January 18, 2024 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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January 18 - 24, 2024

Vol. 90

No. 25

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Finalists make the case to become the MPD watchdog By MSR News Staff

ment agreement between the Jensen Hughes—independent decision about which firm is city and the Minnesota Depart- evaluator firms, two of which chosen will ultimately be made arlier this month in various ment of Human Rights (MDHR), have had experience in moni- by a panel of city officials, who public forums, community as well as who will monitor the toring police departments in have remained anonymous— members met the three Department of Justice (DOJ) other cities operating under a concern for many residents. The final decision is expected finalists that will ultimately de- consent decree with the city. consent decrees. The finalists include EffecWhile the independent eval- to come before the start of cide whether the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) is tive Law Enforcement for All uators fielded questions from the March 9 contract, and apin compliance with the settle- (ELEFA), Relman Colfax, and residents and activists, the proved by the city council.

Out-of-state firms vie to oversee Minneapolis police reform By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer

MGN

Who should monitor the MPD consent decrees? By Cole Miska Contributing Writer

Department of Human Rights with CUAPB over the compa(MDHR) and Department of ny’s handling of the assessment Justice (DOJ) consent decrees. of the city and MPD’s response A third candidate, Jensen to the civil unrest following the inneapolis resiTwo organizations that are candidates to Hughes Inc., was not invited murder of George Floyd. dents had the opmonitor the Minneapo- because of political differences portunity to hear ■ See MONITORS on page 5 directly from the three finalists lis Police Department under in the search for an indepenthe consent decrees—Effecdent evaluator who will overtive Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA) and Relman Colfax— participated in a presentation to residents hosted by Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) on January 8. The organization selected will be responsible for monitoring the Minneapolis Police Depart- (l-r) Arlinda Westbrook, former New Orleans internal affairs (l-r) Reed Colfax of Relman Colfax; Sydney Roberts and fellow Jensen Hughes team member; ment’s progress in meeting the chief; Michael Harrison, former New Orleans police chief; and Photo by Cole Miska and ELEFA’s Michael Harrison and David Douglass Photos by Abdi Mohamed terms of both the Minnesota David Douglass, president of ELEFA see the settlement agreement The first was held at the Hubetween the city and the Min- bert Humphrey School of Pubnesota Department of Human lic Affairs on January 9. The Rights (MDHR) and monitor second took place the next day the city’s compliance with the at Plymouth Congregational DOJ consent decree. Church just south of downThe candidates officially town Minneapolis. made their case to community ■ See POLICE REFORM CANDIDATES on page 5 members at separate forums.

Reconnect Rondo leading land restoration movement By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer

once-bustling community. rican American Cultural En- will go toward creating an en- helps lead Reconnect Rondo “Rondo had over 400 Black- terprise District through the vironmental impact analysis, to establish a clearer path to owned businesses,” she said. construction of a land bridge community engagement initia- establishing the land bridge, r. Artika Tyner grew “Today we’re trying to restore over I-94. tives, and neighborhood traffic Baker is turning to other comIn recent years, Reconnect analysis and modeling. up in Rondo long af- roughly about a dozen on Selby munities across the country The organization estimates that are seeking to reconnect ter I-94 had sliced Avenue alone. So, when we’re Rondo has made headway in through St. Paul’s historically thinking about those pieces, their goal to bring restorative that the land bridge project will their neighborhoods. In October, Reconnect RonBlack neighborhood, yet she clearly the freeway brought justice to Rondo’s descendants cost nearly $500 million. About and rebuild what was lost in 80 percent of that cost will be do held a three-day conference still recalls her neighborhood about harm.” While Minnesota is well the construction of I-94. They covered by bipartisan infra- in St. Paul as part of the inauguholding strongly to its sense of documented in having dispari- received millions of dollars structure money coming from ral Reconnecting Communities community. “My memories were of a vi- ties in economic opportunity from state and federal funds the state, according to Keith Summit to bring together the brant Selby Avenue. I remem- and education between White for pre-development planning Baker, executive director of Re- communities divided by the highway infrastructure system. ber walking down the street, and Black residents, Tyner said and research on the land bridge connect Rondo. The summit was sponsored living on the same block with that there should be more project, including $1.5 million by the Conference of MinorTiger Jack and talking to com- emphasis as to the roots of to build a net zero-emissions Reconnect Rondo leading munity elders, going to Sunday those disparities, and that in- mixed-use building, which restorative charge ity Transportation Officials and school, going to the Hallie Q. dividuals such as herself are would include spaces for housWith an 18-year career at the American Association of Brown Center. All those pieces obligated to utilize communi- ing, offices and nonprofits. the Minnesota Department of State and Highway Transportaof a strong community and so- ty-centric strategies to create In 2023, Reconnect Rondo Transportation, Baker’s profes- tion Officials. Policy makers, community cial fabric. I still remember that,” change, using data, research was one of just four nonprofits sional experience has given him in the nation to receive funding insight into how to finance the members, and stakeholders and documentation, she said. “We have to understand from the U.S. Department of land bridge project. Reconnect from 20 different cities such as Dr. Tyner, founder of Planting People Growing Justice, a from which we’ve come to Transportation in their Recon- Rondo has established a 4P Austin, Detroit, Baltimore and nonprofit leadership institute, be able to know where we’re necting Communities Pilot Pro- funding and project develop- New Orleans gathered to share recalled that her mother and headed. And so, part of that is gram. The initiative awarded ment model with the inclusion information and strategies to grandparents lived in Rondo at telling our stories with histori- $185 million to 45 projects out of public and private funding, reunite their communities. The idea for the summit a time when there was a higher cal accuracy,” Tyner said. of 500 applicants with the goal along with philanthropic and came in 2022, shortly after Jurate of homeownership and more opportunities for Black neteenth. Baker said that with social enterprises. Reconnect Rondo’s goals in Now, nearly 70 years after line with so many other comthe passing of the Federal Aidmunities across the country, Highway Act of 1956, commuit would be best for them to work together and advocate nities across the country decifor a larger solution rather than mated by the interstate highway operate in their silos. He said system are beginning to receive that since their organization resources dedicated to restorawas farther along than many tion and revitalization. in its effort to restore the comRoughly one million Americans, mostly people of color, munity, they could share their lost their homes in the decades progress and help other cities that followed the federal highreach their goals. “We’ve been planning for way act. About 700 homes quite some time, thinking were lost in the Rondo area through the resources and tryalone due to the construction of I-94 in the 1960s, leading to ing to figure out how best to the loss of 48 percent of home- Rendering of Rondo land bridge streetscape Courtesy of HGA ready ourselves to leverage those resources. And I think ownership in the area and of rejoining communities “cut individual donations. other cities are trying to do the about $157 million in home Restoring communities disoff from opportunity and burBaker stated that leverag- same,” he said. equity value for homeowners rupted by infrastructure According to Baker, the sumdisplaced by the freeway. That community-centric mindset dened by past transportation ing resources from the very Dr. Tyner also referred to the and approach is what helped infrastructure decisions.” institutions that led to the mit gave participants the ability loss of businesses in the neigh- forge Reconnect Rondo, a The City of St. Paul and divide of Black communities to dig deeper into their thinking borhood since the construc- nonprofit organization found- Reconnect Rondo were co- across the country is a natural and consider what it means to ention of I-94, creating a lasting ed in 2017, with the aim of applicants for the grant and solution, getting to the heart gage the community and consider impact on the ecosystem of a creating Minnesota’s first Af- received $2 million. The money of restorative justice. As he how resources might be used.

A collaborative approach Mychael Wright believes that it’s important to bring the least knowledgeable people along in this process and create what he calls “a fiber of understanding” to have the best consensus on the project. Having spent 58 of his 65 years living in Rondo, Wright has seen the community decline over time. However, he believes the success of the land project will be a shining example of what can be done across the country.

“We have to make sure that we are sustainable into the distant future and make sure our grandkids understand and learn the relevancies of how to negotiate the system of things that man has created.” As the former owner of Golden Thyme, Wright opened up a space for Baker to hold informational meetings for community members about the land bridge project. He stated that Baker was looking for ways to strengthen his argument for the land bridge by speaking directly to community members about their needs. “We have to bring others who are on the outside of the idea and educate them and understand the pushback and have the discussions with them, hopefully making them understand,” he said. In Wright’s view, the land bridge project would go beyond the transactional nature of reparations—as part of restorative justice efforts—by creating change for generations. “We have to make sure that ■ See RONDO on page 5

2 January 18 - 24, 2024

Metro

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Community vision for the Metro Transit Blue Line extension By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer With a likely price tag of well over a billion dollars and the potential to attract billions more in public and private investment, the proposed Metro Transit Blue Line extension will alter the landscape of North Minneapolis and the other communities it will reach—Robbinsdale, Crystal and Brooklyn Park. When completed in 2030, the 13-mile light rail line will reflect significant input from the residents and small business owners in the corridor. “People have bold visions for their community,” said Kyle Mianulli, Hennepin County transit and mobility communications administrator. “We need strong community partnerships and active voices to get it right,” he continued. “This will bring premium transit service to the area that has the highest transit use in the whole state.” But Mianulli acknowledges that the Blue Line extension is bound to create some disruption in the communities it will serve. In an interview on “The Sheletta Show,” Mianulli pointed to what he called “extraordinary efforts” that have been taken to limit the loss of buildings in North Minneapolis as the project planning moves forward. “It’s early in the process, but we do show that the project is likely going to take about 14 commercial properties. They’re not 14 actively used properties. Some do have active businesses, but many of those properties are aban-

“One thing we hear a lot from the businesses is that they want the opportunity to own their space. Instead of paying a landlord, they could be owners who are investing in their community and building equity,” Mianulli said. Planners for the Blue Line extension have been seeking feedback for several years as the route has been laid out. As a result of community input and a comprehensive report from the 26-member citizenled Anti-Displacement Working Group, major changes have been incorporated into the recommended route. For example, community concerns moved the line off Lyndale Avenue where it will Proposed Blue Line light rail extension goes through North Minneapolis, Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Park. cross I-94 and led to the cre- ation of another station be- consistent concerns about the improvements,” Mianulli said. Mianulli and his colleagues “There’s a long tween Washington and Penn potential for disruption and “We are committed to invest- at the Met Council and Henhistory of major Avenue. strain on businesses on West ing in that section of West nepin County know that the In addition, the route was Broadway during construction. Broadway to improve parking, disregard shown to the comprojects being built moved off West Broadway “We also heard loud and pedestrian safety and light- munity with previous major at the expense of and shifted to 21st Ave. That clear from the community ing, widen sidewalks and add infrastructure projects leads Black and Brown move came in response to that West Broadway needs green space.” many to be suspicious of this project. But he said the apcommunities. proach is different this time That’s the history because the community has been involved from the start we carry with to plan and build the route. us every day “There’s a long history of major projects being built on this project.” at the expense of Black and Brown communities. That’s Business slowdown during the history we carry with construction us every day on this project. There are also plans in the We understand why there works so that these busiis mistrust. And we recognesses — and others that will nize it is our responsibility likely see a slowdown during to build that trust,” he said. construction — will be com“This is not another Rondo pensated and supported to be and I hope folks give us the better positioned to take adchance to prove that.” vantage of the prosperity and new business opportunities Sheletta Brundidge welcomes that the Blue Line extension reader comments at sbrunwill bring to the corridor. Blue Line in downtown Minneapolis Photos courtesy of Metro Transit didge@spokesman-recorder.com. doned or in poor repair.” Mianulli added that each of those property owners has been contacted and that they will be “fairly compensated” for the purchase of their property. But what about the small businesses in those buildings that are renters? Mianulli acknowledged that their needs will be recognized, and their losses will also be covered. “We have a process in place to provide financial assistance to cover their costs of relocating, with the goal of making sure that businesses can stay in the community—if not in their current location, then in a new location,” he said.

Correction: In the “In Memoriam” page of the December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2023 edition of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, centenarian Gordon Kirk was incorrectly listed as having passed in 2023. In fact, Gordon Kirk is very much alive and approaching his 101st birthday. The MSR deeply apologizes for the error.

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January 18 - 24, 2024

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4 January 18 - 24, 2024

Health

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Health coach focuses on women seeking to improve well-being with plant-based diet By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer In 2000, Ki Beasley made a New Year’s resolution to make changes to improve her health. “I was at the low point in my life,” recalled Beasley. “I had gained weight and was buying larger sizes. I had no energy and was trying fad diets.” In desperation, she decided to make changes to her food choices by shifting to a vegetarian diet. “I stumbled onto this after many diet attempts. The idea to give up meat was God-inspired. I very quickly made the connection between what I was eating and how I was feeling,” said the Burnsville resident, who is in her 50s. “My confidence increased as I lost weight. With more energy, I began exercising. It’s my lifestyle now and how I maintain my weight.” Beasley’s drive to educate herself changed her body, her vitality, and her outlook. It also changed her career. Now a certified health coach, she is helping other women who are resolved to make changes to better their health in 2024 by offering a free initial consultation. “It’s a mindset shift. The way I grew up, it wasn’t a meal if there wasn’t meat,” she said. “There’s a lot of misconceptions that you don’t get enough protein with a vegan or vegetarian

ing sessions and personalized goal setting, with weekly motivating calls and online sessions. The nutrition counseling includes hands-on help with smarter grocery shopping, pantry makeovers, menu planning, and meal prep.

any meat at all. She helps her clients find new ways to add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to their diets as they transition away from animalbased protein. While many people traditionally use the first of the year

“It’s not about the number on the scale; you can be skinny and not be healthy.” A former ambassador for BLACK Girls Run!, a grassroots group that encourages movement and physical activity among women of color, Beasley has demonstrated a commitment to promoting wellness in the community. “I’ve seen how my community is struggling. Black women have the highest obesity rates in the country. I want to be a resource for women who want to make changes. I can be an accountability partner,” she said. “It’s not about the number on the scale; you can be skinny Ki Beasley Courtesy photo and not be healthy.” As a vegetarian, Beasley Beasley has put together an consumes some animal proddiet, but I can show them deli- to making lifestyle changes cious alternatives. My niche is that support their overall well- eight-week program that of- ucts, like eggs and dairy prodhelping women who are open being.” fers clients one-on-one coach- ucts, but she no longer eats

to make changes that benefit their health, Beasley said there’s nothing magic about the first of January. She reminds people who did not get started as 2024 arrived that they don’t have to wait until the start of 2025 to commit to their health. “I always say, every day is Monday. We can always start anew. Change can come at any time throughout the year.” For more information about Beasley’s work, visit her website at kibeasley.com or request a free discovery call/consultation by contacting her at kibeasley.com. Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader comments at sbrundidge@spokesman-recorder.com.

Winter weather crafts: 8 DIY snowmen your kids will love Parenting Today presented by

Cold days outside mean the kids are indoors and need activities! Embrace the weather with these eight fun snowman crafts that use materials you likely have on hand already— there’s something for every age and crafting ability! Snowman Fingerprints/Footprints Creating crafts that serve as keepsakes is a great way to get your kids excited about preserving memories. For preschoolers and older kids, set out the white paint and have them dip a finger or foot in to coat evenly. They can put their print on a blue background by itself or in groups of multiple snowy friends! After the paint dries, have the kids decorate their snowmen to add buttons, eyes, nose, mouth, etc. Snowman Tin Can Windchime This activity is excellent for a snowman craft that you can display indoors or out! Older kids can complete everything themselves, while the younger crowd will need help with assembly. The basic structure requires three tin cans, some pom poms/pipe cleaners, white paint, string, and washers. Kids can paint the cans with regular tempera or acrylic paint, but use a mix of shaving cream and glue for a fluffier look. Have them place the features while the paint is still a bit wet, and let everything dry before assembly. If you’d like to

make this a wind chime as well, hang extra washers along the string so that they hit against the cans in the breeze!

out a black snowman outline ahead of time for the kids, then place the outlines on a piece of contact paper (sticky side up). Let the kids decorate the middle of the snowman with Magnetic Snowman For a craft that’s also a fine- glitter glue or white tissue pamotor activity, this magnetic per pieces. You can even mix snowman is the perfect option. in some light blue tissue paper Have your kids paint a metal for added color. Kids can then cookie tin white and cut out use black/orange/brown tissnowman accessories from sue paper for the snowman’s colored foam pieces. Attach accessories, or you can pre-cut magnetic tape or rounds to the these items for smaller kids. backs of the accessories (you Place another piece of contact may need to use hot glue if paper on top to seal it off when the adhesive isn’t sticking well everything is stuck on, then enough to the foam). When cut around the outside. Hang everything is dry, the kids can your snowman in the window create an endless variety of to watch the sunlight filter snowman faces on the front of through all season!

Courtesy of Wavebreak Media Ltd via 123RF

paints, and fabric to make the accessories, and glue them on in the appropriate spots. Using real buttons is a fun way to add texture to these snowmen, while googly eyes make them whimsical. Pipe cleaners can serve as earmuffs for a final touch before these snowman friends are disK-Cup Snowman played propped against a shelf or If you have a coffee maker hanging from a hook! that uses K-cups or other pods, save the used ones for this Chalk Snowman easy craft. After cleaning out A fun craft that lets kids get a the coffee and filter, have kids little messy, these pastel snowpaint one black and two white man outlines are perfect for (if different colors). Glue a black decorations or art prints that cardstock circle to one for a hat, can go on cards or stationery. Courtesy of Rashid Valitov via 123RF then paint on a face and buttons Have your kids trace around a to the white pods. Glue all three snowman outline with pastel the tin, then store everything together to form a cute snow- chalk to make a thick line, then inside for easy cleanup! Cotton Ball Snowman remove the template and let man that can sit anywhere! This cotton ball snowman them gently smear the pastel is an excellent choice for small Egg Carton Snowman Snowman Suncatcher line outwards to make a nice Real snowmen melt in the kids working on their fine motor Upcycle an egg carton for fuzzy outline. They can add sun, but these clever craft ver- skills. Print a template or simply this fun activity! Have the kids face and button details with sions will look lovely catching draw a snowman outline on pa- cut out three carton sections markers before spraying the some rays in the window. Cut per for the kids, then let them and paint them white. Use paper, project with a clear coat to preglue on the cotton balls to fill in the shape. For the littlest ones, dot some glue around first and have them just place the cotton. Older kids can practice using an appropriate amount of glue. Add accessories with cardstock, craft sticks, or felt!

vent further smudges. Your kids will love these snowman crafts to bring some light and fun to the cold winter days! MSR + Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) share a mission of protecting, maintaining,and improving the health of ALL Minnesotans. Our shared vision for health equity in Minnesota, where ALL communities are thriving and ALL people have what they need to be healthy is the foundation of our partnership to bring readers our feature, Parenting Today. Good health starts with family! To view our weekly collection of stories, go to our website or scan the code.

January 18 - 24, 2024

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POLICE REFORM CANDIDATES

Continued from page 1

The three finalists, all of which are from out-of-state, were identified by the city and MDHR once the state reached a settlement agreement with Minneapolis after finding a pattern and practice of discriminatory policing that targeted people of color within the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). Officials put out a request for proposals for an independent evaluator in May of last year. According to the city, the candidates were selected based on factors ranging from their experience and the qualifications of their teams to the strength of their proposed plans. The three teams selected as finalists are Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA), a nonprofit organization with offices in New Orlean, and Silver Springs, Maryland; Relman Colfax, a Washington D.C.-based civil rights firm; and Jensen Hughes, a global law enforcement consulting firm.

“We are community members who have a dedication, who have a passion to see that this work is done. And we have been doing it and we will continue to move forward in our process.”

Independent evaluator candidates made their case Rev. DeWayne Davis, the lead minister of the Plymouth Congregational Church, addressed the crowded room of community members, stakeholders, and law enforcement officials on Wednesday evening. Davis outlined the ground rules and moderated the forum that provided 15 minutes for candidates to introduce themselves, followed by an hourlong question-and-answer period. Those in attendance had a chance to write down questions that the candidates were given an allotted period of time to answer. Many of the questions revolved around personal and professional ties that the candidates had in Minneapolis, and how they

MONITORS

Continued from page 1 The two consent decrees were put in place in response to conduct and patterns of practice by MPD officers that the DOJ and MDHR found violated the constitutional rights of Black and Native American residents of Minneapolis, as well as residents with behavioral health disabilities. Because MDHR is a state agency and the DOJ is a federal department, the monitor team that is selected will have to report separately on the progress of the consent decrees to a state and a federal judge. David Douglass, the president and cofounder of ELEFA, has been serving as deputy monitor for a consent decree in New Orleans since 2013. Douglass says ELEFA focuses

RONDO

would best navigate those relation- where they administered audits and increase our price to meet the needs not be here,” Rev. Bethel stated durprovided recommendations to reduce of this community,” said Roberts of ing the public forum Wednesday night. ships if they were selected. Sydney R. Roberts, senior consul- use-of-force incidents. Their team is Jensen Hughes. “We need to know who is going to The team at Relman Colfax made make the decision.” tant at Jensen Hughes, spoke about co-led by the organization’s president, An activist and South Minneapolis the firm’s past and current partnership David L. Douglass, and former Balti- it clear that they wouldn’t come to with the city in her opening remarks. more police commissioner and former Minneapolis with an “off-the-shelf ap- resident, Al Flowers Sr., also chimed in “Our time spent listening to you superintendent of the New Orleans proach,” but would rather work with during the forum, calling on Rev. Davis back in ‘21 after the murder of George Police Department Michael Harrison. community members to develop a so- to acknowledge the fact that African Americans and Native Americans are Floyd, and again these last several Despite ELEFA not having any lution unique to the city. months, have informed that aware- direct ties to Minneapolis, they ex“We don’t come with what hap- being killed by the police. ness. [It] will enable us to get started pressed their willingness and open- pened in Baltimore. We don’t come “As the moderator, you need to the minute we are selected as your ness to working with community with what happened in New Orleans. speak up about our people. If you independent evaluator,” Roberts said. members early on in the process. We don’t come with what happened don’t speak up on it, we’re going to go The Jensen Hughes firm was hired in Seattle. We are learning lessons through this again” he said. “We’re in a to assess the city’s response by MPD Finalists share efforts to connect from those consent decrees, seeing predominantly White room, when the officers to the civil unrest following with community stakeholders what worked, seeing what didn’t work, incident happened to African Amerithe murder of George Floyd. Their re“After our panel last night, a gentle- and creating an approach and a pro- cans,” observed Flowers. Anita Urvina, a former Minneapolis port was released in March 2022, and man came up to me, most of you prob- cess that is unique and effective for showcased a breakdown in commu- ably know Omar Jamal. He introduced Minneapolis in partnership with the Civil Rights Commissioner, also shared her concerns about the selection pronications and emergency planning by himself as a member of the Somali community,” Reed Colfax said. the city. Currently, Jensen Hughes and cess and how the city was working to the city are working together under a engage with the community. Urvina separate contract to administer a widewondered why the city hadn’t hosted ranging training assessment of MPD. the forums in a church on the north Reed Colfax, civil rights attorney or south sides of Minneapolis or in and partner at Relman Colfax, was Cedar-Riverside. on stage along with former Brooklyn “We are community members who Park Police Chief Mike Davis. They have a dedication, who have a paswere joined in the audience by former sion to see that this work is done. federal litigator Christy Lopez, who And we have been doing it and we served as a co-monitor of an Oakland, will continue to move forward in our California Police Department’s conprocess,” she said. Michelle Gross, president of Comsent decree, and as a DOJ attorney was tasked with police reform under munities United Against Police BruFerguson, Missouri’s consent decree. tality, which held its own evaluator “All of the ingredients for success are Forum for MPD oversight finalists monitor forum [see “Monitoring the here. You have an active, engaged comcity’s consent decrees”] that excluded Jensen Hughes because of its work in munity who’s been working on these community,” Douglass stated. “I said, Activists voice concerns with the assessing the response to 2020’s civil issues and knows the history from de- ‘I’m so glad to meet you” because I selection process cades. You have a city and a leadership know there’s a big Somali community Despite the fact that many of the unrest, said the forum was a good opof a police department that says they here. But I don’t know anyone in it members of the panel hold public portunity for the community to learn and I need to know that community.” want to change,” Colfax stated. positions, their identities have not something about the finalists, but that The ELEFA team also pointed to their been released. The decision to select there should be more opportunities to Dr. Raj Sethuraju, a Metropolitan State University associate professor relationship with Nelson Mullins, a na- the independent evaluator will come hear from them directly. and activist in the Twin Cities, was also tional law firm with a Minneapolis office, down to a panel that includes several The team approved for the role identified as a member of their team. which has agreed to provide the team individuals representing various or- will have to develop a plan on how to “I want to say that this change, this with pro bono legal services for their work ganizations and agencies including implement the initial four years of reprocess that has been introduced into if selected as the independent evaluator. representatives from the MPD, the forms. They will be expected to share the framework of the consent decree Throughout the question-and-an- City Attorney’s Office, MDHR, the semi-annual progress reports and cannot move forward unless and un- swer period, the finalists were asked Department of Justice, the Mayor’s conduct yearly satisfaction surveys til you are willingly participating and how they would prioritize Minneapo- Office, the Office of Community among the public and the police. Ultimately, whichever team is apinforming and being critical, being lis in their work and how they would Safety, and the Minneapolis Departskeptical about these changes that work to hold the city and MPD ac- ment of Information Technology. proved to serve as the independent we’re proposing,” Dr. Raj stated to the countable if they fell short of complyRev. Ian Bethel, chair of the Unity evaluator, they will receive up to $1.5 audience. “This is not something that ing with the consent decrees. Community Mediation Team (UCMT), million a year, with the contract set to is just going to take shape and form “Part of our job is to make sure that voiced his concern with the selection begin on March 9. The contract is subwithout your energy and your pres- we bring the team that you need, and process and believed that input from ject to approval by the City Council. if we need to add, we add. And we do the public wasn’t being considered ence and your spirit.” Previously, ELEFA has partnered that with the mindset and awareness and about the lack of transparency in Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader with police departments in Mont- that there is a cap on the financial cost the selection process. comments at amohamed@spokesman“I’m representing people who can- recorder.com. gomery County, Md. and Orlando, Fla. that can be charged, and we will not

on three goals for the community when monitoring consent decrees—education, empowerment, and engagement. “What we’re trying to do is give the public a better ask,” said Douglass. “We all know bad policing when we see it. We can all clamor for an end to bad policing. But the key is to be able to ask for better policing and essentially that’s what consent decrees do.” Reed Colfax, a partner at Relman Colfax, primarily represents victims of discrimination. Colfax says the main goal of his organization, if selected as monitor, would be to facilitate collaboration with the community. Colfax says they would look to interview as many Minneapolis residents about their experiences with MPD as possible. Iris Roley, a founding leader of Cincinnati Black United

events throughout St. Paul to educate and engage with comContinued from page 1 munity members on the land bridge project. On Jan. 18, the we are sustainable into the dis- organization will hold a convertant future and make sure our sation on the topic of restorgrandkids understand and learn ative development and its role the relevancies of how to nego- in the land bridge project. Resitiate the system of things that dents are encouraged to “join man has created. We have to put this movement” on Rondo’s website and sign up for the our best foot forward,” he said. Reconnect Rondo hosts organization’s newsletter for

Front and a member of the Relman Colfax monitoring team, believes that Relman Colfax is the best choice to serve as monitor for Minneapolis’ consent decrees because it brings together various partners. Relman Colfax’s monitoring team is made up of academics, lawyers, activists, community members, and former law enforcement members. Roley also cited Relman Colfax’s strong technical assistance and data collection team. “Data is more critical for the community than it is for police, because you all need to be able to decipher what they’re collecting,” Roley said. You also need to weigh in on what they’re collecting and how they collect it and where that’s published.” Douglass believes ELEFA is the best fit for the monitoring role because their team has

to historic lows in both cities.” Community member Stacey Gurian-Sherman, who serves on the Minneapolis Community Commission of Police Oversight, said she was “deeply skeptical” of the effectiveness of consent decrees after seeing how departments could manipulate monitors into signing off on unfulfilled consent decree con“We all know bad ditions during her time working policing when we at the Maryland Department of see it. We can all Juvenile Services. Several comclamor for an end to munity members expressed bad policing. But the concern that both monitoring key is to be able to ask teams may be inadequately for better policing and prepared to change the department culture of MPD, or that essentially that’s what the candidates did not underconsent decrees do.” stand the scale of the task. “There isn’t anything that “Following the consent decree, anyone has said in here that diswe’ve actually done that twice,” suades me of my skepticism,” Harrison said. “And while doing Gurian-Sherman said. “I don’t beit, we were able to reduce crime lieve [the Community Commis-

worked on consent decrees from both the monitoring and policing sides. Michael Harrison, the former police chief of New Orleans, has led two police departments through consent decrees and believes those past experiences would help ELEFA effectively interact with MPD officers.

of our lifeline. In Rondo, there are the literary arts, the music, all these pieces, the visual arts. Future vision for Rondo Dr. Tyner said that given the That could be a piece of our chance, Rondo—in its reimag- plan,” she said. The Rondo Land Bridge Feained form—should be rebuilt in a way that best serves its posi- sibility Study found that a restortion in the greater metro area. ative land bridge project would “For instance, the Twin Cities yield about 500 housing units, metro area, Rondo in particular, between 87,750 to 108,000 is uniquely poised to be an arts square feet of retail space, and and cultural hub. That’s a part could bring up to $4.2 million in more information.

annual tax revenue. Besides its ability to generate wealth, Baker said that the land bridge project would give residents better health outcomes with more walkability and biking lanes added to the streets. “Imagine being able to get everything that you want to within a 10- or 15-minute walk,” he said. “It’s more than a bridge.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MSR TODAY go to spokesman-recorder.com call 612-827-4021, or scan code

sion on Police Oversight]. I don’t believe a consent decree will get us what we want. The thing that will get us what we want is realizing this is a long-term project. Going in here and saying we’re going to do this in two, or three, or four, or even 10 years after the systemic violence and trauma and racism, I think is naive.” Despite the warnings, Arlinda Brooks, a former internal affairs chief in the New Orleans Police Department who is part of ELEFA’s team, was optimistic. Brooks says that ELEFA realizes this will not be easy or shortterm work. She hopes that codifying the consent decree’s policies into law will permanently change MPD’s culture even after the consent decree is fulfilled. Cole Miska welcomes reader comments at cmiska@spokesman-recorder.com. It’s more than a structure. It’s more about community viability and quality of life, while also returning to the community benefits and environmental conditions for future generations with compounding residual benefits.” Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader comments at amohamed@ spokesman-recorder.com.

6 January 18 - 24, 2024

The Camden Social

Business

Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Chris Juhn Staff Contributor

time, to eat good food, listen to music, all those things.

When Alfonso and Kathryn Mayfield reopened The Camden Social last August, it was after months of renovating the restaurant and bar, which opened in April 2022. In just a few short months, the North Minneapolis watering hole has become a popular spot. “We’ve been getting really good feedback,” said 39-year-old Alfonso Mayfield. “Just everyone being appreciative of our efforts and of our energy to bring this sort of establishment here to North Minneapolis,” he said. “It’s a learning curve, right, because this place has been kind of a dive bar for the past three decades,” he added. “People are really loving the food. Probably the most common feedback we get is that they love the vibe.”

MSR: How’s this been received by the community? Kathryn: You know you’re on the right path when the customer base goes from asking ‘why’ to saying ‘thank you.’ And that’s kind of the shift that we’re starting to see, which has been really nice, versus why are you doing this here? It is more like, thank you for doing this here. So, it’s nice to be able to provide that.

MSR: What inspired you to open your business? Alfonso: The inspiration came from years of my wife and I just always being social. I moved here in 2012. I met Katherine and we used to like to just hang out. You know, explore the city and find places that were casual and social hangouts. We felt like there were a good number of places to go at the time. Then after a few years they just seemed to diminish. We’ve always been hosts to our friends and family members. We love creating social spaces. And as these spaces begin to diminish, we always wanted to create more avenues for folks to get together, to have a good

Northside hangout for comfort food, cocktails, and good vibes spirit to give you a call today. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. I love the staff. The food was great.” That meant a lot. MSR: What’s your vision? Alfonso: We still have some work to do. We launched brunch about a month ago and that’s been great. We just launched our happy hour. The other phase is with our cigars (Allure cigars). We’re building a patio out back that would complement our cigars. You’ll be able to purchase a cigar and go out in the patio to enjoy it. That’s coming up in the springtime. We’re looking to host events here. Down the road, we want to have another location, maybe across the river, with a similar concept.

“Part of the reason that attracted us to this space is that we want to be able to change that narrative of North Minneapolis.”

MSR: What advice would you give to an aspiring entreare definitely elements of soul MSR: What has been your preneur? food, comfort food, and some biggest challenge in owning Alfonso: I’d say start where really good midwestern food. a business? you need to start. Most of us The presentation is beautiAlfonso: I think it is educat- are not in a position financially ful. I would categorize it as el- ing the city about our new con- to start a business at a level evated comfort food. cept. Like I said, this place had a that we want to. Start with that reputation for being a dive bar. and just grow from there. MSR: What is your most The other piece is underpopular item on the food and MSR: What has been the standing that all these things bar menu? most rewarding part of own- take time. We didn’t just wake Alfonso: Our bestselling item ing your business? up and start this. This was 10 is our chicken wings, which has Alfonso: The appreciation years in the making. been a staple in this location for of the community. Just like a number of years. Folks come Kathryn said, the questions The Camden Social is located here and they have been com- have shifted from ‘why’ to just at 4601 N. Lyndale Ave., Minneing here for a long time to get saying ‘thank you.’ That is just apolis. To contact the restaurant, their wings. So even when we gratifying because that is a call 612-489-8073, or visit the took over, we made sure that huge reason why we wanted to website at www.thecamdensobe in this area. we kept that. cial.com. I just got a call one day last Our number-one cocktail is a drink that we call Over North. It’s week from a woman who said, Chris Juhn welcomes reader a margarita, but it’s made with “Hey, I was in your restaurant comments at cjuhn@spokesmanyesterday and it was just on my recorder.com. Hennessy. It’s a delicious drink.

Camden Social’s owners Alfonso and Kathryn Mayfield MSR: How does your business impact the community? Alfonso: One of the challenges that we had is just making sure that all of our guests feel safe while they’re here. Part of the reason that attracted us to this space is that we want to be able to change that narrative of North Minneapolis, to say, ‘Hey, you know you can be here and have a good time without having to worry about anything else and feeling secure and safe and great.’ Aside from that, having that social aspect in your life— just that feeling of belonging. Kathryn: I agree 100 percent. But it’s also that sense of community. We live just about a mile or so away. When we’re not here it’s like we’re running into our customers at the gro-

cery store or at the gas station or the coffee shop. MSR: What kind of food do you serve? Kathryn: It’s American comfort food. The menu is heavily influenced and inspired by our travels and our childhood—the things we grew up eating and the things we grew up cooking. You’re going to see some southern and midwestern influences. You’re going to see a fish and spaghetti dish, which is not the traditional catfish and spaghetti, but a combination with a chicken-fried salmon and a spaghetti pomodoro. You’re going to see salmon croquettes on the menu, which is something I grew up cooking in the kitchen with my mother. There

Some companies back away from DEI Others double down

By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer After the murder of George Floyd and the racial reckoning that followed, commitments from corporate America and businesses large and small followed. They pledged to initiate aggressive efforts to acknowledge their long-overdue commitments to Black and brown employees and to advance diversity, equity and inclusion both internally and externally. However, a number of those businesses have quietly backed away from their earlier promises to make significant changes and even cut their fledgling DEI programs. CNBC recently reported that Google has backed away from key programs aimed at improving diverse hiring, retention and promotion practices. The company had promised to increase underrepresented groups in leadership roles and more than double Black representation in non-senior positions by 2025. According to CNBC, Google has laid off leaders from employee resource groups focused on racial diversity. The business network also reported on similar pullbacks from other tech firms, citing data from job tracking site In-

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strategic plan involves partnering with nonprofits in the community committed to social change. She and some of her team members recently spent the day at the Tony Sanneh Foundation in St. Paul. They joined the partner organization in distributing hundreds of toys and holiday food packages for under-served families. She said that another key initiative is not only recruiting employees of color, but also implementing retention strategies that will keep them employed and satisfied with their jobs. “We not only want them to stay, but we want them to be

Photo by Chris Juhn

engaged. We set up engagement interviews and check in with them about what’s working and what’s not. We invite them to events and to join us in reaching out to the communities we serve,” she said. “People will stay because of our culture.” Eiland-Madison has a long history embedded in local diversity circles. Her father was the first Black vice president of human resources at General Mills. Growing up in Minneapolis, Eiland-Madison made a name for herself as a trailblazing basketball player; she played in the first girl’s state basketball tournaments and was one of the

first African American women to receive an athletic scholarship from the University of Minnesota to play on the Gopher women’s team. Eiland-Madison encourages other companies to follow suit and invest in diversity strategies. “It has to start with the leadership driving the work. But it has to get beyond the buzzwords,” she said. “What are we actually doing, and what is our intentionality? When you have that, your employees will see it.” Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader comments at sbrundidge@spokesman-recorder.com.

Kathie Eiland-Madison, Delta Dental of Minnesota’s chief community engagement and inclusion officer Submitted photo deed.com, which found that diversity-related job postings dropped 44 percent year-overyear. At the same time, some corporate citizens have continued to strengthen their DEI commitments. Locally, Delta Dental of Minnesota recently promoted longtime human resources leader Kathie Eiland-Madison to a new C-level position. She has been elevated to the organization’s very first chief community engagement and inclusion officer. “I’ve talked to peers whose jobs are being eliminated or cut, but we have upped the ante,”

she said. “Now my sole focus is on this work. Our leadership looks at this as a strategic imperative.” While Delta Dental of Minnesota has continued to make strides in its DEI efforts, EilandMadison and the leadership team she is part of regard their efforts as ongoing. “In business you don’t hit your financial goals or sales goals and then say our work is done. We look at [DEI work] as evolutionary. It’s not a project or an event. It’s intentionally woven into the work that we do every day.” Eiland-Madison said her DEI

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Arts & Culture

January 18 - 24, 2024

7

HBO’s ‘South to Black Power’ explores reverse migration for political power By Nadine Matthews Contributing Writer

helped was that a writer simply wrote about it and made the case. I thought, I can do that.” In addition to historians and Famed New York Times columnist and cable news political political activists who have analyst Charles Blow’s bomb- themselves migrated to the shell 2021 bestseller “The South, “South To Black Power” Devil You Know: A Black Power features Blow’s old friends, sibManifesto” challenged Black lings, mother, and one of his America with a bold strategy sons, Taj; all are grappling with for greater political and social how to increase Black political power: Reverse the Great Mi- power. Blow is careful to point out gration. Blow, who also authored the that he understands America acclaimed memoir-turned-op- has come a long way in race reera “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” lations, and that not all Whites posited that by returning to the are racist. However, his messtates from which many Black sage is that this is a fight for Americans escaped between Black people only. 1910 and 1970, they could gain “I think allyship is beautithe type of power that would ful when it works, but history lessen the oppression many teaches us allies get weary. continue to feel in northern They overlap on certain issues and midwestern cities. and diverge on others. I don’t Now, “The Devil You Know” want to have to be in the poshas inspired the new HBO ture for the rest of my life, or Original documentary airing on for the rest of…existence in HBO and Max, “South To Black this country, of begging allies Power,” directed by Sam Pol- to stay engaged.” Blow is encouraged by lard and Llewellyn Smith. Blow, who is featured in the film, re- states such as Georgia, where cently spoke to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. “Georgia in 2020 Blow shared that he was moved to write the book is a proof of concept. ​​ “partly from a lingering exhausBlack people led the tion with dealing with the opcoalition that elected pression of Black people as two senators.” expressed particularly for me, in the killings of Black people, particularly Black men, that I was covering at the time and already significant numbers of have been covering for about Blacks are impacting politics. a decade.” “Georgia in 2020 is a proof of He was also inspired after concept. ​​Black people led the reading a book describing how coalition that elected two senVermont’s political climate was ators.” radically altered by the intenBlow was also inspired by tional relocation of multitudes America’s history. Between the of liberals. States Blow, “What end of the Civil War and 1900,

(l-r) Author and NYT columnist Charles Blow and community activist Asiaha Butler in a scene from HBO Original “South to Black Power” Courtesy of HBO there were over 1,500 Black [today] is completely different pen but haven’t engaged. One men elected to state legisla- from what allowed that sort of the great things about the tures. “The amount of power of terror,” Blow explained. Still, Great Migration was that orgathey were able to wield was ex- he’s aware there’s bound to be nizations like the Urban League backlash and agrees a reverse were literally at the train statraordinary,” Blow stated. “Louisiana called the Consti- migration may not be for ev- tion giving out pamphlets. This is needed.” tutional Convention of 1868. eryone. Blow also feels that there It had all sorts of things like “Fear can never be the govprotections for property own- erning factor,” he said. “Anyone is a lack of action by politiership, and possession, and a who’s afraid, stay put. If you cians. “Where are the southern directive for integrated public want power, you have to be en- mayors? You have a whole city schools—in 1868!” gaged in the fight to acquire it. of people moving. There isn’t This begs a question. The It’s perfectly okay for people to one billboard anywhere saying, power Blacks then wielded say I don’t want to fight; I don’t ‘Welcome.’ There are no TV ads, brought on the terror cam- want power. But there are oth- no radio ads that say, ‘Come on down.’” paign against them by racist ers of us who do.” Regarding Black journalists, Whites, which drove so many Blow also agrees that there Blacks to flee the South. Won’t is a role to play for Black politi- Blow said, “I want more people history repeat itself? cal and fraternal organizations. to be actively engaged on the “The architecture of polic- “Major civil rights organizations advocacy side of this. Robert ing in major southern cities have been watching this hap- Abbott of the Chicago Defend-

er…was actively engaged in wooing Black people to Chicago. That was part of what made it clear to people that this was something that you could do— and that it would be good for you.” Blow states in the film, “I relish the idea of breaking the system altogether to create a system in which Republicans simply cannot win without courting everyone in the electorate, including Black people, and one in which Democrats cannot take you for granted.” Nadine Matthews welcomes reader comments at nmatthews@spokesman-recorder.com.

The math still ‘ain’t mathing’

Two new reports reveal deep disparities in Hollywood By Stacy M. Brown Shortly after actress Taraji P. Henson raised concerns about equal pay for women in Hollywood, two new reports not only support the star’s claims, but each goes a bit further in revealing the overwhelming disparities in film and television. The latest report from The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University sheds light on women’s ongoing challenges, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, in behindthe-scenes roles. Titled “The Celluloid Ceiling: Employment of Behind-theScenes Women on Top Grossing U.S. Films in 2023,” the report comprehensively analyzes the industry’s gender and racial dynamics. It reveals a concerning decline in the overall representation of women in key behindthe-scenes roles, dropping from 24 percent in 2022 to 22 percent in 2023. Examining specific roles, women comprised 16 percent of directors, 17 percent of writers, 26 percent of producers, 24 percent of executive producers, 21 percent of editors, and a mere seven percent of cinematographers. Notably, films with at least one female director demonstrated higher inclusion of women in various roles than those with exclusively male directors. While the overall figures indicate sluggish progress over the past 26 years, the study

emphasized the pivotal role of women directors in driving positive change in the industry. The analysis further extends to on-screen representation, revealing a persistent gender gap. In 2022–23, females accounted for 45 percent of speaking characters on original streaming programs and 44 percent on broadcast network programs, representing a decline from the previous year. Reality programs and game shows fared better, with 50 percent female representation. A glimmer of hope did emerge from the Indie Women study, focusing on independently produced feature-length documentaries and narrative films. While men still dominate key roles, the percentage of female directors increased from 40 percent in 2021–22 to 42

renegotiate, I’m at the bottom again, like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired,” Henson lamented. Behind the camera, the report highlights ongoing challenges for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Only 23.6 percent of directors, writers and producers across the 100 top films of 2022 were women. While showing slight improvement, women directors still accounted for only 8.8 percent. The study emphasized the positive impact of having a female director attached to a film, correlating with increased female leads and speaking Courtesy of NNPA characters. Finally, breaking down racial percent in 2022–23, reaching a identified, with a persistent hard, being gracious at what and ethnic representation, the recent historic high. The study ratio of 1.89 males to every I do, getting paid a fraction report noted that 61.7 percent also noted increases in the female character since 2008. of the cost,” Henson said in a of characters in 2022 were percentages of women writers, While there was an increase Sirius XM interview, according White, with underrepresented producers and editors. in films featuring gender-bal- to a CBS News transcript. “I’m groups comprising 38.3 perA separate report by anced casts, the overall per- tired of hearing my sisters say cent. While some groups have the USC Annenberg Inclusion centage remained stagnant at the same thing over and over. seen positive trends, erasure You get tired. I hear people go, and underrepresentation perInitiative, examining portrayals 15 percent. ‘You work a lot.’ I have to. sist for Black, Hispanic/Latino, “The math ain’t mathing. And Asian, and other ethnic groups. when you start working a lot, “Annually, we offer solutions you have a team. Big bills come that industry leaders can use with what we do. We don’t do to create change,” researchers this alone. It’s a whole entire at USC wrote. “Given the lack team behind us. They have to of progress across many data get paid.” points in this investigation, it According to CBS, she went is unclear if the same leaders on to say that on the reported have read or listened to these of gender, race/ethnicity, LGMoreover, underrepresent- compensation for her projects, suggestions. We suspect they BTQ+, and disability from 2007 ed racial and ethnic groups “Uncle Sam” often takes 50 per- do not read this far into the to 2022, reveals persistent dis- faced challenges, with only 19 cent, and another 30 percent report.” parities both on and off-screen. percent of films featuring an goes to her team. “It seems every time I do Only 34.6 percent of char- underrepresented female in a Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA something and break another Newswire senior national correacters in the 100 top-grossing lead or co-lead role. “I’m just tired of working so glass ceiling, when it’s time to spondent. films of 2022 were female-

Notably, films with at least one female director demonstrated higher inclusion of women in various roles than those with exclusively male directors.

8 January 18 - 24, 2024

Opinion

spokesman-recorder.com

Artificial intelligence can help overcome barriers to prosperity and wellness By LaTrisha Vetaw

parities in public health that we must address, and there is optimism about the value in leveraging AI to provide answers. With my life’s work in community health and as a cancer survivor myself, I am excited about the prospect of our policy and research teams getting their hands on AI technology to help answer some of our toughest public health questions.

want to fight for families and individuals hurting as they hope for a cure, lawmakers must not hinder the growing power of AI to diagnose diseases and discover new cures. The holiday season usually allows for moments for reflection. With lawmakers taking advantage of some much-deserved downtime, I hope we all take time to learn more about the potential for progress using AI for our city, state, nation, and across the globe. We are poised to see a renaissance of ingenuity that rivals the inception of the internet. I hope that leaders will create a tech-friendly environment in their approach to understanding AI, so that our community can use the technology to get ahead.

Growing up in North Minneapolis, my mother worked relentlessly to provide a better life for my siblings and me. There was beauty in our struggle, yet times would have been much harder without the resources and community support available in North Minneapolis. With my experience, I have a unique understanding of the work elected leaders must accomplish to help famiI hope we all lies overcome life’s hurdles to take time to reach prosperity. Beyond our work as electlearn more ed leaders, there is a wave about the of technological innovations on the horizon that will propotential for vide revolutionary tools for our neighbors working to get progress using ahead. Artificial intelligence AI for our city, (AI) could level the playing LaTrisha Vetaw serves Ward 4 After the endorsement of field, enabling anyone with acBy Stacy M. Brown transformative election. state, nation, in North Minneapolis on the MinDuring Biden’s 2020 cam- South Carolina Rep. James cess to the internet to explore and across the neapolis City Council. She started In what the Democratic paign, he turned to the Black Clyburn, Biden solidified the and bolster their ideas with the her career in public service 20 Party is calling a bid to secure press when it appeared that vital Black vote and dusted his power of machine-learning AI. globe. As elected officials are exyears ago when she left the corcontrol of the U.S. House of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders competition all the way to the ploring uses for AI, we should porate world and started working Representatives in the up- and even New York billionaire White House. Additionally, artificial intelli- in community health. She will Missayr Boker, DCCC dep- commit to working toward a coming November elections, Michael Bloomberg’s camthe Democratic Congres- paigns were gaining steam. In uty executive director for cam- full understanding of the tech- gence has shown the potential serve on the Administration and sional Campaign Committee fact, before arriving in South paigns, defended the “Power nology before erecting barriers to diagnose diseases at a rate Enterprise Oversight Committee that rivals some of the bright- and the Climate and Infrastruc(DCCC) has announced a $35 Carolina, Sanders, who had the People” initiative, stating to its advancement. There are numerous dis- est minds in health care. If we ture Committee for 2024-2025. million investment in a com- just romped in Nevada, held that it honors the commitment prehensive outreach initiative 45 delegates while Texas to a multiethnic coalition crutargeting Latino, Black, Asian Democrat Pete Buttigieg was cial for a robust democracy. American, Pacific Islander, second with 26 and Biden had The initiative focuses on perand Native Hawaiian voters. claimed just 15. suading and mobilizing Latino, “Power the People” aims to Black, Asian American, Pacific persuade, organize, welcome, Islander, and Native Hawaiian A notable omission educate and reach voters from voters to counteract what the diverse ethnic backgrounds. DCCC perceives as efforts by By Dedrick Asante-Muhammad that poverty rate had dropped discrimination, redlining, mass from the Demoincarceration, and more. So it will to 32 percent. Despite the significant alextremist Republicans to sup- and Chuck Collins cratic strategy is Yet this substantial progress require federal policy and national location, a notable omission press the votes of people of the exclusion of the color. This January marks what still wasn’t enough to bridge practices to close the divide. from the Democratic strategy And just as massive federal would have been Dr. Martin the radical and ongoing rais the exclusion of the Black The DCCC said its approach Black press, a move press, a move that continincludes conducting in-depth Luther King, Jr.’s 95th birthday. cial economic divide between investment was necessary to that continues to research, creating multilingual Nearly a century after the late Blacks and Whites. And since develop the White American ues to raise eyebrows given raise eyebrows middle class, so too is it esmedia content, organizing with civil rights leader’s birth, it’s then, progress has slowed. the pressing need to engage a good time to reflect on the Compared to the political sential for a massive federal local leaders, and countering African American voters efgiven the pressing and economic progress of the investment to bridge racial disinformation targeting spe- work still to be done. fectively. The party, including need to engage Just over 60 years ago, in 1960s, the 21st century has economic inequality. the DCCC, the Democratic cific communities. However, African American Investing in affordable National Committee, and the the absence of collaboration his famous “I Have a Dream” been much less fruitful — even speech at the 1963 March on as the country saw its first housing and programs deBiden-Harris reelection camwith the Black press remains a voters effectively. Washington, King declared: African American president signed to strengthen homepoint of contention. paign, has thus far ignored In response to criticisms, “We refuse to believe that and a national recognition of ownership for African Americriticism for overlooking the In Charleston, Biden met José Muñoz, a DCCC spokes- there are insufficient funds police brutality through the cans will be essential. Other influential Black press. While the DCCC revealed with a conglomerate of pub- person, emphasized the par- in the great vaults of oppor- Black Lives Matter protests. important policies include inthat 2024 spending surpassed lishers from the National ty’s commitment to “smart, tunity of this nation. And so From 2000 to 2021, there was vestments like a national baby the $30 million expended Newspaper Publishers As- targeted outreach,” which we’ve come to cash this check, only a three percentage-point bond program targeted at Afrion these voter groups in the sociation (NNPA), the trade he claims recognizes the nu- a check that will give us upon decline in Black poverty (22.5 can Americans, national health care, and breaking up the dy2022 midterm elections, con- association of America’s 250 ances not only between dif- demand the riches of freedom percent to 19.5 percent). One modest area of prog- nastic concentration of wealth cerns persist over excluding Black-owned newspapers and ferent ethnic groups but also and the security of justice.” Sixty years on, as the In- ress: the unemployment rate that’s made our country more the Black press from this fi- media companies. A broadcast within various regions and stitute for Policy Studies’ re- for African Americans is no unequal for all Americans. nancial commitment. Critics interview led by NNPA Presi- districts. Going 60 years without subport “Still A Dream” highlight- longer twice that of Whites. argue that the omission is par- dent and CEO Dr. Benjamin Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA ed, there’s been some progress. Since 2018, Black unemploy- stantially narrowing the Blackticularly striking during what is F. Chavis Jr. was followed by widely acknowledged as mod- a national news article about Newswire senior national corre- The African American commu- ment has reached record lows White wealth and income dinity is experiencing record low of five and six percent, except vide is a policy failure. In this ern history’s most crucial and the sit-down that went viral. spondent. unemployment, record highs during the 18-month reces- election year, policies that can in income and educational at- sion caused by Covid-19. But finally bridge the Black-White tainment, and has seen a mas- as of 2021, Black unemploy- divide should be at the foresive decline in income poverty ment was still about 1.8 times front of our national debate. since the 1960s. Making a dream into a realDespite all that, the check ity is challenging work. But it’s Just as massive fedfor racial economic equality is something our country has the eral investment was still bouncing. Without interresources to attain. The nationvention, we found it will take al celebration of Dr. King’s 95th necessary to develop centuries for Black wealth to birthday should be a time to rethe White American catch up with White wealth in dedicate ourselves to this work. middle class, so too is this country. The 1960s were years of Dedrick Asante-Muhammad it essential for a mascrucial economic progress for is the chief of Race, Wealth, submissions@spokesman-recorder.com sive federal investAfrican Americans, even as the and Community at the National ment to bridge racial Black Freedom struggle faced Community Reinvestment Coaliassassinations and government tion. Chuck Collins directs the economic inequality. suppression. In 1959, when Program on Inequality and coKing was 30, 55 percent of Afedits Inequaity.org at the Instirican Americans lived in income that of White unemployment. tute for Policy Studies. They are The racial wealth divide was co-authors of the report “Still a poverty. By what would have been his 40th birthday in 1969 created by federal policies and Dream: Over 500 Years to Black (a year after his assassination), national practices like segregation, Economic Equality.” submissions@spokesman-recorder.com

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Winter arrives: find warming spaces in the Twin Cities Cold winter temperatures have arrived. Below we’ve highlighted warming spaces in the Twin Cities metro for those seekiang shelter from the cold. Hennepin County locations Catholic Charities Opportunity Center 612-204-8300 740 East 17th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Catholic Charities Opportunity Center map Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Hope Avenue Twin Cities 612-709-0326 1229 Logan Avenue, Minneapolis Hope Avenue Twin Cities map Hours​: Every day, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Hennepin County libraries 612-543-5669 All Hennepin County libraries are available as warming locations during regular business hours. Minneapolis Central Library 612-543-8000 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Minneapolis Central Library map Hours​: Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hennepin County Government Center 612-348-3000 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487 Hennepin County Government Center map Hours​: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.​; Skyways open until 8 p.m. Peace House Community 612-870-7263 1816 Portland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404

January 18 - 24, 2024

Hours​: Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Hot lunch: Daily, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Youthlink (ages 16–24 only) 612-252-1200 41 North 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays are by appointment only American Indian Community Development Center (AICDC) KOLA, and A3 dropin centers KOLA: Walk-in 1600 East 19th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Hours​: Daily 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. 50 spots on a first-come, first-served basis Salvation Army Harbor Light Center arctic shelter beds Call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline to access these beds: 612-204-8200 Check-in time will be provided upon booking Located in downtown Minneapolis This location will ONLY open on nights with severely cold weather (is or feels like 0°F). It will be open all of January and February 2024.

Ramsey County locations Newell Park Building 900 Fairview Ave. N., Saint Paul For women only Phalen Activity Center 1530 Phalen Dr., Saint Paul For men only Union Mission Gospel Twin Cities 435 University Ave. E., Saint Paul For men only Central Baptist Church 420 N. Roy St., Saint Paul For families and youth ages 14-24 The St. Paul warming space locations

Jerry Leon (Fisher) Evans

Sunrise: September 8, 1949 — Sunset: December 26, 2023

J

HEARTS & HARMONY A journey to self love and great relationships with

erry Leon (Fisher) Evans passed away after an illness on December 26, 2023. He was born on September 8, 1949, the second oldest of eight children born to Mary E. and Albert J. Evans, Sr. in Hattiesburg, MS. Jerry attended elementary and junior high school at Eureka and W.H. Jones Elementary and Jr. High School in Hattiesburg, MS. In junior high school he played basketball, and the trombone in the band. He also sang in the school choir. He played piano and harmonica at home and for friends and family. He attended R.J. Rowan High School but left during the 11th grade to complete his education in the Job Corp. where he studied auto mechanics. Jerry finished school and joined the U.S. Navy. After leaving the Navy, he joined his

Richard Delroy Calhoun

Sunrise: April 15, 1942 — Sunset: December 27, 2023

SAT. FEB. 3 12-3 PM

The afternoon includes shopping with local vendors, networking, games, food, music, and more!

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family in Minneapolis, MN. In Minnesota, he worked for Otis Elevator Company installing elevators and escalators. He worked primarily as a self-employed skilled auto mechanic. Jerry loved nature, fishing, and being outdoors. He spent the last 20 years of his life living outdoors, even during the harsh Minnesota winters. He spent several decades researching how food, herbs, spices, and water affect health, and learning about the edible wild perennial plants available in Minnesota landscapes. He passed this information on to friends and family members. He is remembered by friends and family for being kind, patient and humble. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Abert James Evans, Sr., his mother, Mary Earl Evans (Day), and his youngest brother, Joseph Ray Evans. He is survived by his daughter, Donyelle (Adam) Headington; his sons, Kenneth (Sally) Gabrelcik and Micheal Gabrelcik; grandchildren Kofi Headington, Dustin West, and Edee West; siblings Albert (Doris) Evans, Jr., Mamie (Michael) Stokes, David Evans, Brenda Evans, Pamela Henderson, Vickie (Ewell) Evans-Nash; and many other relatives, neighbors and friends. Interment was held on Tuesday, January 9, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Obituary

THE LOVE ENGINEER

NORTHPOINT HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER 1256 PENN AVE. N. STE 5100, MPLS.

will remain open every night through the end of March 2024 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. They will provide seating, blankets, light snacks, and hot beverages such as hot cocoa and coffee. Warming essentials like hats and gloves will also be provided to those in need of cold-weather supplies. Ramsey County staff will be available to answer calls at 651-266-1050 and respond to emails sent to ColdWeatherReferrals@ramseycounty.us from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., facilitating referrals to available warming spaces or additional shelter beds. Ramsey County staff will operate a free shuttle van service, ensuring transportation to and from winter warming space locations from designated pickup points every day running from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. For detailed information visit ramseycounty.us/WarmingSpaces.

Obituary

Rescue Now shelter beds Call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline to access these beds: 612-204-8200 Check-in time will be provided upon booking Located in Northeast Minneapolis Will open in early January

$5

9

O

n December 27, 2023, at 5:40 p.m. Richard Delroy Calhoun passed away peacefully at home in Minneapolis with his son Gabriel and wife Beki by his side. Just 30 minutes prior, 81-year-old Delroy was visited by his most precious grandbabies. Born in Minneapolis in 1942, to Helen and Richard Ellis Calhoun, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota. Delroy’s most impactful academic honor was his selection for the Community Fellows Program at Harvard University and MIT. This experience changed his perception of himself and the world around him. Delroy went on to achieve many other honors during his career, including the University of Minnesota Howland Endowed Chair. Delroy was incredibly proud to serve his community. He worked for the Center for

Community Action, Loring-Nicollet Bethlehem, Project for Pride in Living, and cofounded MERC Alternative High School in 1980. He served on many boards including Camp Sunrise, Mixed Blood Theater and the Whittier Alliance. Each year on Father’s Day, Delroy would receive calls, cards and messages from the many people who were fortunate to have been impacted by his good heart. Delroy was known for his raucous laughter, loved music, and was known to hum regularly to himself. He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Beki) Saito with whom he celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary nine days before his departure. Delroy is also survived by his greatest source of pride, his son Richard Gabriel Calhoun, who is married to Michelle Gehri Calhoun. Together they are raising two granddaughters, Natalie and Grace, who brought Delroy endless love, fulfillment and joy. Delroy is also survived by his brother, Stephen Harris; an uncle; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, Adrienne Foreman-Jones. A memorial service will be held at Zion Baptist Church, 621 Elwood Ave. N., on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 1 p.m., followed by a continued celebration of life at 6 p.m. at the Bethlehem Community Center, 2539 Pleasant Ave. S., where Delroy was director for 20 years. The family asks that you continue Delroy’s work by giving your time and other resources to young people in your midst.

10 January 18 - 24, 2024

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Ex-offenders prepare for workplace reentry with new program and clothes By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer With Minnesota’s low unemployment rate, many employers are frustrated trying to find workers to fill their many open positions. Those business conditions create more opportunities for people returning to the community after being imprisoned. “Coming out of Covid, employers are struggling to find individuals who want to come back and work. They need people,” said Brother Shane Price, director of re-entry services at the Power of People Leadership Institute. “The time is right for committed employees who have worked on their issues and are ready to put in a hard day’s work.” To prepare ex-offenders for successful re-entry, the Power of People Leadership Institute offers a new initiative called Replanting Employment Expansion Project (REEP). This intensive two-week training program for men is now graduating its first cohort of 18. REEP participants are preparing to meet with local employers who have “shown interest in giving second-chance guys an opportunity,” in Price’s words. The graduates got a boost to their confidence with new clothing to help them look their best while they meet face-to-face with potential employers and restart their careers.

also have a place. When you look your best, you feel your best.” While Carter, a longtime hair stylist, helped individuals shop the apparel choices and pull together well-fitting business clothing and accessories, Tony Carter offered the group impromptu instructions on how to tie a tie. A barber was also

(l-r) Marsha Carter, Charles Snargrass, and Tony Carter

Courtesy photos

Carter unloaded bin after bin filled with dozens of gently used men’s suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, sweaters, shoes and neckties. “This was like a magic trick,” said Price. “We could see the esteem grow on their faces; their spirits “This was like a magic were full of joy.” Along with her husband Tony trick. We could see the and her brother Charles Snargrass, esteem grow on their Carter set up racks and tables of the faces; their spirits gently used donated apparel for the were full of joy.” participants to select from. “We want them to be able to ticipants in making positive first im- present themselves to employers in pressions. Each REEP graduate got a professional manner,” said Carter. a chance to select outfits to wear “Hoodies and sneakers have a place, but blazers, suits and sport coats for their upcoming job interviews. Marsha D. Carter, founder of the nonprofit Beyond New Distribution Center in St. Paul, recently arrived at the REEP training room on West Broadway in North Minneapolis ready to assist the REEP par-

REEP participant

on site to offer haircuts and trims. “We asked each one what they were interested in. A suit? Slacks and a sweater? Sport coat and dress shirt?” Carter said. “We had something for everyone, including a man who was a size 50.” Price was impressed by the skill and respectful attitude Carter and

SOE

Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

2600 E. 38th Street. Mpls., MN 55408 612-827-7928 fax: 612-827-3587 website: www.greatfriend.org email: info@greatfriend.org Sunday Church School: 8:30 am Sunday Worship: 9:30 am

“Winning the World with Love” Grace Temple Deliverance Center

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

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

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Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Dr. B.C. Russell, Pastor

Price is already setting up his next REEP group. The next cohort will start in February of 2024. Anyone interested in learning more about joining the upcoming REEP cohort can call 763-535-5711. Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader comments at sbrundidge@ spokesman-recorder.com.

for Colorado College. “I got a great group of guys in there,” said Wisdom afterwards as he pointed toward the visitors’ locker room. “They’ve taken me under their wing and showed me the ropes. And I think the coaching staff has done a good job of making sure and staying on top of me, making sure that I’m doing the right things all the time and holding myself accountable.” Although hockey in Canada is the national sport, it still lacks diversity. “It’s gotten better,” continued Wisdom. “As a Black player in this game, I want to see it be more diverse. “I think it’s getting better, but it’s still a work in progress. People like myself and Kaiden [Mbereko, his CC teammate], whenever we see someone of color, we smile—it’s a nice feeling. “We’re going to do all we can to make sure that it keeps getting more diverse,” said Wisdom. “It doesn’t matter what race you are…especially the Black community.”

eko of his teammates. The sophomore netminder fully knows he is Continued from page 12 a rarity as a Black hockey goalie. “Growing up, I didn’t notice as much. But now that I’m on a he got hot and led the Tigers to the championbigger, better platform and just being able to… ship game. He was named NCHC Goaltender of advocate for the sport, and obviously for Afrithe Month for December after a 2-1-1 record can Americans across the country and even in and a 1.95 goals-against average last month, the world. averaging 25 saves per game. “It’s cool. I’ve definitely seen a growth [of Being a goalie takes steel nerves. “I gotta Blacks playing hockey] over the years.” give credit for my brother who got me into being in hockey in general. But my friend at school Zaccharya Wisdom showed me some pads,” recalled Mbereko, who Before he enrolled at Colorado College, liked how the goalie pads looked and tried freshman forward Zaccharya Wisdom (Tothem out for a night. ronto, Ontario) played in the USHL and was a “I fell in love with it the first time and stuck seventh-round draft pick of Seattle in the 2023 with it,” he said. NHL draft. Colorado College and Minnesota split the “I had a great coach going into the USHL who January 7-8 series. Mbereko stopped 33 shots, unfortunately passed away recently,” said Wisincluding impressive back-to-back saves late in dom of the late Dave Adams, who helped prethe third period in the Tigers’ 6-4 road win. pare him for the rigors of college hockey. “He “As a goalie,” he explained, “you want to stop Zaccharya Wisdom was mentor, friend, father figure, and I loved every puck. Goals are gonna go in. As a goalhim to death,” said the 6-foot forward. ie [you] just try to get the team a chance. I’m Wisdom scored the game-deciding goal on a 6-4 road win at Minnesota, his third goal of the proud of the guys getting it done,” said Mberbreakaway with three minutes left in the Tigers’ season. He also posted a team-high five shots

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

her volunteers brought to their fashion mission. “To get that personal makeover was astronomical,” he said. “Not only did she have these beautiful clothes and shoes but with that charming personality, she made every guy feel like they were special. It made for one amazing afternoon.”

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

At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 bethesda1118@gmail.com

Service Times: Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am (live at 12:15pm on Bethesda Mpls Facebook page) Wednesday Adult Zoom Bible Study 7 pm Call the church to be added Friday AA Meeting at church 7pm

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Sr. IT Developer – Test Automation: Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Req. Masters’ degree in Comp Sci, Software Eng. or related IT field and 2 yrs of exp. as a software developer or rel. occupation in software testing in a regulated industry; or Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of exp. Must possess at least 2 yrs’ exp w. each of the following: Business process definition, business process improvement, requirements definition gathering, & tech. solution feasibility studies; Converting business req. into system specifications, functional specifications, & tech. specifications for software system functionality enhancements; Extracting data from Oracle & SQL database using software tools Toad & Spotfire; Java, J2EE, Spring, Hibernate, HTML5, JavaScript, Automation, & Windows Application; Waterfall & Agile SDLC methodologies; JAX-WS & JAX-RS,SOAP, & REST; JSP, JBoss 7.1 Application Server, servlets, & Java Database Connection; FACTORY-works, JD Edwards, & SAP. Apply at https://jobs.medtronic.com/, Req. #2400003U. Position permits telecommuting from anywhere in the U.S. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

Sr. Software Engineer:

Medtronic, Inc., Fridley, MN. Req. Bachelor’s deg. in Software Engineering, Computer Engr., Computer Sci., or Info. & Tech. & 5 yrs. exp. as a software engineer or in software engr.; or Master’s deg. & 2 yrs. exp. Must poss. a min. of 2 yrs. exp. w/each of the following: Agile software dev. & structured waterfall methodologies; Agile tools to incl. Team Foundation Server or JIRA; programming languages to incl. Javascript, Java, or Python; UI design principles & patterns; Object Oriented Design, layered architecture, & Design Patterns; multi-site tools to incl. GIT & Jenkins; Visual Studio or other various productivity tools for executing test scripts & manual tests; & working & coordinating dev. & testing activities w/ offshore teams. Apply at https://jobs.medtronic.com/, Req. # 2400003W. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

From Classified DATA ANALYTICS Department/MN APPLICATION DEVELOPER Spokesman-Recorder

IT Company (Minnetonka, MN) seeks Data Analytics Application DeveloperPHONE: to analyze,612-827-4021 design, implement web-based client/server applications by utilizing knowledge of Linux, Control-m agile, Python, CA Agile, UAT, GUI, ad-hoc, JIRA, ALM, GitHub, FOR BILLING Oracle, Informatica Power Center, etc. Create various types of INQUIRIES tests, troubleshooting, maintain, fine tuning applications. Gather & TEARSHEETS requirements, prepare technical PL E A SE CO N TAC Tand functional specifications. Send resumes to: HRD, Maritz AC C O U N T I NG Consulting D E P T (d/b/a Ledelsea), 12800 Whitewater Drive, Suite 40, Minnetonka, MN 55343or email to: BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM ledelsea@ledelsea.com EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY SI ZE: 2 COL X 4 I NCH A/1 R AT E $44.60 PER COL . I NCH Contract No. 24-136 TOTAL: REQUEST $356.80 FOR PROPOSALS Sealed proposals will be received by the Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul at 200 East Arch Street, St. Paul, MN 55130 for ARMED SECURITY GUARD SERVICES AT SIXTEEN (16) PHA HI-RISES, Contract No. 24-136 until 2:00 PM, Local Time, on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Proposals Pleaseelectronically, proof, respond confirmation to ad@ may be submitted in a pdf with format,email to Northstar Imaging, www. northstarplanroom.com. From Classified spokesman-recorder.com. For more exposure: We are

how much time I could commit to this.” Believe it or not, Blacks have been playing hockey for a long, long time. Besides being the first Black football letterman in the Big 10 when he attended the U of M, Bobby Marshall (1880-1958) was also the first Black athlete to play semi-pro hockey. La Toya Clarke (2000-04) was the first Black female to play Gopher women’s hockey. She played several pro seasons as well. Crystalyn Hengler just graduated after six seasons as the only Black player on the Gopher squad. Kyle Okposo (2007-08) remains the only Black player in the history of men’s hockey at Minnesota. The St. Paul native also played in the NHL (2007-23). After an all-time high of Blacks playing Division I hockey (43 males in 2016, and 32 females in 2022), the NCAA reported only 36 Black males Meredith Lang

print ad. by addendum if necessary.

PHONE: 612-827-4021

A completeThe set ofMSR bid documents is available contacting Northstar Imaging at handles billingbydigitally. 651-686-0477 or www.northstarplanroom.com, under public room, This means you will get e-tears andplan e-mailed invoices ARMED SECURITY GUARD SERVICESrequest AT SIXTEEN (16)copy. PHA HI-RISunless you specifically a hard FOR BILLING ES, Contract No. 24-136. Digital downloads are available at no charge. Contact INQUIRIES Northstar for hard copy pricing.

& TEARSHEETS

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BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM KA THAO

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

COORDINATOR (651)292-6055 KA.THAO@STPHA.ORG

EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY SIMinnesota ZE: 2 COL X 3.25 I NCH Spokesman-Recorder January 18, 2024 R AT E $44.60 PER COL . I NCH TOTAL: $289.90

From Classified Filed in District Court EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY State of Minnesota Department/MN SIZE: 2 COL X 2.5 INCH 1/11/2024 Spokesman-Recorder R ATE $44.60 PER COL. INCH STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT TOTAL: $223.00 Ramsey County PHONE: 612-827-4021 Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62‐DA‐FA‐23‐1277

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In the MatterPlease of Falishia L Washington vs Robert Ranzy confirmation to ad@ proof, respond withL email AC COU N T I NG D E P T To Respondent: spokesman-recorder.com. For more exposure: We are L LParte I NG @SP E S Mhas AN -Rissued E C OR YOU ARE NOTIFIED that BI an Ex Order forOK Protection been in D E R . also inviting our clients to advertise on our web site f this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator’s office weeks for of a flat fee ofof $150 perYou position with purchas within 12 days of the date publication this notice. may obtain a copy of LEGAL NOTICES the Ex Parteprint Order for ad.Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court COL X 4” administrator’s office at the SIZE: following2address: R ATE $18.10 District CourtPCI (1ST RUN) TheRamsey MSRCounty handles billing digitally. 25 West Seventh Street BTOTAL: $144.80and e-mailed invoice This meansSU you will get e-tears St Paul MN 55102 unless you specifically request a hard copy. Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a Please proof, respond with email confirm defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s order.

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The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mai cliche to say hockey is for everyone, because at a and 15 Black females playing hockey in 2023. invoices unless you specifically request of the day we know that it hasn’t been.” Less than three percent or about 20 Blacks the endcopy.

are in the NHL, and Nightengale is one of four Please proof, respond with email confirmation to ad@ Blacks in the PWHL’s inaugural season that spokesman-recorder.com. For more exposure: We are started this month. “I think I’ve seen more and also inviting our clients to advertise on our web site for 2 more [Black players] coming up from youth weeks for a flat fee of $150 per position with purchase of [hockey],” noted Nightengale. print ad. Meredith Lang has two teenage daughters playing hockey. She co-founded Minnesota The MSR handles billing digitally. Unbounded, a local youth hockey program speThis means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices cifically designed for Blacks and other players unless you specifically request a hard copy. of color. Her 14-year-old is active as well as her 12 year old daughter “who loves being a part of the game, wants to be a referee or coach,” said the proud mom, who herself was a high school hockey player in her day. “I think if we can get our communities involved, I think continuing to remove barriers for players of color to have access to the game… we can retain more players of color in hockey, provide that opportunity for them so that they can see themselves playing at the highest level possible,” Lang added. Courtesy of MN Unbounded Nightengale pointed out, “It’s not that super

PWHL

What about Black hockey fans? They comprise 6.5 percent of all hockey fans. There were but a handful of Black fans among the 13,316 at the Minnesota-Montreal contest January 6, in the Minnesota Wild’s St. Paul arena, a record crowd to ever watch a professional women’s hockey game. “It was an amazing opportunity to be part of such a historical day. Grateful to have been asked to be there and so excited to see all that is to come for the PWHL,” said Minnesota Lynx rookie Diamond Miller, who was part of the pre-game festivities and among the handful of Blacks spotted at the game. The quest to move hockey from its historically all-White sports status to a more diverse one at all levels still exists. “We’re trying to grow the game itself,” said Nightengale. Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@spokesman-recorder.com.

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Continued from page 12 “We are inclusive, and we’re going to be more inclusive,” continued Kasten. “As soon as Saroya Tinker resigned, we got her involved immediately. She’s doing broadcasting for us.” The Canadian-born Black player who retired late last year played college hockey at Yale, played in both the NWHL and the PHF, but went undrafted in the 2023 PWHL draft. She accepted the PWHL Ottawa’s training camp invitation but announced her retirement just before camp opened last November. “We’re also going to be involved as we have to be with local community programs and street hockey programs Stan Kasten in every city,” declared Kasten. “Now we can turn the dial all on the arena’s overhead vidthe right way using our wom- eoboard during the January 6 home opener for the PWHL en as a role model.” Before the record-atten- Minnesota franchise. Kasten noted that the dance crowd to ever watch a pro women’s hockey game league must go into “inner city (13,316), the MSR asked communities” but also warned Kasten about the PWHL at- that any measurable growth tracting Black fans to games. among Black hockey fans We only spotted a few Black “won’t happen overnight.” Before he went to watch attendees who were caught

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Department/MN also inviting our clients to advertise on our web site for 2 A Pre-Bid Conference will be held virtually via Team apps on January 23, 2024 Spokesman-Recorder weeks for a flat fee of $150 per position with purchase of at 10:00AM. All questions arising from this pre-bid conference will be addressed

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the contest, Kasten told the MSR that diversity “is very important to us. All of us with a sports background, I think, have demonstrated a real affinity for diversity because we know not only is it the right thing to do, a smart thing, it is just good business. “We have a DEI program. Saroya Tinker, who was a great

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collegiate hockey player, is now leading that effort for us. We’re very proud of our plans for the future,” said Kasten. “We do have plans. Check in with us in a year or two to see how we’re doing.”

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12 January 18 - 24, 2024

Sports

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The quest goes on for hockey that’s truly ‘for everyone’

Only two Blacks in this season’s NCHC

Record crowd shows up for pro women’s hockey

he National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) over its existence has made a concerted effort to diversify the sport. A league spokesperson told the MSR last weekend that there have been several Black players in the league, most notably Micah Miller at St. Cloud State and Isaiah Saville at Omaha.

“We’re going to do all we can to make sure that it keeps getting more diverse.” This season there are two Black hockey players in the NCHC, both teammates at Colorado College. The MSR talked separately with each player after a two-game series at Minnesota this month. Kaiden Mbereko Colorado College went into last weekend’s series at Minnesota Duluth ranked in the national polls: They finished in the top 20 last season for the first time in over a decade. The Tigers are in the top 20 again this season, and 5-11 sophomore goalie Kaiden Mbereko (Aspen, Colo.) is a big contributor as one of the country’s best collegiate goalies. Mbereko started 29 of 30 games last sea-

ikki Nightengale is one of three reserves on the 2024 PWHL Minnesota roster. Each PWHL club can have up to three reserve players, who train exclusively with their teams throughout the season and may be added to rosters during the season. This arrangement works great for the 5’6” Nightengale, a two-time Division III All-American at Augsburg and a three-time all-MIAC honoree. She is one of only six Auggies in program history to earn three or more all-MIAC honors (2016-20). She is currently studying nursing at Saint Kaidan Mbereko Photos by Charles Hallman Catherine’s and plans to graduate later this year. Nightengale said she never envisioned herself a son as a freshman. He was a three-time NCHC pro hockey player. Goaltender of the Week winner, a second team all-NCHC selection, and he made the league’s All-Rookie Team. We first saw Mbereko in action during last season’s NCHC Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul, when ■ See SOE on page 10

“It was an amazing opportunity to be part of such a historical day.”

Nikki Nightengale

Photos by Charles Hallman

“Never in a million years,” admitted the Minnesota rookie. “When I was little, I, like other young girls [playing hockey]. You want to go to the Olympics. Obviously boys want to go to the NHL, but we didn’t have that growing up. “It’s very cool to be a part of it now,” said Nightengale of the new PWHL. “I was invited to the camp with the intent of knowing that I would try to be a reserve player because of school and ■ See VIEW on page 11

Number of off-ice Blacks in new PWHL League: Zero By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

Federation last July. Stan Kasten, a member of the four-person advisory he Professional Women’s group, met with the media, inHockey League (PWHL) cluding the MSR, prior to the is perhaps the first wom- Minnesota-Montreal game on en’s hockey league to treat its January 6. He is the president players as true professionals, say and part owner of the Los Anits founders. geles Dodgers, formerly the Six teams make up the Atlanta Hawks GM, and former PWHL—Minnesota, Toronto, president of the NHL‘s Atlanta Ottawa, Montreal, Boston Thrashers, Atlanta Braves and and New York. Only Minne- Washington Nationals. sota plays in an NHL arena (the home of the Minnesota Wild). “We don’t have All six PWHL clubs are a lot of players owned by the Mark Walter of color yet.” Group and have in place an eight-year collective-bargainThe PWHL Minnesota (right) and PWHL Montreal players (on left) greeted the crowd at center ice after the January 6 game in St. Paul. Kasten took questions on ing agreement with the ProfesPhotos by Charles Hallman sional Women’s Hockey Play- the new league’s present and ers Association, a players union future, including such topics as about diversity on the ice and mitted Kasten. “That’s a great Mikyla Grant-Mantis (Ottawa), Among the PWHL League staff, formed in 2023, shortly after merchandise, team nicknames, off it. question. We don’t have a lot Sarah Nurse (Toronto) and Nik- advisory board and seven conthe PWHL bought out and dis- NHL involvement, even expanThe league has its work cut of players of color yet.” ki Nightengale (Minnesota) are sultants there are zero Blacks. banded the old Premier Hockey sion. But only the MSR asked out for it in that regard, adSophie Jacques (Boston), the PWHL’s only Black players. ■ See PWHL on page 11

South defeats North in City Conference matchup

oet Davis finished with 17 points, James Underwood added 17, Jumarion Weh had 15, Romero Walker 12, and Maurice Hargrow chipped in nine as the Minneapolis South Tigers defeated the Minneapolis North Polars 79-76 in last week’s City Conference game on Monday, January 8, at North High School. For North, Zashon Rich, Marcus Marshall Jr. and Jakari Miamen led the way with 14 points apiece, Allen Hill added 12, and Jermaine Jones contributed eight to the Polars’ balanced attack. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Minneapolis South guard James Underwood goes for two as Minneapolis North guard Zashon Rich challenges.

Minneapolis South guard Poet Davis takes it to the basket.

Minneapolis South center Romero Walk- Minneapolis North guard Zashon Rich drives to the er goes for two as Minneapolis North basket as Minneapolis South guard James Underwood defends. guard Marcus Marshall Jr. defends. All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

North center Delbert Hardin dunks as Minneapolis South center Romero Walker looks on.