January 25, 2024 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Counting down to our 90th Anniversary

January 25 - 31, 2024

Vol. 90

No. 26

PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

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Inside this Edition...

Read about Michele Norris’ upcoming Westminster Forum’s visit on page 7.

Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com

‘Emergency’ or not, COvid is still killing people

By Amy Maxmen n response to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) new national warning against a surge in the respiratory illnesses Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the flu, it’s crucial to recognize the potential impact across Minnesota, a state that lost more than 15,000 people during the span of the pandemic, which started in 2020.

Surprisingly, throughout 2023 Minnesotans were still dying from Covid-related illnesses.

Information by the CDC shows that nearly 391 Minnesotans died from respiratory illnesses last year, and in 2024 through January 18, 160 people have died from respiratory illness, 24 of them from Covidrelated variants.

Although the rate of in-

tory virus activity levels based upon national data that monitors the amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek health care and visit emergency departments, as well as testing wastewater viral activity levels, which are elevated in the Midwest and South regions, according to the CDC. Minnesota is in better shape than a lot of other states like Texas, California, South Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico and Louisiana, all showing high respiratory activity.

It’s equally important to understand why it’s paramount for communities of color to stay ahead of any pending outbreak, because those groups The CDC is urging all to take caution as respiratory illnesses spread across the country. were disproportionately affection, hospitalizations and days of Covid-19, there is still variants and the arrival of RSV. fected by Covid-19, experideaths are nowhere near the reason to take caution, espeMinnesota currently has a encing higher rates of hospicrippling totals of the early cially with the addition of new minimal threat rating of respira- talization and death.

Report reveals how mass incarceration deepens inequality

By Stacy M. Brown he collateral consequences of a criminal conviction often amount to a lifelong disadvantage, particularly for African Americans. According to the Sentencing Project, in 2010, one in three (33 percent) African American adult men had a felony conviction on their record, compared to 13 percent of all adult men.

Researchers found that employers discriminate against job candidates who have criminal histories, especially against those who are Black.

Application questions about criminal histories deter some people from applying to certain jobs and colleges, with a 2017 study finding that nearly half of unemployed men had a criminal conviction.

Additionally, almost onethird of all U.S. jobs require an

Researchers found that employers discriminate against job candidates who have criminal histories, especially against those who are Black.

Photo courtesy of NNPA occupational license, and many licensing boards bar or impose cumbersome obstacles for people with criminal records.

Fee-based programs to seal criminal records also exacerbate racial disparities, and the Sentencing Project noted that these policies stand in stark contrast to a growing evidence base showing that post-incar-

ceration employment prevents recidivism and that tackling heightened labor market discrimination against Black people with criminal records would reduce recidivism rates.

The Sentencing Project has again highlighted a critical element causing inequalities in incarceration with “One in Five: How Mass Incarcera-

tion Deepens Inequality and Harms Public Safety.” The report highlights laws and policies that worsen inequality and unfairly burden communities of color. Initiated to provide an in-depth analysis of racial inequities within America’s criminal legal system, the series of reports covers a spectrum of topics.

From the progress made in the 21st century in reducing the U.S. prison population to disparities in crime and policing, the series also explores the key causes of racial and ethnic disparities in imprisonment. Additionally, it highlights reforms that have played a pivotal role in mitigating these sources of disparity.

“A primary driver of disparity within the U.S. criminal legal system is the multitude of laws and policies that intensify economic and social inequalities, ■ See INCARCERATION on page 5

More single women become first-time homebuyers

By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer

2023, solo females made 18 percent of applications, up from 17.3 percent in 2021.

“This is an interesting develmid a tight supply of homes for sale and opment in the real estate marfluctuating interest ket, the influx of what we think rates, a welcome bright spot of as a non-traditional homeis emerging in the Twin Cities owner. Traditionally, home housing market. Single wom- ownership is the nuclear family, en are showing up at Open a husband and wife, but now it Houses and then at the closing is for everyone who is prepared,” table as a larger percentage of said Stephen Spears, who leads home buyers. And they are do- Bremer Bank’s Community ing it at a faster pace and larger Banking Team.

Spears anticipates that percentage than their male some changes are in the counterparts.

According to Census data, works that will create more in Minnesota 12.2 percent opportunities for all firstof homes are now owned by time home buyers in 2024. single women, contrasted with “We are sitting in a time 10.2 percent for single men. when housing prices are up, At the same time, the number but so is the ability to get ■ See FEMALE More and more women across the state are flexing their buy- of women making mortgage HOMEBUYERS on page 5 ing powers in the housing market.

Photo by Stefarmer applications is also rising. In

This disparity is often attributed to systemic inequalities in access to health care, underlying health conditions, and socioeconomic factors. Data also show that older adults, particularly those over the age of 65, are at a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization from Covid-19 and its variants.

With thousands of people dying of Covid-19 in the United States last year, and tens of thousands more abroad, the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t over.

And while the recent warnings are by no means a reason to panic, they help Minnesotans prepare for what could become a major outbreak as hospitalizations are expected to increase nationwide.

Let’s not confuse the terms “pandemic” and “emergency,” said Abraar Karan, an ■ See COVID on page 5

Are Social Security benefits safe in case of a government shutdown?

By Al Brown Assignment Editor s we await the seemingly month-to-month entanglement over whether to shut down the government because both political parties want the other to give up major concessions, everyday citizens, many of whom are seniors, retirees, veterans, and those with disabilities, wonder what will happen to their monthly entitlements.

is among the programs that would carry on without disruption. This is due to the fact that Social Security is funded through a dedicated revenue stream that is separate from the annual appropriations that Congress must approve.

As a result, beneficiaries can typically expect to receive their payments as scheduled, despite any potential government shutdown.

It’s also worth noting that Medicare payments, as well

as funds for Medicaid, are also not directly impacted by a federal government shutdown.

Similar to Social Security, these programs operate with funding that is not subject to the annual appropriations process and hence would not be immediately affected should a shutdown occur.

It’s still essential for citizens to stay informed about potential impacts of a government shutdown, if it should hapThe status of the shutdown pen, and be aware of which saga between Democrats and services might be affected in Republicans, recently saw order to best prepare for any President Joe Biden sign into potential disruptions. law a short-term funding exBut those relying upon the tension to avert a partial gov- aforementioned benefits can ernment shutdown. The White take comfort in knowing that House announced that the their financial lifelines will not short-term funding extension be cut short or delayed in the sets up two new funding dead- event of a shutdown. lines on March 1 and March 8.

Al Brown is the assignSocial Security, which encompasses retirement, dis- ment editor for the Minnesota ability and survivor benefits, Spokesman-Recorder.

It’s essential for citizens to stay informed about potential impacts of a government shutdown and be aware of which services might be affected in order to best prepare.

2 January 25 - 31, 2024

Metro

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Downtown boosters want buses off Nicollet Mall

Some frequent transit users would not be happy if this happens

By H. Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer

who represented the western half of downtown Minneapolis.

“Great cities have pedestrian Both the Downtown Store- malls.”

It might be easier said than front Working Group, convened by the city, and the Min- done to move buses off of neapolis Foundation issued Nicollet Mall. It currently has reports last year recommend- five routes going through, with ing buses be moved off of buses arriving on an average Nicollet Mall. Both reports say of every two minutes. Two moving the buses off Nicollet of these routes—northbound Mall allows an opportunity to Route 18 and southbound bring in retail, art, and green Route 10—have offered free space opportunities, even in rides to Mall visitors since the winter, which they be- March 2010.

Metro Transit has detoured lieve will bring in more people whether walking, biking, or us- routes off of Nicollet Mall being scooters. fore, onto either Hennepin “We need to be able to Avenue or Marquette and 2nd have festivals and events— Avenues, as people held farmthe farmers market is a great ers’ markets, bouquet distribuexample. And it’s been dif- tions, races, and even Indian ficult for events and event wedding rituals.

With pressure from the city planners, including the farmers market, to be able to use and downtown boosters, Metthe mall in a way that brings ro Transit is considering movpeople down,” said former city ing buses to either Hennepin councilmember Lisa Goodman, Avenue, Marquette and 2nd

Buses moving through Nicollet Mall have made commuting easy for many riders.

Photos by H. Jiahong Pan

The percentage of people shopping downtown. “That Avenues, 3rd Avenue, or 4th that are on that street that wouldn’t be good. That’ll and 5th Avenues. It’s unclear are for transit is a lot smaller. cause a lot of inconvenience if northbound Route 18 and And it seems like it’s getting for those who catch buses on southbound Route 10 would smaller and smaller,” said 9th Avenue. [The buses are] remain free downtown if they Cadet at a meeting hosted faster on Nicollet.” were to move.

by Move Minneapolis in NoGoodman believes the Or Joann, a Cleveland, Nicollet Mall buses should vember. “I think opening that Ohio transplant to Stevens be moved to Marquette and up for pedestrians-only is a Square who declined to pro2nd Avenues. Those streets, good idea.” vide her last name. “​​It’s very th which are served by regionBut some people who convenient for me. Why spend time on Nicollet do would they want to take al express buses as well as indeed ride the bus. Take buses off Nicollet Mall?” the Orange Line, reportedly have enough capacity be- idea. Telly Cadet, an East Triesha Bowles, a Loring Park Joann said as she rode the 17 cause the regional providers Town resident, supports mov- resident. Hearing about the shortly after shopping at the are operating fewer express ing buses off Nicollet because potential changes caught her downtown Target. buses compared to before he believes the people who by surprise. spend time on Nicollet don’t “I have not heard about the pandemic.

H. Jiahong Pan welcomes Some downtown residents ride the bus. “I don’t think a that,” said Bowles shortly af- reader comments at hpan@ are on board with Goodman’s lot of people use that area. ter finishing some last-minute spokesman-recorder.com.

“That’ll cause a lot of inconvenience for those who catch buses on 9 Avenue.”

Seward Co-op honors the legacy of Black cooperators, past, present, and future Sponsored Content

for African Americans.

Halena Wilson was a coopThe concept of cooperaerative educator and worked to empower women within tion is one that has been esthe cooperative movement in sential to the survival of Black the middle of the century. She and Brown communities for helped open buying clubs, credgenerations. It is in this spirit that this Black History Month, it unions, and consumer co-ops Seward Co-op recognizes the throughout the Chicago area.

Locally, Moe Burton was the founder of the BryantCentral Co-op. His work with the Black Panthers and Socialist Workers Party led him to cooperation as a tool for creating food access.

The Bryant-Central Co-op created jobs and provided cost-effective food options in an area that previously lacked access.

Annie Young’s legacy in the local co-op movement is farreaching. Her early experience of starting a buying club to feed those she was living with in Sioux Falls, S. D. prepared her for the work she would ultimately do at the People’s Warehouse at the height of the co-op wars.

Later, she filled the role of membership coordinator at Seward Co-op. Not only did she boost membership, but she also established the membership number system that’s in use in Seward Co-op stores today. LatCourtesy of Seward Co-op er, she served as the president legacy of Black and African We honor past and present- of our board of directors.

American cooperators in our day Black and African American Today, we are a proudly past, present, and future. cooperators like W.E.B. Du Bois, Black-led organization, headBefore capitalism became who was a co-founder of the ed by our General Manager, our society’s primary econom- NAACP and founded the Negro Raynardo Williams. Ray has held many leadership roles at ic structure, cooperation—and Cooperative Guild in 1918.

Considered one of the our co-op over the years. cooperative economics—proHe is dedicated to our Ends vided a framework for us to greatest thinkers of his time, he wrote about cooperative and has showcased his comlive and work together.

Having shared ownership economics as road to equity mitment to the co-op and exand a shared stake of outcomes allows people to come together to create change within communities.

Throughout history, cooperative economics have provided opportunities for marginalized individuals to find pathways to equity.

emplified his flexibility in times of difficult change and community unrest.

We cannot diminish the historic nature of Ray’s role as the first Black GM in Seward Co-

op’s history.

Together, Ray and Seward Co-op are making Black history and showing the world what modern cooperative leadership looks like.

Come together for When: Thursday, February 1st, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Where: Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, Saint Paul 55102 What: Coordinated by the Rondo Roundtable and Winter Carnival, come enjoy music, art, food, fun and friends while celebrating the rich history of Rondo!

Seward Community Co-op is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily and has stores located at 2823 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406, and 317 E. 38th St., Minneapolis, MN 55409.

January 25 - 31, 2024

3

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HOMES• FAMILIES• LEGACIES HOMES• FAMILIES• LEGACIES

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4 January 25 - 31, 2024

Health

spokesman-recorder.com

Women and minorities bear the brunt of medical misdiagnosis

By Liz Szabo Charity Watkins sensed something was deeply wrong when she experienced exhaustion after her daughter was born. At times Watkins, then 30, had to stop on the stairway to catch her breath.

Her obstetrician said postpartum depression likely caused the weakness and fatigue.

When Watkins, who is Black, complained of a cough, her doctor blamed the flu.

About eight weeks after delivery, Watkins thought she was having a heart attack, and her husband took her to the emergency room. After a 5½hour wait in a North Carolina hospital, she returned home to nurse her baby without seeing a doctor.

When a physician finally examined Watkins three days Charity Watkins’ heart failure went undiagnosed. later, he immediately noticed Photos by Kate Medley/KFF Health News her legs and stomach were swollen, a sign that her body patients a year die or are perma- heart failure—is the most comwas retaining fluid. After a nently disabled because of mis- mon cause of maternal death chest X-ray, the doctor diag- diagnosis, according to a study one week to one year after nosed her with heart failure, a published in July in the BMJ delivery, and is more common serious condition in which the Quality & Safety periodical. among Black women. heart becomes too weak to Heart failure “should have Women and racial and ethadequately pump oxygen-rich nic minorities are 20 to 30 been No. 1 on the list of possiblood to organs throughout percent more likely than White ble causes” for Watkins’ sympthe body. Watkins spent two men to experience a misdiag- toms, said Ronald Wyatt, chief weeks in intensive care. nosis, said David Newman-Tok- science and chief medical offiShe said a cardiologist later er, a professor of neurology at cer at the Society to Improve told her, “We almost lost you.” Johns Hopkins School of Medi- Diagnosis in Medicine, a nonWatkins is among 12 million cine and the lead author of the profit research and advocacy adults misdiagnosed every BMJ study. “That’s significant group. year in the U.S. and inexcusable,” he said.

Maternal mortality for Black In a study published Jan. 8 Researchers call misdiag- mothers has increased drain JAMA Internal Medicine, nosis an urgent public health matically in recent years. The researchers found that nearly problem. The study found United States has the highest one in four hospital patients that rates of misdiagnosis maternal mortality rate among who died or were transferred range from 1.5 percent of developed countries. to intensive care had experi- heart attacks to 17.5 percent Research shows that Black enced a diagnostic error. Near- of strokes and 22.5 percent of women with childbirth-relatly 18 percent of misdiagnosed lung cancers. ed heart failure are typically patients were harmed or died.

Weakening of the heart diagnosed later than White In all, an estimated 795,000 muscle—which led to Watkins’ women, said Jennifer Lewey,

co-director of the pregnancy and heart disease program at Penn Medicine. That can allow patients to further deteriorate, making Black women less likely to fully recover and more likely to suffer from weakened hearts for the rest of their lives.

Watkins said the diagnosis changed her life. Doctors advised her “not to have another baby, or I might need a heart transplant,” she said. Being deprived of the chance to have another child, she said, “was devastating.”

Women and minority patients suffering from heart attacks are more likely than others to be discharged without diagnosis or treatment. Black people with depression are more likely than others to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia.

Minorities are less likely than Whites to be diagnosed early with dementia, depriving them of the opportunities to receive treatments that work best in the early stages of the disease.

“The vast majority of diagnoses can be made by getting to know the patient’s story really well, asking follow-up questions, examining the patient, and ordering basic tests,” said Singh, who is also a researcher at Houston’s Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.

Racial disparities in misdiagnosis are sometimes explained by noting that minority patients are less likely to be insured than White patients and often lack access to highquality hospitals. But in a 2020 study, Monika Goyal, an emergency physician in Washington, D.C. who has documented racial bias in children’s healthcare, and her colleagues, found that Black kids with appendi-

citis were less likely than their White peers to be correctly diagnosed, even when both groups of patients visited the same hospital.

Although few doctors deliberately discriminate against women or minorities, many are biased without realizing it, said Goyal. “Racial bias is baked into our culture,” Goyal said. “It’s important for all of us to start recognizing that.”

Demanding schedules, which prevent doctors from spending as much time with patients as they’d like, can contribute to diagnostic errors, said Karen Lutfey Spencer, a professor of health and behavioral sciences at the University of Colorado-Denver.

“Racial bias is baked into our culture.”

In an experiment, researchers asked doctors to view videos of actors pretending to be patients with heart disease or depression, make a diagnosis, and recommend follow-up actions.

Doctors felt far more certain diagnosing White men than Black patients or younger women.

“If they were less certain, they were less likely to take action, such as ordering tests,” Spencer said. “If they were less certain, they might just wait to prescribe treatment.”

It’s easy to see why doctors are more confident when diagnosing White men, Spencer said. For more than a century, medical textbooks have illustrated diseases with stereotypical images of White men.

Only 4.5 percent of images in general medical textbooks feature patients with dark skin.

That may help explain why patients with darker complexions are less likely to receive a timely diagnosis with conditions that affect the skin, from cancer to Lyme disease, which causes a red or pink rash in the earliest stage of infection. Black patients with Lyme disease are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced disease, which can cause arthritis and damage the heart.

Black people with melanoma are about three times as likely as Whites to die within five years.

The COVID-19 pandemic helped raise awareness that pulse oximeters—the fingertip devices used to measure a patient’s pulse and oxygen levels— are less accurate for people with dark skin. The devices work by shining light through the skin; their failures have delayed critical care for many Black patients.

Seven years after her misdiagnosis, Watkins is an assistant professor of social work at North Carolina Central University in Durham, where she studies the psychosocial effects experienced by Black mothers who survive severe childbirth complications.

“Sharing my story is part of my healing,” said Watkins, who speaks to medical groups to help doctors improve their care. “It has helped me reclaim power in my life, just to be able to help others.”

This story was edited for space in print. For the full story, visit spokesman-recorder.com.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Hennepin Healthcare’s East Lake Clinic expands trauma-informed care At a recent morning “huddle” meeting at Hennepin Healthcare’s East Lake Clinic (ELC), the team reviewed staffing, supplies, recognition and thanks before departing from the typical “huddle” format.

The team was asked to type a word or two that symbolizes healing for them into a site that will create a word cloud of their responses. “Spiritual well-being” and “being healthy again” have already popped up on the word cloud as people grab their phones and start entering words that mean “healing” for them.

Trauma Healing Program Coordinator Margit Herrmann explains how the exercise connects to patient care: “We can think about maybe doing that with patients too, and seeing what would go in the waiting room—actual physical items or pictures so when you enter the clinic and waiting room, you can see ‘my culture or my family is represented here’ and we accept all these different kinds of healing.”

When Hennepin Healthcare’s East Lake Clinic burned down in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, for a while it was a clinic without a physical home. When the clinic was reopened in 2021, it was with a renewed purpose—to rebuild and repair the trauma of a hurting community (the internal staff community as well as

life and ethnicities who come to East Lake Clinic with current and past traumas poorly affecting their mental and physical health,” says Dr. Ndidiamaka Koka in a reflection she wrote about the clinic’s trans-

led to it, making them more focusing on topics like how to patients filled up every leaf. The compassionate and able to see respond to dysregulation and leaves will eventually become a tools to use before, during or quilt that represents the hopes people’s strengths. of the team members and the “This means trauma-in- after stressful events. patients for care at the clinic. formed care has to start with “I think over the last few our team relieving their own Healing trauma from the stress and focusing on their moment the patient walks months and years people can own healing so they can pro- in the door see that everyone has gone vide the best care to our paThe clinic is also transform- through experiences, and evtients,” explains Herrmann. ing its physical environment eryone has gone through trauEach day in their morning based on feedback they gath- ma—no matter the patient, a huddle, the East Lake Clinic ered directly from patients team member, or in the commupauses for a healing moment in community focus groups. nity,” says Herrmann. “How can like the word cloud exercise. There is a coffee cart in the we better respond? Yes, a big In November, the theme was waiting room and each mem- part of that is to treat our pagratitude. In one huddle, the ber of the care team has a tients in the best way possible, team wrote words of kindness photo hung on the wall. but also we need to take care of to themselves, to others, or to ourselves to be able to do that.” their younger selves.

“If we don’t focus on the “Everyone has gone In January, the team is folwellness of our staff, noththrough trauma— lowing a mindfulness theme. ing else will move forward,” no matter the patient, says physician Maria Kaefer.

They do one-minute meditaa team member, “Trauma-informed care will just tions and practice exercises that or in the community.” be an external idea—like this help with emotional regulation. (l-r) Hennepin Healthcare’s Cassandra Brouillette, CHW, and is something we do for other Clinic Practice Manager Norma Atuesta, RN Photo courtesy of Hennepin Healthcare Ashley Turner says the culture In December, the team rep- people and not for us.” at East Lake Clinic is different licated their exercise with paformed care. Generous funding formation. from a Bush Foundation grant “From the opening of the ELC and shows up in small ways, tients in the waiting room, askHennepin Healthcare’s East and from Hennepin County has in 2021, the process of effect- like Dr. Koka beginning provid- ing, “What is most important to Lake Clinic is located on Level 5 made this work possible. ing a change in culture and care er meetings with a quick check- you in your care at East Lake, or of the Hennepin County Human of the patients that walked in on how team members are what do you value the most in Service Center at 2215 East Lake Street in Minneapolis near the inThe goal of transforming care through our clinic door has doing and a breathing exercise. your care at East Lake Clinic?”

As they waited for appoint- tersection of East Lake Street and “Really being intentional East Lake Clinic’s stated vi- been under transformation.” about setting that time and ments, patients wrote words Hiawatha Avenue. The interior artsion is to “transform the clinic into a place for trauma healing Healing trauma, starting with that space for staff to be able on brightly colored tree leaves work reflects the diverse communito share what they’re going made from fabric—love, be pa- ty of the area it serves, and the clinic for staff and patients—trans- the ELC team forming the health of our comTrauma-informed care shifts through—maybe even seek tient, feeling heard, empatia staff is committed to a comprehenmunity by transforming the perspectives from “What is support from other colleagues— (empathy), honestidad (hon- sive approach to health and healing, wrong with you?” to “What is very helpful,” Turner says. health of our clinic.” esty), amabilidad (friendliness), including trauma-informed care.

Once a month, the team positive, grief relief.

“At times it can be a heady has happened to you?” This For more info, call 612-873-6963. exercise, trying to wrap my prompts the ELC team to see holds a 20-to-30-minute trauThe team wasn’t sure that head around the sheer number the full context of a person’s ma-informed care training and patients would want to join a —Information provided by of individuals from all walks of behavior and what might have discussion at a staff meeting, waiting room activity, but the Hennepin Healthcare. surrounding community from which their patients come).

Over the last two and a half years, the clinic has brought team members, patients, and community partners together to create a roadmap for trauma-in-

January 25 - 31, 2024

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COVID

accidents and influenza.

Still, compared with last Continued from page 1 year’s seasonal surge, this winter’s wave of Covid-19 hospitalizations has been lower infectious disease physician and death rates less than half. and researcher at Stanford Uni- While a new coronavirus variversity. Pandemics are defined ant, JN.1, has spread around by neither time nor severity, but the world, current vaccines rather by large numbers of ongo- and Covid-19 tests appear to ing infections worldwide. Emer- remain effective. gencies are acute and declared to trigger an urgent response.

Ending the official emergency shifted the responsibility for curbing Covid-19 from leaders to the public. In the United States, it meant, for example, that the government largely stopped covering the cost of Covid-19 tests and vaccines.

But the virus is still infectOther seasonal illnesses ing people; indeed, it is surging are surging too, but rates are right now. Surprisingly, more consistent with those of prethan four years since the on- vious years. Between 9,400 set of the pandemic that killed and 28,000 people died from more than a million people influenza from Oct. 1 to Jan. 6, worldwide, more than 73,000 according to estimates by the people died of Covid-19 in the CDC, and millions felt so ill from U.S. in 2023, meaning the vi- the flu that they sought medirus remains deadlier than car cal care. Cases of pneumonia—

a serious condition marked by inflamed lungs that can be triggered by the flu, Covid-19, or other infections—also predictably rose as winter set in.

Public health researchers recommend following the CDC guidance on getting the latest Covid and influenza vaccines to ward off hospitalization and death from the dis-

“Every workplace needs to have a plan for reducing the threat of infectious disease.”

INCARCERATION

“A primary driver of disparity within the U.S. criminal legal system is the multitude of laws and policies that intensify economic and social inequalities, diverting public spending from effective public safety investments.”

Continued from page 1

diverting public spending from effective public safety investments,” stated Nazgol Ghandnoosh, co-director of research with The Sentencing Project and lead author of the report. Ghandnoosh emphasized the importance of protecting and expanding promising reforms initiated by states and local jurisdictions nationwide.

The report delves into various criminal legal laws and policies, including fines, fees, predatory pricing, exploitative wages, collateral consequences, and the diversion of adequate investments in public safety. The report proposes two key strategies to eliminate racial disparities in incarceration, including ad-

eases and reduce the chances of getting sick. It’s not too late for an influenza vaccine, either, said Helen Chu, a doctor and epidemiologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Influenza continues to rise, especially in Southern states and California.

Another powerful way to

dressing sources of inequality by limiting socioeconomic disadvantage resulting from a criminal conviction and significantly increasing investments in effective public safety programs.

The “One in Five” series concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the need for durable investments in communities of color, a reduction in policing footprint, and ongoing efforts to tackle critical

drivers of racial disparity.

“Certain regulations intensify the marginalization of justice-involved people, who are disproportionately people of color, by wearing down economic and social buffers against crime and increasing the likelihood of police contact,” added Ghandnoosh.

Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent.

prevent Covid, influenza, common colds, and other airborne infections is by wearing an N95 mask. Many researchers say they’ve returned to socializing without one but opt for the masks in crowded, indoor places when wearing one would not be particularly burdensome.

The public is also encouraged to use home testing kits if they are not feeling well or suspect they have a serious respiratory ailment. However, some tests are known to produce inconsistent readings. A negative result with a rapid test might simply mean that an infection hasn’t progressed enough to be detected, that the test had expired, or that it was conducted wrong.

To be sure the culprit behind symptoms like a sore throat isn’t Covid-19, researchers suggest testing again in a day or two. It often takes about three days after symptoms start for a test to register as positive, said Karan, adding that such time estimates are

based on averages and that individuals may deviate from the norm.

If Covid-19 is ruled out, Karan recommends tests for influenza because they can guide doctors on whether to prescribe an antiviral to fight it—or if instead it’s a bacterial infection, in which case antibiotics may be in order.

Jobs complicate a personal approach to staying healthy.

Emergency-era business closures have ended, and mandates on vaccination and wearing masks have receded across the country.

Some managers take precautions to protect their staff.

Chu, for example, keeps airpurifying devices around her lab, and she asks researchers to stay home when they feel sick and to test themselves for Covid-19 before returning to work after a trip.

However, occupational safety experts note that many employees face risks they cannot control because decisions

on how to protect against outbreaks, such as through ventilation, testing, and masking, are left to employers. Notably, people with low-wage and part-time jobs, occupations disproportionately held by people of color, are often least able to control their workplace environments.

Jessica Martinez, co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said the lack of national occupational standards around airborne disease protection represents a fatal flaw in the Biden administration’s decision to relinquish its control of the pandemic.

“Every workplace needs to have a plan for reducing the threat of infectious disease,” she said. “If you only focus on the individual, you fail workers.”

Amy Maxen is a contributing writer of KFF Health News. Al Brown, Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder, also contributed to this article.

ever do a first walk-through of unique opportunities for firstFEMALE time home buyers. If you’re homes on the market.

HOMEBUYERS “You have to be creditworthy, so ready and informed, then now

Continued from page 1

you must understand your credit profile and get the best possible credit score so you can qualify for down payment assistance,” a loan,” he said. Despite prevailing Spears said. “We have an un- wisdom, Spears insists this can be precedented amount of down an ideal time for first-time homepayment assistance that may owners to fulfill their American coming to the market this dream of home ownership. year. This is a perfect time to get your house in order, so to speak, so you can be ready to buy your home.”

Spears said that an important first step for prospective home buyers is to find a trusted and knowledgeable lender and loan officer to work with as they embark on the complicated process of qualifying “Interest rates are certainly for a mortgage for the trans- higher than they have been in action. With the traditional recent years, but historically busy spring market just ahead, they are still low. Interest rates Spears stressed that prospec- have neutralized, housing prices tive buyers should begin doing have neutralized,” he said. “The their homework before they current market is presenting

is the perfect time to buy.”

In addition to loan officers, Bremer Bank also offers consultations with Community Impact Manager Trent Bowman. He leads efforts to educate first-time homebuyers and low-to moderate-income

“This is a perfect time to get your house in order, so to speak, so you can be ready to buy your home.”

Unique, local content from the African American community's

families to inform and support them as they begin the home buying process.

Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader comments at sbrundidge@spokesman-recorder.com.

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6 January 25 - 31, 2024

Business

spokesman-recorder.com

2nd Annual ‘Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol’ to gather hundreds of Black small businesses This is the crucial time on the legislative calendar when decisions are being made about how the multi-billiondollar state budget will be divided and funds appropriated.

On Feb. 16, “Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol” will once again bring hundreds of Minnesota’s Black small business owners to the Capitol to raise their voices, flex their collective political muscle, and remind legislators of their constituency.

The event is presented by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, the small business founded by podcast entrepreneur Sheletta Brundidge.

“Every major company and special interest has a lobbyist at the Capitol to make sure they get their fair share,” Brundidge said. “Again this year, Black Entrepreneurs Day will turn small business owners into lobbyists so that our needs and issues are represented—by us.”

The Feb. 16 event builds on the success of last year’s

event that brought 400 Black small business owners to the Capitol to request funding for programs that will benefit them and spotlight the stubborn historical barriers to their success.

Brundidge encourages all Minnesota Black small business owners and their allies to attend this one-of-a-kind event, which will again include one-on-one meetings with elected leaders, legislators, and policy makers.

The bridge building accomplished through last year’s event proved fruitful. At the session’s end, Gov. Tim Walz credited the political push from Black Entrepreneurs Day with funding several programs that strengthened and offered funding for minorityowned businesses.

They will also be able to connect and network with the four premiere local organizations that are sponsoring the event.

“We are acutely aware that access to resources and funding for business owners is not

the same for everyone. The American dream is more available to White Americans, and that needs to change,” said Nancy Lyons, CEO of Clockwork, a Minneapolis-based

W-2s and 1099s, so make sure your reported income matches what the IRS has on file.

Claim all your deductions and credits One of the most significant Filing your taxes is a dread- benefits of the tax system is ed task for most people, but it’s the ability to claim deductions a necessary one. Making errors and credits. Many taxpayers on your tax return can lead to miss valuable deductions or financial headaches, potential fail to claim credits they are legal issues, and unnecessary eligible for. Calculate the stanstress. To navigate the tax-fil- dard deduction and itemized ing process smoothly and avoid deductions to determine which the most common mistakes, option provides the most sigfollow these tips: nificant tax benefit. Consult with a tax professional to enFile on time sure you are taking full advanOne of the most common tage of opportunities to lower mistakes taxpayers make is missing the filing deadline.

The annual tax deadline in the United States is typically April 15. Filing late can result in penalties and interest charges. To avoid this, mark your calendar, set reminders, or consider filing an extension if you can’t make the deadline. Remember that an extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay any taxes owed.

By Finances FYI

are honored to once again be part of Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol,” said Comcast Senior Vice President Kalyn Hove. “This special day offers the opportunity to listen to our

“We appreciate this opportunity to stand with small business owners in our community and hear firsthand about their setbacks and accomplishments,” said Cathy McLeer, AARP MN State director. “We are excited to work together to reach common shared goals.”

One Black entrepreneur will receive a financial windfall. Each business owner who attends will be eligible to win a no-strings-attached gift of $5,000 from Brundidge to use to strengthen their business in any way they choose.

“Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol” in St. Paul is scheduled for Feb 16. The rally in the Rotunda begins at 11:30 a.m. Participants will meet with elected officials Sheletta Brundidge at the podium speaking to attendees Photo courtesy of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com and legislators at noon, followed by a complimentary lunch for all design and technology con- again sponsor this year’s event. business community and align in The Vault at 2 p.m.

“Comcast loves supporting on how we can better support sultancy that is one of the Register to attend at Sheletsponsors of Black Entrepre- the growth of small businesses them to drive future successes.”

Northwestern Mutual and taMakesMeLaugh.com. and entrepreneurs that share neurs Day. “Clockwork is committed our commitment to uplifting AARP MN have also stepped to supporting Black entrepre- their local communities and up as sponsors for Black EnThis information was provided neurs and the work that She- driving economic growth. We trepreneurs Day at the Capitol. by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.

Avoid these common tax filing pitfalls Sponsored Content

letta is doing to bring attention and support to our BIPOC community,” added Lyons.

Comcast, which sponsored the inaugural Black Entrepreneurs Day last February, will

professional are often offset by the additional deductions and credits they help you claim.

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be a stressful or error-prone process. By avoiding common mistakes and taking a methodiSeek professional support • Head of Household Tax laws are intricate and cal approach to tax preparation, • Qualifying Widow(er) with challenging to navigate, espe- you can ensure that you file an Dependent Child cially if you have investments, accurate return, minimize your Selecting the appropriate own a business, or face unique tax liability, and enjoy peace of status can significantly impact circumstances. If your financial mind during tax season. your tax liability. If your status situation is complex, it’s wise For a tax-time triumph, rehas recently changed or you are to seek the help of a tax pro- member to stay organized, file unsure which fits your circum- fessional. The costs of hiring a on or ahead of the deadline, stances, visit the IRS website’s interactive tool for assistance.

Keep good records Good record-keeping is essential for tax preparation.

You may find it challenging to file an accurate return without documentation to support your income and deductions.

Maintain organized records of receipts, financial statements,

Correct and complete Photo courtesy of thevisualsyouneed via 123 RF information Accuracy is crucial when charitable contributions, and it comes to filing your taxes. your tax liability.

Common errors include typos, Some common itemized de- any tax-related documents throughout the year. miscalculations, and missing ductions and credits include: information.

Double-check Deductions: your Social Security Number, • Mortgage Interest Utilize e-filing services income and deduction infor• State and Local Taxes (SALT) E-filing is more convenient • Charitable Contributions and can also help reduce the mation, and math calculations.

• Medical Expenses chances of errors in your return.

A simple mistake can trigger an • Student Loan Interest The software typically includes audit or delay your refund.

• Educator Expenses error-checking mechanisms Credits: that catch common mistakes Remember to sign and date • Child Tax before submitting your return.

It may seem like a minor • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Additionally, e-filing usually detail, but forgetting to sign • Lifetime Learning results in faster processing and and date your tax return is a • American Opportunity quicker refunds. mistake that can result in the • Savers Credit rejection of your filing. Be sure • Child and Dependent Care File correctly as a small business to sign your return where re• Adoption quired and include the date. If For small business owners, • Foreign Tax you’re filing jointly with your there are additional requirespouse, you both must sign. ments and potential credits and deductions. Some comCorrectly select your filing status Report all income mon mistakes when filing taxes Some taxpayers neglect to Choosing the wrong filing as a small business include: • Inadequate record-keeping report all their income. This in- status can lead to paying more • Failing to separate personcludes income from freelance taxes than you owe. There are work and side gigs, rental prop- five filing statuses: al and business expenses • Single • Neglecting to take advanerties, and investment gains.

• Married Filing Jointly The IRS receives copies of your tage of available deductions • Married Filing Separately income documents, such as and credits

• Underestimating quarterly tax payments or missing filing deadlines • Misclassifying workers as independent contractors

consult professionals when needed, and always doublecheck your work before submitting your return.

MSR + JPMorgan Chase have partnered to bring you the Finance FYI series. JPMorgan Chase is committed to helping close the racial wealth gap and driving economic inclusion for Black, Hispanic and Latino communities. For more Financess FYI stories, visit spokesman-recorder. com/category/finances-fyi.

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Arts & Culture

January 25 - 31, 2024

7

Race Card Project’s Michele Norris creates book of race stories

Join her in an in-depth conversation at upcoming Westminster Forum

By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer

On Feb. 1, Norris will appear stressed Norris. “We’re going at the Westminster Town Hall to do a theatrical reading of a for an in-depth conversation. section of the book, and we’re For nearly a decade, Mi- In an MSR phone interview last going to invite members of chele Norris invited Americans week, Norris explained that her the community. We’ve done to share their life experiences Westminster appearance will be this before…and it can be very more than just speaking about powerful.” in six-word stories.

Norris’ 500-page book is Norris, a veteran journalist, her book. based on her Race Card Project. started The Race Card Project “In creating the book,” she said, in 2010 during her tenure at “I wanted to include as many of National Public Radio (NPR), the individual six-word stories where she became the Black as I could. It’s about a little unfemale host in 2002. She left NPR in 2015 to focus on the der 1,000 stories. project, which invited people “Some of them are just excelto submit their experiences lent stories, and some of them about race in the U.S. in sixare six-word stories with back- Michele Norris Courtesy of Westminster Town Hall word comments. stories, and some of them are Since 2019, Norris has deeply reported essays. The learned that and more. in their homes are sometimes been an opinion columnist combination of individual sto“I thought no one wanted to tethered to that some way, but at the Washington Post. She ries and essays that I wrote and talk about race… I was wrong,” loosely, much different and previously was an ABC News Courtesy of Simon and Schuster researched and reported, and reiterated Norris. “It turns out much more reserved.” correspondent, writing at the lots of photographs because I a lot of people do. They’re Norris said she isn’t so naChicago Tribune and Los An“I have been at Westminster wanted the design of the book just trying to figure out how ïve as to believe that her book geles Times before she joined before,” said Norris. “They invite to feel like it [came] off the page and where and can they do it will be a panacea to what ails all kinds of people. [I] appreci- into someone’s space, into their without feeling guilty or facing America. “My goal in doing this NPR in 2002.

Her many honors include an ate that they make it available heart, maybe into their mind.” some sort of [backlash]. work is not trying to indoctriEmmy (2006), Peabody (2006), to people who can’t make their “I learned that there are a lot nate anybody. I talked to a lot and 2009 NABJ Journalist of way downtown, so you can lisof White people who are will- of people I don’t agree with. I “If we can provide the Year title. ten on Minnesota Public Radio. ing to talk about race beyond think that you can still have a Norris is a Minneapolis na“I appreciate that they’re a project where we what I expected,” she recalled. very prickly and challenging tive and a graduate of Wash- willing to give me a space can at least be teth- “Race is usually something that conversation with someone burn High and the University where we can use this project people of color [talk] about to without yelling. ered and listen to of Minnesota School of Jour- to bring people together—not “I’m trying to hold a mirror up people of color. I didn’t expect nalism and Mass Communi- just to talk but also to listen— each other a little bit, to society. I know I’m not going this many White participants. cations, where she was an and maybe debate and maybe we can find out ways “One of the lessons for me to change someone’s mind per WCCO-TV reporter while still spar a little bit,” continued is that our definitions of race se in that individual conversato coexist with the award-winning journalin college. sometimes are too narrow. We tion,” stated Norris. “The goal is dignity, to reach The daughter of Elizabeth, a ist. “We’re living in a divided think about it in kind of a Black- to collect the stories and prescommon ground.” fourth-generation Minnesotan, moment; we have to get comWhite construct, a civil rights ent them in a way so that Amerand Belvin Norris, Jr., an Alabama fortable with sometimes being binary. A big lesson for me is ica can see itself as if it were native who served in the Navy in uncomfortable. that we’re having a conversa- looking into a cultural mirror.”

World War II, she released her Talking about race might be tion about race based on the “What we’re doing in the America today is deeply dilatest book, “What Americans Twin Cities is something a little one of the most difficult things headlines and the flashpoint in vided, said Norris. Nonetheless, Really Think About Race and bit different than what I tradi- to do in America, but Norris, the news cycle. The conversa- “There is some value in that in Identity,” on January 16. tionally do on the book tour,” through her ambitious project, tions that people are having figuring out the other side.

“Many people are actively invested in dividing America, and we all consume a media diet which sometimes reflects a divided America,” added Norris. “If we can provide a project where we can at least be tethered and listen to each other a little bit, we can find out ways to coexist with dignity, to reach common ground.

“We’re probably going to continue to disagree. Racism is not something that will magically go away. We’re always going to have people who see the world differently, and we’re always going to probably have a certain degree of prejudice and bias in our world.

It’s been with us since the very beginning of time.”

Finally, the veteran journalist offered her own six-word story: “My final six words—do more work to be done.”

Michele Norris’ appearance at Westminster Town Hall takes place on February 1 at 6 p.m.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with a musical prelude by T. Mychael Rambo at 5:30 p.m. The talk begins at 6 p.m.

A book signing and a reception will be held afterward and is free and open to the public at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave. in Minneapolis.

Learn more and watch live at westminsterforum.org.

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

There’s lots of great live music ahead Prepare to be amazed

By Robin James Contributing Writer It looks like 2024 is starting with a big bang considering there’s quite a few top jazz artists coming to town, especially at the one-and-only Dakota in downtown Minneapolis (dakotacooks.com).

First, the Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Tour, which kicked off on January 18, makes a stop in the Twin Cities at the Dakota on Saturday, January 27. They have a 35-date tour.

Yes, the legacy of the “Finest in Jazz since 1939” lives on with an all-star collective that includes pianist Gerald Clayton, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, and bassist Matt Brewer.

Clayton, a six-time Grammy-nominated composer and bandleader, leads the band as musical director and pianist.

The last time I witnessed his artistry up close and personal was when he played along with Charles Lloyd.

Ross and Wilkins are no strangers to Minneapolis. Both recently performed here in the Mini-Apple at the Walker Art Center. A Houston native, Scott has also performed and toured with Lloyd, among others like Terence Blanchard and Kurt Elling.

“Blue Note has been such a wonderful home for the community, for incredible musicians, for creativity, for all these years,” says Clayton.

“You can’t help but think about all those masters, all those

ics he wrote that Cavassa sings.

In the liner notes, Redman explains, “On one level, this an album ‘about’ America—at once a celebration and a critique—but it is also, to varying degrees, a ballads album, a standards album, an album of romantic longing, an album of social reflection, an album of melodic invention, an album of The Blue Note Quintet Courtesy of Blue Note Records improvisational adventure, an album of mash-ups, perhaps heroes that you’ve grown up Her new album, “Melusine,” even a tribute album of sorts.” listening to. To get a chance is as she describes it, a mix of The rest of the personnel for to pay tribute and try to carry originals and interpretations this album include pianist Aaron some of that essence forward of songs dating as far back as Parks, bassist Joe Sanders, and is truly just an honor.” the 12th century, mostly sung drummer Brian Blade. Plus, proThis Blue Note Quintet is in French along with Occitan, not to be missed as they honor English, and Haitian Kreyol. the label’s rich history and are Melusine (Nonesuch/Waramong the current roster of ner) is nominated for a 2024 artists full of great promise for Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal the future of jazz. Who knows, Album category. I once caught maybe there’ll be a live record- her at the Dakota with pianist ing released later on?

Aaron Goldberg, which was a There’s a tradition of rising treat. She’ll no doubt stun mustars from the Blue Note ros- sic lovers with her one-of-ater celebrating the label’s leg- kind artistry. acy. Some may recall The Blue Next up, on February 6 at Note 7, for example. the Dakota, is the Joshua Redman Group featuring vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa. As part of “This Blue Note the “Where Are We” tour, RedQuintet is not to man, a saxophonist who made be missed as they his debut on the Blue Note label with his new album titled honor the label’s “where are we,” will take listeners rich history.” on a musical journey across the USA—every track (excluding the Also making her way back title track at the end) references to the Twin Cities and Dakota a city or geographic location. audiences is vocalist, composer Redman references Minneand bandleader Cecile McLorin apolis on the new album with Salvant. She recently performed the first track, “After Minneapolis at the Walker Art Center as well. (face toward mo[u]rning).” On this Salvant returns to the Dakota same track, he also references on Sunday, January 28. the George Floyd killing with lyr-

viding additional instrumenta- and a whole lotta soul is haption for the album is Kurt Rosen- pening on Friday, February 23 winkel on guitar, Peter Bernstein at the Ordway (Ordway.org, or on guitar, Nicholas Payton on call 651-224-4222). trumpet, Joel Ross on vibes, and The Twin Cities Jazz FestiCavassa also plays guitar. val is showcasing their Winter My favorite track on the al- Jazz Fest on February 24 with bum is “Do You Know What It featured headliner Cuban piaMeans to Miss New Orleans” nist Jorge Luis Pacheco. Confeaturing Payton. Redman and certs take place at Park Square Payton have played and re- Theatre and k.j.’s hideaway. For corded together in the past and more information about tickthey sound great together now. ets and all the fest performers, Other live music events for visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com.

February are coming up downtown St. Paul.

Robin James welcomes readJamecia Bennett and er comments to jamesonjazz@ Friends: A Night of Jazz, Blues, spokesman-recorder.com.

8 January 25 - 31, 2024

Opinion

spokesman-recorder.com

From betrayal to empowerment: the imperative shift towards a vigorous Black Press

By Stacy M. Brown

validating them.

By addressing topics such as women, youth, style, and social mobility, the Black Press sought to create a distinct identity among its readers. Black-owned newspapers of the time also played a critical role in the community by reporting on lynchings and providing an outlet for dissenting voices.

The Black Press also helped to ignite such epochal movements as the Harlem Renaissance and Black Power, and it played a central role in the later struggle for civil rights.

The Black Press is “It’s too bad we are still talking still the only news about these issues. But our leaders source that African and Black people are speaking loudAmericans can trust. er,” Ann Breedlove, who marched on Washington more than 60 years The recent study revealed that ago with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. four in five African Americans and again to observe its anniversary mistrust mainstream media, a in 2023, told NBC News during the large but understandable per- most recent march.

“We’re tired—sick and tired—of centage, particularly given how news coverage has resorted to asking for justice. It’s time to fight its pre-George Floyd perceptions. back. I’m a great-grandmother The falsifications and broken who remembers the Ku Klux promises of mainstream media Klan raiding our house and us serve as a reminder that the Black having to get under the bed Press is still the only news source when they came on their horses. that African Americans can trust. Today is different. That’s not hapOn March 16, 1827, in New pening. But we still are getting it York City, John B. Russwurm and in different ways.”

Samuel Cornish founded Free“Our voices are going to be doms Journal, the first newspaper louder than the politicians,” she owned by, led by, and for Black added, “who are not doing what they need to do to help us.”

Americans in the United States.

From the beginning, the goal of the Black Press was to provide Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA a voice for African Americans Newswire senior national correwhile idealistically uplifting and spondent. for change and pushed the media to do more to report on and analyze what was unfolding.

Some in the industry responded to the outrage and calls for change by promising to diversify their staff and hire more journalists of color. They also pledged to shed light on the countless positive stories emanating regularly from Black neighborhoods.

But experts say those pledges have been hard to keep, and the progress has either proven slow or nonexistent.

The media has always been a vital pillar of democracy because it informs citizens, holds governments at all levels accountable, and provides a platform for diverse opinions and commentary.

Despite its importance, journalism has struggled to remain relevant and credible in the age of political polarization and distrust in traditional outlets and newer technologies.

Predominately White-owned mainstream media outlets like CNN, ABC, Fox, and the like, produce and disseminate news through various outlets and platforms. All of whom have collectively failed to report news favorable or meaningful to the 47 presidential election. Many Re- international rival. Russia has million descendants of Africans

By William Cooper publicans stand firmly against maintained two features of who call America home. A recent For most of human history, meaningfully addressing cli- the Soviet Empire: thuggish in- Pew Research Center survey the best a lunatic could do to mate change. Many Ameri- stincts and vast weaponry. Au- found that Black Americans are inflict widespread harm was cans believe leading vaccines thoritarianism and extremism more critical of the media than hurl rocks at people nearby. are more dangerous than the still cast dark and bloody shad- any other group. Most responThe Industrial Revolution led diseases they protect against. ows in the Middle East and Af- dents said the media doesn’t adto today’s sophisticated weap- And fanatics—on the left and rica. And a rise of populism has equately cover issues pertinent onry. And this century, dozens right—think that America’s destabilized dozens of nations. to Black America and that coverThe combination of these age of Black communities is often of nations will likely have mili- core governmental institutions tary capabilities far exceeding should be torn down and re- three things is much more negative or biased. what leading strategists can built in line with their visceral than the sum of its parts. If huThe death of George Floyd unnow imagine. instincts about how the world manity’s ability to govern itself der a Minneapolis police officer’s A simple truism looms over should work. continues to atrophy at the knee outraged millions and set humanity: The more people same time as its ability to harm off protests that brought many who can cause large-scale itself increases, then eventu- Black people into the streets in harm, the more likely such ally there will be a fracture. ways they never had before. harm is to happen.

Earth’s population is now As violence, property damage, Technological innovation is, roughly eight billion people. and efforts to reconcile and reindeed, creating profound new The pace at which humanity form the police force ebbed and global complexities. Every day innovates will only accelerate— flowed, Black leaders in commuhumans discover new ways to bringing most people a higher nities across the country pressed disrupt natural habitats, warp quality of life but also, at the adolescent psychologies, exsame time, a broader set of risks. For many years, America ploit vulnerable consumers, was viewed as an example of engineer deadly pharmaceutiunless we change as a country: ant triplets of racism, extreme how to confront and solve By Robert C. Koehler cals, spread new viruses, and fundamentally, and spiritually. materialism, and militarism are hard global problems. It’s fast hack sensitive computer netNo wonder J. Edgar Hoover incapable of being conquered.”

“And some of us who have Second, the American gov- becoming one of those probworks. While human ingenuity It’s one thing to blather about already begun to break the si- (and so many others behind has prolonged and enhanced ernment is becoming more lems itself. billions of lives, it has also cre- dysfunctional. Our longstandYet the world continues lence of the night have found the scenes) saw him as a dan- America’s star-studded “official” ated breathtaking unforeseen ing national ethos rooted in to depend on America to up- that the calling to speak is of- ger to the nation who needed values—life, liberty, blah blah challenges. reason and prudence is be- hold the rules-based interna- ten a vocation of agony, but to be shut up, if not eliminated. blah—but it’s something else enHe had already helped defeat tirely to speak about transcendA key question, then, is this: ing outgunned by partisan tional order, anchor the global we must speak.”

Take a day and pore over a segregation and had begun un- ing, indeed, “conquering” the (seHow skillful will governments resentment and tribal anger. economy, help deter military be at protecting humans from Donald Trump is still the Re- aggression, and exemplify few of his words. I’m talking doing systemic racism. Now he cret) real values of the ruling class.

“Our only hope today lies the fruits of their inventive- publicans’ champion, despite the value of democratic self- about Dr. Martin Luther King, was taking on military-industriness? The United States re- trying to overthrow a presi- governance. America’s back- Jr. of course. His “day” is over, alism and American hegemony: in our ability to recapture the “A true revolution of values revolutionary spirit and go out mains a leading indicator—and dential election. sliding doesn’t just undermine but his message still pulsates. will soon look uneasily on the into a sometimes hostile world the trend lines are concerning.

Seething partisanship in domestic tranquility. It also de- We must speak!

The world is bleeding with glaring contrast of poverty and declaring eternal hostility to First, a growing percent- Washington is only getting stabilizes the delicate balance the wounds of war, poverty, wealth. With righteous indig- poverty, racism, and militarism.” age of the American people worse. And enormous policy of power among all nations.

A world that has truly tranAmerica must become, and racism, just as it was 57 nation, it will look across the are becoming more irrational. failures—relating to the environThese Americans are aban- ment, mass incarceration, public once again, an effective global years ago when he spoke— seas and see individual capital- scended war? A world that emdoning facts and data—even education, distorted electoral leader. The potential is there. some might say in a counter- ists of the West investing huge braces “unconditional love for elemental principles of cause maps, opioid overdoses, and While battered and bruised, government tone—at River- sums of money in Asia, Africa, all mankind”?

“When I speak of love,” he and effect—in favor of partisan economic inequality—all trend America’s core governmen- side Church in New York City. and South America, only to fantasies and abhorrent stu- hard in the wrong direction. tal institutions remain strong He defied LBJ and stared di- take the profits out with no goes on, “I am not speaking of And third, the rest of the compared to most other na- rectly into the muzzle of the concern for the social better- some sentimental and weak pidities.

Tens of millions of Donald world is becoming more com- tions. America’s economy is Vietnam War, declaring it to ment of the countries, and say, response. I am not speaking of that force which is just Trump’s supporters think the plicated—exponentially so. still vibrant. Its universities are be moral savagery and declar- ‘This is not just.’

“It will look at our alliance emotional bosh. I am speaking the United States to be Democrats stole the 2020 China has become America’s still filled with brilliant minds.

Its citizenry and press still “the greatest purveyor of vio- with the landed gentry of South ing of that force which all of America and say, ‘This is not the great religions have seen speak freely. Its courts are lence in the world today.”

We’ve given King a national just.’ The Western arrogance of as the supreme unifying prinstill largely free from corruption. And its people still have holiday, and made him a nation- feeling that it has everything ciple of life. Love is somehow tremendous underlying talent al hero—but that’s not the same to teach others and nothing to the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality.” thing as listening to him. It may learn from them is not just.” and skill.

What scared the nation’s And my imagination—my What America needs is as be the opposite. Deifying him, easy to prescribe as it is hard turning him into a statue, and leaders weren’t simply MLK’s sense of possibility—reopens. to administer: a heavy dose of revering his image could amount words but the fact that he This is what MLK still brings wielded remarkable power—a to humanity: a vision of the furationality. The American peo- to simply shutting him up.

So I devoted a few hours of kind of power incomprehen- ture that is profoundly differple and their elected representatives must see zero-sum his national holiday (actually, the sible in political and military ent from the present moment, tribal warfare for what it is—a day after) to rereading “Beyond circles, a power that acknowl- but also present, desperately submissions@spokesman-recorder.com dangerous poison to the body Vietnam,” the speech he gave edged humility and human present, in this moment. “Topolitic—and return to politics on April 4, 1967, a year to the oneness. What the hell is he morrow is today.”

His words unite every relirooted in thoughtful empirical day before his assassination. His talking about?

“Perhaps a new spirit is ris- gion on the planet. They tear analysis, hard-earned compro- words aren’t merely critical of the mise, and, on the biggest is- cruelly pointless colonial war, or ing among us.” And King was the deepest values we essues of the day, national unity. of the irony of the American pub- one of the carriers of that spir- pouse out of the holy books Political theorist Alexis de lic “watching Negro and white it—helping to implant it within and bring them aboard the bus, across the bridge, into the Tocqueville said long ago that boys on TV screens as they kill the social core: “I am convinced that if we halls of Congress and every the “greatness of America lies and die together for a nation that submissions@spokesman-recorder.com not in being more enlightened has been unable to seat them to- are to get on the right side of war room on the planet. the world revolution, we as a Their spirit still rises. than any other nation, but gether in the same schools.”

His words stir together love nation must undergo a radirather in her ability to repair Robert Koehler (koehlercw@ her faults.” We are putting this and hell, despair and hope. His cal revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift gmail.com), syndicated by Peacethesis through a searing test— words are deeply prescient: “The war in Vietnam is but a from a thing-oriented society Voice, is a Chicago award-winning and will find out, soon enough, symptom of a far deeper mal- to a person-oriented society. journalist and editor. He is the whether or not it’s still true. ady within the American spirit, When machines and comput- author of Courage Grows Strong submissions@spokesman-recorder.com.

William Cooper is the award- and if we ignore this sober- ers, profit motives and proper- at the Wound and his newly rewinning author of “How Ameri- ing reality…” Oh my God! Our ty rights, are considered more leased album of recorded poetry ca Works…And Why It Doesn’t.” wars will go on and on and on important than people, the gi- and artwork, Soul Fragments.

America is morphing politically Into what is anyone’s guess

America must become, once again, an effective global leader.

The potential is there.

We’re still moving ‘beyond Vietnam’

Employment & Legals

January 25 - 31, 2024

9

spokesman-recorder.com

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN In Re: Estate of Sandra Lee Hemp, Deceased

FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-23-1766

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE)

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for probate.

The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Connie Marie Glass__, whose address is 6408 Berry Road NE, P.O. Box A, Outing, MN 56662_ as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days for the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Dated: January 12, 2024

Lindy Scanlon Registrar

Dated: January 12, 2024

Sara Gonsalves Court Administrator

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder January 25. and February 1, 2024

COUNTDOWN

use basketball as that vehicle to teach a lot of life lessons Continued from page 10 and give a lot of hope to young kids in the community.”

Hill, a local financial planFarview will get a new state-of-the-art scoreboard ner, added that the events donated by the Big Ten, a will help put a positive light Minneapolis Park and Rec- on Minneapolis, which since reation Board official said 2020 has had its share of last week. “This exciting con- negative attention.

“I want to be able to showtribution will undoubtedly enhance the overall experi- case to our community that, ence for our local athletes though we have been through and spectators alike,” stated some hard times, we came North Service Area Manager out on the other side better, stronger, more positive and Newmann Thomas.

Former Minneapolis City ready to really radiate what Conference and Big Ten ath- North and South Minneapolis lete PJ Hill reaffirmed that the really can be,” Hill said.

Hill and Grier are among Big Ten events in and around downtown Minneapolis are several Blacks who will be in“bigger than basketball. It volved in hosting the two Big gives us an opportunity to 10 tournaments in Minneapolis.

VIEW

Continued from page 10 watchable is because of AAU. “It’s a gimmick game now,” the retired college and pro star pointed out, adding that too many kids today can show one skill and are deficient in others.

Only the WNBA and college basketball for the most part still play the game the way it is supposed to be played—five players moving the ball in sync. My suggestion is to check out the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

From Classified Chinese Immersion Elementary Teacher: Department/MN XinXing Academy, Hopkins, MN Spokesman-Recorder

Coordinator. FT, M-F Assist the director and teachers; Assist in Develop lesson plans and instructional materials in Mandarin developing educational programs and standards; Provide direct Chinese forPHONE: elementary612-827-4021 school grades Kindergarten to 6; provide PHONE: 612-827-4021 care and assistance to children Ensure that facilities are mainindividualized and small group instruction in Mandarin Chinese tained and cleaned according to state regulations. Minimal Reto adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil; teach disquirement: or B.SC Email resumes to: salima_mithani@ FOR BILLING FOR B.A BILLING hotmail.com trict-approved curriculum; translate lesson plans into developINQUIRIES INQUIRIES mentally appropriate learning experiences; establish and main& TEARSHEETS & TEARSHEETS tain standards pupil to achieve Please contact PLofE A S Ebehavior CON TAC T an effective learning BUSINESS atmosphere; evaluate pupils’ Accounting Dept ANALYST: ACCOU N T Iacademic NG D Eand P Tsocial growth, keep appropriateBILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM records and in a timely fashion prepare progress IT Company (Plymouth, MN) seeks Business Analyst to @ billing@spokesman-recorder.com prepare business requirement documents, user story documents, reports; communicate this information regularly with parents; functional and technical specification documents, requirement identify pupil needs and make appropriate referrals and develop EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY PROBATE traceability, test plans, test scripts and software development strategies for individual education plans; maintain a professional 2 COL X 5.5 I NCHES 2 W EEK RU N plans.SI ZE: Conduct GAP analysis, Impact Analysis, SWOT day, as defined by building/and contract; communicate regularly R AT E $44.60 PER COL . I NCH analysis, risk analysis, cost benefit analysis and Business FLAT R AT E $215.00 PREPA I D with parents outside normal classroom day by means of newsletSUMapping.

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Please Note: New email address for all future ads is Send +2 resumes HRD, Consulting Corp., 14264 23rd dinate the work of paraprofessionals and volunteers in the classW EEKto: S ON LIVITS NE $150.00 ads@spokesman-recorder.com Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447. room and on field trips; may provide input to the goal-setting TOTAL: $640.60 process for paraprofessionals; work in a supportive and collaboThe MSR handles billing digitally. rative manner with colleagues and supervisors; maintain and imPlease proof, respond with email confirmation to ads@sp This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices BUSINESS ANALYST: prove professional skills by participating in building and departman-recorder.com. unless you specifically request a hard copy.

IT Company (Plymouth, MN) seeks Business Analyst to ment meetings, formal coursework, workshops and seminars in prepare business requirement documents, user story documents, an effort to stay current with best teaching practices; participates The MSR handles billing digitally. functional and technical specification documents, requirement This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices un in a personal professional goal-setting process on a regular basis; traceability, test plans, test scripts and software development you specifically request a hard copy. and performs other duties as may be reasonably assigned by the plans. Conduct GAP analysis, Impact Analysis, SWOT analysis, administrator for effective school operation. Requires Bachelor’s risk analysis, cost benefit analysis and Business Process Degree in Education, Teaching or a related field, Eligibility for Mapping. Maintain financial and business systems internal control practices and procedures by using project management a Minnesota Teaching License in Elementary Education, and tools such as JIRA, Rally, Tableau, Power BI, Google Colab, Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese. Apply Online.

Jupyter notebook, Pycharm and Drake. Send resumes to: HRD, www.hopkinsschools.org/contact/careers VITS Consulting Corp., 14264 23rd Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447.

“When you look at this en’s basketball VP. “I think room and you see all the it’s realistic we could see a people of color that are in sellout which would be absohere right now, that tells you lutely unprecedented in the everything you need to know Target Center and for a conabout the Big 10 Men’s and ference tournament.”

Women’s tournaments,” obTaylor, who is Black, also is served WCCO Radio’s Henry proud of the Big Ten commuLake, who emceed last Tues- nity outreach efforts.

“When I was at the NCAA,” day’s Big 10 Tip-off party.

But overall, basketball will he recalled, “we always tried be the main showcase events to leave some kind of footbecause both Big 10 WBB print or our mark on the comand MBB tournament win- munity.”

“I’m excited for both tourners are automatic NCAA qualifiers later in March. Said naments to be in Minneapolis,” Big 10 Men’s Basketball V-P concluded Lake. “The comBrad Taylor, “This is a great munity’s gonna benefit from sports town. We just hope we all of this.” put on a good show.”

“We’re 50 days out from Charles Hallman welcomes tipping off,” added Megan reader comments at challman@ Kahn, the conference’s wom- spokesman-recorder.com.

Conference (MIAC). forward Anja Smith said. The noted.

Robert Grace III, who Once considered basically 5-11 player had 14 points and a White-bread league, the five rebounds in the win over played at Augsburg 1994-98, said MIAC basketball from Division III league now has Macalester on January 13. plenty of hoopsters of both “It’s really cool to watch dif- when he played to today’s genders. ferent players coming togeth- game is remarkably different.

On one of the first frigid er and the chemistry,” added “[In] the late ‘90s I see a douweekends of the new year, we 5-7 freshman guard Christine ble screen, staggered screen braved the cold and watched D’Epagnier. for one shooter to shoot,” he Augsburg host Macalester in A transfer from Division recalled. “I’m seeing more a Saturday afternoon double- II Grand Valley State, Smith athletic things like full court header. The hosts won both was the 2021-22 MIAC Sixth press, man-to-man. Every exciting contests, a three- Player of the Year and all- team got a high flier.”

His son Robert Grace IV point victory by the Auggies MIAC honors. She now starts women followed by a one- and leads her team in scoring. is a junior guard at Macalespoint overtime win by the men. “I didn’t think the Division III ter. “He definitely wanted a “I think [the action] sur- was this intense… It’s pretty school that could challenge prises you,” Augsburg senior aggressive, fun, intense,” she him academically. Didn’t visit

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

SYSTEMS ENGINEER: IT Company (Plymouth, MN) seeks Systems Engineer to design and develop systems and database applications. Support full lifecycle using advance technologies such as JIRA, REST API, JMS, Spring JPA, etc. Validate developed products in test during each sprint and perform UAT and engage with the user. Create and assist in performing various types of tests.

Perform troubleshooting. Generate customized reports. Send resumes to: HRD, VITS Consulting Corp., 14264 23rd Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018 and then with breast cancer in Continued from page 10 2020. The Tauer family’s personal connection with cancer awareness and funds for their amplifies their commitment ongoing battle against cancer. to contributing to the broader This event carries personal effort against this disease. significance for UST Head Charles Hallman welcomes Coach Johnny Tauer and his wife Chancey. Chancey was reader comments at challman@ initially diagnosed with non- spokesman-recorder.com.

SOE

Augsburg, but Macalester was first started covering the a better fit.” league a couple decades ago.

The crowd that day at The hoops, both men’s and Augsburg was sparse, most women’s, are great to watch likely due to the cold weather. and never boring.

But despite the good bas“Support Augsburg womketball, you don’t see a lot of en’s basketball, come to see Blacks at MIAC games. games, see what’s about,” Why? “That is a great ques- Smith recommended. “Sometion,” responded Grace. “To times it’s much better with a be honest, I don’t have the crowded gym than it is when answer for that question. My it’s quiet.” wife likes to go to games. We “Come watch us play. A lot go when we can. I don’t know of fun,” said D’Epagnier. what’s the excuse of not comCharles Hallman welcomes ing to watch good basketball.”

The MIAC is becoming reader comments at challman@ more diverse than when we spokesman-recorder.com.

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From Display Child Ad Care Coordinator Department/MN Primrose School, Prior Lake and Savage, MN seeks Child Care Spokesman-Recorder

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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INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

10 January 25 - 31, 2024

Sports

spokesman-recorder.com

Big Ten Tip-off starts countdown at 50 days

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

and media, but also for those who live here all the time.

he two Big Ten postseason tournaments (WBB March 6-10, MBB March 13-17) kick off five major sporting events scheduled for the Twin Cities in a sixweek span this year.

It is more than basketball for a couple weeks in March. It is more than an experience not only for visiting fans, players,

“I think what’s really important is that we are highlighting the Black communities.”

MIAC hoops a fun alternative to gimmicky NBA games

Officials told the MSR at last week’s Big Ten Tip-off event in downtown Minneapolis that community involvement and engagement is high (l-r) Brad Taylor, Megan Kahn, Henry Lake

PJ Hill and Gabrielle Grier

Photos by Charles Hallman

priority for both the conference and Minnesota Sports & Events (MSE), the local organization in charge of running the women’s and men’s postseason tournaments. It is the first time both are staged at the same locale.

MSE Corporate Partners and Engagement Manager Gabrielle Grier excitedly told the gathering, “We are committed to community, and we are ensuring that when we say

we show up for our sporting events, we do it in impactful and meaningful ways.”

Among several community initiatives are improvements to two local rec centers: Farview in North Minneapolis and MLK in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood.

Grier told the MSR, “I think what’s really important is that we are highlighting the Black communities.”

promoting players who either are jacking up shots or trying to break the rims dunking the ball.

Watching NBA games in person is worse than ever with its carnival-like atmosphere with barking in-arena hosts, non-stop noise disguised as music, and fans cheering for opponents to miss consecutive free throws so that they can used to love watching the get a free chicken sandwich.

Former NBA champion NBA, but my love over the years has slowly eroded. Rasheed Wallace in a recent Once a team-first game, the podcast said one of the realeague has been mainly trans- sons why the NBA is no longer ■ See VIEW on page 9 formed into a place for self-

“I don’t know what’s the excuse of not coming to watch good basketball.”

■ See COUNTDOWN on page 9 Anja Smith (l) and Christine D’Epagnier

Photo by Charles Hallman

Wolves’ McLaughlin values a high basketball IQ his NBA dream, he said, “Not at all. I just continue to trust in my work. Every time I was in the G League, every time you’re out there on the court, it’s an opportunity for somebody to see [you] whether that’s G League, the NBA, overseas.

“Wherever you’re at, there’s always going to be opportunity,” said McLaughlin. “So just try to make the most of any opportunity.”

McLaughlin said that Derrick Rose was his model on how to play PG in the pros. “Derrick Rose was always a favorite player of mine as far as NBA players I looked at.”

The Wolves guard knows he must become a better shooter, if for nothing more than to keep opponents’ defenses honest. “Just being able to knock down open shots” is his immediate goal,

he Minnesota Timberwolves have two “true” point guards: Mike Conley and Jordan McLaughlin. Conley, a 17-year veteran, was acquired by a trade via Utah in February 2023 and almost immediately became a starter.

McLaughlin, a 5-11, fifth-year pro out of USC, was signed as a restricted free agent in September 2021. Unlike the starter Conley, “J-Mac’s” court time varies from game to game. He is back in action after missing 15 games with a right knee MCL sprain.

“Wherever you’re at, there’s always going to be opportunity.”

Coaches versus Cancer Both Wolves guards are pass-first, shoot-last Jordan McLaughlin Photo by Charles Hallman Black Americans are still more likely to die PGs, which is the best definition of a true point from cancer and have higher odds of losing guard. their lives to breast and prostate cancer than do game” are what he said keep him on the roster.

“I would say I have a high basketball IQ,” said Whites, a new Duke University study says.

The USC graduate’s path to the NBA wasn’t McLaughlin after a recent practice. He told the straight: He went undrafted despite finishing his St. Thomas men’s basketball on Thursday, MSR, “I know what we need when I’m on the college career first team All-Pac-12 in 2018, only January 25 at 7 p.m., will join forces with the floor, know what actions will work offensively.”

American Cancer Society to observe the nationthe third conference player ever to record over Some have criticized J-Mac’s shooting in- 600 assists and 1,600 points over a career. al Coaches versus Cancer week.

Courtesy of X consistencies, but before Conley came to the The Summit League game against North McLaughlin first signed with Brooklyn and Jordan McLaughlin in action Wolves, McLaughlin was the Wolves’ best point was invited to training camp in 2018, but he was Dakota State will take place at Schoenecker guard. His shooting woes notwithstanding, “I waived before that season and joined the Nets’ 2019, and two years later he signed a standard Arena in St. Paul, where the Tommies coaching think just having a really high IQ and knowing G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. Min- contract with the Wolves. staff will be donning suits and sneakers to raise ■ See SOE on page 9 different situations that are happening in the nesota signed him to a two-way contract in July, Asked if frustrations ever set in as he pursued

St. Paul Central junior guard Allan Lankfard Jr. during a boys basketball game at the Dion Ford Classic January 20 at Central High School

his week’s “Fab Five” photos feature two 1,000-point-plus career scorers in girls basketball players Kendall Barnes (Roseville) and Olivia Wren (Minneapolis Roosevelt); another in boys basketball phenom Allan Lankfard Jr; and two guards who led their respective teams to victories in Joe Mitchell (Cretin Derham Hall) and Colin Moore Jr. (St. Paul Johnson).

Barnes reached the 1000-point mark in a 76-61 victory over Cretin Derham

Hall. Wren, Teddie’s leader in scoring rebounds and assists this season, achieved the milestone last season. Lankfard Jr. scored his 1000th point while leading the Minutemen to a recent 79-36 victory over St. Paul Humboldt.

Cretin Derham Hall junior guard Joe Mitchell during a boys basketball game against Stillwater January 19 at Cretin Derham Hall High School

Roseville guard Kendall Barnes during St. Paul Johnson freshman guard Coa girls basketball game against Minne- lin Moore Jr. during a boys basketapolis Roosevelt at the Dream Classic ball game against St. Paul Harding January 17 at Harding High School January 15 at Roosevelt High School

Fab Five Photos Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welMitchell scored 35 points to lead Cretin Derham Hall to a 78-67, while comes reader comments at mcdeezy05@ Moore led Johnson to victories over gmail.com.

St. Paul Harding (65-59) and St. Paul Washington (81-44).

All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald.

Minneapolis Roosevelt guard Olivia Wren during a girls basketball game against Roseville at the Dream Classic January 15 at Roosevelt High School