THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA FOR 87 YEARS
June 16-22, 2022
Vol. 88
Read about ILLism and the Legacy building on page 6.
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uneteenth, which is coming up June 19, is the newest federal holiday in the calendar. Its origins, however, date to the final weeks of the Civil War. The commemoration arose from the freeing of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865, 11 weeks after the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The observance helped fulfill the promise of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862. The proclama-
tion took effect on Jan. 1, 1863, and many Americans today believe that all enslaved people were freed. But that was hardly the case. The proclamation only applied to states in rebellion, meaning that slavery continued in the border states of Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware. Lincoln’s proclamation also had to be enforced. While large parts of the South were under Federal control by 1863, Texas, the westernmost member of the Confederacy, was largely untouched. Relatively few military actions were conducted in Texas, and few Union soldiers occupied the state.
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Juneteenth imagines a better tomorrow—for everyone By Tom Emery Contributing Writer
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As a result, slavery continued with little threat in Texas. Planters from elsewhere in the South migrated to the Lone Star State during the war to keep their slaves from confiscation and freedom. Kathryn Harris, the retired director of Library Services at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill., noted the lapse in emancipation for many slaves in the South. “On the eve of the Emancipation Proclamation, there had been ‘Watch Night’ celebrations for many Blacks, with the coming of freedom,” remarked Harris, a respected authority on African American history. ■ See JUNETEENTH on page 5
Juneteenth gets commodified— like everything else in the U.S. By Jon Jeter Contributing Writer
News Analysis
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hen President Joe Biden last year signed legislation enshrining Juneteenth as a federal holiday, it seemed to augur a new day in U.S. race relations. Congressional lawmakers passed the bill with scant opposition—all from Republicans. The signing ceremony at the White House occurred less than two months after Hennepin County jurors convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of the murder of George Floyd. “We have come far, and we have far to go,” Vice President Kamala Harris told the audience of politicians, activists and community organizers assembled in the East Room. “But today is a day of celebration.”
Calling the bill’s passage “one of the greatest honors” of his presidency, Biden proclaimed: “Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments; they embrace them.” Continuing, he said, “In short, this day doesn’t just celebrate the past. It calls for action today.” What a difference a year makes. What many African Americans once saw as a promising overture towards racial reconcillation in the aftermath of Floyd’s lynching on a South Minneapolis street corner has quickly degenerated into just another commercial opportunity for retailers selling everything from Juneteenth ice cream to watermelon salad. “When,” Dedan Waciuri, an African American activist in North Carolina, demanded to know in a recent Facebook post, “did Juneteenth turn into a Bl[ac]k Business expo?” ■ See ANALYSIS on page 5
New senior housing in South Mpls helps neighbors age in place By Cole Miska Contributing Writer The Sabathani Senior Housing Apartments in the Bryant-Central neighborhood hosted its grand opening the morning of Wednesday, June 8. The event, organized by the Arradondo Planning Group Inc., an African American female-owned company, was attended by leaders from Sabathani Community Center, City officials including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council President Andrea Jenkins, other community members and residents of the facility. Planning for the senior housing project, Photo by Travis Lee which accepts residents 55 years or older, began in 2016, with construction starting last fall. The apartments are owned by the since 1966. The new apartments are on Sabathani Community Center, a neighbor- the lot north of the building that formerly hood nonprofit that has been operating housed Bryant Junior High School, where
Sabathani Community Center has been operating since it purchased the building for $1 from the City in 1979. The center
also runs a food shelf and has free clothing available. The Sabanthi Community Center was
Jan. 6 hearings are history being written in real time By Claire Leavitt, Mark Satta and Ken Hughes
A violent mob of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, intent on disrupting a joint session of Congress that was meeting to count electoral votes and declare Democrat Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election. They did not succeed in preventing Biden’s certification as president, but seven people died in the attack and its immediate aftermath, and around 150 police
were attacked and injured. look backwards,” said the committee That event did not take place in a chairman, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson vacuum. For months, President Donald of Mississippi. “Because our democracy Trump had maintained that if he lost his remains in danger.” Below, three scholars bid for re-election, it would be the result who have watched the hearing respond. of fraud. His fictional claims of victory were repeatedly disproven throughout Theatrical? Yes, but also substantive the post-election period. Claire Leavitt, visiting assistant political The first public hearing of the House science professor, Grinnell College: Select Committee to Investigate the First, let’s be realistic about the scope January 6 attack on the United States planning and carrying out of the attack of the committee’s investigation. Expert Capitol took place on June 9, 2022. It on American democracy, and the role observers have said it is unlikely that began the process of revealing what the Trump played in it. it will result in criminal charges against committee has learned so far about the “Our work must do much more than Trump or increase Democrats’ prospects
established by the Sabathani Baptist Church, of which Bill English was a member. English, now 88 years old, serves as chairman of the board for Sabathani Community Center. “It’s one of the first senior housing programs that has been built in the urban core for 20 years,” English said. “But in this neighborhood what it does, it allows our seniors and others who would typically have to leave the community to find affordable housing to stay in the community where their churches, their beauty shops, and their friends and grandkids are.” English said that seniors previously would have to leave the area, usually to the suburbs, to find senior apartments. He emphasized that the new apartments, which are a block north of East 38th Street, will allow the community members who ■ See SABATHANI on page 5
in the November midterms. But what viewers saw is perhaps even more significant—it was history being written in real time. These hearings will inform future history textbooks, movies and novels that depict the first nonpeaceful transfer of power in American history. The first of several hearings planned in the coming weeks was theatrical and slickly produced. Former ABC News President James Goldston is advising the committee and helping to maximize viewership, producing the hearings like a ■ See JAN 6 on page 5
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June 16 - June 22, 2022
Metro
Safer Metro Transit may be less comfortable By Henry Pan Contributing Writer Would you feel safe riding public transit knowing you may have to wait out in the cold at night or ride in a more crowded-than-usual light rail vehicle? Metro Transit wants to know what more they can do to ease your troubled mind. In Metro Transit’s bid to make its system safe, the agency is moving ahead with removing transit shelters, hiring more police officers and transit ambassadors, contracting out for security guards, reducing the hours when transit center waiting areas are open, and perhaps reducing the number of train cars in a Green or Blue Line to make it safer and more welcoming for people who want to ride. This comes after the Metropolitan Council, the governorappointed regional body that runs Metro Transit, decided to review Metro Transit Police and transit safety days after George Floyd was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The agency partnered with the Citizens League, which conducted surveys and focus groups among transit riders, workers and youth. They found female riders tended to be harassed, riders doing drugs onboard made others feel unsafe, and riders wanted more agency people present to keep them safe. “I believe it is necessary to have police,” said Met Councilmember Reva Chamblis, who chaired a Met Council committee to reform Metro Transit Police. “There has not been equity with how policing has been done, and there are some gaps and perceptions about public safety, as well as how it should be implemented.” The working group compiled a report to address transit safety, which they submitted to Metro Transit. At the Met Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on June 1 they presented how they will implement their recommendations. One of their action plans involves hiring more police, which may be challenging given how unpopular policing has become. Law enforcement programs at community colleges such as Minneapolis Community and Technical College are closing and merging their programs because of declining enrollment. “We love our police department. We want more of them,” said Director of Customer Relations Pam Steffen at the meeting, paraphrasing what she heard from Metro Transit workers. “Not many people might want to be police officers anymore, so it’s tough out there.” They plan to hire so-called transit ambassadors, as well as contract with a company for security guards armed with chemical sprays and handcuffs who will patrol the Franklin Ave. and Lake St. Blue Line stations starting in September for four months.
Photo by Henry Pan
Metro Transit also plans to run two-car trains at certain times during the day, creating an appearance that trains look full to attract riders who otherwise would not feel safe doing so. “Our ridership on Blue and Green Lines is com-
ther cut back evening service at the suggestion of some of their workers, particularly given they continue to not have enough drivers and police personnel. Metro Transit hasn’t operated 24-hour service since the pandemic began,
ing back, but it’s not nearly what it was before,” said Steffen, adding that reducing the number of trains on the road gives mechanics a chance to catch up on maintenance work. After successfully reducing the Brooklyn Center Transit Center waiting area open hours from 4 am and 10 pm to 7 am and 7 pm, they plan to explore the same with the Uptown Transit Center and Chicago-Lake Transit Center. “With the time span that it was open, there was a lot of time for people to hang out and have fun and really do some significant damage to the work that we did,” said Steffen in justifying the reduced hours. They will also make changes to some of the transit shelters at places where they are more likely to be used for nefarious activities. For example, they began replacing custom-etched glass with clear glass because of COVID-related supply chain issues. They also plan to remove benches and perhaps make shelters smaller. There is also a plan to temporarily remove shelters at West Broadway and Lyndale closest to Merwyn Liquors, because people do not feel safe waiting there. “Transit customers are not in that shelter using it,” said Metro Transit Chief of Staff Lesley Kandaras. “In fact, we’ve heard from them that they actually go half a block down or six blocks away just to catch that bus to make their connection.” Also, the westbound shelter for Routes 14 and 30 will be moved closer to Aldrich Ave., while the southbound shelter for Route 22 will be completely removed. Metro Transit may also fur-
particularly on the 5, which will be further scaled back over the next two years when the D Line opens in December. All of this may do more to harm than help ridership, said MN350’s Adrianna Jereb. “People aren’t safe waiting outside in extreme heat or extreme cold for a bus that’s late or only comes every half hour…or waiting alone in the dark,” said Jereb. “Of course this is a climate issue too; how can we expect people to ditch cars and take the bus if the bus isn’t safe and reliable?” To measure how successful the agency is in making the system safe, they plan to report to the Metropolitan Council on a quarterly basis. “We certainly want to get to a place that this body feels comfortable saying that…this public safety on transit works,” said Kandaras. Metro Transit plans to present their safety and policing plan to the full Met Council for preliminary approval on June 22, after which the agency plans to make ongoing changes based on feedback from riders, staff and, in Metro Transit’s words, “other stakeholders.”
“Our ridership on Blue and Green Lines is coming back, but it’s not nearly what it was before.”
Requests for proposals for security services at the Franklin and Lake St. Blue Line stations may be obtained by contacting Elaine Oglivie at Elaine.ogilvie@metc.state.mn.us. Proposals are due June 14. Henry Pan welcomes reader responses to hpan@spokesmanrecorder.com.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Sign of the times: Prince Rogers Nelson
On Thursday, May 26, the Minneapolis City Council approved the renaming of First Avenue North (between 7th and 8th Streets) in honor of the city’s favorite son. And, shortly after noon on Tuesday, June 7, on what would have been the legend’s 64th birthday, the stretch of road that he made world-famous was formally rechristened
“Prince Rogers Nelson Way.” The commemorative street dedication concluded the “Crown Our Prince” project, which included the unveiling of Hiero Veiga’s Prince mural at nearby Ramp A in downtown Minneapolis. Read about Sharon Smith-Akinsanya’s seven-year journey to bring the project to fruition on page 6.
June 16 - June 22, 2022
Health & Wellness
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Finally, COVID-19 vaccinations soon available for children under five
By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD Guest Contributor The White House has announced that they are preparing to make the first COVID-19 vaccinations available for children ages six months to five years old. If all goes well, they said that children in this age group could start getting vaccinated shortly after the federal Juneteenth holiday on Monday, June 19, 2022. The FDA has an advisory meeting on June 15. In addition to the FDA approval, sup-
port and approval must also come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the Centers for Disease Control's director. As soon as this happens, approximately 10 million doses of vaccines will be shipped out to hospitals, clinics, and other vaccination centers. Any parent with a child aged six months to five years should be able to get them vaccinated within a week or two of the release, which is expected to happen during the last 10 days of June. Many parents of these young children have been eagerly waiting for the time when they could protect their children under age five with the COVID-19 vaccination. It has been extraordinarily frustrating to watch other children older than five get vaccinated and boosted. In an interview with NPR, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, commented: “It's been a long two years. This is the last group of Americans who have not yet been eligible to get vaccinated. We expect vaccinations to begin in earnest as
early as Tuesday, June 21, and really roll on throughout that week. Our expectation is that within weeks, every parent who wants their child to get vaccinated will be able to get an appointment [to do so]." The two available vaccines, Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech, both will require the first two shots to be given approxi-
get their children protected with the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy has been a measurable consideration for adults and children over five. It will be interesting to see how many parents get their children under five years old vaccinated and how they may influence the vaccination of other hesitant
Courtesy of MGN mately one month apart. Additionally, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will require a third shot approximately two months after the first two shots. As a result, it will take several months for this group to get fully vaccinated. As my grandmother liked to say, “The sooner we start, the sooner we will get there’" Many parents are eager to
and unvaccinated groups. Many people are done with COVID, but COVID is not done with us. The coronavirus disease continues around the world and in the U.S., including Minnesota (see sidebar). The best protection is vaccination and clean health practices. The good news is that many vaccine manufacturers, including Moderna and Pfizer, are developing second-generation bivalent vaccines that will have an increased efficacy against all the COVID variants. These may be available as early as this fall. Other manufacturers are also developing more traditional vaccines, such as No-
vovax. Novovax is based on proteins rather than RNA. Novovax may allow those skeptical about the newer RNA vaccines to get vaccinated. The Novovax vaccine should be Quick Statistics available soon. Many physicians recommend booster shots four to Worldwide five months after your last shot. 532 million cases That COVID-19 vaccination 6.3 million deaths schedule may be different if you are immunocompromised. United States Talk to your doctor to find out 85 million cases the best vaccination schedule 1 million deaths for you and your family. The COVID-19 vaccination Minnesota will not necessarily prevent 1.5 million cases you from getting infected by 13,000 deaths COVID-19 (including the many variants), but it will keep you out of the hospital and keep has been selected by physicians you from dying. and nurses as one of the leading dermatologists in Minnesota Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, for the past 20 years. He is the is a board-certified dermatolo- consulting team dermatologist gist and clinical professor of der- for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, matology at the University of Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Minnesota Medical School and a Crutchfield is an active member Benedict Distinguished Visiting of the American and National Professor of Biology at Carleton Medical Associations and past College. He also has a private president of the Minnesota Aspractice, Crutchfield Dermatol- sociation of Black Physicians. He ogy, in Eagan, MN. He received is a founding member of “Minhis MD and master’s degree in nesota’s Black Community Projmolecular biology and genom- ect” which recently published ics from the Mayo Clinic. He has an award-winning book. Dr. been selected as one of the top Crutchfield has been recognized 10 dermatologists in the United by NBC News/The Grio as one States by Black Enterprise mag- of the most influential African azine. In addition, Minnesota Americans in America. He can Medicine recognized Dr. Crutch- be reached at Crutchfieldfield as one of the 100 Most Dermatology.com or by calling Influential Healthcare Leaders 651-209-3600. in Minnesota. Dr. Crutchfield specializes in skin-of-color and
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View Continued from page 10 women; Cheryl Burrell, a former 3M executive who now runs her own executive coaching firm; and former Dayton deputy chief of staff Shawntera Hardy, who also was the state’s economic development commissioner and now heads her own consulting firm. All four women have stories to tell, said Taylor: “We don’t recognize how difficult it is sometimes to be in the ecosystem, and it was challenging for me navigating as a Black woman and initially not getting opportunities that I was qualified for,” she recalled. She dutifully followed her parents’ advice: “Put your head down, work hard, get good grades, get a good job, work as hard as you can.” But after doing that and not
Coach Continued from page 10 incredibly diverse. But Kevin was the right person for this opportunity.” Nonetheless Adofo-Mensah said he understood our sentiments. “I grew up in a fairly non-diverse area,” noted the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native. “Oftentimes [I was] the only one in my classes taking honors classes and things like that.” He also is aware of the NFL’s ongoing struggle to become more diverse in key roles such as head coaches and general managers. “I’ve been in this environment my whole life where we’re trying to show and prove
succeeding as she had hoped, “I realized it was because I didn’t have that same social capital [as her White counterparts were seen as having],” she pointed out. “I think that negatively impacted some opportunities.” Unlocking the Club is available on many podcasts platforms, including Apple, Google, Spotify and Amazon, and also can be seen on Taylor’s YouTube channel. “The episode will typically last between 50 minutes to an hour,” said Taylor. She hopes that her and her guests and their collected and individual life stories, their “in-depth conversations and talking about what they do,” will help other females, especially those who look like her, to deal with expected and unexpected obstacles.
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Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
that we are worthy, that we have a seat at the table. So, when I got the [Minnesota] job, I’ll be honest, I felt the pressure [to hire a Black coach]. “It’s my job to make sure there’s equality of opportunity, and for me it was opening the eyes of the people on the [search] committee… Can we make this pool diverse? “I get it, why it’s important,” said AdofoMensah. “Ultimately, it’s my job to be true to myself, to this organization, to be openminded…to hire the best, and we did that. I can always go to sleep at night knowing I did that.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
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June 16 - June 22, 2022
Opinion
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.
Are American classrooms producing mass shooters? By Oscar Blayton
Devastated Uvalde survivors beg Congress to act By Marian Wright Edelman He went there and shot my teacher—and told my teacher good night and shot her in the head. And then he shot some of my classmates… I thought he was going to come back to the room, so I grabbed the blood and put it all over me.” This was from the devastating video testimony 11-yearold Uvalde, Texas fourth grader Miah Cerillo shared with Congress on June 8. Miah was describing how she witnessed her teacher and classmates being murdered at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, and how she survived the mass shooting by smearing herself with blood from the friend who had been killed next to her and then staying very quiet. Once again, as a nation we have allowed our children’s nightmares to become real. Will this be the time we finally act to protect children, not guns? Miah was the youngest of a group of survivors, family members and witnesses who testified at this week’s Congressional hearing on the gun violence crisis to explain how gun violence has changed their lives forever. Miah’s pediatrician, Dr. Roy Guerrero, opened his own testimony by saying: “I was called here today as a witness. But I showed up because I am a doctor… “I swore an oath. An oath to do no harm. After witnessing firsthand the carnage in my hometown of Uvalde, to stay silent would have betrayed that oath. Inaction is harm. Passivity is harm. Delay is harm.” Dr. Guerrero explained that he attended Robb Elementary School as a child. He has been Miah’s doctor since she was born, including when she survived liver surgery as an infant, and he was grateful to recognize her at Uvalde Memorial Hospital the day of the shooting and see she had survived. But he also attended to two of her murdered classmates, and he described how their bodies had been so badly destroyed by the assault weapon that killed them that the blood-spattered cartoon characters on the clothes they had been wearing when they left home that morning were the only visible clues left to the children’s identities. Dr. Guerrero told the committee: “I chose to be a pediatrician. I chose to take care of children. Keeping them safe from preventable diseases I can do. Keeping them safe from bacteria and brittle bones I can do. But making sure our children are safe from guns, that’s the job of our politicians and leaders. In this case, you are
the doctors and our country is the patient. “We are lying on the operating table, riddled with bullets like the children of Robb Elementary and so many other schools. We are bleeding out and you are not there. My oath as a doctor means that I signed up to save lives. I do my job. I guess it turns out that I am here to plead. To beg you to please, please do yours.” The House responded later the same day by passing the “Protecting Our Kids Act,” a gun violence legislation package that includes raising the age to buy some automatic rifles from 18 to 21, establishing new federal offenses for gun trafficking and sell-
voice, we demand action. “We seek a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. We understand that for some reason, to some people, to people with money, to people who fund political campaigns, that guns are more important than children, so at this moment we ask for progress. We seek to raise the age to purchase these weapons from 18 to 21 years of age. “We seek red flag laws, stronger background checks. We also want to repeal gun manufacturers’ liability immunity. You have all seen glimpses of who Lexi was, but I also want to tell you a little about who she would have been. If given the opportunity, Lexi would have made a positive
“Inaction is harm. Passivity is harm. Delay is harm.” ing large-capacity magazines, incentivizing and regulating safe gun storage, and strengthening regulations on bump stocks and ghost guns. This package passed with bipartisan votes in the House, but is unlikely to be able to make any progress in the Senate. But there is still hope the Senate will make progress on some form of gun violence prevention in the days ahead. Any first step is a desperately needed step away from inaction and passivity and towards doing something to protect children instead of guns. Uvalde fourth grader Lexi Rubio’s parents Kimberly and Felix also appeared before Congress on June 8. Kimberly Rubio described how they last saw Lexi on the morning of the shooting when they attended the school’s awards ceremony, where Lexi was recognized for earning all A’s and winning the “Good Citizen” award. As Lexi headed back to class, they promised they would celebrate that night by going out for ice cream, told her they loved her, and told her they would pick her up after school. Instead, less than a half hour later, the 18-year-old gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition entered the school and headed for Lexi’s classroom. Kimberly Rubio told the committee: “We do not want you to think of Lexi as just a number. She was intelligent, compassionate, and athletic. She was quiet. Shy, unless she had a point to make. When she knew she was right, as she so often was, she stood her ground. She was firm, direct, voice unwavering. So, today, we stand for Lexi, and, as her
change in this world. “She wanted to attend St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas on a softball scholarship. She wanted to major in math and go on to attend law school. That opportunity was taken from her. She was taken from us…” Lexi’s mother concluded, “Somewhere out there, a mom is hearing our testimony and thinking to herself, ‘I can’t even imagine their pain,’ not knowing that our reality will one day be hers—unless we act now.” Marian Wright Edelman is the founder and president emeritus of the Children’s Defense Fund.
Let’s face it. With all the mass shootings in America today, it is difficult to tease out the various motivations that prompt murderers to unleash their automatic weapons on unsuspecting and innocent individuals they do not even know. This country being awash in guns is certainly a major contributor to the constant carnage. But a theory of “one size fits all” does not apply to these killings. Some shooters suffer from mental illness. Others have a fixation on attacking people because of their sexual orientation or religion. And then there are those who attack people because of their race or ethnicity. We need to find ways of bringing an end to all types of shootings. But to do so, we need to understand and address the underlying factors that drive the perpetrators to commit their heinous acts. While we must address all forms of hate, I want to speak to one specific piece of this puzzle—race-based slaughter. First, I want us to recall Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old White male living in Eastover, South Carolina, who drove 98 miles to Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston and killed nine African Americans he did not know on June 17, 2015. Next, I want to bring your attention to the murders that took place Aug. 3, 2019, when 21-year-old Patrick Crusius of Allen, Texas, drove more than 600 miles to kill 23 Latinx strangers at an El Paso Walmart. Finally, on May 14, 2022 Payton Gendron, an 18-yearold White kid, drove more than 200 miles from his home in Conklin, New York and killed 10 random African American shoppers in a Buffalo supermarket. Identifying only these three mass shootings is not to take away from the horror of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting that took place just 10 days after Gendron went on his rampage; the San Ysidro McDonald's massacre of 1984 in San Diego, California; the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999 in Colorado; or any of the other horrific mass murders our politicians are content to endure.
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But Roof, Crusius and Gendron were all White males, 21 years old or younger at the time they committed their massacres, and had very little time to be influenced by anything other than their socialization by their families and their educational experiences. Public policy cannot invade the family dinner table and dictate what parents teach their children, but responsible citizens must wonder what type of education these young men received in the schools they attended. It appears that all three attended public high schools; Roof attended at least two.
racism takes a front seat in the decision-making of most American institutions, including our schools. Not every act motivated by racial hatred is as blatant as the murder of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer who was empowered by the State to make life-or-death decisions in Black communities. The majority of these transgressions occur without ever being noticed by most White people, but they create a lasting impression, especially in young minds when racial hatred is demonstrated in the classroom. These impressions
There appears to be little effective monitoring of the dissemination of racist attitudes and ideas in the classroom. Is it legitimate to ask if some of the ideas and beliefs they acquired in high school led these mass shooters to be susceptible to targeting Black and Latinx victims based solely on their race or ethnicity? As rabid White Supremacists howl about the damage done to their children by being exposed to the truth about American history, is it possible that in many classrooms across America, seeds of bigotry and hate are being planted in the minds of some White children so that they grow to become shooters like Dylann Roof, Patrick Crusius and Payton Gendron? It was not that long ago when schools in southern states were segregated by law. Today, schools in every sector of the country are racially imbalanced because of historical housing patterns created by a string of racist policies. So, is it unreasonable to take a closer look at our educational system to see what practices in our classrooms might possibly have a hand in creating mass murderers driven by racial hatred? Racial hatred exists in the United States. We witness it every day and feel its effects throughout our entire lives. To witness it and not investigate its source is as irresponsible as denying that such hatred exists. What’s worse than either of these are the multiple attempts across America to lock away the history of this hatred so it cannot be addressed. It may be the case that none of our educational institutions are breeding grounds of racial bigotry, but we certainly have seen instances where
can percolate for months and years until they burst upon an unsuspecting community, leaving corpses in their wake. Attempting to tie the hands of teachers to prevent them from teaching about the depth of past racial hatred towards people of color, and the continuation of that hatred, White Supremacists are falsely claiming that teaching this history is promoting critical race theory, which they say is harmful to White children. But there appears to be little effective monitoring of the dissemination of racist attitudes and ideas in the classroom. This is a formula for more racist carnage in the future. America is approaching a disaster of epic proportions. Refusing to acknowledge this crisis and continuing to turn away our eyes will surely bring us more misery and suffering. Mass shootings of all types will continue to plague this country until we face the problem head on and do something about it. And racially motivated mass shootings will continue as an American tradition until we root out all sources of this bigotry and hatred. Yes, we must push hard for sensible gun laws. But we also must ensure that our educational institutions are not stoking the embers of racial and ethnic intolerance. Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia. His earlier commentaries may be found at oblayton1.medium.com.
Letter to the Editor Ukraine war exposes corporate double standard Nike, Reebok, Starbucks, McDonalds, and 1,000 other Western companies have left Russia. Why didn’t these courageous, high-moral-standard companies leave the United States when the U.S. attacked Iraq? The Iraqis were more defenseless than Ukrainians. Do these Western companies believe a corrupt “war” could be done the correct way, and that the size of the crime in attacking Iraq is somehow different than Russia attacking Ukraine? Funny isn’t it, that now, after the fake Iraq “war” is over, is when it is going to give America its most problems. Frank Erickson lives in Minneapolis.
June 16 - June 22, 2022
Juneteenth
In some cases in Texas, owners did not inform their slaves until after the harvest, months after Granger’s declaration. SlavContinued from page 1 ery throughout the United States was finally banned with the ratification of the “But it took a while for that freedom to Thirteenth Amendment on Dec. 6, 1865. come to much of the nation, especially Texas.” The first anniversary By 1865, some 250,000 African On the first anniversary of the GalvesAmericans remained enslaved in Texas, ton declaration, free Blacks in Texas oreven as the end of the war was immi- ganized a celebration dubbed “Jubilee nent. Finally, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger Day.” The earliest commemorations were arrived at Galveston on June 19, 1865 often political rallies to inform Blacks of to assume command of a Union force of newly-gained voting rights. 2,000 troops. Jubilee Day evolved into Juneteenth That same day, Granger read General festivities, though there is debate as to Order No. 3 declaring that “in accordance how the name of the holiday originated. with a proclamation from the Executive Many believe the name is a combination of the United States, all slaves are free” of the month and day, June 19. Others with “an absolute equality of personal theorize that the words “Jubilee Day” rights and rights of property between somehow morphed into “Juneteenth.” former masters and slaves.” Texas was the center of Juneteenth General Order No. 3 was read at sev- celebrations for decades. In 1867, the first eral locations throughout Galveston, an event was held in Austin and became an emotional series of events for the slaves annual event in 1872. That same year, Afriof the city and the state. “I can only imag- can American organizers and clergy raised ine their excitement of being free,” said $1,000 to buy 10 acres in Houston, chrisHarris. tened “Emancipation Park,” for Juneteenth “However, that must have brought a celebrations. wide range of feelings. If you’ve never Many of the early Juneteenth fesbeen free, as those people had not, you tivities drew huge crowds. In Limestone don’t quite know what to do. It was a County near Waco, 30 acres were completely new experience, an over- purchased in 1898 to create Booker T. whelming one.” Washington Park, designed especially for Still, not all Blacks were emancipated. Juneteenth festivals. As many as 30,000
Analysis Continued from page 1 Another Black activist in New Jersey responded to Waciuri’s question thusly: “I know I DAMNED SURE AS H*LL AIN’T Celebrating that federal farce called Juneteenth National Freedom Day! That’s pimping out our struggles. And if Black [people] are going to buy any Juneteenth merchandise, it should at least be from Black vendors/businesses. “And yes, we must break free from capitalism, and that ain’t necessarily about freedom, but we should at least do that, if we’re going to buy Juneteenth merchandise.” The growing backlash has forced corporations to walk back
plans to cash in on the new federal holiday. Walmart executives said last month that they would remove its store-brand ice cream celebrating Juneteenth. “Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” the company said in a statement. “However, we received feedback that a few items caused concern for some of our customers and we sincerely apologize. We are reviewing our assortment and will remove items as appropriate.” Similarly, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum has pulled its Juneteenth watermelon salad from its shelves. To many observers, the exploitation of the Juneteenth holiday for marketing purposes mirrors the exploitation of the Black body in American life. It represents a
Sabathani
Continued from page 1 mini-drama. Speakers of the evening session,including Committee Vice-Chair U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, spliced their comments with violent, new footage from the Capitol attacks. But we should not mistake theatrics for lack of substance. Both Cheney and Committee Chair Bennie Thompson peppered their statements with extensive primary evidence, including video testimony from top Trump administration figures, including Ivanka Trump. This, it would appear, was to strengthen the case that the evidence being presented was nonpartisan. “I repeatedly told the president in no uncertain terms that I did not see evidence of fraud,” Trump’s former Attorney General William Barr said in one interview. In another exchange presented during the hearing, Greg Jacob, former counsel to Vice President Mike Pence, wrote in an email to Trump’s lawyer John Eastman: “Thanks to your bulls**t, we are under siege.”
The committee’s first witness, Capitol police officer Caroline Edwards, was a smart choice: Far more Americans trust the police than they do Congress. Edwards detailed how she suffered a concussion after rioters pushed a bike rack against her and she fell on a stairway. She regained consciousness, and then continued to push people back, as they “started overpowering us,” she recalled. Edwards and another witness, documentary filmmaker Nick Quested, may not be the big names slated to testify at future hearings. But neither appeared to have political axes to grind, and both exuded a highly valuable political commodity: likability. Show, don’t tell Mark Satta, assistant professor of philosophy, Wayne State University: The House committee faces the challenge of trying to provide the American public with truthful information about the Jan. 6 attack at a time of deep partisan division and historically low levels of public trust in government. Confronted with that reality, the committee seems to have decided upon a smart response:
ticularly in 1936, when some 150,000 to 200,000 were present. Juneteenth’s growing popularity As more Blacks left Texas in the postwar era, Juneteenth continued to spread, though the holiday languished throughout much of America. Some historians, however, attribute a rebirth to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, which sparked more interest in the spirit of Juneteenth. That year, the storied “Poor People’s March” on Washington ended on June
Minnesota became just the fourth state to recognize Juneteenth. to protect the freedmen after Reconstruction, that was really horrible. “I think, more than anything else, that Juneteenth represented hope,” continued Harris. “Even though freedom had come, many Blacks still weren’t really free. I think the holiday represented the hope of a better tomorrow.” The Depression added to the struggles, as Blacks scraped to find work and survive, pushing Juneteenth further to the background. But the commemorations persisted, at least in some spots. The Texas State Fair became the focus of many Juneteenth remembrances, par-
squandered opportunity to finally begin to address slavery’s robust afterlife and the pivotal role that racism has played in shaping a flawed and fickle democracy.
Defined as a “day of service,” the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, for instance, stands in sharp contrast to the almost vaudevillian ethos that has come to be associated with Juneteenth, a holiday that has been sporadically celebrated across the country. In an interview with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Margaret Kimberley, the executive editor of Black Agenda Re-
port, said that the spontaneous uprisings that followed Floyd’s murder, while massive, were politically immature and combined with the 2020 presidential elec-
tion season to compel politicians to “do something.” The result, she said, is this amorphous national holiday that does not require Americans to reflect on our history, nor does it shine a light on the way forward. “I feel like I am being a killjoy,” Kimberley said, “ but Juneteenth really does elevate Black people in this phony way…similar to elections that only require Americans
to vote but not to engage democracy in any meaningful way.” She added, “And this allows CEOs who exploit working people to act like they are doing something when that is not actually the case. Juneteenth should be an opportunity to talk about hard truths rather than selling watermelon salad… It has to be about elevating our history.” She paused, then added, “Freedom is so illusory here in this country.” On a long Facebook thread exploring the Juneteenth holiday, the activist Waciuri expounded on the subject. “It seems like Blk people are more willing to buy than struggle to get free… These aren’t just holidays…and it shouldn’t be reduced to simply buying…” “Consumerism is not the path
“This is a good location,” Johnson said. “I Scott Redd, the CEO of Sabathani don’t see no negatives. I like the building Community Center, said there were some the way it’s set up. I think it’s a good place “bumps and bruises” during development, for seniors. It’s quiet.” but that he believed support from the comJohnson says the area has changed “a munity and the city government got them lot” since he moved out almost 40 years through. ago, recalling that the land the apartments The project was fully funded through now sit on hosted a community garden up Mental Health First Aid grants through until construction on the apartment began. the city and county. Redd said local seniors “I’m getting used to it,” Johnson added. “It were brought in to inspect the units before takes a while once you get home and come the final sign off, to make sure the building back. It takes a while to get refamiliarized met their expectations. with your own area.” “Anything we do we always want to do
Show, don’t tell. Rather than simply telling the American public the facts, the panel’s first public hearing focused on showing what former president Donald Trump’s allies and supporters themselves have said and done. They paired that with the testimony of seemingly nonpartisan figures like Capitol police officer Caroline Edwards and documentary filmmaker Nick Quested. It’s not clear whether these
Barr. Importantly, the committee chose to do so not only by reading statements into the record but by showing videos, tweets and text exchanges. The facts were purveyed directly, not interpreted by committee members. The committee could have told the American public that the mob that stormed the Capitol was violent. But they could not have conveyed the gravity of the situation the same way that Edwards did when she testified
“Our work must do much more than look backwards.” hearings will make a demonstrable difference in the public’s perception of the Jan. 6 attack. But the committee’s choice to showcase the words and deeds of others is in line with philosopher C. Thi Nguyen’s 2019 observation that “the crucial issue right now isn’t what people hear, but whom people believe.” The committee chose to emphasize the words and actions of figures who Trump supporters and other Republicans would appear inclined to believe, such as Trump’s daughter Ivanka and his former attorney general, William
officially establish Juneteenth as a state holiday. Sixteen years later in 1996, Minnesota became the fourth state to recognize Juneteenth. By 2008, half of the states had established a ceremonial holiday. In 2020, Juneteenth was recognized in all 50 states. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, the first since the creation of Martin Luther King Day in 1983. Critics have charged that the recent legislation for Juneteenth has been purely for political reasons. But Harris and many others believe the actions are long overdue, and that the holiday is not just for Blacks. “It really should have been done a long time ago,” she remarked. “And Juneteenth is truly a day for everyone, not just African Americans. We talk about diversity, equity and inclusion today, but we’re really still working on the stuff that was talked about with the Emancipation, the end of the Civil War, and Juneteenth itself. “To me, Juneteenth is a time of reflection, a time to think about where we are, where we’ve been, and the work that’s left,” concluded Harris. “And just like in the early celebrations, it’s a time of hope.”
19, and marchers invoked Juneteenth as they returned home. From that, largescale celebrations arose in cities like Milwaukee and Minneapolis, which remain to this day. A 1978 celebration in Milwaukee attracted over 100,000 participants. Four years earlier, substantial celebrations of Juneteenth returned to Houston. Elsewhere, other major cities began Juneteenth events in the 1980s. In 1991, an arm of the Smithsonian Institution hosted a major exhibit titled “Juneteenth ’91: Tom Emery is writer and historical reFreedom Revisited.” searcher from Carlinville, Ill. He can be In 1980, Texas became the first to reached at ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.
“Juneteenth should be an opportunity to talk about hard truths rather than selling watermelon salad.”
After an opening prayer and speeches, festivities at the grand opening celebration included a ribbon cutting, a performance by Continued from page 1 the Sabanthi Vintage Voices choir, snacks, and a DJ. recognize the demographics in the commuLewis Johnson, who is a resident of the nity changed, but [Sabathani Community new senior apartments, attended the celCenter] started off unapologetically as an ebration. Johnson grew up in the neighborAfrican American organization,” English said. hood in the 1970s and 1980s working at “But we served everybody, and we con- his mother’s restaurant in St. Paul, and later tinue to do that now. But it is steeped in our for the board of education and local govhistory and our culture, and that’s why this ernment. He moved out of the area in 1985, is so important.” but says he is happy to be back.
Jan 6
attended the commemorations there. In the early-to-mid-20th century, the holiday continued in pockets as Blacks from Texas emigrated across the nation, taking Juneteenth with them. However, the onset of Jim Crow laws, particularly in the South, slowed the growth of Juneteenth. “Blacks in that time were still struggling for so many things,” commented Harris. “Then, when Jim Crow popped up, along with the problems of Reconstruction, that added so many problems. And once the military was removed from the South
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about her experience on the Jan. 6 attack. “I was slipping in people’s blood,” she said. “I was catching people as they fell. It was carnage. It was chaos… Never in my wildest dreams did I think as a police officer I would find myself in the middle of a battle.” A multi-front battle Ken Hughes, research specialist, University of Virginia: Much like the televised Watergate hearings half a century ago, the Jan. 6 committee hearings are essential. But an avalanche of evi-
to liberation and Blk business isn’t either… Our people didn’t struggle…die…bleed and all of that only for our people to be stuck on this wave… It’s pitiful really.” An African American woman in Oakland summed it up on Facebook: “Commodification of everything is America’s business model and national religion. Several annual celebrations —Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, etc.—have been so commodified, original meaning has all but disappeared. It is the American way.” Jon Jeter welcomes reader responses to jjeter@spokesman-recorder.com.
with the community and not to the community, and that’s what this building represents,” Redd said. “Sabathani is on its way to being back and better.” For more information on Sabathani Community Center, visit sabathani.org/about-us. For more information about the Sabathani Senior Housing Apartments, call 612-8212300 or go to sabathani@schuettcares.com. Cole Miska welcomes reader responses to cmiksa@spokesman-recorder.com.
dence against a president wasn’t enough to secure the republic then, and it isn’t now. During the Watergate era, congressional Republicans didn’t hold the president accountable until they feared that a majority of American voters would hold them accountable for failing to do so. Long before Richard M. Nixon resigned in August 1974, we saw televised congressional hearings that revealed evidence of presidential high crimes, heroic investigative journalism, and numerous criminal investigations, prosecutions and convictions. None of it was enough, as long as Republicans were afraid that their primary voters would punish them if they didn’t support the president. Once their primaries were behind them, these same politicians grew afraid that general election voters, the American majority, would punish them for continuing to give the president their support, even when his high crimes were evident. The revelation of the “smoking gun” tape in August of 1974 was the occasion for Nixon’s resignation, not the cause. Republicans abandoned the president then
because they realized that the majority of voters were abandoning them. What’s different in this era is that Republican political elites calculate that they don’t have to serve the majority. Constitutional provisions designed to protect minority rights—the courts, the Senate and the Electoral College— have become the instruments of minority rule. Even when the majority votes against them, they can control the White House, the Supreme Court, the Senate and, thanks to gerrymandering at the state level, the House of Representatives. That’s why the struggle to preserve the republic is a multi-front battle, being fought out not only at the federal level, but also in state races and in polling places where votes are counted and certified. This story was republished with permission from The Conversation.
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June 16 - June 22, 2022
Business
The Legacy building
Local artists launch center for creatives
Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Ashley Lauren Contributing Writer Sarah “Fancy” Lanier-Duncan and Emmanuel “Envy” Duncan are two local artists and entrepreneurs on the move. Known musically as hip hop duo ILLism, the two recently expanded their horizons by launching a creative space for the community. The married couple of 10 years recently launched the Legacy building located in South Minneapolis. They also own CRWN Media and a record label called The CRWN, LLC. They explained the meaning behind the business name(s): “CRWN is an acronym for Creatives ReWriting Narratives,” said Emmanuel Duncan. Sarah Lanier-Duncan added, “Legacy building just comes from just building your legacy, and
“Right now,” she continued, “we have our LLC with The CRWN; we hope to turn it into a nonprofit so that when we have artists who are coming in, we have grants, and we have money that can be utilized.” Important to note, she added: “We have a GoFundMe set up right now. We have mostly family and friends giving to it. We are accepting monetary donations. We even have a list of things that we still need to get this space up and moving.” The Legacy building resides in the Longfellow neighborhood. “There’s just so much around here, like the Minnehaha Falls. We’re light rail accessible,” said Emmanuel. They were inspired to launch the Legacy building due to their plights as artists. The couple started their group A room inside the Legacy ILLism in 2015 and have cre-
The unique space is aimed toward serving the “local creative community” in Minneapolis. The owners plan on opening during Juneteenth weekend, said Sarah. They’ll also have activities leading up to the grand opening. Although running a business is challenging, there are rewarding aspects such as “getting to know people, giving back,” and “helping people, like taking an idea and bringing it to life,” Sarah and Emmanuel said. They shared advice for youth and upcoming entrepreneurs: “Don’t underestimate yourself. A lot of people will tell you what is possible and what’s not possible. Just believe in yourself.”
(l-r) Sarah “Fancy” Lanier-Duncan and Emmanuel “Envy” Duncan A room inside the Legacy building that’s a really important part— Black people need something to hand down.” She continued, “Our company CRWN Media, operates out of it [the Legacy building], and then eventually the record label, The CRWN, will be operating out of it, too.” They are signed to their own record label. The Legacy building was established in December 2021. Emmanuel said, “We’re still building our team.” “We’re building our advisory board,” added Sarah.
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ated five albums with more music planned for the near future. Emmanuel said, “We always felt like we had to do a lot by ourselves, and so I think that kind of sharpened our skills.” Sarah elaborated: “And just the experience of feeling like you need someone who looks like you who understands what it is you’re trying to contribute to the culture.” They want to help underserved people in their community. “This is my hood,” Sarah said.
Launching a business is an extensive process. The duo said tears and hard work powered their journey. They moved almost every piece of furniture into the space with their personal vehicle. “There’s different steps,” said Sarah. “You have to get your LLC, you have to have your articles of organization— write out a budget and a business plan.” Emmanuel said, “For us being musicians, a lot of times you can’t just only be the musician, you’ve got to be a busi-
nessman or businesswoman. That’s where we’re at, just maximize outside of music. Sometimes you have to take off your artist hat and be of service.” Sarah added, “We learned very early on in our music career that if you can be a blessing to somebody you just should. When you give, you get in return.” There’s an important mission and purpose behind their business. “The mission is to serve, and the purpose is to
elevate. It’s creatives rewriting narratives, and I feel like we are all the authors and have the ability to walk people through the doors they need to walk through,” explained Sarah. Customers can utilize the welcoming and cozy Legacy building in a variety of ways. There’s a vocal recording studio, a spacious rehearsal space, photo/video studio space, and a designated storefront area that’ll host pop up shops.
Submitted photos
The Legacy building is located at 4024 E. 46th Street in South Minneapolis. The ribbon cutting is on Friday, June 17 at 6 pm. For more info, visit Facebook/ILLism, www.illismmusic. com or www.gofundme.com/f/ creativespaceownedbyblackcouple. Ashley Lauren welcomes reader responses to alauren@ spokesman-recorder.com.
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June 16 - June 22, 2022
Arts & Culture Why not Prince?
One woman’s seven-year journey to make Minneapolis ‘shine purple’ By Tony Kiene Contributing Writer First of a two-part story In the years since Prince’s tragic and untimely passing, there have been several artistic tributes created in his honor around the Twin Cities, including a handful of public murals. There’s Jonas Never’s “Purple Rain”-era piece at 424 Washington Ave. in the North Loop. New Zealand-born artist Graham Hoete’s mural graces the back of the Chanhassen Cinema, casting Prince’s eyes west toward Paisley Park. Rock Martinez’s efforts, including a painting of Prince at 26th and Hennepin in Uptown, and the six-panel mural titled “I Would Die 4 U” that now greets travelers at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport—after previous stops at the U of M's Weisman Art Museum and Seattle’s
Slam one summer evening, Smith-Akinsanya couldn’t possibly imagine how her life was about to change. “The boss wants to see you,” said a man who gently tapped her shoulder. “Child,” she shot back, “I know my boss ain’t hardly up in this club, OK?!” The man, one of Prince’s bodyguards, then nodded his head as if to say, “No. The Boss.” “OK, here we go,” she said to herself. Smith-Akinsanya made her way to Prince’s private booth on the second level that oversees the stage and dance floor. “Have a seat,” Prince directed. Then he said, “I love what you are doing with the club.” And then came her first real glimpse into what came with Prince’s universe: “Can you come to Paisley Park at 3:15?” he asked. Smith-Akinsanya politely explained that she had plans tomorrow afternoon at that time. “No,” Prince clarified, “I mean in a couple hours.”
“No disrespect to Spot, but the Target dog has a bronze statue.” Museum of Popular Culture. And finally, there’s Peyton Scott Russell’s “Northside” at Penn Ave. and Golden Valley Road, which features two images of the artist that bookend his four-decade career in music. Still, there are a couple of notable characteristics that differentiate these works from the new Prince mural that now adorns Ramp A. For one, this new work of art by internationally renowned muralist Hiero Veiga is in downtown Minneapolis, quite aptly overlooking First Avenue and the entertainment district, rivaling the scope and grandeur of the Bob Dylan mural just across the way. What is more, the vision for this mural was conceived prior to Prince’s death in a venture intended to “give Prince his roses,” so to speak, while he was still around to smell them. This is the story of a sevenyear journey to get Prince those roses, and the story of the woman who led this effort from the starting blocks and over the bumps and hurdles to reach the finish line. The force behind the Ramp A mural A native of Kinloch, Missouri, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya made the journey to Minneapolis on somewhat of a whim more than 30 years ago. Her boyfriend at the time “was in love with Prince, literally,” laughed Smith-Akinsanya. Not only that, but he was also a guitarist whose mission was to land a spot in Prince’s band. “We have to go to Minneapolis. It’s so cool,” he pleaded. “Is he serious?” she thought to herself. Although she respected Prince’s music, Smith-Akinsanya was not a Prince fan then. But ultimately, besides her job there wasn’t anything keeping the couple in St. Louis. So, she threw caution to the wind and said, “Okay. Let’s go.” Once in Minneapolis, SmithAkinsanya got a sales job at KDWB Radio. One of the first accounts was Prince’s famed downtown nightclub Glam Slam on North 5th Street. It didn’t take long for SmithAkinsanya to get Glam Slam on the air, and likewise, she implemented some additional marketing and promotional strategies that immediately started to pay off for the club. Unbeknownst to her, someone was paying close attention to her work. The job offer When she set foot in Glam
A little perplexed, Smith-Akinsanya added that she’s generally not out that late. “Just bring a girlfriend,” Prince assured her. “You’ll be safe.” Smith-Akinsanya called up a girlfriend and they made the early morning trek out to Chanhassen. Upon arriving, she was escorted to Prince’s office, where his first words were, “Will you come work for me?” “Doing what?” “That’s a detail,” he countered, before adding, “Call me at 11:15 with an answer.” Prince gave her a phone number to call and then asked if Smith-Akinsanya and her friend would like to come hang out because “the band is going to jam for a little while.” They made their way to the soundstage, where they saw Chaka Khan among a host of other big stars. “There were people all over the place,” she recalled. By now it’s 3:22 am, and Smith-Akinsanya is trying to process what just happened. The meeting was barely a minute long. “This is weird,” she told herself, “I just don’t get it.” Eventually, Prince and his band, The New Power Generation, took the stage and played until it was nearly daylight outside. “This is nuts,” she kept saying to herself, “but then, there’s something interesting about it as well.” Once she got home and caught a couple hours of sleep, Smith-Akinsanya called her mother and told her, “Prince wants me to come work for him.” She reminded her mother that she already had a job, but her mom said, “Yeah, but this is Prince” and encouraged her to try it out for two years. At 11:15 that morning, SmithAkinsanya dialed the number Prince gave her, learning as many others have that he is not much for small talk. “He didn’t even say hello,” she recalled. “The first words out of his mouth were, ‘What is your answer?’” Smith-Akinsanya pressed him again wondering if there was anything he could tell her about the job. And again, he responded with, “That’s a detail.” Then Prince went quiet. Knowing that she had to come up with an answer, Smith-Akinsanya said, “OK. I’ll do it.” Prince hung up without another word, and 20 minutes later Smith-Akinsanya received another call welcoming her to PRN Productions. “That is how I came to work for Prince.”
assertion that Minneapolis must be thinking, what he might want.” find a way to give Prince his roses. But there was no question that She started to kick around some the Dylan mural caught his atideas with Prince, remembering tention. the one thing he didn’t want was Smith-Akinsanya thought, a statue. “He was afraid they’d “Yeah, maybe a mural is the way mess up his face.” to go—the way to make this city One idea included a park, shine purple. So Prince could see where people might be able to it with his own eyes.” sit on a bench and listen to music But then, on the morning of that Prince programmed straight April 21, 2016, the world learned from Paisley Park. “We even that Prince Rogers Nelson was thought he could come over the gone. intercom and start talking to whoever’s there,” Smith-AkinsanNext week: Part Two - OverSharon Smith-Akinsanya speaking at the June 7 unveiling ya said giggling. “You know, have coming hurdles to bring the Prince of the Prince Rogers Nelson Way street sign in downtown some fun with it—freak people mural into fruition. Minneapolis. out a little bit.” Prince liked that idea as well Tony Kiene welcomes reader a fictional television show” set in as some others, but then, as responses to tkiene@spokesmanGiving Prince his roses Minneapolis. Smith-Akinsanya put it, “Dylan recorder.com. Basically, Smith-Akinsanya did “That’s all fine,” Smith-Akinsan- happened.” At the corner of Henwhatever Prince needed her to: ya mused, “but why not Prince? nepin and 5th, seemingly overmarketing, communications, pro- Who’s done more to make us night a large mural of Bob Dylan motions, whatever. “I just started cool. Why not honor and protect appeared on the side of what’s doing stuff.” Officially, she was his legacy? That always annoyed known as the “15 building.” on staff for about two and a half me.” Smith-Akinsanya explained years. So in 2015 she paid a visit that conversations with Prince Like so many others, she dis- to Mayor Betsy Hodges, who were often short. “You had to covered that her boss brought agreed with Smith-Akinsanya’s sort of deduce what he might skills out of her that she never knew she had. “Whatever you want to call it, Prince had the ability to touch you. To make the best come out of you. That was a real thing.” As time went on, SmithAkinsanya started to wonder why Minneapolis hadn’t done anything to permanently honor Prince and his significance to both the City of Lakes and the North Star State. “I was always looking over my shoulder thinking that somebody’s got to do something, right?” But no one ever did. “No disrespect to Spot,” she said, “but the Target dog has a bronze statue.” As does Mary Tyler Moore who, while also (l-r) Hiero Veiga, Joan Vorderbruggen, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, and Tim Drew Photos by the Rae Mackenzie Group alive, “has a statue based only on
Simon Burris *Africana Diaspora Black History Month II Crossword *JUNETEENTH: 2022 www.simonburris700.com
Crossword Answers on Page 8
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June 16-22, 2022
BULLETIN
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Twin Cities Juneteenth 2022 events offer opportunity for reflection, commemoration, and celebration June 19th marks the Juneteenth holiday, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day." Originating in 1865, the date commemorates the official end of slavery and the Civil War within the United States. Upon the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Union Major General Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation originally written into law by President Abraham Lincoln more than two years prior. Today, celebrations take the form of family gatherings as well as city-wide events to reconnect with our communities while honoring this important moment in history. A variety of marches, gatherings, performances and festivals will be taking place throughout the greater Twin Cities over the course of the weekend, including those listed below. Join us at the African American Leadership Forum in celebrating this momentous national holiday. Thursday, June 16 Juneteenth in Historical Context, Lunch and Learn | 11 am - 1 pm | Hosted By: The Minnesota Humanities Center Arts Commons | Location: Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Macalester College More info: https://bit.ly/JuneteenthLunchLearn Friday, June 17 Juneteenth Breakfast | 8:30-10:30 am
More info: https://bit.ly/JuneteenthWasIsWillBe Traditional Storytelling, Juneteenth Celebration! | 12-3 pm | Hosted By: Midtown Global Market | Location: 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis More info: bit.ly/JuneteenthMidtown2022 Juneteenth: A Celebration With Music and Community | 3-7 pm | Hosted By: YWCA St. Paul | Location: 335 Selby Avenue, St. Paul More info: https://www.ywcastpaul.org/ juneteenth-2022
| Hosted By: The Minnesota Humanities Center | Location: The Minnesota Humanities Center, Commons Room, 987 Ivy Avenue East St. Paul More info: www.mnhum.org/event/stpaul-juneteenth-breakfast
More info: www.minneapolisparks.org/ activities-events/events/juneteenth
Saturday, June 18 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration | 11 am-6 pm | Hosted By: Minneapolis Park and Rec. Board | Location: Bethune Park, Kumbayah - The Juneteenth Play | 10 1304 N. 10th Ave., Minneapolis am, 7 pm | Hosted By: Sweet Potato ComMore info: www.minneapolisparks.org/ fort Pie | Location: Breck’s Cargill Theatre, activities-events/events/juneteenth 123 Ottawa Ave. N., Golden Valley More info: bit.ly/JuneteenthKumbayah Juneteenth Was. Is. Will Be, March and Block Party | 12-6 pm | Hosted By: UniJuneteenth Movie, Summer of Soul | Be- versity of Minnesota | March at 12 pm at gins at dusk | Hosted By: Minneapolis Park Willard Park | Block Party at 1 pm at 2001 and Rec. Board | Location: Creekview Park, Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis 5001 Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis
Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Gala: Our Voice is Our Vote | 5:30-11:30 pm | Hosted By: NAACP St. Paul | Location: 11 E. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul More info: bit.ly/NAACPStPaulFreedomFund Sunday, June 19 Juneteenth Minnesota 2022, The Fight For Freedom Continues | 10-6 pm | Hosted By: BOB Rewards Club | Location: 1100 W. Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis More info: www.juneteenthminnesota. com
To see the MSR’s full list of Juneteenth events, visit spokesman-recorder.com.
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Employment & Legals State of Minnesota Washington County In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child of: Alexandra Mann and Hanif Powe
District Court Tenth Judicial District Court File Number: 82-JV-22-198 Case Type: CHIPS - Permanency Summons and Notice Termination of Parental Rights Matter
NOTICE TO: Hanif Powe, Above-named parent(s) or legal custodian(s). 1. A Termination of Parental Rights Petition has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Juvenile Court located at 14949 - 62nd St. N; PO Box 3802 Stillwater MN 55082,alleging that parental rights of the above-named parent(s) or legal custodian(s) to the child(ren) named in the petition should be permanently severed. 2. Notice is hereby given that the matter of said Termination of Parental Rights Petition will be called for hearing before the Juvenile Court located at 14949 - 62nd St. N; PO Box 3802 Stillwater MN 55082, on July 26, 2022 at 10:00AM or as soon after as the Matter can be heard. 3. YOU ARE ORDERED to appear before the Juvenile Court at the scheduled time and date. 4. You have a right to be represented by counsel. 5. If you fail to appear at the hearing, the Court may still conduct the hearing and grant appropriate relief, including permanently severing the parental rights of the above-named parent(s) or legal custodian(s) and taking permanent custody of the child/ren named in the Petition. WITNESS, the Honorable Francis Green III Judge of District Court BY: Paul Patterson Court Administrator Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 16, 23, and 30, 2022
A/1 Contract No. 23-033
INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids will be received by the Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul at 200 East Arch Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55130 for ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AT VALLEY HI-RISE, 261 East University, Contract No. 23-033, until 2:00 p.m., Local Time, on July 14, 2022, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud via the Zoom App. Bids must be submitted electronically, in a pdf format, to Northstar Imaging, www. northstarplanroom.com A Pre-Bid Conference will be held in conjunction with a tour of the building on June 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Valley Hi Rise Community Room , 261 East University, St. Paul, MN. Immediately following the conference there will be a Pre-Bid Tour of the building. All questions arising from this pre-bid conference will be addressed by addendum, if necessary. A complete set of bid documents are available by contacting Northstar Imaging at 651-6860477 or www.northstarplanroom.com , under public plan room, ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AT VALLEY HI-RISE, Contract No. 23-033. Digital downloads are no charge, contact Northstar for hard copy pricing. Bids must be accompanied by a 5% bid guarantee, non-collusive affidavit, EEO form and Minnesota Responsible Contractor Compliance Affidavit. The successful bidder will be required to furnish both a performance bond and a separate payment bond. The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY
STEVE AHNER PROJECT LEADER (651) 292-6069 STEVE.AHNER@STPHA.ORG
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 16, 2022
From Classified DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT Department/MN Spokesman-RecorderSUMMONS
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY
Cherrie Lenora Smith, Plaintiff, VS. Haweya Chafeh Djama, and Ahmed Awil Ashkir, Defendants.
PHONE: 612-827-4021
THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: HAWEYA CHAFEH DJAMA AND AHMED AWIL ASHKIR.
District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62-HR-CV-22-422 Case Type: Harassment
In the Matter of Hannah Catherine Risty vs Israel Jesus Garcia Notice of Issuance of Harassment Restraining Order by Publication
To Respondent: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining Order has been issued on May 2, 2022. A hearing is scheduled for the following date, time, and location: Date: Time: Location: Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center 25 W. 7th Street Room B122 Saint Paul, MN 55102 OR X A hearing has not been scheduled. You may request a hearing on this matter by filing a Request for Hearing HAR301 with the Court within twenty (20) days of the date this Notice is published. You may get a copy of the HRO from the court administrator's office at the following address: Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center 25 W. 7th Street Room B122 Saint Paul, MN 55102 Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or to get a copy of the Harassment Restraining Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's order. Donald W. Harper Juvenile and Family Court Administrator Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 16, 2022
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PROBATE MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In Re: Estate of
FILE NO.27-PA-PR-22-441
Roger J. Newman, Deceased TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted. Notice is hereby given that informal appointment of Amber Dormanen, whose address is PO Box 17370 Lot 3135, St. Paul, MN 55117 as personal representative of the estate of the above-named decedent, has been made. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative and the personal representative is empowered to fully administer the estate including, after 28 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Probate Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: June 1, 2022
Lindy Scanlon Registrar Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer District Court Administrator
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 9 and June 16, 2022
From Classified Director of Membership and Marketing Department/MN TheSpokesman-Recorder Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA) is searching for its next Director of Membership and Marketing. For more details, visit https://mssasubmissions.secure-platform. PHONE: 612-827-4021 com/a/. Applications will be accepted through July 13, 2022.
FOR BILLING Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 16, 2022 INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY LL I NG@SPOK ESMDISTRICT A N-RCOURT ECOR DER . STATE@BI OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COM
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to NOTICES the LEGAL Plaintiff's Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the plaintiff should not be given everything SIZE: 2 COL X 4=8 asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
LEGAL NOTICES SUMMONS SIZE: 2 COL X 6 = 12 Tajanae Easter, $17.08 Defendant. RATE PCI (1ST RUN) SUBTOTAL: $204.96
RATE $17.08 PCI (1ST RUN)
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TOSUBTOTAL: THE COMPLAINT$136.64 TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the plaintiff everything asked for RATE in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you $11.38 PCI (PER ADDITIONAL do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief RUN) $91.04 X 2 = $182.08 requested in the Complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not haveTotal: a lawyer,$318.72 the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
From Classified Department/MN Please proof, respond with email 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to Spokesman-Recorder participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota confirmation to ads@spokesman-re-
General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even corder.com if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
PHONE: 612-827-4021
Dated: April 11, 2022
Dwayne Poole, Plaintiff,
Court File Number: 27-CV-22-8327 The Honorable: Susan Robiner
THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw RATE Complaint #11.38 PCI ( EACH ADDITIONAL RUN) these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must 12toXthis2lawsuit = 24 even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and respond there may be no court file $273.12 number on this summons. SUBTOTAL: 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written re$478.08 sponseTOTAL: called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham Law Office E Franklin Avenue, Suite email 202 Please 2200 proof, respond with confirmation to disMinneapolis, MN 55404
play@spokesman-recorder.com
SWOR AND GATTO, P.A.
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree disagree with each billing paragraphdigitally. of the Complaint. If you believe the TheorMSR handles INQUIRIES plaintiff should not be given for inand the Complaint, youinvoices must say PLAINTIFF This means you everything will get asked e-tears e-mailed so in your Answer. 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, &man-recorder.com TEARSHEETS unless request a NOT hardSEND copy. Minnesota 55102 651-454-3600 4. YOU WILL you LOSEspecifically YOUR CASE IF YOU DO A WRITTEN PLEASE CONTACT marcusg@sworgatto.com jpg@sworgatto.com RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED The MSR handles billing digitally. THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. ACCOUNTING DEPT This means you will get e-tears and You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 16, 23, and 30 2022 @e-mailed BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not invoices unless you specifiwant to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A cally request a hard copy. default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the LEGAL NOTICES complaint. SIZE: 2 COL X 4 = 8 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you Classified do notFrom have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places RATE $17.08 PCI (1ST RUN)District Court State of Minnesota whereDepartment/MN you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must Hennepin County Judicial District: Fourth TOTAL: $136.64 Court File Number: 27-FA-22-928 still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. Spokesman-Recorder Dissolution without children 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be Case Type: ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 Please proof, In Re the Marriage of: respond with email confirmation to ads@spokesof the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written reAmy Lynn Dixon Summons (Check one) PHONE: 612-827-4021 man-recorder.com sponse to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving Petitioner (first, middle, last) x Without Real Estate this dispute. and With Real Estate /s/ John Paul J. Gatto Marcus P. Please Note: New emailBy: address FOR BILLING Gatto (#0391160) John Paul J. Gatto for all future ads is ads@spokes(#0387730) ATTORNEYS FOR
Matt Dixon Jr Please Note: New Respondent (first, middle, last)
email address for all future ads is ads@spokes-FOR BILLING
man-recorder.com THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: Your spouse has filed a lawsuit against you for dissolution of your marriage. A copy of the paperwork regarding the lawsuit is served on you with this The MSR billing digitally. summons. This handles summons is an official document from the court that affects your rights. Read summonsyou carefully. not understand contact an attorney for legal Thisthismeans willIf you getdoe-tears and it,e-mailed invoices unless advice.
From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
1. The Petitioner (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the court administrator's office. You must serve your Answer upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer, the court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. 3. This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address m County, State of ____ , with the following legal description: 4. (For a second property) This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address: __________________ in ________________ County, State of _____, with the following legal description:
PHONE: 612-827-4021
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS OR [X] this proceeding PLEASE does not involve CONTACT real property. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS ACCOUNTING DEPT Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements apply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the court or the proceeding is @BILLING@SPOKESMAN-REdismissed: CORDER.COM (1) 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. RAMSEY COUNTY (2) Neither party may harass the other party. (3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation. NOTE: ALL FUTURE AD RE(4) Parties to a marriagePLEASE dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arQUESTS SHOULD BE SENT TO ADS@ bitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources m your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM 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, Chapter 518B, you are not required RUN by the court in later proceedings. to try mediation and you1WEEK will not be penalized IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO FLAT RATE $100.00 PREPAID SANCTIONS BY THE COURT. Dated: County and State where signed
Signature Name: Amy Lynn Dixon
STATE OF MINNESOTA
9
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must ACCOUNTING DEPT give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer @21Bdays IL L date IN G @youSreceived P OthisKSummons. E S - You must send a copy of within of the on which your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Swor & Gatto, P.A. 1177 MAN-RECORDER.COM West Seventh Street Saint Paul, MN 55102
1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff's Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons.
specifically request a hard copy.
State of Minnesota Ramsey County
June 16 - June 22, 2022
From Classified Street Address: 401 Plymouth Rd Minnetonka, MN 55305 Department/MNCity/State/Zip: Telephone: 612-735-5032 E-mail address: Spokesman-Recorder amyldixon 15@yahoo.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 9, 16, and 23, 2022
PHONE: 612-827-4021 FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT
Worship
Dated:_5/13/22 INQUIRIES
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 2, 9, and 16, 2022
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE 1 WEEK RUN FEE WAIVED PER COURTformed out of the girls here in the dugout right now, that would be a win for us.” Pleasefrom Note: New for all in future ads is ad Continued page 10 email address “Girls belong baseball, ” said spokesman-recorder.com Davis. “I wish there was a girls it because it teaches her life skills baseball league. But as long as The billing digitally. and she canMSR havehandles fun.” she wants to play baseball, we are This means you will get e-tears and “I usually play first base, shortgoing to lete-mailed her play.” invoices un specifically request a hard copy. stop and third,” said Maheiliya during a water break. Charles Hallman welcomes “We want to do this every reader responses to challman@ year,” declared Falzone on plans spokesman-recorder.com. for next summer. “There will be a time when we will have a full- All photos by Charles Hallman blown tournament with dozens of [girls] teams. And if a team is
SOE
Subscribe to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Today! Visit www.spokesman-recorder.com Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
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Mount Olivet Missionary PROBATE Baptist Church
IN PRINT & ONLINE!
Bethesda Baptist Church
2 WEEK RUN FLAT RATE $200.00 PREPAID
Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor
PLEASE NOTE: ANY FUTURE ADS SHOULD BE SENT 2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 TO ADS@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 The MSR handles billing digitally. At the Old Landmark This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices un- Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org 1118 So. 8th Street Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor
less specifically Rev. James C. you Thomas, Pastor 451 West Central
St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444
Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:
Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"
request a hard copy.
Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net
Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service
Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am
The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm
BRANTINGHAM LAW OFFICE
L. Brantingham, & TEARSHEETS Jeremy MN #0299558 PLEASE CONTACT 2200 E. Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 you ACCOUNTING DEPT (612) 339-9700 @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
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June 16 - June 22, 2022
Sports
‘Girls belong in baseball’
Clinic offers a lesson in Black history along with baseball skills about Toni Stone,” proclaimed Falzone. “It’s the reason we named it after her, and we chose to be here so girls and families can continue to know who Toni Stone is and what she meant to baseball and Minnesota.” “I didn’t know who Toni Stone was,” said Perri Rittman, whose eight-year-old niece Maheiliya was among the handful of Black girls at last Saturday’s clinic. “We just started working on learning about Toni Stone,” said Tonifha Farmer of St. Paul, whose
“This is an opportunity to play the game that they love with other girls.” Toni Stone clinic group photo
T
he first local all-girls baseball tournament organizers’ original plan was to have multiple teams ages eight and up compete against each other. The Toni Stone Invitational tournament last Saturday in St. Paul’s Dunning Field instead became a half-day baseball clinic for girls ages 7-14 as part of the Minnesota Twins’ “Play Ball Weekend.” It also featured a clinic at Min-
neapolis North High School (June 10), a Saturday morning playtime for children ages 4-8 at St. Paul’s Neiman Sports Complex (June 11), an MLB Pitch, Hit & Run skills competition at the Twins ballpark prior to the scheduled big league game (June 11), and a Special Olympics Minnesota clinic in Plymouth (June 12). A low sign-up prevented a similar tourney last week, how-
ever. Instead, a four-hour clinic for an estimated 50 girls ages 7-14 was held last Saturday at Toni Stone Field, named for the late Toni Stone, who grew up in St. Paul’s Rondo and became the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues. Twins Youth Engagement Manager Chelsey Falzone told the MSR just before things got started, “These girls are talking
Georgia was excited to be at a baseball event where all the players were female. “All the other girls play softball. She chooses baseball for right now,” said Davis. “Baseball and softball are truly different games,” stressed Falzone. “I think it’s cool to see these girls at eight years old, nine years old learn about the history of the game. We want them to know the game of baseball. “A lot of these girls play baseball, Maheiliya Pittman but a lot of them are the only girl on their team or in the league, so 10-year-old daughter Toniya was this is an opportunity to play the there as well. “She had no clue at game that they love with other first.” girls,” she said. Angelo Davis of St. Louis Park Farmer said her daughter is said his eight-year-old daughter on the same baseball team as her
New Vikings GM confident he hired the best head coach By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist The National Football League now has a record-high seven Black team general managers. Kwasi Adofo-Mensah, hired by the Minnesota Vikings back in January, is now a GM, a role that historically has been manned by Whites. However, Adofo-Mensah admitted in a recent MSR phone interview, “I wasn’t re- Kwasi Adofo-Mensah ally sure it would happen. I Courtesy MN Vikings don’t mean I didn’t believe in myself and my ability to do it.” portfolio manager at a Connecticut company. “I got to make decisions,” he “I’ll be honest, I felt explained. “The best thing I the pressure to hire got from that experience was to make decisions based on a Black coach.” emotions…winning a lot, losPartly, Adofo-Mensah ing a lot, all those things, and pointed out that he didn’t take just being really very clear in the oft-typical route in get- very common decision-makting pro football-related jobs— ing environments.” player, coach, then team front But he eventually got into office. He was in business the football business. Adofowith two degrees in econom- Mensah’s first NFL job was ics, one from Princeton (bach- with San Francisco as their elor’s), another from Stanford manager of football research (master’s). His career included and development in 2013; he a vice-presidency and execu- was then promoted to that tive director of a Switzerland- department’s director in 2017. based commodities trading Cleveland hired him in 2020 firm after working in property as football operations VP. management as an associate “It was great,” he said of
that job. “Just being around that many different minds and making decisions together was incredible.” Now he is in charge of the Vikings. Not since the late Dennis Green, the team’s first Black coach who also handled personnel decisions, has someone of color been in charge of the organization. Adofo-Mensah was hired shortly before the NFL once again was fighting off new charges of lip-service diversity as a former NFL Black head coach filed a racial discrimination suit against them. The new Minnesota GM’s first big decision came shortly after his hiring when he hired Kevin O’Donnell as Vikings head coach. This columnist told Adofo-Mensah that we strongly criticized him for it and asked why he couldn’t buck tradition and hire a Black coach. “I’m so fortunate that he [O’Donnell] believes in me and was willing to take the plunge with me,” said AdofoMensah, who claimed that there were Black candidates in the interview pool but ultimately settled on O’Donnell. “We had a great pool [that] was
Georgia and Angelo Davis nine-year-old female cousin, who played baseball for the first time last year. Her daughter started playing T-Ball at age three, Farmer said. “I played baseball on Dunning Field when I was younger. Then I switched to softball.” Georgia is one of two Black girls playing baseball in her team’s youth league, her father pointed out. “She has been playing [baseball] for three years,” he said, and also plays basketball and soccer. Said Rittman of her niece, who is a member of the North Commons Bulldogs in North Minneapolis, “She wanted to play baseball with her brothers. I love ■ See View on page 9
‘Unlocking the Club’ features Black women with stories to tell our space by sharing our stories and unlocking our truth,” explained Taylor. “So often, podcast is a digital we don’t tell the real, real.” audio file that one Boise is where Taylor spent can listen to either quality time as a caregiver to on the Internet or download her late mother. A good friend on your portable electronic told her that she is a caretakdevices. They are hosted by er in other ways as well and an individual or individuals, should act accordingly, which and podcast subjects run along with her mom served as Angela Taylor the gamut from soup to nuts the inspiration for Unlocking Submitted photo and everything in between. the Club. No experience or special “I’m a caretaker of people, skill required—anyone can first and only Black woman of ideas, of stories,” she condo a podcast, which has be- to be in a C-Suite position tinued. “I listen to all my busicome the audio equivalent as a Minnesota Lynx vice- ness adventures, storytelling of blogging. president, which she held and not just the surface level Angela Taylor, a seasoned in the early 2000s. She also stories, the stories that really professional in sports and held coaching positions, once make us who we are. I wanted management, has entered a top executive in the then- to be able to tell stories but into the podcast world with new and growing WNBA, and also unlock this structured her Unlocking the Club se- was a team GM at one time. system where Black women ries. It runs weekly, featuring She has her own consulting strive, but it’s challenging.” herself and a Black female business, NetWorth Sports Four episodes already guest, sharing stories of life Consulting, which is based in are available: University of uniquely navigating through California Irving law profesthe unpredictable waters of sor Michele Goodwin, who America’s sporting and coronce taught at Minnesota porate seas. “[It] is targeted Law School, Medical School toward Black women,” she and School of Public Health; told the MSR by phone last U.S. Olympian volleyball week, “but I think it applies Boise, Idaho, where she now player Beverly Oden, who is and appeals to anybody.” resides. now studying to be a counTaylor still remains the “It’s time for us to reclaim selor to help young Black
A
“So often, we don’t tell the real, real.”
■ See Coach on page 3
■ See View on page 3
Top performances at the 2022 state track meet
PreP Scene
Simon Seidl, and Minneapolis Southwest jumper Hakeem Ford last weekend as each turned in dominating performances at the state track and field meet held at St. MichaelAlbertville High School.
Nyenati comes back strong Nyenati, who hadn’t competed in two years, turned in top performances in the 110-hurdles (13.83) and 300 It was quite the day for hurdles (37.38) while leading Andover High School hurdler Andover to the Class 3A state Blake Nyenati, Roseville hur- title. dler Ava Fitzgerald, Champlain Park sprinter Richlu Tudee, Fitzgerald sets record Eden Prairie leaper Nia HolFitzgerald, who will pursue loway, Hill Murray sprinter academic and athletic enDr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD
deavors at Sacramento State University, not only took first place in the 100-meter hurdles. The senior set a Class 3A state record in the process with a time of 13.81 seconds, breaking the previous mark of 13.94 by East Ridge’s Karina Joiner in 2016.
while the relay team clocked in at 41.87.
Ford jumps long for championship Ford, a senior who also averaged 12.6 points for the boys basketball team this season, was the Class 3A triple jump champion with a leap of 47’8”.
Holloway leaps to state crown Holloway, who will play basketball at the University of Minnesota after an outstanding prep career, dominated in Anderson’s record remains another sport this past spring, It was interesting to see the Tulu dominates culminating in leaping 5’8” to Nia Holloway former Hopkins sprinter Tayler Tulu won the 100-and- successfully defend the Class Courtesy U of M Anderson’s record in the 100 200-meter dashes and ran the 3A girls high jump title she meter dash is still intact. She second leg of the first place earned last year. set the mark in 2012 with a 4x100 relay team—which also ley, and Sawyer Seidl—placing time of 11.71. included Alvin Thompson, Lo- Simon Seidl comes through first with a time of 42.36 first renzo Andrews, and Emmitt Seidl overcame injury to run in Class 2A competition. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonTutt—in the Class 3A boys the third leg of the 4x100 reald welcomes reader responses meet. He finished with times lay team—which also included to mcdeezy05@gmail.com. of 10.61 (100) and 21.13 (200) Rashad McKinley, Gianni Hur-