May 4, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Champion of second chances

MSR interviews political powerbroker and Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion

By Abdi Mohamed

Contributing Writer

t’s been a month since Governor Tim Walz signed a bill to reinstate voting rights to over 50,000 of those who were previously incarcerated, making Minnesota the 22nd state in the country to automatically restore voting rights once an individual is released from prison.

The effort to restore voting rights to ex-offenders has been several years in the making and has risen to the state’s highest court. The Minnesota Supreme Court has been considering the constitutionality of the matter since 2019, when the American Civil Liberties Union in Minnesota argued that the state’s constitution guaranteed some voting rights, and the ban disproportionately affected people of color. Earlier this year, the state Supreme Court came to the ruling that the law barring felons from the polls until their sentences were complete was constitutional. The court’s ruling signaled that the issue was now imperative for lawmakers to pass legislation in order for tens of thousands of Minnesotans to have their voting rights restored.

That responsibility fell to Senate President Bobby Joe Champion and his colleagues in the Minnesota State House and Senate, who were willing to take it on. He and other state legis-

lators were able to move their respective bills between the House and Senate days later, culminating in the moment when Gov. Walz signed the bill on March 3. The law will go into effect on July 1, when 55,000 Minnesotans will be able to participate, without restrictions, in the most fundamental democratic process—voting.

Senator Champion sees this change as a critical step in the effort to reduce recidivism rates in the state and allow a second chance for

individuals to participate in democracy.

“They say if you want people to be successful and reintegrate into society, and you want to decrease recidivism, and you want to make sure that individuals are not going to re-offend, you make sure that they can be a part of the fabric of our democracy,” he said. “They [those who have been incarcerated] said they often felt dehumanized, less than, especially with when it would come to voting. When that day would

come and others would have a red sticker that says, ‘I Voted,’ they say their voice was silenced.”

Although this issue is something that impacts people of color, Champion underlines the fact that this is an issue that reaches across a large swath of communities. According to the data Champion and his colleagues worked with, 36 percent of the individuals who are set to have their voting rights restored are from Hennepin and Ramsey counties and 64 percent are from greater Minnesota.

Senator Champion recently spoke to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder about the work that went into passing this bill and what he sees next on his legislative agenda regarding criminal justice reform.

MSR: What’s the background for this law?

Champion: The file has been affectionately known as “Restore the Vote” ever since I’ve been in the legislature, and as long as I’ve been working on this initiative. Before me, it was Attorney General Ellison. He was working on this along with Linda Higgins, who was my predecessor in the Senate.

We understand that the bedrock of any democracy is to be able to hear an individual’s voice. Your vote is your voice. So there in this statute, Minnesota statute, Section 609.165

■ See CHAMPION on page 5

Tribute to a Renaissance Man

By Charles Hallman Staff Contributor

rchie Givens, Jr., was known locally and nationally as a businessman, philanthropist, and a humanitarian. But perhaps more importantly to many of those who knew him personally from other places and spaces, Givens was best remembered as a dependable friend.

“Archie Givens was just a good dude. And he never did it for a show,” recalled Dr. Peter Hayden, founder and director of Turning Point, the Minneapolis-based nonprofit.

Givens died on April 19, 2023, at age 78, after several years of battling Alzheimer’s disease.

“When I started Turning Point,” continued Hayden, “he was al-

late Archie

ways there. He would open his door for you.” When Hayden needed office equipment essen-

tial to getting his operation up and running, Givens provided a Xerox machine to use.

Over the years, Givens was a member of many boards, including the University of Minnesota and Penumbra Theatre. “He was never on my board,” admitted Hayden, “but he was always there for me. When I go to see Archie, he always had some time for me.”

Hayden easily recalled how much his friend was there for him in times of tragedy–like when his then 25-year-old daughter Taylor was killed by crossfire in Atlanta in 2016.

“When my daughter was taken from us seven years ago,” said Hyden. “When I rolled up to the church (for the funeral), the first person out there waiting for me was Archie.”

Givens was born in Minneapolis on April 30, 1944, and later graduated from Minneapolis Central High School and

Standoff ends in deadly FBI shooting in North Minneapolis

By H. Jiahong Pan

Contributing Writer

ast Thursday afternoon, federal agents shot and killed a suspect in North Minneapolis while they were helping local officials serve a warrant. The shooting occurred around noon at Dowling and Dupont Avenue. The victim, 33-year-old Chue Feng Yang, was taken to North Memorial Hospital where he later died.

Although MPD officers were on the scene, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said none of his officers opened fire. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said that although her deputies used force, they did not kill Yang.

Witnesses who live on the block where the shooting occurred say that the standoff started at 6 am. “I saw police and sheriffs make a U-turn and thought they were pulling someone over.” said a neighbor who declined to be identified. “A couple of minutes later, I looked outside and saw they were still there. I thought, ‘This is a long ticket!’ Then I heard someone say through a loudspeaker, ‘Stay in your home, this is a dangerous situation.’”

The children of a neighbor who lived

near where Yang was killed said they saw two high-school-age children run from the home towards a police car before Yang was later shot. Although the neighbor’s children go to school with one of those who fled the house, they did not know the high school children that well and hardly saw them around the neighborhood.

A federal warrant for Yang’s arrest

showed he was wanted for assaulting a federal officer and potentially possessing firearms, which is prohibited for someone convicted of a felony. Yang was also wanted on unrelated warrants in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, one of which was related to a probation violation for a conviction involving a 2021 carjacking.

on page 5

the University of Minnesota, where he played football from 1963 to 1966. He was a huge supporter of Gopher sports, especially men’s basketball where he was a regular fixture at games. He also was the only Black member asked to serve on coaching search committees, and once was president of the school’s alumni association.

The Givens family was seen as Minnesota’s first Black millionaires. The family, Archie, Sr. and his wife, Phebe, built a successful real estate development business. As an adult, Archie Jr. took over the reins and led the business into the 21st century.

Givens’ Legacy Management & Development Corp. built 900 homes at the Northside’s Heritage Park housing development, a 123-acre site. He also built the Rondo Com-

munity Library in St. Paul, and senior housing projects around the Twin Cities, including Edina. Archie Jr. and his sister Roxanne, with their parents’ influence, gave back to the community in so many ways, especially in the arts and culture. The Givens family, along with 12 other families in the community, initially put up the money to purchase a 3,000-piece collection of Black literature and other Harlem Renaissance artifacts in the mid-1980s from a New York collection. More than a decade earlier, Givens started The Givens Foundation for African American Literature that would provide scholarships for Black students to attend college. The literary works purchased by Givens led to the

■ See GIVENS on page 5

Active shooter incidents decrease while number killed increases in 2022

By Stacy M. Brown

ast Wednesday, the FBI revealed numbers showing a decline in active shooter situations and an increase in the number of victims shot in the United States during 2022.

The FBI defined an active shooter as “one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area” but stressed that their report is not comprehensive. Not included

in the report were incidents involving self-defense, gang violence, drug violence, domestic disputes, hostage situations, and other illegal acts. While there was a drop from 2021 to 2022, an FBI official told reporters on a call that there has been an overall increase in the frequency of active shooter situations over the past 20 years, especially over the last five years.

There were 18 percent fewer active shooter incidents

■ See INCIDENTS on page 5

Minnesota Senate powerbroker Bobby Joe Champion

Photo by Chris Juhn

The

Givens, Jr.

(l-r) MPD Chief Brian O’Hara and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt at the scene of the standoff with Chue Feng Yang.

Photo by Chris Juhn

Metro

Down-payment myths: I’ll never be able to save 20 percent down

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This week, the Minnesota Homeownership Center is covering the third of three deeplyrooted myths that can keep you from considering homeownership for yourself – the myth of the 20 percent down-payment requirement.

With the median home price in the Twin Cities having hit a record high of $370,000 last year, a 20 percent down payment on the purchase of that home would be $74,000. It’s safe to say most first-time homebuyers would find coming up with that amount of cash a challenge, if not an insurmountable hurdle. And if you believe this amount is required in order to qualify for a mortgage, you might write owning your own home off as impossible and never give it a second look.

The truth here is that 20 percent down is not required.

In fact, many homebuyers are able to purchase their first home with as little as three percent down, thanks to special programs such as down payment assistance.

Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance can take many forms and has widely varying demographic and locational eligibility requirements. Most assistance is given in the form of an additional

loan, with the proceeds either forgiven after a pre-determined amount of time or paid back upon the sale of the house. Navigating what programs are out there and available and how they differ from one another is extremely difficult, which is why enlisting the help of a professional Homeownership Advisor is so important here. Homeownership Advisors work in the down payment assistance arena every day and are thus able to navigate through multiple options and present the best available scenarios for their clients. They also know which lenders handle down payment assistance transactions best, which keeps your purchase offer competitive with the others out there.

In 2021, the Minnesota Homeownership Center partnered with Minnesota Realtors® to commission a study on the potential impacts of various amounts of down payment assistance on household ability to purchase a home. The findings

were dramatic. After removing renter households already able to afford a home purchase, access to down payment assistance could enable more than 200,000 additional Minnesota households to purchase a home.

homeownership gap, transitioning just 11,600 Black Minnesota renter households to homeownership would increase our state’s Black homeownership rate by ten percent – a significant gap reduction.

On the heels of this study, the Minnesota Homeownership Center doubled down on down payment assistance as a tool to make homeownership more equitably accessible for all.

tive session are currently good.

We unveiled a slate of

MGN

More than 100,000 of these households could do so with less than $10,500 in assistance. Further, with regard to the racial

Bloomington public schools honors special education staff

By MSN News Service

On April 26, the Bloomington Public Schools held a ceremony to honor Special Education Community Advisory Council (SECAC) staff who were given the district’s Special Caring Award. More than 50 special education staff members were nominated and recognized by the district in an awards ceremony dinner.

The following district special education staff received the Special Caring Award: Kylene Dmochowski (Oak Grove Middle); Marie Endersbe (Oak Grove Middle); Ann Gunderson (Oak Grove Elementary); Allison Hedlund (Valley View Middle); Sheila Johnson Mindermann (Normandale Hills); Samantha Kaiser (Hillcrest); Tara Mitchell (Kennedy); Emily Ramirez Aguilar (Normandale Hills student);

Phillip Starr (Kennedy); April Walker (Pond Center); Quinn Walsh (Bloomington Salvation Army); Briana Weigel (districtwide).

In addition, Leticia Alvarez, a Kennedy High School special education staff member and daughter of Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, was nominated for the Special Caring Award.

beginning 4/30/2023 Metro

district’s Special Caring Award

We partnered with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity on a legislative proposal to establish a First-Generation Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Fund. If enacted, this initiative would help to move 5,000 renter households into homeownership and shift our racial homeownership gap from 5th worst in the nation to 11th worst, which is still nothing to be proud of. The bill’s prospects in the 2023 state legisla-

“Down Payment Assistance Best Practices for Program Administration,” in consultation with a working advisory group of city and county officials, lenders, Realtors® and housing nonprofits. These best practices would increase consumer access and improve outcomes by facilitating standardization and transparency. They also would help ensure such funding is accessible by increasing investment, improving targeting and enabling more successful purchase transactions. This work is ongoing.

And we submitted a successful joint proposal to Fannie Mae’s

“Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge,” again with Twin Cities Habitat, to scale up a regional Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) for Black homebuyers. This program is one of the first in the country to utilize

SPCPs to focus on foundational Black households, or those who trace their lineage back to slavery in the U.S.

In the end, the difference between paying rent and paying a mortgage can be negligible in terms of dollars spent each month. The hurdles involved in the purchase process are what keep many from realizing their dream and achieving housing stability and wealth creation.

The Minnesota Homeownership Center is here to remind you that these hurdles can be overcome with nonbiased, oneon-one advisory services that are accessible and available to everyone, free of charge. Homeownership is possible. We can show you how.

For more information on the Minnesota Homeownership Center and its advisor and education services, go to www.HOCMN.org.

Get Growing this Spring

Seward Co-op has everything you need to foster growth this spring season. Whether you’re selecting soil to re-pot a dear plant, picking new seeds or starter plants for your garden, or choosing a houseplant to brighten up this Mother’s Day, we’re here to help you bloom.

Nominees for Bloomington school

Photos courtesy of Ruth Murray from ISD 271

The hurdles involved in the purchase process are what keep many from realizing their dream and achieving housing stability and wealth creation.

By Mosi Bennett, MD, PhD

Guest Contributor

A stroke occurs when part of the brain is injured because it doesn’t get enough blood or oxygen. There are two main types of stroke. An ischemic stroke is a type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel. The other type of stroke is called a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding into the brain itself or the surrounding area from a leaking or ruptured blood vessel.

What are the symptoms of stroke?

A stroke can cause mild symptoms, or it can cause major disability such as the inability to walk or speak and can even be deadly. Some of the common symptoms are slurred or garbled speech, confusion, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, droopiness of the face, or problems with vision. It is important to act quickly and see a doctor or nurse if any of these symptoms occur.

The faster a stroke is treated, the less likely it is to cause a major or permanent disability.

How common are strokes?

Stroke is a leading cause of death and a major cause of se-

rious disability for adults. Every year, more than 800,000 Americans—100,000 of them African Americans—will have a stroke. Strokes can occur at any age, but the risk of stroke increases as you get older.

The disparity in stroke incidence is even more noticeable in younger people. The risk of a second stroke, as well as the impairment after a stroke, is also higher in African Americans. Additionally, younger African Americans are more than three times as likely to die from a stroke as White Americans. Lack of access to care to identify and treat stroke risk factors or symptoms also contributes to the high burden of stroke in African Americans.

What are the risk factors for stroke?

disease, may also increase the risk of stroke. Stroke risk factors are more common in racial and ethnic minorities.

More than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure, which is the number-one risk factor for stroke. Strokes can also occur in people who have no risk factors.

damage from a stroke depends on the size and location of the affected area in the brain. Early treatment of a stroke can sometimes prevent the devastating consequences.

When a stroke is suspected, immediate medical attention is required. A doctor or nurse will order a head CT or brain MRI in order to get images of the affected area of the brain.

How is a stroke treated?

The treatment of a stroke depends on the type of stroke.

In the early hours after a stroke occurs, some types of strokes can be treated by medication or a procedure to remove a blockage in the affected blood vessel and restore the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.

In the days and months after a stroke, the treatment may also include careful control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as specific medications to minimize the risk of blood clotting.

Stroke treatment may also involve a course of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The long-term outcome of a stroke also depends on the type of stroke. Some people can recover completely, while others may have a long-term loss of function or disability.

in stroke awareness: Studies have shown that African Americans are less likely to recognize stroke risk factors, stroke symptoms, or the need for urgent treatment.

There are things that each of us can do to reduce the risk of stroke. Some of the lifestyle changes include avoiding cigarettes, improving eating habits, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also important to get blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and under control.

A healthy lifestyle plays a big part in reducing the risk of disability and death from stroke. If stroke symptoms do occur, act quickly and seek medical care. Rapid treatment may mean the difference between a mild stroke, a severe stroke, or even death.

Strokes are almost twice as common in African Americans as in their White counterparts.

Many of the conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, obesity, and a family history of heart

How is a stroke identified and treated?

Stroke symptoms usually occur suddenly, but they can also develop over days. The

How do we prevent a stroke?

The most effective approach to reduce the risk of stroke is through education and prevention. There are known racial disparities

This column has previously appeared in Doctor’s Advice and is republished by popular demand. Mosi Bennett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified heart failure and transplant cardiologist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to attend medical school and graduate school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and then cardiovascular disease and heart failure fellowships at the Cleveland Clinic.

When a stroke is suspected, immediate medical attention is required.

Fresh Heir Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Chris Juhn Staff Contributor

“I’m a hip hop artist, teaching artist, and entrepreneur in the Twin Cities,” said Malik Watkins, who is also known as MaLLy on the local music scene. “In addition to the music business, I also have a commercial and residential newspaper delivery service, Fresh Heir Delivery, LLC,” added Watkin.

The company, which has been in business since 2018, came about by chance, said Watkins. “I was reading a local newspaper and a friend of mine noticed the paper was looking for someone to drop off copies of the paper. I called the number, got in touch with the woman who inherited the delivery service from a previous owner.” (Full disclosure, the Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder is one of Fresh Heir’s clients.)

“Initially, it was called Lloyd’s delivery service. But once he [the previous owner] passed,” Watkins continued, “his wife transferred the business on to

When opportunity knocks, Fresh Heir delivers

two individuals who ran the business for four or five years.”

The previous owners were looking to get out of the business and reached out to Watkins. “They were like, ‘We think you’d be a great person to take this thing over. You’re organized, and you’ve got experience in the business world,’” he said.

According to Malik, the decision to buy the company was fairly easy, since it was a low overhead business that required little investment on his part. “I ended up purchasing the business with another friend who was a partner at the time. The purchase price was really low—like $300 for the van and a few hundred for the contacts and names.”

Nevertheless, the fact that 37-year-old Watkins decided to start a small business is pretty radical. “That’s a big

step. It’s a risk. You’re investing your own money, even if it’s $100, or thousands of dollars. You’re still investing, or you’re asking other people to believe in what it is you’re doing. No one’s gonna believe in your dream or your aspirations as much as you will.”

The biggest challenge Fresh Heir faces, said Watkins, is trying to find reliable, honest, hard-working carriers. “If we’ve got pick-ups on Wednesday, trying to get everybody on board and organized is hard. Everybody’s got their lives.

“Folks may have different situations or challenges that they’re dealing with.” Other challenges for a newspaper delivery service are the weather and getting a route done in a timely fashion.

think I’ll be delivering anymore.’ There’s always this feeling that I could do better if I just had one more person, or two more people that could show up at least twice a week.”

One of the perks of owning your own business, said Malik, is being able to set your own schedule.

ture is focused on commercial spaces, because that tends to be where I think people want to read the newspaper.

“I also want to connect with publications that are not only diverse, but who also treat people well. I like doing business with people who also want to do good business.”

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “I’d say go for it. Go for your dreams. Even if you start small you can grow the business. It doesn’t have to be the biggest thing on the block, but it’s yours. You get a chance to put your tender love and care and parts of your personality into it,” he continued.

“There’s turnover. You might get people who will stick around for two months. But then they may just stop showing up or they’ll let you know, ‘Hey, I think I’m moving to California. I don’t

“There’s a sense of pride that comes with being able to successfully run a small business and being able to hire some people and connect with them. Hiring people and being able to provide some kind of em-

ployment, even if it’s not all the money in the world, is rewarding. Even just giving out bonuses—Christmas bonuses— is a big thing.

“I guess you could say I’m giving back, even though I’m paying them and they’re doing a service for me. I think the people that you work with become like family.”

As for the future of Fresh Heir, Malik said, “I initially came into this with the mindset of only wanting to do it for 5-10 years. We’re coming up on year five,” he added. “I think the fu-

“Fear and nervousness around taking that first step is natural. But you never know what you’ll learn, and you’ll learn so much about yourself. You’ll learn what your limits are. You’ll learn what your challenges are.

“Start with a small plan and see it through. Then go from there.”

Fresh Heir Delivery is located at 6238 Girard Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423.

Chris Juhn welcomes reader comments at cjuhn@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Navigating the homebuying process in 2023

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The Twin Cities area is seeing a shift in its real estate market. According to data collected

The Twin Cities area is seeing a shift in its real estate market. According to data collected by the Minneapolis Area REALTORS, the average sale price reached $400,095 in February 2023, marking a 0.7 percent increase compared to 2022.

This slow but steady growth indicates a healthy real estate market for buyers and sellers, with plenty of opportunity for investment and residential purposes. Additionally, the inventory of homes for sale is up 7.1 percent from last February, providing potential buyers with a broader range of options.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to upgrade your living situation, or are an experienced real estate investor, this guide provides valuable insights and recommendations for navigating the ever-evolving MinneapolisSaint Paul real estate market in 2023 and beyond — beginning with the homebuying process.

Is buying a home in today’s market a good idea?

Buying a home shouldn’t be a split-second decision. Interest rates, personal financial stability and your long-term goals are all crucial factors to take into consideration before making a purchase.

“While certain market conditions can incentivize someone to buy a home in one time over another, at the end of the day, the best time to buy a home is when you are ready to buy a home,” said Stephen Spears, senior vice president of Twin Cities community banking at Bremer Bank. “I firmly believe you should never base a home purchase decision on the current market conditions. You should buy a home based on

your family’s needs, financial goals and abilities.”

In other words, regardless of the market, buying a home should be a thoughtful and calculated decision based on your circumstances and long-term financial goals.

Buy, rent or wait

Ah, yes, the age-old question

— should I buy or rent a home?

The answer truly depends on individual circumstances, including personal obligations (e.g., work, school, etc.) and what you can realistically afford.

For those not quite ready to buy, renting can provide flexibility and freedom that homeownership may not. On the other hand, if you’re ready to put down roots and invest in property for the long haul, buying a home can provide financial stability and potential for longterm growth and equity. Here are a few things to consider before making a final decision:

Monthly payments

Homeowners must make monthly mortgage payments, which is a combination of the interest and the principal dollar amount on the loan they borrowed to purchase the property. Mortgage payments are typically set for a fixed amount of time, 15 or 30 years, and can

addition to utilities, depending on the rental agreement. Unlike homeowners, renters do not own their property and therefore are not responsible for property taxes, repairs, or building renovations and maintenance.

“From the mortgage side, I would encourage people to ask themselves what they can afford and then consider what they can qualify for — each means something different,” said Spears. “In many situations, what someone technically qualifies for is very different than what they can afford, depending on other priorities and financial obligations like child-related expenses, debt payments, travel plans, etc.”

Lifestyle

You should also consider your lifestyle when deciding whether to buy or rent a home.

For example, buying may be the better choice if you like your city, are ready to settle down or plan on staying in the same job for a while.

in metropolitan areas where homebuying may only be feasible for some, due to high prices and limited inventory.

Peace of mind

Owning a home can provide a sense of stability and peace of mind. When you own a home, it is legally yours, and no one can take it away from you (as long as you make your mortgage payments).

Renting isn’t as permanent as owning a home, and you may be more vulnerable to sudden rent increases or the landlord’s decision not to renew your lease. However, renting does come with less financial risk and no responsibility for building maintenance or unexpected repairs.

Overcoming credit barriers

Poor credit can affect the homebuying process in one of two ways: It can either disqualify you from getting approved for a mortgage altogether or result in getting approved with unfavorable terms (e.g., higher interest rates).

your current situation and help you learn how to improve your credit — and there are a lot of resources out there to help you rebound from a low score!”

A few things you can do to fix your credit:

• Check your credit report for errors: One in five Americans has a mistake or “confirmed material error” on their credit report, according to a U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report. So, before you start building a credit repair plan, double-check your report to see if there are any errors you can dispute.

• Make monthly minimum payments: If you can’t pay off your balances in full before the due date, make the minimum payment each month. Payment history is an important factor that makes up your credit score.

much misinformation is out there. To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the most common myths about buying a home.

Myth: You need 20 percent of the total home price for a down payment.

This myth is as old as time. Fortunately, you can buy a home with much less than 20 percent down.

Myth: The lender with the lowest interest rate is the best choice.

Just because an interest rate is lower doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. “There are many factors that go into the cost of a mortgage rate, and interest is only one of them,” said Spears. “Oftentimes, there are other fees associated with a loan. The best rate does not equal the best choice.”

Myth: You must keep your mortgage for at least two years.

There are no hard and fast rules for how long you need to keep your mortgage. However, one exception is pre-payment penalties (i.e., a penalty for paying your mortgage off too quickly).

“Pre-payment penalties are not common in today’s market,” says Spears. “But be sure to fully understand what mortgage arrangement you eventually decide on carefully.”

The bottom line Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to buying a home! Before you begin your journey, do your homework and crunch some numbers. Doing so will help you better understand your qualifications and set you up for success.

adjust based on interest rates and other financial factors.

Renters pay a fixed amount to their landlord or a rental company each month to live on the property. This rental payment may include utilities or be in

If you prefer a more mobile lifestyle, value flexibility and the ability to quickly move between locations, or have a job that requires frequent relocations, renting may be the better fit. Renting can also offer more affordable housing options

“Fortunately, poor credit is something you can proactively work with a credit counselor on,” said Spears. “Each person’s finances are unique and specific to them. Credit counselors can help you better understand

• Resist the urge to close accounts: While it may seem like a good idea to close a credit card you’re not using, closing accounts could actually negatively affect your credit. Instead, use these cards to buy small items (e.g., coffee, gum, candy, etc.) and pay off the balance immediately.

Three homebuying myths, debunked You’d be surprised by how

The most important part of the homebuying process is seeking information to fully understand your financial situation and options — and the Bremer team can help! Our mortgage loan officers are well-equipped to help guide you down the path that makes the most sense for your needs and refer you to other real estate and financial experts, as needed. Learn more at bremer.com.

Photo by Mark Bowden

At the end of the day, the best time to buy a home is when you are ready to buy a home.

“Fear and nervousness around taking that first step is natural. But you never know what you’ll learn, and you’ll learn so much about yourself.”

Fresh Heir owner Malik Watkins Photo by Chris Juhn

Champion

Continued from page 1

that says, if you’re in for a felony probation or paper, until you complete those sentences and you’re ‘off paper’ which is what we call it this industry—you can’t vote. It could have been a person who has a chemical dependency problem that ends up being charged for possession of drugs. The bottom line is that the person can’t vote.

MSR: Why was it important for you to make this change and restore voting rights?

Champion: Because I believe in second chances, I believe a person should not be perpetually punished for making a bad decision. If they’re out amongst us, then there was some decision made that they were safe and that was okay, and that they should be with us.

We thought it was important for people to have the right to vote because there are also people working and if you’re working, you’re doing what—you’re paying taxes. You are paying taxes without being able to speak to who’s representing you. Whether that’s on the school board, city council,

Givens

Continued from page 1

founding of the Givens Collection of African American Literature and permanently house it at the University of Minnesota.

Givens’ presence in the arts world included hosting readings and art exhibits at his home.

“He invited me to a read-

standoff

Continued from page 1

In addition, Yang, who previously lived in Altoona, Wisconsin, was charged along with Raylean Gurneau with animal cruelty related to shooting a dog with BB gun pellets and subsequently running it over. He also had convictions for stolen vehicles ranging from motorcycles to SUVs.

The federal warrant affidavit said Yang carjacked someone at gunpoint as he fled from a truck he was riding in that was stolen and being pursued by Ramsey County deputies. Someone in that truck threw a puppy out to hinder law enforcement from pursuing them. The affidavit also noted he was armed at all times.

The FBI Minneapolis office says their agents saw that Yang was armed as he emerged

inCidents

Continued from page 1

in 2022 compared to 2021, according to data released by the FBI on Wednesday, but the number of casualties increased from 243 to 313. The number of people killed decreased from five in 2021 to twenty-one in 2022, while the number of injured police officers increased considerably.

With nine events, the month of May had the most shootings, with Sunday being the day with the most gun violence.

The mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, was the deadliest occurrence of 2022, and Texas also

county commissioner, state representative, federal government, you know—or even the park board—with no say. That’s taxation without representation.

MSR: Is there a waiting period or any stipulations to reintroducing voting rights to those who have served their time?

Champion: There’s no waiting period. You get out and you’re

not incarcerated, you are allowed to vote because we want you to get reintegrated into society expeditiously. So yes, a person would be able to get out and vote right away. Now, others tried to argue for a waiting period and to me that just added more confusion. We need to have a clear line, so no one will make a mistake. We don’t want there to be a mistake. We don’t want anything that could risk

their freedom, or run the risk of them being charged with a new crime, because they may have voted too early.

MSR: Was there any pushback from other legislatures at the thought of restoring voting rights for past offenders?

Champion: As I was pushing for this, you heard things like, ‘Hey, they have to pay their debt to society. And if this is a consequence of their behavior that they are not allowed to vote, then they should not be allowed to vote.’ Then I heard people say there should be a waiting period.

If they come out, we should make them prove that they’ve changed and they’re different before they’re given the right to vote. Then there are those who said, ‘Hey, I’m okay with everybody else voting. But if you’re a rapist or a murderer or something like that, then you shouldn’t be allowed to vote.’

Well, here’s the thing, that becomes confusing too. Because now you gotta start timing when somebody can or cannot vote. And if we really wanna make sure that people are not offending and, and we want to bring down or decrease recidivism, there can’t be exceptions.

and then he asked me would I be interested in serving on the Givens Foundation board. I began serving on that board since 1998, then in 2016, I became the acting executive director.”

MSR: Are there other things you’re looking at to expand the rights of those who were formerly incarcerated to reduce recidivism?

Champion: I’ve done some stuff on the juvenile side of the equation. That’s important because some of the things that we’re seeing involve our young people. How do we

ing in the ‘90s,” said Herman J. Milligan, the foundation’s acting executive director and chair. “Then we started talking

Givens’ legacy in business, the arts, his longtime devotion to his college alma mater will be lasting. But both Mulligan and Hayden point out that Archie’s generosity was underrated but

make sure that there’s prevention and intervention? What about the services that they need so we can bring them back into law-abiding behavior or prevent them from getting into unlawful behavior?

That also means allowing them to dream and then help them with employment, but also education and making sure that they can get their mental-health

will be most remembered.

“He was very humble, friendly, always had time to talk to you,” said Mulligan. “He was a loving, caring person. He really cared about all people and really cared about ensuring that Black Americans can be seen as contributors in a positive way like any other cultural group.”

“He was a great guy,” said Hayden, who added that Giv-

The woman, identified as Gurneau, was taken, apparently unharmed, to the back of a squad car, according to recorded footage. Shortly after being shot by the FBI, Yang ended up in an ambulance. Gurneau was also reportedly transported to the hospital for an apparent fentanyl overdose.

issues addressed, or address poverty issues. Sometimes when you’re a young person or a person who is evolving, you sometimes get involved in things you shouldn’t. Now you want a career—whether it’s in PCA (personal care assistance) or child childcare or something that requires a license, and now you apply and now you are disqualified because of your record. I’m dealing with DHS (Department of Human Services) to say that you can’t use their background against them—if number one, their record got it expunged, or number two, it was resolved favorably for them.

Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader comments at amohamed@ spokesman-recorder.com.

ens’ illness sadly took him away from the community he loved and served. “It was almost like we had lost him a long time ago,” he observed.

Archie Givens’ survivors include his wife Carol Meshbesher, his daughter Sunny (his other daughter from his first marriage, April, died in 2004), and sister Roxanne. A memorial service was held on April 30.

from the home last Thursday. A Facebook live-streamed video of the suspect posted under the name “NotKevin Yang” corroborates that fact. It showed him holding what appeared to be a sawed-off shotgun as he walked out of

the front door tied to a woman. On the live-streamed video the woman, along with viewer commenters, pleaded with Yang to surrender. Witnesses reported two women emerged from the home along with Yang, one

who was not wearing a top accompanied another woman who was screaming Yang’s American name, Kevin. The woman screaming the name appeared to be the same woman seen in the Facebook Live video tied to Yang.

A small crowd of community members gathered at Dowling and Dupont once news spread about the officer-involved shooting, believing that Minneapolis police officers were involved—after decades of incidents of police brutality—even though FBI agents were responsible. A couple who said they knew the woman tied up to Yang in the standoff anxiously waited for news. So was someone who knew him to be a troublemaker.

All the while, a woman who owns a home at the corner where the shooting occurred told gawkers to get off her

A federal warrant for Yang’s arrest showed he was wanted for assaulting a federal officer and potentially possessing firearms, which is prohibited for someone convicted of a felony.

lawn and to watch the news for updates.

H. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader comments at hpan@spokesmanrecorder.com.

had the most shootings overall.

The most significant casualties resulted from a shooting at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois, where a gunman wounded 55 people.

Nearly half of the occurrences happened in public places

like the Fourth of July parade, 14 occurred in commercial establishments, and four occurred in educational institutions. Only three of the fifty perpetrators were female; the youngest was 15, and the oldest was 70. Most shooters were familiar

with the site or the people inside, with the FBI reporting that roughly half of all shootings had a shooter who knew the target.

The FBI said perpetrators used 61 firearms in 50 incidents, including 29 handguns, 26 rifles, and three shotguns.

Key conclusions from the report include:

• Forty-seven men out of a total of 50 shooters. They were between the ages of 15 and 70.

• In over half of the events, the shooter had a known link to the area, the victim, or both.

• Four of the perpetrators wore body armor, and two served as snipers.

• A total of 61 firearms were used in the incidents, including 29 handguns, 26 rifles, three shotguns, and three undetermined weaponries.

• Six of the fifty active shooter incidents were reported in Texas, more than any other state.

• These shootings occurred in seven distinct settings, including open areas, commercial buildings, residences, educational institutions, government buildings, places of worship, and healthcare facilities.

Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion in the legislative chamber.

Photo by Chris Juhn

“They say, if you want people to be successful and reintegrate into society, and you want to decrease recidivism, and you want to make sure that individuals are not going to re-offend, you make sure that they can be a part of the fabric of our democracy.”

“Archie Givens was just a good dude. And he never did it for a show.”

FBI agents at the scene of the Yang shooting at Dowling and Dupont Avenue. Photo by Chris Juhn

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

The month of May had the most shootings, with Sunday being the day with the most gun violence, … and Texas also had the most shootings overall.

MGN

Arts & Culture

‘Rewind & Play’: Monk documentary tackles art and manipulation

By Nadine Matthews

Contributing Writer

In a recent interview with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, French-Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis stated that when he came across footage of jazz legend Thelonious Monk from a 1969 filming of the French TV show “Jazz Portraits,” he had mixed feelings about it.

On one hand, he immediately wanted to share it. On the other, he said he felt parts of the footage could induce feelings of revulsion. He explains, “It was stunning to see a living example of what could happen for an African American artist at the time—this kind of confrontation with the media.” Ultimately though, he eventually used the footage and made the documentary “Rewind & Play.”

Gomis, when he first heard Monk’s music as a student, became curious about the art and the artist behind it. “I was intrigued, and I kept coming back to it,” Gomis explained. “He was the kind of man who makes you more and more curious.”

The setup for “Jazz Portraits” was simple. There was Monk and the show’s host, White bebop pianist Henri Renaud. There were two cameras and a grand piano.

“Rewind & Play,” the last film in the annual AfroPop film festival on WORLDChannel, aired on May 1 and on WORLDChannel’s YouTube channel thereafter. It’s told in the same straightforward manner as the source material.

There are no talking heads,

no appearances by family members or friends, and except for a bit of footage of Monk and his wife in France and of Monk’s apartment in New York, minuscule archival footage and photographs.

Gomis explained, “I wanted it to be an immersive experience. You can tell so much by not trying to explain what you should feel or understand.”

Indeed, the documentary ends up having a more powerful impact by leaving the “Jazz Portraits” footage to speak for itself. Most of “Rewind & Play” is extraordinary in the ways that one

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would expect. Monk is given free and virtually uninterrupted reign on the piano, and the viewer gets a close, unfettered look at the artist as he works.

There are extreme close-ups revealing Monk’s intense focus. The camera captures uncomfortable shots of Monk who, dressed in a dark suit and hat and playing under hot studio lights, has rivulets of perspiration pouring down his face.

Somewhat at odds with the image that had been promoted, “Rewind & Play” also reveals Monk as just a normal human being in possession of great

talent. “He had been marketed as a weird genius,” stated Gomis. “Almost crazy, inaccessible. Maybe this helped in some ways, but it blocked him in others, putting him in the box of experimental, avant-garde, intellectual music.”

“Rewind & Play” does offer a much more accessible experience for the viewer. “He was always trying to be present, original, truthful, and if you want to be truthful you have to find your own way of saying things. He wasn’t crazy at all. He was one of the most honest men in his behavior and relationship to people.”

Then there is how the film is extraordinary in a way one would not expect. “Rewind & Play” starkly shows how Monk, as a Black musician, is controlled by Renaud.

The viewer is also deliberately manipulated, if not lied to. At a certain point, Monk ceases to play and Renaud interviews him about his life as a musician. He asks about Monk’s experiences in France, and Monk

alludes to experiencing some discrimination in what he gets paid and in other ways. Renaud quickly jumps in to dissuade Monk from revealing this negative information. He also instructs someone off-screen to make sure that bit of footage doesn’t make it to the final version of the show.

“I think it’s best we erase it,” Renaud says. “What [Monk] is saying is really derogatory.” It’s

a disappointing turn of events in terms of the casual way that racism is denied and erased because it doesn’t fit the narrative Renaud is selling.

States Gomis, “Thelonious Monk becomes the main obstacle in telling his own story. They already have a story and it’s about a society so proud of itself to show somebody like Thelonious Monk on TV. What he said doesn’t fit with the image they want to show. They see this as for his own good, which is really special and sometimes revolting.”

Gomis also stated that he saw making this documentary as a way to give the public “the possibility of access to Monk’s music in a deeper way.” Despite its drawbacks, the film does just that and is a must-see for anyone curious about the artistry of one of jazz’s greatest legends.

Nadine Matthews welcomes reader comments to nmatthews@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Image courtesy of Leslie Parker and Joshua B. Alafia.

He was always trying to be present, original, truthful, and if you want to be truthful you have to find your own way of saying things

Thelonious Monk Courtesy of Grasshopper Film

Are Black voices being heard by the FCC on minority media ownership?

By Hazel Trice Edney

Standard General’s acquisition of media company TEGNA is a deal widely viewed as a major opportunity to enhance minority media ownership and transform local newsrooms by bringing a new level of racially diverse media faces and voices across America.

The passing of a social justice warrior

By Marian Wright Edelman

“I’ve always looked at the world and thought, what can I do next? Where do we go from here? How can we fix it? And that’s still how I look at the world, because there is so much to be done.”

Harry Belafonte

When Harry Belafonte died on April 25, many people were quick to honor him not only as a luminous, barrier-breaking singer and actor but also as an outspoken, lifelong crusader for civil and human rights. I am especially grateful for his enduring legacy as a champion for children in the United States and across the world.

He was a wonderful friend and a longtime supporter of the Children’s Defense Fund’s mission and work, especially lifting up young people who have beaten the odds. He overcame long odds himself as a poor Black boy growing up in Harlem and Jamaica, and he later said he was an activist from birth—determined to do everything he could to help change the odds for others.

His starring role as a warrior for social justice was clear early on in the Civil Rights Movement. By the early 1960s Harry Belafonte had already been a leading man in films like “Carmen Jones” and ”Island in the Sun,” won a Tony, an Emmy, and Grammy Awards, and become the first artist in the U.S. to sell a million copies of a record in a year with 1956’s “Calypso.”

This made him one of the most recognizable Black men in the country as he (along with his dear friend and rare peer Sidney Poitier) tirelessly raised money and awareness for the Movement, traveling

to the South at great personal risk, working closely with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and encouraging other Hollywood celebrities to support the cause. When he looked back later at one specific assignment, coordinating fellow artists to participate in the March on Washington, he said: “We had to seize this opportunity and make our voices heard. Make those who are comfortable with our oppression—make them uncomfortable.

“I remember the last time we were together, at my home, shortly before he was murdered. He seemed quite agitated and preoccupied, and I asked him what the problem was. ‘I’ve come upon something that disturbs me deeply,’ he said.

“‘We have fought hard and long for integration, as I believe we should have, and I know that we will win. But I’ve come to believe we’re integrating into a burning house.’ That statement took me aback. It was the last thing I would have expected to hear, considering the nature of our struggle, and I asked him what he meant.

However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given Standard General no feedback nor provided a reason for not taking a vote, and it appears to be running out the clock on the deal. Industry observers point out that this further delay is likely a death sentence for the transaction since this drawn-out legal process will likely continue well past the May 22 closing deadline for the acquisition.

Cedric Richmond, former Louisiana congressman, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, former senior advisor to President Joe Biden, and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, has become the latest voice of Black America to appeal to the FCC for racial diversity in media ownership.

mond, in a recent appearance on Sharpton’s “Keepin’ It Real” radio show. “And especially when you talk about the ownership of media in the United States.

Asked why Standard General’s deal with TEGNA matters, Mr. Richmond explained, “Well, the proposed acquisition by Standard General of TEGNA would create the biggest TV broadcasting company owned by a minority, [and] led by a female…You’re talking about a deal that would infuse almost two billion dollars into TEGNA to allow them to expand local news funding.”

Even with top civil rights and Black media voices pushing for the TEGNA acquisition, it appears they are not being heard.

ing new partnership models to get diverse viewpoints and perspectives on the air and to make sure people have the resources to do it.

“We’re calling it enhanced community access or creative community access, and we’re excited about the possibilities it will open up.” Together, Standard General and TEGNA would have a national audience with stations in over 50 markets.

Among the deal’s earliest supporters, Ben Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association with more than 22 million readers per week, said that the FCC should immediately revive Kim’s proposal.

“Dr. King said that was the purpose of this mission…to mobilize the cultural force behind the cause. Dr. King saw that as hugely strategic. We use celebrity to the advantage of everything. Why not to the advantage of those who need to be liberated?”

In every cause he engaged in throughout his life, from organizing the “We Are the World” fundraiser to speaking out against apartheid to serving for decades as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, that is how Harry Belafonte used his own celebrity. Years later he described another seminal lesson he learned from Dr. King:

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‘I’m afraid that America may be losing what moral vision she may have had,’ he answered. ‘And I’m afraid that even as we integrate, we are walking into a place that does not understand that this nation needs to be deeply concerned with the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. Until we commit ourselves to ensuring that the underclass is given justice and opportunity, we will continue to perpetuate the anger and violence that tears at the soul of this nation.’”

Harry Belafonte added: “Deep in my soul, I know there are more Rosa Parks, more Dr. Kings, and more Ella Bakers ready to emerge. Perhaps we are the firefighters who can save the burning house.” He believed this, and he set the example.

In 2014, Harry Belafonte was presented with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar that solidified his rare “EGOT-winner” status and recognized his lifelong work for social justice. In his acceptance speech he remembered how it felt to be an eight-year-old in a movie theater watching a blockbuster “Tarzan of the Apes” film on the big screen, with its racist, White supremacist stereotypes:

“It was an early stimulus to the beginning of my rebellion, rebellion against injustice and human distortion, and hate. How fortunate for me that the performing arts became the catalyst that fueled my desire for social change… It was [Paul] Robeson who said, ‘Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. They are civilization’s radical voice.’ This Robeson environment sounded like a desired place to be, and given the opportunity to dwell there, has never disappointed me.”

Harry Belafonte was a voice of radical truth his entire life, and I am deeply grateful he never stopped sharing his incomparable voice with the rest of the world.

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

In his appeal, Richmond joins a distinguished lineup of civil rights leaders, activists and media professionals supporting the acquisition. They include household names such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Rev. Al Sharpton of the National Action Network, media personality Roland Martin, civil rights lawyer Barbara Arnwine, and Benjamin Chavis of the NNPA, among many others.

“It’s not diverse at all,” said Rich-

By Svante Myrick

Unless the FCC does an abrupt turnaround, it is still on course to allow the proposal to die, despite promises from Standard General’s managing partner and chief investment officer, Soo Kim, to maximize newsroom investment and diversity.

“We [Standard General] want to partner with community journalism groups to amplify the work they’re doing and the communities they represent,” Kim said in an interview last June. “We’re open to explor-

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association takes the position that the FCC should reconsider this issue of Soo Kim and the issue of the potential benefit to communities of color as a result of this proposal. We believe that upon a re-review by the FCC, it should be reconsidered because it would bring great economic benefit and strongly deal with the issue of equity. The FCC not approving this merger contributes to inequity.”

The FCC is running out of time to do the right thing. But it’s not too late. Our voices won’t be silenced, even if they aren’t being heard.

Hazel Trice Edney is president and CEO of Trice Edney Communications. She is the former editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service and Blackpressusa.com and former interim executive director of the NNPA Foundation.

Time to fight back against censorship

Every year, the American Library Association unveils its list of the top 10 most-challenged books for the previous year. And this year, Number One is the same as last year’s Number One: the book “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe. Other books that achieved this distinction were Toni Morrison’s classic “The Bluest Eye,” “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, and other titles dealing with race, gender identity, sexuality and coming of age—in other words, real life.

This year’s list also follows the association’s announcement that demands to censor library books reached 1,269 last year—nearly doubling demands from the previous year. That’s a record high in all the years since ALA began compiling data more than 20 years ago.

And because censorship demands now often include numerous books, a recordhigh number of individual titles made the list of targeted books last year: 2,571. The ALA says of those, the vast majority were written by or about people of color or the LGBTQ community.

This is a tragedy for students, and not just students who come from the communities the censors want to silence. Those students lose the sometimes life-saving experience of seeing themselves in a story and knowing they are neither abnormal nor alone. Meanwhile all students grow up knowing less about the world. Censorship stunts their intellectual growth.

Art Spiegelman is the creator

of “Maus,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel that depicts his family’s experience of the Holocaust—and is frequently targeted by censors. His experience as a target of censors has made him a leading activist against book banning, and he believes the answer to the book-banning craze is to get involved in local politics.

That includes school board elections where the battles over censorship are waged. Spiegelman made it clear in a recent CBS News interview that he recognizes the right of a parent to say their own child can or can’t read a book, but to make that decision for other parents’ kids is “suppression and authoritarianism.”

members carrying out harassment campaigns in their communities, calling for librarians to be shot and making unfounded public accusations of child abuse and pedophilia against their perceived “enemies.”

The group has also become a significant force in Republican politics. And it’s growing. All of which makes it intimidating to think about getting involved in school board politics if you want to fight censorship. And that’s exactly the point.

What we need now are not just brave and principled people on school boards, but also bigger, more powerful organizations that are willing to support them. The organization I lead, People For the American Way, has a cadre of school board members in our Young Elected Officials network. We are engaged in outreach to these folks, especially in states that are hotbeds for book banning like Florida and Virginia.

Spiegelman’s position seems entirely reasonable to me. We can honor the rights of individual parents to make decisions about their kids’ exposure to books, art, and other cultural materials without mandating decisions for everybody else. That seems like rational ground we should all be able to occupy.

But rationality left the room a while ago when it comes to the Far Right’s attacks on the freedom to learn. The main group leading the charge on banning books, Moms for Liberty, has become something akin to a terrorist organization.

Reports now abound of group

We’re asking them what they need, including on the security front. We want to empower them to stay in their roles because we need them more than ever to stand up to the onslaught of groups like Moms for Liberty.

If the American Library Association’s findings are any indication, this is just the start of a new struggle for the freedom to learn, one that hasn’t yet reached its peak. We owe it to the next generation not to stand on the sidelines; please think about how you can help.

Svante Myrick is president of People For the American Way.

“Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. They are civilization’s radical voice.”

Even with top civil rights and Black media voices pushing for the TEGNA acquisition, it appears they are not being heard.

We can honor the rights of individual parents to make decisions about their kids, without mandating decisions for everybody else.

Celebrating Outstanding

Tamara Ballard

My mom has been a mother to the community for over 30 years. She has put in several years loving other people’s children as she did daycare out of her home.

But for the past 20 years, she has worked in the public school system. She goes above and beyond for her “babies” as she likes to refer to them. She is a true advocate for all children, especially when it comes to their education and safety.

My mom deserves this award and so much more for all of the love and dedication she has poured into her community. Every child she has come in contact with always speaks of the genuine love and support she has shown them. Adults who were once babies in her daycare service still speak of the love she showed and the lessons she instilled. My mother not only goes above and beyond for all of her “babies,” she also spends quite a bit of her free time helping others. She cares for her friends and family who can’t care for themselves.

She is always the one to visit you when you are sick. She will cook and clean for others. At times she forgets to take care of herself and her own needs because she is doing so much for others.

If you ask anyone who knows her, they will tell you Tamara Ballard is one of the most loving and thoughtful people. They will also tell you how selfless she is. Please give this award to my momma. She deserves it the MOST!

—Tamika Ballard

Janelle Berry-Blasingame

Janelle is an outstanding woman. I have known her for over 30 years, since junior high school. She is also a wonderful mother, daughter and friend.

She continues to inspire me. She has been teaching for many years. She gives with all of her heart and doesn’t ak for anything in return. She is all about loving everyone. She has truly been there for me.

I recently was in the hospital and she was there throughout the entire ordeal—the good, the bad and the ugly. She is what I call a super woman! I love her with all my heart, my sister.

Janelle is an outstanding mom because as a single mother, she has also raised twin boys who are now both in their first year of college. She is the epitome of what an outstanding, God-fearing woman is. She blesses anyone that she meets, always giving of herself. No matter her circumstances, she still has a bright smile on her face.

—Quiaira Tarver

Trina Givens-Henry

Trina Givens-Henry is a professor at Minneapolis Community College and currently owns a mental health agency that focuses on providing culturally competent services to marginalized communities. Trina dedicates her time educating community members about the importance of mental health.

—Triasia Givens

Danielle J. Hatley

Danielle J. Hatley is my niece and I’m so proud of her. She was born in 1982, two weeks before our mom died, at a time when drugs were rampant in North Minneapolis. Danielle, whose brother was five years older, had a difficult childhood growing up with my sister, who was two years younger than me. But, I didn’t realize how bad it was. I was working and a single mother myself.

It was much later in Danielle’s life that I realized how things were at home. I felt bad that I hadn’t been there for her. But, all I can say is, I don’t know where her strength came from. She is one of the best mothers I’ve ever seen. She had her son 17 years ago, and he is so awesome. She works for Lucy Laney School, and she loves those babies. She also works at Target part-time. She has given her son an awesome life. I’m so very, very proud of her.

M Curtis

—Joan

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is pleased to present this year’s honorees for Sister Spokesman’s Celebrating Moms event that will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Joyce Otieno

My mom is the most selfless, loving, strongest, forgiving woman on this Earth. My mom came from Kenya with the man she married. They moved from Nairobi to Flagstaff, Arizona, so he could go to school at NAU.

Once he got situated, he refused to work or provide for his family. My mom worked at night while going to school full-time at the university. She received a degree in graphic design and we moved back to Kenya.

My beautiful mother, even if married on paper, never had a partner. She is my father and mother and has been the backbone of our family. She loved us, cared for us, and fed us and provided everything for us.

We moved back to the States and she has still been our father and mother. We lost my little brother here and that was the worst day of my life, and my mom is still keeping us going by the grace of God. She remains married to the man she married, which is unbelievable, but nonetheless my mother is the strongest, most selfless, loving, caring, most forgiving person I know.

Marnita Schroedl

Besides running a business that serves the whole community, Marnita has mentored her children by helping them learn that business, in addition to helping hundreds of young people become productive members of their communities. Besides giving them jobs and opportunities, she hosts a large graduation ceremony for high school seniors who wouldn’t otherwise have one.

I met her some 15 years ago in my predominantly White neighborhood by calling her on Mother’s Day and thanking her for all the things I have seen her do. I said to her, “You are like a mother to the whole neighborhood, so HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!”

—Jozene

Rev. Dr. Mary Whitney

Reverend Dr. Mary Whitney is a licensed Presbyter Elder Minister and has pastored a small online ministry for over five years. She is listed a a domestic violence coach and practitioner with 211. She works at Paladin Career and Technical High School in Anoka. She is also an elder in Circle Keeping.

Mary is a mother, grandmother, niece, aunt, a queen, spiritual/ life coach, and one of my strongest supporters as well as a support to many others. I nominate my elder aunt-mother who is a prominent woman like in the Old Testament: a gracious woman, compassionate, strong, brave, and trusted God completely. She has done community work for 20-plus years. She has conducted a free online ministry service for over six years. She has self-published five books in 13 years. Ms. Mary’s book “Robbed of a Childhood, Raped by the System,” helped me get past my own traumatic experiences. I nominated her because of our relationship of more than 10 years. She helps reveal the power and purposes of God working in and through those who have lost everything yet cling to hope.

—Tori Boyér

Vanita Williams

I just want to recognize my mother and say thank you for just being you. I appreciate all you do for me, no matter how big or small. As a single mother you did the best you could, provided me with a good life growing up, and motivated me to complete my education and obtain a master’s degree.

Your grandson Tarik and I love you, and thank you for all you do!

—Sheena Williams

—Vera Otieno

COURT FILE NUMBER: 27-CV-23-2429

Reid

Continued from page 10

feeling anxious and running out of time. So I decided to start coaching,” she said.

Reid started coaching, first as an assistant at Louisville in 2020, where the team won the Atlantic Coast Conference title and reached the NCAA Sweet 16. She also did a similar stint at Florida Southwestern in 2021.

“I live in Fort Myers [FL], and I coach a club [team] called USA South,” said Reid.

Since joining AU, the 6’0” tall Reid appeared in all 15 matches during its inaugural season and finished 13th on the leaderboard with 2,551 points, seventh in the league with 23 blocks while playing middle blocker.

Reid said she loves the format. “My leadership skills have gone up, and my voice, my true authentic adult voice, has come out.” There are no coaches, but team captains make calls and draft players for the rosters.

“She’s the one [team captain] that’s in charge of doing the lineups,” explained Reid. “It’s us together rather than a coach. This is where I can really try new things and just flourish in my own

2023

personality, and be my own person and develop my leadership skills.”

AU documentary planned

Last week, AU announced a new partnership with Boardwalk Pictures to develop a documentary project, which will be unscripted and follow players’ lives on and off the soccer field and basketball court during their respective seasons.

“The athletes of Athletes Unlimited are truly creating a new model for pro sports and providing opportunities for countless women to achieve their professional dreams. Their stories are among the most compelling in all of sports, and we are so proud of the truly unique league we have created,” said Cheri Kempf, Athletes Unlimited senior vice president, in a release statement.

Boardwalk has produced several award-winning projects, including “Cheer” and “Last Chance U” on Netflix.

“We’re excited to work alongside AU, capturing compelling stories about these outstanding women,” said Broadwalk CEO Andrew Fried.

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

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Continued from page 10

Amelia of her sister. “I think I’ve always had an idea of how to play with her and how to support her. Being able to play with her,” she added, “I love playing with my sister.”

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The siblings are two of Chucky and Melanie Brown’s four children. Their father is a former college basketball star at North Carolina State who played 13 NBA seasons, and was on a league championship team (Houston).

The Brown sisters claim their athleticism from both parents.“My mom was a ballerina,” noted Izzy. “We not only have athleticism, but we have quick feet. We’ve got long legs and good genes.”

When asked if their father influenced their decision to play sports, Izzy said, “He’s been nothing but supportive. He’s never pushed us to do anything that we didn’t want to do, like playing sports and playing soccer. And even when we did play basketball, that was our decision and not his. I think even if we didn’t play sports and chose to do something else, he would still be 110 percent and love us for who we are.”

“I would definitely say part of soccer skills is having a positive attitude,” added Amelia, “and I would definitely say I got that from my mom. [And] the pure athleticism from my dad.”

Being a historical footnote as the first set of Black siblings to play Minnesota soccer, and currently the only set of siblings of color playing Division I soccer, is not lost on the Brown sisters.

“It’s really exciting, but we’re pushing every day not just to be better for ourselves individually…but collectively and for the program,” said Izzy. “It’s just also getting better every time we step on the field.”

Izzy is now working on her second degree. “I graduated last fall with my bachelor’s in communications, and I started a master’s program in sport management. I’ve been doing an internship” in sport marketing, she pointed out.

Amelia is undecided on her major. “Honestly I have no idea what I want to do,” she admitted, smiling. “I do know I want to stay in sports, whether that’s playing professional [soccer], or if I want to be a coach, or if I want to be on the marketing-side or management-side.

“I just know I want to stay connected to sports somehow,” said Amelia.

“I think I’d be interested in something in athletic communications or photography,” said Izzy, who quickly clarified, “When I graduate, I want to go to the draft and play pro.”

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

State of Minnesota District Court County of Hennepin Judicial District: Fourth Court File Number 27-FA- 23-286

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(l) Neither party may dispose of any assets except (a) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (b) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (c) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding.

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(2) Neither party may harass the other party.

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If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the court in later proceedings.

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Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, May 4, 11, 18, 2023

Sistas who kick

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 soccer players Izzy and Amelia Brown

innesota is one of eight NCAA Division I soccer teams with two sets of sisters. Graduate student Izzy Brown and sister Amelia Brown, who will be a sophomore this fall, are the team’s only Black players.

The Gophers recently completed its spring soccer schedule. We caught up with the Browns after a match against St. Thomas at the football indoor practice facility.

Athletes Unlimited expands pro opportunities

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

thletes Unlimited (AU), the only U.S. women’s pro volleyball league, will play its 2023 season in the Phoenix area this fall. It will be AU’s third campaign.

Like AU’s other women’s sports—softball, lacrosse and basketball—the premise of each league is based on player decisions and team performances. “Win points” in AU volleyball matches are accumulated in both individual sets and overall match wins. The total score decides the overall match winner, which could mean that a team may lose two sets and still win the overall match.

Blaine native Taylor Morgan, whose married name is Taylor Reid, is a member of the AU’s Player Executive Committee. She was part of a nine-match exhibition tour that started in March, playing against college teams at Ohio State and recently concluded at Penn State. Her team played at Minnesota on April 4. Afterwards Reid told the MSR it was her first time playing at Maturi Pavilion since she graduated

“This spring is all about building for a team…a time to try out new things,” explained Izzy. “It’s really a time to grow.”

When the 2023 season be-

gins this fall, it will be only the second time that the Brown sisters have been teammates at any level. Last season, Izzy had the first hat trick as a Gopher since 2017—she transferred after two seasons from North Carolina and played in all 17 matches in 2021. Amelia appeared last season in 15 of 19

matches in 2022, her freshman year. Izzy is a forward; Amelia is a midfielder. The two sisters wear uniform numbers that are reversed—No. 25 for Amelia and No. 52 for Izzy.

“I’ve watched her all my life, all throughout club [soccer],” said

■ See SOE on page 9

while back, an article written by this columnist was published in the MSR about current NBA players from the metro area. Ironically, one of the most productive former metro players in the NBA this season was not mentioned.

That player was former Breck School and Colorado State University alum David Roddy.

Roddy, a 6’5” 255-pound forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaged 6.7 pts, and 2.8 rebounds, teaming with former Apple Valley High School and Duke University standout

Tyus Jones (10.3 points, 2.5

“My leadership skills have gone up, and my voice, my true authentic adult voice, has come out.”

from Minnesota in 2019. She finished her Gopher career with 97 matches played, 280 sets, 514 kills, 283 blocks, and two-time All-Big Ten, as well as an honorable mention All-American as a junior. After college, Reid had hoped to play pro volleyball overseas, but then COVID hit. “I was

■ See Reid on page 9

Roddy making his mark in the NBA

rebounds and 5.2 assists), leading them to the first round of the NBA Western Conference playoff series, before losing the to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Roddy was quite a studentathlete before becoming one of the more productive rookies in the NBA this past season. He starred as a three-sport prep athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track and field.

During his final year in the prep ranks Roddy earned allstate honors as a quarterback for the football team, averaged 29.7 points for the basketball team, and completed his senior year by winning the state Class A discus title in track and field.

7.5 rebounds and 2.9 assistsper-game, being named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, and leading the Rams to their first NCAA tournament appearance since

icks in March.

In a homecoming game of sorts, he scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 109-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in November at Target Center.

recent panel of former college athletes, current coaches, university officials, educators, journalists, and other leaders examined the current reality of Division I college sports. High school athletes are recruited on promises of allpaid-for college scholarships and a possible shot at professional sports, despite the fact that less than five percent of scholarship athletes make it to the pros.

Then what happens to the other 95 percent?

A look at the latest figures from The Drake Group Education Fund (TDGEF) is sobering. Based on NCAA and federal data, 52 percent of Division I men’s basketball players, 38 percent of Division I football players, and 38 percent of Division I women’s basketball players on full scholarships did not graduate within six years. And “a clear majority of

standouts and Memphis Grizzlies players David Roddy (Breck School) and Tyus Jones (Apple Valley) during an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 30, 2023, at Target Center.

After graduating in 2019, he made the choice to focus on basketball, and accepted a scholarship to Colorado State, becoming one of the most decorated players in school history. Averaging 19.2 points,

2013, Roddy declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

He was the 23rd pick of the draft before being traded to Memphis. Roddy’s career high was a 24-point effort in a 112108 win over the Dallas Maver-

It seems as if Roddy’s choice to focus on basketball was a wise one.

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Symposium examines issues in college athletics

these athletes are students of color,” in particular 47 percent Black and 12 percent other non-White races or ethnicities, according to the Fund, which sponsored the Allen Sack National Symposium on April 18, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

remotely), The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport Director Richard Lapchick, and former North Carolina academic advisor Mary Willingham, who blew the whistle in 2011, on the school’s handing out bogus grades and holding classes specifically to keep athletes eligible.

They discussed what makes up a meaningful college education, whether coaches make a difference in the college athlete’s academic outcomes, and if there are underlying issues such as racial inequities, time demands, and/or abusive coaching practices that need to be addressed.

The first of three panels during the all-day in-person and virtual event that the MSR attended was moderated by ESPN/Andscape and awardwinning sports columnist William C. Rhoden. The topic discussed was “The reality of the athletics experience.”

A second panel featured South Carolina WBB Coach Dawn Staley (who appeared

Black head coaches’ jobs are often tied to higher graduation rates, said Lapchick, who presented three years of data.

Being an academic coach in itself is “very hard work,” added Bruce Smith, the director of empowerment strategies for ACES Group. Black coaches are often asked to take on unpaid tasks, such as tutoring players, to support the team, he pointed out.

Staley vividly recalled an aca-

demic coach “painfully resigning” because they became overwhelmed by all the pressures.

Willingham spoke of her under-the-radar review of transcripts of UNC athletes to understand the low graduation issues, and found many athletes took “an [easy] drama class” unrelated to their majors, and avoided business or education

classes. Too often athletes are steered into academic tracks that either don’t interest them or offer “paper classes” that they don’t attend, she added.

The author of “Cheated: The UNC Scandal, the Education of Athletes, and the Future of BigTime College Sports,” Willingham also pointed out that race, “the whale swimming just below

the surface of this issue,” plays a significant role in all of this.

The third and final panel asked whether college sports programs are for “entertainment or education.” Howard President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick strongly suggested that university presidents should form a group to “tackle this very complicated issue.” This includes treating college athletes as employees with union protections and splitting university sports revenues estimated to be nearly $16 billion a year with student players through annuities and/or medical care with benefits and/or payments.

“We should lock ourselves in a room to solve this,” said Frederick.

Finally, Rhoden’s panel that opened the day, mostly talked about college sports’ current hot topic—NIL deals, in which a third party pays a student for rights to their name, image and likeness.

More on that next week.

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

“I love playing with my sister.”

Izzy (l) and Amelia Brown

Photos by Charles Hallman

Reid in action

Photo by Jade Hewitt

Taylor Reid Photos by Charles Hallman

(l-r) Former Metro area prep basketball

Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Roddy was quite a student-athlete before becoming one of the more productive rookies in the NBA this past season.

“Are college sports for entertainment or education? We should lock ourselves in a room to solve this.”

Howard President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick Courtesy of Twitter