January 26, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Mpls police reform won’t happen overnight

An interview with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara

By Abdi Mohamed

Contributing Writer

Throughout the year ahead, MSR will take a look at those people and issues that will significantly impact our community—from elected officials, to public policy and infrastructure, to housing and homelessness, to economic development and policing.

This week MSR sat down with the recently appointed Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara (BO), to discuss the challenges that lie ahead, what changes he wants to make in the MPD, how he plans to reshape the department, and how he hopes to repair the relationship between the community and the police department.

MSR: How does your previous experience as deputy mayor and as a police officer in Newark, New Jersey inform your role as Minneapolis police chief?

BO: I think just the way my career has progressed, particularly since the police reform work in Newark was underway. It was just kind of a natural progression.

I was dealing with a consent decree, a court order to mandate reform; but I was doing a lot of work outside of that to change policing, to

Chief O’Hara speaks to clients at New Creation Baptist Church’s food shelf in South Minneapolis. Facebook/Minneapolis Police Department

change what public safety looks like in Newark and involve [the] community and be supportive of other community-based organizations. We were trying to do things differently. In general, I think people think about police

reform too simply, almost one-dimensionally. They think let’s just fix a list of things and sort of be done with it. That’s not how this works. There are deep-seated issues in policing that need to be changed.

People are simply asking to be heard and to have a voice and to be respected.

There’s also change in terms of finding ways to support [the] community to have a voice, not only in terms of the process of how policies and training are developed for police, but also having a voice and informing what safety looks like in neighborhoods.

MSR: What did you know about Minneapolis before taking on the role as police chief and what are you learning about the city that can best help you lead this department?

BO: Ironically, the only other time I’d been in Minneapolis was when I was with the Newark mayor [Ras Baraka] and a couple of community-based groups. We came to have some discussions with some community-based groups

Bill HF55 would create a State office to investigate violence, support families

By Grace Deng Minnesota Reformer

On Jan. 12, Minnesota House legislators advanced a bill that would create an office to investigate murdered and missing Black girls and women. This comes a month after a State report showed Black women are nearly three times more likely to be murdered than White women in Minnesota.

The report from the Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force recommended establishment of an office to investigate the violence. While Black women make up seven percent of the state’s population, 40 percent of reported domestic violence homicide victims in 2020 were Black women. In the United States, there are more than 60,000 estimated missing Black women— and the number of unresolved homicide cases is skyrocketing.

“This is a crisis, and it doesn’t have to be this way. Behind these numbers are real people and real families

task force. Similar bills passed the House twice but stalled in the formerly GOP-con

trolled Senate. It’s modeled on Minnesota’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, established in

2021 as the first State office of its kind in the nation. Richardson said passing the bill is long overdue, given that family members of murdered Black girls and women must relive their trauma every time they return to testify in support of the office.

The Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls would provide grants to community organizations, require the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to operate a missing person alert system, and support families on cold cases. Advocates said the office would also legitimize family reports to police officers, who are more likely to dismiss violence against Black women and girls than their White counterparts, according to the report.

Missing and murdered Black women are less likely to receive media attention or Amber Alerts, and the media sometimes portray them as complicit in their homicide. Lakeisha Lee, co-chair of the task force, told legislators that newspapers in St. Paul called her 18-year-old

St. Paul pays $1.3m settlement to Golden family

By Cole Miska

Contributing Writer

The family of Marcus Golden held a press conference at Rondo Public Library on Thursday afternoon, January 19, following the St. Paul City Council’s vote to approve a $1.3 million settlement over the 2015 slaying of Golden by St. Paul Police Department (SPPD) officers.

Golden was fatally shot in the back of the head while in his vehicle on Jan. 14, 2015, by officers Dan Peck and Jeremy Doverspike. SPPD claims Golden drove towards the officers at a high speed, but Golden’s family and activists dispute this claim, saying Golden was attempting to leave the scene and drove past officers.

Officers also claimed that Golden discharged a firearm during the encounter, but the autopsy failed to find any gunpowder or other evidence that would indicate Golden had fired a gun.

The conference was cohosted by Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB). CUAPB had been working on an independent investigation into Golden’s killing for two years and has released a report alleging SPPD’s initial claims were factually incorrect and part of a cover-up.

Members of Marcus Golden’s family and CUAPB speak at a January 19 press conference.

“I don’t believe that you give a family $1.3 million and think that nothing happened,” Michelle Gross, president of CUAPB, said. “They knew that their officers were subject to being prosecuted in civil court for murder.

Along

on St. Paul’s Neighborhood Safety and Community Council.

While St. Paul City Council approved the settlement, neither the City or SPPD have admitted to any wrongdoing.

Golden’s mother, Ericka Cullars-Golden, and his grandmother each reached separate settlements for their treatment by SPPD following the killing. Cullars-Golden, who worked as a reservist officer for SPPD for 20 years, was forcibly committed to a psych ward by SPPD shortly after Golden’s death.

Cullars-Golden’s family maintains the committal was done with hostile intent, and that a doctor at the ward did not find Cullars-Golden to have any mental health issues.

The Golden family’s lawyers, Kevin O’Connor and Paul Bosman, said the case set a new precedent in Minnesota. The case had passed the three-year statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim, but Bosman was able to convince a judge to allow the suit to commence as a claim for death caused by an intentional act constituting murder.

O’Connor said he only knew of three times that the intentional act constituting murder complaint had been used.

They knew it. They were scared of it.”

with the financial settlement compensation, a bench and plaque will be set up as a memorial for Golden in Como Park, and a member of the Golden family will be placed

■ See MISSING on page 5

Photo by Cole Miska

Courtesy of MGN

Missing and murdered Black women are the focus of House bill

All Minneapolis Public Housing high-rises to get fire suppression systems Funding follows 2019 fire that killed five

By MSR News Service

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, and Minneapolis City Councilmember Robin Wonsley joined Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) staff and residents on Jan. 19, to celebrate the agency securing the final funding necessary to install fire suppression systems in all 42 agency high-rises.

The push to secure the final funding was in response to the 2019 fire that tore through a 25-story public housing complex in the Cedar-Riverside area, killing five residents. “In the aftermath of the tragic fire at a high-rise building in Cedar-Riverside, I am proud to join City, State, and federal officials to celebrate funding to install fire suppression systems in all 42 MPHA high-rises,” said Rep. Omar.

“I particularly want to thank Senator Amy Klobuchar and

Senator Tina Smith for their partnership in securing $2 million in federal funding to accelerate the installation process. I remain committed to ensuring a similar tragic accident never happens again and will continue to advo-

cate for full public investments in public housing,” said Omar.

Along with the $2 million secured by Senators Smith and Klobuchar, Councilmember Wonsley championed $1.2 million of the City of Minne-

apolis’ 2023 budget for the funding.

“I was proud to lead my colleagues to approve the final funding needed to complete this crucial safety infrastructure. But fire suppression is

the bare minimum, and our work is just beginning,” said Councilmember Wonsley.

“We need to raise a public housing levy and use every other tool at our disposal to preserve and improve existing public housing, and massively expand the Minneapolis public housing stock.”

Agency staff provided leaders with a tour of the Hiawatha Towers to learn about fire suppression installation work currently underway. Leaders also heard from Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council President Mary McGovern about the peace of mind this new fire suppression system affords residents.

“What began as an ambitious goal to install fire suppression systems in all agency high-rises by the end of 2025 is now on track to becoming a remarkable achievement in partnership,” said Abdi Warsame, executive director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority.

“In the wake of tragedy, MPHA, the City, State, and our federal delegation banded together and deepened the investments made in public housing residents. The action by our leaders is a clear message to public housing residents in Minneapolis that they

matter. Their leaders see them, their leaders understand their challenges, and their leaders will prioritize them in budgets where resources are limited.”

The final $1.2 million from the City of Minneapolis will cover the work for the four remaining MPHA buildings that were without dedicated funding for fire suppression installations. The four buildings are: 809 Spring St. NE (32 Units), 1900 3rd St. NE (32 Units), 3205 E. 37th Street (28 Units), and 3755 Snelling Ave. S. (28 Units).

Of the residents living in these four buildings, 61 percent are Black/African American, 63 percent are elderly, 52 percent are disabled, and 22 percent have earned income averaging $15,967.

To date, fire sprinkler systems have been installed in 23 of 42 high-rises, with work underway in another 10 buildings. Additionally, the agency has installed carbon monoxide-smoke detectors and stovetop firestop cans in all high-rise units.

For more info, visit mphaonline.org

This story was provided in part by MPHA

Metro Transit announces new hiring event

By Sheletta Brundidge

Contributing Writer

A suggestion from a deacon at his church created a lifelong career for Robert Pratt. It was 22 years ago that the deacon advised Pratt to consider applying to Metro Transit for a job as a bus driver.

“It’s a good feeling to help people get where they need to go. They count on us and we take care of the community.”

Right now, Metro Transit is looking to hire the next group of drivers through the upcoming Drive the Bus Hiring Event. It will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9 am to noon at the new North Loop garage, 600 8th Ave. N. in Minneapolis.

That’s where applicants can learn about the positions that

on the spot and even test drive a 40’ Metro Transit bus. While no experience is required, applicants must have and bring a valid driver’s license and have been an active driver for the past five years.

Applicants interested in careers as bus mechanics or with Metro Transit police can visit career informational booths at the Feb. 4 event. Both are hiring for positions within their divisions.

Parking is free, with attendees directed to park in the

Light refreshments will be served.

Pratt has been able to advance in his career. Now he also works as a trainer, making him a driving force in preparing new drivers to get behind the wheel.

(In fact, many Metro Transit managers started as bus drivers).

“It’s a good feeling, seeing people I trained doing a good job and earning a good salary. I take joy in that,” he said. At Pratt’s urging, two of his

cousins have become bus drivers, too. He notes that in many African American families, there is a legacy of service as bus drivers and there is deep community appreciation for the profession.

“Everyone knows someone who drove a bus. At Metro Transit we have a great family atmosphere, not just with blood relatives, but also with the other drivers.

“We’re like family,” he said. “I

would say to anyone, this is a great occupation.”

For more info on the Drive the Bus hiring event, go to www. metrotransit.org/drive-the-bus Those who want to get a jump on the application process can apply online in advance.

Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader responses to sbrundidge@ spokesman-recorder.com.

“I had never driven a bus before, but I filled out the application and they called me for an interview. Next thing I was behind the wheel,” recalled Pratt. His first time on the job followed a month of training and instruction to prepare him for the work. It’s since become a career that has been as fulfilling as it is lucrative.

With his ever-present smile and warm manner, Pratt has become a friendly part of the ride for many Metro Transit passengers. He’s come to take great pride in going the extra mile for them.

“I have three kids at home all pulling Daddy in a different direction, but the salary is good. It pays for a home, my car, saving for my kids’ college,” said Pratt.

offer benefits, including health care and a pension plan. New operators are paid while they train and earn $26.16 per hour as they begin. The hourly wage jumps to $27.80 per hour after the first year and the salary continues to increase. Metro Transit is also offering up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for applicants who get hired.

Attendees at the hiring event will be able to apply and interview

ramp adjacent to the North Loop Garage. For those who want to take transit to the event, the address is served by routes 5, 9, 22 and the METRO C Line and D Line.

For the event on Saturday, applicants may want to bring their families. A coloring table and a yard game will be set up to occupy children who come along, and “Skip Traffic,” Metro Transit’s mascot, will make an appearance.

(l-r) Abdi Warsame, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Councilmember Robin Wonsley, and MN Housing Comm. Jennifer Leimaile Ho

Photos courtesy of MPHA/Twitter

Robert Pratt

Submitted photo

“It’s a good feeling, seeing people I trained doing a good job and earning a good salary. I take joy in that.”

Walter “Q Bear” Banks, left, sings with Zakia Robbins-McNeal at KMOJ’s 10th Annual Soul Bowl fundraiser on January 16.

Courtesy of Nikki Love

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD

Senior Medical Advisor

Hair loss can have a profound effect on a person’s selfesteem. Hair loss is a problem faced by many people of all ages, sexes and nationalities. To fully understand what it means to experience hair loss, one must first understand the types of loss, their causes, and the treatments available to help combat or reverse the condition.

Hair loss can be a challenging and frustrating experience for many people, mainly when it is noticeable or affects their appearance. In many cultures, a full head of hair is seen as a sign of youth, attractiveness and confidence.

Hair loss can cause people to feel less confident and selfconscious, diminishing their self-esteem and impacting their emotional well-being.

Hair loss can also have a severe psychological effect on individuals, potentially leading to depression and anxiety.

There are approximately 25 different things that can cause hair loss. Some are very common; others are extremely rare.

The most important thing to

Experiencing hair loss? Don’t panic!

Many great new treatments are now available

do when experiencing hair loss is to see a board-certified dermatologist. They will perform a series of tests, often including a small scalp biopsy to determine what exactly is causing the hair loss.

Different causes have different treatments, and you want to be sure your treatment is the proper treatment. One of my professors in medical school would frequently state, “You can’t treat it for sure if you do not know what it is for sure.”

Today we will focus on alopecia areata, but let’s briefly discuss the five most common causes of hair loss.

band-UVB phototherapy), and, as discussed here, new and exciting FDA-approved medications

3. Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss occurs when there is a disturbance in the hair’s growth cycle. Telogen effluvium happens during stress like childbirth, surgery, automobile accidents, or losing a loved one. Treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation, hormonal therapy, or the tincture of time. Telogen effluvium will also resolve on its own over time.

4. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss

This is also known as anagen effluvium, a type of hair loss caused by chemotherapy medications.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis hair loss

1. Androgenetic alopecia

Also known as male- or female-pattern baldness. Your genetics determines androgenetic alopecia. The treatment is typically a combination of topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and other medications.

2. Alopecia areata

A disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy or complete hair loss. Treatment includes topical steroids, injected steroids, light therapy (narrow-

Seborrheic dermatitis hair loss is one of the most common types of hair loss I see in my clinic. The common term for seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis hair loss often mimics a “dry, itchy scalp.” For more information on dry, itchy scalp and how it affects hair loss, please see: https://spokesman-recorder.com/2019/03/14/that-dryitchy-scalp-might-not-be-dryat-all/

Let’s Talk about alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects hair follicles, leading to patchy and sudden hair loss on the

scalp, face, and other body areas. It is one of the most common types of hair loss.

For some unknown reason, your immune system gets confused and attacks your own hair and hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out. One connection is that stress can make alopecia areata worse. The sudden loss of large circles or patches of hair loss can be devastating.

Great news: The FDA has approved a class of medications called Jak-inhibitors to treat alopecia areata.

Jak inhibitors are a class of medications that block specific enzyme activity (called Janus kinases—Jak). These enzymes are involved in signaling pathways that control various cell functions, including inflammation.

By inhibiting these enzymes, Jak inhibitors can help

to reduce inflammation and promote normal hair growth in patients with alopecia areata. In the past we used injected steroids, topical steroids and phototherapy treatments.

Hair loss can be a devastating experience. Fortunately, for alopecia areata there is a tremendous new and effective treatment. The treatment is an oral pill called baricitinib (Olumiant). We have had great success with Olumiant. Most patients see results in 1-2 months.

If you are experiencing hair loss, don’t panic. There are many great new treatments for hair loss, including alopecia areata. The most important thing you can do is to see a dermatologist to determine the cause. Once you have determined the cause, you can develop a treatment program to treat your hair loss.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College. He also has a private practice, Crutchfield Dermatology, in Eagan, MN. Dr. Crutchfield specializes in skinof-color and has been selected by physicians and nurses as one of the leading dermatologists in Minnesota for the past 20 years. He is the consulting team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of the American and National Medical Associations and past president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians. He can be reached at CrutchfieldDermatology.com or by calling 651209-3600.

As we spend more time indoors, here are some important reminders:

Before (l) and after, patient with alopecia areata successfully treated with new FDA-approved JAK-inhibitor, Olumiant

are approximately 25 different things that can cause hair loss.

O'Hara

Continued from page 1

from Minneapolis and the greater region. That was in the summer of 2019, and that was the only time I’d actually been to this part of the country before this process began.

Obviously, I had very limited practical experience in terms of what it really looks like on the ground here. But this police department, this city has been on my TV for the last three years—just like it has been in everybody’s living room around the world. I knew that this is kind of the center of the planet in terms of ‘what are we gonna do about police reform’. That’s what drew me to this city, to this work.

I’m not sure that everybody quite understands the depth and the sustained effort and the resources that are actually required to make the kind of progress that people want to see. Changing the unreasonable and outrageous level of violence that’s in the community and trying to rebuild an agency to be different culturally than it was before is not something that happens overnight.

Those aren’t things that we are going to fix overnight. That requires real work. That requires real engagement. And it requires an acknowledgment that the challenges that we are facing are urgent.

MSR: What were some of the lessons that you learned in working to address the consent decree and establish reforms in the Newark Police Department and how might that translate to your work in this department?

BO: The most powerful thing for me personally, having lived through this experience, is the way I approached the work in Newark. I was the person who organized town hall meetings around these issues, who actually went out into [the] community over and over again, and was the face of what we’re trying to do.

Initially, what that looked like was me showing up and getting yelled at at times, and not even knowing what some people were talking about. But what I learned through that process is all you have to do is keep showing up.

People are not asking you to solve all the problems in the world. People are simply asking to be heard and to have a voice and to be respected. The people who are most affected— both by crime and violence and also most affected by policing—can tell

miSSing

Continued from page 1

sister, Brittany Clardy, a “prostitute” after she was murdered in 2013 by a man soliciting sex.

“My sister worked for the City of St. Paul, working with students in the North End neighborhood every day at Rec Check,” Lee said, referring to a free after-school program.

“My sister was an amazing caretaker. My sister was a part of the community. She was not a prostitute. She was a victim.”

The report also identified root causes of violence against Black women and girls, such as extreme poverty and racism. The proposed office would work with the community on prevention and public aware-

who’s genuine and who’s not.

I developed a lot of friendships and allies [with] people who had spent most of their lives protesting the police in Newark, so that’s incredibly rewarding. That’s what draws me to a situation like this. I’m hopeful that we can have some similar experiences here as well.

MSR: How have your community engagement efforts been so far in meeting with community leaders and stakeholders in the city?

BO: I never feel like I’m doing enough. It’s the balance of dealing with bureaucracy and dealing with

son that wears this uniform, so the cops see me show up at every homicide scene, every critical incident. I’ve often patrolled myself and will show up on random calls, because— especially as an outsider—it’s important for the police officers to see that I am not afraid to do the job that I’m asking you to do. There’s literally nothing that I will require them to do that I have not already done myself.

MSR: How have you balanced the responsibilities of leadership over a department that supports officers, but also supports the community when there have been instances

crisis that’s affecting the entire state, and I think we need to get serious about ensuring that we are able to do outreach to our kids [and] our residents and get more kids from the city to be able to become police officers.

We have to look at that deeply and see what’s structurally in place that’s keeping our kids out, and be very intentional about changing that. The rank-and-file officers, that’s who people are dealing with and their behavior and that’s all culture.

There is an outrageous amount of gun violence in the city. It’s absolutely disgusting. How many times are there shots fired, and how many

Settlement

Continued from page 1

Golden’s aunt, Monique Cullars-

structural things that I have to do as a department leader in the city. But my job is out there much more so than it is here. I try to be in at least one house of worship every week—masjids and churches in the community. I try and go to every community event that I’m invited to because I think it’s extremely important for people to see me and to get a chance to know who I am.

I sat down with the Imam at 24 Mall last week. He told me this [was] the first time a higher-ranking police official ever came to see him—let alone the police chief. Those things are important because they’re important to people, especially when you show up at a church. It shows respect for the pastor and the congregation, and generally, people give you an opportunity to introduce yourself to them, and that means a lot to people. So those types of things are very important.

I drive around in a marked squad car, just the same as every other per-

of police brutality? For example, someone like Derek Chauvin had been known to the department, and discipline, such as coaching, allowed officers like him to continue in their work. How can that change?

BO: With Chauvin what you’re referring to is just what we’re aware of. That’s not the totality of the universe of his interactions with the public. That’s just what we’re aware of. In terms of recruitment, to me as an outsider coming into this state, there are just too many barriers for kids from the city to become cops.

I’m looking to try and change that— obviously because Minneapolis has hundreds of vacancies today. It’s a

people have been hit by bullets in this city? We want to make sure that even though we have such a small workforce to deal with this insanity and people being shot and killed over complete nonsense, we need to make sure that none of this will be normalized. It’s [about] injecting a sense of urgency throughout the department. It is understandable that officers have been through a lot here, that they have seen too much. But we have to always remember and always instill in them that none of this is normal, that we will respond appropriately and with urgency to all of it.

MSR: The department has had an issue with retaining police officers in recent years. What are some of your thoughts on working to recruit new officers to the department?

BO: There are two serious issues: one, policing in general. There are perception problems, especially trying to get kids from cities and getting people of color to become cops. So

there’s that perception to begin with, and then it’s that much more pronounced because we’re in this city. I’m an outsider. I’m not from the city. I’m not saying that what we need in the community is only cops who live on your block or something like that. What I know is residents, especially residents who are most affected by crime, they want a sense of closeness. It’s not necessarily a sense of closeness in geography, but the sense of closeness that you care about what I need.

Maybe you can’t solve all the crimes. You can’t stop these gunshots that keep going off in my neighborhood. But when you come, I know you care, and you keep coming back. That’s what people are looking for. They’re not looking for us to solve poverty and poor education and historic problems that are the linchpin of all this violence and hold all these problems together.

MSR: What are your thoughts on disciplining officers who commit acts of brutality against the public? What should be done to discourage that sort of behavior?

BO: Well, in terms of coaching, that’s just one piece of this larger problem with discipline not being effective. In terms of coaching, we need to ensure that there are processes in place so that when coaching is applied, it is only narrowly applied to those situations where it is appropriate. Where there is no intent, there is no harm that’s actually caused, it is appropriately a training issue.

The larger issue, as I see it, is people just don’t have faith in the disciplinary system. I think the community, cops, [and] everybody feels like this just takes too long, and because of that just by the sense that if discipline takes too long I think it loses its effectiveness. I think people in communities see it as not being effective and cops don’t see it as being legitimate.

I don’t think that penalties for misconduct necessarily need to be harsh, but it needs to function quickly. If it is something egregious there needs to be a penalty immediately and then pending a hearing and so on. But I think the biggest problem that we deal with the system is it drags on so long and it’s not closed out until there’s the grievance process and things are completed.

This interview has been edited for length.

Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader responses to amohamed@spokesmanrecorder.com.

proposed an amendment to allow law enforcement to apply for grant funding set aside for community organizations in the bill. Richardson said law enforcement had “vetted” the grants in the bill, and that the bill already laid out law enforcement’s role coordinating with the office. The amendment did not pass.

Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, asked why the office would not also investigate missing and murdered Black men. Many murders of Black men in recent years remain unsolved. Richardson and Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, offered to work with him on future legislation to address missing and murdered Black men.

Grace Deng is a reporting intern at the Minnesota Reformer.

ness campaigns. The bill has support from the National Black Police Association’s Minnesota chapter.

“Since Black girls have been brought

Doty, called for renewed pressure to reopen investigations into all cases where SPPD has killed a civilian, citing the new precedent.

Cullars-Golden said she is still a “shattered person” eight years after her son’s death.

here on slave ships, they have been seen as expendable—and we are not. We matter, and I want the State to show that we matter,” said Verna

Cornelia

Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River,

“My son was a beautiful son,” Cullars-Golden said. “He was a good son. He was loved by everyone. He was no thug. He was a good son, person, human being. He had everything to live for. He should be here today, living the best life he could live.

This article was republished from the Minnesota Reformer under a Creative Commons license.

He should be here for my birthday tomorrow, but he won’t be. My son was murdered.”

Cole Miska welcomes reader responses to cmiska@spokesmanrecorder.com.

“I try and go to every community event that I’m invited to because I think it’s extremely important for people to see me.”

Price, who founded the youth mentorship group Girls Taking Action. “Give us an office.”

“My son was a beautiful son. He should be here today, living the best life he could live.”

MPD Chief Brian O’Hara

Photo by Abdi Mohamed

Verna Cornelia Price (l) and Rep. Ruth Richardson at a House public safety committee meeting on Jan. 12.

Photo by Catherine Davis/House Sessions Daily

Arts & Culture

‘Missing’ is a dazzling, innovative crime story

By Dwight Brown

Sometimes when Mom and Dad are away, the kids will play. But what happens when Mom and Dad don’t come back?

The writers and directors of this amazing, tech-savvy, mystery thriller know how to cut things close. That’s because they were the editors of the 2018 cult classic “Searching,” which starred John Cho, and built its fear from the ground up—with normal people.

The “Searching” writerdirector Aneesh Chaganty and co-writer Sev Ohanian produced this new thriller.

Will Merrick and Nick Johnson—the editors of “Searching”—also wrote and directed “Missing.”

In “Missing,” June Allen [Storm Reid] is a rambunctious Los Angeles teenager, always on the internet, knee deep in social media, texting, DMing with friends and oblivious to her mother Grace’s [Nia Long] rants. Mom is angry that her daughter’s phone’s voicemail is full, and she can’t leave a message. June could care less. She’s busy chatting with friends. It’s with great apprehension that Grace decides to take a trip to Colombia with her new boyfriend Kevin [Ken Leung, TV’s “Lost”]. While she warns June not to have parties, the kid is already organiz-

ing the drug-fueled rave she’ll throw at their suburban home.

Days later, hungover like a rock star, June shows up late at the airport to pick up her mother and Kevin. The couple doesn’t get off the plane. They’re gone. No trace of

them anywhere.

When a U.S. embassy agent in Colombia [Daniel Henney] is slow to respond and fails to take her mother’s disappearance seriously, June takes matters into her own hands. From her keyboard in her bedroom, she investigates.

With a high-tech flare, Merrick and Johnson have imaginatively concocted a stunning, mind-boggling crime story that unfolds like a series of revealing screenshots. Ingeniously, the camera [cinematographer Steven Holleran] barely follows the characters. Instead, the movie focuses on the multitude of digital gadgets, closed-circuit monitors, emails, text messages, videos, social media posts, URLs, memes, and live streams June’s character must sift through to solve the mystery.

Reid bears the weight of the story well. The fear in her eyes, frustration on her face, intelligence and curiosity is all on display. Nia Long as the quintessential mom. Veena [Megan Suri] as June’s best friend, and veteran actor Joaquim de Almeida [TV’s “24”] are all just as captivating in their own way, as June keeps eyes on the ground in Colombia.

When the script explores de Almeida’s character’s fractured father-son relationship, the film becomes especially poignant. “You may have given up on your son, but I’m not giving up on my mom,” says June. Kudos to the editors, Ari-

elle Zakowski and Austin Keeling, for keeping the plot tightly held together. There are very few action scenes, but those moments look authentic [production designers Kelly Fallon, Lauren Paonessa; set decorator Jennifer Herrig].

The musical score [Julian Scherle] pumps up the volume right on cue. This film pops off the screen in the most natural and believable way because the characters seem more like the people next door, thanks to costume designers, Lindsay Monahan, and Sona Rita Guekguezian.

This generation of techobsessed, social media fanat-

ics have been given their own mystery-thriller. For all the moms and dads complaining that their kids are spending too much time alone in their rooms on their devices, this is a warning. Texting and social media may save your life one day!

Almost single-handedly, this smartly crafted film is giving the mystery-thriller a fresh take.

“Missing” opened on January 20. Check local listings for showtimes.

Dwight Brown is a film critic for DwightBrownInk.com and NNPA News Wire. Find more of his work at DwightBrownInk.com.

by PEARL CLEAGE directed by NICOLE A. WATSON

612.377.2224

Ken Leung (l) and Nia Long

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures

Storm Reid

Merrick and Johnson have imaginatively concocted a stunning, mind-boggling crime story that unfolds like a series of revealing screenshots.

By Rivera Sun

When I was a teenager, I knew global warming was caused by fossil fuels. So did Exxon.

For decades, Exxon has been hiding the truth about the climate crisis, burying its own scientific reports. From 1970 to 2003, the oil company ran studies that accurately predicted the disastrous con

sequences of continuing to burn fossil fuels.

PERSPECTIVES FROM WITHIN

Shakopee women offenders subjected to crowded, unlawful conditions

The only sensible solution is a new building

The Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee (MCFShakopee) prides itself for its open claim to “housing all custody levels.” This is the phrase they hide behind to avoid the Minnesota law and Commissioner Paul Schnell’s 2020 directive that all “closed custody and above” is to be housed in single cells.

At Shakopee, Warden Kathy Halverson gives the order to tear out all wood—closets, beds, etc., and double bunk with dangerous metal beds, even those that are already double-bunked. She insists on turning MCF-Shakopee into what she calls “a real prison,” forcing all women to fit all their property in two gray bins.

Please note those bins do not meet Minnesota Rule No. 2900.0200 Subp. 17, which states the requirement of a minimum of six cubic square feet per inmate of storage; more on this below. Is this transforming lives for a safer Minnesota, remodeling for extra punishment at taxpayers’ expense?

After the help of several concerned citizens across the United States we have discovered that MCF-Shakopee and the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC) is performing all of this construction without any type of building or electrical permits. Through public record research on the internet, those concerned citizens searched Scott County,

State of Minnesota, and all the way to the State Capitol with absolutely no permits on file.

Once this was completed, OSHA was contacted. They too were disturbed to hear of this, as nothing is on file with OSHA either!

Before we go any further, I feel as if some history should be shared to clarify why MCFShakopee is being secretive and unlawful in their activities. When the double bunk-

the rooms on the lower levels of these two units and turned a closet on each lower level into a second shower room to accommodate 14 offenders for maximum capacity.

In Anthony, the smallest unit, having been constructed too quickly in the ‘70s due to overpopulation, the plumbing cannot be expanded. In 2000, MCF-Shakopee was strictly instructed that they were unable to add a second shower on either levels and that double bunking would not be an option in Anthony, except for one room on each level to total the maximum of eight offenders per level.

ing expansion first occurred in 2000, MCF-Shakopee double bunked all the rooms they could, legally, according to laws and rules regarding plumbing and from the fire marshall. For example, the smaller units of Roosevelt and Tubman have single rooms only on their upper levels and one double room per upper level, because they could not put another bathroom/shower on those levels.

The plumbing is incompatible and not up to par, therefore it is unable to be expanded beyond the state law and federal regulations of eight offenders per shower. That is exactly what this expansion tallied on those upper levels in 2000. They also double bunked all

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com

Since Warden Halverson’s order, the upper “A” level in Anthony is almost completely double bunked and filled, with no ability to add another shower, no building permits, and I ask where is the money coming from when MCF-Shakopee has trouble making enough food to feed its offenders?

Where is the money coming from when we had to fight like cats and dogs for heat? Where is the money coming from when the Minnesota Legislature denied MN DOC improvements money?

Beyond the danger of broken fire code laws, plumbing laws, and how many other laws regarding permits, etc, I found there are the Minnesota Rules that are not being followed.

Minnesota Rule No. 2900.0600 Subp.1 states that each inmate is to be provided 70 sq. ft. per offender. Our rooms to date are approximately 60 sq ft. of floor space. If we are beginning to add a second offender to all of the rooms, these are more violations of law.

While the men’s prisons are working hard to “single cell” all of the men, promoting positive mental health, privacy, and calm, MN DOC and MCFShakopee are heinously attacking the women offenders by trying to do the opposite.

Minnesota Rule No. 2900.0600 Subp.22 & 23 states that MCF-Shakopee is required to provide in our rooms one fixed dresser per offender and/or a clothes closet or a fixed wall locker. Therefore, forcing the offenders in MCF-Shakopee to live out of these inadequate bins is yet another illegal act and another broken law by the MN DOC staff.

It is another illegal act to house the inmates in “winglounges,” which are not rooms

They modeled out the alarming reality of the disasters we are living in. They knew that continuing to burn oil would lead to the forest fires that burnt my friend’s house to the ground, the floods that destroyed the coastal California city I lived in, and the drought that threatens the water supply of the high-altitude desert where I worked for 10 years.

Exxon could have prevented the horrifying floods that put one-third of Pakistan underwater and forced 33 million people out of their homes. Instead, they lied…and lied…and lied.

I know a number of people who bought Exxon’s lies hook, line and sinker. I’m related to several of them. If I were in their shoes, my rage would know no bounds. They have children and grandchildren whose futures are at risk.

All this time has been wasted—30 years when they could have been putting their skills and strengths to work solving the problem. These are people who built the Internet, saw the first man walk on the moon, engineered complex machines, ran companies, and have taken care of their families and com

munities to the best of their knowledge and ability.

It’s tragic that they believed the oil companies and wound up destroying their children’s safety. That’s the last thing they want to do. Meanwhile, Exxon keeps raking in profits as it imperils us all.

As if it weren’t infuriating enough to have been tricked this way, we now also have to pay to clean up the oil companies’ mess. Environmental disasters cost us billions of dollars this year alone.

will likely never come to pass?

It’s hard to be excited about graduating high school or college in 2030, the year we will pass the point of no return if we do not rapidly transition off of fossil fuels. When I was their age, I was also worried about climate change. That was in the 1990s when we still had decades to avoid the catastrophe we now face.

Back then, people often spoke about how fossil fuels were leading toward disaster. Then climate denialism took hold.

Once the oil companies started spreading lies, we descended into an Orwellian nightmare. War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength, George Orwell wrote in his novel “1984.”

Hurricane Ian, whipped into a superstorm by climate instability, cost a whopping $100 billion. We’re paying for it, either directly as we help friends rebuild their homes or find shelter, or indirectly through taxes, high prices, economic upheavals, and insurance rate hikes.

Exxon got rich. We got played.

Because of their climate denialism propaganda, we are now threatened with the collapse of our civilizations, ecosystems, biodiversity, and the future of humanity.

As I write this, students are on school strike, walking out of classrooms. What is the point of studying algebra if the planet’s ecosystem is collapsing? Why prepare for a future that

The book was required reading for my high school class. Ironically, at the same time, Exxon was busy exemplifying the dystopian fiction’s Ministry of Truth, shredding facts, burying their own reports, and pumping out the propaganda that led to widespread climate denialism in the United States. Truth is lies, lies are truth.

My whole life, Exxon has been lying about the dangers of burning oil. Today, we know the truth. The climate crisis is real. Even Exxon proved it. The only question that remains is: Will we act fast enough to save everything…and everyone?

Rivera Sun, syndicated by PeaceVoice, has written numerous books, including The Dandelion Insurrection. She is the editor of Nonviolence News and a nationwide trainer in strategy for nonviolent campaigns.

Accept all of Dr. King, not just half

By James Trice

As we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr last week, all of us were inundated with his quotes. Most of the quotes were centered around his famous “I Have a Dream” speech or quotes that make White Americans feel comfortable.

White America loves to hear Dr. King talk about nonviolence, love and hope. Quotes like “We shall overcome” and “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny” are the words White people like to hear.

These are all good, but there is more to Dr. King than flowery inspirational words that don’t challenge the status quo.

The truth is, not much has changed since Dr. King spoke at the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Racial disparities in education, employment, homeownership, the criminal injustice system, health, income,

for housing offenders. That is another four to six offenders per room suffering at the hands of the MN DOC.

Finally, Minnesota Rule No. 2900.0600 Subp. 22 & 23 also states that it is allowed to have one shower for every 15 offenders IF the minimum size of the shower is 36” x 36.” However, here at Shakopee, our showers are 27” x 30” which still limits the capacity to eight offenders per shower. Some units have a shower in an old tub on the lower levels and a 27” x 30” shower room, so

environmental protections, and access to opportunities persist and have gotten worse since then.

Seldom, if at all, do I hear White Americans and some Black folk quote Dr. King’s critique of America and his growing cynicism that America will ever change. Many only want to hear quotes about Dr. King’s hopes and dreams for what he believed America can be and his insistence that the ‘moral consciousness’ of America will ultimately force it to change.

“The

However, it is disingenuous and hypocritical to claim to love Dr. King and believe that he is a national hero if you cannot accept all of Dr. King. If we are serious about our celebration of Dr. King, we must accept his hope and his critique of America. Otherwise,

they can legally accommodate the 14 offenders they house, but that is all.

As you can see, expansion at MCF-Shakopee, to be lawful, requires a new building. If those of us being housed here are expected to follow the law, I would hope and pray that the taxpayers of Minnesota would hold those running this institution to the same standards and accountable for their actions. I know that I sure do.

The argument cannot even be made that “they didn’t know.” This Minnesota Rule

our recognition of him is simply performative. If we are to truly honor the legacy of Dr. King and his work to change America, we must embrace all of him and take his words seriously. Here is a Dr. King quote that most people never heard or refuse to acknowledge from the book, “Prophet of Discontent: Martin Luther King Jr and the Critique of Racial Capitalism” by Andrew J Douglas and Jared A. Loggins: “The trouble is that we live in a failed system. Capitalism does not permit an even flow of economic resources. Within this system, a small privileged few are rich beyond consciousness and almost all of us are doomed to be poor at some level. That’s the way the system works. And since we know the system will not change the rules, we are going to have to change the system.” Dr. King was assassinated approximately one week later.

James Trice, CEO, Public Pol-

icy Project

has been in place since November 8, 2004.

Finally, let’s consider the argument from the other side: What can they do if the prison is overcrowded? Here’s what I think: Utilize existing effective early release programs like work and medical release, CIP, and more, to significantly reduce the prison population.

This commentary was submitted by an inmate in Shakopee prison who wishes to remain anonymous due to safety concerns.

Exxon got rich. We got played.

As if it weren’t infuriating enough to have been tricked this way, we now also have to pay to clean up the oil companies’ mess.

trouble is that we live in a failed system.”

The following commentary was made possible through a partnership with Twin Cities Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee. The writer’s name has been withheld at their request.

RONDO NIGHT at the St. Paul Winter Carnival

Billed as a fun, educational celebration of St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, “Rondo Night” at the St. Paul Winter Carnival on Feb. 2 will offer attendees lively Rondo performances, an opportunity to support BIPOC artisans and organizations, as well as flavorful bites from the Taste of Rondo. There will also be special surprise guest appearances. This free event is made possible thanks to Xcel Energy, Priority Courier Experts, the Saint Paul Cultural Star Grant Program, The Rondo Roundtable, and Taste of Rondo.

What: Rondo Night at the St. Paul Winter Carnival

Where: Landmark Center Cortile, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul Time: 5–9:30 pm

Details: Free and open to the public

More info: www.wintercarnival.com/events/rondo-night

Employment & Legals

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

PHONE: 612-827-4021

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1. The Petitioner (your spouse) has filed lawsuit against you asking for dissolu-tion of your marriage (divorce). copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons

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Continued from page 12

Cherise Ayers echoed Howell’s sentiment that the event was a must. “Absolutely,” she said. “In the face of the tragedies that we experienced in our communities recently, it is still important.”

Ayers continued, saying that although she wasn’t principal at the time Ford was a student, his legacy will forever be present. “I didn’t know Dion, but his legacy is something that permeates the halls. It is in the heart of everyone who knew him, who taught

SOe

Continued from page 12

events are notable examples. Now called the “Four Power

and coached him and worked with him at Central.”

The showcase featured basketball games in which High Ground Academy defeated St. Paul Harding (8783), St. Paul Johnson topped Minneapolis Henry (77-44), and St. Paul Central beat South St. Paul (76-74).

Former St. Paul Central boys’ basketball great Ronnell Porter, Ford’s teammate, had plenty to say about him as he watched his former team compete in the final game of the showcase. “He was a good teammate,” Porter said.

“Overall, it was a blessing— from us becoming friends at

HBCU Conferences,” the four leagues will meet monthly to share ideas, develop new opportunities, expand current programming, and engage all four conference members and lead-

FLAT RATE: $100

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2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the Court Administrator’s office. You must serve your Answer upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

3. This proceeding does not involve real property.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS

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Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements ap-ply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the court or the proceeding is dismissed:

(l) Neither party may dispose of any assets except (a) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (b) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (c) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding.

(2) Neither party may harass the other party.

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

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PERSONAL INJURY STATE OF MINNESOTA

DISTRICT COURT

RAMSEY COUNTY SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Christina Rasamee Siharath, and SUMMONS Sommay Saengkio, Plaintiffs, vs.

Violet Marie Reynolds, Defendant.

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(4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the court in later proceedings.

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1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiffs have started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiffs’ Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons.

2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Swor & Gatto, P.A. 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, MN 55102

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five-years-old, to the basketball player he became,” he said. “It was truly amazing.”

Judging from the sizable crowd and enthusiasm, the Dion Ford Showcase—where it was announced that his No. 3 jersey would be retired— was a success. The proceeds of the Dion Ford Showcase will go towards a scholarship in his name.

By: /s/John Paul J. Gatto John Paul J. Gatto (#0387730) Paul J. Gatto (#33741) ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 651-454-3600

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“I want to thank everyone who came out today,” Howell said. “This was bigger than we thought it would be.”

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

ership where applicable, said a MEAC release.

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

Continued from page 12

parture to run the NFL’s Chicago Bears, Kahn was asked if this would be disruptive as she and league officials plan this year’s tournament. “We have to march on,” said Kahn.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder January 26, February 2, 9, 2023 was sold out. The crowds were great. The national attention, the media coverage was great. We’re happy we can build on it.”

Before she joined the Big Ten in 2021, Kahn ran WeCOACH, a nonprofit organization formerly called the Alliance of Women Coaches. Before that she was assistant and associate commissioner of the Atlantic 10 Conference (2009-12), where she was director of the 2012 league championships and the 2010 and 2011 A-10 men’s championships. She also assisted the 2007 and 2008 NCAA WBB Greensboro Regional as an assistant in the Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball operations.

Now, with Commissioner Kevin Warren’s imminent de-

“With his leadership style, Kevin has allowed us a lot of autonomy to do what we need to do on a day-to-day basis. I can assure you he will be in Minneapolis to support these events.”

Besides the five days of hoopin’, the 2023 Big Ten women’s tourney, which earlier this month unveiled a new logo, also will feature ancillary events. “We have plans in place on every day. There’re going to be theme days,” said Kahn.

The Big Ten vice president also pledged that diversity will be on display when things get rolling a little over a month from now. “I’m very much aligned with Commissioner Warren’s vision and our commitment to diversity and

equity as it relates to race and gender,” Kahn said.

“We’ve been very intentional about seeking community leaders and community involvement from a very diverse population, and making sure that we have a very diverse representation.”

With seven Big Ten teams currently nationally ranked, nine teams in the top 50 of the NET rankings, and the league boasting the nation’s No. 1 strength of schedule among all conferences, Kahn predicts fans will see a great tournament here in March, and the winner gets the NCAA automatic bid.

“I think with how our season is looking to shape up, I can assure you it’s going to be competitive and really exciting and fun games,” said Kahn.

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

herbage within the right of way herein to be taken, and to keep and have the exclusive control of the same and to acquire a temporary easement in those cases which are herein particularly mentioned.

It is the intention of the above-named petitioner to move the court for an order authorizing the Court Administrator to accept and deposit in an interest bearing account payments from the petitioner to the court pursuant to Minnesota statutes.

Further, it is the intention of the above-named petitioner to move the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels herein described, prior to the filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §117.042. The petitioner reserves its right to recover costs of clean up and testing and all other damages arising from the presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous materials on the property described herein, from all potential responsible parties, including respondents herein where appropriate, in a separate legal action to the extent permitted by law. III.

That the following described lands in these proceedings taken are situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota; that the names of all persons appearing of record or known to your petitioner to be the owners of said lands or interested therein, including all whom your petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are as follows:

All of the following:

County,

Minnesota

s/Mathew Ferche MATHEW FERCHE Assistant Attorney General

Atty. Reg. No. 0391282

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800

St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2134

(651) 757-1457 (Voice)

(651) 297-4077 (Fax)

mathew.ferche@ag.state.mn.us

100905

MINN. STAT.

& Legals

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER

Rutgers’ Washington reached two milestones with Barn win

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

ig Ten women’s basketball has been around since 1982. Over the span of 41 years, only 11 Black women have been hired as head coaches.

The only two Black HCs who have worked at two conference schools are C. Vivian Stringer (Iowa and Rutgers) and Coquese Washington (Penn State and Rutgers). Ironically, both women—Stringer, who is now retired, and Washington—are one and two among the winningest Black coaches in the conference. The former finished with 446 wins, and Washington notched her 100th Big Ten victory earlier this month with a six-point win at Minnesota on Jan. 12.

“I didn’t know about that,” admitted Washington to the MSR after the road win. “It just speaks to the number of great

players [that] I’ve had the wonderful privilege of coaching over the years.”

Reaching a personal milestone along with recording Rutgers’ 1,000th program win at The Barn was doubly rewarding, continued the veteran coach.

“That means a ton. And to do it here, because this is such a hard place to play,” she pointed out.

“It’s tough to win on the road. It’s so hard to play here, so hard [to] shoot here,” she said, due to the raised floor at Williams Arena.

Washington said that she is committed to continuing the standard previously set at Rutgers by the likes of Theresa Grentz and Stringer, both of

whom are now Hall of Famers, and others. “They set a standard of excellence that’s in our care now,” said the coach. “To be a part of that, to add our little piece of excellence to that history, that’s cool.”

This season, Rutgers also boasts the Big Ten’s only allBlack coaching staff—Washington in her first year as head coach, and assistants Nikki McCray-Penson, Tasha Pointer and John Hampton. McCrayPenson has 15 years of college coaching experience, including head coaching stints at Mississippi State and Old Dominion.

Pointer brings 18 total years of coaching experience, including eight seasons on the Scarlet Knights sidelines (2007-15). Hampton is the former head coach at Clarkson University and spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach at St. Joseph’s, including the last three as assistant head coach.

St. Paul Central honors one of its own

he St. Paul Central com-

munity showed at the high school’s gymnasium on Saturday, January 21, to honor one of its own. Former Minutemen student-athlete Dion Ford, a 2019 graduate who was killed in a shooting last March, was honored with the first annual basketball classic in his name called the Dion Ford Showcase.

Three games were played as each team wore T-shirts commemorating Ford. Coaches sported T-shirts as well during the games.

Despite the violence that occurred during the week prior to Saturday’s event, school officials and coaches decided that the Dion Ford Classic would go on as planned. “The event had to go on because of

Sophomore guard Allan Lankfard Jr. (2) led St. Paul Central past South St. Paul in the 1st Annual Dion Ford Showcase at St. Paul Central High School, Saturday, January 21.

the person and who he was,” said Central head boys’ basketball coach Scott Howell

“You have to rise above that and still remember the person that he was and the legacy he left, “ he continued. “We don’t want to forget who he was.”

Ford left quite the legacy as a student-athlete. “You’re talking about a 1,000-point scorer in basketball and a 1,000-yard rusher in football,” Howell said with enthusiasm. “He was just

a fun-loving guy who was easy to coach.”

Ford led the boys’ basketball team to the St. Paul City championship and Twin City title as a senior in 2019 and was studying engineering at Augsburg University at the time of the shooting.

When questioned about the importance of going on with the Dion Ford Showcase, first-year Central High School Principal

■ See Prep on page 9

“Obviously, I think we know how important it is for us to… represent who we are…when people see us doing our jobs the right way, being the best that we can be at what we do,” said Hampton after the Rutgers win over the Gophers. “We want to create more opportunities for others. And the

only way you do that is by doing the groundwork and being appreciative for the people who’ve come before you and have done so much work.”

Asked how important it is for Williams Arena fans, especially Black girls, to not only see her non-HBCU staff in action, but also her majority Black female

roster play at a PWI, Washington responded, “We want to do well because we know there are young eyes looking at us.”

Washington, who played college ball at Notre Dame and then six seasons in the WNBA, including with the 2000 Houston Comets championship club, remembers what it was like as a youngster growing up. “I’m looking out on the floor and [wondering] who do I want to be like,” she said. “And for me, at that time, I had to look at men’s basketball and I had to look at the NBA.

“[We want to be] a program that young people can look at how we compete and see themselves,” continued Washington, “that young people and moms and dads can look at and say, ‘My kid can do that because I see it with Rutgers.’”

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

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament coming to town in March

he 40-day countdown to the start of March Madness in downtown Minneapolis begins this Friday. The city will play host to the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament from March 1-5 for the first time in the tourney’s 30-year history.

All 14 teams will converge and play at the home of the four-time WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx and the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Playing in NBA arenas is actually something that we’d love to do with our tournament,” admitted Big Ten Vice President of Women’s Basketball Megan Kahn. The Lynx-Wolves court joins the NBA-WNBA Indianapolis arena and Madison Square Garden as previous tournament hosts over the years.

Kahn and other conference officials, along with the Minnesota Sports and Events staff among others, met on Tuesday, Jan 17. She talked

NBA vet assumes dual role at Bethune-Cookman

eggie Theus is in a rarefied position in Division I sports, holding the dual role of athletic director and men’s basketball coach at Bethune-Cookman. Last month he was named to the first list of nominees for the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame.

During his NBA career (19781983), Theus scored over 19,000 points, compiled over 6,000 assists, and was the fourth overall pick of the 1978 NBA draft by Chicago. He made All-Rookie in 1979 and played for five NBA clubs, then finished his pro career overseas for a couple of seasons.

He later went into coaching in 2002 and held jobs both in college and pros, including head coach at New Mexico State (2005-07), where he won the 2006-07 Western Athletic Conference title, and three seasons as a Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach (2009-11), D-League head coach (Los Angeles, 2012-13)

and head coach at Cal StateNorthridge (2013-18). Theus also worked in broadcasting as an analyst and was hired at Bethune-Cookman in 2021.

During the SWAC preseason media call, the MSR asked Theus about his dual role.

“First of all, I have a great staff,” responded the AD and head coach. “I’ve got a tre-

mendous staff on the AD-side.

I’ve got a tremendous staff on the coaching side. It allows me to do the big picture things. I got a lot of great ideas.”

On running Bethune-Cookman’s Division I athletic department, noted Theus, “I have a lot of respect, a tremendous amount of respect for athletic directors.” He is currently looking for a new football coach.

affect the lives of a lot of kids.

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” said the B-C athletic director. “We’re trying to build a championship culture here.”

“I’ve turned around a couple of programs at New Mexico State [and] Northridge [which] never really had any real success,” said Theus. “Being the AD [at Bethune-Cookman] does help, because it puts me in a direct connection with the upper administration [at the school].”

to the MSR prior to the scheduled meeting.

“The folks of Minnesota Sports and Events and the folks of the Target Center have just been ambitious,” Kahn pointed out. “They’re anxious. They’re excited.”

A year ago, Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four, and Kahn said she and others are excited to build on that success. “It ■ See View on page 9

On being on the short list of Black Division I athletic directors, “It’s an opportunity,” said Theus. “Not many of us get a chance to do things like this. It’s such a blessing for me to be able to have the opportunity to really effect change and

“That championship culture starts with discipline,” said Theus, who is working to turn things around at B-C after the pandemic shut things down for a couple of years. “It starts with having fun that comes out of the hard work. We’ve done a lot to build the athletic department, and we’re really proud of the way we’re building a basketball team.”

HBCU athletic conferences collaborate

Four Black college conferences are actively practicing

the third principle of Kwanzaa—Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility.

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), MidEastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) have agreed to partner in more collaborative

ways. Over the past three years, the four conferences have met and worked together collaboratively to identify immediate and future opportunities that align with the respective conferences’ strategies: a partnership with the NFL, the Black College Hall of Fame, the NCAA Inclusion office, championships, and other select

Anticipation grows for really exciting and fun games

Coquese Washington John Hampton

Photos by Charles Hallman

“We want to do well because we know there are young eyes looking at us.”

“We have plans in place on every day.”

Megan Kahn Courtesy of the Big Ten

Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

“His legacy is something that permeates the halls.”

Reggie Theus with his bobblehead Twitter/Reggie Theus

Reggie Theus Courtesy of Wikipedia

“We’re trying to build a championship culture here. That championship culture starts with discipline.”