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Read about Alonzo Bodden on page 6.

THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

March 24-30, 2022

Vol. 88

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

Inside this Edition...

www.spokesman-recorder.com

No. 34

Kalimba Cobb Edwards

Minneapolis Fire Department Chief Bryan Tyner

All photos by Travis Lee

South Mpls street renamed for city’s first Black fire captain By Cole Miska Contributing Writer

runs between 34th and 43rd parallel to Minnehaha and Hiawatha. Cheatham became ommunity mem- Minneapolis’ first Black firebers celebrated fighter captain in 1899. Minneapolis City Counthe renaming of a street in South cilmember Andrew Johnson Minneapolis on the represents Ward 12, which morning of March 17. The contains the full 10 blocks of former Dight Avenue, now Cheatham Ave. He was one of the new John Cheatham Ave., the local officials leading the

charge to rename the street. Johnson said community members originally brought the history of the avenue’s namesake—Charles Fremont Dight, a Minneapolis eugenicist—to his attention. “We need to consider our choices of whether individuals like [Dight] should be honored in such a clearly public way,

and he’s not deserving of that honor,” Johnson said. Dight was a Minneapolis physician who founded the Minnesota Eugenics Society in the 1920s. His lobbying efforts got the Minnesota Legislature to pass a law allowing for forced sterilization. The street was originally ■ See CHEATHAM on page 5

Clip Lipson/CBS

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SALUTE History makers of tomorrow

Northside fire captain noted for physical strength, mental toughness By Julie Gordon Contributing Writer

non-White people in town, let alone the entire county. Despite the typical challenges associated with being Growing up in tiny Wallace, Nebraska—an area known for a minority, Edwards views ranching, railroads, and “Buf- her childhood experience in a falo Bill” Cody—wasn’t for positive light. “I grew up with the faint-of-heart, especially small town values, where for Kalimba Cobb Edwards. ranchers, farmers and their It was the early ’80s, and she kids worked hard,” she said. and her brother were the only ■ See EDWARDS on page 5

CROWN Act to end race-based hair discrimination advances to U.S. Senate

By MSR News Service

“Natural hair should be worn without fear of discrimination,” Rep. Jahana Hayes asserted moments after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act, banning hair-related discrimination. The Connecticut Democrat sounded off to critics of legislation that would allow individuals freedom to express themselves by how they wear their hair. The measure passed in a vote of 235-189 along party lines. Introduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey), the acronym CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The measure outlaws discrimination based on an individual’s texture or style of hair. The bill is co-led by Reps. Ilhan Omar(D-MN-5), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Gwen Moore (D-WI-4), and Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) in the U.S. House (and Sen. Cory Booker in the U.S. Senate). “I want my two girls to grow up in a world where they know they will not be discriminated against because of their hair or the way they

authored a CROWN Act bill that passed in the House but stalled in the Senate. The bill that passed on Friday in the U.S. House and now heads to the U.S. Senate states that “Routinely, people of African descent are deprived of educational and employment opportunities” for wearing their hair in natural or protective hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots or Afros. Republicans strongly opposed the measure, and some used race-baiting words in expressing their opposition. “No to the nappy hair act,” Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Green railed. But civil rights groups applauded passage of the measure. “Passage of the CROWN Act by the House of Representatives moves our nation one step closer to federal protection for Black women, men and children from discrimination across the Photo courtesy of MGN country simply because of their natural hair or hairstyle,” stated Damon Hewitt, A similar version of the bill, president and executive director of the look,” tweeted Rep. Omar before cel- of pride, not something to hide,” ebrating the bill’s passage in the U.S. added Omar in a statement. “I am authored by Rep. Esther Agbaje ( Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights proud to have worked on this bill DFL-59B), passed on Feb. 28, 2022, Under Law. House. “I am thrilled to see the passage with Rep. Watson Coleman and my with bipartisan support in the Min“We urge the Senate to quickly take of this very important legislation. colleagues to end race-based hair nesota House of Representatives. In up this important legislation, which 2020, Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-65A) It’s time that natural hair is a point discrimination.” ■ See CROWN on page 5

Racist double standards common practice worldwide—including in U.S. News Analysis By Mary Turck Contributing Writer From the beginning, U.S. immigration policy has been steeped in racism. In 1751, Benjamin Franklin wrote: “Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion?” Franklin’s words, written even before the United States became a country, signaled

the racism that would underlie U.S. immigration policy. A 1790 law required that any immigrants seeking to become citizens must be “free white persons.” In varying forms, racial and gender restrictions on naturalization continued until 1952. Other racist immigration policies included the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882; discriminatory national origins quotas favoring northern Europe (1924-1965); and “Operation Wetback” in 1954, removing people of Mexican ancestry

regardless of whether they were U.S. citizens. Read from the vantage point of the 21st century, Franklin’s words also show the fallacy of race as a category. The Germans he wanted to exclude were first discriminated against and then elevated to the privileged construct of Whiteness. The same hap-

pened with other immigrant groups: Irish, Italians, even Eastern Europeans. Racist immigration policies and practices made news again in recent weeks, as more than three million Ukrainian refugees fled the deadly Russian invasion of their country. Neighboring European countries opened their borders

and hearts and homes to the nese refugee trying to enter Ukrainians fleeing war. Poland on the day that Russia At the same time, those attacked Ukraine. Albagir was countries continued to bar ■ See IMMIGRATION on page 5 refugees from Africa and Asia. The New York Times describes the plight of Albagir, a Suda-

2 March 24-30, 2022

Metro

DEED names new deputy commissioner for workforce development Following an extensive search, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) last week has announced Marc Majors as its new deputy commissioner of workforce development. Majors was selected to fill the position vacated by Hamse Warfa’s departure for a role with the BidenHarris administration. Majors officially began his position last week. “This leadership role at DEED is critical to helping Minnesota make big strides toward expanding economic opportunities for all Minnesotans,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “Marc’s wide-ranging expertise and experience are huge assets in helping DEED lead the way to a more inclusive economy.” Before being named deputy commissioner, Majors was DEED’s director of em-

ployment and training programs—the group at DEED that runs grantmaking for workforce development. Additionally, he held responsibility for the agency’s Workforce Innovative and Opportunity Act-Title I programs, Trade Adjustment Assistance programs, Statefunded Workforce Development Grants, and a new public-private initiative with Xcel Energy. Majors has been a key leader in advocating for and securing over $130M in net new workforce dollars for Minnesota’s workforce development system through federal and state sources. He also collaborated closely with former Deputy Commissioner Warfa to reimagine DEED’s workforce grantmaking process— streamlining the application flow and accelerating the amount of time it takes to get money to grantees by

Economic and Workforce Development. He also spent seven years in New York City government managing workforce development programs at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, the largest public health care system in the country. As Majors begins his new role, he’ll kick off a statewide tour to engage business and workforce leaders across Minnesota on how DEED can better fulfill its mission: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone. “I’m thrilled to be stepping into the deputy comMarc Majors Photo courtesy of DEED missioner role at DEED at this important moment for over six months on average. ers have led to $18M more the workforce,” said MaHe also helped pioneer in workforce grants going to jors. “I can’t wait to engage a new community review equity-centered nonprofits. with community leaders, process that has engaged Before joining DEED, businesses, and nonprofits over 75 outside reviewers Majors was a workforce across the state as we conof DEED grant applications. development manager with tinue to make innovative adThese innovations and oth- the San Francisco Office of vancements to our system

that help both job-seekers and businesses thrive.” Majors was born in Minneapolis, and his first job was working during the summer as a shop-hand with Glanton Construction, an African American-owned business in Minneapolis. Majors earned his Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School, a Master of Public Administration from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Francisco. In 2021, Majors was named by Twin Cities Business Magazine as one of the notable BIPOC executives of the year. DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. —Information provided by DEED.

Sending out resumes? MN officials suggest weatherization jobs Wind and solar often get attention for job growth in clean energy, and in Minnesota, those who specialize in home weatherization say demand for this type of work shouldn’t be overlooked. The new federal infrastructure law includes $3.5 billion for weatherization programs, which help low-income households with projects such as furnace repairs and insulation. The influx of money means crews can help more individuals reduce their energy cost burden and make their homes healthier. Briana Baker, weatherization auditor for the Minnesota Valley Action Council in Mankato, said to meet community needs, agencies will have to intensify hiring efforts. “A lot of our staff, especially our really experienced

staff, are aging and will be thinking about retirement soon,” Baker pointed out. “So, even before there’s been this sort of change in the job market, we’ve already been knowing that this is something that’s going to be a challenge for us.” A new report from a state working group cited workforce development as the biggest obstacle in scaling up weatherization programs. A legislative proposal calls for more training resources to create a robust pipeline of workers. The state Commerce Department noted these are often full-time jobs with competitive wages, while adding the projects spur local economic activity among electricians and plumbers. Baker noted any certification needs should not deter people from

considering a job in weatherization. “There’s a variety of jobs,” Baker explained. “You don’t have to be a tradesperson. You don’t have to know a lot about how to use tools or how buildings are put together.” She stressed a number of agencies already emphasize training to ease into these careers. Other duties include inspections and billing management. The industry also touted the mission of helping marginalized families overcome quality-of-life issues. Carmen Carruthers, outreach director for the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, said program stability is crucial amid a storm of volatility in energy prices and the emergence of working from home. “During these pandemic years, people are at home

Courtesy of Pexels more,” Carruthers observed. “When you’re at home more, you have to use more energy and people are more apt to notice if their home isn’t comfortable.” Meanwhile, the state said

there is still plenty of aid avail- tance/weatherization. able for energy assistance and weatherization. The applicaMike Moen is a writer for tion deadline for the current Minnesota News Connection. cycle is May 31, 2022. Go apply, go to mn.gov/commerce/ Source: Minnesota News consumers/consumer-assis- Connection

March 24-30, 2022

Health & Wellness

Many health organizations have committed to end disparate care We must hold them accountable for following through

By David Hamlar MD, DDS Guest Contributor After George Floyd’s murder and the subsequent civil unrest, both exacerbated by the pandemic, many health organizations committed to changing from business as usual and addressing the neglect of appropriate health care rendered to Communities of Color. What I have discovered is that, though well-intentioned, our communities need to ensure that those good intentions become reality. This past week I attended a medical conference held by the Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) that is intended to help with the professional development of medical school educators, which includes doctors. It is sponsored by an organization that is responsible for the regulation and management of U.S. medical schools called the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The bottom line of such a meeting is to improve racial health disparities that exist in this country at all levels. Those levels include the delivery of health care to our Black and Brown patients. It includes the facilitation of clinics and hospitals in our Communities of Color that are accessible. It aspires to have CEOs, managers, and of course doctors, nurses, allied medical personnel, and the host of others who look like their community, to provide the passionate, empathetic, responsible and reliable care we all deserve. The conference was energized by the multitude of diverse speakers who were there to present their wellthought-out ideas and research in the areas of providing health care to our communities. It ranges from

the establishment of science, technology, engineering and math programs at the early education levels to providing pathways to students of color to undergraduate colleges and universities and subsequently to medical schools. Of course, we discussed ways to pay for school through scholarships, loans, obligatory repayment systems such as the Public Health Service and the military. But most importantly, we discussed the systemic racism that obstructs Black and Brown students from seeking and realizing such a dream. The conference identified many obstacles, too many to address in this article, but then applied thought, and yes, resources to help address the proverbial elephant in the room, systemic racism. If you remember, the bottom line of this entire process is to improve the disparate health care that we see throughout the country, including here in the Twin Cities. Many of our healthcare systems are starting to address this head-on. I hope to share how each is doing so and will start with M Health Fairview which is the combination of the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Fairview Health, and the University of Minnesota Physicians. To this end they have devised the HOPE Commission. The acronym HOPE is representing Healing, Opportunity, People and Equity. It is a multiyear transformational change effort to drive more equitable outcomes and inclusive environments and experiences for patients, employees, and communities. Initiated in the summer of 2020, the HOPE Commission uses an anti-racist approach. Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes. The Commission leaders are Taj Mustapha, MD, an assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics; Diane Tran, senior director of community engagement at M Health Fairview; and Christopher Warlick, MD, PHD, associate professor and chair of the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Department of Urology. They recognize that healthcare institutions have an obligation to provide excellent and equitable health care to our pa-

Courtesy of Facebook tients and communities. Yet, similar to other public institutions like law enforcement, we know our systems sometimes fail to meet this obligation effectively. It has been proven in study after study that the experience of racism has very real health effects, and it affects the quality of health care you receive. Whether it is an assumption about a person’s medical condition or bias in the way people are treated in clinics, institutional inequity in the way we view our employees and our patients can lead to poorer health outcomes for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized groups. Ultimately, the success of the Commission will depend on the active involvement of all 34,000 M Health Fairview employees—nurses, housekeeping staff, doctors, food service workers, care coordinators, administrators, and others—in advancing an equitable culture, practices and outcomes. This is just one example of our health organizations responding to longstanding disparate care. Remember, the aim of all of this is to improve access and the quality of medical care in our communities. The least we can do is to hold them accountable.

ogy, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota. He specializes in craniofacial skull base surgery. He attended Howard University College of Dentistry (DDS) and Ohio State

University (MD), and came to Minnesota for his fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Besides medicine, he is a retired Minnesota National Guardsman achieving the rank

of major general. His passion today is empowering students of color to achieve their dreams of entering the medical professions as well as other STEMoriented careers.

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David Hamlar MD, DDS is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngol-

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4 March 24-30, 2022

TurnSignl Black Business SPOTLIGHT “TurnSignl is a Minnesotabased tech company that provides real-time legal guidance from an attorney to drivers, all while their camera records the interaction,” according to the company’s website. The popular enterprise was established by three businessmen: Jazz Hampton (co-founder), Andre Creighton (co-founder and CFO) and Mychal Frelix (co-founder and chief growth officer). “We’re an app to bridge

ing with Philando [Castile] and George Floyd,” he said. He further explained, “After George Floyd occurred, we started saying, ‘What are we going to do? How are we going to build something to stop this from ever happening again? And that’s what led us to ultimately leave our corporate jobs and start TurnSignl,” Hampton said. He added, “If the awareness is there and there’s not

Business TurnSignl app helps keep drivers safe lege in St. Paul, earning an undergrad degree in computer science. He graduated in 2012. After graduating, Hampton decided to further his education and graduated from law school in 2015. He also managed to teach a course as adjunct faculty at Mitchell Hamline University, located in St. Paul, MN. Hampton shared a bit about his business partners: “Dre [Andre] and Mych [Mychal]

Submitted photos the gap,” Hampton said. The business was established during a tumultuous time in Minneapolis. Hampton recalled, “We started in November 2020” after the entrepreneurs departed from their jobs. He added, “We officially launched the app in May 2021.” What inspired them to start the business? “It was those stories of tragedy that struck in our community start-

a solution yet, who’s going to build it? So, we took it upon ourselves to do that.” The innovative TurnSignl app serves as a response to injustice and tragic events that have transpired in our community. Hampton emphasized, “If we can’t legislate, then we have to innovate, and that’s what we did.” Hampton said that he was born and raised here in Richfield, Minnesota. He attended St. Thomas Col-

are two other Black men here, born and raised in the Twin Cities.” He added, “They actually grew up in the neighborhood and playing sports with the [Philando] Castile family, so of course, that tragedy struck home for their community directly.” The app is built to be accessible. “TurnSignl is an app that anyone can have on their phone, whether you have an Android, a Google or Apple

Mychal Frelix

Andre Creighton

Jazz Hampton

phone,” Hampton said. He described the process for using the app. “You download the app and with the push of a button or voice activation you instantly start recording the interaction either when you’re pulled over or when you’re in an accident,” Hampton said. He continued, “When you press that button it instantly starts recording with the front-facing camera on the phone and then calls an attorney to be present with you.” This app is aimed towards keeping individuals safe and helping them handle situations. Customers should know that an attorney will be present during the call, available 24/7 365 days per year. “If you ever need to use it, you’ll know someone will be here for you,” said Hampton. Individuals can expect to pay $6.99 per month or $60 a

year for the TurnSignl app. It’s free for customers who are unable to afford the app. “We don’t want anyone’s financial situation preventing them from feeling safe while driving,” he said. Fortunately, business is expanding. “We’re partnering with organizations to provide it to communities. For instance, the Vikings wrote a check. Blue Cross Blue Shield is paying for TurnSignl for you if you live in the City of Brooklyn Center,” Hampton explained, adding, “There’s other companies like iHeartRadio who said we’re going to provide this to all of our employees as a benefit.” “We are actively working to speak to any and all schools that will allow us to come in. If I just walk through that explanation and everyone hears that,” Hampton believes they’ll be interested in the app. Important to note: “We

form that relationship with law enforcement in a way that the driver doesn’t have to. So, we went and talked to over 20 police officers in the state of Minnesota from several chiefs of police to boots-on-the-ground police officers,” said Hampton. Hampton advised budding entrepreneurs, “Get an education that can be the bedrock to whatever you build. It’s really easy to try to put the cart before the horse and just say I want to build it right now.” He added, “But if you don’t have education around how to build it, it makes it a lot more difficult. Not impossible, but more difficult. And just pursue it relentlessly.” For more information visit www.turnsignl.com or call (612) 812-0085. Ashley Lauren welcomes reader responses to alauren@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Fund invests millions of corporate dollars in Black businesses, banks The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced on Monday that its Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF) has committed nearly half its capital, having closed on $122 million in investments for Blackowned banks and businesses throughout the country. The $250 million fund includes investments from Netflix, Paypal, Square, HubSpot, Aflac, Costco, Dicks Sporting Goods, ThermoFisher Scientific, Wayfair, McKinsey & Company, and Dupont. It aligns with LISC’s larger Project 10X strategy to break down systemic racial barriers, including $1 billion in investments that support small businesses, community nonprofits, mission-driven lenders, anchor institutions, and innovative urban and rural initiatives. “Over the last two years, there has been a lot of public debate about how best to support the advancement of racial equity,” said George Ashton, president of LISC Fund Management, which is the fund manager of the BEDF. “This fund is a powerful model for social investing that helps corporations leverage

their treasury dollars to fuel revenue and employment growth for Black-owned businesses, so they can deepen their impact on the communities in which they operate,” continued Ashton. The BEDF is designed to respond to unique financing challenges facing Black enterprises, which have historically had more limited access to capital than White-owned businesses. To date, the fund has provided financing for real estate developers, high-impact community development projects, and mission-driven lenders in 15 cities. In Cleveland, the BEDF made a nearly $1.7 million loan to help complete the

conversion of two Victorianstyle homes and a carriage house into 19 studio and one-bedroom apartments. The buildings are located near the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western University, offering much-needed quality housing for students and professionals at below-market rates. The project is led by Brian Hall, CEO of JIT Services and senior vice president and executive director of equity and inclusion at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, who has owned the properties since 1986. In Chicago, the BEDF made a $2.5 million mezzanine loan to help preserve and improve a 141-unit af-

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Lakes. Led by Hannibal Square Community Land Trust, the project offers new affordable pathways to homeownership, creating opportunities for residents to build equity and generational wealth. Among the Black banks supported in recent months, the BEDF made a $3 million deposit in Unity National Bank in Houston, the only Black-owned bank in Texas. Courtesy of pexels It made a $5 million deposit in Carver Federal Savings fordable housing develop- Bank in New York, a commument in the city’s Roseland nity development financial neighborhood, a majorityBlack community where property values have risen in recent years and threaten to displace long-time residents. The effort is driven by a Black-owned development firm, The Confluent Group, led by CEO David Gross, and co-sponsored by former NBA player Luol Deng, who is active in local philanthropy after spending most of his career with the Chicago Bulls. In Orlando, the BEDF made a $5.75 million construction loan to enable the development of for-sale affordable housing in the historically Black community of West

by going to spokesman-recorder.com or call 612-827-4021.

institution (CDFI) focused on providing access to capital to historically underserved communities with emphasis on Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs). The BEDF expects to close on the remainder of its investments by year-end. For more on the fund or its local investments, visit www.liscstrategicinvestments.org/blackeconomic-development-fund. Source: Local Initiatives Support Corporation

March 24-30, 2022

Cheatham Continued from page 1

named after Dight in honor of his work to improve food safety when he was a Minneapolis city council member in the 1910s, but activists have pushed to have the name changed in light of Dight’s full legacy—including his praise for Adolph Hitler in the 1930s. “It’s a good day because [Dight’s] name is going down, but an even better day because of the name going up: John Cheatham,” Johnson said. Cheatham was born into slavery in Missouri in 1855 and freed after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. He was appointed as a captain in the fire department in 1899, the first Black person in Minneapolis to reach that rank. There was an attempt from some community members to have Cheatham and two other Black firefighters replaced with White firefighters, but Cheatham had a distinguished record and retained his job. The ceremony saw attendance from several City officials, including Mayor Jacob Frey, Councilmembers John-

son and Andrea Jenkins of attended, as did Judge LaJune Ward 8, and some of the staff Lange and descendants of Cheatham. from Public Works. “This was a pioneer for Black Minneapolis Fire Chief Bry-

his efforts and without him really taking the brunt of a lot of the racism that he took on, we never would have ever

apolis, shared the chief’s sentiments. “It’s important because it’s an acknowledgment that we contributed to the safety

“It’s finally good to see something that we are proud of and something that means a lot to the city.” an Tyner and the Minneapolis African American Professional Firefighters Association also

Edwards Continued from page 1

“I wouldn’t change it for the world.” At one point during high school, Edwards was holding down five part-time jobs, including working at her mother’s daycare business, while also excelling as a year-round athlete. The road to firefighting After graduation, Edwards headed straight to college in Minnesota, where she had spent summers as a teenager staying with her biological father. “I wanted to be an actress and was interested in writing, so I thought I would get my degree in theater and English,” she recalled. After one year, Edwards realized school wasn’t the best fit, so she

Crown Continued from page 1

said. “It’s just nice to be recognized as that.” Chief Tyner helped Corey Webster, who is the great, great, great-nephew of Cheatham, pull down the old street sign. “It’s so important to be recognized,” Webster said. “For a family that has been in Minnesota since about the 1850s, and all the strife and trials and tribulations that we’ve been through, it’s finally good to see something that we are proud of and something that means a lot to the city.” Chief Tyner affirmed his commitment to continue providing opportunities for Black firefighters. “It is our duty to lift up those who are coming behind us, to create an environment that is better than the environment that Captain Cheatham worked under, that is better than the environment that we work under today,” Tyner said. “And [it’s our duty] to provide opportunities to people coming up behind us, to have the opportunities that I have had. Before Captain Cheatham, there were no Black captains. Now, as the mayor said, we have a Black chief.”

and wellness of our commufirefighters and the Fire Ser- been able to be here.” Cole Miksa welcomes Captain Leonard Crawford, nity since the inception of the reader responses to cmiska@ vices, especially here in Minneapolis,” Tyner said. “Without a Black firefighter in Minne- fire department,” Crawford spokesman-recorder.com.

landed a job at a local daycare. It was there she met with a stroke of luck when the grandmother of one of the students—who also happened to be a recruiter for the Minneapolis Fire Department—asked her to consider firefighting. What started out as a couple of informational meetings quickly turned into months of physical, psychological and written tests. “I was 20 years old in rookie school and remember how excited I was to get my first $900 check,” Edwards said. Moving through the ranks of junior firefighter, firefighter and driver, Edwards finally reached captain status, recently taking the helm at Station 16 on the North Side. In addition to her daily duties as captain and parenting her two boys, Edwards commits to daily yoga sessions and station workouts to

amount of anxiety was terrible, but I made it through.” Filming for four straight weeks, Edwards competed in both individual and team events, ranging On TV’s ‘Tough as Nails’ When casting calls went out for from building mountain-top snow Season 3 of “Tough as Nails” last fences to resealing a massive parksummer, Edwards threw her hat in ing lot. “Being the only firefighter the ring. Known for her strength was challenging, since most of the and mental toughness, she flew activities were geared towards through the burpee test (a calis- tradespeople,” she said. “When we

and that Black people are accorded dignity and respect in choosing to embrace a natural hairstyle.”

White Supremacy. “This explicit pro- (D-Ohio) said Black women and girls tection against racial discrimination face discrimination because of their based on hairstyles is long overdue,” natural hair each day at their workplaces and schools. “So today, I proudly voted yes on the CROWN Act to finally end racebased hair discrimination once and for all,” Beatty insisted. “It’s simple— discrimination against Black hair is discrimination based on race. I look forward to swift passage of this he remarked. In a statement, Congressional critical legislation in the Senate and Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty standing with President Biden as he

maintain her strength and mental wellness. She added, “Those are my two self-care activities I do.”

would ensure that Black students are not prohibited from attending or participating in school events because of their natural hair, that Black employHewitt said restrictions on Black ees are not subject to pretextual firing or negative employment actions hairstyles and textures in workplaces because of their hair texture or style, and school campuses are relics of

prize money. She added, “My main goal was to stay true to who I am. I just felt grateful for the opportunity.”

Back to the community Now that Edwards has returned to the station, her focus is continuing to care for the city she loves. Recognizing the challenges facing Minneapolis, she is concentrating her efforts on keeping the community safe while building opportunities for younger kids. “I feel their helplessness, hopelessness, and sometimes anger, but also know the power of somethenics exercise)—100 burpees in would get tired, most of my team- one believing in them,” Edwards just eight minutes—as well as sev- mates were able to rely on muscle said. “I’m here for a purpose, so eral virtual interviews, including memory and ultimately perform whatever I need to do, I’m here to one with co-creator and host of the better.” keep doing it.” [Spoiler Alert] While Edwards show Phil Keoghan. “I didn’t realize that Phil was Phil, didn’t win the overall individual Julie Gordon welcomes reader you know, the host of ‘Amazing competition, her team placed first responses to jgordon@spokesmanRace,’” Edwards exclaimed. “The in the series, receiving $20,000 in recorder.com.

“My main goal was to stay true to who I am.”

“This explicit protection against racial discrimination based on hairstyles is long overdue.”

Immigration

European country now which is afraid of the current wave of refugees.” Such racism toward refugees is not limited Continued from page 1 to Europe. The U.S. immigration system does not welcome refugees and asylum seekers, especially those from Africa, Asia, Latin Amerirobbed, beaten, and forced back across the border into a freezing winter forest by Polish ca and the Caribbean. The Trump administration instituted a Title border guards. Refugees from the war in Ukraine were not 42 “public health” ban on asylum seekers. This exempt from this racism. African and Indian ban uses a pretext of COVID danger to bar all medical students studying in Ukraine report being turned away at the border or barred from boarding trains to even get to the border. Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov made the racism explicit, telling journalists: “These are not the refugees we are used to… These people [Ukrainians] are Europeans. “These people are intelligent, they are educated people,” Petkov continued. “This is not the refugee wave we have been used to, people asylum seekers from applying for protection we were not sure about their identity, people at the border. The Biden administration has with unclear pasts, who could have been even continued the ban over the protests of public terrorists. In other words, there is not a single health experts and many others.

signs it into law.” Rep. Beatty then delivered a message to Black youth: “To every young Black girl and boy, I say to you, your hair—from your kinks to your curls, from your fros to your fades, from your locs to your braids—is a crown. “Be proud of your hair and know the Congressional Black Caucus is fighting for you.” This story was provided in part by NNPA News Wire‘s Stacey Brown.

report documented arrest and torture of Cameroonians after the United States deported them in 2020. Despite granting Temporary Protected Status to Ukrainians inside the United States as of March 1, the United States refuses even that limited status to Cameroonians. Last summer’s horrifying images of Border Patrol officers on horseback chasing Haitian refugees looked dramatically racist and got headlines as such. Few headlines note the continuing expulsions that have flown more than 20,000 Haitians back to the country the U.S. Department of State describes as having “serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources.” Ukrainian refugees need and deserve the world’s sympathy, support and shelter. So do the rest of the world’s refugees—regardless Anglophone separatists and the government of race. forces and violence from armed Boko Haram Mary Turck welcomes reader responses to groups in the north. A February 2022 Human Rights Watch maryturck@gmail.com.

Title 42 does not apply equally to all who arrive at the southern U.S. border. Most Ukrainian, and Russian asylum seekers—White European asylum seekers—are allowed entry. Most of their asylum applications are subsequently granted. That is not true for African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean asylum seekers. Two examples illustrate the difference. In recent years, tens of thousands of Cameroonians fled both ongoing conflicts between

The U.S. immigration system does not welcome refugees and asylum seekers, especially those from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

6 March 24-30, 2022

Arts & Culture

Comedian Alonzo Bodden sees himself as a modern court jester By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer Comedian Alonzo Bodden will headline four shows at St. Paul’s Laugh Camp Comedy Club March 25 and 26. Bodden was the seasonthree winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing’’ after finishing runner-up in 2004. The Queens, New York native told the MSR, “I call that my introduction to America. I would say winning ‘Last Comic Standing’ was big because America voted on me. That was a great moment for me.” However, Bodden’s career in the comedy business evolved after high school. He first became an airplane mechanic and once worked for two of the country’s largest airplane manufacturers. Then he became an instructor and quickly found that his teaching approach was a hit with his airplane mechanics students. “I just had more fun making them laugh,” Bodden recalled. When he got laid off, “I took this comedy writing class and had a five-minute set,” he continued, “and I never looked back. I just absolutely loved it. It was training airplane mechanics that led to a comedy career.”

“I always joke that I’m not a Black guy on NPR. I’m the only Black guy on NPR.” Alonzo Bodden Bodden’s career took off to new heights, no pun intended. He once appeared on “Just For Laughs,” the world’s largest international comedy festival held each July in Montreal, Canada. “I was invited to do [a show] on new faces in comedy and just had a great set,” he recalled. “There [were] managers, agents, producers, comedy club bookers—they were all there. So that was definitely my first big break.” Bodden has traveled the world over to perform his stand-up. He also made cable appearances on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” and “Comedy Central Presents” and worked the comedy club circuit from coast to coast. Bodden also appeared

on such late-night shows as “The Tonight Show” and did guest shots on such television shows as “Dr. Ken” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” He has two comedy specials—“Historically Incorrect” (Showtime) and “Heavy Lightweight” on Amazon Prime Video. He’s credited with recording five comedy CDs and appeared in six movies, including “Scary Movie 4” (2006) and “Why We Ride” (2013). “I still don’t know if I’m successful,” he claimed. “I just do it because I love it.” No topic is off limits for Bodden as he uses his comedy bully pulpit for social commentary. Comedians are this century’s court jesters, he stressed. “The jester [in medieval times] was the only guy who could speak

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truth to power. He could make fun of the king. It has to be funny… I still think that’s the comic’s job.” This is why he regularly goes after U.S. presidents. Former President Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, wasn’t spared in the least in Bodden’s routines. But current President Joe Biden is someone he hasn’t yet got a handle on, he admitted. “The biggest material with Joe Biden is that we don’t hear from Joe Biden,” Bodden said. “It’s refreshing to not hear from a president every five minutes because he’s actually working. “The funny thing was when Barack Obama was president,” he noted, “he was so popular. I used to tell people all the time

as much as California loves him, that’s how much Alabama hates him. “Unfortunately, that was the backlash” that led to former president Donald Trump’s election in 2016: “I was disappointed with Trump winning, but that showed who America is,” Bodden noted. Over the past year, Bodden has been on MSNBC’s “Ayman Mohyeldin Reports” and “The Week with Joshua Johnson” providing commentary on a range of topics from politics and pop culture to sports and entertainment. “Laughter makes the news palatable,” he stated. “That’s how they can handle it coming from a comedian.” The comedian also is a regular on NPR’s weekly news quiz show “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me.” “I always joke that I’m not a Black guy on NPR. I’m the only Black guy on NPR,” Bodden joked. “The thing I like about it [is] that it relates to my material and it’s always topical. It’s always talking about what’s going on in the news right now. I love doing NPR.” He also has a podcast, “Who’s Paying Attention.” “It’s got a steady listenership,” Bodden said. “But it’s not a break-

out podcast like, for instance, ‘Two Dope Queens.’ Their podcast caught fire, made them stars, and their podcasts became an HBO special. If I knew how to do that, I’d be doing it.” On coming to the Twin Cities, Bodden said he looks forward to it, hoping that the Minnesota reputation for cold weather will not be confirmed during his visit. He’s looking for people to come out and laugh. “Laughter still crosses many lines and demographics,” he pointed out. “I’ll be there doing [it] in the Twin Cities.” After his St. Paul appearance this weekend, Bodden heads to scheduled gigs in Phoenix, New Jersey and the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut in April. Bodden’s next world to conquer is what he called a “dream gig.” “I would love to host some kind of news comedy show. That’s something I’d love to do, so we’re still working on that. That may come one day. “I’m satisfied in the sense that I make a living telling jokes,” he said. “So, at the end of the day, you can’t complain too much about that.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Smollett’s stiff sentence shows White suffering still paramount Editor’s Note: Jussie Smollett was released from jail on March 16, 2022, pending the appeal of his conviction. By Jon Jeter Contributing Writer No sooner had a Chicago judge last week sentenced the disgraced actor Jussie Smollett to five months in jail than Black social media began to buzz with accusations of a racist double standard. “I am not here to debate you on his innocence,” actress Taraji P. Henson tweeted in support of her friend and former castmate on the popular television series “Empire.” “But we can agree that the punishment does not fit the crime. “Emmett Till was brutally beat and ultimately murdered because of a lie, and none of the people involved with his demise spent one day in jail, even after Carolyn Bryant admitted that her claims were false.” Others on social media relied on more recent examples, including former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter, who was convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting an unarmed motorist, Daunte Wright, during a 2021 traffic stop. A Hennepin County judge last month deviated drastically from state guidelines in sentencing Potter to 16 months in prison and another eight on supervised release for a total of 24 months. This is six months less than Smollett’s sentence, despite the fact that no one was injured—let alone killed—as a result of Smollett’s insistence that he was the victim of a hate crime in 2019. He was convicted last year of five counts of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony, the lowest grade of felony available under Illinois law. But perhaps just as stunning as

the stiff sentence meted out to Smollett was Cook County Judge James Linn’s dressing down of the actor during last week’s sentencing hearing. “You wanted to make yourself more famous,” Linn said. “And for a while, it worked. The lights were on you. You were actually throwing a national pity party for yourself.” Compare Linn’s stinging rebuke of Smollett to Hennepin County Judge Regina Chu’s sympathetic portrayal of Potter, who is White, during her sentencing hearing last month. “Officer Kimberly Potter was trying to do the right thing. Of all the jobs in public service, police officers have the most difficult one. They must make snap decisions under tense, evolving and ever-changing circumstances. They risk their lives every single day in public service. Officer Potter made a mistake that ended tragically,” Chu said, pausing as she held back tears. Continuing, she said, “She never intended to hurt anyone. Her conduct cries out for a sentence significantly below the guidelines.” Denise Young, an African American woman who is a Chicago native, wrote on Facebook that Smollett’s sentencing reflected the failure of Whites, generally speaking, to acknowledge Blacks’ humanity while White suffering is paramount. “So I just watched the sentencing of Jussie Smollett. The judge infantilized him, calling him arrogant, narcissistic, and an embarrassment. Juxtapose that with the sentencing of Brock Turner,” she wrote of the White Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault on a semi-conscious woman near a frat house dumpster in 2016. “The judge, in that case, cited his potential, noting that jail would only ruin his life,” wrote Young. “They received similar sentences. Brock, the

crime, my office made the decision not to further pursue a criminal conviction. This story should have ended there, as thousands upon thousands of non-prosecuted cases do every day. “Instead, taxpayers have since spent millions of dollars for the criminal prosecution of a hoax. Last year alone there were over 800 murders in Chicago. My administration has vacated over 177 wrongful convictions, 87 of those in the last 3 years. “Rather than working collaboratively to stem rising But perhaps the most crime or free the wrongly damning indictment came convicted, a small group of from Cook County’s African people hijacked the judicial American State’s Attorney system to enact what is best Kim Foxx, who wrote in the described as mob justice. Chicago Sun-Times that Smol- In Smollett’s case, the mob lett’s prosecution was politi- was relentless, organized cally– and racially –motivated: and effective.” “Given the reputational price Jon Jeter welcomes reader Smollett paid, the $10,000 bond we held, and the fact that he’d responses to jjeter@spokesmannever been accused of a violent recorder.com.

“Taxpayers have spent millions of dollars for the criminal prosecution of a hoax.”

White-boy rapist actually only served 90 days, half of his sixmonth sentence.” Continuing, Young wrote: “[T]he only thing that judge did not have was Smollett’s genitals as a trophy. The similar punishments of Smollett and White-boy Rapist is secondary to how their humanity was handled. That was the fundamental point of my post.” In a statement to the media, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Senior echoed Young’s sentiments, writing: “The sentence imposed by Cook County Judge James Linn on Thursday, March 10, 2022, sentencing Jussie Smollett to 150 days in Cook County jail for orchestrating a hate crime and lying to the police, 30 months’ probation, and to pay the city of Chicago restitution of $120,000 and a $25,000 fine was excessive and unwarranted. “Judge Linn’s 45-minute explanation of the sentence indicated judicial bias and character assassination of Smollett. The judge made a number of inappropriate suppositions as to his perceptions of why Jussie may have committed the alleged hate crime against himself. For example, he said, ‘You were actually throwing a national pity party for yourself.’” Anecdotal evidence suggests that most Blacks believe

that Smollett did orchestrate the attack as a publicity stunt, but note that such crimes seldom merit jail time, either nationwide or in Illinois. Indeed, federal judges have complained that prosecutors have pursued lenient charges and no jail time for the vast majority of defendants accused of attacking the U.S. Capitol on January 6 of last year.

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March 24-30, 2022

Black women, civil rights groups rally for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation By Stacy Brown Several women-led groups held a rally in front of the Supreme Court on Monday to bolster support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson ahead of her Senate confirmation hearings. Black women-led organizations including the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, She Will Rise, Black Women’s Roundtable and others have continued their rallies in support of D.C. Circuit Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Senate Judiciary Committee considers her confirmation. “This is a moment that is historic but also filled with so much possibility for all of us,” Fatima Goss Graces, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, proclaimed at a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court and a short distance from the Capitol Hill location where the confirmation hearings are held. With a sizable crowd chanting and urging Senators to “confirm [Judge Jackson] today,” Graces and others spoke of Judge Jackson’s vast credentials and the potential she’d make as the first African American woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Inside the hearings, Sena-

tor Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) spelled out some of the Republican opposition to Judge Jackson. Serving his seventh term in the Senate, the 88-year-old alluded to the rallies, noting how protesters stood outside the confirmation hearings of Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh. He also claimed that Judge Jackson had blocked Republicans from obtaining internal U.S. Sentencing Commission documents. Judge Jackson once sat prominently on the commission. “As for her district court record, there have been some accusations that we cherry-picked some of Judge Jackson’s criminal cases,” Grassley said. “Well, don’t worry. We’re going to talk about other cases as well.” Supporters have pointed to Judge Jackson’s strong career on the bench, and her ability to write concise opinions. “After carefully vetting Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s record, it is clear that she has the extraordinary qualifications, experience, and character to serve the nation on the Supreme Court,” said Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Judge Jackson is a highly skilled and meticulous jurist who will bring a welcome per-

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ences as those that make up the country, said Melanie Campbell, the National Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable. If confirmed as expected, it will be the first time a Justice will more closely understand what it’s like to be entangled in a criminal justice system that has unfairly treated BIPOC communities, Campbell noted. “The need for a fair judicial process is pertinent,” she stated. “The Senate must focus on Judge Jackson’s qualifications, including her decades of experience as a federal judge and public defender, ethical track record, and faithfulness to the law to ensure that the reputation of the Court is not

diminished during this pro- tion of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women) cess,” Campbell concluded. • We Testify • End Rape On Campus Here’s a list of organiza• NAACP tions rallying in support of • Black Women’s Health Judge Jackson: • African American Minis- Imperative • Black Girl Magic Network ters in Action • Ms. Foundation for Wom• Black Women’s Rounden table • National Education Asso• National Women’s Law ciation Center • National Partnership for • She Will Rise • Leadership Conference Women & Families • Center for Popular Deon Civil and Human Rights • National Council of Negro mocracy Action • ERA Coalition Women • National Organization for • Higher Heights • The National Coalition of Women 100 Black Women Inc., Metropolitan Washington, DC Stacy Brown is the NNPA Chapter Newswire Senior National cor• National Black Organiza- respondent.

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8 March 24-30, 2022

Opinion

City-commissioned analysis of civil unrest falls short

Biased toward police, report all but ignores community impacts By Michelle Gross

How could a war spark global salvation? By provoking a ban on nuclear weapons By Robert C. Koehler Peace, in the deepest sense— in the midst of war—requires a clarity and courage well beyond the boundaries of linear understanding. The warning lights flash. World War III has entered the red zone. Can we stare into hell and refuse to see…an enemy? This is the deep, haunting need that is now required, as we clutch tomorrow, hold it tight, vow to protect it with our lives. But it’s far too easy, instead, to surrender to a certainty that the other guy—Russia, with the smirking face of Vladimir Putin—is 100% wrong, acting solely out of greed and delusional grandeur. This is something we would never do (and have never done). And it goes without saying we are blameless in all this. On with the show! “Twenty-four-hour cable news coverage of the ugly war in Ukraine is keeping Americans hyped up and dumbed down,” writes Gerry Condon of Vet-

Baghdad was described by one network TV anchor as a ‘beautiful thing to see.’” We also fail to notice three decades of Western minimization of Russian concerns—of Russian existence. “The decision to spurn the possibility of peaceful coexistence with Russia at the end of the Cold War is one of the most egregious crimes of the late 20th century,” writes Chris Hedges. Instead, he notes, we spiraled into “a furious frenzy of the Russia-hating that has been central to U.S. culture ever since World War II.” This is not about blame, but it is about accountability—in all directions. Peace! It’s an ongoing, collective process, a crucial force needed especially in the midst of conflict. It’s about bridging gaps, listening to everyone, creating the future. A conflict isn’t simply “solved,” but understood and transcended. In this context, meet Yurii Sheliazhenko, executive secretary of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, a board member of the European Bureau of Con-

“The United States must be ready to make compromises and support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.” erans for Peace. “The very real horror of war is on the screen for all to see. The bombed-out buildings, the mounting civilian casualties and the frightened refugees speak their own truth.” None of this horror should be minimized, bandaged over, for the sake of “peace,” as cynics assume. But, as Condon notes, “We rarely see the victims, the grieving families and the terrified refugees when the invader is the U.S. The ‘shock and awe’ U.S. terror bombing campaign on

scientious Objection, and a member of the board of directors at World BEYOND War. Speaking from Kyiv with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez of Democracy Now!, Sheliazhenko—in an incredible interview—tells the world that there is no military solution to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. More than that, he describes how peace as a force is confronting the invasion: “Brave Ukrainian civilians are... blocking streets and block-

ing tanks, just staying in their way without weapons…to stop the war. In Berdyansk city and Kulykіvka village, people organized peace rallies and convinced the Russian military to get out.” Despite what we may learn from media coverage, there are ways to confront war, to confront hell, without participating in it. Sheliazhenko does not speak abstractly. What is necessary right now is not the cancellation of Russia but a unification of the world. “War profiteers of the West are the same threat to democracy as the authoritarian rulers of the East,” he said. “Instead of breaking the last bonds of humanity out of rage, we need more than ever to preserve and strengthen venues of communication and cooperation between all people on Earth, and each individual effort of that sort has a value.” Every last soul on this planet is a participant in the peace process! This is a message emerging from Ukraine. What’s needed in this moment, of course, is a negotiated ceasefire, a Russian pullout. To that end, here’s part of the text of a letter Code Pink has written to President Biden and Congress, one you can sign onto at the Code Pink website if you wish: “There is no military solution to the conflict over Ukraine, a country caught in the crossfire between the U.S. and Russia, the world’s two most heavily armed nuclear nations. While the U.S. and the world are rightfully denouncing Putin’s invasion of a sovereign country, the shelling of civilians, the destruction of homes and hospitals, and threats of nuclear attacks, the major role the U.S. has played in exacerbating the conflict that led up to Russia’s invasion must also be acknowledged and addressed. “By breaking promises not to expand NATO into Eastern Europe, by placing offensive missiles in Romania and Poland that could reach Russia in minutes, by arming Ukrainian forces, by continuing to ‘modernize’ the U.S. nuclear arsenal and by withdrawing from key nonproliferation treaties, the U.S. exacerbated the conflict that led up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We know that Russia must withdraw its troops and commit to respecting the sovereignty of Ukraine, but the United States must be ready to make compromises and support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.” The letter concludes with a list of commitments the U.S. needs to make to help a negotiated ceasefire happen. Here’s what I would add, in solidarity with Yurii Sheliazhenko: Sign—and honor— the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons! It’s time to step into the future, fellow residents of Planet Earth.

The Minneapolis City Council received a report recently on police operations during the uprising after the murder of George Floyd. The council had commissioned this report from security organization Hillard Heintze (now known as Jensen Hughes). In its advertising, Hillard Heintze bills itself as “one of the leading security risk management firms in the world, serving Fortune-ranked enterprises, professional sports leagues and law enforcement agencies as well as many of the world’s most affluent families.” The City paid $229,490.55 for the 86-page report. Despite their claims of providing a thorough analysis of the uprising, the Hillard Heintze report is written from the perspective of how police can organize to more effectively suppress dissent in the future. The bias toward police could not be more obvious: • The report is littered with references to “violent protesters” but fails to acknowledge violent policing and its impact on the community, including the police violence that led to the murder of Mr. Floyd and the shooting and beating of Jaleel Stallings. • There are only scant references to the injuries suffered by

protesters. The New England Journal of Medicine report on these injuries was only included in the report at the insistence of one of our board members, who attended the two public hearings held by Hillard Heintze. • There is not a single mention of the violations of civil rights and injuries experienced by members of the media. • There is no mention of the role of White Supremacists,

board member, had participated in the protests following the murder of George Floyd. This pattern repeated itself at the Friday event, though there was one Person of Color at that event and two people who had participated in protests. The report’s biased framing led to recommendations that will, if followed, take the City in the wrong direction. However, this result comes as no surprise

A true and unbiased after-action report is still badly needed. who used the uprising to attack businesses owned by People of Color in an attempt to start a “race war.” • There is an extensive emphasis on officer well-being, including a rather bizarre discussion of officer feelings of loneliness while “on the front lines.” Part of the reason so little was mentioned in the report about impacts to the community is that there was little effort to hear from the community. Hillard Heintze held two “listening sessions”—one mid-day on a Thursday and one in the early evening on a Friday. These were poorly advertised and only through city channels, thus were poorly attended. Not a single Person of Color attended the Thursday event and only one attendee, our

to anyone who has analyzed Hillard Heintze’s after-action reports in other cities. It would appear that the City specifically chose this vendor, even over less expensive bids, to assure a whitewash of police violence in an attempt to escape liability for harms to the community and grievously injured individuals. A true and unbiased after-action report is still badly needed as a guide for effective reforms, not just in this instance but in all police critical incidents, including the killings of Terrance Franklin, Jamar Clark, Justine Damond Ruszczyk, Thurman Blevins, Travis Jordan, Dolal Idd and many others. Michelle Gross is president of Communities United Against Police Brutality.

Black Americans’ stake in defending democracy is greater than ever By Ben Jealous Anti-democratic authoritarianism is on the rise, both around the world and here at home. Sometimes it is easier to recognize it overseas. That’s especially true at moments like this when Vladimir Putin’s military is killing civilians in Ukraine to feed his ambitions for greater power and is crushing any effort at dissent or truth-telling in his native Russia. Americans don’t often recognize authoritarianism at home because they don’t want to. They believe the U.S. is so exceptional that the checks and balances built into our system will protect our democratic values. That smug assurance was shaken by the Capitol Insurrection and the all-out effort by former President Trump to stay in power after the voters sent him packing. Black Americans have never had a problem seeing the threat. After all, we were formally denied our place in democratic government for most of the country’s first century. And in some parts of the country, we were violently locked out of real access to democracy—and to opportunity—for most of its second century as well. Now, almost halfway through the U.S.’s third century, we see access to voting being rolled back. We see mechanisms being put in place for the party in power to steal elections if they don’t like the outcome. And we see corrupt Census figures and abusive gerrymandering being used to Nuclear weapons are not a “deterrent.” They’re either an accident waiting to happen or a geo-psychopath’s last resort. And the time to tuck them into history and move toward real peace is N-O-W. We can turn the invasion into the spark for global salvation. Noting that the European

deny Black people the level of access to political power that we deserve. We’ve seen this all before. Specifically, Black newspapers have seen it all before. In 1942, the federal government was rallying Americans to support the cause of democracy in World War II, which the U.S. formally entered at the end of 1941. One Black man called out the glaring contrast being our country’s stated ideals and the reality of life for Black people who faced prejudice and discrimination even in the military. James Thompson wrote a letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, which was the largest-circulation Black newspaper at the time. The paper titled the letter, “Should I Sacrifice to Live Half American?”

the same degree of democracy for Black Americans that white Americans have long enjoyed, but to establish a precedent for a worldwide principle of free association among men of all races, creeds, and colors. That’s the black man’s stake.” That is still our stake. It is still our fight. It’s no surprise to us that the same far-right media figures excusing Vladimir Putin’s brutality have also excused or actively promoted Donald Trump’s Big Lie about the election—and used that Big Lie to justify new assaults on Black Americans’ access to democracy. Back in 1942, James Thompson wrote that he was “willing to die for the America I know will someday become a reality.” That is the kind of remarkable faith that motivated and

Americans don’t often recognize authoritarianism at home because they don’t want to. “Would it be demanding too much to demand full citizenship rights in exchange for the sacrificing of my life?” he wrote. “Is the kind of America I know worth defending?” The Courier turned Thompson’s letter into a public campaign that other Black papers embraced. They adopted the allies’ “V for Victory” slogan with a call for a double victory over the enemies of democracy at home and abroad. The Double V Campaign urged Black Americans to fight “not merely for the salvation of America, not merely to secure Union is considering opening its doors to Ukraine, Sheliazhenko expressed joy at the possibility of such a uniting, but added that a “consolidation of the West should not be a consolidation against a so-called enemy, against the East. East and West should find peaceful reconciliation and should pur-

sustained the Civil Rights Movement after the war. It is the same kind of faith and determination we must find to defend American democracy and our place in it. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and professor of the Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches leadership. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. sue global governance, unity of all people in the world without armies and borders.” Robert Koehler (koehlercw@ gmail.com), syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor. He is the author of Courage Grows Strong at the Wound.

March 24-30, 2022

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They’ll ask for the customer’s banking username, password or a one-time passcode. Alternatively, they’ll sometimes ask the customer to send money to themselves or a third party to “stop” the fraud or to get their money back. Once the scammer has gained access to a person’s account or convinced them to send money, they usually stop contact and the victim’s money is gone. How to stop them: Unfortunately, scammers target consumers from many banks and they are very good at dis-

guising themselves by “spoofing” or making their phone number appear legitimate. Consumers should never share their banking password, one-time passcode, ATM pin or send money to someone who says that doing so will prevent fraud on their account. Bank employees won’t call, text or email consumers asking for this information, but crooks will. If you receive a call like this, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, the back of your credit or debit card or bank website to verify the authenticity of the request. Imposter scams What they look like: Someone will call or email you claiming to be from an organization you trust, like the Internal Revenue Service. They may threaten you by saying that if you don’t pay taxes or fees owed, they’ll bring a lawsuit against you. How to stop them: If you think there’s truly a possibility that you owe money, don’t pay it to someone who initiates a call or email to you. Instead, hang up and call the organization in question directly. Grandparent scams What they look like: You’ll get an email from a grandchild (or other relative) saying that they’re in trouble and need money fast. How to stop them: Call your relative directly. If you can’t reach them, contact another relative who knows them and may know their whereabouts and circumstances. Whatever you do, don’t send money, purchase gift cards, or share any of your personal information, including your banking user-

name and password. Scammers use threats and try to create a sense of urgency to trick you. Always trust your gut and end communication when something seems off. What should you do to stop scam artists? There are steps you can take to protect yourself. DO: • Educate yourself on the most common scams. Fraudsters will use anything to their advantage — claiming to be from the IRS, pretending to offer tech support, baiting you with prizes or cash winnings — the sky’s the limit! • Monitor credit score for free with Chase Credit Journey — you don’t even need to be a Chase customer to sign up! It will notify you if your data is compromised. Plus, you’ll receive critical alerts that help protect your credit and identity. • Review your accounts closely if you believe you may have fallen for a scam. With Chase, you can also set up account alerts so you can be notified of transactions on your account. DON’T: • Click on suspicious links on emails or texts unless you’re sure it’s from a credible source. Only access your accounts through the bank’s mobile app or their website. • Share personal information. Neither Chase nor any other bank will ever ask for your username, password, ATM pin, etc. when reaching out to you. Banks may ask for this information only when you call to discuss your account. • Transfer money to someone claiming to be from your bank. Banks will never ask to

Answers to Simon Burris Black History Crossword Notable Women of African Descent: Past & Present Day on page 10

R O S A

U P O N

S E R E N A

I N A R O W

T H A L N G E L X I M O N I D T H O V E L A R D

send money via wire, check or other method to “stop or prevent fraud.” • Pay someone using gift cards, especially when they claim to need them to remove a virus from your computer, stop fraud on your account or to buy plane tickets to come visit you. What more can you do to protect yourself from fraud and scams? One of the most effective things you can do to prevent fraud is to regularly monitor your bank and credit card accounts so that you can be on the lookout for signs of unusual activity. Your bank’s mobile app can give you easy access to self-service tools that let you track your finances 24/7. If you spot something suspicious, immediately report any concerning activity to your bank. Many banks, including Chase, also let you set up account alerts to help you detect unusual transactions to your bank or credit card by sending automatic notifications. If you’re not sure if your bank or financial institution already offers these tools or services, be sure to ask. If you believe that you may have been a victim of fraud or scams, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. It can happen to anyone. What’s most important is to take immediate action. To learn more about common scams and how to stop scammers in their tracks visit: www.chase.com/securitytips. You can also learn tips to identify and avoid financial abuse by visiting: www.chase. com/financialabuse.

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1. *Civil right activist Parks 2. *Maya Angelou’s poetic word 3. Zingy taste 4. Hockey league: abbr. 5. A paddle 6. Sis’s sib 7. *Activist Daisy Bates’ state of birth; briefly 8. *Cab Calloway’s moocher 9. Trembling trees 11. Hyde Park Armory: abbr. 16. Bible book after Genesis : abbr. 17. Civil Rights Memorial designer Maya ___ 18. Wise bird? 20. Watch word? 21. *Tennis star Williams 22. Lined up (3 wds.) 23. Univ. near Harvard 24. Amazon big snake 28. Month, in Spain 29. *”At Last” singer James 30. “I stand at the ___ and knock: (Rev. 3:20) 31. *”Selma” film director DuVernay namesakes 33. The other woman 34. A Testament 37. *Gymnast Gabby Douglas’ home state: abbr. 38. *Reformer ___ Truth’s initials

This Symphony in 60 concert features three beloved classical pieces in about an hour, including Robert Schumann’s romantic Fourth Symphony. We can’t wait to share it with you!

16.10. Bible book after Genesis : abbr. October birthstone 11. * Kamala ___; U.S. Vice President

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20.15. Watch *Davis orword? Bassett 18. Bill denomination

21.19. *Tennis A number instar RomeWilliams 20. Esau or Jacob: (Genesis 25)

22. 21. Lined upgymnast (3 wds.) *Olympic superstar (2 wds.) 25. Oklahoma city

23. 26. Univ. near Monogram for Harvard Oberlin College

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

Jaques is among the top three finalists for the 2022 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award that goes to the nation’s best women’s hockey player. The winner will be announced March 26. It is believed that Jaques is the first Black player to make the final cut. An MSR article earlier this month featured the senior from Toronto, Ontario.

19 21

of mentality, you’ll be successful,” concluded El-Amin. Contunued from page 12 “I think that any young coach that follows that recipe—havoverseas. It is these experi- ing a sense of urgency, reences that he uses in coach- specting the game, putting in the work and all that goes ing young men today. “I try to tell my team that into it—will be successful.” you never know from year to year what type of season March Madness tidbits This year’s NCAA womyou’re going to have,” ElAmin stressed. “So, you got en’s tournament features 12 to live in the moment and Black female coaches, douyou have to play each game bling the number from last year’s tourney. as if it is your last game. Ohio State’s Sophie “I think if you have that type

on page 9 37. Answers *Gymnast Gabby Douglas' home state: abbr.

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minnesotaorchestra.org | 612-371-5656 |

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PHOTOS Caroline Yang; Afkham: Gisela Schenker. All artists, programs, dates and prices subject to change. Anyone entering Orchestra Hall will be required to show proof upon arrival of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test. More information at minnesotaorchestra.org/safety.

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“That’s a tough question, Charles,” said Fenton on his Contunued from page 12 near-decade leading the conference. “You know…it Case: Jackson V Elie 27-CV-22-2625 improve this3.4167 country’s Size: x 10 ra- really has been a passion cial relations,3/17/22 including the and a love and more for Ad Run: - 3/31/22 Ad Options: -typically all-White sport of nine-plus years. I was prethockey, Fenton helped form ty heavily involved in that an NCHC diversity task force, process [of founding and which later extended out to launching the NCHC]. It just include other conferences really has been a part of my life, a big part of my life, and around the country. “We are not doing enough,” part of our families’ lives. “So anytime there’s somedeclared Fenton. “We need to do more. But you’ve asked thing that significant in your questions that have helped life, obviously it’s going to us think about things a little leave an impression on your bit differently,” he pointed life, and this one left a pretty out. “I just want you to know memorable and positive impression that I’ll never forget.” that I appreciate that.” Finally, we asked the outCharles Hallman welcomes going NCHC commish one more tough question: What reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com. were his parting thoughts?

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Forced

Contunued from page 12

March 24-30, 2022

are being led astray by the malignant presence of forced arbitration,” said Rep. Jeffries. Rep. Johnson added, “Arbitration is a business that was set up by businesses for businesses, and it is an alternative dispute resolution process. Nothing wrong with arbitration, but what we’re talking about here is forced arbitration. It’s wrong.” When the MSR asked Coach Flores if he thought the NFL will indeed use forced arbitration as a stall tactic in his case, he responded, “We’re prepared to go the distance here. I don’t know what the stall tactics will be, but we’re ready to go.” He added that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, if he is for change as he often declares in public, should allow his case to go to court and be decided by a judge and jury. Flores said his case isn’t for himself but for those to follow. “I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can use my platform to bring awareness to the issue of race discrimination in the National Football League,” he said. “I don’t want my kids to watch football and think that they just have to be a player, that they can’t be a head coach, that they can’t be an executive, that they can’t be an owner.”

is no judge or jury and no right to appeal. Flores admitted he just learned about forced arbitration after filing his class action suit in January shortly after he was fired by Miami. It’s bigger than pro football—it “really crosses all industries,” he said. “There’s literally a system in place that uses forced arbitration, which essentially allows for discrimination to continue.” The pro football coach, the national lawyers’ group, and others supported the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act that Congress last week passed 222209. It would ban forced arbitration in all forms. A similar bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019 but got stalled by the thenRepublican-led Senate. U.S. Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries and Hank Johnson, who were also on last week’s media call, both are hoping that the FAIR Act will get through the Senate, controlled this time around by Democrats, and reach President Joe Biden’s desk for signature. Biden earlier this month signed a bill into law that prohibits mandatory arbitration in sexual harassment claims. “The American people Charles Hallman welare being hoodwinked… comes reader responses to are being bamboozled, challman@spokesman-re and the American people corder.com.

12 March 24-30, 2022

Sports

Black coaches in the State Girls’ Basketball Tournament ROSEVILLE

HOPKINS

COMO PARK

Flores resists NFL’s forced arbitration threat By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

his week’s Prep Scene features three Black female coaches—Tara Starks (Hopkins), Yolonda Englund (St. Paul Como Park), and Tanysha Scott (Roseville)— and a key player from each of their teams—Liv McGill (Hopkins), Ronnie Porter (St. Paul Como Park), and Kendall Barnes (Roseville)—during the 2022 State High School Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

rian Flores’ suit against the NFL for its racist employment practices is still active, but the league might try a legal trick to avoid going to court.

Tanysha Scott, in her second year as head girls’ basketball coach at Roseville, led her unranked team to a fourth-place finish in the 2022 Class 4A State Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

Tara Starks, in her second season as head girls’ basketball coach at Hopkins, led the nationally ranked Royals to the 2022 Class 4A State Girls’ Basketball Championship with a 26-1 record.

“forced arbitration.” Fair Arbitration Now points out that most Americans don’t know they are bound by forced arbitration because it is buried in the fine print of employment, cell phone, credit card and other contracts. Individuals

Yolonda England, in her second season as head girls’ basketball coach at St. Paul Como Park, led the Cougars to a thirdplace finish in the 2022 Class 3A State Girls’ Basketball Tournament with a 24-7 record.

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

Roseville sophomore guard Ken- Sophomore guard Liv McGill Senior guard Ronnie Porter dall Barnes scores two of her 15 led the way with 25 points scores two of her 20 points points in the Class 4A quarter- in a 72-56 Hopkins victory in leading St. Paul Como final game against Shakopee in over St. Michael-Albertville Park to a 91-69 victory over the State Girls’ Basketball Tour- in the 2022 Class 4A State Mankato East in the Class nament at Williams Arena in Girls’ Basketball Champion- 3A third-place game in the Minneapolis on Wednesday, ship game at Williams Are- State girls’ Basketball TourMarch 16. Roseville won 39-32 na in Minneapolis Saturday, nament at Gangelhoff Cenand finished fourth overall in the March 19. ter in St. Paul on Saturday, tournament. March 19, 2022. Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Departing NCHC commish looks back over a productive decade top reason why watching hockey in person at this time of year can be especially exciting: If a team has a hot goaltender, it can take that team far into March and into April. Last weekend we watched Minnesota Duluth goalie Ryan Fanti stand on his head, stopping 55 shots in two nights as UMD captured its third NCHC Frozen Faceoff title in school history (2017, 2019) in consecutive shutout wins over Denver (2-0) and Western Michigan (3-0) in St. Paul. “That was a special game and special performance from a pretty darn good goaltender,” noted NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton. “It was exciting to be there in person to watch.” The NCHC bills itself as the nation’s premier college hockey conference, and for good reason—in eight short years, the eight-team league

Sunday, the NCHC saw five clubs make this year’s NCAA 16-team field, tops for any league. And Fenton has been there from the start. He actually is the league’s second Commish, but when he took over in July 2013, there hadn’t been any games played. Therefore, under his watch, along with the aforementioned feats, he helped create the

“I appreciated people like you asking me questions about diversity, equity, inclusion, because I don’t think that gets asked enough in our sport.”

Josh Fenton

Frozen Faceoff, whose winner usually gets an NCAA bid; the league’s digital network, NCHC.tv; a 3-on-3 overtime format; and he moved the has had 12 teams play in the league’s crowning event to NCAA Frozen Four. Five out of downtown St. Paul. Also, along the way, Feneight years an NCHC team was the nation’s number-one club. ton graciously and candidly In five straight NCAAs, the answered questions from the league had a national finalist Black Press, despite the fact that more often than not the and four national champions.

MSR’s was the only Black reporter in the place and didn’t regularly cover any of the eight NCHC teams. He announced earlier this year that he will be leaving the NCHC after nine years for the Horizon League commissioner’s job in April after this year’s NCAAs. Fenton gave us an “exit” interview after last Saturday’s UMD-WMU title game. “I just appreciated people

MSR file photo like you,” admitted Fenton about an hour before midnight, “and you, in particular, covering our conference, asking me questions about diversity, equity, inclusion, because I don’t think that gets asked enough in our sport.” Long before George Floyd’s death and the sudden pledges from nearly everyone to

■ See SOE on page 11

During a March 14 media call held by the American Association for Justice, the former Miami Dolphins head coach and now Pittsburgh assistant coach told reporters, including the MSR, that the Dolphins “have actively sought to force my case…into arbitration. My case will be litigated behind closed doors confidentially, without transparency, essentially done in secrecy,” he pointed out. This legal move the NFL team is considering is called

Courtesy of Twitter as a result are forced to give up their right to go to court

“The American people are being hoodwinked, bamboozled and led astray by the malignant presence of forced arbitration.” if wronged by a company. It helps the business evade accountability because there

■ See Forced on page 11

El-Amin’s 1999 Final Four run still fresh

very basketball player’s dream at this time of year is to be the last to put away their season uniform, to be that last team standing, which typically means they’re a champion. Minneapolis native Khalid El-Amin thrice experienced this when he starred at North High School in the mid-1990s when the Polars won three straight high school basketball championships. His game-winning shot against St. Thomas Academy in the 1996 semifinals made ESPN’s top plays of the night. “I think all the basketball that I played getting up to that point,” recalled El-Amin, “gave me that confidence. Minnesota raised me for that, being around all the big-time players growing up, especially at North High.” Then the 1997 Minnesota Mr. Basketball winner took his game out east to Connecticut, where he was Big East Rookie of the Year his freshman year, then as a sophomore led the Huskies to the 1999 NCAA championship. The 5’10” point guard and coach on the floor scored his team’s final four points in the 77-74 win. After making an official re-

Khalid El-Amin playing for UConn Courtesy of Twitter

Khalid El-Amin coaching for St. Thomas Academy Photo by Charles Hallman

cruiting visit, El-Amin remembers thinking to himself that he could be the necessary piece that UConn was missing to make a successful March run. He did just that in the last Final Four of the 20th Century. “They were just missing a

Goodwill Games, and later was both the 2006 regular season and playoffs MVP for the Ukrainian club he signed with in 2005 that won the 2006 Ukrainian championship. The guard a few years later would help his Croatian team win a title as well. El-Amin retired from basketball in 2017 with two Ukrainian titles, the 2008 Turkish Cup and 2012 A-1 Liga championship, along with three MVP awards and several all-league team honors. Catching up with him after a game in February at St. Thomas Academy, where ElAmin just completed his first season there as head boys’ coach and led the Cadets to the section semifinals, the 1999 Final Four run remains as fresh for him as ever. He always has been a winner at every level of hoops he has been involved in, whether here locally, out east, a brief stint in the NBA and a longer one

“You got to live in the moment and you have to play each game as if it is your last game.” player like me,” said El-Amin. “That gave me more confidence to go there, to win a championship because that was the only reason why I went there. “I wanted to definitely win that championship,” he continued. “I was that missing piece.” Although that would be El-Amin’s only Final Four trip in his illustrious Connecticut career, it was not his last championship. He won a gold medal for the U.S. in the 1998

■ See View on page 10