitations of genetic testing with your healthcare provider.

Genetic testing for Alzheimer’s is done through a blood or saliva test. The test results may help you and your primary care provider make informed decisions about your health. The preferred way to test for Alzheimer’s is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). It is a brief, standardized test commonly used to assess cognitive function, particularly memory and attention.

Reducing your Alzheimer’s risk

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps that people can take to lower

their risk of getting the disease. These steps include:

1. Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in plant-based foods, fish, and healthy fats, may be good for brain health.

2. Staying physically active: There are a few ways that exercise may help lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which may help provide nutrients to brain cells and support their growth and survival.

Physical activity may reduce inflammation in the brain and increase the production of chemicals involved in learning and

oping the disease.

Following these steps may reduce the risk of developing the condition and improve brain health. While managing Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, individuals with dementia can live meaningful lives with the proper care and support.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College. He also has a private practice, Crutchfield Dermatology, in Eagan, MN. Dr. Crutchfield specializes in skin-of-color and has been selected by physicians and nurses as one of the leading dermatologists in Minnesota for the past 20 years. He is the

memory. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of highintensity exercise each week.

3. Staying mentally and socially active: Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills, may help improve brain function and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Staying socially active by maintaining relationships and participating in group activities also protects brain health.

4. Managing chronic conditions: Alzheimer’s risk increases with chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Managing these conditions through lifestyle changes and prescription medication may help reduce the risk of devel-

consulting team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of the American and National Medical Associations and past president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians. He can be reached at CrutchfieldDermatology.com or by calling 651-209-3600.

Nathan Keller B.S., is a certified dermatology technician at Crutchfield Dermatology with a degree in biology, society and environment from the University of Minnesota. As a former men’s soccer team member, he is dedicated to combating health inequities and is currently applying to medical school. At Crutchfield Dermatology he is passionate about providing high-quality care to patients from all backgrounds.

Individuals with dementia can live meaningful lives with the proper care and support.

Reported incidents of identity theft and fraud have seen a steady uptick, with 5.7 million cases in 2021, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

The most commonly reported form of identity theft is credit card fraud, followed by government documents or benefits fraud, loan or lease fund fraud, employment or taxrelated fraud, bank fraud, and phone or utility fraud, according to Experian. The estimated costs of identity theft will grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Fortunately, you can protect your identity through these steps, so you don’t fall victim to identity theft attacks in 2023.

Destroy your paper trail

When you get mail with credit card offers, bank statements, and utility bills, always dispose of them. Shred sensitive material or cover it with something disgusting in the trash. Don’t leave receipts behind at gas stations or grocery store checkouts. Even these tiny slips of paper could contain vital personal information.

Keep track of your credit card

Lose your credit card? Cancel it and get a new one im-

mediately before someone can make fraudulent charges to your account.

One strategy for keeping your credit card safe is to put it into a cellphone case and never allow someone to borrow it or let it out of your sight, including at restaurants.

Know who is emailing

Spam emails accounted for 45% of all emails in December 2021, equaling about 145 billion emails daily, according to Mail Modo. Though many spam emails go directly to your junk folder, some slip through because they closely mimic a

genuine email.

To verify an email’s legitimacy, look for correct or close to correct grammar and punctuation. Analyze the address to determine if it matches the organization the email claims. Fortunately, you can quickly search to verify the domain name—the part after the “@” symbol—a company uses in legitimate emails.

If you need to visit a company’s website to, for example, sign into your account, visit the website in a new tab or window rather than clicking an email link. Finally, never email your Social Security number or

any credit card number.

Use two-factor authentication

When available, set up twofactor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Called 2FA for short, it goes beyond asking for a username and password by requiring additional identification to log in, such as a passcode, a key code, a fingerprint, or facial recognition.

“Businesses use 2FA to help protect their employees’ personal and business assets,” according to Microsoft.“This is important because it prevents

Use a single credit card for online shopping

Should hackers gain access to your accounts, all information, including credit and debit card information, will be theirs. That’s why My Smart Money recommends designating a single credit card for all online transactions.

cate that someone is applying for a loan or new credit card. They also let you see what accounts are open in your name, the amount of credit card debt you have, and the average age of your accounts.

Should your credit score suddenly drop or accounts show up that you didn’t sign up for, it’s time to investigate whether someone has stolen your identity.

Unfortunately, with the number of identity thefts, it may not be a question of if but

Check your credit report

You can get a free credit report every year at annualcreditreport.com. Credit bureaus will include information about the number of pulls on your credit score, which indi-

when someone will steal your identity. Resolve to protect yourself this year from worry and potential financial loss by following these tips and sharing them with your friends and family.

Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Phyllis Wheatley Community Center believes in prioritizing peace above conflict, rejecting hate in favor of love, and helping people find their individual pathways to self-sufficiency. We support individuals on pathways to discovering their strengths, building the skills they need to leverage their talents for success, and taking control over their own futures. We believe in community as a source of strength, support, and opportunity, and strive to serve as a beacon of hope, offering services designed to break cycles – of violence, trauma, and hopelessness – and turn poverty to prosperity, disadvantage to resilience.

Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Phyllis Wheatley Community Center believes in prioritizing peace above conflict, rejecting hate in favor of love, and helping people find their individual pathways to self-sufficiency. We support individuals on pathways to discovering their strengths, building the skills they need to leverage their talents for success, and taking control over their own futures. We believe in community as a source of strength, support, and opportunity, and strive to serve as a beacon of hope, offering services designed to break cycles – of violence, trauma, and hopelessness – and turn poverty to prosperity, disadvantage to resilience.

Be a part of our evolution this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. By choosing acceptance and love, and to weaken the power of revenge, aggression, and retaliation in our community, city, country, and world.

Be a part of our evolution this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. By choosing acceptance and love, and to weaken the power of revenge, aggression, and retaliation in our community, city, country, and world.

“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your internal data records for their own use.”

Photo by Nikolay Antonov via 123RF

Photo by lightwise via 123RF

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Evictions

process and we’re gonna come up with demands and expectations and hold our leaders accountable to those expectations as the people.”

Johnson called the meeting, which was the first assembly of the People’s Council, a “trial run.” The meeting was several hours long, with several local unhoused people sharing their stories. Activists discussed strategies on how to best serve the local unhoused population, both through direct action and at a legislative level.

Simeon Aitken, one of the organizers, said the main goal of the event was to elevate the voice of unhoused people who may otherwise go unheard and to push for a moratorium on all evictions of encampments over the winter.

“[Our goals are] to strengthen the people’s resistance against the unjust and inhumane treatment that the

City of Minneapolis and police forces continue to carry out against poor, marginalized and unhoused people, specifically the violent and destructive raids frequently on unhoused people living together also known as sweeps or encampment evictions,” Aitken said.

Aitken spoke on the importance of the moratorium as something that could save lives. “To put it bluntly, [the moratorium] will reduce the number of people who will die this winter,” Aitken said. “Because people are going to die this winter because of living in the streets. And evictions accelerate that. They make it impossible for people to stay put. They make it impossible for people to stay in touch with their case workers.”

One unhoused couple, who did not give their names, said they appreciated the encampment at The Quarry, as it provided them with extra security.

“What the camp means to me—I’m not alone there,” the man said. “Have you ever been out there by yourself, alone—really, really alone—not with

your significant other or whoever? That’s the scariest sh** in the world. I don’t care how big you are, if you have a gun, it’s not cool.”

The woman in the couple agreed: “I was all by myself, and it’s nice to have a place to go where people are around me. If someone’s planning to do something to harm you, there’s people at the camp who are gonna do something,” the woman said.

some reason,” the man said. “I don’t really keep nice things. It’s kind of hard to.”

The man also spoke on his difficulty doing a job search due to the stressful conditions of encampment life. “Have you ever woken up in the morning, you haven’t showered in a month, you smell like campfire, you have no propane in [the heater], and they say, ‘Get a job?’”

The couple noted they do not want to go to a shelter because they want to avoid being split up. While Hennepin County does offer shelter services to childless couples, only a select few shelters are able to serve couples and have a limited capacity.

ment resident said. “We don’t want it there either, I promise you.”

The Dec. 18 event also served as a supply drive. Residents said their number-one need going into winter is propane to heat their tents.

“If all we get out of this is a good amount of propane for us and make sure everyone has a heater, cool,” the man from the unhoused couple said. “You don’t got to feed us, no clothes, nothing. We just want to be warm.”

Organizers decided to begin hosting the meeting on a monthly basis. One organizer, Christin Crabtree, said she was very happy with the event, estimating around 50 people attended.

The couple said that they have had to move at least three times this year, and have lost most of their possessions, including at least one tent, each time they relocate. The man said he is unable to work because his identification and social security card were taken by the City in a sweep.

“Everything I get ends up gone for

Housing

place for women and families who have experienced trauma and homelessness and require comprehensive support services in their recovery.

In addition, the St. Paulbased nonprofit operates a 50-unit building near downtown St. Paul and a townhome site in Maplewood.

“All residents will have access to a case manager and peer support specialist,” said Tonya Brownlow, executive director of St. Paul-based Emma Norton. “We will also have a small clinic in the building for our visiting nurse, as well as other volunteer health specialists,” added Brownlow.

“We will open the space to acupuncturists, chiropractic care, massage therapists, mental health professionals, and any others that want to volunteer. We also are preparing to hire a clinical director for more specialized mental health services,” continued Brownlow.

“Restoring Waters is permanent supportive housing—and people can live there for as long as they want to—provided they maintain the conditions of their lease,” said Brownlow.

“[It] uses a government benefit known as Housing Support to create more housing opportunities for people with disabilities and that are considered to be long-term homeless,” she continued.

“Restoring Waters has been intentionally designed to incorporate trauma-informed design principles into the building, which is different than most other apartment buildings, including market rate and affordable housing.”

In addition to Restoring Waters’ 60 units, Nellie Francis Court will provide 75 apartments—from studios to two bedrooms—for lowincome working individuals and families. It will also include a community room, workspace, wellness space, bike room, and underground parking that will be shared with Emma Norton residents.

“The building is named after Nellie Griswold Francis, founder of the Everywoman Suffrage Club (ESC) in 1914,

which was the only Black woman suffrage organization in Minnesota at the time,” said Brownlow.

In 1920, the ESC became the Everywoman Progres-

Another unhoused resident, who also declined to give a name, said she tried to get a dumpster to her encampment, but garbage companies refused to drop one as the encampment did not have an official address, and that the City would not help.

“Everyone loves to say we’re just filthy, living in garbage,” the encamp-

“That felt really good to me that we were able to make room and make space that was safe for people who are maybe typically not safe when there’s police and stuff around,” Crabtree said. “So that felt really good and that we were able to do it in a way where we really centered the people who ought to be at the center of this work.”

sive Council, dedicated to the promotion of political and economic equality and social justice, according to the Minnesota Historical Society. Funded through tax hous-

for the right to observe MLK Day, but now laments the idea that it’s been co-opted and whitewashed from its origin of promoting civil rights and Black empowerment.

“When I was a kid, we didn't have a holiday,” she said. “We would march in St. Paul in the middle of the street for the right to have the holiday. It would be 20 below zero outside.”

Black political no-shows

Although the day was full of guest speakers and panelists, there was a noticeable absence of some prominent political figures who were scheduled to participate in the panels.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Attorney General Keith Ellison dropped out of the event in the days prior, though they were scheduled for the event for weeks. Webb and others publicly shared their disapproval of the last-minute pullout by the mayor and attorney general.

“Rena Moran, Keith Ellison, nor the mayor showed up, but that’s a reflection of them,” she said. “These people are really not into Black economic development, or they’re too afraid to talk about it in public.”

Karen

The panel was made up of local activists and former lawmakers, but also the family members of those killed by police such as Valerie Castile the mother of Philando Castile, and Toshira Garraway Allen, founder of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence. Wells received a question from the audience as to what she would say to Ellison if he had attended the event.

“The question I would ask Keith Elli-

son if he was here in front of him me, I would ask him, now that the people who look like me and my son and yourself voted you back in are you going to go back and do your job like you said you were going to do and look at all the bodycam footage regarding my son’s execution and are you going to bring charges?” she answered.

Attorney General Ellison’s office said it never received an invitation for the law enforcement panel and did not know why the organizers included his photo in a list of speakers. However, Ellison did speak at the “Building Black Wealth” event, adding,

Cole

ing credits and other government funding, the majority of referrals for Restoring Waters are required to come through the coordinated entry system for homeless individuals. To qualify, people must be homeless and have a disability for a long duration.

“Supportive housing requires that people receive supportive services in addition to affordable housing,” said Brownlow. “Our affordability is targeted at those who are extremely or very low income—meaning they earn 30% of area median income.”

She added, “Nellie Francis Court is referred to as ‘workforce housing’ and is an affordable housing development, without supportive services, that targets people earning 50–60% of area median income.”

By the time Restoring Waters and Nellie Court open, they will likely have a long waiting list of applicants.

“The number of housing units being developed for Restoring Waters and Nellie Court is relatively small,” said Brownlow.

“Any housing units created address the needs. But the challenge is that these projects take so long to develop

Community preservation

The last panel of the day was titled “The Future of Black Economic Development for The Native Rondo Community” and featured Keith Baker, Anika Bowie, Dr. Deborah Mitchell, and Portia Jackson.

The panel discussed the viability of the land bridge project and the importance of restoring the Rondo community as an economic engine

welcomes reader responses at cmiska@spokesman-recorder.com.

Miska

that they can’t keep up with the need overall,” she added.

“There is not enough rental housing overall in for the Twin Cities—for affordable housing or market rate—and adding all the units being built at Highland Bridge will help add to the overall housing stock.”

Together, the two projects will bring much-needed supportive and affordable housing to this historic St. Paul neighborhood. The location is ideal for families and households as it is close to seven newly designed city parks, retail stores, bus service, and an LRT Station.

Both projects are being developed by Project for Pride in Living (PPL), designed by Urbanworks Architecture, and constructed by Ryan Companies US, Inc. Construction in Highland Bridge is targeted for completion in late 2023 and early 2024 for both buildings.

“Restoring Waters is a project that St. Paul supports in its commitment to developing deeply affordable housing units,” said Brownlow.

Evette Porter welcomes reader responses to eporter@ spokesman-recorder.com.

for the St. Paul Black community.

“The land bridge, if you will, is simply a tool, a mechanism to be used in one's interest in the community,” Baker said. As a former assistant director and manager at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Baker now leads the effort to explore the land bridge project as the executive director of ReConnect Rondo.

“I hate to get kind of wonky, but I do get into the details a little bit,” Baker continued. “So, it's important for us to understand why working collectively and elevating our understanding of what's going on in the ecosystem is so critical because if we are thinking ahead, we can set conditions and position to better benefit us.”

Across the United States, several Black communities were displaced due to the U.S. interstate highway project. Black communities in cities like Syracuse, Nashville, and Miami saw their communities divided in an effort to connect the country through a web of freeways. It’s estimated that over one million people were displaced by the highway-building program.

A full live stream of the MLKNow2023 event is available online on the BOB Rewards Club YouTube Channel.

Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader responses to amohamed@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Wells, the mother of Amir Locke, also spoke out on the absence of Attorney General Ellison during a panel on policies regarding law enforcement.

“My interest in and activism for building Black wealth is longstanding.”

MSR did not receive a response from Mayor Carter at press time.

“You don’t got to feed us, no clothes, nothing. We just want to be warm.”

“The building is named after Nellie Griswold Francis, founder of the Everywoman Suffrage Club in 1914, which was the only Black woman suffrage organization in Minnesota at the time.”

Michelle Gibson Webb speaking from the audience

Photo by Abdi Mohamed

Arts & Culture

Author found healing in sharing a traumatic experience

were very supportive.”

By Nikki Love Contributing Writer

Some longtime KMOJ listeners may already know media personality Lisa Moy. But for those who don’t, let me introduce her to you.

Moy loves music but radio is her passion, and she has been working in Twin Cities radio for 12 years. She started at KMOJ and worked there for about seven years (morning show and mid-days) before transitioning to Go 95.3, where she worked until the station was sold during the pandemic. Now Moy works at the Graves Foundation, which is focused on closing equity gaps and improving the lives of young people.

Moy has been writing poetry and short stories and journaling since she was a child. In 2022, her years of writing resulted in her first book “November.”

Moy told the MSR that she chose the title because the experience that the book is centered on happened in November—Friday, November 13, 2015 to be exact. On that day,

Moy suffered a miscarriage due to an ectopic pregnancy.

Most women keep early miscarriages a secret and just move on because no one knows they are pregnant. It wasn’t that easy for Moy because she had never thought about becoming a mom in the first place.

She was in denial at first, but then she embraced the idea of becoming a mother and

Moy says her intentions were not to put out a book to tell people how strong she was.

“Most people who have read the book said I was a strong person. I was not prepared for the feedback I’m receiving. People are saying I was strong, but I didn’t feel that way as I was writing.”

However, Moy did find strength in sharing her experience. “The book was like a healing process—writing about the experience was therapeutic,” she said. “I’m at a point in my life where I can actually discuss

and have empathy; if you don’t know or want to know something, ask questions.

Show support, but if the woman is not ready to talk, respect that. Share her space and give her time.

Moy encourages women who are experiencing the trauma of a miscarriage, or any health issue, to educate themselves and know their options. She said women should get a better understanding of what they need and do their own research, since women of color often do not get the same medical care as others.

Moy thought the best way to have more creative rights was to independently publish the book. “I’m new to the publishing game and do not know what it entails. I am learning as I go,” she said.

thought maybe it was meant to be. But as soon as she warmed up to the idea, the opportunity was taken away from her.

“I have always been familyoriented,” Moy said. “I love my mama, sister, daddy, and now my niece. When I informed my family [of the pregnancy], they

what happened to me without breaking down, falling apart, or being overly emotional.”

Unfortunately, Moy is not with the same partner she was with at the time she wrote the book. But her advice to men is to be patient with a partner who has suffered a miscarriage

Today, Moy is strong and optimistic and says she has more endeavors on the horizon. Once she found her voice, she made sure to use it as a platform, and she is thankful for all the support.

People who are interested in purchasing “November” can get a copy at Amazon.com. To learn

more, follow her on social media @LisaMoy or visit her website at itslisamoy.com.

This ‘House Party’ just goes on too long

FILM REVIEW

By Dwight Brown

Bringing the ’90s back is hard work. So hard that this new “House Party” reboot only gets half the job done. But when it’s on, it’s on.

For those who were in a drug-induced coma during the 1990s, the duo Kid ‘n Play (Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin) threw a “House Party” (HP) that brought hip hop joy to the masses. How popular was it? Three more “HP” films followed. The event planners behind this ’23 party remix are equally ambitious.

They hired Grammy-winning music director Calmatic (real name Charles Kid II, winner Best Music Video for Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”) to helm a project written by “Atlanta”

broke bros. Their daytime grind is working for a house cleaning company. Swabbing toilets. sweeping up, dusting, throwing out the garbage… They dream big, but their game is small.

longs to LeBron James—and his ego. Plus, someone could call the cops. Right?

The premise is ripe for comedy. The script sets the stage: challenges, solutions, and worst possible outcomes. Quirky hip-hop characters are assembled, and they all blossom. Kev’s lost love Venus (Karen Obilom, “Doom Patrol”) is his boss at the cleaning service, and their sexual tension is burning hot. Her gal pal Mika (Shakira Ja’nai Paye), a modern, quintessential soul sister (colored hair, fake eyelashes, long fancy fingernails), is onboard.

Kev is desperate to pay for his young daughter’s tuition, and his baby momma pressures him to come up with $10K. Typically, Damon (pretentiously pronounced da-MON) finds ways to solve Kev’s problems but most often gets him into

Add in a crazed DJ (comedian D.C. Young Fly), a spiritual advisor with ties to the Illuminati named Cudi (Scott Mescudi, a.k.a. Kid Cudi), and a nosy White neighbor (Andrew Santino) with a roaming pet Koala bear and the casting is just crazed. Star-studded cameos (Mya, L.A. Lakers’ Anthony Davis, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Odell Beckham Jr.) are icing on the cake.

can be hysterical, especially when it’s delivered by actors who go for it like Damon’s Aunt Jean (Renata Walsh).

Calmatic is successful with sight gags, physical pranks, and dance-offs in party scenes. Though the crux of the movie takes place at LeBron’s place, the most outrageous wacky stuff comes in a sequence where Cudi takes the duo to an underground world, populated by weird “Caligula”-looking people.

Problems with the script and direction aside, the production team is stellar. The colors pop (art director Frances Lynn Hernandez), the sets—from Damon’s stanky room to LeBron’s trophy man cave—greatly reflect Hollywood’s rags or riches stories (production designer

The clothes are ghetto hip, star chaser flashy or glamorous according to the characters (costumes by Derica Cole Washington, “Zola”). Audiences will live for the music (music supervisor Keir Lehman, “Queen & Slim”; composer Oak Felder “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”). And it’s all perfectly lit and shot (cinematographer Andrew Huebscher).

Cole and Latimore fit together well, and if their dialogue was shorter they’d shine brighter. Obilom, Paye, Cudi, and Santino make their marks and claim their turf too. Hard to believe LeBron James can hold down his part of the screen, but he does.

Overall, this movie knows how to talk to its demographics. If first-time feature film director Calmatic, the screenwriters, and producers (including James) learn from their mistakes and achievements, audiences will R.S.V.P. to future “House Parties”—even if they’re on streaming services and not in theaters.

In truth, this new “Houser Party” didn’t bring back the ’90s. It’s trying to funk up the 2020s!

“House Party” debuted in theaters on January 13. Check local listings for show times.

co-writers Jamal Olori and Stephen Glover. The pedigree is there, but what about the attention to details?

Damon (Tosin Cole, “Till”)

and Kevin (Jacob Latimore (“The Chi”) have been friends since childhood and losers forever. In Los Angeles, you’re either rich or poor, and these struggling party promoters are

more trouble.

His not-so-smart idea this time? Why don’t they throw a big, money-making, superstarinvited house party in the mansion they’re currently cleaning? The owner will be gone for two weeks, they’ll hire security, rope off the fancy rooms, and clean up. What could go wrong?

For starters, the villa be-

All the good ingredients are in place. So, what’s the rub? At one hour and 40 minutes, the film is just too long. Too many lapses and dead spots. Too many scenes needed to be clipped to their core (editor Matthew Barbato, “Dave”).

On the other hand, the screenplay and direction have their moments. The dialogue

Lisa Moy

Submitted photos

Scott Falconer; set decorators Laura Harper and Maya Levy).

Dwight Brown is a film critic for DwightBrownInk.com and NNPA News Wire.

Shakira Ja’nai Paye and Tosin Cole in ”House Party”

The dance-offs in “House Party” are highlights.

Courtesy of New Line Cinema

“House Party” reboot only gets half the job done.

I’m at a point in my life where I can actually discuss what happened to me without breaking down.

Nikki Love welcomes reader responses to nlove@spokesmanrecorder.com.

How safe can we really be?

By Robert C. Koehler

It was the guacamole’s fault! That’s the guy’s defense, anyway—that plus his right to carry four handguns, an AR15, and a 12-gauge shotgun into a supermarket in Atlanta. Oh yeah, and he was wearing body armor.

This was in March 2021, barely a week after an actual mass shooting at several massage parlors in Atlanta, in which eight people were killed. And it was only two days after a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, where 10 people were killed.

When another customer saw the guy in the store’s bathroom, with the AR-15 propped against a wall, and alerted store personnel to the presence of a possible mass murderer, the panic was certainly understandable.

The store was evacuated, the police came, and the gun carrier was arrested. But, as the New York Times asked in a story about the incident nearly two years later: Did he break the law?

When I read this paradoxical story the other day—about how the arrestee hadn’t actually committed a crime and was not convicted of any wrongdoing—the psychological stratosphere broke open for me.

Who are we as a nation, as a planet, and as an evolving species? Here’s the thing about paradox: You can’t simply shoot it, blow it apart, then move on. You have to swallow it whole. You have to transcend it.

What is freedom—in this case, the freedom to be armed and, you know, able to defend yourself? Does one man’s freedom force the rest of us to

watch their country turn into a John Wayne movie?

The Times story informs us that the defense attorney told the court his client “had acquired the guns and the body armor…because he had felt threatened by someone in his neighborhood. On the day of his arrest, he had hoped to take his guns to a nearby shooting range but first had to run some errands, which included a stop at the grocery store.”

And, oh yeah, he didn’t have a car, which is why he had lugged the guns—handguns in his jacket pockets, the rifle and shotgun in a guitar case— into the store. While he was in the men’s room, he “had taken out some of the weapons, including the rifle, to clean them after discovering that some guacamole he had bought had caused a mess inside the bag.”

gun, was driving with his girlfriend and her 4-year-old daughter in a suburb near St. Paul, Minnesota when his car was pulled over. Castile explained to the officer that he was legally carrying a handgun, but as he was trying to pull out his driver’s license, the officer shot him seven times, killing him. The officer was later arrested and charged with manslaughter but was acquitted.

So, the paradox expands: weapons, force, fear, dehumanization and…racism.

“This is the American paradox in full blossom.” So, I wrote last year, pondering the endless question.

“The more people there are carrying guns, especially in public places, the more dangerous it is simply to be out and about; and the more dangerous it is to be out in public, the more credibility Second Amendment aficionados have when they claim they are only safe if they’re carrying a weapon.”

Except they aren’t safe at all—they’re just swimming in the chaos, clinging to a belief that their guns make them safe. But such a belief is crucial.

Many states have outlawed hair discrimination Minnesota should be next

By Tiffani Daniels and James C. Burroughs II

If you don’t know the importance of hair in Black culture, consider this quote from Dr. Ashley McMullen, from the podcast Black Voices in Healthcare: “The story of my Black hair is the story of my life.”

Hair is a source of joy, beauty and pride to many Black people. It can also be a source of pain that starts early. According to the CROWN research study, more than 50% of Black mothers say their daughters faced discrimination because of their hair when they were just five years old.

Today in Minnesota, it is legal to discriminate against a person because of their hair. It happens at work. It happens at school. It happens in all kinds of settings.

For too long, too many people have judged Black hair and hairstyles as different, distracting and unprofessional. For too long in mainstream culture, Black hair has meant unique, but wrong for the workplace.

Thankfully that attitude is changing. In Minnesota, Representative Esther Agbaje and Senator Bobby Joe Champion have introduced the CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” We applaud the Minnesota House of Representatives for discussing and voting on the CROWN Act this week and are looking forward to the Senate doing the same in the coming weeks.

You may be wondering why we, a business coalition and a children’s health system, want the CROWN Act passed.

The Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE), comprised of 50 MN-based companies, exists for businesses to work together to build a more just and prosperous state with and for Black Minnesotans. Our members work to ensure that Black Minnesotans are hired, retained, and can advance in an inclusive workplace, devoid of race-based discrimination.

young people of all races and ethnicities, with a variety of hair textures and curl patterns. We know that caring for children in our hospitals means caring for their hair the way they would at home.

We work with Black, Indigenous, Asian and Latino-owned businesses to source appropriate products. Our staff learns how to use them.

We talk with our patient families about their individual needs. We want them to feel seen and included. This helps us build trust, ultimately resulting in better care.

Formed in the midst of the racial reckoning in 2020, business leaders of many of our state’s most prominent employers came together because they understand that it’s not enough to have racial diversity in the workplace. We must continue to build environments where everyone has the freedom to express their ideas and authenticity.

We strongly support the CROWN Act because it contributes to more inclusive work environments and signals that all employees are welcome to bring their full selves to work, including wearing their natural hair. Our businesses benefit when that happens.

At Children’s Minnesota, the largest pediatric health system in the state, we serve

Black Minnesotans should not be forced to divest themselves of their racial or cultural identity by changing their hair to adapt at work, school, in the hospital, or anywhere else. They should not be made to feel less-than because of how their hair looks. When it comes to our children, and Minnesotans of all ages, there is no place for shaming, discrimination and exclusion.

We urge the House and Senate to pass this bill so that we can protect Minnesotans of all races and ethnicities against discrimination based on hair texture and style. Enacting the CROWN Act is an important step to ensuring all of our state’s citizens are treated equitably and fairly.

And there you have it. A normal American situation. Well, sure, as the Times points out: “All but three states allow for the open carry of handguns, long guns or both, and in many, there is little the police can do.”

Hence, the paradox. Of course, there’s one small detail the Times story omits: The police dilemma can suddenly disappear if the person legally carrying a gun happens to be Black, as the Philando Castile case demonstrated back in 2016.

Castile, a Black man who was licensed to carry a hand-

I understand the need to believe one is safe. When I moved to Chicago from rural Michigan, I wasn’t sure how I’d fare in the dangerous big city. But I was a peacenik, not a gun guy. Here’s what I decided: I’ll look everyone in the eye. I will not be afraid. That is to say, I gave myself agency. And this is what worked—the fact that I felt empowered.

I’m not saying life has been perfect and free of trouble. I was once mugged by three teens in hoodies a few blocks from my house. Life is what it is. The world is full of thorns and potholes. No one is fully safe, forever and ever.

And the paradox doesn’t go away. How much force is necessary to get what we want?

Historian Timothy Snyder, in a recent interview with Rachel Maddow reflecting on the Jan. 8 attack on the Brazilian capital by supporters of defeated president Jair Bolsonaro (and its similarity to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. capital by Trump supporters), said: “When you trash the place, you’re showing, symbolically, that institutions don’t matter. What matters is force. What matters is will. You disrespect an institution; a strongman should be running the country. You humiliate the institution, then you get the strongman.”

And the strongman may kill his enemies, but he can’t kill the paradox.

Robert Koehler (koehlercw@ gmail.com), syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor. He is the author of “Courage Grows Strong at the Wound.”

A magic made by many

By Svante Myrick

For many of us, the Martin Luther King holiday every year brings memories of Dr. King’s great speeches and the incredible power of his words. Dr. King was a master orator who gave many inspiring speeches throughout his career. Lots of Black kids—myself included—grew up mesmerized by the majesty of the “I Have a Dream” speech, wishing we could one day speak that well.

As a youngster, especially one who struggled with a speech impediment, I thought great speeches were magic. I still do. Except now I see that magic isn’t made in a vacuum.

Maybe you’ve heard a great speech given in an empty room; I know I have. No matter how wonderful the words are, the impact will be small. In contrast, I look at the old photos of Dr. King’s speeches and there is a sea of upturned faces, many Black, some White: older people, young folks, men and women.

I think about these moments and I am struck not just by the power of Dr. King, but by the enormous commitment of the people behind the scenes: activists, organizers and volunteers. Those working behind the scenes enabled the people of Montgomery, Alabama, to hear Dr. King promise that the arc of the moral universe does indeed bend toward justice.

They enabled hundreds of thousands in Washington, and even more around the country, to hear his immortal “I Have a

Dream” speech. And in Memphis, they enabled thousands of striking sanitation workers and their allies to hear Dr. King the day before he was murdered when he spoke of having been “to the mountaintop” and gave hope for a better future.

I feel deep gratitude for the hundreds, even thousands of people who played “supporting” roles throughout Dr. King’s life, the people who passed out flyers, who offered rides, and who brought friends and neighbors to listen when he spoke.

is how vital each of us can be, together and separately, in changing the world.

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,” Dr. King wrote, “tied in a single garment of destiny.” To me, his characteristically beautiful words mean that history is not made by a parade of individual heroes, stretching single-file through the centuries; it is made collectively, by the many.

In everyday terms, it means that the person who sets up the chairs or plugs in the microphones for an event is as important to its success as the speaker onstage. Each of us has a part to play and a gift to give.

And each of us has a responsibility to act. Too often there is a temptation to wait for the next hero to come along to “save” us, which can lead to doing nothing. That’s a downside of believing, falsely, that heroes can act alone.

And of course, there is gratitude beyond words for all those who marched, faced police brutality, and fought segregation. Because of them, Dr. King was able to change the world.

There’s a lesson in that for all of us. If you say to yourself, “I could never give the kind of speech Dr. King could give, so there isn’t much I can do to change hearts and minds,” then you are half right—and half wrong.

It’s true that Dr. King’s talents were rare. But he didn’t move mountains alone; nobody can. The lesson we should learn when we commemorate the life of Dr. King

So yes, we honor Dr. King for his incredible life. And we should also honor him by committing to serve our communities and work for change in any way we are able. That’s how we make magic.

Svante Myrick is the president of People For the American Way. Previously, he served as executive director of People For the American Way and led campaigns focused on transforming public safety, racial equity, voting rights, and empowering young elected officials.

Myrick garnered national attention as the youngest-ever mayor in New York State history.

“They aren’t safe at all—they’re just swimming in the chaos, clinging to a belief that their guns make them safe.”

Tiffani Daniels is the managing director of Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity.

James C. Burroughs II is senior vice president of government and community relations, and chief equity and inclusion officer for Children’s Minnesota.

Black Minnesotans should not be made to feel less-than because of how their hair looks.

Each of us has a part to play and a gift to give.

NAMI Minnesota launches Hearts+Minds

Free program helps manage physical and mental health

NAMI Minnesota is launching the new initiative Hearts+Minds, a free wellness program designed to educate and empower individuals to manage their mental and physical health.

Hearts+Minds provides current research and information on how mental and physical health intersects, focusing on how nutrition and physical activity can address symptoms and conditions effectively. It includes information on managing medications, chronic pain, and improving sleep.

Additional health topics and areas of interest are discussed, along with actionable ways to improve health and wellness with tools, strategies, and simple steps that make sense and aren’t overwhelming.

“Hearts+Minds has never been more important,” explained Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota. “Nearly one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness, yet that is only part of the challenge.

“Those affected by mental illnesses must also cope with significantly increased rates of other serious health conditions, including a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.”

People from all over Minnesota can participate online from Tuesday, January 31, 2023 to Tuesday, February 28, 2023 (every week for five sessions) from 3–4:30 pm.

Hearts+Minds uses the Zoom format.

Participants will need a computer or tablet with a camera and high-speed internet. Register at namimn.org/event/heartsminds. Registration is suggested as soon as possible.

For more information or to request a special class, contact Danielle Thornton, communityeducationcoordinator@namimn.org.

As City of Minneapolis crews continue to plow and target snow removal on narrow streets in the city’s most dense residential neighborhoods, officials are urging people to work with neighbors to move vehicles that have been parked in the same location since the last snow event.

The City also recommends residents contact 311 to report concerns about conditions on streets and sidewalks.

Following the historic snowfall earlier this month, Public Works employees have plowed all of the residential streets in Min-

neapolis at least three times working to push back snowbanks, address bumpy conditions, and plow snow that has loosened up as a result of warmer temperatures.

Additionally, the City has posted one-sided parking on some of the streets in challenging areas in terms of snow storage to ensure the streets are passable for first responders.

Public Works is working with the Minneapolis Fire Department to prioritize key areas that are challenging for emergency vehicles to access and will continue to post one-side parking in those areas.

he “Boys In Blue” docuseries is halfway through its four-week run on Showtime. Besides following the season-long journey of the Minneapolis North football team, individual players, and their parents, it also explores the players’ relationships with their four coaches, who at the time were also Minneapolis police officers.

It’s no secret, particularly around these parts, that MPD and Black people have historically had a tense relationship. That relationship grew even more strained in the midst of a deadly pandemic and the killing of George Floyd in South Minneapolis in 2020. That tragic death led to protests locally, nationally and worldwide.

It also led to calls for doing away with the police, which became a ballot measure a year later. That effort, which

‘Boys in Blue’ explores relationships between police and kids

that. He told us that he was very impressed with the police officers/coaches. “In addition to being really good cops,” he stressed, “[they] represent the very best of community policing. They’re close to, and part of the community that they’re policing. I feel that’s very inspirational.”

Berg added that among his goals was that “Boys In Blue” viewers see that as well now that we are in a post-George Floyd world here in Minneapolis, where police-community relations are still strained.

ultimately failed in the 2021 municipal elections, was also highlighted in the documentary. Minneapolis City Councilman Jeremiah Ellison was among those featured in the back-and-forth between proponents and opponents of the ballot initiative.

Charles Adams, Sr., his son Charles, Jr., and two other officers—all four are also North

High Polars coaches—became instant stars on “Boys In Blue,” along with the players and others. Adams, Sr. told the MSR, “They [the filmmakers] wanted to highlight the relationships between police and our kids. You get a team with a bunch of coaches who are White cops and Black cops.”

Acclaimed director Peter Berg for the most part did just

Como Park standout finds Wisconsin a good choice

ast year, Ronnie Porter was one of the state’s top girls basketball players for St. Paul Como Park High School, leading the Cougars to one of their most successful seasons in school history with her quiet leadership and perseverance.

Today, Porter is leading by that same example at the collegiate level, at the University of Wisconsin, continuing a journey that began during her 2021-2022 senior season.

Last February, Porter and her teammates— seniors Kaylynn Asberry, Cloey Dmytruk, Jada James, Shakyla Walker—were being interviewed as they prepared to represent St. Paul in the Twin City championship against Minneapolis Southwest. While Asberry [St. Peter’s College], Dmytruk [Waldorf University], James [Rochester Community and Technical College], and Walker [North Iowa Area Community College] indicated their college choices during last year’s interview, Porter ■ See Prep on page 9

“We provide a slightly more complex [look at what it] means to be a police officer in our community today,” continued director-executive producer Berg. “It’s my hope that the viewer comes away with a

bit more empathy and appreciation. So many good cops were out there trying as hard as they can.”

From a sports perspective, the elder Adams said he hopes that the film shows that city kids can play football as well as, and sometimes better than, their suburban counterparts.

“They were showing Minne-

sota football, especially football in our city,” he pointed out. “So we were putting it out there that the competition, the level, the professionals, the coaches—it was about all of us in the City of Minneapolis.”

There are moments of celebration as well as unexpected heartbreak throughout the

Freshman hoops: a mother’s perspective

iamya Holloway chose the University of Minnesota over schools such as Howard, Marquette, Northwestern and South Dakota

continuing her academic and basketball career. The Eden Prairie native is a member of the Gophers’ much-heralded and highly ranked 2022 freshman class, a two-time Minnesota high school state champion in track, and a four-time all-conference honoree and two-time All-State in basketball.

Unfortunately, Holloway’s college-playing career has been delayed for at least a year due to a season-ending injury—an ACL tear—suffered before the season. As a result, the 6-foot freshman is putting in extra work in the classroom during her rehab and recovery.

“Academics is extremely high in our family,” Nolana Holloway, Niamya’s mother, told the MSR. “She’s actually a sophomore in credits, and this injury has allowed her to take on more credit [hours] than she normally would have. She had a really tough schedule [her first semester in college].”

According to her mother, Niamya being busy isn’t something new but actually a natural part of

Pistons’ youthful squad experiencing growing pains

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

n awarding its 2022-23 midseason grades, the NBA media recently gave the Minnesota Timberwolves a D Unlike the Wolves, the Detroit Pistons were a preseason pick to be a playoff contender yet they also got a D from the same media group.

Despite similar grades, the Pistons have put together some impressive wins, including twice defeating the Timberwolves in a span of a couple of weeks (in Minneapolis on Dec. 31, and in Detroit on Jan. 11).

The R-word—rebuilding— has been the primary focus of the Pistons’ franchise for the past few seasons, with a roster made up of young players.

“Going into it, you know it is an intensive development situation,” explained Coach

The “big picture” Casey refers to is the team’s nucleus that includes Cade Cunningham (No. 1 draft pick in 2021), Killian Hayes (No. 7 pick in 2020), Jaden Ivey (No. 7 pick in 2022), Saddiq Bey (Brooklyn Nets first-round pick in 2020 acquired in a trade), Jalen Duren (Charlotte Hornets 2022 first-round pick acquired in a trade), Isaiah Stewart (Portland Trailblazer 2020 firstrounder acquired in a trade),

Bogan Bogdanovic (a 33-yearold veteran acquired by trade in 2022), and Hamidou Diallo (a four-year veteran acquired in a trade in 2021).

Diallo, says Casey, “sets the tone. He’s not trying to do too much. He’s playing within himself, and that’s where he has to play for us.”

“We do believe [Detroit has] still got some holes on the roster,” added veteran Pistons broadcaster Greg Kelser. Youngsters such as Cunningham, who’s out for the season with an injury, and the rookie Ivey have been impressive, according to Kelser. “Putting a few veterans in there with them,” he says, will easily put the Pistons back in championship contention sooner rather than later.

“It comes in phases for young players…learning how to play hard every night, how

to compete and then how to win,” said Kelser, a former NBA first-round pick himself in 1979.

“She’s doing what she loves,”

winning right now, but those wins will come.”

Bogdanovic, an eight-year veteran, stressed that he and the young Pistons “gotta stay focused.”

Isaiah Stewart concurred. “We are building something inside the locker room. This is my third year, and I feel like we’re building something.”

9

veteran coach Casey, who previously built Toronto into a championship contender, he knows that both being an effective teacher as well as showing great patience is crucial at this time.

“My next job is not depending on when or how we do, but is the legacy that I want for our organization, to build it up, to get it back up to the championship level,” said the Detroit head coach.

“He showed that in Toronto,” noted Kelser of Casey. “There’s some guys playing really well in this league right now that he had, giving them confidence and showing them the way. He’s doing the same thing here.”

“[We see] the rewards of a young and talented, great group of kids enjoying playing together, and they like each other,” Casey said. “We are not

“We’re about developing them,” Casey added.

This season has been full of ups and downs, highs and lows, but according to Piston

“That’s the beautiful thing about Detroit,” Casey concluded. “The fans in Detroit know what a championship caliber team looks like. They understand that. They want to win just like everyone else, but they understand how young we are.”

“So many good cops were out there trying as hard as they can.”

Officer Rick Plunkett

Charles Adams Sr. Photos courtesy of Showtime

University of Wisconsin freshman point guard Ronnie Porter

Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

“The conditioning and mental aspect is more intense than I envisioned.”

for

her personality. She was a co-founder of the Black Student Union at Eden Prairie High School. She provided youth leadership at Central Middle School and as a senior officer for the Dare 2 Be Real organization, where she helps promote racial equity.

continued Nolana.

Nolana Holloway

Photo by Charles Hallman ■ See SOE on page

“Growing up in Minnesota you don’t get a chance to see Black and Brown girls at this type of level.”

Dwane Casey, now in his fifth season with the team. “You get disappointed when you lose. You get frustrated, but again keeping the big picture in mind.”

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

“We are not winning right now, but those wins will come.”

Bojan Bogdanovic

Photo by Charles Hallman