PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
Inside this Edition...
W.E.B. Du Bois
THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934
February 17-23, 2022
Booker T. Washington
Read more about Black history on page 3.
Vol. 88
www.spokesman-recorder.com
No. 29
Booker Hodges named as new MSR selected for Bloomington police chief
By Travis Lee Contributing Writer
B
ooker T. Hodges will become the first person of color to lead the Bloomington Police Department (BPD). City officials announced his selection last week. As BPD police chief, Hodges will lead an authorized staff of 123 sworn officers and a total staff of 157 providing public safety and law enforcement services to the community. He will replace Interim Police Chief Mike Hartley, who is retiring at the end of March. “I am looking forward to working with the women and men of the Bloomington Police Department as we continue to build a department that will be the beacon on the hill as far as how we interact with the public and each other,” Hodges said in a press release. Hodges is currently an assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) where he oversees the Minnesota Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Alcohol ■ See HODGES on page 5 Booker Hodges poses with T.C. Bear
T
Submitted photo
he Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder (MSR), along with 14 other Black and Latino news outlets across the nation, has been selected to take part in the Google News Initiative. The four-month project aims to help minority-owned publications in the United States and Canada advance their advertising strategies and grow digital revenue. In addition to the MSR, the participating publications of the GNI Ad Transformation Lab include Al Día, Diario Las Américas, El Informador, El Tiempo Latino, La Prensa de Houston, Rolling Out, The Atlanta Voice, the Baltimore Times and the Annapolis Times, The Charlotte Post Publishing Company, the Dallas Weekly, the New York Carib News, The Skanner, The Washington Informer, and Westside Gazette. “The 15 organizations participating in the 2022 GNI Ad Transformation Lab represent the best of the best,” said Ben Monnie, director of Global Partnerships Solutions, News. “I am
excited to see the evolution of this Lab as we work to maximize impact for each participating publisher, and I look forward to sharing our learnings more broadly through GNI’s Digital Growth Program.” “Following our rebranding last year as part of Deluxe’s ‘Small Business Revolution’ TV series, I’m thrilled that the MSR has been selected for the Google News Initiative,” said MSR publisher and CEO Tracey WilliamsDillard. “I hope the program will help us continue to thrive and find new opportunities to generate ad revenue.” The 2022 GNI Ad Transformation Lab builds upon the 2021 initiative, where, on average, participating publishers experienced a 25% increase in programmatic revenue, a 10% increase in traffic, and a 30% improvement in PageSpeed scores. The 2022 Lab will split participants into two groups. The first has begun a four-month training program ■ See GOOGLE on page 5
State’s leading healthcare execs discuss solutions for disparities
By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer
to Rise” digital workshop series by the Center for Economic Inclusion, a St. Paul organization dedicated to closing Executives from leading health orga- the racial employment, income, and nizations in the Twin Cities recently wealth gaps by creating inclusive and gathered to discuss the role employers equitable regional economies. Launched in Jan 2021, the series can play in creating equitable solutions works to foster an online space for Minfor the state’s Black community. The event, titled “Reckoning for nesota’s employers, business owners, Equity, Health, and Wellness,” was held and community members to highlight on Feb. 10 as part of the “Reckoning how racism and economic exclusion
Stella Whitney-West
Thomas Harris Jr
has created economic disparities for Black Minnesotans compared to their White counterparts. These talks have reached more than 15,000 people in the last year and aim to help industry leaders reimagine what an economy that works for everyone might look like. This year the Center aims to tackle health inequities in more of their conversations. The COVID-19 pandemic
Tawanna A. Black
New grand jury probe in 2018 death of Hardel Sherrell
by Niara Savage Contributing Writer
A federal grand jury is now investigating the 2018 death of Beltrami County inmate Hardel Sherrell, signaling possible criminal charges in a case that placed scrutiny on standards of medical and mental health care for people in custody. Sherrell died on the floor of his cell after his pleas for medical help were refused for days. The doctor responsible for medical care in the jail has been suspended by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Sherrell’s mother Del Shea Perry is calling on Attorney General Keith Ellison to prosecute the case at the state level, too. “We don’t need to wait for the FBI,” Perry said. “The state needs to move forward.” There’s enough video evidence and medical
records to pursue criminal charges against jail staff now, without waiting on the federal investigation, Perry said. Sherrell, 27, walked into the Beltrami County jail on Aug. 24, 2018 without any apparent problems, surveillance camera footage shows. He died days later on Sept. 2 after his health deteriorated rapidly while he suffered the effects of Guillain-Barre, an autoimmune disease. As he grew increasingly ill, eventually losing the ability to walk, Sherrell begged jail staffers and medical providers for help but they accused him of faking his symptoms to orchestrate an escape. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare condition but patients usually survive and live normal lives if provided timely medical treatment. MEnD Correctional
Care employees provided medical services to Sherrell and thousands of other inmates in jails across the state under the supervision of company president and physician Todd Leonard. Leonard’s controversial company has been linked to
several other jail deaths. Last month, the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice suspended Leonard’s license indefinitely, finding that he “demonstrated a careless disregard for the health, wealth or safety” of Sherrell. ■ See SHERRELL on page 5
has exacerbated the underlying health disparities Black Minnesotans faced and brought these issues to the forefront of the state’s public health response. Known for having some of the nation’s largest inequities, Minnesota also has some of the largest gaps in health between Black and White residents despite being the home to many of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. The discussion last Thursday covered
Vayong Moua
these inequities and the ways in which Minnesota’s leading health organizations were working to spearhead changes. Led by the Center’s founder and CEO, Tawanna A. Black, the online workshop had four executives from leading health organizations: Children’s Minnesota’s Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer James C. Burroughs II, Executive Vice President and ■ See HEALTHCARE on page 5
James C Burroughs, II
Department of Safety settles with journalists
Journalists cannot be arrested or interfered with unless they’re committing a crime Henry Pan Contributing Writer
Hardel Sherrell
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, settled a lawsuit last Tuesday stemming from the Minnesota State Patrol’s treatment of the press during the unrest days after George Floyd’s murder and Daunte Wright’s killing. The settlement extends for six years an injunction that prohibits state troopers from dispersing, detaining, arresting, and assaulting journalists unless they committed a crime, and at that point, a
supervisor would need to be notified immediately. They are also not allowed to seize equipment or tell journalists what they can and cannot photograph. Any violation of this settlement requires an internal investigation and immediate notification of a trooper’s superior, and possibly notice to the Peace Officers Standards and Training board if they pass a model policy requiring it. The lawsuit was filed by several independent journalists who were assaulted by officers while covering periods of unrest. At least six journalists were briefly trapped in an ■ See JOURNALISTS on page 5
2 February 17-23, 2022
Honoring leaders giving back to their communities During Black History Month, AARP recognizes all of the people taking action to give back and help build up their communities. The efforts of one person can truly make an impact, but when our efforts drive change for the greater good, we thrive together. To learn how you can make an impact and help your community thrive, visit aarp.org/mn
We must understand the needs of our community by volunteering and learning what is needed to keep our community relevant. Doing so will only help us become stronger and united to accomplish big things. - Mychael Wright
In my community and others, we must work together to develop open dialogue regarding issues and ideas to improve what’s not working now. Getting involved with our community leaders, city council members, and our legislative members to develop laws that are for all citizens. - Cedric Key
We thrive together when we recognize the humanity in each other and demonstrate the love we have for ourselves towards our neighbors. Thriving together realizes the arts and cultural heritage and activities are key elements to living a full and rewarding life. – Andrea Jenkins
February 17-23, 2022
Arts & Culture
Simon Burris Booker T. vs W.E.B. Black History Crossword (1) Africana
A classicDiaspora debate to advance the race www.simonburris700.com Across 1. *Jazz, Mr. "Satchmo" Armstrong style 5. Gentlemen 9. Eastern Michigan University: Abbr. 12. Sir Toby of "Twelfth Night" 13. *"Law & Order: SVU"; actor, rapper 14. *Abdul -Jabbar "made" a basket ? 16. Atlanta university 17. *"Give a short black ___ ___ chance!" Kanye West's Saturday Night Live skit quote, 2009 18. *African antelope 19. *Pro-golfer; PGA Tour wins (82) 21. Ireland: Poetic 22. *London Breed, mayor of ___ Francisco, Calif. (since 2018) 23. *Kyrie ___; pro-basketballer 25. *New Jersey senator Cory (since 2013) 29. *Malia Obama's sister 31. *Garrett A. Morgan inventor of ___matic Traffic Signal (1925) 32. *Ancestor of the black and dark races according to Genesis 10: 6(l-r) W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington MGN 20 33. Type in Who shout about the right to vote, By Travis Lee 37. *Mandingo or Zulu, for example And spend vain days and sleepless nights Contributing Writer 39. *Will Smith movie title role In uproar over civil rights. 40.elementary "Without education ___ ___ in the Just world" keep your mouths shut, do not grouse, I wouldn’t trade my 41.during Namethe of counties But work, and save, and buy a house.” in Brooklyn, New York, 1970s forin 5 states nothing in the world. We the first genera42. were *Famed Egyptian pharaoh “I don’t agree,” said W.E.B., tion to benefit from the of a___ post-Civil 43. fruits "What's ___ for me?" what can property avail Rights Movement era44. education. *Cotton and Bible ___";“For (U.S.Regions) If dignity and justice fail. Our teachers were African American, Jew46. Not raw Unless you help to make the laws, ish, White, and Caribbean. I remember them 48. *Hoodoo or voodoo, in Africa? (2 wds.) They’ll steal your house with trumped-up being accepting, loving, and full of enthusiasm 51. *Joel A. Rogers author; "___ and clause. Race" (1942) and innovation. I was in the sixth grade at PS 52.Afro-wearing Small boat teacher A rope’s as tight, a fire as hot, 138. There was this one No matter how much cash you’ve got. whom I would never forget. 53. *" ___ Matter": Movement Speak Ms. Yvonne Clarke60. wasn’t afraid to inject a *Leontyne Price's operatic solosoft, and try your little plan, But as for me, I’ll be a man.” sense of Black pride and urgency in every les61. *Civil rights icon Parks son she taught. We always had to do a little 62. Just right! “It seems to me,” said Booker T.— extra in her class. Some of the students didn’t 63. *"Madea" TVme actor “I don’t agree,” like it, but I did, even though she spared no David 64. Rising locale? Said W.E.B. punishment for my classroom antics. 65. *Tyler ___; producer, billionaire I looked forward every day to her playwright, tough love approach to teaching. I recall assign66. *"___ myone people go" Not only did we have to memorize the poem, we had to be able to explain its meanment to memorize a poem by Dudley Randall 67. Without ice about the two Black-thought titans of the ing using a method Ms. Clarke taught us called 68. Word "hall" in German
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1. *Jazz, Mr. “Satchmo” Armstrong style 5. *African man from Cyrene (Libya), who car11. Detach, in a way 5. Gentlemen ried the cross of Jesus *African American - based Initials 9. 12. Eastern Michigan University: Abbr.TV network: (Matt. 27: 32) ___; Academy Awards winning 12.15. Sir*Regina Toby of “Twelfth Night” and Golden6.Globe International Civil Aviation Org.: Abbr. 13.actress *”Law & Order: SVU”; actor, rapper 7. Tear up 14.20. *Abdul -Jabbar “made” aarmed basketscout ? 8. Suspended animation *Harriet Tubman; & spy during Civil ___ (1862 16.64) Atlanta university 9. *African explorer headed expedition that 17.24. *”Give a short black discovered Arizona & Three-toed bird ___ ___ chance!” Kanye West’s Saturday New Mexico (1534) 25. *Daisy ___s; Little Rock, Ark.; civil rights activist (1950s) Night Live skit quote, 2009 10. Polynesian language 26. Yours and mine 18. *African antelope 11. Detach, in a way *Singer Redding 19.27. *Pro-golfer; PGA Tour wins (82) 12. *African American - based TV network: 28. *Superstar 21. Ireland: Poetic Laker (1996 - 2016) Initials 29. University in ___ Elkins Park, PA 22. *London Breed,located mayor of Francisco, 15. *Regina ___; Academy and Golden Globe (since 2018) on ___"; (Take care of Awards winning 30.Calif. "I ___ working a situation) 23. *Kyrie ___; pro-basketballer actress 32. *__ie McDaniel; first Black Academy Award winner (1940) 25. *New Jersey senator Cory (since 2013) 20. *Harriet Tubman; armed scout & spy dur34. *Daymond John; entreprenuer of TV "Shark ___" 29. *Malia Obama’s sister ing Civil ___ (1862 35. A Great Lake 31. *Garrett A. Morgan inventor of ___ma- 64) 36.tic*Abbreviation after Gen. Colin Powell's name Traffic Signal (1925) 24. Three-toed bird 38. *Richard former talk 32. *Ancestor of Pryor's the black7 and darkwives: races informal 25. *Daisy ___s; Little Rock, Ark.; civil rights Genesis 45.according *"King to James" of 10: the 6NBA activist (1950s) 1900s, W.E.B. Du Bois, a social scientist, and Line by Line Explication. Can you imagine an 2046. *Chaka Evette Khan; "Queen of Funk"; 26. Yours and monogram mine singer's assignment like this in the sixth grade? Booker T. WashingtonDown an educator. 33. Type in 27. *Singer Redding 47. Yellow flowers I’m sure it would be a daunting assignment 37. *Mandingo or Zulu, for example 28. *Superstar Laker (1996 - 2016) 1. Tractor-trailer 48. *Harlem congressman Mr.Clayton Powell, Jr. for today’s college freshman. The debate on 39. *Will Smith movie title role 29. University located in Elkins Park, PA 2. Thick-soled shoe *___ Evans mayor of Flagstaff, Ariz. (2016) which was the most vital path for African Booker T. and W.E.B. 40.49. “Without ___ ___elected in the world” 30. “I ___ working on ___”; (Take care of a 3. *Forty ___s and a mule"; Post Civil War phrase Drug sample Americans to advance by two of the most inBy Dudley Randall 41.50. Name of test counties in 5stuff states situation) 4. Type of flower cluster fluential minds of the 1920s was spirited, fun, Minimal 42.51. *Famed Egyptian pharaoh 32. *__ie McDaniel; first Black Academy and thought-provoking. “It seems to me,” said Booker T.,man from Cyrene 5. *African (Libya), who carried the cross of Jesus 43.54. “What’s ___ ___ forGot me?” winner *"What's ___ To Do With It"; TinaAward Turner song (1940) We laughed and encouraged each other “It shows a mighty(Matt. lot of cheek 44.55. *Cotton and Bible ___”; (U.S.Regions) 27: 32) 34. *Daymond John; entreprenuer of TV Where ships go as each student took turns reciting withTo study chemistry and Greek 46. Not raw “Shark ___” 6. International Civil Aviation Org.: Abbr. 56. What comes to mind out looking at our mimeographed copies. I When Mister Charlie needs a hand 48. *Hoodoo or voodoo, in Africa? (2 wds.) 35. A Great Lake 7. Tear up 57. Aloe ___; lotion ingredient believe we were excited because the poem To hoe the cotton on his land, 51. *Joel A. Rogers author; “___ and Race” 36. *Abbreviation after Gen. Colin Powell’s 8. Suspended animation 58.(1942) *___ Ofari Hutchinson; author, journalist rhymed, and we were trying to sound like And when Miss Ann looks for a cook, name 9. *African explorer headed thatMuhammed discovered Ali Arizona & the expedition famous boxer who was 59. *___ Stone; "Everyday People" singer Why stick your nose inside a book?” 52. Small boat 38. *Richard Pryor’s 7 former wives: informal New Mexico (1534) then in his prime. 53. *” ___ Matter”: Movement talk Polynesian language Who won the debate? We all did. Both “I don’t agree,” said10. W.E.B., 60. *Leontyne Price’s operatic solo 45. *”King James” of the NBA W.E.B and Booker T. Washington were correct. “If I should have the drive to seek 61. *Civil rights icon Parks 46. *Chaka Evette Khan; “Queen of Funk”; There is always more than one way to advance Knowledge of chemistry or Greek, 62. Just right! singer’s monogram the race. But whatever path we choose, we I’ll do it. Charles and Miss can look 63. *”Madea” TV actor David 47. Yellow flowers must get to work! Another place for hand or cook. 64. Rising locale? 48. *Harlem congressman Mr.Clayton Powell, Some men rejoice in skill of hand, 65. *Tyler ___; playwright, producer, bilJr. Travis Lee welcomes reader responses to And some in cultivating land, lionaire 49. *___ Evans elected mayor of Flagstaff, travtrend@gmail.com. But there are others who maintain 66. *”___ my people go” Ariz. (2016) The right to cultivate the brain.” 67. Without ice 50. Drug test sample stuff Dudley Randall, “Booker T. and W.E.B.” (1969). 68. Word “hall” in German 51. Minimal Reprinted with the permission of the Estate of “It seems to me,” said Booker T., 54. *”What’s ___ Got To Do With It”; Tina Dudley Randall. “That all you folks have missed the boat DOWN Turner song 1. Tractor-trailer 55. Where ships go 2. Thick-soled shoe 56. What comes to mind 3. *Forty ___s and a mule”; Post Civil War 57. Aloe ___; lotion ingredient phrase 58. *___ Ofari Hutchinson; author, journalist 4. Type of flower cluster 59. *___ Stone; “Everyday People” singer
Mar 8-13
ORDWAY.ORG 651.224.4222
4 February 17-23, 2022
Metro
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Beyond words: Children’s Minnesota doubles down on measurable efforts to advance equity and inclusion people can be their full selves at work. Children’s Minnesota’s journey began in 2016 when we became the first health system in Minnesota to explicitly name structural racism as a priority health issue. Since then, Dr. Marc Gorelick, our president and CEO, has joined the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge and hired me as the system’s first chief equity and inclusion officer. After the killing of George Floyd, Dr. GoreWhat does diversity, eq- lick spearheaded a statement uity and inclusion mean at against racism and then we became a founding member Children’s Minnesota? JB: As one of the largest of the Minnesota Business pediatric health care systems Coalition for Racial Equity. in the country, Children’s MinHow is Children’s Minnesota embraces its role as the kid experts in addressing nesota engaging in diversity, the disparities in our care to equity, and inclusion efforts? JB: Our vision at Children’s build a better future for all children. Nearly half of our pa- Minnesota is to be every famtients and families are people ily’s essential partner in raising of color. They deserve to feel healthier children. In order to valued, respected and sup- fulfill that vision, DEI needs to ported. That means having a be at the heart of everything diverse, equitable and inclu- we do. To address the diversity sive culture that reflects the rich backgrounds of the com- gaps in our employee base, we’ve established relationmunities we serve. Diversity is simply how we ships with local programs and are different and how we are universities to offer internship What motivated you alike. Equity is providing each opportunities, creating a pipeto work towards equity in employee, patient, family, ven- line for racially and LGBTQ didor, and community member verse employees. health care? In addition, we’re commitJB: Since she was born, my with the services they need to daughter has had sickle cell be successful and receive the ted to investing in the comdisease and has been a pa- highest level of quality care. munities we serve. We’re tient at Children’s Minnesota. Inclusion is how we make sure focusing on a supplier diverThe history of the U.S. is riddled with racism and discrimination. That racism has seeped into every field and industry, including health care, resulting in deep mistrust among Black, Indigenous, Latino and Asian people. James C. Burroughs II, vice president and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Minnesota, has been a prominent figure in the equity world for more than three decades for his efforts to rebuild that trust by dismantling structural racism where he sees it. He was the first chief equity and inclusion officer to serve the state of Minnesota, and then moved to the first such role at the largest pediatric health care institution in the state. This year marks Burroughs’ third anniversary at Children’s Minnesota. In that time, the organization has made progress on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But Burroughs knows there’s more to be done. His chief priority now is addressing health disparities, inside and out, for the wellbeing of Minnesota’s children.
I want to ensure that she and other children of color receive equitable care. That means seeing herself in the team that takes care of her. It also means care teams that address and understand her health needs from a culturally aware and competent viewpoint. I also believed that we can better address the numerous racial disparities in Minnesota if we address the health and wellness of kids.
sity strategy that identifies diverse businesses and creates opportunities for them to work with us. To address COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on people of color, Children’s Minnesota partnered with our community in various discussions to help communities learn more about the vaccine. We also regularly collaborate on vaccination events to bring immunity to the community. What progress has been made since you arrived at Children’s Minnesota? JB: Our intentional efforts to diversify our workforce at
all levels of the organization to reflect the rich diversity of our patients has yielded significant results. The racial diversity of our staff went from 19% in 2019 to 24% today. Out of the more than 800 people we recently hired, 43% are people of color. In only two years, the makeup of our executive leadership team went from 0 people of color to 33%.
borhoods as our hospitals and clinics. The best advice I ever received was, ‘what gets measured, gets done.’ That is why we will continue to hold ourselves accountable because it is essential to caring for the most amazing people on earth—kids. James C. Burroughs II is vice president and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Minnesota.
What’s on the horizon for DEI at Children’s Minnesota? JB: We need to continue Visit childrensmn.org/aboutto find ways to invest money in communities of color, in us to learn more about the misthe people and businesses sion, vision and values at Chillocated in the same neigh- dren’s Minnesota.
CELEBRATE HONORABLE
Sonia Sotomayor Associate Supreme Court Justice
WE SEE YOUR POTENTIAL.
BLACKMAAHMG HISTORY Virtual Events Erase: The Movement To Exclude 5:30 - 6:30pm Black People From History February Discussion with Dr. Yohuru Williams, University of St. Thomas and Dr. Keith Mayes, University of Minnesota. Moderated by Tina Burnside, MAAHMG Cofounder & Curator.
The History of African Americans 5:30 - 7:00pm in Southeast Minnesota February Discussion with MAAHMG History Fellow Mica Anders about her research and exhibit that is on display at MAAHMG.
Artificial Intelligence & The Black Experience
DOCTOR
Charles R. Drew Surgeon and Researcher
WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE IT.
3
6:00 - 6:30pm
Discussion with AI expert Elizabeth Adams about opportunities AI presents for the Black community and how we can address challenges of data privacy, digital inclusion, and algorithmic bias.
Artist Talk: seangarrison in conversation with Seitu Jones
5:30 - 6:30pm
MAAHMG Artist-In-Residence seangarrison will discuss his exhibit Abstracproseality: Visual Notations from Dark to Light which is on display at MAAHMG.
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February
10
February
17
Black Joy: Strategies for Improving 5:00 - 7:00pm Mental and Physical Health February Discussion with Marlee James, LPCC, founder of Reviving Roots Therapy & Wellness; Clarence Jones, Outreach Director for HueMAN; Phillip McGraw, filmmaker and executive director of V-Fest; and Natalie Walters, life coach and facilitator. Moderated by Tina Burnside.
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1256 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Find event links on our Facebook page and website.
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February 17-23, 2022
Hodges Continued from page 1
and Gambling Enforcement Division. Prior to his position at DPS, he served as chief of police in Prior Lake, undersheriff at Ramsey County, and sergeant at the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. When asked what the citizens of Bloomington can
expect from him as police chief in light of the current state of community-police relations throughout the state, Hodges told the MSR, “First, the City of Bloomington already has a great police department so they can expect this to continue to be the case. They can expect a department that is in alignment with their values. “They can expect a department that will have the motto ‘as long as we are the most respectful, we will be the most
respected department in the country.’ They can expect a department that keeps the community safe because we respect our community. “I believe law enforcement is the most noble of professions and if we continue to get this right in Bloomington, we can be one of the model agencies in the country,” he said. Hodges’ experience in law enforcement includes being a patrol watch commander, a school resource officer, a narcotics detective, and a SWAT
“Local publishers play such vital roles in their communities—it’s imperative they evolve and develop their web presence and digital revContinued from page 1 enue strategies,” said Graham Jarrett, president of the Association aimed at equipping each publisher of Alternative Newsmedia. “Smaller with the tools and skills needed to publishers don’t have the resources grow their digital advertising rev- large media companies do, but the 2022 GNI Ad Transformation Lab enue. The second group has begun gives them a much more equitable to receive hands-on support to opportunity to learn from the best of strengthen their digital advertising the best. “We’re grateful Google sees the technology before embarking upon the four-month sprint-based train- value in local news and is willing to ing program in the spring. The Lab invest this kind of time and resourcwill also promote collaboration and es into really digging in to help pubshared learning across the entire lishers on such an individual level,” said Alvaro Gurdian, president of cohort of publishers.
Sherrell
Examiner’s office expressing concern about the care Sherrell received before he died. Around the same time, an Continued from page 1 individual not identified by name in the board’s report filed a complaint against LeonAccording to an expert ard with the board. A new MeND employee at cited in the board’s report, “appropriate and timely medi- the time, Lundblad encouncal intervention could have tered Sherrell in grave condition on Aug. 31, 2018, saved” Sherrell’s life. The suspension goes into covered in sweat and in a effect in March. Leonard must soiled diaper because he was unable to make it to the toilet. also pay a $30,000 fine. In September 2018, nurse She advised that he be taken practitioner Stephanie Lun- to the hospital immediately. Lundblad spoke out last dblad, who had provided care to Sherrell as a MeND summer about what hapemployee, wrote a letter to pened before Sherrell died, the Ramsey County Medical telling KARE11 she felt like
Healthcare Continued from page 1 Chief Operating Officer Gillette Children’s Specialty Care Thomas Harris, Jr., Director of Racial Health Equity Advocacy of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Vayong Moua, and Chief Executive Officer of NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center Stella Whitney-West. Each of these leaders shared how their organizations were working to support Black employees within their network and how they were working to expand their footprint in the community to go beyond the traditional frameworks of providing healthcare to their patients. Whitney-West said that her staff was reeling from the recent string of violence that has plagued their North Minneapolis community, like the fatal death of 15-year-old Deshaun Hill, Jr. on Feb. 9. Later that day, a school bus driver was injured by a gunshot to the head while driving students home. The driver is
Continued from page 1
alcove and assaulted by state troopers on Nicollet Avenue between 31st Street and 32nd Street as they tried to escape their deployment of tear gas shortly after a curfew. Media representatives were exempt from that curfew, which went into effect shortly after 8 p.m. on May 30, 2020. Katie Nelson, a freelancer who grew up in Minneapolis and spends time in Mexico City, was one of those who were trapped, along with her assistants. “The moment that I got out, and I got [my assistant] Courtney out, State Patrol came in and started shooting tear gas at press,” said Nelson. “I had ongoing eye inflammation for eight months. My eyes were chronically red and they hurt; it’s hard to see out of them. And there was some
the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP). “Everything in this program: from the best practices to the sprintbased model, to the cohort-based
entitled “Booker T Investigates,” which exposed corruption. Hodges, who grew up in North Minneapolis, cut his teeth in law enforcement during the city’s turbulent “Murderapolis” days in 1995. He shared how he managed the terrain to work his way up the ranks to obtain this landmark position. “I kept it simple,” he said. “I was cool with everyone but smart enough not to get involved in any drama. “I stayed busy playing hockey and going on canoe
trips. I have navigated my law enforcement journey the same way. I am cool with most people, but I don’t get involved in any drama and I stay busy being immersed in the community. “I say all this to say I have kept it simple, remained true to myself, and what I believe in.” Hodges will begin as Bloomington’s police chief on April 4. Travis Lee welcomes reader responses to travtrend@ gmail.com.
Lab experience will strengthen the digital advertising infrastructure of our vital local media businesses that are the trusted voices of communities of color across the United States.” As the Lab progresses, the partner organizations will share lessons learned with the broader publishing community through dedicated webinars and training opportunities outside of the Lab. The GNI will also compile the best practices into playbooks, case studies, and virtual workshops available “The 2022 GNI Ad Transformation for free through its ongoing Digital Lab is a welcomed step forward of Growth Program. our NNPA member publications that have been selected to participate in Information provided in part by this transformational initiative. The Google News Initiative. will solidify their sustainability, no matter where they are in their digital transformation.” Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA president and CEO, emphasized,
“Local publishers play such vital roles in their communities—it’s imperative they evolve and develop their web presence and digital revenue strategies.” learning, is designed to deliver meaningful impact on the KPIs that matter now and long after the Lab concludes,” continued Gurdian. “The 2022 GNI Ad Transformation Lab
forward and they flop him on the bed and they leave him on the floor for eight hours.” When Leonard told Lundblad not to jump to conclusions about Sherrell’s death because it could jeopardize his company, she resigned immediately. Leonard will be allowed to appeal the suspension of his medical license after six months. A nurse, not identified by name in the board’s report, symptoms like difficulty stand- Hardel falls out of the SUV previously overrode a mediing or swallowing or control- on his knees and four officers cal directive that Sherrell be ling his bladder. Although he stand around as if nothing has transported to the hospital displayed many of the symp- happened,” Perry said. “And prior to Lundblad’s later directoms listed, Sherell was not they throw him in the wheel- tive, delaying his access to brought back to the hospital chair and they push his head medical care. she “witnessed a murder.” At Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, Sherrell’s MRI came back normal. He was diagnosed with malingering or feigning illness. Discharge papers dictated that be brought back to the hospital right away if he displayed
and died two days later on the floor of his jail cell. Medical providers and jail staffers including those involved in Sherrell’s transport to and from the hospital should be held accountable for their conduct, Perry said. “In the [surveillance] video,
“They had so many opportunities to save his life but they failed each time.”
expected to recover. In both incidents, NorthPoint employees were witnesses to these crimes. “The same trauma that our patients experience, we are experiencing,” Whitney-West said. The day after the shootings, she met with her staff to discuss how they could best support one another and their patients. Whitney-West stated that she’d like to see more resources go to helping staff. “Even though we provide the support through our behavioral health staff and medical team, we’ve got to do more.” At Gillette Children’s, staff members are able to have an open dialogue and express their frustrations in a safe setting, according to Harris. He pointed to the Nursing Salons started by Tammy Sinkfield as an example of their model of encouraging employees to address their frustrations and experiences with injustice in an open setting. “Those are the conservations that we have to continue to have,” he said. Harris also noted that these conversations about employee wellness and experiences with systemic racism have to go beyond their orga-
Journalists
officer. He has supervised the work of professional standards, training and staff development, internal affairs, and more. He has a doctorate in public administration from Hamline University, a master’s degree in public safety administration from St. Mary’s University, and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and political science from Florida Southern College. Hodges was also once a writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder where he regularly filed a column
5
nizations. “We cannot have these conversations in a silo,” he said. Black shared that employers who invest in the wellbeing of their Black employees are helping bring holistic change to their organizations and the communities they serve. “Economic stability, neighborhoods and physical environment, education, food security, community safety, and social supports, and quality health care all contribute to a person’s health and
“They had so many opportunities to save his life but they failed each time,” Perry said. She is calling on the Minnesota Board of Nursing to investigate the conduct of nurses involved in her son’s care. “The nurses need to be scrutinized in this case just the same as the doctor,” Perry said. A phone call to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about the potential for state charges was not returned in time for publication. Niara Savage welcomes reader responses to nsavage@ spokesman-recorder.com.
engagement as a political determinant of health,” Moua said. “I would say the highest goal is to embed racial equity in policy-making itself.” Looking forward, Burroughs and Whitney-Wells shared that their respective organizations hope to focus on Black maternal health and mental health issues in the community. Children’s Minnesota is investing $20 million in mental health for young people specifically and putting in 22 in-patient beds in their hospitals. The Center’s Reckoning series continues with a workshop scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 17, 11:30 am-1pm CT, with “Reckoning “We’ve got to lean in differently. with Women of Color, Money, and We can’t just be in the comfortable the Workplace.” zone and just talk about it. We got to be uncomfortable and do things we All the workshops are free and open wouldn’t normally do,” he said. to the public. Registration is required: Moua echoed the need for civic bit.ly/r2r-feb1722. action and shared how he’d like to see health equity become a quanti- Learn more and engage fiable part of public health policy in with the Center at www. the state. He emphasized the impor- centerforeconomicinclusion.org. tance of understanding how power, resources, and privilege impact Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader decision-making. responses Adabdi.mohamed2012@ “We need to prioritize civic gmail.com. ence public policy to ensure support from state and local leaders. “This is sometimes not about board diversity, this is sometimes not about C-Suite diversity, this is sometimes not about supplier diversity, sometimes it’s about what are you going to do differently to push the people in St. Paul to say, ‘hey, noknock warrants—they’re not working for people who look like me,” Burroughs said.
“I would say the highest goal is to embed racial equity in policy-making itself.” well-being, or the lack thereof,” Black said. “Because workers invest such a large portion of each day contributing to the well-being of their employers,” Black added, “those employers must take every action within their grasp to foster wellness and health equity in each domain for all employees by creating workplaces where all people are truly valued for who they are.” The conversation also explored the ways in which these leaders could push for change outside of their organizations and seek to influ-
damage to them. And then I started having stress-related seizures.” Ed Ou, another freelancer who was trapped with Nelson, was shot at with a concussion grenade, resulting in four stitches and a permanent scar on his forehead. He did not expect police to respond the way they did. “I always knew that there are some red lines that don’t get crossed, that if you stay out of the police’s way, if you identify yourself as a journalist, you shouldn’t be arrested, and people shouldn’t target you,” Ou said. “We didn’t really make any mistakes, we were just simply targeted.” The state will also pay $825,000 to the named parties, which will also cover attorney’s fees. State troopers must also have body cameras by this June. Each individual trooper will also need to be readily identifiable by name, badge number, and agency from twenty feet away, and the state patrol must keep records of everyone deployed to handle demonstrations and unrest.
They will also need to have available an officer whose sole role is to interface with the media during demonstrations and unrest. Troopers will also receive training on the First Amendment, as well as on crowd control and data retention. The State Patrol came under fire last September when a major testified that texts and e-mails related to the George Floyd unrest were deleted. Journalists will also have to prominently identify themselves, which could include wearing press credentials when they cover protests or unrest. Although journalists do not have to obviously appear as one, the state cannot be held liable if they assault someone whom they only later find out is a journalist. Although Nelson and Ou displayed credentials and possessed equipment identifying themselves as journalists, they nonetheless were assaulted. Despite that, Nelson hopes the settlement will mean the police will get their act together. “I sincerely hope that we can trust that law enforcement will uphold their end of
the bargain. But I think this also shows that we, as journalists, have power to say, if you’re not going to follow the law, there will be consequences,” said Nelson. The DPS also contracted with 21CP Solutions, led by former police department leaders from across the nation, days after Daunte Wright was killed, to review how they handled press and recommend how they could do better. Moving forward, they will develop a non-mandatory system to credential journalists, which does not exist today in Minnesota but does in cities like New York and San Francisco. A separate lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis police leadership involving journalist Linda Tirado, whose eye was shot out with a 40-millimeter round by a Minneapolis police officer, is ongoing, as are two additional lawsuits filed by protesters. Henry Pan welcomes reader responses to hpan@ spokesman-recorder.com.
6 February 17-23, 2022
West Indies Soul Food Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Ashley Lauren Contributing Writer “I pray and bless my food before I start cooking because I want to heal somebody, help somebody, so I cook for your soul,” said Sharon RichardsNoel, the proud owner of West Indies Soul Food. Richards-Noel is originally from Trinidad, and she came to Minnesota in the late ’80s. She established West Indies Soul Food in April of 1993. Since then, customers have come to expect flavorful Caribbean food. “Oxtail and jerk chicken are what people love,” Richards-Noel said. The restaurant will be offering more healthy options in the future to please a broader range of customers. “I’m going to do some lentil peas that are going to be vegan, rice and peas,” Richards-Noel said. “If someone comes who is vegan or vegetarian, I want to have something for them.” Richards-Noel shared the store’s backstory. “Four of us decided to start West Indies Soul Food—my ex-husband and another couple,” she said. “I was basically tired of going out there purchasing food. The food wasn’t good and I’m paying a lot of money.” She added, “I was more concerned about the flavor of the food, the amount of food I’m getting for my money, the quality of the food—I was con-
cerned about that.” Her dissatisfaction motivated her to “start something different,” by offering Caribbean cuisine. “I believe in healthy eating—you can eat good food and still be healthy,” she said. WISF received start-up money in the beginning. RichardsNoel explained, “My first $5,000 was from the Neighborhood Development Center [NDC]. She utilized the capital to launch West Indies Soul Food. “My business started in my church [Minneapolis Central Church of Christ]. I spoke to the preacher, and I told him that I wanted to start my business; he had the kitchen updated—had it approved by the health department,” Richards-Noel said. The upgrades enabled her to start catering. “So, I started doing a lot of outdoor shows— putting up tent,” Richards-Noel said, “and then it became a little bit too much for us be-
Business Restaurant owner aspires to heal the community
Sharon Richards-Noel After the restaurant closed, she eventually opened at the Midtown Global Market [MGM]. “After St. Paul, my son passed away from a car accident and I moved to Min-
“It’s therapeutic for me to cook, create recipes, feed people.” cause we had to go up and down stairs.” She chose to relocate her business. “I decided to talk to Neighborhood Development Center [NDC] again and then I opened a restaurant on Dale and University,” Richards-Noel said. That location put her business on the map.
neapolis,” Richards-Noel said. Although MGM provided an opportunity, she chose not to stay. Richards-Noel explained that she “didn’t last too long at Midtown,” due to expenses. “It’s just that the building, the facility cost so much and small businesses have to pay so much money in rent and park-
The West Indies Soul food truck ing to stay in business, so a lot of the original owners had to leave,” she said. Despite challenges, Richards-Noel persevered. She said, “I decided to sell my business and get a food truck. It’s therapeutic for me to cook, create recipes, feed people.” The new business model enabled her to expand her territory and reach more customers throughout the Twin Cities. She also has a booth at the Minnesota State Fair. “My son passed on Mother’s Day,” Richards-Noel shared. That was her first year at the State Fair. “I’ve been at the State Fair for 17 years,” she said. “When I was in the food building, it was a little bit
different; I’ve always been blessed with enough people to come around me,” RichardsNoel said. She added, “People love us at the Fair.” The food is well-received, and the support is phenomenal she said. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic caused Richards-Noel to become creative with the way she conducts business. Right now, “We’re building our own kitchen out of a brownstone building on University—a catering kitchen and then we’ll have curbside. In August, gonna start a program for youth,” who’ll be taught about “emotional intelligence and life skills.” They’ll have an opportunity to learn about culinary arts too, she said.
Submitted photos She offered advice for youth and upcoming entrepreneurs: “Be ready to take advice. I’m noticing a lot of young people think they know everything. Yes, you can be an entrepreneur, but some of us been out here and we already went through a lot of trials and tribulations, and we could save you that heartache by you listening.” West Indies Soul Food is currently raising funds to bring the restaurant to the Midway area. For more information, visit www. westindiessoul.com or call 651726-4120. Ashley Lauren welcomes reader responses to alauren@ spokesman-recorder.com.
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February 17-23, 2022
Health & Wellness
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Report aims to close gap in health disparities for U.S.-born Blacks Minnesotans State’s Medicaid program can play a key role on U.S.-born Black communities in Minnesota. We cite data that show notable health disparities between U.S.-born Black/ African American people enrolled in Medicaid programs compared with those who immigrated to the United States. Although the average age of enrollees in the two groups was the same, rates of asthma, heart failure/hospitalized heart conditions, and depression were three times higher for U.S.-born Black/African American people. We met with individuals from the U.S.-born Black community, leaders of community organizations, and those working to advance racial equity in health care for Black Minnesotans, as well as specific DHS divisions involved in the creation and stewardship of policy areas. We incorporated the reflections and recommendations from all these conversations into the report, which highlights three areas barrier for Black community of action. members. A participant in the Community Conversations Call to Action: Simplify reflected, “They [medical and support enrollment and practitioners] don’t listen to re-enrollment us [Black people] when we exDespite being eligible plain our problems; Black pafor Medicaid, many people tients do not receive the same who would benefit from treatment as White patients.” its coverage aren’t enrolled A significant amount of litat all or experience gaps in erature validates the lived extheir coverage. U.S.-born perience shared by this comBlack Minnesotans enrolled munity member, both in how in Medicaid programs often Black adults and children are talk about challenges they the recipients of unequal care. face in enrolling. One study Community leaders noted that Black Medicaid stressed the importance of enrollees were more likely culture in the health and wellthan White enrollees to go being of community members. off Medicaid for more than Culture was described as the six months. fabric that links an individual Those who were off more to their community through than six months were less shared beliefs, knowledge, likely to have a regular source practices, and protections. of care, more likely to forgo Loss of culture in the healing health care for financial rea- space contributes to illness by sons, and more likely to report separating an individual from problems paying medical bills. one of their shared strengths. Our first Call to Action is To address generations to improve racial equity by of structural inequity will pursuing continuous eligibil- require sustained intention. ity policies. This would al- Therefore, the report calls on low people to maintain their DHS to invest in a dedicated health care regardless of life internal structure to provide changes for up to 12 months a direct connection to U.S.at a time. Governor Tim born Black Medicaid enrollees, Walz’s recent budget proposal community-based organizaincludes one specific policy tions, and other institutions to change, 12-month continuous inform and co-create policies eligibility for children from and programs that elevate birth to 19. strengths and address inequiThe report calls on DHS to ties. go one step further by explorAdditionally, the report ing what would be necessary highlights the need for better for six years of continuous eli- data on race, ethnicity, and gibility for children on Medic- language that is standardized aid up to age 6, and two years and disaggregated. While an of continuous eligibility for all incomplete and imperfect enrollees age 6 and older. proxy for culture, this data Community members and can serve as an important iniDHS staff also talked about tial signal and inform converthe value of having naviga- sation and collaboration with tors (professionals who help communities. people apply, enroll, and manage their paperwork and/or Call to action: Engaging find providers) help people the communities and famiapply for coverage through lies Medicaid serves MNSure. We call on DHS to A shared desire for meansupport navigators and de- ingful engagement and covelop and implement a plan to creation emerged in all our ensure that eligible Black Min- discussions. Top-down policy nesotans gain and/or maintain solutions have been tried, and Medicaid coverage through- yet disparities continue to out the year, but, in particular, grow. Community members as the COVID-19 pandemic noted that the pandemic has winds down. clearly demonstrated the impact of a fractured trust beCall to action: Access to tween state agencies and the culturally relevant care U.S.-born Black community. A There is ample evidence repair of this trust requires rethat access is a significant lationships be built over years
“More than 100 years ago, W.E.B. Du Bois was
pointing out the impact of structural racism
and how social drivers
of health impacted the opportunity of
Black Americans.”
By Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo Guest Contributor “There has never been any period in American history where the health of Blacks was equal to that of Whites. Disparity is built into the system.” Harvard science historian Evelynn Hammonds’ clear and direct reflection on the legacy of our health care system sets the frame in a new report published by my office at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, “Building Racial Equity into the Walls of Minnesota Medicaid: A focus on U.S.-born Black Minnesotans.” Of course, this is not news to many in our community. Dr. Samuel Myers from the University of Minnesota coined the term “Minnesota paradox” to describe how Minnesota can have one of the highest qualities of life for White Minnesotans, while “African Americans are worse off in Minnesota than they are in virtually every other state in the nation.” We also know that disparities aren’t seen just in health outcomes and that community-wide disparities don’t happen by chance—they are the result of decisions being made about who has access to what. For Black Minnesotans, the consistent denial of the same opportunities for housing, education, nutrition, healthy neighborhoods, and justice under the law makes the racial health disparities we see in Minnesota less surprising. Minnesota’s Medicaid program has a key role to play in addressing health disparities among Black Minnesotans, with approximately 41.5% of Black Minnesotans, and 64% of Black Minnesotan children, relying on Medicaid for health care coverage. This report aims to address these gaps and build racial equity into our Medicaid program by rethinking how policy within the Department of Human Services (DHS) is designed, proposed and considered through intentional community co-creation. But who is the “community”? Given the distinct current and historical contexts that have contributed to the health of Black communities in the United States, and to focus on specific community strengths and opportunities to build racial equity from their perspective, we focused
Photo by Klaus Nielsen on Pexels.com and gives that community the opportunity to “start a journey of trusting larger agencies that provide resources and services.” Therefore, DHS should integrate not just community engagement in general, but the longitudinal, culturally specific engagement of enrollees and their families into routine policy, budget, and administrative activities. This discussion of the impact of structural racism on the health of our communi-
ties is not new. More than 100 years ago, W.E.B. Du Bois was pointing out the impact of structural racism and how social drivers of health impacted the opportunity of Black Americans. To meet this moment, it’s time to heed Du Bois’s words from his book, “The Souls of Black Folk”: “Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.”
Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo is medical director for the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid/ Medical Assistance & MinnesotaCare programs and practices as a general pediatrician in Brooklyn Center with Park Nicollet. He is a board member of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an adjunct assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and son.
Is Proud to Celebrate Black History Month
Honoring Our History
Creating Our Future
Celebrate Diversity For more information on COVID-19, please visit: www.northpointhhealth.org/coronavirus-updates
8 February 17-23, 2022
Opinion How history will be made again: Black History Month and the Supreme Court By Ben Jealous
Black America deserves its fair share of the American Dream Affordable rentals shrinking, as growing mortgage denials block homeownership
By Charlene Crowell Regardless of locale, profession, or income, every family needs and deserves a home. But for many, especially Black Americans and other people of color—finding and maintaining affordable housing is increasingly difficult. New research documents not only escalating rental costs, but how Black American efforts to buy affordable homes are blocked by high mortgage denial rates nearly double that of white consumers. The longstanding racial homeownership gap is 30 percent today—only 43% of Black households own their own homes, compared to 73 percent of white households. Further, as long as Blacks are forced to struggle with rising rental costs, these same families are denied the housing cost containment of a fixed-rate mortgage, as well as the family stability and wealth-building that accrues to homeowners. Despite unprecedented federal housing assistance during the pandemic, a report by Har-
markets that has consigned many households of color to low-wage jobs in the service industry,” says Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS). “And this sector suffered the most drastic employment cuts over the past two years, which has only compounded existing inequalities.” The term, “rental affordability” is a ratio of monthly housing costs as a percentage of household income. Researchers, lawmakers and other housing stakeholder groups, consider affordable rent to cost no more than 30% of household income. For homeowners, this ratio must also take factors other than the mortgage payment into consideration. Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and the required private mortgage insurance for small down payment home purchases, must also be included in the calculation. With low rental vacancy rates in most metro areas, rental increases are widespread, and ‘affordable’ rentals are in short supply. The
“It is time to bring the benefits of home equity and wealth-building to more families.” vard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) finds stark racial and income divides in its analysis of the nation’s rental market. Nearly a quarter of Black renters were behind on rent in the third quarter of 2021, as well as 19% of Hispanic renters. By contrast, the share of White renters in arrears was half that: 9%. “This disparity reflects longterm discrimination in labor
number of units renting for less than $600 fell by 3.9 million between 2011 and 2019, the JCHS report found. Additionally, 17.6 million rentals—40 percent of the nation’s supply—are located in areas with at least moderate risk from threats caused by climate change. And the 7.2 million renter households headed by a person age 65 and over is ex-
pected to continue rising over the next two decades. “Given that people of color are more likely to have lower incomes and to rent rather than own their homes, the geographic concentration of rental housing helps to perpetuate patterns of racial and socioeconomic segregation,” noted Whitney Airgood-Obrycki, a JCHS research associate and lead author of the new report. A transition to homeownership can be key to containing family housing costs. Other recent research documents show affordable homeownership is still possible for moderate-income families. In its 2022 Rental Affordability Report, ATTOM, curator of a national property database, found that paying a monthly mortgage on a median-priced home is more affordable than the average rent on a threebedroom property in 666, or 58 percent, of the 1,154 U.S. counties analyzed for the report. Homeownership is also a viable option in smaller locales with populations of 500,000 or less including: Lake County (Gary), IN; Seminole County, FL (outside Orlando); Knox County (Knoxville), TN; East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge), LA, and Jefferson Parish, LA (outside New Orleans). But as long as mortgage application denial rates disproportionately impact Blacks, Black homeownership will continue to lag behind the rest of the nation. Now, while interest rates remain low, Blacks are being locked out of cost-savings enjoyed by others and the resulting wealth growth. The Urban Institute’s new analysis of the annual Home Mortgage Disclosure Act compares the race and ethnicity of those denied mortgages in 2020 for purchase loans as well as home improvement and refinance loans. In each of these loan types, the largest gaps in denial occurred between Blacks and Whites. In home improvement loans, 63% of Blacks were denied compared to only 39% for Whites. Similarly, nearly a quarter—24.5% of Blacks were denied home purchase loans, while the corresponding number for Whites was 13.4%. Instead of being locked out, it is time to bring the benefits of home equity and wealthbuilding to more families. Black America must have its fair share of the American Dream.
February is Black History Month. The news we are making and witnessing right now reflects all the contradictions of our history—American history. The history of Black people in this country is a story not just of oppression, but of overcoming. It is a story of both savage inequality and hard-won progress. It is a story of discrimination and spectacular accomplishment. Let’s start with accomplishment. President Joe Biden will soon nominate the first Black woman to serve as a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court—if he hasn’t already by the time you read this. She will be brilliant and accomplished and committed to the constitutional principles of equality under the law and justice for all. I can say that confidently without knowing who the president will nominate. That’s because the president has already nominated a record number of such Black women as federal district court and appeals court judges. There is a deep bench of impressive, highly qualified Black women judges, lawyers, scholars, and activists. I cannot wait to celebrate the confirmation of one of them as a Supreme Court justice. It won’t be an easy time to be a justice committed to achieving justice for all. The court is now dominated by justices who are committed to a very different view of the Constitution. The Roberts court is the most pro-corporate court in history, ruling consistently to undermine protections for workers and the ability of the federal government to regulate and pun-
ish corporate wrongdoing. The court’s majority has repeatedly weakened the Voting Rights Act. And that has allowed unprincipled politicians to target Black voters—and weaken our democracy. The same destructive forces are at work outside the legal arena, too. Allies of former President Donald Trump are putting new voting restrictions in place all across the country. And they are inciting anger among Trump’s followers by repeating the Big Lie that he won the election. Trump’s allies are also trying to build political power by stoking fear and anger and
fight, we can win. After all, we as Black people and we as Americans have overcome far worse than what we are facing today. This year, and in every election year, we have another chance to make history. We made history in 2020 when we turned out in record numbers to vote. We elected President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black person and first woman vice president. We elected Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff to the U.S. Senate. And that has allowed President Biden to appoint the most personally and professionally diverse set of judges in
There is a deep bench of impressive, highly qualified Black women judges, lawyers, scholars, and activists. racial resentment among conservative white parents. They are passing laws that will make it nearly impossible for public school teachers to teach honestly about racism in U.S. history and society—or even engage students in conversations about controversial topics. They’re taking over local school boards and purging libraries of books that explore the experiences of Black people, Native Americans, and LGBTQ people. One school district in Tennessee has even banned an award-winning graphic novel about the Holocaust and others are already looking to them as a model. Dealing with racism on an individual level, and watching it play out in our political system, can be painful and discouraging. We can also allow it to motivate us to action. When we act, when we
history, making our courts look more like our country. In this Black History Month, we will take another step forward with the nomination of our next Supreme Court justice. Later this year we will celebrate her confirmation. And history will be made again. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and professor of the Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches leadership. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.
Black History Month right now By Marian Wright Edelman
The roots of Black History Month in our nation are nearly a century old, but at a moment when some people are seeking to block what children can be taught about the intersection of Black history and American history, its existence right now is as necessary as ever. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves, a pioneering Harvard-trained historian, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, created Negro History Week in 1926. At the time he was alarmed because so few people, White or Black, knew anything at all about Black people’s achievements. Dr. Woodson understood just how critical it was to claim our rightful place in the history books and teach future generations about the great thinkers and role models who came before us. As he said then: “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” Negro History Week was originally celebrated during Charlene Crowell is a senior the second week of Februfellow with the Center for Re- ary to coincide with Fredersponsible Lending. She can be ick Douglass’s and Abraham reached at Charlene.crowell@ Lincoln’s birthdays. Eventuresponsiblelending.org. ally the single week grew into Black History Month, but This commentary was edited through the years the celebrafor space in print. For the full sto- tion’s symbolism and imporry, visit spokesman-recorder.com. tance remained the same.
Dr. Woodson was especially concerned about the “miseducation” of Black children from their earliest ages—“The thought of the inferiority of the Negro is drilled into him in almost every class he enters and in almost every book he studies”—and the cumulative effects it could have. He wrote: “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.” He believed teaching children about Black history and Black accomplishments was a crucial corrective step. We now understand the wisdom behind teaching not just Black children but all children Black history in our increasingly multicultural nation and world. Black, Native American, Latino, Asian American, LGBTQ, immigrant, and women’s history are all American history. None of our children can afford miseducation and ignorance about the rainbow of others around them. And none of our children should ever believe their own history and existence are marginal, unimportant, inferior, or only worthy of the back door. It is beyond shameful that in
2022 teaching children the truth about American history is still viewed and treated by some as a subversive and illegal act. Harvard Graduate School of Education professor Jarvis R. Givens, author of the 2021 book Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, places Dr. Woodson as part of a long continuum that began during slavery and continues into our time. He recently told the Harvard Gazette “the tradition of what some might call anti-racist teaching today is something that Black teachers had to engage in because it was a matter of life and death,” and explained that part of the legacy of Black educators throughout history had been uplifting their students “and helping them imagine a world that had yet to exist, but one that they could strive for.” He added: “Teachers will be vital for any vision of justice we might try to build, create, and enact in the world around us.” This remains true for today’s teachers, and I hope all teachers and all adults will follow Dr. Woodson’s example and teach the truth about Black history and American history this month and every month. Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information go to childrensdefense.org.
Employment & Legals Senior Design Assurance Engineer Sr. Design Assurance Engineer for Covidien LP (a Medtronic company) in Plymouth, MN. Req. Master’s in Biology or Mechanical, Industrial or Biomedical Engr. & 2 yrs. exp. in design assurance engineering. Must possess 2 yrs. exp. in: Reliability engineering for Class II & III Medical Devices; EU Medical Device Directive, EU (Medical Device Directive) 93/42 EEC, FDA 21 CFR 820, IEC 60601, ISO 13485, ISO 62366 & ISO 14971; preparing audit responses & agency communications; Design Controls, Design for Manufacturability, Design of Experiments, design verification/validation & process validations (IQ, OQ, PQ); Statistical process control, process capability studies, sampling plan, Gage R&R compliance & good manufacturing practices; Six-Sigma, Kaizen, Plan-dostudy-act, error/mistake proofing, DMAIC, lean mfg. & CAPA; & risk assessment, Failure Modes Effect Analysis & test method development for Product Development. To apply, visit https://jobs.medtronic.com/, select Req. #220002R5. No agencies or phone calls please. Medtronic/Covidien are equal opportunity employers committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
Notice of U.S. Magistrate Judge Vacancy The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court, District of Minnesota. The current salary of the full-time position is $205,528 per year. The position will be located in the District of Minnesota. The term of office for a full-time magistrate judge is eight years; incumbents may be reappointed to successive terms. The full public notice, application instructions, and application form are available on the Court’s website at https://www.mnd.uscourts.gov/employment ApplicationsMedtronic must be-received no later than 4:30 p.m. Client: Senior Design Assurance Engineer Central Time on Friday, March 11, 2022. Size: 3.4167 x4.5 Run Date: 2/17/22 Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online advertising as well.
MANAGING ATTORNEY Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details, go to https://mylegalaid.org/employment
SUPERVISING ATTORNEY Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details, go to https://mylegalaid.org/employment
Senior Data Analyst / Analytics Specialist - Supply Chain Senior Data Analyst / Analytics Specialist - Supply Chain, Medtronic, Inc., Mounds View, MN. Req. Bachelor’s or foreign equiv. in Logistics, Mgmt. Info. Syst., or Info. Sys., & 4 yrs. of exp. in Data Analytics for medical device supply chain; or post-secondary dipl./ deg. or foreign equiv. in Logistics, Mgmt. Info. Sys., or Info. Sys., & 4 yrs. of exp. in Data Analytics for medical device supply chain. Must possess a min. of 4 yrs. of Client: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid - Managing Attorney exp. with each of the following: Data modeling & Size: 3.4167 x 1 & Transactional Data curation normalization, Master Run incl.Date: building2/17/22 Golden Data Sets, data mining & data Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 youfrom can get online analytics; Program metrics migration legacy advertising as well. systems to SAP & cloud-based frmwk. using Informatica Power Center 10.2, 10.1, 9.1 & 8.6; Product Lifecycle Mgmt. to include Enovia, Agile & Change Ctrl. Client: Mid-Minnesota - Supervising Processes using HP QualityLegal Ctr.;Aid SAP, BusinessAttorney Planning Size: 3.4167 x 1 & Ctrl. Sys.; Data platforms & program incl. Informatica Run Date: 2/17/22 IDQ, Informatica AXON, Design Studio, SAP BW, Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online Power BI & advertising Tableau; Mathematical opt. & statistical as well. model exp. of Global Supply Chain improvements; Microsoft SharePoint & InfoPath; Global Supply Chain & business proc. maturity assessments; Financial analysis to incl. Service & Quality, Net Present Value, Return of Investment, Total Cost of Ownership & Internal Rate of Return. Apply at https://jobs.medtronic. com/, Req. #220002U0. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
Contunued from page 10 Wisconsin next year. Visitation hung in there with DeLaSalle in the first half, trailing 31-28 to the No. 6 ranked team in Class 3A. DeLaSalle, coached by James Fassett and led by Sydney Runsewe’s 27 points, cruised to an 86-54 victory in the second half. White finished with Court 12 - District of Minnesota Client: U.S. District and I’Tanna Salam, Erianna US Magistrate Judge Vacancy Size: 3.4167 Moescheter, and x 3.25 Jordan Run Date:each2/10/22 Johnson chipped in 10 Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online for the victorious Islanders. advertising Samantha Wills andas well. Ol- Sydney Runsewe ivia Johanns each scored 18 (DeLaSalle) points to lead the Blazers. They are a great group,” Johnson Patterson said Dr. Mitchell Palmer Mcabout her team before the Donald welcomes reader game while adding, “I’m hav- responses to mcdeezy05@ ing fun.” gmail.com.
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SEEKING R&D ENGINEER R&D Engineer for Covidien, LP (a Medtronic company) located in Plymouth MN. Req. Master’s in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engr., Materials Science & Engr., or Mechanical Engr. & 6 mo. engr. exp. in the medical device ind. Exp. must incl. 6 months of each of the following: developing medical device specifications & making recommendations for design improvements, proposing of device materials & parts, & translating into mfg. / supplier reqs. & processes; developing & validating equipment, test fixtures, & test methods utilized for in-vitro clinical simulation testing of device performance; planning, executing & analyzing results for device performance testing; developing & validating test fixtures & test methods utilized for materials properties analysis to include Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, tensile, fatigue, & compression for polymers & metals; planning & analyzing results for material characterization to include imaging thru microscopy & SEM, physical testing, & chemical testing thru DSC & spectroscopy; applying DRM methodology & DOE & statistical techniques in testing & analysis; reviewing risk assessment Design Failure Mode & Effect Analysis (DFMEA); consulting on the development & validation of mfg. processes to include dev. of Process Controls & Installation, Operational & Performance Qualification (IQ, OQ, PQ); & FDA QSR, CFR 820, ISO10993, ISO13485, EHS global conformity assessment, & EU MDR Hazardous Material Concerns. Apply at https:// jobs.medtronic.com/ Req. #220002R7. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic/Covidien are equal opportunity employers committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT FAMILY COURT CASE TYPE: CUSTODY
In re the Custody of B.B.L.A.
File No. 27-FA-21-6466
(DOB: 04/06/2014)
Client: Medtronic - R&D Engineer Concepcion Alonzo Vail Size: 3.4167 x 6 Petitioner, Run Date: 2/10/22 and Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online Mario Augosto Lucas Ramirez SUMMONS advertising as well. Respondent.
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT, LUCIANO DIAZ RAMOS, ADDRESS UNKNOWN: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to serve upon
Filed in District Court State of Minnesota Feb 9, 2022
Prep
February 17-23, 2022
Petitioner’s attorney an answer to the Complaint which is herewith served upon you, within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service.
State of Minnesota
District Court
Ramsey County
Second Judicial District
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Paternity Complaint.
Court File Number: 62-HR-CV-21-1335
RANDEN, CHAKIROV & GROTKIN LLC
Case Type: Harassment Dated: November 10, 2021
latoya haywood vs Tikco Freeman
/s/ Rebecca A. Randen Rebecca A. Randen, I.D. No. 396082 On behalf of Volunteer Lawyer’s Network Volunteer Lawyer’s Network 600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 390A Minneapolis, MN 55402 rebecca@rcglawoffice.com (612) 281-2151
Notice of Issuance of Harassment Restraining Order by Publication
Client: Medtronic - Senior Data Analyst To Respondent: 3.4167 x 5.5 Size: Run 2/17/22 YOUDate: ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining Order has been issued on Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online December 22, 2021. advertising as well. A hearing is scheduled for the following date, time, and location: Date:
February 18, 2022
ATTORNEYS FOR PETITIONER
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder February 10, 17, 24, 2022
Time: Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center 25 W. 7th Street Room B122
Filed in District Court State of Minnesota Feb 7, 2022
Saint Paul, MN 55102 Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or to get a copy of the Harassment Restraining Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the
State of Minnesota
District Court
Court’s order.
Ramsey County
Second Judicial District
Case: Size: Ad Run: Ad Options: In The Matter Of
Donald W. Harper Juvenile and Family Court Administrator
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder February 17, 2022
Vail and Ramirez, Court 27-FA-21-6466 File Number: 62-DA-FA-22-82 3.4167 x 5.75 Case Type: Domestic Abuse 2/10/22 - 2/24/22 -Notice of Hearing by Publication
Keeth Bernard Campbell
(Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)
Vs Lakela Jefferson To Respondent named above:
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Worship
An order has been issued directing you to appear at the Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center, 25 W 7th St, St. Paul MN 55102 on March 07, 2022 at 8:15am and explain why the relief sought in the Petition for the Order for Protection should not be granted. You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court from
Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Bethesda Baptist Church
IN PRINT & ONLINE! latoya haywood vs Tikco Freeman 62-HR-CV-21-1335 3.4167 x 4.75 CALL 2/17/2022
the Ramsey County Court Administrator’s Office. If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner’s request may be granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s Order. Court Administrator Ramsey County District Court
Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor Case:
Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor
Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor
451 West Central
St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444
Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:
Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"
At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street
2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Size: Adwww.greatfriend.org Run: Ad Phone: Options:612.827.7928 -Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org
Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net
Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service
Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am
The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
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Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm
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Gopher played in 27 games off the bench in 2021. Contunued from page 10 “Minnesota is my home,” said the Lakeville, Minn. naNew York in May 2020 last tive. “I’m very excited to be season and signed with back.” the Lynx 10 days later. The Said Clarendon, “Minteam went 16-5 with Clar- nesota and this team have endon on the floor. been a salve for my soul. I’m Banham returns for her beyond thrilled to be back third season in Minnesota— with the Lynx.” a 2016 first-round choice, she spent her first four seaCharles Hallman welcomes Case: Campbell before vs Jefferson sons in Connecticut reader responses to chall62-DA-FA-22-82 she was acquired by the man@spokesman-recorder. Size: 3.4167 Lynx in 2020. Thex 4.25 former com. Ad Run: 2/17/2022 Ad Options: --
10 February 17-23, 2022
Sports
Minors honor Black legends with new outreach program By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist inor League Baseball (MiLB) has launched a new Black communityfocused outreach platform. “The Nine,” named for Jackie Robinson’s uniform number 9 when he played with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, will connect MiLB teams with new national programming and future special events with the clubs’ existing outreach programs to Black fans. It will also recognize and honor Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, including St. Paul. “It’s a program that we were aware of and that it was going to be released in February,” Satchel Paige Bobblehead Field of Legends Bobblehead puzzle set Saints Executive Vice President/General Photos courtesy of BobbleheadHall.com Manager Derek Sharrer told the MSR last month. is going to do, at least for us, [it] is going to give League Baseball and the players, the St. Paul The Saints annually honor Black baseball us an opportunity to be able to tell that story on a Saints expect to play the 2022 season on schedplayers: “We love to tell untold stories,” Shar- bigger platform with a wider audience and [with] ule, Sharrer said. rer said. “There’s such a wonderful history, the help of Minor League Baseball’s resources,” The Saints announced earlier this month that certainly rich history of stories to be told. they are scheduled to play 150 games this seahe said. “We love that we have a platform here at son, a six-game increase from last season’s 144CHS Field to be able to help tell those stories Saints on-schedule game schedule—75 at home and 75 on the road. year after year after year. The Nine initiative Thirty-six of the Saints’ 75 home games will take Despite the current impasse between Major
place Friday-Sunday, and 48 of 75 ThursdaySunday. July will have the most home games (15). St. Paul will open the 2022 season at Louisville on Tuesday, April 5. Negro League legends celebrated with Bobbleheads The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), along with NegroLeaguesHistory.com with a new limited edition Negro Leagues Field of Legends Bobbleheads. The 13 bobblehead set replicates the NLBM’s life-size Field of Legends statues: Satchel Paige, Buck O’Neil, Buck Leonard, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Judy Johnson, Leon Day, Ray Dandridge, Pop Lloyd, Martin Dihigo, Rube Foster, and umpire Bob Motley. The Field of Legends Puzzle Set also is available on a limited basis. For more info, go to www.BobbleheadHall.com. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
Fallout from NFL lawsuit continues Pistons learn to fly; Lynx re-sign veterans he NBA midseason break is now on. Minnesota is off until Feb. 24 after completing one-half of a four-game homestand this month. The Wolves currently have the second-best scoring starting five in the Western Conference (77.2 ppg). The Detroit Pistons lost both meetings against Minnesota this season, including a 13-point defeat on Feb. 6 in downtown Minneapolis. The team is in the middle of a “restoration” process, longtime analyst Greg Kelser told the MSR prior to the contest. Although the Pistons are mired in last place in the Central Division, “There are certain things that you have to not focus on so much,” explained Kelser. “Your overall record is probably one of them.” Despite Detroit’s sub-500 record, the Pistons rank third in the NBA in bench scoring, tied for fourth in forced turnovers per game, tied for eighth in steals, and ninth in second-chance points this season. With four players with one year of pro experience and five rookies, including 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham, “You’re looking for development, and are guys really getting better,” continued Kelser. “I’m doing great. I’m enjoying coaching these kids,” HC Dwane Casey, the 2018 NBA Coach of the Year when he was coaching Toronto, told us after the game. His first NBA head coaching job was with Minnesota (2005-07), and he was fired with the Wolves in playoff contention in late January of 2007. He has 14 years of experience as an NBA assistant and was in charge of the defense when Dallas won the 2011 NBA championship. “I’m having fun,” said Casey. “It is frustrating sometimes, but it got all of our coaching juices [going], teaching and watching kids like Cade, Killian (Hayes) and Isaiah (Stewart), first and secondyear players.” The 6’6” Cunningham is tied for first among rookies
Detroit Pistons Coach Dwane Casey Photo by Charles Hallman in scoring and second in assists. “He’s a very good player,” noted Kelser on the first-year guard, with only a year of college experience. “He can take over a game and he does it with the combination of a six-foot-six frame with some strength going to the basket. He’s not afraid to challenge inside. He’s also a good passer.” Said Casey, “We’re learning on the fly. You got to take your bumps and lumps and everything. This summer will be big for us. We have a lot of cap space coming off the books so we’re looking forward to big things.” “I think during the course of an 82-game season,” surmised Kelser, “you can break it up into segments: games 1 to 20, games 20 to 40 [etc.] “We showed marked improvement [in] the month of January, we were 7-9,” said Kelser. “You can see that they’re competing. They’re working extremely hard.” Finally, the Pistons have the right man in Casey as a coach, said Kelser. “He coaches with integrity and honesty. He sets a nice time and a nice example [and] hold guys accountable.” “I’m enjoying it,” concluded Casey. Finally– Guards Layshia Clarendon and Rachel Banham both were re-signed last week by the Minnesota Lynx. Clarendon, a nine-year veteran played in Minnesota in 2021 after being waived by
■ See SOE on page 9
f you are keeping track, the 2022 NFL coaching hires make up of one Black, one multi-racial, and seven Whites, including the new Minnesota Vikings’ head coach. It is disappointing that the first significant decision made by new Vikings GM Kwasi Adofo-Mensah, a Black man, was to remain status quo and stay White rather than hire a coach that looks like him. Especially considering Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL for its poor racial hiring among other things. As expected, no one around here, save this columnist, will make a stink about this business-as-usual move. This isn’t the first time a Black person in charge was in the position to hire a Black coach and failed miserably in this regard: former Minnesota AD McKinley Boston balked at hiring the school’s first Black head football coach back in the ’90s. He told me privately that he tried, but at the time, the only Black coach in college football wasn’t interested in coming to Gopherland—something I wasn’t
able to fully verify. He wasn’t convincing enough for my taste. In fact, only one person in charge took my challenge of hiring a Black coach to heart and followed through—Gopher AD Mark Coyle hired Ben Johnson as men’s basketball coach. Coyle is White—ironically last week the school regents extended his contract. Adofo-Mensah had at least 11 qualified Black candidates to choose from in hiring the new Vikings coach, according to a list the NFL released last fall. Seemingly, he did the Rooney Rule two-step: brought in and interviewed a couple of Blacks, and gave them the bypass move, which typically happens to Black candidates while Whites get the pass to the head coaching opening. Flores’ suit, among other things, calls out the Rooney Rule ruse and demands chang-
MGN
thing that occurred to Saunders during the 2021 season. But the Wolves bypassed tradition—as well as Vanterpool— and hired Chris Finch instead. “I was just in shock. I was numb, upset, and taken aback completely,” recalled Vanterpool when informed that he would not be considered for the Wolves job. I like Finch and have talked with him on a couple of occasions, and both of us enjoyed each other’s company. This “Adofo-Mensah had at least 11 qualified year’s Wolves are looking promising thus far as well. But Black candidates to choose from...” couldn’t the players have done the same under Vanterpool? es. If successful, it will increase happened to him when his Many of them played for him “the objectivity” of hiring and former team fired the head as a member of Saunders’ staff. firing GMs, head coaches, and coach and hired another. We’ll never know. coordinators; increase the Now an assistant in Brook“I just want the opportunity and number of Black coordina- lyn, Vanterpool has 13 years the ability to fail, too,” said Vantertors; and incentivize hiring and of coaching experience. He pool of one day getting an NBA retaining of Black GMs, head was hired as Wolves associate head coaching position. “Just like coaches, and coordinators. HC under former coach Ryan everybody else, I still will get that The NFL, in a statement, Saunders in 2019. Normally, opportunity,” he predicted. responded, “We will defend the associate head coach is against these claims, which are next in line whenever the head Charles Hallman welcomes without merit. Diversity is core coach is fired, especially in the reader response to challman@ to everything we do.” This is middle of the season, some- spokesman-recorder.com. hard to hear and read without laughing out loud. Although the NBA coaching diversity is light years better than the NFL, the men’s pro basketball league also does its share of bypassing Blacks for head coaching jobs. Former Minnesota Timberwolves Associate Head Coach David Vanterpool recently gave a first-person account to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears of what
Johnson Patterson reaches victory No. 500
Visitation girls’ basketball coach Faith Johnson Patterson recently notched career victory No. 500 a couple of weeks ago. Johnson Patterson, a Hall of Famer who starred as a player at Marshall University High School and the University of Wisconsin, started her head coaching career at Minneapolis North, DeLaSalle, Eden Prairie, and Minneapolis Edison before coming to Visitation. She coached eight Class 3A state championship teams at North (1998, ’99, ’03, ’04, and ’05) and DeLaSalle (2011, ’12,
DeLaSalle coach James Fassett
Visitation coach Faint Johnson Patterson
Caroline Fenlon (Visitation) guards Savannah White (DeLaSalle) Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
tation’s Tri Metro contest ward Savannah White, one of and ’13). With that being said, MSR against DeLaSalle on Thurs- the state’s best players who will play at the University of columnist Charles Hallman day, February 10. DeLaSalle featured forand I decided to attend Visi■ See PREP on page 9