MN Spokesman-Recorder - April 4, 2024

April 4, 1968

By Al Brown

Motel in Memphis, TN, Dr. King became a martyr of hope and light for his many followers. Like India’s Mahatma Gandhi years before him, King settled on a nonviolent platform, appealing to the nature of the oppressor, calculating that love would eventually wear down the consciousness of the oppressive and racist state that was America. Many said on that day that

America would never be the same, especially Black America. However, Dr. King always dreamed it would become a much better place for equal rights and social justice. And today, some will argue that where things are progressively better, work still needs to be done.

With this writing, we embrace the anniversary of this infamous day as an additional

opportunity to discuss the man’s impactful legacy of life, as well as the indescribable loss and void left by his death.

Below, you’ll read responses from some notable Twin Cities’ civil rights, education, and social justice advocates who reflect on this painful event. We asked three questions: Where were you when you heard the news of Dr. King’s assassination? How

■ See MLK on page 5

Walter “Q Bear” Banks is an inductee of the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame

irector Sofia Drai

“If we mothers don’t stand up and stop this from happening, other mothers will be in our situation.”

By Stacy M. Brown

ouis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor whose career spanned over five decades and who became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” has died. Gossett, born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, N.Y., was 87.

Recognized early on for his resilience and nearly unmatched determination, Gossett arrived in Los Angeles in 1967 after a stint on Broadway. He sometimes spoke of being

■ SeeMAMA! on page 5

pulled over by law enforcement en route to Beverly Hills, once being handcuffed to a tree, which he remembered as a jarring introduction to the racial tensions of Hollywood. In his memoir “An Actor and a Gentleman,” Gossett recounted the ordeal, noting the challenges faced by Black artists in the industry. Despite the hurdles, Gossett’s talent shone brightly, earning him acclaim in groundbreaking productions such as “A Raisin in the Sun” alongside Sidney Poitier. His Emmy-winning portrayal of Fiddler in “Roots” By Abdi Mohamed Associate Editor

“There are so many great DJs and other talented people I’ve been blessed to know.”

through the airwaves. Banks has established himself as a versatile and enduring presence in the local broadcast scene. Upon receiving the welldeserved recognition, he said, “It’s an amazing feeling to be recognized for my work. To have spent more than four decades in a role that I cherish, serving the community I hold dear to my heart, is truly remarkable.” Banks said his passion for broadcasting and genuine connection with his audience was evident in every word he spoke and every note he played. “This con-

years, from hosting lively talk shows to delivering informative newscasts and sharing the soulful melodies of R&B, reggae, and hip hop. His presence could be felt throughout the day, filling morning, midday, and afternoon slots with his engaging style.

For night owls and late-night listeners, Banks was there too, offering companionship

nection, being able to relate to the listening audience, made it so enjoyable,” he explained.

This induction celebrates Banks’ remarkable career and pays tribute to his lasting impact on the airwaves and the lives of those who tuned in daily, year after year. Although still going strong, his legacy will inspire future generations

Del Shea Perry is consoled during the Mothers March in a scene from “MAMA!” directed by Sofia Drai.

Amity Dimock holds her son’s ashes in an urn in a scene from “MAMA!” Photos courtesy of Sofia Drai

Walter “Q Bear” Banks

Photo by Chris Juhn

Actor Lou Gossett Jr.

Photo courtesy IMDb

Dinner dialogue on George Floyd Square draws passionate debate

By Al Brown Assignment Editor

An evening of dialogue and dinner centered on future plans for George Floyd Square drew mixed opinions from community members. Held at Sabathani Community Center, the City of Minneapolis organized the event in hopes of mapping a community-centered vision for the area, including the Peoples Way site, street improvements, and memorials.

Many at the March 28 gathering questioned the timeline for development at the 38th and Chicago intersection. Others expressed frustration that just two months shy of the fourth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the City of Minneapolis still hasn’t enacted a plan for the area.

Mother Atum Azzahir of the Cultural Wellness Center was a more than capable host.

She had respectful but pointed conversations with several people for passionately speaking out of line or trying to talk over others. The Cultural Wellness Center and architectural design firm 4RM+ULA are part of the city’s new engagement team, which helps facilitate culturally based solutions to community challenges.

actment in 2025. Materials placed on tables showed the City’s plans to improve business area lighting at GFS. Also in attendance as an engaged listener was Councilmember Andrea Jenkins.

Alexander Kado, senior project manager with the City of Minneapolis, stated that the City would like to see

“…the City would like to see George Floyd memorialized; however, what that memorial looks like is not in the City’s control.”

This was a preliminary gathering to shape the agenda for several more meetings this year and formulate a comprehensive plan for GFS’s en-

George Floyd memorialized; however, what that memorial looks like is not in the City’s control. “The City, however, is committed to protecting and

residents and business owners at the Square contended that, in their perception, too many outsiders have been weighing in on the area’s devel

Did library security use excessive force against Black teen?

By H. Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer

A fight inside the Minneapolis Central Library in late February culminated in what library advocates believe to be excessive force used against a Black teenager.

According to an incident report obtained from a data practices request, just before closing time on February 29, about five to eight youths threw punches and chased a youth around the computers on the first floor of the Minneapolis Central Library. A library staffer called security as the youths approached the Nicollet Mall entrance.

Security guards and advocates tell two different tales as the youth involved got to the Nicollet Mall entrance. One

report by a Hennepin County security guard says they were assaulted by youth as they tried to arrest one of them, while another security guard performed crowd control. According to the Library Patrons Union, a 16-year-old passerby videotaped security guards pinning, shoving, grabbing and “yanking his [the Black teen] feet out from under him so he falls face forward to the ground.”

The Library Patrons Union, which calls the incident a use of excessive force by security guards, did not share the video to protect the privacy of the minors involved in the fight. A data practices request with Hennepin County for video footage from its two surveillance cameras mounted to oversee the Nicollet Mall

Obituary

Conrad Jones

entrance remains pending at press time.

The incident comes amid accusations that library se-

brary Patrons Union, the youth said they see security guards “bothering or kicking out unhoused people who weren’t

Library Patrons Union advocates, the MSR, and freelance journalist Tony Webster have tried to obtain trespass re-

curity is disproportionately removing Black, brown and unhoused people from county libraries. According to the Li-

even bothering anyone. They never try to understand or deescalate the situation. They kick the person/people out.”

cords from the library. Though the County previously denied these requests because they consider trespass records to

be security data, which is private per state law, Webster is suing Hennepin County in state court for access to those records.

In January, a judge compelled the County to provide data to Webster. During an inspection, Webster found some data missing. As a result, the case will go to a four-day trial starting April 8.

The County did not respond to requests for comment. However, spokespersons previously told the MSR that the County expects its security guards to “create, promote, and maintain work environments in which all are respected, valued, and welcomed.”

H. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader responses to hpan@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Sunrise: Jan 13, 1930 — Sunset: March 24, 2024

Conrad Jones passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 94 on March 24, 2024. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 13, 1930. Conrad graduated from Des Moines North High School where he excelled in football and track. He was a member of the famous Flying Four track team that set many records. After a year at the University of Iowa, Conrad entered the army. His talent in track and football was displayed in the army and upon his return at the University of North Dakota. There he earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. He worked at many jobs before working at Unity Settlement House in North Minneapolis. From there he was hired as the director of the Pilot City Employment Office in the late 1960s. He then moved on to be a consultant for Student Activities at the University of Minnesota until retirement in 1999.

In 1972 he earned his master’s degree at the University of Hartford. As an active member of his profession, he served as a president of the Minnesota Association for Counseling and Development. Following retirement, Conrad worked part-time at Glen Lake Golf Club, where he also volunteered with the youth golf leagues, and at Hyland Hills ski area, where he drove shuttle buses until 2023.

Conrad inherited a love for golf from his father and co-founded the JWJ Travelers Golf Club. His desire was to encourage African American golfers to explore many courses both near and in other states. Many of the younger golfers respectfully called him Pops.

Over the many years of their life together, Conrad and his wife, Stella, traveled to many places, with their favorite being Cape Cod. Conrad also volunteered at church and loved spending time with his grandkids. Much of his time was spent watching old westerns and listening to either R&B or country music.

Conrad was preceded in death by his son, Jason, his parents and three brothers. He is survived by wife Stella; daughter Heidi Jones and her son Monte Maldonado; daughter Natasha and her husband Andrew Lemmie and their children Khaleeq, Ishmael and Zaharah Lemmie; as well as many other family and friends. Service at Incarnation Catholic Church,

Husband gives wife the gift of life

By Travis Lee Contributing Writer

After getting married in a courthouse in August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Phil and Cherida Terrill did it one more time in grand fashion. A total picture-book wedding ceremony and reception took place in July 2022.

However, within a few weeks, she got a visit from her father, David Youmans, who had taken matters into his own hands by making a public plea on Facebook. “My daughter desperately needs your help,” read the dramatic post. “Her kidney is failing, and we are looking for a donor. Here’s my contact information. Call me!”

But soon after, joy turned into heartbreak when Cherida suffered a miscarriage from a failing kidney. She was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and learned her kidney was operating at only 30% of its capacity.

Shortly after the wedding ceremony, Cherida was advised by her doctor to begin dialysis and to start thinking about the possibility of a kidney transplant soon. Cherida revealed she was “embarrassed” by the news and decided to keep it to herself, attend dialysis, keep a low profile, and not involve anyone besides immediate family.

Why be embarrassed about a medical ailment? “I was embarrassed and frustrated because, on the outside, my

ing care from the University of Minnesota, but eventually, she was transferred to the University of Wisconsin’s kidney transplant program, where she discovered a surprising kidney donor match: her husband Phil.

Ironically, Cherida recalled that in her wedding vows, she mentioned the possibility of being a kidney donor. Statistically, the odds of a spouse being a perfect kidney match is one in 100,000, according to an Erie County Medical Center report.

“I was a little nervous,” said Phil, “but I felt it shouldn’t have been anybody else but me.”

months, but Cherida and Phil were eventually referred to the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis. Coincidentally, the first kidney transplant performed in the Midwest was performed at Hennepin County Hospital by Dr. Claude Hitchcock in 1963. “The coordinators at HCMC were amazing. The process leading to the actual transplant was comprehensive and thorough. My husband accompanied me to all of my appointments,” Cherida said with a smile. The first week in March, the couple’s families came together at the hospital for the

“I was a little nervous, but I felt it shouldn’t have been anybody else but me.”

life-saving procedure. After about five hours of prayer and nervous waiting, the Chief of Transplant Surgery, Dr. Mark Hill, entered the waiting room and said the five words everyone was waiting for: “The procedure was a success!” Everyone in the room erupted with loud sighs, deep breaths, hugs, and tears of gratitude.

As luck would have it, on that fateful day, the hospital was conducting random customer service checks throughout the facility, and CEO Jennifer DeCubellis, Chief Health Equity Officer Dr. Nneka Sederstrom, and Dr. Myriam Roby, health equity clinical outcomes director, visited the families.

So far Phil is recovering nicely, and Cherida’s health has improved dramatically because of the gift from her husband. Youmans, a quiet and stoic man, confessed to me, “When I saw Phil come out of the operating room, I broke down in tears. I couldn’t control it. I thought to myself this man saved my daughter’s life!”

Phil’s father, Tyrone Terril, said, “It was a miracle day. One for my son to be a donor and for the entire procedure to be successful.”

Youmans added, “Since the operation, they seem like they’re on a second honeymoon. They’re always smiling and laughing. There is no more sadness. They have a bright future ahead of them.”

Travis Lee welcomes reader comments to tlee@spokesmanrecorder.com.

“It went viral—no more privacy,” recalled Cherida. Her father explained that she had nothing to be ashamed of and that a closed mouth doesn’t get fed.

Everything began moving in the right direction until two weeks before the procedure, when Cherida was informed

by her insurance company

Phil and Cherida hold hands before the transplant procedure. Courtesy photos

Phil and Cherida after the operation.

The families with HCMC staff Photo by Travis Lee

By

MSR: What inspired you to launch/start your business? Carl: We were doing community meals, catered meals, and we wanted to do a grocery store that would [speak to] affordability and necessity.

MSR: How does your business impact the community? Carl: We’ve been here for five years and we are a sustainable grocery store. We have environmental sustainability where we do zero-waste coffee. We support the community by having all of our profits go toward feeding kids.

During the summer we feed around 50 to 60 kids a week, along with hosting community events. We do that for advocacy groups. We do events for city and state groups. We’re a cultural center that creates safe places for

MSR: Was there a pivotal moment when you decided, “This is something that we need?”

Carl: In the midst of Covid in 2020 and our grocery store was open. But with everything that was happening with George Floyd, in addition to the young man in Brooklyn Center that was shot afterward, I started to see Black families in Brooklyn Center that didn’t have any food.

So we started to offer free food during that time. I saw that we needed a place where people could have these hard conversations and still feel safe and build community.

In the summer, we sell plants for people to grow their own food. And then we have farmers that come in to provide affordable healthy foods. One specific farm called “Our Roots Urban Farmers” sells their produce for under $5.

MSR: What has been your biggest challenge in owning a business?

hearing their stories, and learning where they are from. We just started interviewing our customers. We do a one-minute interview with them on our YouTube page and we do shorts just talking about who they are, what they do, what they like, and what brings them to the store.

ger the food desert, but there’s still lots of food insecurity within our neighborhood.

MSR: What do you think needs to be done to help end food insecurity?

hoods. And I want people to understand that we can create sustainable businesses that change the future.

MSR: What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

Carl: Start. You can dream all day. You can have a bunch of different ideas. You never know if anything is going to work until you start. And then you never know what your idea is really until you’ve done it for 10 years. It’s a lot of work. There’s a lot of practicing that needs to be put in place when it comes to business.

MSR: Did you grow up in this neighborhood?

Carl: I didn’t. I’m a transplant. We moved here in 2016 from a small town in Ohio.

MSR: How do you acquire your food?

Carl: We buy our food from distributors and wholesalers. We look for people who want to partner to help end food insecurity and to help create sustainable growth. We buy

Carl: My biggest challenge is marketing. Being able to reach the people who really need to hear about our products and services and continue to reach them. Marketing is one of the hardest things to do as a business.

MSR: What has been the most rewarding part of own-

We wanted people to see that there’s more than meets the eye with the people that are just coming to get coffee. People have great gifts and talents and they live in this neighborhood. We think this neighborhood is untapped potential.

MSR: Why did you choose this neighborhood?

Carl: We wanted to end food insecurity. Dayton’s Bluff

Carl: We need to continue. We need more sustainable grocery stores, which we’re trying to do. We need more workerowned cooperatives doing it. It’s not just about giving people food, it’s more about people having dependable support systems in the midst of their hardest times.

MSR: What is your vision/ goals for your business?

What does success look like for you?

Carl: I want our business to

MSR: What would you like to add that has not been covered?

Carl: Storehouse Grocery and Coffee is a worker-owned cooperative that creates sustainable environments doing groceries and coffee.

Chris Juhn welcomes reader responses to cjuhn@spokesmanrecorder.com.

did it impact you? And what was taken from the Black community on that day?

Dr. Mahmoud El-Kati: Lecturer, author, and commentator on the African American experience. El-Kati is a professor emeritus of history at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I was at The Way, a community center that no longer exists. It was the hotbed of Black activism and the starting place of the Black Power Movement in the Twin Cities, on Plymouth Avenue, right across the street from the Urban League. And the impact on me was like everyone else.

But I won’t say I was like, “Oh my God, this couldn’t hap-

pen” because of Dr. King’s stance. We knew, and he knew, and he predicted his death as he knew his life was in danger.

So I couldn’t act like I didn’t expect something like this to happen. But I remember when a guy named Clarence opened the door to the classroom and said almost quietly and eerily, “Dr. King has been shot.”

He didn’t shout and wasn’t nervous. It impacted us all very quietly, but we were all obviously disturbed. It was almost like something you expected eventually. I dismissed the class, and we went to the radio and television to listen to the news.

About an hour later, Clarence shot the first white man he saw. Clarence was a nice guy who talked a lot. He served time for his actions at Stillwater but was released af-

heard, and the story of their sons could be uplifted.

ter completing his sentence.

On that day, we lost a great human being with a great spirit. He was also a great teacher, with a view of nonviolence that many of us did not understand, but King was on a much higher moral level than most.

dential election—he was trying to raise awareness of what he would call a beloved community, of which he said people would learn to live together, cooperate, and share resources so that everyone lives a fruitful life.

daily. People in Watts got it right—they called it the Watts Rebellion. The press calls our rebellions riots, which they are not.

as they marched toward the state capitol. It was through this event that Drai changed the course of her documentary and decided to focus on the experience of those left in the devastation of police killings. She soon met Amity Dimock, Katie Wright, and Del Shea Perry, all mothers in Minnesota who have lost their sons at the hands of law enforcement. While some of the mothers may have had their stories told in the headlines, the fleeting coverage of their stories brought little respite. They welcomed the opportunity to participate in a documentary where their voices would be

“I was really at a point where nobody knew about it,” Dimock said about the death of her son Kobie Dimock-Heisler.

Dimock’s son, who was on the spectrum and suffered from mental health issues, was killed by Brooklyn Center police after they responded to a 911 call.

“The fact that anybody was willing to listen to me and tell my son’s story, much less Hollywood people, made me jump on board right away,” she said.

Drai saw the film as her way of contributing to the movement for change. Through her filmmaking, she could illuminate the stories of those who had lost loved ones and give depth to their experiences, often relegated to the evening

“On that day, we lost a great human being with a great spirit.”

What he was trying to do— and he may ultimately succeed, I don’t know, but we’ll see after this upcoming presi-

news. She became inspired by the work of Niko Georgiades at Unicorn Riot, a locallybased nonprofit news organization that utilizes media as an activism tool.

Drai stated that she learned a sense of resilience from the mothers while working with them. She saw firsthand the challenges they faced in getting answers from police departments and city officials, who she described as stonewalling her requests for information.

Dimock stated that participating in the film allowed her to take back the narrative of her late son. “Most of us in situations like this believe that the police narrative is different or much more egregious sounding than what things were,” she said.

That’s what we talk about now when we talk about being allowed to be who they are. There is more democracy now than ever. Just having the power to vote was not a given 65 years ago. Throw in civil rights and voter rights legislation, which hadn’t been heard from since the 1920s, and a plethora of other movements around King’s efforts.

Now, these rebellions…I refuse to call [them] riots. Black people’s violence grows out of a reaction to the dismal reality they are forced to contend with

She stated that reports describing her son made him sound intimidating and robust. Dimock shared that Kobe was an avid video game player who loved crochet.

Wright’s son, Daunte Wright, was also killed at the hands of Brooklyn Center police. The tragedy brought her close to Dimock, who shared the same pain. The two mothers found themselves in what’s been described as the exclusive club that no one wants to join.

When Wright met Drai, she felt a sense of deep sympathy from her. She knew that she’d be able to do a great job in making a film that captured the lives of their loved ones.

“She was one of the only filmmakers that really was very emotional during this time, so

Remember, that’s what England called the American Revolution - they called it a riot. That’s precisely what the U.S. does to Blacks in this country—labeling us crazy and operating without a cause, with no viable background or reason for that level of action. That’s how they shape the narrative around Black protest or rebellion.

Even in the Nat Turner rebellion, we were against slavery and the push to extend it in the form of segregation. But I also know that Dr. King’s assassination certainly caused another level of activism and an even greater sense

I could tell her heart was in it,” Wright said.

Wright shared that she’s felt a piece of her heart missing since the death of her son.

She believes that the film has given her another ability to remind those involved in her son’s death that they will not forget what they’ve done. She, Dimock, and Perry have taken on the mantle of sharing their stories and putting forth legislative efforts to prevent other mothers from losing their children.

of urgency. The government initiated MLK programs and started putting some funds into the Black community, and many of our people were able to gain opportunities they never had.

And I want to say that King’s death played a role in Barack Obama’s election. I would conclude that Dr. King’s death was a reflection point in the struggle for democracy.

Due to space restrictions, the entire article is available at www. spokesman-recorder.com, where you can also read full commentary from Mother Atum Azzahir, Yusef Mgeni, and Tyrone Terrell online.

Al Brown welcomes reader responses to abrown@spokesmanrecorder.com.

“If we mothers don’t stand up and stop this from happening, other mothers will be in our situation,” she said. “So it’s important to tell the story, keep it alive, and make sure that people understand that our fight isn’t over until no mothers have to feel what we have to feel.”

Drai hopes the film will positively impact its viewers and draw strength from the mothers and their experiences. “I hope this film will leave a trace in the audience’s heart and teach [them] how to resist in such a gruesome life event,” she said.

“The documentary’s main characters are a great example of resisting and becoming strong warriors and fighting to get what you need.”

“MAMA!” is available for streaming on multiple platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, and DirecTV.

Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader responses to amohamed@ spokesman-recorder.com.

solidified his status as a trailblazer, navigating a landscape fraught with racial prejudice.

According to the HistoryMakers, which interviewed him in 2005, Gossett’s journey into the limelight began during his formative years at PS 135 and Mark Twain Junior High School, where he demonstrated early leadership as the student body president. His passion for the arts blossomed when he starred in a “You Can’t Take It With You” production at Abraham Lin-

coln High School, catching the attention of talent scouts who propelled him onto Broadway’s stage in “Take A Giant Step.” His stellar performance earned him the prestigious Donaldson Award for Best Newcomer to Theatre in 1952. Though initially drawn to sports, Gossett’s towering 6’4” frame and athletic prowess led him to receive a basketball scholarship at

New York University. Despite being drafted by the New York Knicks in 1958, Gossett pursued his love for acting, honing his craft at The Actors Studio under the tutelage of luminaries like John Sticks and Peggy Fury. In 1961, Gossett’s talent caught the eye of Broadway directors, leading to roles in acclaimed productions such as “Raisin in the Sun” and “The Blacks,” alongside legends like

James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Roscoe Lee Brown, and Maya Angelou. Transitioning seamlessly to television, Gossett graced small screens with appearances in notable shows like “The Bush Baby” and “Companions in Nightmare.” Gossett’s silver screen breakthrough came with his role in “The Landlord,” paving the way for a prolific filmography that included over 50 movies and hundreds of television shows. From “Skin Game” to “Lackawanna Blues” Gossett captivated audiences with his commanding presence and versatile performances.

However, his portrayal of

“Fiddler” in Alex Haley’s groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” earned Gossett critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award. The HistoryMakers noted that his golden touch extended to the big screen, where his role as Sergeant Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman” earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him a trailblazer in Hollywood history.

Beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, Gossett was deeply committed to community activism. In 1964, he co-founded a theater group for troubled youth alongside James Earl Jones and Paul Sorvino, setting the stage for his lifelong

dedication to mentoring and inspiring the next generation. Gossett’s tireless advocacy for racial equality culminated in the establishment of Eracism, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating racism both domestically and abroad.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gossett remained a beacon of strength and resilience, using his platform to uplift marginalized voices and champion social change.

Satie and Sharron, Gossett’s children, survive him.

Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent.

of radio personalities.

“It’s special that someone thought enough of my efforts to mention my name for this. Reflecting on the incredible people I worked with and learned from is also a blessing.

There are so many great DJs and other talented people I’ve been blessed to know,” he concluded. The induction ceremony takes place on October 1 in Rochester.

Al Brown welcomes reader responses to abrown@spokesman-recorder.com.

Arts & Culture

‘Miz Martha’ takes a humorous approach to a painful past

By Farah Habad

Contributing

Writer

Mixed Blood theater in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood continues its second season under the artistic direction of Mark Valdez with an innovative and deeply captivating production of “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington.” Director Pirronne Yousefzadeh weaves an immaculately balanced performance that takes the audience through a roller-coaster of emotions that ultimately tell an incredibly important story in an accessible and roaringly hilarious way.

“Miz Martha” opens with Martha Washington (Karen Weise Thompson) freshly widowed and on her deathbed. Ann Dandridge (Monica Scott) tends to Martha’s bedside along with her son William (Domino D. Lorian). Meanwhile, there’s an electricity in the air across Mount Vernon as in George Washington’s will all of his slaves are set to be free upon Martha’s death. Here some truly spectacular

facing testimony from her late husband George Washington (Mikell Sapp) and her caretaker—and more—Ann Dandridge.

While there is objectively a lot going on in this play, Director Pirronne Yousefzadeh masterfully navigates the moving parts to create a beautiful performance. “First and foremost, my touchstones in approaching this play and the many animating ideas within it was to center the fact that it is a fever dream, and that afforded both freedom and permission to make brave and bold choices,” Yousefzadeh said.

and accountable.” Utilizing satire as the vehicle of communication in this performance affords the actors an entirely new language to play with.

Actress Valencia Proctor recalled her experience. “There can be so much about our past that feels really heartbreaking.” she said. “So to tell it from a lens of humor, which we as Black people already naturally do, is really fun. It can make some people uncomfortable, but they are necessary conversations to have.”

“The choices we made aligned with the driving impulse of the play, which is to open Martha’s eyes and force her to confront the ways in which she is culpable and accountable.”

thoughts, or the voices of the actors and actresses themselves filling up the entire auditorium, the importance of sound design cannot be understated in this project.

“Sound design is perhaps my favorite design element to incorporate because of what it conjures in the memory and emotional life of each individual audience member,” Yousefzadeh said. “The goal was to draw a connective line between the systemic racism on which this country was founded—and its wealth was built—and the countless ways this original sin continues to pervade modern society.”

shenanigans ensue. Martha’s condition grows ever more dire, and in a feverish state she begins to experience a series of hallucinations in which her slaves appear as various caricatures of absurd figures, both real and imagined. At different points, Betsy Ross (Valencia Proctor) appears donning a stunning nightgown made of the American flag. A ringmaster (Tolu Ekisola)

rises from under Martha’s bed and leads Mrs. Washington to a carnival that finds her on an auction block. Just as she thinks she has awakened from her hallucinations, Thomas Jefferson (Darius Dotch) appears in Martha’s bed with long silver hair and a bright red silk robe.

All of this culminates in a trial where Martha must contend with some of the horrors of the institution of slavery

By utilizing some of the latitude the text afforded both the director and the actors of the play, they are able to use many different elements to drive the narrative further. “It was essential to filter all of this through the story of each scene and individual moment,” Yousefzadeh stated. “The choices we made aligned with the driving impulse of the play, which is to open Martha’s eyes and force her to confront the ways in which she is culpable

Actress Tolu Ekisola added, “No one in life has avoided hardship in some form, and humor elevates the drama. It makes it more realistic and relatable. People learn more when they laugh, and I think the playwright knew that.”

The sound design of the play took on an entire life of its own. Between blood curdling screams adding texture to transitions, snippets of hit songs punctuating poignant

“The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington” ran from March 8-31. Mixed Blood Theater will round out its season with a production of “Full Range” written by Alison Carey and directed by Mixed Blood Artistic Director Mark Valdez. Performances of “Full Range” will run June 20-22 and 26-29 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances June 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. For more information and questions about accessibility, visit boxoffice@mixedblood.com.

Farah Habad welcomes reader comments to fhabad@ spokesman-recorder.com.

NEA celebrates Jazz Masters on April 13

By Robin James Contributing Writer

The importance of jazz and the contributions artists make to the creation of this music isn’t always recognized as it should be, but thank goodness there is one organization that is doing something about that—the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA).

The NEA announced the 2024 recipients of the NEA Jazz Masters on July 12, 2023.

On Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., saxophonist Gary Bartz, Grammy-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard, vocalist/pianist Amina Claudine Myers, and Artistic Director of the DC Jazz Festival Willard Jenkins will receive NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships, which include an award of $25,000. They will be celebrated at a free concert.

The NEA has a 40-year history of honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advance-

ment of jazz. The NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in jazz.

“Jazz is one of our nation’s most significant artistic contributions to the world, and the NEA is proud to recognize individuals whose creativity and dedication ensure that the art form continues to evolve and inspire new audiences and practitioners,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Kennedy Center again this year on a concert that will honor and celebrate these Jazz Masters’ contributions and the importance of jazz.”

Jason Moran, Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz, said, “What a thrill to again bring the NEA Jazz Masters back to the Kennedy Center and have this particular class of greats honored at our National Cultural Center.”

I’m particularly excited for my mentor Willard Jenkins as he is the recipient of the 2024 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy.

One could certainly expect that one day in the future, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt could be an NEA Jazz Master. Until

that day we’ll just continue to appreciate the new music he puts forward—like his new album from HighNote entitled, “Tomorrow’s Another Day.” The release date is March 29.

According to the record label press release, this may be Pelt’s most experimental recording to date, notable for its variety and bold auricular explorations.

Listeners can expect to hear participation from drummer/ technologist Deantoni Parks, who has previously collaborated with such artists as MeShell Ndegeocello and Andre 3000. Track standouts include “No A.I.,” “Earl J,” and the title track, “Tomorrow’s Another Day.” The sounds the band creates are ultra futuristic and adventurous with plenty of diverse textures and colors. As someone who has followed Pelt’s artistry for years, I can honestly say this recording is next-level for him. The album is available for pre-order on Apple Music.

Celebrating birthdays this month are trumpeter/composer Blue Mitchell, saxophonist/ composer Ornette Coleman, and drummer/bandleader Roy Haynes.

Richard Allen “Blue” Mitch-

ell was born on March 13, 1930. My favorite album featuring Mitchell is Fantasy Records’ “Blue’s Moods” for its songs “I’ll Close My Eyes,” “Sweet Pumpkin,” and “Scrapple from the Apple.” The jazz, blues and soul music here is played with plenty of feeling and sheer dedication.

Ornette Coleman’s 94th birthday was on March 9. Although he’s no longer with us, his beautiful music still reso-

“Jazz is one of our nation’s most significant artistic contributions to the world.”

is still alive and with us. Another musical genius who we should be thankful is still among us is legendary pianist/ composer Herbie Hancock, who performs at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis on April 4. He’s 83-yearsyoung and celebrates a birthday on April 12.

I think since I enjoy his song “Mimosa’’ from his stellar album “Inventions and Dimensions,” I’ll take another listen to it and have a mimosa to get ready for the upcoming concert, which should be full of acoustic and electronic jazz magic. Look out for outstanding guitarist Lionel Loueke and 2024 NEA Jazz Master/trumpeter Terence Blanchard on this gig. For ticket information, visit hennepintheatretrust.org.

nates to this day. I will never forget our interview back in 2005 for “DownBeat” magazine. He told me music has no race, it’s just an idea. Roy Haynes’ 99th birthday was on March 13. He’s no stranger to the Twin Cities, and has performed here at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis and the Artist’s Quarter in St. Paul. He’s among the most recorded drummers in jazz. Thank goodness Haynes

Visit arts.gov for recipient bios and selected discographies of the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters. The tribute concert is currently sold out, but you can watch it via live stream starting at 6:30 p.m. CST on April 13 at arts.gov and kennedy-center.org.

Robin James welcomes reader comments at jamesonjazz@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Karen Wiese-Thompson (l) as Miz Martha and Monica E. Scott as Ann in “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington.” Courtesy of Mixed Blood Theatre

Drummer and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart Photo by Scott Chernis

A reflection on working toward peace

Long-term housing solutions needed for many Minnesotans

I am writing to convey my enthusiastic support for consistent and ongoing funding for long-term housing solutions. Stable housing should not be something we must worry about; it should be something our families can count on daily. Every hardworking Minnesotan should feel assured that they will have a safe home to sleep in tonight, tomorrow, or any night. Funding stable housing will make Minnesota a more vital state.

As a daughter of immigrants, I know how important it is to have secure housing for my family and future generations. Affordable housing efforts have profoundly impacted my

family’s life. Growing up, my single mother worked tirelessly to provide for us.

As a daughter of immigrants, I know how important it is to have secure housing for my family and future generations.

We had a stable home thanks to affordable housing programs, allowing me to focus on my education and pursue a career. Without this support, our journey would have been much more challenging.

Affordable housing is a lifeline for families like mine.

However, many of my neighbors still face barriers to obtaining a roof over their heads. Our Future Starts at Home can fund and support statewide solutions to address the housing problem.

I urge all Minnesotans to address your state legislators at the Capitol in Saint Paul this legislative session to support a constitutional amendment for sustainable and consistent funding. Let us show Minnesota is a vibrant, inclusive and strong state.

By Fadumo Mohamed, a community organizer at Ayada Leads, Minneapolis. She welcomes reader responses to fadumo@ayadaleads.org.

By Marian Wright Edelman

We are living in a time of unbearable dissonance between promise and performance: between good politics and good policy; between professed and practiced family values; between racial creed and racial deed; between calls for community and rampant individualism and greed; and between our capacity to prevent and alleviate human deprivation and disease, and our political and spiritual will to do so.

We are also living at an incredible moral moment in history. Few human beings are blessed to anticipate or experience the beginning of a new century and millennium. How will we say thanks for the life, earth, nations, and children

God has entrusted to our care?

What legacies, principles, values, and deeds will we stand for and send to the future through our children to their children and to a spiritually confused, balkanized, and violent world desperately hungering for moral leadership and community?

Will we be remembered in the last part of the twentieth century by how many material things we can manufacture, advertise, sell, and consume, or by our rediscovery of more lasting, nonmaterial measures of success—a new Dow Jones for the purpose and quality of life in our families, neighborhoods, cities, national and world communities?

By how rapidly technology and corporate-merger mania can render human beings and human work obsolete? Or by our search for a better balance between corporate profits and corporate caring for children, families and communities?

How will we say thanks for the life, earth, nations, and children God has entrusted to our care?

Will we be remembered by how much a few at the top can get at the expense of many at the bottom and in the middle, or by the struggle for a concept of enough for all? Will we be remembered by the glitz, style and banality of too much of our culture in McLuhan’s electronic global village, or by the substance of our efforts to rekindle an ethic of caring, community and justice in a world driven too much by money, technology and weaponry?

How will progress be measured over the next thousand years if we survive them? By the kill power and number of weapons of destruction we can produce and traffic at home and abroad? Or by our willingness to shrink, indeed destroy, the prison of violence constructed in the name of peace and security?

The answers lie in the values we stand for and in the actions we take today. What an opportunity for good or evil we personally and collectively hold in our hands as parents; citizens; religious, community, and political leaders; and— for those Americans among us—as titular world leaders in this post-Cold War and postindustrial era at the beginning of the third millennium.

A thousand years ago the United States was not even a dream. Copernicus and Galileo had not told us the earth was round or revolved around the sun. Gutenberg’s Bible had not been printed. Wycliffe had not translated it into English, and Martin Luther had not tacked his theses on the church door. The Magna Carta did not exist; Chaucer’s and Shakespeare’s tales had not been spun; and Bach’s, Beethoven’s, and Mozart’s miraculous music had not been created to inspire, soothe and heal our spirits.

European serfs struggled in bondage while many African and Asian empires flourished in independence. Native Americans peopled America, free of slavery’s blight, and Hitler’s holocaust had yet to show the depths human evil can reach when good women and men remain silent or indifferent.

A thousand years from now, will civilization remain and human-kind survive? Will America’s dream be alive, be remembered, and be worth remembering? Will the United States be a blip or a beacon in history? Can our founding principle “that all men are created equal” and “are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” withstand the test of time, the tempests of politics, and become deed and not just creed for every child?

Is America’s dream big enough for every fifth child who is poor, and every eighth child who is mentally or physically challenged? Is our world’s dream big enough for all of the children God has sent as messengers of hope?

Can our children become the healing agents of our national and world transformation and future spiritual and economic salvation? Edmond McDonald wrote: “When God wants an important thing done in this world or a wrong righted, He goes about it in a very singular way.

He doesn’t release thunderbolts or stir up earthquakes. God simply has a tiny baby born, perhaps of a very humble home, perhaps of a very humble mother. And God puts the idea or purpose into the mother’s heart. And she puts it

Twin Cities United Way promotes trauma-sensitive care

By Jamie Bonezyk

It seems like every day, news stories of tragedy dominate headlines, but our communities need to know that incredible work is happening to build a brighter future for the next generation. Early childhood care is a critical educational space to create opportunity for children, and champions of early learning are committed to creating greater access to trauma-informed services in the Twin Cities every day.

Think of a child’s brain like a garden. When you plant seeds — knowledge and experiences — and care for it through nurturing, learning and exploring, beautiful blooms are the result. Just like a garden, the conditions in which that nurturing takes place matter.

Trauma in the form of adverse childhood experience can stunt the growth of the beautiful blooms we hope will come from the garden. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) caused by something negative or traumatic can create lasting impacts and affect children from all walks of life. Violence in the household, substance or physical abuse, mental health challenges, divorce or separation of parents, food or housing insecurity, and more all constitute ACEs that create long-term mental, physical and social impacts on the children who experience them. The latest studies show that 64% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one type of ACE, and the accumulation of ACEs increases the likelihood of adverse health outcomes.

How can our communities mitigate the impact of ACEs, especially when the children dealing with them are powerless to change their situations? We care for the children in a way that emphasizes their inherent resilience, teaches them coping mechanisms and guides them on a path to face these ACEs with the confidence and social-emotional

in the baby’s mind, and thenGod waits. The great events of this world are not battles and elections and earthquakes and thunderbolts. The great events are babies, for each child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with humanity but is still expecting good will to become incarnate in each human life.”

skills children can develop at a young age.

This practice is called trauma-sensitive care, and it is at the core of Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 80×3 initiative.

The 80×3 initiative takes the latest science of early learning and applies those teaching methods to children dealing with ACEs—in particular those in marginalized or povertystricken communities that are most often impacted by trauma that constitutes ACEs.

When educators and caregivers place an emphasis on trauma-sensitive caregiving, children develop resilience at a young age and carry those benefits to adulthood, all while minimizing the impact of ACEs on the child’s well-being.

Adverse childhood experiences caused by something negative or traumatic can create lasting impacts and affect children from all walks of life.

Working alongside parents, practitioners, educators, advocates and allies, 80×3 provides professional development opportunities — as well as resources, strategies and a network of support — to create systemic change in the early childhood space. By growing the 80×3 network, we are creating an opportunity to fundamentally change the way the Twin Cities and the state of Minnesota approach early childhood education.

As 80×3 grows, we’re seeing tremendous opportunities to further develop the network potential and build a broad base of knowledge to draw on for educators and parents working directly with children facing ACEs.

Now, nearly two years into building this program in the

And so God produced a Gorbachev and a Mandela and a Harriet Tubman and an Eleanor Roosevelt and an Arias and each of us to guide the earth toward peace rather than conflict. I believe that protecting today’s children— tomorrow’s Mandelas and Mother Teresas—is the moral and commonsense litmus test

Twin Cities, we’ve developed many partnerships across the state. Our program leaders work with over a hundred teachers, hundreds of families, and a growing list of organizational partners to bring this trauma-sensitive care to children in the greater Twin Cities area. But we need to reach every corner of our state.

Now, Minnesota’s legislative session is underway, and the opportunity to intercede on behalf of children facing traumatic childhood experiences is here in front of us.

Greater Twin Cities United Way is proud to stand in coalition with childcare organizations Center for Inclusive Child Care and Think Small across the state who are speaking up for expanding trauma-sensitive early childhood care in Minnesota.

At Greater Twin Cities United Way’s upcoming Advocacy for Children Day on April 15 at the Capitol, we hope lawmakers will recognize the potential of the 80×3 initiative to not only change lives but also change our entire approach to educating young children. Together, we can grow this network exponentially to touch the lives of thousands of children and their families.

Despite the doom and gloom we see every night on the news or in our local paper, there are quiet heroes doing the work to build a better future for Minnesota every day. As educators, we must take advantage of the opportunities we have available to us right now.

80×3 is the start of a greater movement to make positive strides in the way we approach the education of our youngest and most vulnerable learners. We at United Way hope that you will join us in our commitment to creating the change we need for the future.

Jamie Bonczyk is the 80×3 program officer at Greater Twin Cities United Way.

of our humanity in a world where millions of child lives are ravaged by the wars, neglect, abuse, and racial, ethnic, religious and class divisions of adults.

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Children’s Theatre joins Bethune in nurturing creativity

By Abdi Mohamed Associate Editor

Year-round program integrates arts with math, reading

This fall Bethune Arts Elementary and the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) will enter the third year of their partnership in providing students with quality arts programming through the school year.

The multi-year partnership revolves around implementing arts programming across grade levels with in-school residencies, professional development for educators, and family engagement. This summer, Bethune and CTC will enter another chapter in their partnership as they will provide students with a summer enrichment option through the Minneapolis Public School District’s Summer Scholars program.

Ann Joseph-Douglas is the director of education at Children’s Theatre Company and oversees the partnership between the organization and the school. She described the relationship between the two as “an effort to transform how arts organizations engage in schools and [other] education settings.”

Bethune proved to be a unique partner in this venture given its standing as a Turnaround Arts magnet school, which is a national program launched over a decade ago rooted in the principle that integrated arts education would help improve schools facing educational challenges. CTC’s programming with schools aligns with these goals and aims to address the resource gaps in the state.

Jody Lazo, the Arts Integration Magnet coordinator at Bethune, works with Douglas along with the teaching artists from CTC. The relationship between Bethune and CTC first began as an opportunity to have students and their families see a show. It later evolved when Lazo and Douglas expressed interest in a shared vision to use theater strategies and games to help their learning outcomes.

“The philosophy that we have around education is arts and creation, so using the arts in order to teach all of the core content standards that students need to learn, and then approaching it through the arts, there’s more engagement,” Lazo stated.

with the same teaching artists year after year as a way of developing a continued relationship with their educators.

“The Children’s Theater has been really, really intentional in making sure that the kids also had a teacher that they had the year previously,” Lazo said. “The relationships that they build with the students are really powerful and really incredible because they’re another teacher in their classroom.”

“We're forgetting how important creative outlets are for young people and that not all people learn the same way.”

The partnership also allows for the unique opportunity for CTC to provide a year-round residency to Bethune students.

Once a week, for at least an hour in every grade level, teaching artists visit students in the classroom and engage them in activities revolving around theater.

This is different from the typical six-to-eight-week residencies that most longterm residencies last. Another unique aspect about the partnership is that students work

According to Douglas, parents are a key aspect in the programming that they provide students. “It’s really important that we have family engagement and that the parents know what we’re doing in the school,” she said. “So when they come home and talk about it, they have a reference that we can provide extended learning opportunities for families at home.”

Bethune students at all grade levels are exposed to the year-long residency, with each level receiving the adequate level of comprehensive work involving storytelling skills and performance.

Students at the High Five (pre-school) and Kindergarten level engage in Creative Play, which is social emotional learning through storytelling.

It teaches students how to identify different emotions that they witness through the different stories they engage with. With the help of their teaching artists, they then discuss the different ways they can work through those emotions and discover ways to self regulate.

First and second graders are in the Early Bridges program, which consists of storytelling elements and verbal comprehension. Students are given more opportunities to be creative as they plan out what would come next in the story and get to act it out.

Neighborhood Bridges is the program for third and fourth graders where they hear stories auditorily and then get to create their own stories from there.

Lastly, fifth graders are

a part of Arts and Activism where students discuss social justice issues and how they can utilize art to be a tool for change. Last year, CTC published a book of all the students’ poetry created during the program.

Both Douglas and Lazo believe that the partnership between CTC and Bethune should be an example of how to bolster arts education in public schools during a time when districts across the country are making significant cuts to the arts in schools.

“I think our district has a ways to go in terms of incorporating and accepting various forms of assessment and ways to express student learning,” Lazo said. “The district itself has not really put much energy or effort into this to see what we’re doing. I feel like we need

to get something concrete happening, and then it’s our job to tell that story.”

Douglas shared that although preparing students for jobs in science and technology is necessary, they shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to be exposed to different areas of education and learning styles.

“There’s such a big focus now on coding and STEM. We’re forgetting how important creative outlets are for young people and that not all people learn the same way,” she said. “When we limit those opportunities, we’re limiting the potential for a student to find their in-road towards education, their in-road towards curiosity.”

Although students have the opportunity to engage in the creative curriculum through the school year on a weekly basis, there hasn’t been the ability to offer this program in the summer for students across the district until now.

“In addition to getting the reading and the math classes, over the summer they will come to our teaching artists a couple hours a day and they will work in groups and create an original play inspired by children’s literature,” Douglas stated.

Registration for the Summer Scholars program is now open on the MPS district website.

Abdi Mohammed welcomes reader responses to amohammed@spokesman-recorder.com.

Four ways schools can close summer learning gaps

By Rhea Almeida

When it comes to summer learning, the benefits are well documented. Students who consistently attend wellplanned, high-quality programs achieve higher scores on math and language arts testing. They also earn higher ratings from teachers on their social and emotional skills, research shows.

Unfortunately, research also shows that students from low-income and minority backgrounds are less likely to attend—and benefit from—summer learning programs than their affluent and white peers.

Summer learning can play a crucial role in helping these students—and all kids—recover learning lost during the pandemic. The federal government has also acknowledged the importance of summer learning through its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, or ESSER. The fund infused states with nearly $190.5 billion, with 20% allocated to academic recovery, including summer programs.

So how can school districts capitalize on the crucial summer months and make learning more equitable?

In partnership with the Wallace Foundation and the District Summer Learning Network implemented by the nonprofit development organization FHI 360, our team at the Center for Policy, Research, and Evaluation at New York University is studying how districts implement highquality summer programs with an eye toward equity. We analyzed 2022 summer planning documents from 26 districts and identified four strategies they’re using to make the programs more equitable.

1. Strategically target students

Of the summer learning plans we analyzed, we found that half prioritized students who need academic or behavioral support. Additionally, 42% mentioned English-language learners, and 35% mentioned students with disabilities. Other distinct groups included low-income students, migrants, racial and ethnic minorities, and gifted and talented students. Among districts that prioritized special groups, almost all of them included more than one group in their strategic outreach. Which students get served in summer learning programs, and how they are served, has implications for equity. For instance, research has found that middle-income students often benefit more from summer learning programs than lower-income students.

“Summer learning can play a crucial role in helping these students— and all kids— recover learning lost during the pandemic.”

This could be because highquality programs tend to serve higher-income students, which raises concerns that summer learning programs may actually increase the summer gap if they are not targeted. Highquality programs that target lower-income students and other minority students can move the needle toward equity.

2. Reduce barriers to access

For students to access programs

outside of the regular school day in an equitable way, simple accommodations, such as transportation, are key. Several district summer learning plans we analyzed went above and beyond academics. They provided not just transportation but also free and nutritious meals, outreach material in different languages, and extended daycare services to support working families.

3. Design courses for specific student populations

Students learn best when they feel a sense of safety and belonging. By affirming and nurturing the unique identities of students, districts can make summer programming more equitable and accelerate learning. Research shows, for instance, that summer supports for English-language learners are key for their overall academic development.

Some districts tailored their programming to the individual interests and cultural needs of their students. For example, three districts—in both urban and rural communities—provided language classes for English-language learners, including adults.

Another district designed an arts program for students to explore and celebrate their culture. The program featured programming around ethnic and racial identities.

a shortage of teacher

applicants across the country, some districts also made efforts to hire teachers who are not only effective and well-credentialed but also reflect the demographics of the student body they serve.

4. Engage families in planning and programming

Some districts held regular family education sessions to provide updates about student needs and progress. Some also engaged families by offering information sessions on topics such as immigration and health. Programs that include the whole family or community are particularly helpful for racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse populations and families in rural areas, where young people have limited access to adults other than their caregivers.

When parents are included in the planning process, programs can be designed to better fit their schedules. This might mean districts offer fullday, six-week camps to support children throughout the summer while their parents work. This type of arrangement makes it more likely that kids will be able to attend summer programs—and stave off summer learning loss. These four approaches help make summer learning programs more culturally responsive, accessible and inclusive.

Rhea Almeida is a research project manager at the NYU Metro Center, New York University.

This story was republished with permission from The Conversation.

Teaching artists from the Children’s Theatre Company work with students at Bethune Arts Elementary as part of their threeyear partnership. Courtesy of Children’s Theatre Company

Despite

Summer learning programs help students catch up, but they aren’t always accessible. Photo by Santi Vedrí on Unsplash

Direct Support Staff, II: Brooklyn Park, MN

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SOE

Continued from page 10

to beat people.”

“Last year when I came in,” continued Nabwe, “I had to learn a new method because I glide in high school into shot and I had to change” in order to compete at the collegiate level, she pointed out.

In February, Nabwe became the first Minnesota freshman to win the Big Ten weight throw title at the conference’s indoor championships. She edged out teammate Frank, who won the bronze.

“The goal was to get a medal,” admitted Nabwe. “I was surprised that I got first place.”

COACH

Continued from page 10

that, admitted Holloway. “I didn’t have any coaches that look like me growing up.

“My mom was my biggest inspiration because she helped coach me when I was little. I just haven’t seen any coaches that look like me.”

Running “gave her peace and comfort,” said Nolana Holloway, her mother. “She is so strong. She is somebody who is going to keep going no matter what,” added Nia Holloway, her sister.

Nolana and Todd Holloway

Miller said Nabwe initially was nervous going into the championships, like “any freshman that performs at that level the first time. She did a great job of allowing me to put her in a position to be successful and trusting me, then executing the plan that we put together the day before.”

The thrower last month was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and finished as second team All-American. Miller also was named Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

Miller believes that Nabwe’s growth potential is endless. “I think the biggest thing for her is going to be consistency. I think she’s starting to learn how to train.

“I think she’s been chal-

raised their five children in a household where sports are important, but not more so than education. “We’re all very competitive,” Malakai pointed out. She ran in college, and her sister Niamya is a Gopher basketball player. Another sister wants to be a doctor, and her brothers are in sports as well.

“We’re extremely competitive, but at the end of the day my mom and my dad would always tell me, ‘If your grades aren’t good, then we’re pulling you out of sports.”

Making history “was monumental. It was so cool,” noted Coach Holloway. “This gap

lenged by Shelly, because Shelly is one of the best in the country,” surmised the coach. “I think [Nabwe] found the right place where a lot of people genuinely want to see her successful, and she’s put in a ton of work.”

“I think shot is my favorite,” said Nabwe, who wants to go to grad school for physical therapy. “But right now the main focus is hammer, because that’s probably going to be my best event.”

Achievements

St. Thomas junior guard Jade Hill made the College Sport Communications (CSC) Academic All-District team for the second consecutive sea-

is larger than I’ve been alive, and I just did it in my first year as head coach.”

“It’s a blessing to watch her do what she loves, and what she’s so passionate about,” stated Nolana.

Added Niamya, “She always told me that was her goal, so I wasn’t surprised when she reached [State].”

Whether she is on the track or in the classroom, Malakai Holloway reaffirms the importance of leadership by people who look like her. She’s proud that she is in a leadership role herself.

“Growing up, I can literally count on one hand the

son. Gopher sophomore guard Amaya Battle also made the CSC team this season.

Norfolk State junior forward Kierra Wheeler was named HBCU first team All-American and HBCU National Player of the Year. Her 14 doubledoubles ranked in the nation’s top 30, and she finished in the MEAC top five in FG percentage (1st), blocked shots (tied for 1st), scoring (2nd) and rebounding (2nd). The Minneapolis native helped lead her Spartans to their second straight MEAC championship and NCAA appearance.

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@spokesman-recorder.com.

amount of educators of color and coaches of color that I’ve had. Young kids of color just need to see people of color in these roles.

“But I think it’s also really important for other young women, especially young women of color, [to know] that it is okay for people to doubt you. It’s so important to keep your head up. It’s so important to not let other people get you down.”

Holloway is looking forward to going to State again next season.

“I started off my season with a lot of doubts,” admitted the South coach. “I

started off the season with a lot of those questions, and I said, ‘I’m just gonna let my work do the talking.’”

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@spokesman-recorder. com.

There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the school year and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher redshirt freshman thrower Anthonett Nabwe is featured.

hen a college student athlete is redshirted, it gives her or him the time and space to transition from high school to collegiate competition. It also gives them an extra year of eligibility.

Anthonett “Annie” Nabwe is one of nine red-

“The goal was to get a medal. I was surprised that I got first place.”

shirt freshmen on the 2023-24 Gophers track team and one of 15 sistahs on the roster. She is the only Black thrower on the team.

The Liberian-born Nabwe arrived in Jamestown, N.D. just before her high school freshman year. She later set a state record for the shot put and swept the throwing events at the Class A

abrielle Brown is in her first season as St. Cloud State track and field and cross country head coach. The St. Paul native was an assistant coach at Macalester the past three seasons.

Brown is the school’s first Black female head coach.

She told the MSR that she still is learning as a first time HC: “There is only so much that [being] the assistant coach can prepare you for. When you go into a head position, it’s one of those learningas-you’re-going. Even with that preparation, it still seems that I’m learning,” she said.

Brown is a very charismatic person who oozes confidence wherever she goes. We first met her several years ago at

wo former metro-area girls basketball standouts led the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team to a 69-65 victory over North Dakota State University in the WNIT Super 16 Friday evening at Williams Arena.

The clutch performances of sophomore guard Amaya Battle (Hopkins High School) and freshman forward Nia Holloway (Eden Prairie High School) kept the Gophers’ season alive.

Holloway scored six points and grabbed six rebounds, providing two free throws and a key steal in the closing moments, while Battle contributed 11 points, five assists, and two blocks including a jumper that gave the Gophers the lead for good. Battle, who stands at 5’11”,

Sports

championships, finishing third in the 100-meter dash in her senior year. Nabwe as a junior won the N.D. state shot put and discus, runners-up in the 100m, and placed third in the javelin.

A three-sport athlete (basketball, volleyball and track), Nabwe recently told the MSR

before a workout that she likes throwing. “In high school,” she recalled, “I did everything, and I don’t really like the training for running.” Focusing on throwing in college has fit her perfectly, says a teammate and their coach.

“She has really long arms, noted senior Shelly Frank, a fellow thrower. “That definitely helps.

And she’s really fast. I think that really helps her being a really good thrower.”

“She’s an incredible competitor,” added Gopher Associate Head Coach Peter Miller. “She’s not outspoken. She doesn’t get mad at people. She doesn’t show her emotions, but she wants

Macalester. “I think that I was pretty fortunate to be able to have some of the best head coaches I worked under,” said Brown. Coming to St. Cloud State was a true test of faith, noted the head coach. “I have so much opportunity to continue to grow [as a coach],” she continued. “The location—I’m only an hour away from home. The connections… The confirmation I got from my higher power. This is where I should be, to be my next step. “There was something about

was a five-time All-Conference player while leading the Royals to Class AAAA state championships in 2019 and 2022.

She averaged 27 points in last month’s Big Ten Tournament held at the Target Center.

The 6’0” Holloway was named to the All-Conference team four times during her varsity career with the Eagles, also earning All-State honors. She led Eden Prairie to the 2AAAA section championship in 2020.

Grace Grocholski led the Gophers with 16 points, Mallory Heyer added 13, and Janay Sanders added three assists to go along with Battle’s team-high of five.

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDon-

being called to the unknown… Being forced out of my comfortability, being forced out of those familiar places as an assistant coach. I’m forced to lean on my higher power in ways that I’ve never had before. It forces me to show up even more organized and even more prepared.”

Brown is fully aware of her position at SCSU.

“Being a woman coach coaching other women athletes is huge for me,” she noted. “Every single aspect of the team now falls on my shoulder. “I’m the first Black woman head coach. I’m also the youngest in my department. Nothing about that is comfortable… I’m able to shift my mindset because of my faith. I’m able to have endurance and strength and sustainability. “I would not be the woman I am without me having thick skin, especially being a Black woman—that has prepared me for this job.

“I’m constantly surrounded by people that do not look like me,” said Brown proudly. “I’m so grateful that they’re learning firsthand from a Black woman as their head coach. I’m just able to disrupt so many stigmas, positively disrupt narratives about the biases that are placed on Black women.”

“I’m the first Black woman head coach. I’m also the youngest in my department. Nothing about that is comfortable.”

The St. Cloud State track team was picked to finish 14th in the NSIC outdoor track and field preseason poll. “It’s easy to complain… I take what we do have and make the best,” stated Brown.

The team also is growing right before her eyes, added the first year coach. “We went from having about 23 women in the indoor season. Now we’re up to about 36 women [for the outdoor season].

“I’m planting a lot of seeds, and they’re gonna blossom,” she predicts.

Her athletes came up with the DAWGS mantra: “We all call ourselves dawgs. A dawg is to be a woman that has discipline, to be a woman that is adaptable, to be a woman that has some work to do, a woman that is worthy, to be a woman that is growth-oriented. I love using that in our recruiting messages,” said Brown.

The SCSU head coach sees the future bright and growing. “I’m also interested in helping to develop these women holistically.”

“Young kids of color just need to see people of color in these roles.”

told her, “We have a chance of

(l-r) Coach Malakai, mother Nolana, and sister Niamya Holloway

Charles Hallman

making it to State.”

“At the beginning of the season, they’re hungry. They came to me and [said], ‘We want to do this. I think we have a shot at this.’”

Holloway, a 2022 Bethel graduate where she also was a middle distance runner, is a middle school teacher in Eden Prairie. Her youthful appearance often confuses opposing coaches, much to her and her team’s amusement.

“Every single meet, somebody is confusing me for an athlete,” Holloway said smiling. “I could have let that get me down.” She also is among the very few head cross country coaches of color. She’s also used to

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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