March 10, 2022 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Read more about Dr. Reatha Clark King on page 6.

THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

March 10-16, 2022

Vol. 88

www.spokesman-recorder.com

No. 32

Black-owned bank promises to serve the ‘unbanked’ By Lloyd Nicholas Contributing Writer

R

ev. Victor Martinez of New Generation Church in North Minneapolis, while a candidate in the November 2021 City Council Ward 5 election, had described himself as an entrepreneur who lacks familiarity with bank financing innovations for small businesses and methods enabling unbanked residents to gain access to money markets—or to simply open a bank account. But he said he welcomed every opportunity for his parishioners and other families to be empowered. “A bank or other financial institution that caters to our people and my neighborhood is a good thing,” he told the MSR when he heard a new bank was opening doors in the city. Rev. Martinez’s prayer may just come true. Days ago, the Detroit-based

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Inside this Edition...

Kenneth Kelly

The new First Independence Bank opened for business at the former Wells Fargo on 3430 University Avenue S.E. MSR file photo First Independent Bank (FIB) opened sity Avenue S.E. The bank’s chairman and CEO, for business at the former Wells Fargo bank branch located at 3430 Univer■ See UNBANKED on page 5

White newspapers apologize for shameful past coverage of Blacks By Lauren Victoria Burke Contributing Writer In a stark reminder of the importance of the Black Press established in the U.S. in 1827 by Sam Cornish and John Russwurm, American newspapers are beginning to analyze their coverage of African Americans. In at least two instances, that historical analysis by the newspapers themselves has been followed by an apology. The papers in the predominantly Black cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Kansas City studied and confronted decades of negative news coverage on Black communities. The efforts also highlight the lack of diversity that continues to persist even in

newsrooms in cities with large Black populations. The Kansas City Star, established in 1880, issued an apology to their readership for

what they admitted was consistently negative coverage of the local Black community. The Star’s apology, published in Dec. 2020, was entitled “The Truth in Black and White: An Apology From the KC Star.” It stated, “Our reporters searched court documents, ■ See NEWSPAPERS on page 5

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Trailblazers of tomorrow Meet Major Dawanna Witt, candidate for Hennepin County Sheriff

By Julie Gordon Contributing Writer In early February, Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson announced he would not seek re-election in November, presumably due to the fallout from his DWI conviction last December. Waiting in the wings are four local candidates, including Major Dawanna Witt, who announced her candidacy on the heels of Hutchinson’s news. Major Witt has deep roots within the county, growing up and attending school in Minneapolis. She currently oversees the two largest divisions at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office—Court Security and Adult Detention.

By Feven Gerezgiher Contributing Writer

A 23-year law enforcement veteran, Major Witt expressed that her entire career has revolved around serving the community. “I’ve always been motivated by my desire to help others and want to make positive changes for the citizens of Hennepin County,” Witt said. In addition to serving on the State of Minnesota Legislative Task Force on Child Protection and the State of Minnesota Task Force on Law Enforcement Education Reform panels, Witt recently received the national Black History Month in Law Enforcement Award from the Police Studies Institute at St. Elizabeth University in New Jersey. Major Witt recently spoke to the MSR to discuss public

safety, reforming jail programs, and her passion for bridging law enforcement and community. MSR: What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement? DW: How it all started was the day I went on a tour at the Hennepin County jail. They talked about how they needed more women in that field— specifically, more women of color. Growing up in Chicago and South Minneapolis, I never saw myself going into this field since I didn’t come from a background where we had a lot of trust in law enforcement. So, when I started working in the jail and started having more interactions and conver-

sations with law enforcement, I got to know the officers as individuals. It was very different from what I knew growing up, yet I realized this is where I was supposed to be. I believe my background brings a muchneeded perspective within public service. MSR: What is your day-to-day experience like in your current role, and how has it helped you reimagine the criminal justice system? DW: As a Major within Hennepin County, my primary role is to oversee the courts and jail—the two largest divisions underpinning the County Sheriff’s Office. With over 400 employees under my umbrella, I sometimes feel like a fire wom-

Major Dawanna Witt

an since I’m always responding to the needs of both our team as well as those going through the court system. Staffing is a huge issue right now, not just in Minnesota but across the country. I’m always trying to think of innovative ways to fix this problem, while also being mindful of every-

Submitted photo thing going on in our society. MSR: What type of work have you done this past year to investigate ways of improving the correctional system? DW: I started my career as a detention deputy, so I’ve never forgotten how I felt working ■ See WITT on page 5

Peter Hayden nationally recognized as pioneer of Black sobriety

such, the NAATP is naming the inaugural “Diversity, Inclusivity and Racial Equity Award” after Hayden. The award will be presented at the NAATP national conference to be held May 7-9 in San Diego. “Dr. Hayden’s leadership and community-centric approach have had a monumental impact not only on Turning Point’s programming and clients but also on the professionals throughout the country who see him as a leader and inspiration for the work they do,” said Marvin Ventrell, CEO of NAATP. “Turning Point’s grassroots efforts are a model for best practices in culturally specific substance use disorder treatment, and we are pleased to honor Dr. Hayden’s vital legacy for years to come.” For Hayden, Turning Point’s success is rooted in his own quest for sobriety.

A national association recently awarded Dr. Peter Hayden the inaugural “Diversity, Inclusivity and Racial Equity Award” for pioneering cultural specific treatment with the Minneapolis-based organization he co-founded. Hayden credits the community for supporting his own sobriety. It’s been over 50 years since President Richard Nixon declared the disastrous “War on Drugs” that would disproportionately criminalize Black Americans, and yet drug overdose deaths are at record highs. In 2020, according to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, 92,000 Americans died of drug overdoses. While overdose death rates have increased in every major demographic group in recent years, no group has seen a bigger increase than Black men. As a result, Black men have overtaken White men and are now on par with American Indian or Alaska Native men as the demographic group most likely to die from overdoses. Despite this, there are relatively few substance disorder treatment programs geared towards Black communities. Even fewer are Black-led, according to Peter Hayden, Ph.D., making his organization Turning Point, Inc. one of few of its kind in the nation. The Minneapolis-based agency was recently recognized by the National Association of Addic-

Peter Hayden

tion Treatment Providers (NAATP) for providing culturally responsive care to over 24,000 people over the course of its 46 years of existence. “With communities of color experiencing significant disparities in access to quality culturally competent care, as well as addiction outcomes, organizations like Turning Point and leaders like Dr. Hayden are crucial to the nation—not only because of the direct care they provide, but because of the experience they have to share with the rest of health care,” said Dr. Joseph Lee,

Pioneering Black sobriety in MN When Hayden moved from Kansas City, Mo., Courtesy of Turning Point to attend the University of Minnesota decades ago, he “didn’t come in a good situation,” he said. president and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford He was drinking a lot of alcohol and ended up living on the streets until he enlisted in the army. His Foundation, in a Feb. press release. The Minnesota-based Hazelden, the nation’s addiction worsened while serving in the Vietnam largest nonprofit provider of addiction treatment, and Korean wars. Hayden said his life turned around after a fatebegan collaborating with Turning Point last year to increase access to quality care. Initially formed ful accident sent him to treatment, but he soon to serve African Americans specifically, Turning realized there was an issue. The program was Point now offers culturally specific treatment to operated primarily for and by White people; the few Black and Indigenous people in treatment people of all backgrounds. In 2015, the University of Minnesota heralded with him did not stay sober. Turning Point’s model as an industry best practice. As ■ See HAYDEN on page 5

2 March 10-16, 2022

Metro

Metro Transit’s Route 22 gets ‘streamlined’ Fewer stops and branches could leave some riders stranded By Henry Pan Contributing Writer Frances Rockymore got a car two years ago because she was tired of how long it takes to transfer from the Blue Line to Route 22 to reach her home by the V.A. Hospital. “I used to ride it every day, and then when I started riding it, they were really slow—it wasn’t on time. I lost several jobs trying to catch the 22,” said Rockymore. “I can be waiting for a bus for 20 minutes, you know, and it’s very annoying, you know, trying to get home in zero-below weather.” Metro Transit hopes to change that come August. They want to remove 46 stops along the route, most of which are on odd-numbered streets, and moving a few across the street to keep the buses moving.

occurrence: 9, 71, 2, 63, 3. At close to 46 miles roundtrip, including all branches, the 22 is the longest local service route in the system that operates seven days a week as of August 2021. It connects the V.A. Hospital to Brooklyn Center Transit Center, making stops in the Nokomis East, Standish-Erickson, Corcoran, Phillips, CedarRiverside, Downtown, Near North, Hawthorne, McKinley and Camden neighborhoods of Minneapolis. Past Webber Park, the route splits into four branches, with one going through the Shingle Creek neighborhood to join Route 5 and the C Line on Brooklyn Boulevard, and the remainder through the LindBohanon neighborhood on Humboldt and Bryant Avenue. The fourth branch follows Bryant Avenue to Dupont

“We hope to hear from as many people as possible. We are always receptive to feedback.” The remaining stops will receive a makeover, which includes having nearby parking removed to allow the entire bus to pull up to the curb so people getting off at the back don’t have to step into the street before making their way to the sidewalk. They also plan to install concrete bus pads that go over the boulevard so people in wheelchairs can board easier. Some stops may also get shelters. It’s part of a years-long effort by the agency to streamline individual routes throughout the system that appear frustrating to use because of the many stops and branches. The agency evaluated 20 routes to receive treatment similar to the 22. They say they plan to do the same to the 4 and 17 in the coming years. They’ve done something similar to the following routes in the past, in order of

Avenue into Brooklyn Center, ending a block from the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Altogether, Route 22 topped 5,542 average weekday boardings in Fall 2019, and 60% of that in Fall 2021, making it the eighth-busiest route in the system over the past two years, excluding rapid bus lines. The plan also calls for removing the Shingle Creek and Dupont branches, designated respectively as the A and D branches, as well as the G branch that dodges under Lake Nokomis on E. 57th Street. Not everyone is on board. Pam Begin lives near the A branch in the city’s Shingle Creek neighborhood and uses it twice a week to shop at Cub and Walmart in Brooklyn Center, both of which are shorter walks from the branch and don’t require transferring

from Brooklyn Center Transit Center. “I guess I’ll be either walking the seven blocks to Brooklyn Boulevard to catch a bus and then, you know, bring my stuff back walking another seven blocks back home. Or more likely I’ll take a cab, which is going to be a little expensive,” said Begin. Data obtained from Metro Transit shows the branch is the lowest performing of the three, with an average of 20 boardings in fall 2019 and seven boardings in 2021 on 49th, Penn, and 51st Avenues alone. In December 2021, Saturday service on the 22A was eliminated. The Metropolitan Council adopted standards in its transportation policy plan in 2014 calling for routes that serve major corridors and neighborhoods to be revised or eliminated if they do not have at least 20 riders for every hour the route is in service, like the 22A. But the route is a lifeline for people like Begin, who does not have a car and feels safer riding the bus. “You’ve got the driver there. You’ve also got 911 [that] tends to respond pretty quickly to the buses,” said Begin. “But just out walking around doesn’t always feel so safe, or standing on a corner waiting for a bus.” It’s unclear how frequently the 22 will run when the changes are done, although some riders who spoke to the MSR thought it should run more often. It’s also unclear how much time it will save once the changes are made. One thing that will certainly happen: Citing its ongoing driver shortage, Metro Transit is not waiting for August to make changes. Starting March 26, the 22 will run every 20 minutes instead of 15 during the rush hour. Trips on the G branch will be reduced from six to two in the morning, and from six to three in the afternoon. The D branch will also see reductions, from seven to five in the morning, and from

Photos by Henry Pan five to four in the afternoon. The project won’t address delays caused by trains crossing just north of 42nd Avenue, requiring the 22 to detour on I-94. “That is a uniquely challenging intersection, with the railroad tracks crossing Lyndale Ave. at grade, then immediately bridging over I-94 and then under 42nd Ave. N.,” said Padilla. “Our strategy has focused on mitigating delays with a standing detour, so that when an operator sees a train delay they can reroute to I-94.”

Metro Transit aims to finalize the changes by May 2022 but say they are always open to making recurring changes. “We hope to hear from as many people as possible, but if people miss this outreach period, we are always receptive to feedback even after service launches,” said Padilla. Riders who wish to provide Metro Transit feedback on these changes can complete a survey online at www.metrotransit. org/route-22 by March 23. They can also email Metro Transit’s

community outreach department at communityoutreach[at] metrotransit.org. Those without internet access can complete the survey or provide feedback by contacting the agency’s customer relations department at 612-373-3333. The agency says it is not doing in-person outreach because of the pandemic. Henry Pan welcomes reader responses to hpan@spokesmanrecorder.com.

MORE SERVICE CHANGES COMING Also on March 26, the agency will make other service changes, including reducing frequencies on the 6, 10, 14, 18, 23, 74, 75, 94, and 515. They will also suspend the following branches: 6B Wooddale (Edina) 14L Noble (Golden Valley) 75D Charlton-Delaware (West St. Paul and Mendota Heights) 75E Robert-50th (West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights) 114C University to Excelsior/Quentin (St. Louis Park)

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Health & Wellness

March 10-16, 2022

3

Atopic eczema is like an ‘asthma of the skin’ Good news: New medicines coming out will significantly help in its treatment

By Charles Crutchfield III, MD Guest Contributor Eczema and dermatitis are terms with the same meaning: inflammation, redness, and skin itching. Atopic eczema (a.k.a. atopic dermatitis) is a skin disease. The first sign of eczema tends to be patches of dry or red, itchy skin. Atopic eczema is controlled by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Unfortunately, because dermatitis can be so itchy, aggressive scratching can injure the skin and worsen the condition. Sometimes the itch can precede the rash. Some doctors say atopic eczema is “the itch that rashes.” Atopic eczema usually begins very early in life, affecting infants or young children, but it can occur at any age. It is most common in infants and young children, and most people who get eczema will have it before they turn five years old. It is rare for eczema to appear for the first time in adults. Eczema can be more common and problematic in persons of color. Twenty-five percent of all children of color (and large percentages of other children) can be affected by atopic eczema. Eczema tends to come and go, often without warning. A treatment plan that includes skin care can reduce flare-ups and ease much of the discomfort. The good news is that excellent new treatments for atopic eczema are available now and coming out this summer. I will discuss those shortly. What causes eczema? Atopic eczema is a genetic condition. It is often seen in patients whose family members have it or other related conditions such as asthma, hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Some patients may have atopic eczema alone or with several or all of these other conditions. There is emerging evidence that patients with atopic eczema may have a mild disability to repair their skin barrier. Also, excessive bacteria on the skin with bacterial enzymes (proteases) can worsen eczema. These are two important targets in controlling the disease. Atopic eczema is not contagious. Dry skin, dry weather, perspiration and illness are several things that can cause atopic eczema to get worse. How can I tell if my child has eczema? Atopic eczema presents as red, flakey, itchy patches. In children, it commonly appears on the folds of the elbows and knees and on the scalp, forehead, and cheeks, but it can be present anywhere. Atopic eczema itches so much that

infants commonly rub their cheeks on bed linens or even carpeting for relief. A yellow fluid may even weep from the problematic areas in extreme cases. Scratching over extended periods will cause the skin to become tough and thicken up. This is a common finding in patients with longstanding eczema that has not been completely controlled. If you think your child has atopic eczema, visit a board-certified dermatologist to obtain a correct diagnosis. A dermatologist can often diagnose eczema by examining the patient’s skin and asking historically significant questions about a family history of similar skin rashes, asthma, or hay fever. How long will my child have eczema? In most children, atopic eczema may get better over time, but their skin will always be more sensitive than those without atopic eczema, even as adults. How is eczema treated? A dermatologist will create a specific treatment for the patient with atopic eczema. Most treatment plans consist of: • General skin care program to maintain the skin barrier • Medical treatments • Tips to avoid flare-ups There is no one treatment for atopic eczema. It is essential to follow the treatment plan designed by your dermatologist, and the success of adequately managing atopic eczema depends on carefully following the treatment plan. Dermatologists will develop strategies that are both safe and effective for long-term use. In February 2017, the FDA approved a new ointment called Crisaborole (Eucrisa) to treat atopic dermatitis. Many patients are having good results with this medicine. Over the past 10 years, there has been an explosion of medicines called “biologic treatments” for psoriasis. There are three new F.D.A.-approved medicines that are proving to be exceptionally helpful. These include Dupilumab (Dupixent), Updactinib (Rinvoq), and Tralokinumab (Adbry). “I have suffered with atopic eczema all my life. After starting the biologic medicine Dr. Crutchfield gave me, my skin was clear for the first time in 25 years. It has truly been lifechanging for me.” David E. What will the treatment plan include? • Intense moisturizer and emollient. I recommend bathing DAILY and then immediately sealing in the skin hydration with a rich cream; some call this “soak and seal.” Keeping the skin hydrated is one of the safest and most effective strategies for treating atopic eczema. It minimizes flare-ups and makes the skin more comfortable. • Gentle non-detergent cleanser to reduce irritation and skin dryness. • Topical steroidal or non-steroidal creams or ointments for inflammation and itch control. • Antihistamine for itch and sleep. • Wet wraps for the skin to hydrate and make the other medicines penetrate and work better. • Bleach baths (very diluted) to reduce the bacteria on the skin that can make atopic eczema worse. It is important

Child with atopic eczema before and after treatment to also wash pajamas and bed linens on the same day as the weekly bleach bath for maximum effectiveness. • Antibiotics to reduce bacteria and also work as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine • Systemic medications when the condition is severely flaring and other agents are not helping. These medicines can be powerful, and your dermatologist will explain the risks and benefits of such a treatment. • Phototherapy treatments. This is a very safe, effective, steroid-sparing treatment that can significantly help treat atopic eczema. Why see a dermatologist? When a child has atopic eczema, it is a condition that affects the entire family. It takes time away from other siblings and caregivers and can affect performance in school. As a dermatologist, I like to tell parents atopic eczema is like having “asthma of the skin.” Just like asthma, it can wax and wane and have certain triggers. Like asthma, atopic eczema is a lifelong condition that needs attention and can improve over time, especially using the new medications discussed in this article. With so much information out there, much of it misleading or downright inaccurate, it can be challenging for a parent to know exactly what to do. Dermatologists specialize in treating skin conditions and can help parents make the best-informed decisions for their children. A dermatologist can develop a specific treatment plan for the atopic eczema patient. With new medicines being approved and released, in combination with the other classic treatments listed above, we will be able to treat atopic eczema better than ever before. Research has shown that parents who develop a good relationship with their dermatologist and follow a designed treatment plan will have the most success in treating their child’s atopic eczema over time. This is a revised and updated version of a previously published article. Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University

of Minnesota Medical School and a Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College. He also has a private practice, Crutchfield Dermatology, in Eagan, MN. He received his MD and master’s degree in molecular biology and genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. In addition, Minnesota Medicine recognized

Submitted photos

Dr. Crutchfield as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. Dr. Crutchfield specializes in skin-of-color and has been selected by physicians and nurses as one of the leading dermatologists in Minnesota for the past 20 years. He is the consulting team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of the American and National Medical As-

sociations and past president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians. He is a founding member of “Minnesota’s Black Community Project” which recently published an award-winning book. Dr. Crutchfield has been recognized by NBC News/The Grio as one of the most influential African Americans in America. Dr. Crutchfield can be reached at CrutchfieldDermatology.com or by calling 651-209-3600.

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4 March 10-16, 2022

Business

Wilson’s ​Auto shop w ​ orks hard to get Auto World Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Ashley Lauren Contributing Writer Wilson’s Auto Shop (WAW), located in New Brighton, MN, can be best described as an all-around repair shop. Owner Wilson Halley said, “Not only do we do mechanical stuff—oil changes, tires, transmissions—we even do the bodywork: bumpers, doors, whatever it may be.” The business also offers detailing and interior services. Halley is originally from El Palso, Texas and grew up in Southeast Minneapolis, the U of M area and Dinkytown, he said. “I went to Sheridan Elementary over in Northeast Minneapolis, and then for high school, I went to De La Salle.” After he graduated from high school, Halley chose to pursue his passion. “I went to Dunwoody for a year. Then I moved out to Chicago and went to UTI [Universal Technical Institute],” he said. Halley graduated from UTI in 2009 and returned to Minnesota where he spent some time working for a local automotive business. “I was a technician myself for about 10 years and then just decided it was time. Being an independent business owner is a dream come true. “As far as the business goes, it was 2017 when I

drivers back on the road

warding aspects. Most importantly, Halley aspires to be of service to his community. “Since the auto industry is a hard industry as far as reputation, we want to put out a good, reputable, honest service.” WAW has an all-star team of mechanics ready to help customers get back on the road. This auto shop also offers “upfront pricing and honesty. If they need it, we do offer courtesy cars; there’s no charge,” Halley explained. Drivers can also receive financing and a welcoming experience. He added, “When they’re Wilson Halley Submitted photos here, we do want to make them feel like we care, purchased it and I’ve been vance,” he said. Halley ex- [make] their car a priority, here ever since. I’m just try- plained that “word of mouth” and get them back on the ing to grow it.” and “a little bit of advertising” “I got very lucky. I live five helped the business grow. minutes away from this shop. “Throughout the years you In high school,” he recalled, get better—every day is on“I brought my car into this the-job learning. Everything shop for repair not knowing is different, every car is difeven at the time I wanted to ferent, but it took time,” Halfix cars—let alone own it one ley explained. day.” However, operating a There wasn’t much for business can be risky. “I was Halley to do when he opened very nervous, too, when I the business. “It was turnkey, took over. I got it for a good meaning everything was set price, but it was a good price up here, all the equipment. because it wasn’t doing too So, when I took over it was well,” Halley explained. basically under new manage“You’ve always got the rent ment.” and mortgage or whatever In the beginning there it may be on a building that weren’t a lot of customers you have.” Although busior employees. Now, “We’re ness can be challenging and ​​ booked two weeks in ad- nerve-racking, there are re-

road.” WAW offers a warranty for “three years, 36,000 miles,” Halley said. Right now, “We’re doing a lot of tires, that’s kind of a seasonal thing. Oil changes are obviously pretty big, [our] most popular service.” During this season, “There’s body work stuff—people’s heat is going out.” He encourages everyone to focus on their tires, “making sure there’s enough meat or tread on them. “The repeat customers, also the new customers” are the highlights in his business. “The satisfaction when you get somebody’s car and it runs like crap and you bring it back to life is very rewarding,” he said. Halley explained his mind-

set for being successful: “You’ve got to be goal-oriented. Stuff isn’t always going to go your way. You’re gonna have bad days; you’re gonna have good days.” He added, “Always keep moving. “In business, you’re going to make it depending on how much work you put into it. No one is going to care about your business as much as you do.” Wilson’s Auto World is located at 1850 New Brighton Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55418. For more info, visit www.wilsonsautoworldmn. com or call 612-781-1788. Ashley Lauren welcomes reader responses to alauren@ spokesman-recorder.com.

March 10-16, 2022

Hayden Continued from page 1

“What I had to do then is buy into the system. So all my friends were White because I wanted to stay sober. For those seven years, I did whatever it took, aside break the law, to stay sober. That didn’t make me feel good because I wasn’t with people who look like me,” Hayden said. In response, Hayden, along with Peter Bell, Jim Bransford, and other Black people from

Turning Point is located at 1500 Golden Valley Rd, Minneapolis, MN Courtesy of Turning Point St. Paul and Minneapolis supplements to the standard started the first Black AA 12-step program. In 1976, Hayden and his group in the state of Minnesota, adding Afrocentric friend Henry Sullivan also co-

Witt Continued from page 1

in that environment. Recently, I’ve spent time with parents listening to their concerns about their loved ones in our facility. I have to be open to hear that because they are sharing their experience, and what their adult children are experiencing within their own lens. I believe you should never shut off that communication—whether it’s accurate or not. We need to remember we’re humans—the people in jail are humans, the people who work at the jail are humans—and we need to listen. You can’t fix everything. But sometimes all people want to know is they’re being heard. MSR: What are your goals when/if elected to this position? DW: I believe every voice needs to be at the table. And if we are to be better, we need to make sure that we’re listening to all aspects. So, priority for me is bridging conflict, whether it’s confronting violence, which is huge right now, to bringing more programs into the jail. Many folks in our community believe people who go to jail mostly end up in prison, when in fact jails serve as pretrial facilities in Minne-

Unbanked

sota, which means most people get released and go home. To fight recidivism, we need to ask ourselves what resources are missing. I know some people think those in jail don’t deserve anything. Well, you know what? They’re going to be your neighbors. They’re going to be the people serving you food. They’re going to be the people on the bus.

tunities to learn. Jail time doesn’t have to mean dead time. To limit ourselves to say we’re only going to offer a GED and high school diploma is an injustice. I think all our agencies need to come together to find ways to enhance educational opportunities and provide incarcerated people different avenues to learn things like life skills,

“There are so many opportunities for us to become closer with the communities that we police. Our license says ‘peace officer.’” Why shouldn’t we give resources? Confronting violent crime is a must, but at the same time, offering different programs and resources in the jail can help combat recidivism. In times of trouble, we must work together despite whatever party affiliation or profession we are. We all have the same goal at the end, and sometimes it’s setting down that pride to do what we know we need to do.

parenting skills and financial classes. So, let’s open Pandora’s Box while we have their attention and offer ways to enhance their opportunities, while trying to solve their problems.

MSR: What does accountability look like to you? DW: We keep talking about accountability, but it’s always directed at a particular profession or a particular person. But really, accountability is MSR: One of your major platforms a societal thing, where we should all is addressing Hennepin County’s be held accountable no matter who jail programs to reduce recidivism. you are and what you do. Certainly, professional law enforceSpecifically, where in the system do you expect to make the most impact? ment has been on the front burner for DW: One of the areas I would quite some time now, and we absofocus on is education. Working with lutely should be held accountable. the County Board, I would like to see We should be looking at ourselves, additional classroom space where we including who we’re hiring and what can provide more people with oppor- discipline comes down.

laborative action on capital enhancement, marketing and research with Bank of AmeriContinued from page 1 ca, Bremer Bank, Huntington Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Kenneth Kelly, noted in a Fargo. Chairman Kelly explained press release that the University Avenue branch is “located that the “approval from the in the community where it is FDIC confirms [what] our supvisible and accessible to all in porting financial institutions the Twin Cities… We look at have demonstrated that they the fact that it is close to the recognize—[that] our bank is Metro Green Line and bus welcome in the Twin Cities routes so that under-resourced market because it is important and unbanked members of the to have a variety of options community can easily reach available to all customers… It’s us and use our services to especially important for the improve their financial outlook.” unbanked members of the FIB, one of the 17 Black- community.” owned full-service banks in the country, has received Black-owned banks Nationally, FDIC data approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- shows Black-owned banks tion (FDIC) to set up shop in hold some $5.2 billion the Twin Cities. The current in assets as compared to expansion into the Minnesota $17.7 trillion in non-minormarket is the result of col- ity institutions held in com-

Newspapers

founded Turning Point, which initially started as a co-ed halfway house serving 16 people, with a $25,000 grant. The group continued to support each other and the community in sobriety, relying on guidance from elders. Turning Point continues to evolve to the needs of the community, over time developing eight facilities across the Twin Cities with offerings like residential and outpatient treatment, low-income family housing, and community space. Today, they are focused on increasing access to culturally specific care at other agen-

cies, Hayden said. “There will always be more White people treating Black people than Black people...so now what we do is, we train everybody how to work with African American men and women.” Hayden said Turning Point’s model—and culturally specific care—looks at a person holistically. This means building their foundation: supporting them with housing, employment, education, and family counseling among other things, which is beyond what typical substance disorder treatment programs offer. Much of it centers around

But we also need to start with individual accountability. And as you move up the chain and you’re talking about organizations, hold your people accountable. MSR: What place do the police have in the community, and what are your thoughts on the calls to defund the police? DW: We throw around the term “community policing” too loosely. It should not just be patrolling around. It should be about getting out of our patrol cars, talking to people, knowing the neighborhood, and knowing individuals’ names. We can’t expect for people to give us respect just because we wear a uniform or badge. We need to give respect, too. This is 2022. No one should be surprised by an officer greeting them on the street. We set ourselves up when we’re just responding to calls. There are so many opportunities for us to become closer with the communities that we police. Our license says “peace officer.” Think about the word peace, and you think about enforcement completely different. We need to be intentional about adding more [training on] cultural differences to make people better peace officers. Saying we’re going to defund the police is ridiculous. I mean, just turn on any news channel, just go outside, just go talk to people. People are aligned right now. You look at the carjackings, shootings, the property

George Floyd, was part of the effort around the country resulting from Floyd’s death that galvanized discusContinued from page 1 sions on race in America. On February 18 of this year, the Baltimore Sun did the same as the archival collections, congressional Kansas City Star. “The Baltimore Sun testimony, minutes of meetings and frequently employed prejudice as a tool digital databases… Reporters were fre- of the times. It fed the fear and anxiety quently sickened by what they found— decades of coverage that depicted Black Kansas Citians as criminals living in a crime-laden world. They felt shame at what was missing: the achievements, aspirations and milestones of an entire population routinely overlooked, as if Black people of white readers with stereotypes and caricatures that reinforced their erronewere invisible.” The Star went on to verify that ous beliefs about Black Americans. “Through its news coverage and Black news in the community was consistently underplayed and ignored. editorial opinions, The Sun sharpTheir apology, which arrived months ened, preserved and furthered the after the May 25, 2020 murder of structural racism that still subjugates

persistent underinvestment in Black people, even in times when the economy is booming. Kriston McIntosh of the Brookings Institute traces a thread of the problem to the 1874 collapse of the Freed-

The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article by Wesley Lowery analyzing the Philadelphia Inquirer’s history on race and the newsroom’s lack of diversity. “Mentions of Black Philadelphia appeared in the white papers primarily through the lens of crime,” Lowery, a former reporter for The Washington Post who is now with CBS, wrote. “To read The Inquirer then would leave one wondering if Black people ever were born, ever died, if they lived lives in between—or if they simply sprouted, fully grown, in the city streets to call for civil rights, seek pation. They have been refused the elected office, and commit various freedom to simply be, without the criminal infractions. “The paper, of course, is not alone weight of oppression on their backs,” the Baltimore Sun editorial Board in its history. Its story is that of the continued, adding that they were modern American newspaper: The “ashamed” of past coverage of the last half-century began with begrudging efforts at racial integration of both Black community. Black Marylanders in our communities today,” the Sun editorial board bluntly stated. “African Americans systematically have been denied equal opportunity and access in every sector of life— including health care, employment, education, housing, personal wealth, the justice system and civic partici-

“African Americans systematically have been denied equal opportunity and access in every sector of life.”

community. “One day, one step at a time. That’s all you can do,” Hayden tells people. “And then getting to those people who have chosen to get into treatment and change their life, give them all the support you can.” To talk about any issue and seek help for relatives or community members, Hayden recommends contacting Turning Point at 612-448-9318 or ourturningpoint.org. Feven Gerezgiher welcomes reader responses to fgerezgiher@spokesmanrecorder.com.

damage—people have lost their sense of safety and livelihoods. Do you think now is the time to say, “Defund the police”? We should instead be talking about how we make this profession more than it is today to support the community. MSR: Are you looking into recruitment options from the community directly? DW: We must attract younger generations because we need the right people in this profession. One of the best courses is our Exploring program, designed for young adults from 14 to 20 to learn about the profession and gain police skills. We need to encourage younger people that this is a noble profession, so the community plays a big part of that. The recruitment programs that are currently in place need to be enhanced and properly funded. Recruiting shouldn’t start when somebody is 18 or 21; we need to have positive experiences for those who are younger. I understand the importance of this based on my own upbringing. To learn more about Major Dawanna Witt and her candidacy, head to www. wittforsheriff.com. Julie Gordon responses to recorder.com.

Building local capacity The $10 million allocated by Congress to the Minority Business Development Agency under the coronavirus relief bill is best handled, says Brookings, by hyperlocal Black- and Latino/Hispanicled banks. “The local banks “Under-resourced and unbanked members of know Black communities betthe community can easily reach us and use our ter than their larger counterparts but are built to have a services to improve their financial outlook.” low number of clients. “There needs to be a hybrid lion, but by comparison, the man’s Savings Bank (FSB) number-one bank JP Morgan attributed to Congressio- solution in which big banks Chase, as ranked by the Fed- nal mismanagement, which and financial tech firms—in eral Reserve, holds $3.29 resulted in 61,144 deposi- exchange for receiving fedtors with losses of nearly $3 eral funds—help build capacity trillion in assets. The FDIC analysis tells million. But before the FSB and meet the needs of Black an uncomfortable truth of a debacle, McIntosh said the business owners,” the Brookgrave social problem hiding problem started with “246 ings review notes. “We must use this short-term [health in plain sight. The Brook- years of chattel slavery.” The Brookings Institute is crisis] to build long-term infraings Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C., says the now saying, in the aftermath structure.” The collaboration among wealth gap between Black of the COVID-19 pandemic, and White Americans is an another error is being made First Independent Bank and the other five larger banks accumulation of historic and by Congress.

munity and non-community banks. In other words, Blackowned banks only have a 0.03 percentage slice of the asset pie. The minority financial institutions, in general, hold a total of $234 bil-

5

welcomes reader jgordon@spoksman-

may, therefore, be a lesson learnt from the Brookings Institute playbook. FIB did not promise scaling back the racial income gap, as by some estimates it will take 30 years before every dollar of revenue earned by every Black business placed in a Black bank becomes equal to JP Morgan Chase’s wealth-inhand today. However, low-income residents of color in the Twin Cities who are denied traditional banking services may no longer be left to the wolves in the costly check-cashing outfits and other predatory businesses. “That is a very good thing,” said Rev. Martinez. Lloyd Nicholas welcomes reader responses to minneapoliscorrespondent@ gmail.com.

staff and coverage sparked by public pressure and protests; the decades to follow saw expanded efforts to recruit minority journalists before the industry cratered and many of those nonwhite journalists were the first to be shown the door,” Lowery continued. The recent analysis by large papers in predominantly Black cities is likely to continue. The articles highlight the importance of historic curation, community image, and news narrative and the impact it has on historically marginalized communities. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She can be contacted at LBurke007@ gmail.com and on twitter at @ LVBurke.

6 March 10-16, 2022

Arts & Culture WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

S ALUTE

Dr. Reatha Clark King on the sources of her success

By Cedric M. Stroud Dr. Reatha Clark King said that it had been the “hard work, education, training, and work as a research chemist” as well as the initial push of family, neighbors, teachers and church to make something out of herself, that prepared her with the abilities and confi-

ated a great work ethic and a strong desire in me to always do my best. This is the approach I brought to science.” At church, Dr. King sang in the choir and attended Sunday School. “The entire community was always telling the children to make something out of your life. They wanted us to have more opportunities and to do better than them,” she said. Dr. King said there was “absolutely no encouragement” for Black girls to pursue a career in science. After graduating from high school as class valedictorian, she attended Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. “In society during those times,” Dr. King recalled, “young Black women were expected to only major in home

“Being a scientist prepares you for life and leads you to do work of high quality.” dence to achieve success—not only at a professional level, but in life with anything she does. Dr. King was born in Bon Pavo, Georgia, in 1936. She was raised on a sharecropper’s farm in a small, rural town of Moultrie, Georgia. When she and her sister were about 9 or ten years old, they started working on the farm. Dr. King said, “Field work was hard work picking cotton, but the harder you worked, the more you earned. This experience taught me how to work well with others and cre-

economics. With that degree, you could teach in high school or become a nurse.” During Dr. King’s second semester in 1955, she met Dr. Alfred S. Spriggs, chair of the Chemistry Department at Clark College, who encouraged her to consider chemistry. He told her about her options for greater opportunity and salary. She said she “heard about George Washington Carver and developed an interest in the idea. I researched it some more afterwards and decided

Dr. Reatha Clark King Submitted photo to change my major from home economics to chemistry.” Dr. King earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with highest honors from Clark College in 1958. She entered the University of Chicago that year after being awarded the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for graduate study. She graduated in 1960 with a master’s degree in chemistry. Dr. King completed her Ph.D. in chemistry in 1962. “For a Ph.D.,” Dr. King stated, “you must do original research

which would add to the body of knowledge. You are expected to produce an invention or design. If you invent something, you may not seek a patent, but you must at least design it.” From 1963 to 1968, Dr. King worked as a research chemist with the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), on a project team that studied the heat formed from gaseous fluoride compounds. “I would melt solids and research the mixture of fused salts and the gasses that were

released,” Dr. King said. “Fluorine is an element and is a gas. At NBS, I researched the heat formed from fluorine mixed with gasses.” Dr. King’s and the project team’s findings were published in numerous journals and contributed to the success of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) space program. Dr. King explained, “Thermochemical research involves the study of heat applied to things and their chemical reactions. Fused salts are things like sodium chloride, table salt and other solids. “High temperatures will melt solids where you can study the mixture of fused solids or salts. When you melt metals, they flow like lava. You can then measure the heat of fused salts. You can combine fused salts into alloys, which is the mixing of metal.” Dr. King’s work helped make the Apollo 11 moon landing possible. She designed a special device to measure the heat for rocket fuel systems. She studied oxygen difluoride, a very toxic, combustible compound. Based on her research, NASA used this compound in the fuel system for the Apollo 11 space mission. Dr. King taught chemistry at York College in New York from 1968 to 1977. She also served as the associate dean of natural science and mathematics, and dean of academic affairs there. In 1977

she earned a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University. Dr. King did all this while being married and raising two young children. Later that year, Dr. King was hired as president at Metropolitan State College in St. Paul, Minnesota. From 1988 to May 31, 2002, she served as president and executive director of the General Mills Foundation and vice president of General Mills, Inc. From June 2002 to May 31, 2003, she served as chairperson of the Foundation’s board of trustees. She has also worked with the Governance Board of Organizations, a working body of directors of nonprofit organizations. As a philanthropist, she has served as a senior advisor of the Council of Foundations. Dr. King said, “Being a research chemist will relate to other areas of one’s life. Being a scientist prepares you for life and leads you to do work of high quality.” Cedric Michael Stroud is the founder and president of the African American History Publishing Company, LLC, (AAHPC, LLC). He has conducted over 40 years of independent research on the history of Black inventors and scientists. His company’s first publication is the “Man Know Thyself 2022 Calendar: Centuries of Inventions and Innovations by Persons of Black / African Descent. Find more info at www.BlackInventors365.net.

Prince Estate and Morris Day quarrel over ‘The Time’ Exasperated. That is how legendary singer Morris Day sounded as he posted on his social media accounts the news that he had been contacted by Prince’s Estate with a notice that they intended to block his use of the band name “Morris Day & The Time.”

Morris Day He writes, “I’ve given 40 years of my life building up a name and legacy that Prince and I came up with. A name that while he was alive, he had no problem with me using. I literally put my blood, sweat, and tears into bringing value to that name. “In fact, he booked me on several tours, and many jam packed nights at Paisley Park, under the name Morris Day &

The Time. Not once ever saying to me that I couldn’t use that name configuration. “However, now that Prince is no longer with us—suddenly the people who control his multi-million dollar estate want to rewrite history by taking my name away from me, thus impacting how I feed my family. So as of now, per the

Photo by Steve Floyd

Prince Estate, I can no longer use Morris Day & The Time in any capacity.” It is an odd artifact of music history that Prince, not The Time band members, owned the group’s name. The act was built by Prince from a local Minneapolis group, Flyte Time, with new members and a sound that was based on the developing Minneapolis funk scene. With Morris Day as the

lead singer, The Time went on to be one of the biggest R&B bands of the decade, with four smash albums and hits aplenty from 1981-90, along with a renowned live show. While the band members have largely gone on to do other things (with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis being perhaps the most notable successes), Day has spent most of the past two decades touring with his own version of The Time to large audiences. Longtime fans are outraged by the decision, with tens of thousands (including many other musical stars) sharing and expressing their displeasure online. In a later post today, Day wrote, “I want to thank everyone for their thoughts & support regarding this estate matter. I felt all of your love and energy yesterday, and I look forward to your continued support until we find resolve. Thank you!” But, of course, there are two sides to every fight. In a statement issued today via Pitchfork, Prince’s estate responded: “Given Prince’s longstanding history with Morris Day and what the Estate thought were amicable discussions, The Prince Estate was surprised and disappointed to see his recent post. The Estate is open to working proactively with Morris to resolve

this matter. However, the information that he shared is not entirely accurate.” It further explained that it was blocking Day’s attempt to trademark the name “Morris Day & The Time,” citing the continuing ownership of the name “The Time” by the Estate. So, it feels like perhaps a resolution may be that Morris Day would be able to continue to tour as Morris Day &

The Time, but will be blocked if he tries to legally reserve the name. It’s messy. A look back in history shows that there were often tensions between Prince and members of The Time over lots of things, including disputes over the band name. This led the members to use the band name The Original 7ven (rather than The Time) when they issued their 2011

reunion album. So, the position taken by the Prince estate isn’t entirely surprising. We hope that this can be resolved and that Morris Day & The Time are back on the road soon, with name intact. Chris Rizik is the publisher of Soul Tracks and welcomes reader responses to chris@soultracks.com. This story was republished with permission.

Friendships challenged, a world changed, and two young people trying to make sense of it together.

Now through March 27 Best enjoyed by ages 7 and up childrenstheatre.org/town

Proudly Supported by

Photo of Lola Ronning and De’Anthony Jackson by Glen Stubbe Photography

By Chris Rizik

March 10-16, 2022

Opinion

7

​ ommunity control over C police is the way forward

diately fire MPD officer Mark ed community control of the Hanneman, who shot and killed police, a demand that arose in The murder of Amir Locke Amir, and fire Interim Police Black communities during the is the consequence of decades Chief Amelia Huffman. Her ac- 1960s that calls for democratic of City officials passing on the tions in the days following the oversight of law enforcement. problem of police violence and murder are patterned after the Currently, People of Color, who racial profiling—which is endem- lies, excuses and rationaliza- pay taxes to hire the officers ic within the Minneapolis Police tions our city has heard over that patrol their communities, are not safe from the officers Department (MPD)—to the next and over. 2. Pass a resolution calling the city hires. mayor and city council. The City of Minneapolis has Since 1979, the City of Min- on Frey to fire all officers who neapolis has been governed by have killed the unarmed. Like nearly 800 officers, yet only the Democratic Farmer-Labor “The City of Minneapolis has nearly 800 party (DFL), so the blame falls squarely on its party officials. officers, yet only a handful live within the city.” The decades of ineffective reforms, including those under Chauvin, they are a danger to a handful live within the city. Mayor Jacob Frey, beg the ques- our community. It is disgraceful Most live in the suburbs and tion: Can the MPD be reformed? that they are still on the force. come into the city to patrol our As in past years, the newly This would send a firm message neighborhoods. No matter how elected Minneapolis City Coun- to the Minneapolis Police Fed- much training these officers cil is DFL-controlled. It should eration that the council will no have, even well-intentioned not be allowed to pass the buck longer tolerate the Federation officers cannot possibly know to the mayor. Downtown busi- protecting officers unfit to po- enough about Black, Brown, Asian, or Native American ness leaders and the city’s DFL lice our communities. 3. Support the establishment neighborhoods to create truststate legislators should also not of a representative, community- ing relationships. get a pass. Therefore, one of the central City and State officials are led citizens review of all MPD attempting to cast Amir Locke’s officers’ records to determine demands of community control murder as a debate about no- their fitness to serve our com- is that the police are vetted by the community they serve and knock warrants. If they suc- munities. 4. Demand that all cases of that they live in the city, and ceed in hiding behind protocols preferably the community, they and legalities, Minneapolis will police killings be reopened. Traditional policing practices are going to work in. once again find itself waiting for This vetting process would the next death at the hands of and protocols have not created police—deaths that dispropor- safe communities. In recent apply not only to licensed offitionately fall on communities of years, community organizations cers authorized to carry firearms, and activists have proposed a but also social workers, mental color. The killing of Locke exhibited, litany of constructive proposals health providers, and youth oronce again, policing practices that fall under the idea of “safety ganizers. The extension of democratic that show a callous disregard beyond policing.” However, current and past community control over police for public safety. The militarist SWAT team protocols of the City administrations have only offers a way forward. It may given lip service to their rec- not be possible to win in the MPD have no place in our city. Public pressure and protests ommendations. Let us hope near term; however, between are the only means to force the that discussions of the working now and that possible future, council and mayor to act. Thus, group on police reform appoint- the vetting of police officers Minneapolis residents, city ed by Frey in late 2021 will result and public safety personnel by council members, downtown in effective action to both make the communities they serve is business leaders, and state leg- our communities safer and end long overdue. islators should join in making the the brutality and misconduct by Wayne Nealis is a resident of the MPD we witness. following demands: This writer has long support- Minneapolis. 1. Demand the mayor immeBy Wayne Nealis

Let’s talk about Celia Her story reminds us why we must fight to protect the vote By Oscar H. Blayton At 2:30 pm on Dec. 21, 1855, Celia was hanged in Callaway County, Missouri. Her crime: defending herself against a rapist who had sexually assaulted her for years. There is no documentation of Celia’s birthdate, birthplace or parentage. Her recorded history begins when she was purchased at the age of 14 in 1850 by a man named Robert Newsom. Records show that Newsom purchased Celia in Audrain County, Missouri, but the record is unclear as to whether the first time he raped her was on the return trip to his farm in Callaway County or immediately upon arriving at his farm. A year after his wife’s death, Newsom bought the 14-yearold for the explicit purpose of sexual exploitation. And for the next five years, he subjected Celia to repeated rapes. Newsom placed Celia in a brick cabin near the main house for his convenience and abused her often. It is reported that Celia had appealed to Newsom’s White adult daughters to intervene and stop their father’s repeated assaults. But there is no evidence that they did anything to aid her. At 16, Celia was pregnant with her first child by Newsom, a daughter. Within two years after that, she gave birth to a second daughter by her enslaver. In the summer of 1855, Celia, now 19, was having difficulty during her third pregnancy by Newsom and was sick much of the time. On June 23, 1855, she was

desperate and appealed directly to Newsom to leave her alone. His response was to tell her that he was coming to her that night to rape her. Unable to endure the sexual abuse any longer, Celia found a large tree branch to use as a club and took it back to the cabin she shared with her two small daughters. That night, when Newsom entered Celia’s cabin while her two children were present, Celia pleaded with him to leave her alone. He ignored her, but she managed to grab the club and struck him in the head. This blow did little more than anger Newsom who lunged at her. She delivered a second blow to his head that killed him. Realizing the extreme danger she was in for killing him, Celia attempted to dispose of Newsom’s body by rolling him into the cabin’s fireplace. She spent the night reducing his body to ashes and a few small fragments of charred bone. When Newsom’s family became aware of his disappearance, they instituted a search and discovered ashes that Celia had scattered along the path leading from her cabin to the stables. After intense questioning and threats by members of the family, Celia confessed to the killing and was arrested. The record of the trial in the Callaway County court is evidence of the inhumane way enslavers denied justice to the enslaved. Celia was not allowed to testify in court. Instead, the court appointed two investigators to take her statement and present it to the

court through their testimony. At the time of Celia’s trial, Missouri law forbade anyone “to take any woman unlawfully against her will and by force, menace or duress, compel her to be defiled.” However, the presiding judge, William Augustus Hall, refused to instruct the jury that the enslaved Celia fell within the meaning of “any woman,” which prevented the jury from considering Celia’s killing of Newsom as a justifiable act of self-defense. In most of the antebellum slave states, sexual assault of an enslaved woman was considered a trespass, and owners could not be accused of trespass on their own property. Celia was sentenced to death by hanging on Nov. 16, 1855. The execution date was set to allow for the birth of Celia’s third child by Newsom. Under Missouri law, a pregnant woman could not be executed until after the birth of the baby. Court records indicate she delivered a stillborn baby while in custody. While Celia was not afforded the protection of the law so she could defend herself from rape, she was considered a woman when she was carrying a valuable unborn baby to be enslaved. Celia managed to escape from jail before the November execution date, but she was captured, and she was hanged on Dec. 21. We should remember Celia to honor her as someone who was denied justice in so many ways during her short life. But we should also remember her trial as representative of the American judicial system. Contrary to the mythical narrative, laws are not neutral. They are created by certain individuals within a community to establish and maintain a particular public order. And that public order is most often designed to serve those who make the laws and those voters who put the lawmakers in power. The enslaved like Celia had no vote in 1855 Missouri, and what was considered justice was delivered to Celia at the end of a rope. Who knows what type of justice will be delivered to marginalized Americans if we allow the vote to be taken away from us? For this reason, we must struggle with all our might to protect the votes of people of color, poor people, members of the LGBTQ community and other marginalized peoples.

Democracy needs defenders everywhere

police violence. By helping more Americans view public safety from a broader perspective and President Joe Biden’s State breaking out of the idea that our of the Union address reminded only choices are more or less Americans that democracy money for cops, we can overneeds defenders—here at home come political resistance and as well as in Ukraine. move toward better models of Russian dictator Vladimir public safety. Putin’s attack on Ukraine was And that brings me to understandably a major focus Judge Ketanji Jackson Brown. of Biden’s speech. Putin’s eagerJust a few days before the ness to expand his power by unState of the Union address, leashing brute force against his President Biden nominated neighbors is a threat to peace Judge Jackson to serve on the in Europe and the world. Putin’s U.S. Supreme Court. She is a track record of killing journalbrilliant lawyer who is now ists and political opponents has serving as a federal judge. made it clear that he is an enShe will bring to the Supreme emy of democracy and demoCourt perspectives that have cratic values. never been represented among We have our own threats to the justices. She will be the first democracy to confront, includBlack woman ever to serve on ing the Capitol insurrectionists, our highest court. She will be the the political and media figures first justice to have been a pubwho portray them as heroes, lic defender and the first since and politicians who undermine Thurgood Marshall to have done our democracy. And we have criminal defense work. important domestic priorities Having Judge Jackson’s brilthat cannot be put on hold or liant mind and her life experiset aside. ence on the Supreme Court Young political leaders and community will strengthen the court and our democracy. Her confirmaactivists across the country are taking bold tion will be one more step in our steps to reimagine public safety. country’s long and continuing journey of becoming “a more President Biden reminded safety workers. That will reduce the potential perfect union.” Americans that the right to vote is under assault. “In state for situations that do not require Ben Jealous serves as presiafter state, new laws have been an armed response, which we passed not only to suppress the know can escalate into deadly dent of People For the American vote, but to subvert entire elec- violence. And it will free armed Way and professor in the Africana officers to focus their time on Studies Department at the Unitions,” he said. Oscar H. Blayton is a former The president called on Con- the kinds of crimes that do re- versity of Pennsylvania where he Marine Corps combat pilot and gress to defend democracy at quire their attention. teaches leadership. Jealous has human rights activist who prac- home by passing the Freedom to That’s how we can keep ev- decades of experience as a leader, tices law in Virginia. His earlier Vote Act and the John Lewis Vot- eryone safe, including people coalition builder, campaigner for commentaries may be found at ing Rights Act, two voting rights who are most likely to be tar- social justice and seasoned nonoblayton1.medium.com. bills blocked by Senate Repub- gets of unjustified and deadly profit executive. By Ben Jealous

licans’ filibuster. The president added a call for more transparency and accountability in our elections, saying, “And while you’re at it, pass the Disclose Act so Americans can know who is funding our elections.” But, as we know, we won’t see solutions like that on the federal level until we have a prodemocracy majority in the Senate. And that means we have much work to do between now and the November elections. President Biden also addressed policing, another issue on which Americans are demanding more transparency and accountability.. One important model for making communities safer for everyone is moving forward in Ithaca, New York. When it is fully implemented, the Ithaca model will replace the current police department with a department of public safety. The new department will be civilian-led and will include both uniformed police and unarmed community

8 March 10-16, 2022

BULLETIN

Healthy shipped meals available to older Minnesotans Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) offers frozen, shipped meals to older adults statewide through its LSS Meals to-go service. LSS Meals equips older adults to live healthier, more active and independent lives and makes eating fun and easy. They also serve individuals experiencing food insecurities or who need assistance with nutrition or nutrition requirements. The meals are designed by a licensed, registered dietitian to ensure that they are healthy and nutritious. Plus, nutritionally-modified meals are available for individuals with special dietary needs, such as those who have diabetes or require a controlled sodium, low fat or low cholesterol diet. This service also provides healthy

meal options to older adults in rural areas who may not have access to regular, nutritious meals. “We are grateful to be able to offer these healthy and delicious meals for older adults,” said Kristin Quenzer, senior director of LSS Meals. “It’s a service that’s rapidly growing in popularity to address many different needs for older adults—especially at this time during our cold winters and an ongoing pandemic that make it more difficult to visit the grocery store.” Luann is an older adult who utilizes the LSS Meals to-go service. It’s hard for her to stand for long periods of time, which then makes cooking a challenge, too. “These meals enhance my life so much. Without them,

I know I would have to resort to eating more convenience foods that are fast to prepare, but not very healthy,” Luann said. “The meals are absolutely marvelous for older adults who have difficulty shopping for groceries or cooking healthy meals.” Since the start of the pandemic, LSS Meals has experienced a dramatic increase in meals requested. In 2020, they shipped 8,082 total meals, and in 2021 they shipped 21,623 meals. Currently, 750 meals are shipped out weekly. Meals are covered for Minnesotans who use any of the following waiver programs: Alternative Care (AC), Brain Injury (BI), Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI), Developmental Disabilities (DD) and Elderly

Waiver (EW). These waiver programs provide support to individuals in their home or community rather than in an institutional setting. Meals are also available

to anyone in Minnesota who could benefit from healthy meals shipped directly to their homes. Each shipment includes 14 frozen meals and the cost is

about $9 per meal, which includes the shipping cost. To order meals, please visit lssmn.org/mealstogo or call 1-800-488-4146.

Blood needed to help those with sickle cell disease On Tuesday, March 29 the YWCA St. Paul will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross from 12 to 6 pm inside the Health & Fitness Center Selby Studio. The need for blood donations specifically from African Americans or those of African descent is critical right now for helping those with sickle cell disease. However, donations are always open to any person eligible to give.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 29, 2022 TIME: 12 pm to 6 pm WHERE: YWCA St. Paul Health & Fitness Center - Selby Studio MORE INFO: rcblood. org/3MqifuX

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577

TRACEY WILLIAMS-DILLARD

CECIL E. NEWMAN

Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

At the Old Landmark 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"

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

www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm

Children's Bible Class 7 pm

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Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 3/4/2022

Fourth Judicial District Court File Number: 27-CV-22-2428 The Honorable: Susan Robiner Fathi Sheikh,

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Plaintiff, v.

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Salah Khalil,

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(Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiffs Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw

In the Matter of Murielle Ferguson vs Connor Graham To Respondent:

these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Order for Protection has been issued in

respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and

this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator’s

there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you

office within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court administrator’s office at the following address:

received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person

Ramsey County District Court

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Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 10, 2022

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In The Matter Of

Notice of Hearing by Publication

Lourdes Sanango Tamay

(Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)

Obo Minor Child Vs

Case: Ferguson vs Graham Larazo Saul Ramirez Lara 62-DA-FA-20-65 To Respondent named above: Size: 3.4167 x 4.5 An order issued directing you to appear at the Ramsey County Ad Run:has been2/10/2022 Juvenile and Family Ad Options: -- Justice Center, 25 W 7th St, St. Paul MN 55102 on March

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Contunued from page 10

March 10-16, 2022

9

“If we can just get one of those shots to fall…,” Bolden had hoped. “It was one of those situations where whoever hit the next shot is going to be the team that has momentum that’s going to carry them through the end of the game.” A made threepointer by Connecticut “was just a backbreaker that we couldn’t overcome.” Now married and mother of two, Shannon Nelson is the women’s basketball coach at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, where she is the school’s winningest coach, won a national championship in 2014, two national runners-up finishes, an eight-time coach of the year winner, and 2014 NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year since being hired in 2010. She plans to be in town for this year’s Final Four, and the Gophers’ only Final Four run nearly 20 years ago remains as fresh as ever for her. “It is a little bit cliché, but it’s so true,” she said. “It’s relationships and camaraderie with my teammates. It was part of wanting to continue that season and continue to win…to be able to play with my teammates for another few days. We had so much fun… [It] will always bring a smile on my face when I think about it.”

rolled over UCLA and Kansas State in the first two NCAA rounds at the Barn, then smashed Boston College and top-ranked Duke in Norfolk, Va. before falling to eventual national champion Connecticut in the Final Four semifinals in New Orleans. And the MSR witnessed it all in person. “We just kind of rolled them on our home court,” said Bolden. “I still remember that Kansas State game in the second round. We couldn’t miss, we were on fire.” Perhaps Bolden’s finest moment as a lock-down defender came when she held Duke’s Alana Beard to 10 points on 4-for-14 shooting in the Elite Eight finals that earned the upstart and underdog Gophers a trip to New Orleans. “They felt like they had to win, and we were able to play looser. We also knew that in everybody else’s eyes we were the underdogs. It allowed us to play a little bit looser, more relaxed.” The UConn game, however, was a physical battle. “I remember there being a dry stretch in that second half toward the end,” bemoaned Bolden. “We were getting Charles Hallman welcomes decent looks but the ball reader responses to challman@ wasn’t falling, and it wasn’t spokesman-recorder.com. for them either.

30, 2022 at 8:15am, SEE NOTICE OF HEARING 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 the Ramsey County Court Administrator’s Office. If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner’s request may be

Whose house

ing the games “to talk about this and to gain awareness,” added Stomski Seim.

1% of all NCAA student athletes [who] are Native Americans,” continued Stomski Seim. “It’s not because of a lack of talent. It’s not because of a lack of love for competition in sport. It’s really a lack of access to those opportunities.” To hammer home her point, Stomski Seim said there are three goals she and others want to accomplish at the national event: “The first is [that]there’s an awareness of the Indigenous people,” she explained. “The second goal is awareness of this issue. The third goal is the opportunity to expose Native youth to the tournament. “We’re bringing 150 kids to each day of the games,” noted Stomski Seim. “We’re also doing a clinic at the Minneapolis American Indian Center [in South Minneapolis] and hosting a feast,” she said. Other elements include a halftime show and a video shown dur-

Final Four by the numbers 40 – 2022 will mark the 40th anniversary of NCAA women’s championships. $5 – The cost of Women’s Final Four tickets in 1982, the first year of the tournament. In Tampa Bay in 2019, tickets cost $75 to $275.

Contunued from page 10

granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution Minnesota 17,17, 24,2022 2022 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Spokesman-Recorder March March 10, 3, 10,

for violation of the Court’s Order. Court Administrator Ramsey County District Court

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SOE

Globetracking the Lynx There are still several WNBA players playing overseas in spite of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Kayla McBride and Yvonne Turner are playing in EuroLeague quarterfinals for their respective overseas clubs on Thursday, then both return to regular season action on Sunday; Rennia Davis (Elitzur Holon) also in action Thursday, Saturday and next Monday; Crystal Dangerfield (Elitzur Ramla) also in action Thursday. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

league well: “I think unfortunately …Crystalyn and Sophia Contunued from page 10 and Charyla have even bigger shoulders because they are “I saw the clock ticking the only one on their team and I was right there so I that looks different. Hopejust ripped it. It had a wired fully we’re not far from more bounce,” said the Gopher than one on each roster. “That’s what we need,” defenseman, a two time Academic all-Big Ten honor- concluded the WCHA comee, who made last season’s missioner. “This sport needs WCHA All Academic team. some serious diversifying.” She has 14 goals and 29 asCharles Hallman welcomes sists in her career. Flowers said all three sis- reader responses to challman@ tahs have represented the spokesman-recorder.com.

10 March 10-16, 2022

Sports

Native Americans underrepresented Three sistahs make hockey inroads in NCAA By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist owntown Minneapolis will be hosting this year’s Women’s Final Four, but for factual accuracy the area’s entire ancestry should be duly recognized.

“I just would like to acknowledge that the Final Four and where we stand today is the original homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who have lived here for centuries and generations,” Jessie Stomski Seim, general counsel for the Prairie Island Indian Community since 2015, told reporters and others, includ-

“It’s not because of a lack of talent. It’s really a lack of access to those opportunities.” ing the MSR, at a Feb. 22 press conference at the city’s basketball arena. “They really are the original hosts to the Final Four,” she said. Stomski Seim, a former local prep basketball player at Tartan High School, later played at Wisconsin (1998-

arch typically is hoops intensive, but there are also other sports in play such as hockey that must often labor in basketball’s shadow. “They don’t call it March Madness for no reason,” admitted WCHA Commissioner Jennifer Flowers. She told the MSR during last weekend’s Final Faceoff semifinals at Minnesota’s Ridder Arena, “The reality is the way our schedule runs…this still is the best Jessie Stomski Seim weekend for us.” Courtesy of Google As a result, we took a respite from basketball last 2002) and briefly overseas weekend and watched the before embarking on a law ca- WCHA’s four top clubs battle reer. She is an enrolled citizen for league supremacy and the of the Muscogee (Creek) Na- NCAA automatic bid. Also tion and has been a lawyer for overshadowed was that the over a decade. Now married two finalists last Sunday each and the mother of two, Stom- had a Black player: Minneski Seim oversees government sota’s Crystalyn Hengler and and commercial legal matters Ohio State’s Sophie Jaques. for the Prairie Island commu- Jaques and Wisconsin’s Chaynity, including the tribe’s Trea- la Edwards faced each other in sure Island Resort and Casino. the second semifinals contest She and other advocates last Saturday. Additionally, Hengler and are planning to use the Final Four later this month as Jaques both took part in a a platform to bring aware- ceremonial puck drop for the ness to the low number of Minnesota Unbounded local Native American scholarship youth hockey club, made up athletes. Less than 100 Na- solely of Blacks and other girls tive American/Alaska Indian- of color who played a miniidentified athletes were on intersquad game during the NCAA rosters in 2020. The first intermission of Sunday’s total Native American popu- title game. “I think that’s a big deal lation in the United States is when little girls can see you,” around three million. “That has been an issue for a the Eden Prairie-born Hengler very long time—that is barely told the MSR. Jaques, a native of Toronto, ■ See Whose house Ont. added, “I think it’s just reon page 9

ally special. I’m honored and humbled.” “I think it’s great that there’s a group of girls of color coming,” said Edwards, who’s from Cleveland. “That’s kind of what I want to work towards.” The WCHA sistahs three all made their historic mark not only this season but throughout their respective college careers. Wisconsin’s Edwards, a junior, scored her first career goal on a power play that helped UW set a program record of 35.2 power play goals in 2019-20. “It’s really an honor to be at this level,” she said proudly. “To me as a player of color…I think being visible is a really great thing because it makes all the difference.” The senior Jaques this season is one of the game’s most decorated players. As one of the NCAA’s top point producers this season, she has scored the most points by a true defenseman in nine seasons. Last week she was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and received the league’s Outstanding Student-Athlete Award as well as being named a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, hockey’s

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

Sophie Jaques

Chayla Edwards

Crystalyn Hengler All photos by Charles Hallman

outstanding player after scor- to do with my teammates. It ing the game winner in a 3-2 allowed me to succeed in the overtime victory over Minne- ways I have.” Hengler, also a senior, sota to get the NCAA autoscored her fifth goal of the season last Saturday against Minnesota Duluth, a “dribbler” that got past the goalie with 12 seconds left in the opening matic bid and WCHA title. period. “She’s awesome,” Go“I think I’ve been having a pher Coach Brad Frost told us. really good year,” Jaques said “One of the biggest aspects of humbly. “I trained hard over her game is her shot.” the summer and a lot of it has ■ See SOE on page 9

“This sport needs some serious diversifying.” highest individual honor, one of two defensemen up for the award. Last Sunday Jaques was named the Final Faceoff most

North defeats Johnson in TC

inneapolis North, ranked No. 2 in Class A boys’ basketball, got 17 points from Willie Wilson, 14 from Jacob Butler and nine from Mario Sanders, leading the City Conference champion Polars to a 59-56 Twin City victory over St. Paul City Conference champion and host Johnson Governors before energetic fan bases representing both teams. Ishmeal David led Johnson with 21 points, and backcourt mate Christian Jones added 15. North, who has won eight conference championships in a row, also got contributions from De’Meiko Anderson, Auvon Sager, Zashon Rich St. Paul Johnson senior guard Ishand Gani Stevens. Dhimani Tucker, Ka’Jon meal David led the Governors with Jordan, Rickhi Graham and 21 points in the Twin City game. Daejohn Thomas provided support for the Governors. In a show of sportsmanship, a moment of silence was held for Minneapolis North sophomore quarterback and honor roll student Deshaun Hill, who died at the hands of a gunman February 9 after school. Hill led the Polars to the state football playoffs last fall.

WCHA Commissioner Jennifer Flowers

Minneapolis North senior guard Willie Wilson led the Polars with 17 points in the Twin City game.

St. Paul Johnson guard Ka’Jon Jordan (4) tries to get past Minneapolis North guard Datrell McCrimmon (5) during the Twin City game.

Minneapolis North quarterback Deshaun Hill prepares to pass as TaeZhan Gilchrist (60) provides protection against Fridley’s Jaxson Ellestad (56) in a game during the 2021 season. All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

When the Gopher women were ‘on fire’

ny Final Four run, as impressive and somewhat magical as it can be, often finds its roots planted in the season or seasons before the campaign in question. The Minnesota Gophers women basketball team a year before its 2003-04 firstever Final Four run reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 200203. Then they checked off 15 straight victories to start the following season before senior star guard Lindsay Whalen suffered an injury, a broken right hand that many feared would be season-ending for player and team alike. But Whalen later returned, and the Gophers picked up where they left off pre-injury— on a roll. “I think we think as a team. We always believed that we were a team that could make a run like that,” recalled Shannon Bolden, then a Gopher sophomore guard/forward from Marshall, Minn. “I knew there [were] so many questions when [Whalen] went down with that injury. We were having such a good season. “I think it created opportunities for players to grow in their

Shannon Bolden Nelson

Submitted photo

roles and grow their roles,” continued Bolden, the 2002 Minnesota Ms. Basketball, two-time Player of the Year who scored over 2,000 points at Marshall High School. But at Minnesota, the young lady became a defensive stopper, assigned to guard the oppo-

“It’s relationships and camaraderie with my teammates, to be able to play with my teammates for another few days.” nent’s best player each game. “When Lindsay returned, we were just playing at an even higher level. We had Lindsay back and that gave everybody confidence.” With Whalen healthy, the Gophers’ postseason run

■ See View on page 9