Vol. 90
Inside this Edition...
Read about the Dance City troupe on page 6.
Counting down to our 90th Anniversary
February 1 - 7, 2024
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BLACKNESS:
Our Perspective
lackness: Our Perspective recognizes the question of Blackness among Blacks from around the globe is a personal and complex one. Since the forced migration of African captives to North American shores in 1619, people of African descent have been confronted with the issue of self-identification, irrespective of their varying shades of Blackness. This perpetual reflection on what Blackness means is a focal point of our Black History Month coverage. We consider it important to hear from a diverse range of voices - African Americans, Africans, and individuals throughout the Diaspora – to gain a better understanding of this topic. We invite you to share what Blackness signifies to you through a 200-or-less-word submission on our website. By doing so, you can contribute to a rich and multifaceted conversation about the significance of Black identity.
SKIN COLOR AND THE ONE-DROP PHILOSOPHY By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer
an eight-year-old boy, was killed in a sewage treatment plant that was poorly mainn “The Souls of Black Folks,” tained. Gary Crooks MemoW.E.B. Du Bois writes of the rial Center was born out of 20th Century, “I still think the protest that followed his today as yesterday that the death. It included a cultural art color line is a great problem of center. this century.” Yohuru Williams, “My dad was a music inPh.D., a professor of history at structor in that program,” WilSt. Thomas University, says it is unclear when this color line came into existence. What is clear is the intent behind it. Determining who was free and who would be enslaved could easily be categorized by skin color, and the one-drop rule was the philosophy that justified chattel slavery in America. Williams grew up during the 1970s in Bridgeport, Con- liams says. “This [was a] space necticut, to parents interested where young Black kids were in the Black Power and Civil exposed to music, art, history, Rights movements. When Wil- dance, and African American liams was young, Gary Crooks, culture and history. That’s
Dexter Scott King, son of civil rights giant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dies at 62 By Al Brown Assignment Editor
Dexter was a prominent fig- tirelessly to carry forth his ure in his own right. His family father’s legacy of civil rights remembered him as a creative activism and social justice. As exter King, the and innovative soul, and a man the chairman of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonthird of four chil- of great vision and strategy. dren of Dr. Martin violent Social Change, he was Luther King, Jr. and instrumental in promoting his Coretta Scott King, passed father’s teachings and ensuraway on Monday, Jan. 22, at ing that his vision continued to his residence in Malibu, Caliinspire and guide future genfornia, according to reports. erations. His death comes just a week His contributions to adafter the nation celebrated his vancing the causes of equalfather’s holiday. ity and justice will be rememCalling it one of the hardbered and cherished by many. The loss of Dexter King is est things she’d ever done, deeply felt, and his enduring Bernice A. King reflected on her brother’s passing in a impact on the global commupress conference via The King nity will be remembered for Center. Bernice King said her years to come. brother passed away “after a Dexter King was 62 years three-and-a-half-year battle old, dying just eight days beunderstanding of how the with prostate cancer; he tried fore his 63rd birthday. He became an attorney difference in skin color is pro- with everything in him to deduced—while advocating for feat it—fought to the very last and followed in the footsteps Al Brown welcomes reader of his renowned parents. comments to abrown@spokesabolition. “Whether the black minute.” Born on January 30, 1961, Throughout his life, he worked man-recorder.com. ■ See SKIN COLOR on page 5 where my love of history awakened and where I got my interest in the marriage between history and civil rights and social activism.” In Notes on the State of Virginia, Williams explains, Thomas Jefferson wrestles with the idea that dark skin denotes inferiority—even without a clear
“The problem of the 21st Century remains the problem of the color line.”
Our children’s education is our responsibility
Taskforce formed to offset Florida’s attack on teaching Black history By Rev. Dr. RB Holmes, Jr. “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” —Malcolm X We have launched a statewide task force in conjunction with the Florida General Bap- Rev. Dr. RB Holmes Jr. recently spoke at Bethel Missionary tist Convention, Inc., Reverend Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Fla, urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to Dr. Carl Johnson, President, to change course on rejecting African American Studies courses. demand that the governor of Photo by Chasity Maynard Florida and the State Department of Education, teach Black History.” Carter G. Woodson, to the government, a comprehistory accurately, factually, the founder of Negro History hensive curriculum that corand forthrightly. In the spirit of Week, encouraged us to not sit rectly and effectively teaches Dr. King, in the State of Flori- idly by and allow this system to African and African American history to students in Florida’s da, we organized a task force “mis”-educate Black people. Our Task Force will present ■ See EDUCATION on page 5 labeled, “Teaching Our Own
His contributions to advancing the causes of equality and justice will be remembered and cherished by many.
2 February 1 - 7, 2024
Metro
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State trooper charged in fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II makes first court appearance By H. Jiahong Pan Contirbuting Writer The Minnesota state trooper who killed a Black man during a traffic stop last summer was arraigned at the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility on Jan. 29. Ryan Londregan, who fired two gunshots that killed Ricky Cobb II on July 31, appeared between his attorneys, Peter Wold and Chris Madel, as Judge Jean Burdorf read his charges. Londregan was mostly silent during the hearing, speaking only to answer questions posed by Burdorf as to whether he understood the charges and if he had any questions. Londregan was charged with three counts: seconddegree murder while committing a felony, first-degree assault resulting in great bodily harm, and second-degree manslaughter as a result of culpable negligence. Dressed in a suit and red tie, Londregan held hands with his wife Grace as they were escorted into and out of the courtroom by hundreds of people who appeared to be associated
Flanked by his attorneys, Trooper Ryan Londregan holds hands with wife Grace on his way to his arraignment Jan. 29, in downtown Minneapolis. Photo by H. Jiahong Pan with one of many local law en- porters, which included two of the public safety facility to uniformed Bloomington po- thank supporters and lambast forcement trade groups. After the hearing, their sup- lice officers, gathered in front Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty for not using a use-of-force expert in deciding on charging Londregan. This contradicts the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, including information in its criminal complaint from an interview that Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehen-
“What is there to talk about? He needs to talk with God first.”
hind me are about 100 different current and former police officers. Here’s a bunch of useof-force experts. All [Moriarty] needs to do is email me and I’ll hook her up with one.” Londregan is a free man and will remain as such as long as he obeys the law, attends all court appearances, turns in his passport, does not transport any firearms, and has no contact with any potential witnesses or family members. Madel said in the hearing that he had Londregan’s passport and planned to turn it over to the county attorney later Monday so they could put it in a safe. After the hearing, Ricky Cobb’s twin brother Rashad Cobb agreed that Londregan should have no contact with him or his family. “What is there to talk about? He needs to talk with God first,” said Rashad. Londregan is due back in court on April 29 at 9 a.m. The case is being presided over by Judge Tamara Garcia.
sion agents attended with the state patrol’s lead use-of-force trainer regarding Londregan’s conduct during the traffic stop that fateful night. “Last week when we found out trooper Ryan Londregan was charged, they didn’t use a use of force expert,” said Madel as family members and H. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader supporters of Ricky Cobb II’s comments to hpan@spokesfamily chanted. “Standing be- man-recorder.com.
Community input needed on Blue Line Extension By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer
to our leadership team and the to ask and get back to them. The outreach efforts are not ties in the corridor. Vang’s terengineers who are designing It’s important the community window dressing, according to ritory is Minneapolis; Ocasiothe project. We are in close has accurate, up-to-date infor- Kyle Mianulli, Hennepin Coun- Maisonet’s assignment is also When people begin board- collaboration with city part- mation as we move forward.” ty transit and mobility com- Minneapolis as well as BrookHiring outreach coordina- munications administrator. He lyn Park, while Yager’s focus is ing trains on the METRO Blue ners.” Line Extension in 2030, their Objectivity is built into the tors is one part of the com- can point to adjustments that Robbinsdale and Crystal. The riding experience will reflect feedback they take in varies the input of people in commuby the community where they spend time. nities along the route. “For example, Brooklyn Park A team of three outreach is onboard with the project; coordinators is now on the there’s a lot of excitement that front lines to gather and gauge it’s going to North Hennepin community feedback. The trio Community College and the regularly hosts community library across the street. The meetings and tracks opinions primary questions are, what’s on surveys. Each day they are the timeline and can we get knocking on doors, canvassing it any sooner?” said Ocasioresidents and small business Maisonet. “In North Minneowners to listen to their expectations, recommendations and apolis, there’s more apprehenconcerns about the project. sion and more questions about “We are part of a huge culhow it will affect businesses during construction.” tural change,” said Outreach The outreach coordinators Coordinator Kaja Vang. “In the also encourage the people past, projects have been put in they meet to expand their place and built without investideas about the possibilities ing in hearing from the people the line will bring up and down it touches.We are out in comthe corridor. “It’s amazing to munities that are highly reliant on mass transportation to hear Outreach Coordinators Kjersten Yager (l), Kaja Kang (c), and Joanna Ocasio-Maisonet, are sit in meetings and hear peodirectly from them.” ple’s ideas for physical space. fielding questions from prospective Blue Line Extension users. When completed, the METRO Blue Line Extension will job description of the out- munity engagement strategy have resulted from the conexpand light rail heading reach coordinators. They do created to open the dialogue versations that the outreach north from Target Field and not try to persuade or push with stakeholders along the coordinators have had with traveling through North Min- citizens to get on board and line and invite them into the the people in the communities neapolis, Robbinsdale, Crystal, support the extension. “We planning and decision-making where they work. “Feedback has changed projand ending in Brooklyn Park. don’t try to convince anyone process. The Met Council has estab- ects in large and small ways. It’s certain to create change all of anything. It’s a diverse coralong its 13-mile corridor. ridor so we hear diverse opin- lished advisory committees Through the daily conversa“We want to make sure ions,” explained Outreach Co- seeking recommendations tions the outreach coordinacommunities feel this is hap- ordinator Kjersten Yager. from residents and business tors have, the community’s “We can also answer ques- owners. Meanwhile, Henne- feedback is part of our process pening for them, not to them,” said Outreach Coordinator tions about safety, the noise pin County is contracting with and it is improving, enhancing, They are asking that we invest Joanna Ocasio-Maisonet. “We and vibrations, the platforms, almost 20 community and cul- and maximizing the benefits of in their dreams for the comhave our boots on the ground where are the bike lanes, tural organizations that serve the light rail line,” Mianulli said. munity,” said Vang. The outreach coordinators speaking to people directly. what’s ahead for businesses. If the corridor in its community “I love the visionaries who have divided up the communi- imagine something new, like We are their messages back we don’t know, we know who engagement cohort.
“We want to make sure communities feel this is happening for them, not to them.”
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turning station platforms into gathering spots, with coffee shops and artwork and performances from local artists. We empower them so their voices matter.” All three of the outreach coordinators find that it’s important to make time to listen to quieter voices. “A common theme we hear is people who say, ‘I am in support of the project but how can I support it silently?’” said Ocasio-Maisonet. “It’s that Minnesota Nice, where people don’t want to upset each other,” “Those who oppose the project can be very verbal. We get a lot of feedback from people who think it’s going to be great but don’t want to come to a public meeting to say that.” Anyone with thoughts, suggestions, or questions about the METRO Blue Line Extension is invited to reach out to one of the outreach coordinators. “There are lots of decisions yet to be made,” said Mianulli. “As we get closer to construction and once the construction begins, there will be fewer opportunities to shape this investment. Now is the time to have these conversations.” To contact the outreach coordinators with questions, comments, or speaker requests for your group, you can find their contact information bit.ly/BlueLineOutreach Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader responses to sbrundidge@ spokesman-recorder.com.
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Health
February 1 - 7, 2024
3
Increased syphilis rates alarm health officials Of particular concern is syphilis passed to the fetus during pregnancy
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently sounded the alarm about the rise in congenital syphilis. Twenty-nine cases of congenital syphilis (including three stillbirths) were reported in 2023, according to preliminary data. This represents the highest case number in at least 40 years. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can have very serious complications when left untreated, but it is simple to cure with the right treatment. Congenital syphilis occurs when syphilis is passed to the fetus during pregnancy, which can cause severe complications such as miscarriages, stillbirths, premature birth, and brain/nerve problems (including blindness and deafness). The MDH warns that the increase in congenital syphilis is especially troubling because as recently as 2013 and 2014, there were no cases of congenital syphilis in Minnesota. The increase in congenital syphilis cases follows an alarming increase in cases of all syphilis in Minnesota, and nationally, in recent years. “It is heartbreaking to see this surge in congenital syphilis in Minnesota and nationally,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “Congenital syphilis is preventable by timely diagnosis and treatment.” Due to the rising number of congenital syphilis cases, MDH has updated screening guidelines for healthcare pro-
viders. The updated recommendations state that all pregnancies should be screened at least three times, including at the first prenatal encounter (ideally during the first trimester), around 28 weeks of pregnancy, and at delivery. “Obstetrician-gynecologists will continue to be committed to ensuring that patients are screened for congenital syphilis so that they have the opportunity to be appropriately treated,” said Dr. Elizabeth Slagle, chair of the Minnesota Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “We support the updated MDH recommendations,” continued Dr. Slagle, “which are in response to the increase in syphilis. The CDC recommends additional screening in areas that have high rates of syphilis, and the CDC treat- of Health is working with partners in a variety of settings to improve access to testing and treatment for Minnesotans. MDH recommends We can work together to ensure that we do not have conthat providers genital syphilis in Minnesota,” consider syphilis said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state screening for all epidemiologist and medical director at MDH. sexually active Syphilis can affect anyone. people. Minnesotans of all races, ethnicity, gender and/or sexual orientation are increasingly ment guidelines are endorsed impacted by syphilis. However, by ACOG. Congenital syphi- people who identify as Amerilis can cause serious health can Indian/Alaska Native (AI/ problems for infants, but it AN), Black, and Latin/Hisis preventable with a simple panic are disproportionately blood test and treatment.” impacted by syphilis due to a “The Minnesota Department combination of factors affect-
ing the social determinants of health, including differences in health insurance coverage, employment status, and access to preventive, screening and curative services. “We know that although Minnesota is one of the healthiest states in the country, not all of our communities are afforded the same opportunities for health,” said Dr. Nathan Chomilo, medical director for the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs. “The updated congenital syphilis screening recommendations are an important tool to help close some of those gaps. Ongoing, addi-
tional community investment and outreach are needed to address the root causes of our state’s health disparities.” In response to the increased burden of syphilis among all genders and sexual orientations in Minnesota, MDH recommends that providers consider syphilis screening for all sexually active people. MDH is working directly with healthcare providers to improve understanding of signs and symptoms, as well as routine screening, treatment and prevention of congenital syphilis. Because some pregnant people may not access traditional prenatal care, MDH will
work with additional partners to increase screening for syphilis through partnerships with emergency departments, urgent care centers, correctional facilities, harm reduction/ treatment providers, and primary care clinics. In addition to working with healthcare providers and partners, MDH will be working to share information directly with impacted communities about testing and treatment. Find more information about syphilis at bit.ly/MNSyphilisOutbreakResponse. —Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Health.
4 February 1 - 7, 2024
Business
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Gov. Walz highlights 31% pay increase for unionized home care workers By Max Nesterak The Minnesota Reformer Gov. Tim Walz recently visited personal care attendant Felicia Johnson in her South Minneapolis home to draw attention to the 31 percent raise she and tens of thousands of other home care workers will receive over the next two years. Walz helped prepare a spinach omelet—the only dish in his repertoire—for Johnson’s 19-year-old daughter, Hannah Moore, who depends on her mother because of developmental and cognitive disabilities. On Jan. 1, Johnson’s pay as a home care worker increased from $15.25 to $19 an hour and will rise to $20 an hour next year; it’s the largest pay raises these workers have received since unionizing in 2014. “Now I don’t have to worry about skipping meals,” Johnson said. “Things that people just take for granted every day…can I give my kid an apple or banana? I got to think, can I afford that apple? Can I afford that banana?” The raises were brokered in negotiations between state
officials and SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, which represents roughly 20,000 home care workers. The contract was ratified by state lawmakers with bipartisan support at the end of last year’s legislative session. Workers who had been a home care worker for at least six months in July 2023 will also receive a one-time $1,000 retention bonus, and the contract established a wage scale for the first time, so veteran workers will earn as much as $22.50 an hour by 2025. Home care workers—most of whom are women and people of color—help the state’s elderly and disabled complete daily tasks like cooking, bathing and grooming. Advocates of the program say it saves the state money and improves care for residents by allowing them to remain in their homes rather than move into nursing homes or other institutions. “As a state, we care for one another. We care for our neighbors… And we put dignity into work, and that work should come with a living wage,” Walz said.
“We put dignity into work, and that work should come with a living wage.” Gov. Tim Walz prepared an omelet as he shadowed home care worker Felicia Johnson in Minneapolis Jan. 24. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer The contract will likely push up wages for tens of thousands of non-unionized home care workers as well because state lawmakers increased the reimbursement rate for home care services under the state’s Medicaid program as part of the deal. It will be up to home care agencies to pass the increased
consequences. revenue on to workers, which devastating they’re under pressure to do There were more than 13,000 given the ongoing labor short- job vacancies for home health age. Home care jobs are among aides and personal care attenthe most in demand in the state dants in 2022, according to and is only expected to grow as the most recent state data. Minnesota’s population ages. Johnson makes ends meet But low wages have made by working a second job in it difficult for people to find a daycare and visiting food caregivers, sometimes with shelves. Even so, she said she
routinely has had to skip meals, had her electricity cut off, and been homeless. “We just, by the skin of our teeth, was able to keep this apartment,” Johnson said. Max Nesterak is the deputy editor of the Reformer and reports on labor and housing.
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February 1 - 7, 2024
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SKIN COLOR
not White,” explains Williams. “[It’s] why those signs don’t Continued from page 1 read White and Black, they read White and colored. There are a lot of people who would of the negro resides in the re- not have seen themselves as ticular membrane between the part and parcel of that conskin and scarfskin, or in the scarf- versation, who would have skin itself; whether it proceeds been classified as colored and from the color of the blood, the denied access to public places color of the bile, or from that of of accommodation and other some other secretion, the differ- attributes of first-class citizenship based on the fact that ence is fixed in nature.” Once slavery was abolished, they were not White.” Though the one-drop rule the one-drop rule set the tone for race laws introduced dur- created laws that blocked ing the Civil War and Recon- access for Blacks and other struction era when rights for people of color from equal first-class citizenship were protection under the law, it being determined. “So even allowed others the opportuthough you have the 13th nity based on complexion to Amendment that abolished pass for Whites. Some did so slavery, how can you reduce without using the privilege for or limit efforts for African personal gain. While the British discourAmericans to contend for firstclass citizenship? The way that aged race mixing, the French many states do that is through were not so strict, which made what we call Jim Crow laws to- Louisiana a state where it was hard to assign race based on day,” says Williams. A 1927 case in Mississippi, complexion or hair texture. Lum v. Rice, set the stage for This made it fertile ground for school segregation. A Chinese Plessy v. Ferguson, challenging family wanted their daughter the Louisiana law of separate to go to a White school, but railcars for Blacks and Whites. Homer Plessy had no disthey were told she had to go to a colored school. The case cernable African charactergoes before the United States istics. He had to tell the conSupreme Court, which rules ductor that he was of African in favor of segregation. In descent. The Supreme Court her book “Proud Shoes” Pauli decided that separate but Murry, the great-grandchild of equal did not violate the conan interracial couple, details stitution. When poet and activist Althe history of her family and their journey navigating laws ice Dunbar Nelson arrived in created to define Blackness Wilmington, Delaware, from her Louisiana birthplace to and limit access. “In America, the litmus test teach in a colored school, her for access isn’t whether one fair complexion allowed her a is Black, it’s whether one is seat in the White section of the
EDUCATION
Continued from page 1
public schools. Moreover, we will develop forty (40) plus “Freedom Schools” by 2025. We will not sit idly by and allow any governor to erase the accurate teaching of Black history. The Objectives of “The Teaching Our Own History” Task Force are as follows: 1. To encourage the accurate and unbiased teaching of African American history, culture, experiences, and invaluable contributions in the state
movie theater. “It’s not until the school semester starts and they see that she is teaching in the Black school that then she is relegated to the colored section,” Williams explains. Walter White used his fair complexion to become one of the NAACP’s best lynching investigators by going to lynching sites and interviewing participants who assumed he was a White man sympathetic to their cause. “There are stories about
is this very Creole/mulatto elite that you see on the walls of the university,” he says. “It contributed to the poisoning in relationships within the Black community between lighter-complected Black people and people who are more easily or readily identified as Black.” This color line had legal effects as well. Dependent on charitable donations, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund was very selective in cases
Scottsboro case, convinced that the public image of the darkskinned rapist was so prevalent in the public imagination that a conviction of the nine defendants would be the only outcome. As a result, the Communist Party took on the case. “That did terrible damage within the Black community,” says Williams. “[There are] people who are dark-complected who are worthy of that defense or worthy of that
you see his identification with Blackness automatically by default means that he’s Black with all the assumptions that go along with that.” Current DNA technology today makes having a substantial conversation about the one-drop rule ridiculous. “The simple classifications that we used at the turn of the century—1/8th, 1/16th negro blood which there was no technology at the time to ascertain—really today could get down to that level of granularity, and most people would find out that the one-drop rule would indict them, rather than clear them.” In Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste, her focus is on the global antiblackness experience of those with dark skin in India, and the indigenous people of Australia. Here in the U.S., alt-right and Trumpism conversations center on who should and should not be considered first-class citizens. “This is all about claiming a racial birthright that’s largely same consideration. And those dependent on being able to things I think are still with us in identify as being White.” many ways today,” Williams contends, “The Though legislation is not problem of the 21st Century currently being passed that remains the problem of the specifies skin color, it is still color line, and the one-drop part of the American experi- rule, because that is consisence. In his memoir, Colin Kae- tent, remains something that pernick credits his light skin to we have to tackle if we rebeing adopted into a White ally want to talk about makfamily and growing up in an ing progress in terms of, not a environment with people un- color-blind society…but a body aware of their own racism. which recognizes, celebrates When taking a knee for and embraces its differences Black Lives Matter, “Colin Kae- as a strength and not a liability.” pernick is embraced by the African American community. Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes No one questions his Black- reader responses to vnash@ ness. And yet at the same time, spokesman-recorder.com.
“In America, the litmus test for access isn’t whether one is Black, it’s whether one is not White…” lynch mobs being on the look- they accepted, making sure out for this so-called White ne- that expended resources gro from the NAACP who was yielded positive results. When Theodore Russ was accused of exposing their practices.” There is no denying the raping a White woman bootdamage the one-drop rule legger, the NAACP took on the caused in the African Ameri- case because Russ appeared can community. It has been to be a White man. “What the NAACP legal rumored that some Black colleges require applicants to defense fund is saying is that send a photo with their appli- we believe that if a jury looks cation. Those whose skin was at a person who for all intents darker than a paper bag were and purposes looks like them— their husband, their brother, denied admittance. Williams. who attended How- their wife, their cousin—it ard University, says it’s difficult would be harder to convict.” to deny the rumors after seeing Russ, however, was convicted the photographs of former stu- and hung. The NAACP declined the dents and university heads. “It
personal responsibility 6. To empower and encourage the three private HBCUs in Florida to develop laboratory schools on their respective campuses by 2025 7. To cultivate and create partnerships with foundations, businesses, and philanthropists to support programs and events that consistently celebrate the contributions of Afmies across the state of Florida American History Curriculum rican American history, culture, of Florida and this nation 4. To create significant to strengthen reading, writing, literature, faith, and heritage 2. To develop strategies and solutions to support and after-school programs for and mathematics skills We all must redouble our strengthen public education in students in Title One schools 5. To create summer “Free- efforts to fight for social jusin marginalized communities dom Schools” to teach youth the tice, voting rights, civil rights, marginalized communities 3. To develop and adequate- across the state of Florida, us- importance of African American diversity, equity, and inclusion. ly support 40 Freedom Acade- ing an age-appropriate African contributions, self-respect, and The dismantling of programs of
We all must redouble our efforts to fight for social justice, voting rights, civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The dismantling of programs of diversity, equity, and inclusion is shameful and insulting.
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diversity, equity, and inclusion is shameful and insulting. Over the next several weeks, selected members of “The Teaching Our Own History” Task Force will publish articles for dissemination through The National Black Press, addressing the critical components of teaching our history. I encourage our readers to enthusiastically engage in meaningful discussions in their various constituent groups and organizations as we “speak truth to power.” Story provided by NNPA Newswire.
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6 February 1 - 7, 2024
Arts & Culture Northside dance champs receive congressional honor
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By Tony Kiene Staff Writer In June 2023, on the strength of a successful GoFundMe campaign and with an abundance of talent, Dance City traveled west to Las Vegas to compete in the esteemed Starpower National Dance Competition. While going up against some of the most storied dance troupes in the U.S., these newcomers (girls between the ages of four to 17) from the North Side not only made a remarkable showing but also brought the National Championship trophy back home to Minneapolis. “I could not be happier to have Minneapolis represented by these young bright girls,” read the Congressional Proclamation presented by Rep. Ilhan Omar. Photos by Chris Juhn This triumph was chronicled In addition to photos and of their hard work, skill, and of our success, and they de- tion Center in April, and Revo“When Representative Omar extensively in the local media, including the pages of the Min- and her team approached us the chance to meet their very dedication—is “going to be on serve recognition for all they lution Talent at Bloomington have done for Dance City.” Kennedy High School in May. nesota Spokesman-Recorder. about all of this, it was sort of own member of the House of the books forever. “This is something that They will also compete in anYet it also received attention overwhelming,” she explains. Representatives, the girls perother national competition on the floor of the United “What an honor to have our formed a couple of their best their kids and their kids’ kids “These girls from this fall in Atlanta, Georgia. States Congress, where, on name mentioned in the U.S. routines for Rep. Omar, who can look up someday,” she adds. “These girls from the Dance City also continues July 14, 2023, Representative the North Side North Side and their amazing to raise funds for the potentialIlhan Omar of Minnesota’s 5th and their amazing ly life-changing opportunity to accomplishments have been District delivered a Congresacknowledged in the Congressional Proclamation in honor accomplishments train at two of the most prestisional Record. That means gious studios in the world—the of Dance City’s national title. have been something. And we are so Alvin Ailey American Dance The congresswoman’s stateacknowledged in Theater in New York City and proud of them.” ment reads, in part: “I rise today Burnaugh also makes it a to celebrate the exceptional the Congressional the Debbie Allen Dance Acadpoint to acknowledge Mauri emy in Los Angeles. achievement of Dance City, a Record. That Friestleben, the principal local dance team based in North of North Community High For more information on how Minneapolis, for their remarkmeans something.” School, who provides Dance you can support Dance City, visable victory at the Star Power City with the studio space to it their GoFundMe page at bit.ly/ National Talent Competition. train during the school year. The team is currently prac- DanceCityChamps. “The dedication, talent, and “Mauri and the entire North ticing for two local competihard work demonstrated by High family are so giving, so tions this spring: the ShowTony Kiene welcomes reader the members of Dance City generous to us,” she says. stoppers Dance Competition comments at tkiene@spokeshave propelled them to ex“They have been such a big part at the Minneapolis Conven- man-recorder.com. traordinary success on the national stage, winning them first place in Hip Hop and First Rep. Omar with the Congressional Proclamation Place overall. “Faced with competition Capitol. Wow! It’s still hard for took to social media to say that Coach Burnaugh and Dance from over 100 teams around me to believe.” This past Tuesday, Dance City are proof that “when we the country, the Dance City girls rallied to the challenge City hosted Representative give our youth the chance to and emerged with their well- Omar at their rehearsal space shine, they will take the stage!”
Rep. Omar sitting with dancers deserved victory… I could not be happier to have Minneapolis represented by these young bright girls.” The significance of this moment was not lost on Cierra Burnaugh, founder and director of Dance City.
inside North Community High School, where Rep. Omar presented them a framed copy of the Congressional Proclamation that she read during the proceedings of the 117th United States Congress last summer.
Notwithstanding their excitement, Burnaugh knows that the younger members of Dance City might not fully appreciate the magnitude of this moment. Still, she wants them to know that this historic achievement—which was born
Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow explores African Americans’ fight for racial equality and full citizenship that unfolded in the 50 years following the Civil War.
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February 1 - 7, 2024
Opinion
7
PERSPECTIVES FROM WITHIN
Living in Faribault prison is not fit for human beings Although prison is not supposed to be a summer camp, we are still human beings with rights. These rights are being violated if only the relevant government agencies, media, or community members would investigate what is going on. We need your help!
entire building. We should not be living in these subpar and unhealthy conditions, which may be unconstitutional and against all common decency.
The food is also an issue. What they are feeding us is more than inadequate. Some meat says “not for human consumption on it”.
But we’re locked in and forced to accept these harmful conditions. The food is also an issue. What they are feeding us is more than inadequate. Some meat says “not for human consumption on it.” But at least it is being eaten by rats and mice before we get to it, because rodents live here with us. I ask all Minnesotans who care to reach out to help and to get involved in work to change this unjust system. You can write me on jpay.com with my ID number below or send me mail at:
What am I talking about? Faribault is using a consistent practice of religious discrimination, as Muslims are unable to have daily prayer And the water is also a times or attend Jumah prayer problem in Dakota, as it often on Fridays. The Dakota living unit, a comes out brownish from the minimum unit that is supposed sinks. Is it lead that’s presto be “closest to free,” is hor- ent? Or something else? The Willie Crump #222653 1101 Linden Lane rendous as well. We have mold plumbing and pipes are outand historically marginalized government has supported and asbestos throughout the dated like in Flint, Michigan. By Bakari Height Faribault MN, 55021 communities depend on tran- the cost of operating aviation February 4 is Rosa Parks’ sit. Transit is a key component through air traffic control and birthday. It is also Transit Eq- of economic recovery and a the cost of shipping through uity Day. These days are tied more environmentally sustain- investment in ports and the together because Rosa Parks able society, and it’s a road to management of locks and is an iconic figure among many equity for disconnected com- dams in the inland waterways. of the civil rights era who munities—rural, urban and These are essential services for the movement of goods and chose the tactic of refusing suburban. to give up her seat on the bus. The recently introduced leg- people. “Even decades after the those with more wealth have Operating high-quality tran- By Stacy M. Brown And transit advocates, like me, Civil Rights Movement, there benefitted more abundantly want to make the connecsit is just as essential to get A new report from Wal- is still a high degree of wealth from their investments and people to employment and to tion to this act of resistance give businesses access to talent letHub, a personal finance inequality among racial groups ability to survive the economic to highlight the rights of all and customers. And it is time for website, has found that the in America,” WalletHub Ana- downturns within the economy, people to high-quality public racial wealth gap in the United lyst Cassandra Happe stated. while poor individuals, mainly Washington to treat it as such. transportation powered by While Congress has taken States is alive and well. The re- “These gaps persist not just in racial minorities, were forced clean and renewable energy vital steps in recent years to port, titled “2024’s States with held wealth but also in wages, to consume their meager reand organized labor. fund transit capital projects the Biggest & Smallest Wealth poverty rates, homeowner- sources to survive day-to-day For far too long, policymaklike the Infrastructure Invest- Gaps by Race/Ethnicity,” com- ship rates, and unemployment and did not have resources that ers in Washington have prioritized highways and cars over ment and Jobs Act, the fact of pared the 50 states and the rates. Part of this wealth dis- they could invest. “For those individuals who public transit. This has devastatthe matter is that the lack of District of Columbia across 21 parity is due to unequal access congressional action on opera- key metrics, ranging from the to education, which can put have the financial capacing impacts not only for the climate crisis but on the budgets tions funding, which this latest median household income gap some people on a better finan- ity, knowledge, and needed resources to engage in enof local transit agencies and bill would provide, has led to to the unemployment rate gap. cial footing from the start.” The report found that the trepreneurial pursuits, those communities across the nation. critical funding shortfalls at programs can and do benA new piece of legislation numerous transit agencies and median household wealth efit them,” Joyner remarked. introduced last month by Conhas left many in fiscal trouble. for Black Americans is just compared to “Those opportunities, however, This new legislation will $14,100, gressman Hank Johnson from $187,300 for non-Hispanic are not readily available for the help fix that. the Atlanta area would change vast majority of African AmeriThe truth of the matter is White households. Hispanic that. The bill, titled “Stronger cans because of the absence that in communities through- households also lag behind, Communities through Better of the resources and business Transit Act,” will provide highout the country transit is a with a median household skills that are required to begin quality transit to communities driver of economic growth, wealth of $31,700. “The racial wealth gap is a and sustain these efforts. across the country. jobs and opportunity for many Hawaii has the smallest raThe fact of the matter is the islation would create a new for- residents. Nationally, tens persistent problem in the Unitcial wealth gap, with a median COVID pandemic and recov- mula grant program available to of millions of people in the ed States,” said Jill Gonzalez, a household wealth of $104,300 ery forever changed how our all transit agencies to increase U.S.—from small rural towns WalletHub analyst. “There are for non-Hispanic White communities function, work, service frequency and depend- to major urban centers—rely many factors that contribute households and $87,300 for socialize and commute. It also ability so that people don’t on public transit to get to work to this gap, including unequal Black families. dramatically showed that pub- have to wait so long for the bus, every day, generating trillions access to higher education and “The racial wealth gap is a lic transit is essential to our to provide additional hours of of dollars in economic activity. employment for minorities, as complex issue with no easy Every dollar invested in well as residential segregation.” communities, local economies, service so that those who don’t The report also found that solutions,” said Gonzalez. and the lives of millions of work white-collar hours can transit offers a 5-to-1 return, “However, the findings of our still get to their jobs; and to add and every $1 billion invested in the racial wealth gap is more people across the country. report suggest that there are Essential workers depend new, frequent service to under- public transit produces 50,000 expansive in some states some states that are making jobs. Transit agencies are often than others. For example, the on and operate transit, small served communities. Statistics show that the ra- progress in closing the gap. businesses depend on transit, For decades, the federal among the largest employers District of Columbia has the broadest racial wealth gap, cial income gap grows larger We hope that other states will in their cities. We also know the climate with a median household and larger each year, said Irving learn from their example.” crisis is not coming; it is here wealth of $281,700 for non- L. Joyner, a law professor at Stacy M. Brown is an NNPA Newsnow. And it’s getting worse Hispanic White households North Carolina Central Univerby the day. We’ve seen it all and just $11,100 for Black sity’s School of Law. Joyner said wire Senior National Correspondent the gap has grown because @StacyBrownMedia. around us on a nearly daily basis. households. It is impacting our economy and nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Investing in public transit is one of the top ways we can help address the climate crisis on the scale that is needed. In other words, an investment in transit by policymaksubmissions@spokesman-recorder.com ers would be a win-win, a win economically and a win in our efforts to address the climate crisis. And it is far past time for Washington to ensure that public transit does not just recover from COVID but expands to create more sustainable and prosperous communities. submissions@spokesman-recorder.com We need to honor Rosa Parks not just through words, but through action. And that is what this bill will do.
Honor Rosa Parks through action on public transit
Wealth gap between Blacks and Whites widens
Public transit is essential to our communities, local economies, and the lives of millions of people across the country.
“These gaps persist not just in held wealth but also in wages, poverty rates, homeownership rates, and unemployment rates.”
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Bakari Height is the Transit Equity Organizer with the Labor Network for Sustainability. He currently runs the national Transit Equity Network.
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8 February 1 - 7, 2024
Bulletin
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Events in the Twin Cities: Feb. 1-8 The MSR celebrates Black history 365 days a year and enjoys a living legacy as one of the state’s oldest Black businesses. Below we’ve compiled a few events for this week to explore and celebrate Black history. Each week we will highlight free or low-cost events in the community.
Rondo Night Feb. 1 | 5-9:30 p.m. @ Landmark Center Cortile, 75 West 5th St., St. Paul The St. Paul Winter Carnival presents Rondo Night. Learn more about the history of the Rondo neighborhood, sample foods from the Taste of Rondo Bar & Grill, enjoy performances by Rondo-based artists, and support BIPOC artisans, businesses and organizations. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, visit www.wintercarnival.com/events/rondo-night.
First Thursday Films: The League Feb. 1 | 7-9 p.m. @ The Capri Theater, 2027 W. Broadway Ave., Mpls. Kick off Black History Month with a viewing of “The League,” which captures the journey of Negro League baseball’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the 20th century. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard (“MLK/FBI”), executive produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Oscarwinning “Summer of Soul”) and Tariq Trotter (“Descendant”), and produced by RadicalMedia, the story is told through previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews with legendary players like Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil. Tickets are free for Northsiders and $5 for everyone else. For more info, visit bit.ly/CapriTheLeague
Westminster Town Hall featuring Michele Norris Feb. 1 | 6 p.m. @ Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave., Mpls. Veteran journalist and author Michele Norris will talk about her book “What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity” in an in-depth conversation. Doors open at 5 p.m., with a musical prelude by T. Mychael Rambo at 5:30 p.m. A book signing and a reception will be held afterward and is free and open to the public. For more info, or to watch live, visit westminsterforum.org. The Givens Collection presentation by Davu Seru Feb. 1 | 6-8 p.m. @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave. N., Fourth Floor, Mpls. Join Davu Seru, curator of the Givens Collection of African American Literature at the University of Minnesota, as he shares his insights into this local treasure. The collection is home to novels, poetry, plays, short stories, essays, literary criticism, periodicals, and biographies that span nearly 250 years of American culture, African American art, education, social sciences, sports and entertainment. Admission is free. For more info, visit www.maahmg.org.
Freedom Riders Feb. 2-18 | Times vary @ The Conn Theatre, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls Written by Jacie Knight with music by Kymani Kahlil and Matt Koskenmaki, this theatrical production commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, when in 1964 a group of mostly White college students from the North headed to the Deep South to help register new voters, unaware of the hate and violence that they and the families they were hoping to help would face. Tickets are $15. For ticket info, visit youthperformanceco.org.
Reinvigorating a Historic Corridor of Black Culture - A Social Hour Feb 2 | 9-10 a.m. @ Seward Community Co-op Friendship Store, 317 East 38th St., Mpls. Join Anthony Taylor, a community development lead at the Cultural Wellness Center, at the Friendship store classroom for a breakfast hour to learn about the history of Dreamland on 38th Street, the Cultural Wellness Center, and the surrounding neighborhood. Coffee and baked goods will be provided. This is a free event. For more info, visit bit.ly/HistoricBlackCorridor
Black Citizenship Panel Discussion: Minnesota Post-Civil War Feb. 3 | 1-2:30 p.m. @ Minnesota History Center, 345 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Scholar Drs. William Green and James Robinson will lead a discussion in celebration of the opening of the exhibit “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow” at the Minnesota History Center. This new exhibit tells the history of African Americans’ struggle for full citizenship and racial equality in the 50 years following the Civil War. This is a free event. For more info, visit bit.ly/MNPostCivilWar. Mia Black History Month Celebration Feb. 8 | 5-9 p.m. @ Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls Mia is celebrating Black History Month with an afternoon of art and music. Enjoy tunes by DJ Keezy, the exhibit “American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson,” and indulge your artistic side by making make zines with BakiBakiBaki. This event is free and open to the public; food and drink are available for purchase. For ticket info, visit new.artsmia.org For more events, visit spokesman-recorder.com/events.
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STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN In Re: Estate of Sandra Lee Hemp, Deceased
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TENNIS
Continued from page 10 playing hard tennis and she’s doing what she’s supposed to be doing, handling business, and [we will] leave her to play free. I have an assistant, Anastasia [Pendleton], so we just float around and make sure that we’re getting to everyone as the day goes along.” It’s more than just hitting the ball over the net, continued Arterberry. “There’s a lot of strategy that goes into it. “We want to make sure that they’re doing the things that we’re working on during the week, and they’re getting better
SOE
Continued from page 10 There are 151 Black females in college rowing today (down from 216 in 2014). West is one of five Black female assistant coaches (there were seven in 2020). There have been some Blacks in rowing over the years but largely the sport remains White. Denise Aqui-
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at that during matches. I think it’s really important that we train each player individually. “They have different playing styles, and we want to make sure that they’re playing their strengths…and we’re just reassuring them and making sure that they’re confident in their tennis.” According to a 2023 USTA study, tennis participation increased by one million players in 2022 for the third consecutive year of growth of one million or more new participants. Black participation has increased by 46 percent over the last three years (2.3 million players in 2022), with POC representing 38 percent
of the U.S. tennis players, up from 32.5 percent in 2019. However, this growth isn’t being seen at the collegiate level: 424 Black females were playing tennis in 2023 (it was 597 in 2012), and this is across all three NCAA divisions. Arterberry is among 16 Black HCs in college tennis. “We’re on the rise, and we’re just building from the ground up,” said Arterberry, whose Gophers will return to action on February 10 at home against South Dakota and St. Thomas. Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
no and Patricia Destine are ing in high school and continued two women of color who are in college, where she earned dedicated to promoting diver- several honors including being a sity within the sport of row- four-time gold medalist. Diversifying the sport “still ing through their podcasts. Both are former rowers, and is challenging” on several together they have almost 25 fronts, said West. “The sport of rowing historically is not years’ experience. Anita DeFrantz was the something that is available first Black female on the first to everyone.” But she added, USA Olympic rowing team in “There are a lot more programs that are coming up. Other inthe 1970s. Now in her sixth year as as- ner-city programs are starting, sistant coach, West began row- which is fantastic.”
PREP
Thursday, January 18 reer mark, Lankfard Jr. scored 32 points and Vontae Lewis Former Breck boys basContinued from page 10 ketball standout and current had 23 in an 81-74 city conMemphis Grizzlies guard ference victory over St. Paul David Roddy scored eight Highland Park in the second host Cougars. points in 23 minutes of play Dion Ford Classic at Central in a 118-103 loss to the Min- High School. Wednesday, January 17 Quintice Combs and XaviSt. Paul Johnson player nesota Timberwolves in the Michael Jett Jr.’s 15 points, NBA at the Target Center. er May—another 1000-point along with 13 from Dhimani career scorer—had 24 and 19 Tucker and 12 from Ken- Friday, January 19 respectively for the Scots. Former Minnehaha Acadeneth Turner, contributed Cretin Derham Hall junior to a hard-fought 65-59 city guard Joe Mitchell exploded my boys basketball star Chet conference victory over St. for 35 points in a 78-67 vic- Holmgren scored 15 points Paul Harding. tory over Stillwater in a Sub- in leading the Oklahoma City Mahamadou Kamara (15 urban Conference boys bas- Thunder to a 102-97 NBA points), Ai’Jhon Douglas (14), ketball game. victory at the Target Center. Nathaneal Chea (13), and Lugman Ibrahim (10) led a Saturday, January 20 Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonbalanced scoring attack for After being recognized for ald welcomes reader comments the host Knights. reaching the 1000-point ca- at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
A self-professed single- before the Big Ten Invitational minded, driven individual, in Florida in April. “It looks like West admitted she had to this will probably be my fastest adjust her coaching approach novice class yet,” said West. “I after becoming a first-time think this is going to be the mother. “I’m usually a very rig- best one since I’ve been here.” id person where I’m very set in my ways…but this year I ap- Finally… proached it in a different way St. Thomas junior guard being a new mom,” said West. Jade Hill (Minneapolis) surMinnesota’s spring season passed 1,000 career points on starts March 10 in Chula Vista, January 25, becoming the first California against Gonzaga, the player in the school’s Division first of four scheduled meets I era to surpass this milestone.
Kaiden Mbereko, the Colorado College sophomore goalie, is one of 17 NCHC nominees for the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s top player. Norfolk State junior forward Kierra Wheeler (Minneapolis) was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year last week. Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
10 February 1 - 7, 2024
Sports
New head coach rebuilds Gopher women’s tennis
spokesman-recorder.com
It’s not just a head coach who gets fired Several others lose their jobs too
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist ois Arterberry is in her first full season as Gophers women’s tennis head coach. The team is now 4-0 in the 2024 spring season after back-to-back doubleheaders on consecutive weekends early this month. Tennis in January in Minnesota? “Luckily the indoors are super important,” explained Arterberry after an evening of singles and doubles matches at U of M ‘s Baseline Tennis Center, which shares space at Ridder Arena. “Yeah, I’m glad for the indoors, grateful.”
“It’s more than just hitting the ball over the net. There’s a lot of strategy that goes into it.”
Lois Arterberry Photo by Charles Hallman
We attended our first-ever Gopher tennis match a couple weeks ago. We were amazed Arterberry, who is the how the head coach could school’s first Black female keep track of all the action takhead coach of any sport in two ing place virtually at the same decades, was hired last May time on the six indoor courts. “Obviously we’re looking at to rebuild the Gopher tennis program, which has fallen on the scoreboard,” Arterberry some tough times of late. She pointed out. “If we see a player comes with nearly a decade of that’s playing a match a little coaching experience that in- bit tighter, we want to make cludes head coaching stints at sure that we’re getting over St. Thomas (2021-23), Eastern there and giving them the supIllinois (2017-18), and Jackson port that they need. “If we see a player that’s State men’s and women’s ten■ See TENNIS on page 9 nis teams (2015-17).
henever a head coach is fired, no matter what the sport, what is often ignored or overlooked is how the sudden change impacts the remaining members of the coaching staff, who many times are not retained by the new coach. “When everything went down at Minnesota and we all got let go, I was really concerned about him more than anything because he moved here from a good job at Ohio [University],” said former Minnesota associate WBB coach Shimmy Gray-Miller of Marwan Miller (no relation). He was hired by former coach Lindsay Whalen, but was on staff only a year until she was terminated last March. “I’ve known him for years,” continued Gray-Miller, now a BTN broadcast analyst, on her former colleague. “He was an AAU coach and I was the head
Shimmy Gray-Miller
Marwan Miller and his wife Mia Photos by Charles Hallman
he started coaching in college, him and I stayed in touch.” Based on her recommendation when an opening occurred on the Gopher staff, Whalen met with Miller: “I told Lindsey about him and she was very intrigued with his personality and his skill set. I’ve never met anyone who had anything negative to say about him. The players love him.”
times doing pregame,” said derneath us, and now we’re Miller after the game, which trying to figure it out. “What happened when the home team won by 19 points. “The [U] players were Coach Robyn got the job at happy to see me. Had a lot of Michigan State and she was hugs and a lot of kids running looking for someone that up and screaming and things could help her with recruitlike that. I loved every moment.” ing?” continued the first-year But the sting of losing one’s State assistant coach. “We had job doesn’t automatically go some previous knowledge of away: Gray-Miller is now in each other from playing in the broadcasting after over two MAC together. We recruited decades of coaching, and said against each other a lot. “I don’t think anyone was she probably won’t go back. “People don’t think about happier than me when he [how] when you fired the head called me to tell me that he got coach, anywhere from six to hired,” Gray-Miller pointed out. 10 people that work for them “Just so happy that he ended up in a really, really good spot.” [also] get fired. Finally, Miller couldn’t help “I was lucky to know a few people,” continued Miller, who but smile at his former players. That love was returned by has nearly a decade of coaching “Last year was that learning coach at St. Louis University. I recruited a couple of his players. the Minnesota players who at the college, high school, and curve for those kids, They took “You don’t meet a lot of he coached only a year when AAU levels. “It’s not easy at all a lot of lumps and bumps and great people in this profes- Michigan State visited the to uproot your family. Moving it’s showing that they learned sion, especially on the AAU Gophers January 13—Miller to Minnesota was the first time from it this year.” side, [because] a lot of AAU is on first-year Coach Robyn that my wife and I had ever left Charles Hallman welcomes the state of Ohio together. coaches have an agenda. His Fralick’s staff. “Being on the visitor’s side “It was a great experience… reader comments at challman@ agenda was doing what was best for his players. So, when is different. Got me a couple Then the rug gets pulled un- spokesman-recorder.com.
“It was a great experience. Then the rug gets pulled underneath us, and now we’re trying to figure it out.”
January 14-20 quite a week for hoops Wanted: tall ‘extremely gritty’ females
ference players Mike Walker eraging 20.1 points per game. (Roosevelt) and Tim Williams Wren’s 13.6 points leads Roo(Washburn)—both starred in sevelt, and Walker chips in 1990s—showcased girls and 11.4 points per contest. boys hoopers in the 10th AnAll three have reached the nual Dream Classic. The event, 1000-point career mark. held at Roosevelt High School, is held each year to celebrate Tuesday, January 16 the life and legacy of Dr. MarJunior guard Allan Lanktin Luther King, Jr. fard Jr. led the way with 29 The final contest between points and Elijah Moseman Rooesvelt and Roseville—who and Vontae Lewis added 13 hat an interesting won the game—featured three and 12 respectively as St. week of basketball! of the metro area’s top girls Paul Central defeated St. Paul Here’s what hap- basketball players in Kendall Como Park 73-56 in a city pened! This is what I saw! Barnes (Roseville), Oliva Wren conference matchup. (Roosevelt), and Jaida Walker Mason Aarnes had 13 Monday, January 15 (Roosevelt). and J’Hari Hill 10 for the Former Minneapolis City ConBarnes leads the Raiders av■ See PREP on page 9
Victoria West
Courtesy of Minnesota Athletics
hese are among the women since 1976. It is perqualities that Gophers haps the ultimate team sport Assistant Rowing Coach as it puts the participant’s Victoria West (since 2019) looks back, legs and upper body to for when she’s recruiting pros- the test of endurance, as well as a test of mind over matter. pects for women’s rowing. “We’re looking for someone that’s tall. That’s really important,” she noted. Being 5-5 herself, “I always root for the people that might be like me but we’re naturally drawn to people that are taller (females at least 5-9 or taller make great rowers), but at the same time we’re looking for people that are extremely gritty.” Rowing—often called crew in the U.S.—is racing boats A potential rower may not using oars. It has been an have previous rowing experiOlympic sport since 1900 ence, but as West explained, (men only), and both men and “We want to know how you did
in your other sports. I want to know you as a person. Tell me what kind of challenges did you go through and how did you get through them when you were faced with their adversity. That tells me a lot about the kind of potential that they’ll have for development while working with me.” Women’s rowing is a fully funded NCAA sport. Minnesota women’s rowing started in 2000 as the school’s 12th women’s varsity sport. West’s coaching responsibilities include working with novice rowers. During our discussion, she pointed out that it would be ideal if she could find some Black females as well. ■ See SOE on page 9
“The sport of rowing historically is not something that is available to everyone.”
Kendall Barnes (Roseville) guards Olivia Wren (Minneapolis Roosevelt) during a girls basketball game at the Dream Classic January 15 at Roosevelt High School. Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald