February 24, 2022 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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

Inside this Edition...

THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

Read more about the Sounds of Blackness on page 11.

February 24 - March 2, 2022

No. 30

Vol. 88

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Amir Locke laid to rest CALLS FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY CONTINUE

Amir Locke’s parents Karen Wells (l) and Andre Locke (center) at the funeral with Rev. Al Sharpton Photos by Chris Juhn The casket carrying Amir Locke outside of the church at Shiloh Temple International MinisBy Henry Pan tries on Thursday, Dec. 17. Contributing Writer Karen Wells, Locke’s mother, mir Locke, an aspiring singer and entrepreneur who was remembered him during a speech killed by a Minneapolis to mourners. “My son called me ‘big police officer on Feb. 2 dur- dawg’, that was his nickname for me. ing a no-knock raid, was remembered But you know what the dawg repreas sharp and charismatic at his funeral sents—loyalty, trustworthy and pro-

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tection. That’s why he called his mama ‘big dawg’,” said Wells. “It took me 10 hours of labor to push him into this world,” continued Wells. “And on 2/2/22 those thugs that represent the Minneapolis Police Department executed my baby boy, a beautiful baby boy, in less than nine

seconds. How dare you.” Locke planned a couple of weeks ago to relocate to Dallas where he could be closer to his mother. He had no criminal record, no outstanding warrants in the seven counties that make up the Twin Cities, and a permit to carry. The funeral, which started close to

noon, was attended by close to 1,000 people, many of them family, and accompanied by scripture readings, songs, lamenting anti-Black racism and police brutality, and calls to pass a noknock law at the Minnesota legislature. Gov. Tim Walz was in attendance, as well as relatives of George ■ See LOCKE on page 5

BLACK HISTORY MAKERS OF TOMORROW The MSR is closing out Black History Month by showcasing two of the University of Minnesota’s brightest who are advancing the needs of their communities through their respective areas of study.

Cultivating Black swimmers

Black birthing in a racialized society By Cole Miska Contributing Writer

By Cole Miska Contributing Writer “Why are Black children less likely to know how to swim?” This is one of the core questions University of Minnesota doctoral candidate Ayanna Rakhu dives into through her UROC-supported thesis, “Mother May I Swim?” Water and swimming have always been a large part of Rakhu’s life, having grown up between Minneapolis and St. Louis. She swam competitively as a child and was a lifeguard as her first job. “Not only do I love [swimming], but it’s also made me

U of M UROC researcher Ayanna Rakhu works to give African American parents and children the confidence to swim safely through her study titled “Mother May I Swim?” Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota money and given me opportunity to travel and to see things through lifeguarding,” Rakhu told the MSR. “I’ve been an aquatic professional for over 20 years now.” In addition to being a kinesiology graduate student at the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development, Rakhu is also a certified USA Swimming Coach at Lifetime Athletic. Rakhu says her relationship

with water changed the most when she became pregnant. This change inspired the subject of her studies. “It just gave me a new view on what water is to us as humans and how it’s important to our feelings,” Rakhu said. “I had already experienced it as important to our occupation, and then as recreation. So with these three things swirling around in my mind, I’m thinking, ‘Are we, ■ See SWIM on page 5

tional services and the culturally informed services offered at Roots Birth Center. “We know from other data that oftentimes when seeking prenatal services, Black birthing people encounter discrimination and often feel less autonomous and less respected within their care encounters, especially in traditional hospital settings,” Karbeah said. “But what we see at Roots Birth Center…is that they overwhelmingly report feeling not only connected with their provid-

er but also feeling respected and feeling really welcomed within the space,” Karbeah continued. “We believe that that’s a core aspect for ensuring better outcomes for Black birthing people.” Karbeah’s current doctoral research is focused on looking at the impact of police contact on adolescent health outcomes. The research included a series of focus groups and individual interviews in the Twin Cities area looking at how Black ■ See BIRTHING on page 5

As a daughter of parents who both worked in health care, University of Minnesota doctoral candidate J’Mag Karbeah, a Liberian immigrant, originally believed she was going to be a physician. “As I began my coursework, I became more interested in public health as a way to enact profound community-level change rather than medical practice exclusively,” Karbeah said. “I thought I’d be in global health, but I think living in the U.S. as an immigrant and realizing the realities of living in such a racialized society really shaped the turn in my research to focus more on racism within the U.S. context,” Karbeah added. Karbeah’s earlier work focused on racial disparities in prenatal health. She worked with Rebecca Polston, owner and director of Roots Community Birth Center, for a study “I think parents do their best to make their kids feel safe in as many on differences in models of ways as possible,” said U of M doctoral candidate J’Mag Karbeah. prenatal care between tradiPhoto courtesy of the University of Minnesota

Paul Robeson championed the world’s oppressed—including the Chinese How the American athlete, entertainer and civil rights activist became a hero in China

By Gao Yunxiang

of an album of Chinese fighting and folk songs with Liu Liangmo (ca. 1909-88), a Chinese broadcasters have aired prolific journalist, musician and Christian shows featuring Paul Robeson (1898- activist. In November 1940, in New York City, 1976), one of the most popular African American singers and actors of his era Robeson received a phone call asking and a well-known civil rights activist, several times in recent years. China National Radio and various channels of the widely influential China Central TV showcased Robeson on programs in 2021, 2012 and 2009 narrating China’s resistance to foreign military aggressions. This could seem like unusually frequent coverage related to an American who passed away decades ago.

him to meet Liu, recently arrived from China. Liu’s accounts of his acquaintance with Robeson would later be published in various Chinese-language periodicals. Robeson met Liu within half an hour. When Robeson inquired about the mass

singing movement that Liu had initiated in China, Liu related the backstory behind the new genre of Chinese fighting and folk songs he helped invent for war mobilization, singing some examples. Liu noted Robeson’s favorite was the signature piece, “Chee Lai!” or “March of the Volunteers.” As Robeson explained, its lyric “arise, ye who refuse to be bond slaves!” expressed the determination of the world’s oppressed, including Chinese and Black people, to struggle for liberation. In November 1941, Robeson, Liu and the Chinese People’s Chorus—which Liu had organized among members of the Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance in New York City’s Chinatown—recorded Chee Lai! Songs of New China for Keynote Records.

that he saw the collaboration as “a strong token of solidarity between the Chinese and the Negro People.” Robeson’s notes said: “Chee Lai! (Arise!) is on the lips of millions of Chinese today, a sort of unofficial anthem, I am told, typifying the unconquerable spirit of this people. It is a pleasure and a privilege to sing both this song of modern composition and the old folk songs to which a nation in struggle has put new words.”

‘March of the Volunteers’ Robeson’s long-term alliances with sojourning leftist Chinese artists such as Liu, writer and philosopher Lin Yutang, and “The King of Beijing Opera” Mei New York City meeting Lanfang — along with American supRobeson is long remembered in Chiporters like Agnes Smedley, the Amerina partly due to his contribution to pop- In 1941, Robeson recorded an album of Chinese fighting and folk songs with can journalist based in Shanghai in the Solidarity album ularizing the country’s future national activist Liu Liangmo and the Chinese People’s Chorus. Liu’s liner notes for the album relay anthem after the singer’s 1941 recording Gordon Parks/Office of War Information/Wikimedia/Keynote records ■ See ROBESON on page 5

2 February 24 - March 2, 2022

February 24 - March 2, 2022

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Closing the Black wealth gap Nonprofit sets sights on helping 9,000 Black families own a home Sponsored Content By Anika Robbins Guest Contributor In 2004, David McGee set out with a vision to help Black families own a home. The former banker and financial consultant launched Build Wealth MN, a nonprofit organization dedicated to doing just that. Eighteen years, and over 3,000 homes and families later, he is just getting started. Minnesota’s homeownership disparity—the difference in ownership rates between White/non-Hispanic households and African American and households of color— ranked among the highest in the nation in 2020. A report by Minnesota

David McGee

Photo by Terrence Penister

This represents a racial wealth disparity of nearly 52 percentage points—a gap Build Wealth MN (BWMN) aims to reduce by 15% by financing 9,000 new home-

Courtesy BuildWealth

dustries, the group intends to close the gap by 5 percentage points within the first three years of the plan by creating 950 new African American homeowners each year, with an additional 5,791 African American homeowners created over years 4 to 7, closing the gap by another 10 percentage points. “Black families have been cheated, denied the pursuit of happiness or the opportunity to build equity and wealth,” said David McGee, the 39-year banking veteran and founder of Build Wealth MN. “Now is a critical time to provide targeted resources before too many families are priced out of homeownership.” Despite their rising share of the state’s population, too many households in commuCompass documented that communities nities of color face serious 25.3% of African American owners over 5 to 7 years. But underserved that struggle to access mort- obstacles when trying to enhouseholds in the state- how? In December 2021, the gage credit. ter the mortgage market. The owned homes (29,209 Backed by a collaborative foreclosure crisis of 2009homeowners) compared to group introduced the 9000 Eq76.9% of the state’s White uities Initiative to an intimate of stakeholders that includes 2010 hit households of color households (1,452,512 group of stakeholders. The the who’s-who of the real es- disproportionately, creating plan, slated to launch March tate and financial services in- significant declines in homehomeowners). 2022, creates pathways to homeownership by providing affordable first mortgages, or equivalent financing opportunities, for African American households within historically

ownership rates. Build Wealth MN’s mission is to strengthen underserved communities by empowering families to build sustainable social and economic wealth. A certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a HUD-approved financial counseling agency and lender, BWMN is also a LISCcertified Financial Opportunities Center. BWMN delivers its programs and services around the “Family Stabilization Plan” (FSP) program—a holistic financial literacy model that blends comprehensive literacy and coaching with access to financial resources, including high-quality consumer loans, credit restoration, and down payment assistance. The program has helped hundreds of families—81% of Black/African descent and 61% women—trapped in multi-generation poverty, get out of debt, and increase financial stability. “Build Wealth offered me

the exact resources I needed when it came to buying my first home. The team was great to work with and extremely supportive!” said Kendra W., a BWMN client who successfully completed the Family Stabilization Program. Since its inception, BWMN has helped more than 3,000 families attain homeownership, increase credit scores by an average of 114 points, and start savings accounts. “We’re creating legacies,” continued McGee. “Homeownership is a critical driver of building household wealth. Our goals are to remove the barriers Black families continue to face and set the pattern for creating generational wealth.” To learn more about Build Wealth MN’s 9000 Equities program, visit: www.9000Equities. com or call 612-871-9000. Anika Robbins welcomes reader responses to arobbins@ theanikafoundation.org.

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4 February 24 - March 2, 2022

Here. A Residents’ Story WATCH THE JOURNEY OF THESE TWO REMARKABLE WOMEN

Stories of hope. Stories of compassion. Stories of connection.

Watch the series at hennepinhealthcare.org/here

February 24 - March 2, 2022

Locke Continued from page 1 Floyd and Botham Jean, who was killed by an off-duty Dallas police officer in 2018. Mayor Jacob Frey and Interim Police Chief Amelia Huffman were not invited. Activists have called for both to resign. Rev. Al Sharpton, who eulogized Locke, said this killing is the latest in a 400-plus-year history of Black people being treated as subhuman. “Every time I write my name, I’m writing the name of my slave mas-

Swim Continued from page 1

particularly as Black people and Black mothers, getting the full use out of our relationship with water?’” Rakhu talked to 40 African American mothers about their swimming experiences and those of their children. Cultural issues came up in many of the interviews—many mothers cited

Robeson

ent raid in November 2020 in South Minneapolis. According to KSTP, a SWAT officer held a gun to a person sitting on a couch and Hanneman proceeded to search him, even though he admitted the person did not pose a threat. This would be Hanneman’s second known illegal search; his first search involved stopping a person in Hutchinson who was driving a friend home. Hanneman, the other officers involved, and the City of Hutchinson lost a suit against the victim. “So you, [Hanneman], don’t need further training. You need to be fired. Because it is clear to

ter [whose name is Alexander Sharpton] because our names are our title of ownership,” said Rev. Sharpton. “That’s why it didn’t matter that Amir’s name wasn’t on the warrant, but we don’t have a right to a name in the eyes of some in this country. We are nameless suspects.” Family and friends at the funeral say Locke didn’t stand a chance. Reginald McClure, a cousin of Locke’s who is a police officer in Texas and has experience in the military and federal law enforcement, said he had no idea what was going on. “I saw him [in the bodycam video] when they hit the lights, and you get startled outta

your sleep. You don’t understand what’s happening,” said McClure. “But I know what he was affected by. And he didn’t understand. And he did not know what happened. And that’s why it hurts so bad. Because he left not understanding what happened to him.” Family members are now calling for the passing of a bill to ban no-knock warrants in Minnesota. Said Locke’s aunt Linda Tyler, “You cannot continue to sanction laws like these no-knock warrants. Cannot. No-knock warrants have taken more lives than they have saved. And usually, those lives are peo-

ple of color. It is by far the most intrusive form of government against us citizens, against us.” Shortly after the funeral, the Minnesota House Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice reform passed a bill that would only allow no-knock warrants to be executed when an active hostage situation—not based on a police officer’s hunch—is in place. The bill now heads to the Minnesota House Judiciary committee. Family members also called for the resignation of Hanneman, the officer who killed Locke. Hours before the funeral, KSTP reported Hanneman conducted an illegal search during a differ-

not feeling comfortable in swim schools as a barrier to teaching their children how to swim. Many participants in her study also cited past trauma related to water, such as a friend who drowned, as a reason for avoiding swimming. Rakhu wants to help develop a curriculum for teaching African American women and their families to swim and eventually create a swim school to address these issues. The school would be focused on creating a culturally comfortable space.

Rahku also emphasized that swimming instructors must be aware of water-related traumas that people may have while teaching them to swim. “It’s not just places, access to YMCAs or other aquatic institutions,” Rakhu said. “It’s also what we’re doing in those places. How the lessons are being run, what’s going on in the atmosphere. That’s what creates those culturally relevant spaces.” Rakhu wants to encourage people to have conversations about their relationship with

water and to share traumas related to it. She said that many people think avoiding the water Continued from page 1 out of fear is natural. “That doesn’t have to be your experience,” Rakhu said. “I just want to encourage people to reproductive-age women are have a conversation about their impacted by high-profile cases relationship with water with of police violence. their friends, their family, their “I think parents do their best to coworkers, and just see where make their kids feel safe in as many that takes them.” ways as possible,” Karbeah said. ”I think for parents, it’s really difficult Cole Miska welcomes reader to tow that line of when do I have responses to cmiksa@ that conversation with my children, spokesman-recorder.com. especially if they’re young children,

in the media was dominated by coverage of jazz musicians in nightclubs of treaty ports, who were dismissed as “foreign musical instrumental devils”—a view Continued from page 1 which echoed long-held stereotypes of Robeson as role model Liu wrote an article, “People’s Singer the “primitive” African. Liu’s article focused on Robeson Robeson, ” that was widely circulated 1930s—led to his mutual embrace with the Chinese Communist Party and the across China and Chinatowns in the as an internationalist who “embodied United States between 1949 and 1950. the perfect marriage between art and People’s Republic of China (PRC). Chinese news sources reported that After promoting the causes of China to politics.” It was subsequently followed to celebrate the announcement of the the American public, particularly African by a body of printed materials about PRC’s establishment on Oct. 1, 1949, Americans, for nearly a decade, Liu had Robeson such as stories in state-owned Robeson sang “Chee Lai!” on the streets just returned to China to serve as a high- newspapers, biographies, collections of his songs and even a cartoon series for of Harlem. Robeson famously tele- level cultural official. Liu’s article helped alter the narrative children that stressed his heroism and graphed Mao Zedong to congratulate the new regime: “We celebrate the birth of about Robeson within China from that model status. Film, meanwhile, also contributed to the People’s Republic of China, because it of an “exotic entertainer” to a heroic role is a great force in the struggles for world model for socialist citizens there. In the Robeson’s popularity as a hero in China. years leading up to the founding of the While the newly created communist peace and human freedom.” The contents of the telegram were PRC, the representation of Black people nation generally rejected Hollywood immediately published in The People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party.

Birthing

and European films, a 1939 British film “The Proud Valley,” starring Robeson, was brought to Chinese audiences around 1956 and was well-received. African American writer, sociologist and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, who was later welcomed in China in 1959, wrote in the publication Crisis in 1930 about how “some white folk are frightened of the naked manhood of Paul Robeson.” For Chinese audiences, Robeson provided an inspiring model of masculinity.

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all of us that you do not value Black lives,” said Linda Tyler. “You ambushed my nephew, you took his life, and, well, he didn’t matter to you.” She added, “We don’t want to continue to hear about [how] being a police officer is a difficult job. [You say] ‘You have to make split decisions. You fear for your life.’ “You’re not drafted into the police department. You chose that profession! And if you think being a police officer is a difficult profession, try to be a Black man.” Henry Pan welcomes reader responses to hpan@spokesmanrecorder.com. and what does it mean for me to introduce this racialized reality to young children?” Karbeah said she hopes the findings of her work will influence policy makers in regard to public safety. She says the results of the research show families get benefits from funds being diverted from traditional public safety mechanisms, such as law enforcement, to community services. Cole Miska welcomes reader responses to cmiksa@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Various state organs including China Society for People’s Friendship Studies and China Daily organized a tribute on April 9, 2008, marking Robeson’s birthday. Robeson continues to be remembered as a loyal friend to China. He is celebrated for globalizing China’s national anthem, for his songs that set hearts stirring, for his contributions to the Chinese nation’s liberation—and to the friendship between peoples of China and the United States, particularly African Americans.

Enduring legacy Robeson’s version of “Chee Lai!” was Gao Yunxiang is a professor in the played in the Grand Hall of the People’s department of history at Ryerson University. Congress in Beijing during Nie Er Music Week in 2009. Nie Er was the talented This story is republished with musician who composed “Chee Lai!” permission from The Conversation.

Who tells the story makes the difference When the story being told is personal to the storyteller, it makes an emotional connection. And when their story is your story as well, then the connection is even stronger. Just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote and enjoy the largest curated Independent Black Film Collection on demand, plus new and classic TV shows, blockbuster movies, and much more. Xfinity, where Black History is always on. Sign up today at xfinity.com/blackexperience

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires Xfinity TV with X1 and compatible TV box or Xfinity Flex and Xfinity Internet. © 2022 Comcast. All Rights Reserved. Based on review of curated content between September and December 2021. NPA239501-0010

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6 February 24 - March 2, 2022

Black History Month: Overcoming environmental racism in MN By Mike Moen As Black History Month continues, the effects of environmental injustice are being woven into conversations about the ways Black communities are left behind, including in Minnesota. Even prior to the current racial reckoning, Minnesota drew attention for stark disparities in education and wages. Minister JaNae Bates, communications director for the group, ISAIAH, said climate issues are no different, noting Minnesota has abundant resources to make sure everyone can live in a safe and healthy community, but policy and planning decisions over time have left out some

“When COVID-19 became very prominent and very real in our lives, there was a bunch of legislation that passed that people had been working on for years,” Bates remarked. “It was able to pass in almost the blink of an eye, because we recognized the urgent need.”

Adobe Stock lined. “What we’ve found is that is often not the case.” She pointed to St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood and North Minneapolis as areas

“We deserve to have, you know, clean air, clean water, healthy land.” Black populations. suffering as a result of in“We deserve to have, you terstate construction and know, clean air, clean water, heavy industrial settings. healthy land,” Bates outThe Biden administration

has prioritized environmental justice in the new infrastructure law. Bates acknowledged some movement to reverse the problems, but pointed out Black communities often are not made aware of policy developments. For example, Bates pointed out initiatives to provide subsidies for solar panels are not heavily advertised in Black communities. She argued the gap goes beyond whether the programs are affordable. “Not just the financial means,” Bates explained. “But that they have the knowledge of what’s going

Obituary

James T. Fuller, Jr. Mr. James T. “Jimmy” Fuller, Jr. was born March 12, 1938 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Mr. James T. Fuller, Sr. and Mrs. Kathleen Mosley. He joined the United States Air Force in 1956. He retired after 20 years and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1976 to be with his father and learn the nightclub business. While in the Air Force, Jimmy received an Air Force Commendation Award and was sent by the Air Force to participate in The United States Open Badminton Tournament. He was also selected as an extra on the TV series Hawaii Five-O. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Association. In addition, Jimmy was named Airman of the Month numerous times. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rosalind Louise Fuller, three daughters, one son, three stepchildren,

on when you consider that lower-income families often are also working multiple jobs, and don’t usually have the time or space to absorb all the things happening in civic life around them.” She added Black-led groups are doing their part by creating greater awareness of climate issues in their communities. Bates emphasized environmental racism can be tied to other historical inequities in Black neighborhoods, and while it may take a long time to fully overcome barriers, she contended recent history of political willpower provides hope.

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And with more urgency behind environmental matters, she hopes it translates to expanding the types of infrastructure to make marginalized communities more climate resilient. Mike Moen is a writer for the Minnesota News Connection.

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12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Shiloh Temple International Ministries, 1201 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN.

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Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder February 24, 2022

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February 24 - March 2, 2022

Metro

7

Local broadcaster receives Anthem Award honor By MSR News Service Sheletta Brundidge, the founder of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, has won the Anthem Award for Leader of the Year in the Human and Civil Rights category. The national award is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). “I’m both thrilled and humbled by this,” said Brundidge, who founded the company in 2020 with a group of friends. A podcasting platform for Black folks, ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com has nine shows hosted by Black subject experts, with knowledge on topics ranging from

travel to mental health to autism awareness to corporate diversity. Brundidge conceived the platform as a one-stop-shop for cultural relevancy and a spotlight for Black folks who have been shut out of traditional mainstream media. The platform has evolved as a place where hosts share stories and talk about concerns with listeners hungry to hear voices like their own. Brundidge was inspired to center her business around social justice and advocacy work after seeing a quote from Madam C.J. Walker that said, “I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I

Sheletta Brundidge (third from right) with fellow podcasters and in action with son Andrew (below) want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves, but about others.” “My podcasters are community servants who look for ways to uplift Black folks,” said Brundidge. The Anthem Awards honor social impact leaders. They are an outgrowth of The Webby Awards, founded in 1996 to honor excellence on the Internet. IADAS selected Anthem winners from a pool of more than 2,500 entries submitted from 36 countries. 2022 Anthem Award Winners include Trevor Noah, Naomi Osaka, and the 1619 Project from the New York Times. The Leader of the Year

Award honors “an individual person who is an outstanding pioneer and/or innovator leading a team or organization to engage a community on behalf of a

lift Black folks,” said Brundidge. “The JET Setting Divas did a gift basket giveaway for hospital workers earlier this month. Last sum-

“My podcasters are community servants who look for ways to uplift Black folks.” Human & Civil Rights cause.” “This is an individual award, but I ain’t do this by myself. My podcasters are community servants who look for ways to up-

Submitted photos

height of COVID-19. “Anissa Keyes just bought a building to provide affordable office space to BIPOC entrepreneurs,” Brundidge continued “Chaz Sandifer is using cuisine to bridge the cultural divide. “Whether I’m handing out free hams in North Minneapolis with Hy-Vee or working with Comcast to get the word out about their lowcost internet service, somebody from ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com is always out here doing something to help our community.” Brundidge concluded.

mer, Dr. Verna Price held a block party near George Floyd Square. Jason ClopFor more info, visit www. ton hosted a town hall to anthemawards.com. Infortalk to teens struggling with mation provided in part by mental health issues at the The Anthem Awards.

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Enroll at saintpaul.edu Join us for an upcoming Info Session to learn more about our programs! saintpaul.edu/infosession Document available in alternative formats by contacting 651.350.3008 or AccessResources@saintpaul.edu. Saint Paul College is an Equal Opportunity employer

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8 February 24 - March 2, 2022

Advertorial Supa Auto

Detailing

Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Ashley Lauren Contributing Writer “I’ve always loved detailing,” said James Stapleton, the proud owner of Supa Auto Detailing. “I’ve been doing it for so long, I’ve got so many skills—so I was like, what the heck, let’s give it a shot.” He stepped out on faith two years ago and started the car shop, which is currently headquartered in Burnsville, MN. “We’re actually in the process of moving to Lakeville [MN],” explained Stapleton. According to the website, “Supa Auto Detailing provides you one of the best car wash services along with interior detailing, exterior detailing, mobile detailing services, and much more.” By appointment only. Stapleton elaborated: “I of-

fer a pickup and drop service too, at no additional charge. I can come get [the car] from your home or work.” The entire auto detailing process takes approximately two hours. Stapleton is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. He moved to Minnesota in 1996 and graduated from Apple Valley High School in 1999. He said, “When I was 16, 17, 18 in high school, I was working at various different dealerships throughout the Twin Cities. Due to his extensive work experience, Stapleton is equipped with a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise in auto detailing. He elaborated, “I’ve been detailing for probably about 30 years, and then when COVID hit a few years ago I lost my job. So, I was trying to put something together.” Stapleton

Business Auto-detailing business offers convenient service remained resilient and didn’t let the job layoff get him down. “I was talking it over with my wife and ended up in business, so here we are,” he said. When asked who or what inspired him to open a business, Stapleton said, “My wife inspired me. She’s also selfemployed, but she does marketing. So again, once COVID hit, it was kind of like [being] between a rock and a hard place finding work.” Although Stapleton is the owner of Supa Auto Detailing, the business is family-oriented. “I’ve got my sons that help me out in the summertime. But in the wintertime, they’re in school so it’s just me in the winter,” he said. They enjoy working as a team to make their customers happy. The business has experienced a lot of success within James Stapleton (middle) with his two sons the last few years. Stapleton explained what it took to launch the business. “Definitely needed the good Lord on my side to guide me through the way—been some ups and downs, good days and bad days.” Stapleton also chose to invest his own capital to start the company. Fortunately, he received an outpouring of support that helped the dream come to fruition. “I also had some family members who helped me out as well,” Stapleton said. As a result of their generosity, he was able to purchase “chemicals, products, equipment, shirts, cards, all those things,” he said. Although operating a business requires hard work and can be challenging at times, there are rewarding aspects,

Stapleton said. “We like to see those smiles on customers’ faces when we bring those cars back to them, and that’s my number-one goal is making sure customers are satisfied.” What’s the most popular service at the shop? “We’re getting a lot of calls for interior [detailing] only,” he said. Winter can be harsh on vehicles inside and out, but Supa Auto Detailing is ready to help. Stapleton shared what motivates him to live his dream every day: “My kids, my wife and just getting up, embracing having my own business, it’s a dream come true.” He added, “I know I’ve got a long way to go. I’m just getting started. There should be great things to happen in the near future. “It’s hard for anyone to jump

Submitted photos off and to start a business out of the blue. It’s so tough just going outside the box and just working for themselves, it’s always a beautiful thing,” said Stapleton.His advice for the budding entrepreneurs: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do anything that you want to do. You can fulfill your dreams.” As a lifelong lesson he’s learned in business: “Don’t ever be scared to try something new. Be willing to take that leap of faith sometimes in business.” For more info, visit www.stapletonssupaautodetailing.com or call 952-652-7710. Ashley Lauren welcomes reader responses to alauren@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Honoring Black achievement, and the work to be done, during Black History Month and beyond Sponsored by

February is Black History Month—an annual commemoration of the achievements of Black Americans and their remarkable impact on history. It’s a time to celebrate the cultural heritage shaped by generations of Black Americans, who for many decades have fought for equity—a fight that continues today. Though advancements have been made, there is still so much work to be done in our communities in the pursuit of racial equity. For more on how JPMorgan Chase is honoring Black History Month, and how you can too, we sat down with Hodan Ahmed branch manager at the Chase community branch in Ventura Village (E. Franklin and 11th Ave.), to discuss some impactful ways to celebrate and support the Black community, not just this month—but all year long.

We’re using this time to both reflect on the past, as well as our commitment to build a more equitable future for all people. From the way we do business to the policies we advocate for, our commitments are part of a continued effort to bring an enhanced equity lens to JPMorgan Chase’s businesses and how we serve all customers, clients, communities, and employees. And so our work to support the Black community goes beyond banking. By providing growth opportunities for diverse-owned small businesses, increasing homeownership rates, providing better access to affordable housing, and more, Chase is committed to helping close the racial wealth gap and driving economic inclusion. We’re also giving underbanked communities better access to the necessary resources to improve financial health. But the work doesn’t stop there. Every day we collaborate with community partners, policymakers, customers, and employees to continue improving the financial health of underrepresented communities.

racial equity commitment, a five-year plan that includes assisting entrepreneurs in historically underserved areas to access coaching, technical assistance, and capital. Chase has also provided 15,000 loans to small businesses in What type of investments diverse communities. is Chase making to bolster Additionally, Chase offers a the financial health of its suite of helpful tools for Black Black customers and commuand diverse-owned businities? nesses. For example, we offer Hodan: Let’s first talk about How is Chase helping to one-on-one counseling with a Black History Month. We’re committed to driving real accelerate Black-owned busi- business banking professional, access to the Chase for Busiand sustainable change for nesses? Hodan: In 2020, Chase ness Resource Center, and the Black community here at Chase and around the world. announced its $30 billion membership to the JPMorgan

Chase Supplier Diversity Network (SDN). What are some ways people can support the economic growth of the Black community? Hodan: Black History Month is a great reminder that, while some advancements have been made, there is room for improvement. In February 2019, JPMorgan Chase launched Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) to strengthen the economic foundation of the Black community. ABP focuses on four

White Americans. There are many impactful ways to support the economic growth of Black Americans on local and national levels, during Black History Month and all year long. Consider these opportunities: • Purchase a product from, or solicit the services of, a Black-owned business. Spread the word about your favorite Black-owned brands. • Donate to a nonprofit that is working to advance racial equity. • Follow a Black business on social media and engage with their posts to help build their online presence. We know that owning a Photo by Getty Images business represents the best path to the middle class. So, key areas where there are if we are to make meaningful racial and economic dispari- progress in closing the racial ties that can create barriers wealth divide, entrepreneurto long-term financial success: ship must be a key part of the careers and skills, business equation. We can never lose development, financial health sight of that dream. and wealth creation, and community development. To learn more about how These four key areas ac- Chase can guide your business knowledge the power and to the right resources, please importance that entrepre- visit: neurship plays in the Black Chase’s new program to emcommunity. Unfortunately, power diverse small businesses: the racial wealth gap wid- www.chase.com/businessconened during the COVID-19 sultant and pandemic, with only 5% of Advancing Black Pathways: Black Americans holding busi- www.jpmorganchase.com/imness equity—a key driver of pact/people/advancing-blackwealth—compared to 15% of pathways.

February 24 - March 2, 2022

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Health & Wellness Black Americans and heart disease to good health care. Factors such as education and wealth inequality, the lack of safe and affordable housing, and structural racism all contribute to health disparities. Black Americans are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease compared to White Americans. High blood pressure Known as hypertension, high blood pressure is more common and starts at a younger age in Black Americans. Having uncontrolled hypertension can greatly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Food insecurity Food insecurity is another risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease is the lead- In 2020, one in five Black ing cause of death in the households did not have acUnited States. Compared to cess to enough healthy food. other ethnic groups, Black Families without healthy Americans have the highest food options are much more overall risk of developing likely to eat processed foods, which can greatly increase heart disease. Additionally, Black Ameri- the risk of high blood prescans develop heart disease sure. at a younger age and are more likely to die from heart Diabetes A condition where one’s disease than are White blood sugar is not well conAmericans. It is important trolled, diabetes is an imto understand the many risk portant risk factor for heart factors for heart disease and disease. Black Americans are do what we can to keep our 60% more likely to develop hearts healthy. diabetes than White AmeriBlack Americans and cans. other communities of color face significant barriers to equal health care in the Obesity Obesity is another risk United States. Certain sofactor for heart disease. cial factors greatly influence Black Americans are about heart health risk and access

Black Americans develop heart disease at a younger age and are more likely to die from heart disease than are White Americans.

By Mosi Bennett, MD, PhD Guest Contributor

1.5 times more likely to be obese compared to White Americans. If you are obese or overweight, you are more likely to have high blood pressure and are more likely to develop diabetes. Take control of your heart health Follow these seven steps in order to prevent heart disease: 1. Manage your blood pressure. Know and understand your blood pressure readings. Track your blood pressure and talk to your doctor about what you can do if your blood pressure is elevated. 2. Control cholesterol. Your doctor can measure

your cholesterol and help you understand what the levels mean. You can lower cholesterol levels through exercise, a healthy diet, or medication. 3. Reduce Blood Sugar. Your doctor can take blood sugar measurements and recommend a plan to keep the numbers low. A healthy diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to keep your blood sugar under control 4. Manage your weight. Understand what is your healthy weight and work towards it by tracking the amount you eat compared to how much activity you get. 5. Eat better. Make smart food choices by enjoying

fruits and vegetables, limiting sweets, salty foods, and processed meats. Try to prepare meals at home and learn to understand food labels. 6. Get active. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, spread throughout the week. Make a habit of moving, walking, and sitting less each day. 7. Do not smoke or use tobacco. Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease and is linked to about one-third of all deaths from heart disease. Your doctor can help you quit tobacco.

a big difference. It is never too late to make your heart health a priority.

Mosi Bennett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified heart failure and transplant cardiologist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to attend medical school and graduate school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and then cardiovasWe are all able to make cular disease and heart failure these changes. Small heart- fellowships at the Cleveland healthy changes can make Clinic.

10 February 24 - March 2, 2022

Opinion If you’re Black or Brown, the Twin Cities’ status quo is a killer By Rashard Zanders

Potter sentence unjust to victim’s family, community By CUAPB On Friday, Feb. 18 Judge Regina Chu sentenced former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter to a mere 24 months (16 to actually be served) in the murder of Daunte Wright. In doing so, Chu focused on the possible effects of any sentence on Potter, ignoring the effects of the leniency of this sentence on the Wright family and the community. Communities United Against Police BrutalityTM (CUAPB) condemns this sentence as unjust to the Wright family and unjust to the community. The killing of Daunte Wright was not just a “tragic accident” but a deliberate traffic stop over an expired license plate and an air freshener that resulted in a young man’s death. Today’s sentence of Potter is yet another example of the impunity afforded to police, even when their misconduct causes great harm to a family and the community.

In issuing her sentence, Chu commented that Potter had no criminal record and that “she’ll never do it again.” The same can be said of most people convicted of murder, yet this is rarely considered by judges issuing sentences in such cases. Chu claimed that Potter was trying to defend other officers with a “split-second decision in a rapidly evolving situation”— the exact language used to defend cops in civil trials. The reality is that Potter looked down the barrel of her gun for five seconds before pulling the trigger and the gun was aimed not just at Daunte, but at his passenger and an officer on the passenger side of the car. Her conduct was beyond reckless and should have been treated that way in the sentencing. Chu claimed that Potter showed adequate remorse for her crime, but there is no evidence of this to be found anywhere in the body-worn camera footage at the scene or at any time during the trial.

After shooting Daunte, Potter rolled on the ground screaming about going to jail and then called her union rep, all while Daunte bled to death in the car with no aid. Throughout the trial, Potter never used Daunte’s name, referring to him only as “the driver.” The only regret ever demonstrated by Potter is that she would face consequences for her actions. Based on her comments, it is clear that Chu’s empathy was with Potter, and not the Wright family. The sentence handed down by Chu is a mere 13% of the presumptive sentence of 15 years. Even at that, Potter will serve only two-thirds of the sentence. This sentence is wholly inadequate for the grossly negligent actions of a highly-trained police officer who robbed a family of their loved one and greatly harmed our community.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the work he left behind certainly makes the case today for the study of Black History. Without his work most of us would not know who we are or how many things we have done to contribute not only to this nation but also to mankind. For 195 years, the Black Press has been a guardian and transmitter of our history.

When it was against the law to teach a slave to read and write, the Black Press was already telling our story to those who could read or just listen as others read to them. Oh, how far we have come. Today we have the freedom to read, but too few of us are reading. Social media and its abbreviated written language, along with television and the internet, have too often replaced our desire to even

testified that MPD training instructed officers to ignore a Civil Rights Department study that documented cases of police inappropriately asking paramedics to sedate uncooperative people during emergency calls—often claiming that they were in a state of excited delirium. Frey equivocates when addressing the public. Our city deserves better than leadership allergic to the truth whose lies have had lethal consequences for communities of color. If there are awards for prevaricating politicians, he would be a repeat winner. Frey’s failure of leadership must become an inflection

“As Black and Brown people, we find ourselves struggling nationally and locally between surging White nationalism and a cynical, indifferent Democratic political system.” physical death by running with MPD press releases labeling Locke as a “suspect” four times in their initial statement. It took the news cycle another 24 hours to inform the public that Amir was not listed as a suspect listed on the warrant (signed by Chauvin trial judge Peter Cahill), and that he was a licensed legal gun owner. After MPD SWAT team member Mark Hanneman shot Locke, the MPD issued a statement that they were executing the no-knock warrant on behalf of the St. Paul Police Department. The St. Paul police subsequently issued a statement contradicting the MPD, saying that not only had they not requested a noknock warrant, but that MPD had insisted on it. St. Paul police have not issued a no-knock warrant since 2016. One of Mayor Frey’s campaign promises during his run for re-election in ‘21 was that he had banned the use of no-knock warrants within the city, with exceptions only if approved by the police chief. We now know Frey did not speak the truth. It was a lie confidently told in the faces of untold community members long traumatized by a brutal, murderous police force unreformed and getting worse two years after the MPD murder of George Floyd. Frey has again been exposed regarding his alleged stoppage of “excited delirium” as a medical diagnosis police have used against communities of color. Strib reporter Andy Mannix discovered that despite Frey and the MPD’s words, police officers and the Hennepin Health Care system were still using the diagnosis. During a trial in St. Paul, a former training commander

point in itself, one on which the activists and protesters valiantly, yet like Sisyphus, vainly rally and march for the change we all deserve. The movement must now acknowledge that those tactics alone are futile without being accompanied by direct actions: boycotts, strikes, sanctions and divestment, to borrow a few pages from the Palestinian BDS movement. As Black and Brown people we find ourselves struggling nationally and locally between surging White nationalism and a cynical, indifferent Democratic political system where Jacob Freys are the status quo of the party and the best they have to offer the electorate. In fairness, it must be said that Frey really is an appropriate manifestation of the Twin Cities, a place consistently ranked among the worst places in the U.S. to live if you are Black or Brown. Racial disparities in housing, health, education, employment, COVIDrates, etc. persist in the state. Frey, his lies, and his reelection as Minneapolis mayor last November show us that this is a culture the city’s White citizens are comfortable with. They and their mayor are corrupt, and they are daring us to do something about it.

and replacing true election servatives are calling “Critical officials with those who have Race Theory” as a means of bought The Big Lie that Trump rewriting our history without the racism and lynchings is still president. We must speak truth to which they imposed upon us. If they pass laws to restrict power as we remind our brothers and sisters of the our voting, then we, as the Black Press and media, must use “print” and “electronic” “The Black Press not only carries our hismeans to remind us of why history and stories, continuing the work of tory says we can’t allow those with such practices to stop us. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, but our press has We must ignite the perseverextended our stories to the digital world.” ance of our history to rise in numbers above the challenges portant in our history. We are racism of voter denial, the being placed before us. under attack as Jim Crow racWe must become so laser counting of jelly beans in a ism moves on voter suppresjar as permission to vote, and focused that our lives and the sion in the form of reducing the push for what White Con- lives of those who agree with voting sites and equipment,

us outnumber our opponents. President Biden is only a symbol of what we are struggling for: to keep America an inclusive democracy. It’s up to us to reignite the spirit and faith of our fathers that brought us this far so that we don’t lose ground. It comes down to “Our History, Our Print and You.” We must write our story today, which will be our history tomorrow, and we must make sure that we are included in telling our own stories.

CUAPB was created to deal with police brutality in Minnesota on an ongoing basis.

Black history, Black print and you By Dr. John E. Warren

Amir Locke, the 22-year-old aspiring musician, was murdered as much by the Twin Cities’ status quo as he was by the insistently violent Minneapolis police department. It is the status quo that surged past attempts to defund the police and re-elected Jacob Frey— who is as representative of the Minneapolis status quo as anyone ever was—to a second term as mayor of the city. Frey famously shed crocodile tears over the coffin of George Floyd. Those tears were a lie for the cameras. Floyd’s murder by MPD officer and trainer Derek Chauvin was the inflection point for a national movement that heightened awareness of the state-sanctioned brutality Black and Brown people face, while sparking a needed national discussion about alternatives to policing as it is now practiced. The center-right is the status quo of the Democratic Party, nationally and locally in microcosm. This status quo is killing Black and Brown people. Frey is one of a long line of Bill Clinton’s clones who can project Kennedy-esque charm at the masses while inflicting Reagan-esque harm. His most recent profusion of outright lies speaks to this, and some of the national media is taking notice, even if the local media, abhorrent in their coverage and portrayals of Black and Brown life, collectively shrug their shoulders at the violent expiration of another young Black man by the MPD. This is the grim redundancy Black people face. In a Feb. 8 op/ed on Yahoo News, Nathalie Baptiste noticed as much: “Police officer kills Black person. The people object. The officer faces punishment either in the legal system or in the court of public opinion. An elected official pledges to do better, to fix the problem, to reform the police. And the rage turns to a simmer as we wait for the cycle to inevitably begin again.” This is the grotesque hand Black Minnesotans have been dealt over and over, ad infinitum. Feds were sent in 20022003 to mediate between the community and the MPD, as violent then as they are now. Feds are investigating the MPD right now as of this writing, and nothing seems to change their behavior. Should the MPD be worried about being investigated by their brothers in the Fraternal Order of Police, as the feds are? Frey sits comfortably in the mayor’s seat, and this is more unfortunate for the cause of social justice and racial equity than one would think. Despite

being exposed as a consistent and unapologetic liar, he told WCCO News’ Esmay Murphy that he has no intention of stepping down despite ethics complaints filed against him, as well as calls for his resignation from the activist community. One of the lies Frey rode to re-election on, as advertised on his campaign website, was that he had banned lethal no-knock warrants in the city. Nonetheless, young Amir Locke, startled awake by three armed MPD officers who killed him within seconds of kicking his sofa to wake him, died that night. Local media continued to assassinate him even after his

open a book. But now, more than ever, is the time to once again add reading to learning and following our history in the making. The Black Press not only carries our history and stories, continuing the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, but our press has extended our stories to the digital world providing news and facts that we can rely on coming from our “trusted messengers.” But none of this works if we don’t take the time to embrace, read and digest the written story of our past and present, as told by us. Our newspapers have survived because of “us” and not because of the large ad accounts we never had. We never had the large grocery store, department stores and automobile dealership accounts. We never had the large newsrooms, printing presses and classifieds accounts that made White papers rich. But we continued to tell our story with the help of so many of us who volunteered services and time to share our stories with those among us. This Black History Month is probably one of the most im-

Rashard Zanders is a freelance human rights and civil rights journalist and activist currently working to abolish fascism as well as the for-profit cash bail system. His work has appeared in the Capital Times, City Pages, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and several others. This commentary was edited for space in print.

Dr. John E. Warren is the publisher of The San Diego Voice.

Arts & Culture

February 24 - March 2, 2022

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Persevering in excellence

Sounds of Blackness nominated for NAACP Image Awards By Marquis Taylor Contributing Writer 2021 proved to be an eventful year for the Twin Cities-based ensemble Sounds of Blackness. Along with a highly acclaimed single, new album, and an appearance on Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ debut, the group also celebrated its 50th year anniversary highlighting a year of accomplishments and recognized milestones. 2022 looks to be just as promising following the group’s recent NAACP Image Award nomination for their 2021 single “Time for Reparations.” Nominated in the category for the “Most Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song,” the musical collective joins a list of nominees that include Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Tamela Mann, and H.E.R. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, February 26, and will air live on BET. Longtime musical director and original member Gary Hines spoke with the MSR about the recognition and how the group continues to build on its legacy 50 years after its inception. “This nomination means the world to Sounds of Blackness, especially as we continue to celebrate and commemorate our 50th anniversary,” said Hines. “For radio, ‘Time for Reparations’ and our previous singles ‘Sick and Tired’ and ‘Black Lives Matter’ represent an ab-

erration and departure from our sound. But protest music is in our roots and has been a part of us since we were students at Macalester College 50 years ago singing songs like ‘Young, Gifted, and Black’ and ‘Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud’. The fact is ‘Time for Reparations’ got very little airplay other than a few Black stations, but the NAACP saw past that and saw the record as an anthem we were trying to make for the movement. People don’t realize that it’s harder to get nominated than it is to win, and that’s why this nomination is extra special.” Last fall, the group unveiled its latest release“The Justice Project,” which features a compilation of songs that were created in the aftermath of social unrest. Driven by the ever-mounting concerns of social injustice, the collective also looked to history as an added source of inspiration. “Every phase of our movement for justice and equality

“Fast forward 10 years later, and we have songs by Aretha Franklin and James Brown​,​ like ‘Young, Gifted, and Black’ and ‘Say it Loud, I’m Black

As tensions in the Black community continue to rise following the turbulent events of 2020, 2021, and the early part of 2022, Hines recognizes the importance of “This nomination means the world to music and how it can contribute to healing as he explained. Sounds of Blackness, especially as we “Healing is so needed right continue to celebrate and commemo- now. What happened to Amir Locke, Breonna Taylor, ​​Ahrate our 50th anniversary.” maud Arbery, and Daunte Wright were basically lynchhas always had an anthem to and I’m Proud,’ so the move- ings, which has happened to ment has always had an an- our people in one form or anit,” explained Hines. “As we go back to the Civil them. We can’t call ourselves other for the past 400 years. “Music, in the African tradiRights Movement of the late Sounds of Blackness and not ’50s and ’60s, we had all sorts be in the vanguard of the tion, has always been about of songs, but everyone knows movement, which is why we life and healing. It’s never just that the primary anthem for started writing and recording been about art just for the the movement was ‘We Shall anthems and assembled them sake of art. Music is also very on ‘The Justice Project.’” functional.” Overcome.’

He continued, “Before we got to the shores of North America and through the transatlantic slave trade, music was a survival mechanism. It guided us through the Underground Railroad and kept us from losing our minds when our children were sold or when our women were raped and beaten in front of us. Music is in our blood and in our tradition.” As Sounds of Blackness enters its 51st year, Hines is appreciative of the love and support the group has received over the years but is most proud of their legacy that continues to evolve since their days at Macalester College.

“The thing that I am most proud of is persevering in the tradition of Black excellence,” said Hines. “We believe God looks for us to do things in excellence, so we’re always striving for it. The late, great football coach George Allen once said, ‘The ultimate measure of excellence is consistency.’ As the musical director for Sounds of Blackness, I’m blessed to have been surrounded by so many amazingly talented musicians and singers. “When I look at our current membership, I see many offspring of original Sounds of Blackness members, so it’s kind of like ‘Sounds of Blackness, the second generation.’ “Over the years, we’ve been able to persevere by the grace of God and through the dedication of our musicians and singers. We know that we represent a culture, and that’s what Black excellence is all about.” The 53rd NAACP Image Awards will take place on Saturday, February 26, and will air live on BET. For more information, visit www.naacpimageawards.net/ “The Justice Project” is available on all streaming platforms. For more information on Sounds of Blackness, visit their official website at www.soundsofblackness.org. Marquis Taylor welcomes reader response to mtaylor@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Warren Wolf shines on vibraphone at the Dakota

“Jazz needs a little more of this,” said vibraphonist Warren Wolf playing his second night of music on February 9 at the Dakota downtown Minneapolis, this time playing mostly from his 2020 album “Reincarnation.” Then he launched into the slow and sensual tune “In the Heat of the Night” after saying that it was for grown and sexy audiences. Wolf urged the crowd to listen to the lyrics, which he wrote along with the music. He added with a laugh, “I was in a particular mood one night.” The lyrics were delivered with plenty of warmth and poise by vocalist Imani-Grace Cooper, originally from Minneapolis and now based in Washington, D.C., who is featured on the album. The night before, Wolf, now in his early 40s, played a show billed as “The History of the Vibraphone” with songs by jazz legends. He’s no stranger to the Dakota, having appeared there first with drummer Karriem Riggins back in 2009, and thereafter with bassist Christian McBride. The Baltimore native set the tone by opening the set with James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” while sitting alone at the piano. Then Cooper joined in on vocals before the rest of the band emerged. His band also included Alex Brown on piano and Rhodes on keyboard, Eliot Seppa on electric bass and upright, and Carroll “CV” Dashiell III on drums. The best band interplay of the

night happened when Wolf featured his new composition, “It’s a Party.” The groove was hypnotic with Brown, Seppa, and Dashiell III riffing off each other as they played one inventive rhythmic pattern after another. Wolf appeared energized as he shifted mallets back and forth. The energy in the room was high as the band played with wild

who by the way showed himself more than capable as a bandleader, featured yet another original tune entitled, “Another Side.” He warned the audience that it was going to be “loud and aggressive” and it was, but in a good way. Wolf’s impressive athleticism and overall speed really showcased his talent well on this particular song.

Photo by Robin James abandon. He encouraged the audience to make some noise and they did exactly that. And the set just got greater from there with Wolf paying respect to his late teacher Dave Samuels with “Spring High.” Brown’s piano solo led to some engaging heated exchanges from his bandmates. Brown continued to shine on Rhodes along with Wolf on vibes on their soulful rendition of the Isley Brothers’ “Livin’ For the Love of You.” Cooper’s strong vocals made this arrangement all the more adventurous and commanding. On “Fleur-de-lis,” Cooper said she would sing the song in English instead of Portuguese, although that would have been equally engaging. The song featured a trio format with a solo by Seppa that was pure fire. Dashiell III played along on brushes and added some spice with shakers in hand. To close out the show, Wolf,

Bringing the soulful grooves and contemporary R&B to a steamy finish, the band saved their best for last with a straightahead tune for the encore. Wolf couldn’t recall the name of the tune, nor could anyone else on the bandstand, but that didn’t matter because, like he said, they all knew it. Seppa played a splendid upright bass, and Dashiell III controlled the pulse masterfully as he slammed the backbeat here and there with ample intensity. At the end, Wolf promised to return to the Dakota for a one-night-only with the SF Jazz Collective in April. Thank goodness, as it may take a moment or two to get ready for yet another breathtaking performance from Wolf. Let’s just say the vibraphone legacy is in good hands. Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.

Supernatural America The Paranormal in American Art America is haunted. Artists from over two centuries introduce us to mystical realms where our intangible past, present, and future meet.

February 19– May 15 Get tickets now! artsmia.org 612.870.3000 Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art Lead Sponsors:

Major Supporters:

Media Partner:

Generous Supporter:

Chuck and Kathy Harper “Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art” is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Image: Agatha Wojciechowsky (American [born Germany], 1896-1986), aw 0323 (detail), 1963, watercolor on paper, courtesy the artist’s estate and Day Art Consulting LLC

12 February 24 - March 2, 2022

BULLETIN

Directors sought for St. Paul parks/recreation, safety/inspections Mayor invites community members to advise on selection community advisory panel are invited to apply now through March 1, 2022. Two panels will be formed, with one panel for the Parks & Recreation Department director position and one panel for the Department of Safety & Inspections director position. Each panel will consist of up to 10 community members who will meet 2-3 times between late March and early April to provide input on interview questions, review application materials, and conduct interviews of candidates. Once they finish their review process, each panel will provide their feedback to the mayor who will conduct final interviews and selections. Interested Community Panel selection members of our commuCommunity members nity can apply to serve on a interested in serving on a community advisory panel.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has invited community members to serve on advisory panels for the Parks & Recreation Department and Safety & Inspections Department Director selection processes. The community advisory panel process follows the Mayor’s ongoing commitment to engaging voices from across Saint Paul in helping to select City leaders. “Our community panel process helps to ensure that the future of our city is shaped by the experiences and perspectives of our residents,” said Carter. “I am excited to bring those voices to the forefront as we find new leadership for these departments.”

About Parks & Recreation Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited and gold medal award-winning organization that manages over 180 parks and open spaces including the AZA-accredited Como Park Zoo and Conservatory; 26 city-operated recreation centers; more than 100 miles of trails; indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities; a public beach; a variety of premium sports facilities; municipal golf courses; and the Great River Passage, which is the new identity for all proposed public development along Saint Paul’s more than 17 miles of Mississippi riverfront. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation has been recognized by the Trust for Public Land as the #1 Urban Park System in America in 2015, #2 from 2016 to 2019, #3 in 2020, and #2 again in 2021.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

About the Director positions The Department Director reports to the Mayor and provides strategic leadership and management for the Department of Parks and Recreation, including highly responsible planning and administrative work in

the direction of all activities and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department. Direct reports include two deputy directors and seven managers. The director is responsible for an annual operating budget of over $66 million with a staffing complement of 568 full

time equivalencies (FTEs). View the full job posting along with position description, and application information. The application is open now and closes on March 14, 2022 at 4:30 pm. To apply go to bit.ly/SPCommunityHiringPanel

Shovel out your garbage, recycling, and organics recycling carts for you and your neighbors. ● Make sure your garbage, recycling, and organics carts are shoveled out the night before your collection day. A heavy snowfall within 48 hours of your garbage collection day may prevent you from shoveling out in time, but make sure your cart is shoveled out by the following Shoveling requirements: ● Clear a path 36″ (3 feet) collection day. ● If your carts are stuck wide from your garbage, recycling and organics carts to in snow and ice on your colthe alley or street. Make sure lection day, and it has not snowed or stormed within 48 they can be moved freely. ● Do not shovel snow from hours, the City will shovel out around your carts into the al- your carts and charge your acley as it can make collection count $30 per cart shoveled. difficult for City crews and it is not allowed per City ordi- Frozen garbage Bag your garbage. Unbagged nance 225.680. It also makes maneuvering alleys difficult garbage can freeze in the cart Are you a Minneapolis resident who has received a colorful notice this winter about a solid waste removal issue? If so, check below for helpful reminders from the City on how to properly shovel out your garbage, recycling, and organics recycling carts.

a Google search or check your local yellow pages under “Snow Removal Services.” Curb pickup If your garbage and re- Some community organizacycling are picked up at the tions can shovel out garbage curb, do not block sidewalks carts for a fee. It will be with garbage and recycling cheaper than Solid Waste & carts. A clear path between Recycling shoveling them out. the carts/bins and the street must be available on collec- St. Paul, Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park removal tion day. requirements Keep lids closed ● The City of St. Paul reMake sure lids are closed Minneapolis requires a clear path 36″ (3 feet) wide from on your carts as snow and rain quires residents to keep carts can easily fill a cart and make 2 feet clear of snow and your carts to the alley or street. City of Minneapolis them overweight. Overweight other obstructions. Blocked carts may cost an additional garbage carts will not be collected. For more info, go service fee to empty. ● For Brooklyn Park info, ● For Brooklyn Center info, If you are unable to shovel to bit.ly/2Iwd8wj, call 651- go to bit.ly/BrooklynCenterS- go to bit.ly/BrooklynParkSthe path around your carts, 266-6101 or email garbage@ now or call 763-585-7100. now or call 763-493-8007. you will need to hire some- ci.stpaul.mn.us. one to shovel for you. Do For more info, visit bit.ly/2RUvdUp making it difficult to empty.

Employment & Legals 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 Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 11, 2022.

MHP is seeking a Community Development Associate this is an exciting, busy position in support of affordable housing. You’d be responsible for providing support to the Community Development team in planning, coordinating, delivering and reporting on capacity building and technical assistance engagements and MHP-funded grant programs. See posting: https://mhponline.org/about/opportunities

STATE OF MINNESOTA

DISTRICT COURT

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FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT FAMILY COURT CASE TYPE: CUSTODY

In re the Custody of B.B.L.A.

File No. 27-FA-21-6466

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THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT, LUCIANO DIAZ RAMOS, ADDRESS UNKNOWN: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to serve upon Petitioner’s attorney an answer to the Complaint which is herewith served

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Strategists

(2007-11), as well as several assistant coaching stints. Contunued from page 12 After last Thursday’s 7961 win at Minnesota, Eatman coaching style is too arro- told the MSR, “The good thing is our kids know” how gant. Client: Court -good District Minnesota a of coach Stringer is, es“Everybody U.S. elseDistrict is saying US Magistrate Judgepecially Vacancywith over 20 WNBA what this Black woman is Size: 3.4167 x 3.25 doing,” Staley said. “The con- draft picks and many others Run Date: 2/10/22 versations are around color who went on to play overAd Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online because of our success.”as well. seas ball. “Our kids know advertising The “twice as good” yoke when they get to the league that Blacks historically are and they want to stay in the saddled with in nearly every league,” said Eatman, “they aspect of American life ap- understand all the teaching plies even more so in sports, that they got.” Macalester last weekend and doubly so for Black coaches. They are more than played its first MIAC playoff game and notched its first one-dimensional. Coaches such as Stal- postseason win since 2004 ey, C. Vivian Stringer, Adia by defeating St. Scholastica Barnes and others “are great at home. This is Abe Woldescoaches,” Rutgers Associate lassie’s fourth season, the WBB Coach Timothy Eatman MIAC’s only Black coach proudly pointed out. “They since 2018. “I want to be a great rewouldn’t be where they are, won as many games, if they cruiter,” he told the MSR didn’t understand how to put after the victory. “I want to a team together, and so some be a great defensive coach. I of the time we don’t get all want to be a great offensive coach. I want to be great at the credit that we deserve.” Eatman this season is act- X’s and O’s, and I hope that ing in Stringer’s place while people are starting to realize she is on medical leave. He that I can do that.” Eatman said mainstream reunited with the Hall of Famer at the school in 2015 media refuse to fully credit after previously working Black coaches for their abiliwith her during her final sea- ties, the kind of credit their White counterparts too ofson at Iowa in 1994-95. He has over 20 years of ten receive. But those who coaching experience, in- really know, really count, cluding twice as head coach give credit where due. (Illinois-Chicago, 1998-02; “When your kids come back Talladega College, 1988-90), to you and tell you, that’s interim HC (Boston Col- the best feeling in the world,” lege, 2011-12), and associ- he said. “There are so many coachate head coach at Arkansas

Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

At the Old Landmark Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor

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Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:

Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to

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1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904

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Children's Bible Class 7 pm

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were White men. Meanwhile, nine Black men are university Contunued from page 12 chancellor or president. The TIDES report gave racial hiring a B-minus: 12 Institute for Diversity and Case: Vail and Ramirez, 27-FA-21-6466 Ethics (TIDES). A new Black men are ADs, one Size: in Sport3.4167 x 5.75 Ad Run:report 2/10/22 - 2/24/22 more than last year, and TIDES card released Ad Options: Jan. 26 gave -the schools an three Black women, also an overall D-plus grade and an F increase of one from last year. There was a not quite for gender hiring. “I was disappointed that two percent increase from these groups didn’t get bet- 2020 in Black assistant footter,” TIDES Director Richard ball coaches. On a positive note, howLapchick told the MSR on the underrepresentation of ever, Lapchick did point out women and people of color the “unprecedented” hiring in such college leadership of Black coaches. “More than positions as chancellors and half of the head coaches presidents, athletic directors, hired in Division I basketball faculty athletic representa- were Black, and half of womtives and conference com- en hires were Black.” missioners. Charles Hallman welcomes White people held 82% of the 395 campus leader- reader responses to challman@ ship positions, and over 74% spokesman-recorder.com.

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03) and Marshall (2003-05), then got his first HC opContunued from page 12 portunity at IU South Bend (2005-07). Shrewsberry then took coaches in the Big Ten,” notassistant jobs at Butler ed Johnson. “We’re both in Client: Medtronic - Manufacturing Engineer programs where you’re Size: 3.4167 x4.5 trying (2008-11), Purdue (2011Run Date:and build 2/24/22 to grow it the right 13), the NBA’s Boston CeltAd Options: For an additional $300.00 can get online ics you (2013-18) and Purdue way.” advertising as well. The two Black coaches (2019-21). “We’ve really been able also have two of the conference’s least-experienced to focus on our defensive squads: Minnesota (2.56 system,” explained the Liyears’ experience) and Penn ons’ HC. “We’re trying to get our system into how we State (2.74 years). Shrewsberry called the want to play.” Despite his squad’s subLions-Gophers contest at The Barn “pretty historic and .500 record this season, good for our league. We’re Shrewsberry believes his just trying to continue to just program is heading in the push it forward to [other] right direction: “I feel good Black coaches. We’re gon- about the direction we’re na do our best to push our going, and especially defenteams forward.” sively,” said the coach. The MSR a few days before Although the Big Ten the contest talked to Shrews- went from zero to five berry by phone about his first Black head coaches in less season at the helm at PSU. than three years, “the onees before me that never got coaches will get opportunities.” After a playing career at Ha- and-only” status historically the opportunity I did,” said nover College (1995-99), he tagged on Black coaches Woldeslassie. “So I take it seCharles Hallman welcomes started his coaching career still exists. “I think it’s huge… riously and I know that hope- reader responses to challman@ as an assistant at Wabash There haven’t been many fully, if I’m successful, more spokesman-recorder.com. (1999-2000), DePauw (2001- Black head coaches,” said Shrewsberry. “With a Black commissioner [Kevin Warren] of Greater Friendship our league, we’re starting MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER Missionary 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 to transform it. I’ve known Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577 Baptist Church TRACEY WILLIAMS-DILLARD Juwan from our days coachPublisher/CEO ing against each other in CECIL E. NEWMAN L AUNA Q. NEWMAN Founder-Publisher CEO/Publisher the NBA. We’re both com1934-1976 1976-2000 petitors, but there’s so WALLACE (JACK) JACKMAN NORMA JEAN WILLIAMS Co-Publisher Emeritus Vice President Emeritus much respect between us. “We have a responsibilTony Kiene Senior Editor Contributing Writers ity now, Ben and I [as head Jerry Freeman Ashley Lauren Nikki Love Dr. Deidre Golden coaches], to uphold the Nadine Matthews Digital Editor Charles Hallman legacy,” he added, “and keep Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor Paige Elliott Mary F. Moriarty Stephenetta “isis” Harmon it going so the next guy can 2600 E. 38th Street Juliet Mitchell Dr. Clarence Hightower get an opportunity… How Minneapolis, MN 55408 Addi Mohamed Desktop Publisher Robin James www.greatfriend.org Kobie Conrath our teams play, how we are Niara Savage Jon Jeter Jim Handrigan Phone: 612.827.7928 on the sidelines…we repMarquis Taylor Fax: 612.827.3587 resent not only ourselves Contributing Photographers Account Representatives Sports Writers info@greatfriend.org but we represent the other Cecilia Viel Charles Hallman Onika Nicole Craven Sundays Black assistant coaches Dr. Mitchell P. McDonald Steve Floyd 8:00am Sunday School striving to get a job like ours. Chris Juhn 9:30am Worship Service “I’m thrilled to be the head Travis Lee coach here,” said ShrewsThe Friendly Church Where bury. “I’m thrilled to repreMEMBER ASSOCIATIONS Everybody Is Somebody Minnesota Newspaper Association • National sent young Black coaches. Newspaper Publishers Association I’m just trying to do my The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. small part to help more guys Publications are published every Thursday by the Spokesman-Recorder Publishing Co., Inc. Editorial/Business o ce is at 3744 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 Pilgrim Baptist Church get an opportunity.” Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM

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14 February 24 - March 2, 2022

Sports

Black coaches make gains but continue to battle stereotypes

Big Ten now home to five Black head coaches It’s an all-time high for the league

Black coaches’ strategic skills too often overlooked By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

he Big Ten this season has 10 head-to-head matchups between Black head coaches, a league first and an all-time high. Minnesota’s Ben Johnson, Micah Shrewsberry (Penn State), Danny Manning (Maryland)

“I think it’s huge. There haven’t been many Black head coaches.” and Mike Woodson (Indiana) are all in their first seasons as HCs. Add Michigan’s Juwan Howard since 2019, and these are this century’s ‘Black Five.’ With three remaining matchups, Johnson is 3-1 in these Black vs. Black matchups,

lack coaches in almost every sport are historically undervalued and underrecognized as strategists. They are too often targets of unwarranted criticism on anything remotely related to their coaching. The Undefeated’s Jesse Washington wrote in 2021 that besides the often tougher road for them on the hiring Micah Shrewsberry Ben Johnson Abe Woldeslassie trail, “The next layer of the Timothy Eatman problem is the stereotype of Courtesy of Twitter Photos by Charles Hallman Black coaches as recruiters and 4-1 overall this season. er matchup in Minnesota Feb. and “relate to’ers” instead of ketball Coach Sydney Carter or that people think that we The Gopher coach defeated 12, a 76-70 Gopher win, that strategists and leaders, which said in a Feb. 16 Yahoo! article can’t do some of the same Jacksonville, also with a Black they have huge respect for is another way of saying that after she became a social me- things or something as well each other. head coach, in November. as men in a male-dominated “He’s been doing a great job The 41-year-old Johnson industry.” “I want to be a great recruiter. and Shrewsberry, age 45, are all season,” said Shrewsberry Dawn Staley has won a naI want to be a great defensive coach. both former Big Ten assistants, on Johnson. tional championship and led Johnson said of Shrewsthe former at Minnesota and the U.S. to Olympic gold last I want to be a great offensive coach. the latter at Purdue. They are berry, “I have an unbelievable summer and South Carolina to I want to be great at X’s and O’s, and also the conference’s two amount of respect for Micah, six SEC championships in sevyoungest coaches. This is the and he does it the right way.” en years. Yet a GQ expanded I hope that people are starting to Last week, the two’s secMinneapolis-born Johnson’s article on Staley in June 2021 realize that I can do that.” first head-coaching opportu- ond meeting in five days, noted that the highly successnity and Shrewsberry’s sec- Penn State defeated visiting ful coach is often called too Minnesota 67-46. ond such opportunity. Black coaches aren’t as intel- dia attack victim on her game- strict, her teams are too Black, “We’re first-time head ligent as White ones.” Both coaches told the MSR day clothes: “It’s hard enough she’s too outspoken, and her separately after their first-evTexas A&M Assistant Bas- that we’re not paid the same ■ See STRATEGISTS on page 11 ■ See VIEW on page 11

Giving back, state contenders, and a school’s legacy

his week’s column features two former boys’ basketball standouts leading a high school boys’ basketball team, three girls’ basketball teams hoping to make a deep run in postseason play, and a reminder of a City Conference high school’s legacy. St. Thomas Academy Went to check out St. Thomas Academy Head Coach Khalid El-Amin leading his team against Tartan last week and spotted former Minne-

apolis South and Tennessee State standout Bruce Price coaching the junior varsity team. El-Amin, in his first year as head coach, is enjoying his experience thus far. “I love coaching here,” the former UCONN star said after his team lost to Tartan. “I like the progress we have made since the beginning of the season.” For those who might have forgotten, El-Amin, a point guard, led Minneapolis North to three state titles in 1995, ’96 and ’97, then went on to lead UCONN to the NCAA crown in 1999 before embarking on a professional career in the NBA and overseas. Price, a shooting guard, was quite the find for Tennessee State, where he played for four years (22032008) averaging 16.4 points per game.

Yolanda Englund and Assistant Ronnie Smith have Como Park positioned for a successful postseason run.

St. Thomas Academy Head Coach Khalid El-Amin (l) and Assistant Coach Bruce Price Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald point. The Cougars, ranked No. 3 in Class 3A, are led by the scoring attack of Porter (23.0 per game), Kaylynn Westberry Como Park St. Paul Como Park senior (14.1), Jada James (9.7), Shaguard Ronnie Porter recently kyla Walker (9.0), and Cloey scored her 2,000th career Dmytruk (7.5). Head Coach Based on what I saw, STA is in good hands.

record and No. 4 Class 3A ranking. They are led by Sydney Runsewe averaging 17.1 points per game, University of Wisconsin signee SavanHopkins nah White averaging 14.5 per Head coach and former contest, and I’Tianna Salaam Minneapolis North girls’ scoring an average 11.2 with basketball standout Tara contributions coming from Starks has led Hopkins to Jordyn Johnson (8.7), Erianna a national ranking and top Moechter (8.2) and Aneisha Class 4A state ranking with Scott (7.0). an 18-1 record. The Royals are led by University of Legacy Arizona signee Maya Nnaji’s Many people forget that 18.7 points per game, Taylor Minneapolis North has four Woodson contributing 14.1 Minnesota Mr. Basketball points, Nunu Agara sport- winners— Redd Overton, ing a 13.8 scoring average, 1981, Brett McNeal, 1985, University of Minnesota Derek Reuben, 1988 and commit Amaya Battle add- Khalid El-Amin, 1997—and ing 11.5 per contest, and Liv two Ms. Basketball winners— McGill chipping in 9.8. Tamara Moore, 1998 and Mauri Horton, 1999. DeLaSalle DeLaSalle, led by Head Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonCoach James Fassett, has ald welcomes reader responses the Islanders sporting a 16-5 to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Media coverage audits show gender gap persists ew year, same old stuff when it comes to college basketball coverage, gender-wise: Men’s college hoops receive three times the coverage of women’s hoops. Power Plays, thanks to their “intrepid tracker” Tori

stories, men’s sports stories, WBB and MBB stories, as well as scheduled men’s and women’s basketball telecasts for the entire month of December. Once again the results were, sadly, no different from previous study results, basically confirming the long-

Of 474 sports stories total by both Twin Cities dailies, 135 covered women and 337 covered men. Burnstein, released its latest #CoveringtheCoverage audit of women’s vs. men’s sports coverage in newspapers and on television. As in previous studies, the weekly newsletter looked at six national newspapers and tallied women’s sports

standing gender imbalance and inequitable coverage: • 95% of newspaper coverage is by men, 5% by women • 34.5 women stories and 103.5 men’s stories in December • USA Today had more women’s basketball stories (4)

than men’s (3) • New York Times had the highest percentage (12.75%) of women’s stories • Washington Post had the most women’s stories (30.5) • Chicago Tribune had the worst with only five women stories • 52 men’s games on national television compared to 17 women’s games “This didn’t surprise me,” wrote PP’s Lindsay Gibbs of her report’s findings. The MSR also conducted a sports coverage audit, mostly on the Minneapolis Star Tribune. We did check out two St. Paul Pioneer Press sports sections as well over a 23-day, six-week period (Jan. 14-Feb. 12). We used the same Power

Plays criteria: total stories, men stories, women stories, WBB stories, MBB stories and televised games listings. We found the local sports coverage breakdown to be as follows: • 474 sports stories total by both Twin Cities dailies: women (135) and men (337) • 77% of Pioneer Press stories were men, 22% women—2 WBB and 1 MBB • 70.5% of Star Tribune stories were men, 29% women—51 WBB and 79 MBB • 428 traditional MBB televised games as compared to 70 WBB games (six of which were streaming) As Gibbs said of her report, we too found no surprises in our analysis.

TIDES Director Richard Lapchick

MSR file photo

(FBS) schools shows a conProgress stalled The latest College Racial tinued lack of diversity within and Gender Report Card of athletic leadership, says The ■ See SOE on page 11 Football Bowl Subdivision