June 29, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder by MN Spokesman Recorder

Community presses for answers after tragedy

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer

n Monday, June 26, com-

munity leaders and family members of the five young women who lost their lives after being struck by a speeding SUV on the night of June 16, came together for a press conference at Dar Al Farooq mosque in

Bloomington. The group called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths and has reached out to the governor to request a special investigator.

The five young women were close friends—some were related—and are described as pillars of their community by those who were close to them. They were Sahra Gesaade, 20,

Frey rolls out new government reforms

a student at the University of Minnesota Rochester; Sabiriin Ali, 17, a recent graduate from Edina High School; Sagal Hersi, 19, a student at Minneapolis College; Siham Odhowa, 19, a student at the University of Minnesota; and Salma Abdikadir, 20, a student at Normandale Community College.

After leaving Karmel Mall in South Minneapolis, where they had just finished getting their henna done in preparation for a friend’s wedding, they were struck by Derrick John Thompson, who was speeding in an SUV rental, around 10 p.m. on Fri

day night. Thompson ran a red light, colliding with their Honda Civic and pinning the vehicle to the wall of a bridge at the intersection of Lake St. and 2nd Avenue.

According to law enforcement officials, Thompson had just rented the SUV less than a half hour before the crash and was driving erratically on 35W, when a state trooper wit

nessed his maneuvering on the road and decided to follow him. Thompson was allegedly driving at 95 miles

By Charles Hallman Staff Contributor

acob Frey is the first elected Minneapolis mayor to preside under the new “strong mayor” model of city government. It took effect last December, about a month after voters approved

a change in the previous governing structure, in which much of the policymaking and executive authority was shared between the city council and the mayor. The exception to that power-sharing is the mayor’s singular authority over the police department. Mayor Frey recently talked with

President Fayneese Miller opens up about her resignation from Hamline University

By James L. Stroud, Jr. Contributing Writer

hen Dr. Fayneese

Miller unexpectedly announced her re

tirement as president of Hamline University in April, it was widely assumed that her departure was related to the “Muslim controversy” surrounding the university’s failure to renew an adjunct professor’s contract amid charges of religious discrimination and defamation. Despite speculation that she was being forced out, Dr. Miller issued the following statement at the time of the announcement:

“It has been an honor and privilege to lead Hamline University, an institution that values social justice, equity, inclusion, and civic engagement through its service-learning opportunities for students and curriculum offerings,” she said.

“It has been a pleasure working together with board members, students, faculty, staff, and the community in enhancing Hamline University’s strong commitment to maintaining high academic standards, creating a sense of belonging for all on campus, and developing students who understand and appreciate their role as members of a civil society.”

At the time Dr. Miller officially took office as the 20th president of Hamline University eight years ago, she gave MSR an exclusive interview after becoming the first African American and second woman to be named president of the university. MSR recently spoke with Dr. Miller (DFM)—who plans to stay on until 2024, during the search for her replacement—about her historic appointment, what she accomplished, the controversy surrounding her departure, and her plans for retirement.

MSR: In the Hamline community, some professors protested the firing of an adjunct professor who showed students an artist rendering of the prophet Muhammad. Did you make the decision to fire that professor?

DFM: No, presidents don’t get involved in curriculum. What I mean is, no president decides who teaches the classes. That is decided by the

faculty. In fact, we [the administration] don’t know who the adjunct professors are for the most part.

MSR: At what point did you hear the controversy and your name associated with it?

DFM: I got an email from a faculty member at the University of Michigan, telling me this had happened and that we should reinstate the adjunct.

hensive campaign, which I initiated upon my arrival, will come to an end— with us exceeding our campaign goal. Also, I needed to tie up some loose ends and did not believe I could do so by leaving earlier. As to the Muslim community, I respect and appreciate their faith in Hamline and me. Our Muslim students at Hamline are an intricate part of who we are. They help make us better.

creasing donor gifts. More importantly, I worked to make Hamline a part of the community in which we are located, St. Paul, and Minnesota writ large.

Hamline into a research 1 [top tier research] institution. That was far from the truth. My goal was always to make Hamline better.

MSR: What do you want to focus on at Hamline over the next year until your retirement?

DFM: My focus in my last year at Hamline is to continue to provide for and encourage academic excellence, complete the comprehensive campaign, and to ensure that all is well, for all, as I make my exit.

MSR: You were the first Black woman to lead a university in Minnesota. What were some of the challenges you have faced as the “first”?

DFM: One major challenge has been to get people to see me as the president of Hamline and not just the Black woman who is president. Stereotypes always abound when we become the first.

One stereotype was the belief that I had no financial acumen. I managed a significant budget prior to becoming president of Hamline. I taught statistics as part of many of my undergraduate courses and was the lead statistician for many of my mentor, Professor Edmund Gordon’s consulting projects. I know numbers and am comfortable with them. I have no problem understanding and managing budgets.

MSR: Do you think being Hamline’s first Black woman president has changed the university? If so, how?

DFM: I believe I have changed Hamline. The Hamline student body is more diverse in every possible way than when I arrived. I believe I also embodied what a caring president looks like. My students and staff trust me to do the right thing for the community.

MSR: Are there things you wish you could have accomplished during your presidency at Hamline?

DFM: Yes, there is much I wish I had accomplished. And there is much that was accomplished. I do wish we had been able to bring more diversity to the faculty. I also wish I had been able to raise the funds necessary to create a health and wellness center at Hamline. One wish I had was to name the Center for Justice and Law after someone I admire and respect. I still hope this might happen.

We are nearing the end of our comprehensive campaign. I wish our goal had been higher and I wish we had the kind of endowment that would allow students in need to receive larger financial-aid packages. Our current campaign will provide for more scholarships, but it is still not enough.

MSR: What is your current campaign goal?

DFM: It is $110 million, but we will exceed that amount by this December.

MSR: Is there any unfinished business, any regrets, about your time as president of Hamline?

MSR: Apart from the Muslim controversy, what are the reasons you decided to step down as president of Hamline? And why did you choose to leave next June?

DFM: The Muslim controversy had nothing to do with my decision to retire. I decided to retire because most of my goals as president of Hamline have been achieved or will be by June of 2024. I chose 2024 because the compre-

MSR: What do you think has been your most important contribution to the culture of Hamline?

DFM: That’s a good question. I have tried to do my best by making Hamline a welcoming and inclusive community for all. And, I think I have done that.

I have worked hard to improve the financial health of the institution by balancing the budget year after year, putting a campaign in place, and in-

MSR: What do you wish you had known before accepting the presidency of Hamline University?

DFM: I wish I had known more about the culture of Hamline. I am a quick study, so I learned. But each university is different, and my job was to enhance the academic reputation of Hamline along with so much more.

Unfortunately, some viewed my focus on quality as trying to make

DFM: I have no regrets about my time at Hamline or my presidency. I am fortunate to have a very strong leadership team. My vice president and general counsel and associate vice president and director of athletics have been with me since day one. Other members of my leadership team are equally extraordinary. Together we have accomplished much.

MSR: What do you think you’ll

PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391 THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934 June 29 - July 5, 2023 Vol. 89 No. 48 www.spokesman-recorder.com Phone: 612-827-4021

Inside this Edition... To Subscribe Scan Here

Read about Wesley Smith on page 7. Mayor Frey at the DOJ press conference Photo by Chris Juhn

■ See FREY on page 5

Rukia Gesaade (l) the sister of Sahra Gesaade, and Yusra Ali (r), a friend of Salma Abdikar at press conference Photos by Chris Juhn ■ See TRAGEDY on page 5

■

MILLER

See

on page 5

“I have tried to do my best by making Hamline a welcoming and inclusive community for all. And, I think I have done that.”

Hamline University President Fayneese Miller By H. Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer

Once again, Seward and Longfellow residents have a working neighborhood post office with the reopening of the Minnehaha Station on May 30, three years to the day that it was destroyed amid unrest in the days following George Floyd’s murder.

The station, located at the same site as the previous post office, is at the northeast corner of 27th Avenue S. and E. 31st Street. It will take over the remaining postal operations that were housed for the past two and a half years in the old Kmart building, located in the middle of Nicollet Avenue just north of Lake Street.

Metro U.S. Postal Service reopens Longfellow office

Susan also noticed fewer counters—two now, with one that is wheelchair-accessible, instead of the three adult-height counters that were there before. The TV in the old post office, which probably dated back to when the station was built in 1970, is also gone.

In the front of the building, the station now has two sets of doors—one pair that opens inward, the other pair that opens outward, perhaps to facilitate long lines. By the doors, the plaque that lists the name of the station and the city it serves—Minnehaha, Minnesota—reflects a nonexistent Minnesota city.

The station has six parking spaces, compared to the five it had at the old site. And the site also has fewer bike racks, which can only handle four bicycles, down from five at the old station.

Other changes are more subtle. For decades, the postal service leased the land for the station from Ehlen Associates, a Bloomington-based

The U.S. Postal Service took a while to get the Minnehaha Station fully up and running. In the first two weeks since it reopened, they were only distributing and receiving mail. However, retail services opened up the week of June 12.

The opening of the Minnehaha Station clears the way for the U.S. Postal Service to vacate the Kmart building, which the city expects will be closed by June 30. After that, the city will start the eight-month-long process that will culminate with the building being razed, and ultimately the reconnection of Nicollet Avenue, which has long been disconnected by the now-vacant retail store.

The new station looks different from the outside compared to the old one. What was once a brick-faced building is now clad in a precast concrete facade, painted to reflect the colors of the postal service. The layout inside, however, remains mostly unchanged aside from a couple of minor changes.

“You don’t see what’s going on in the back like you used to,” said Susan, who declined to provide her last name. The warehouse behind the counter, where postal workers sort mail, is now obscured by a wall painted red with numbers denoting the zip code it serves—55406.

company. They sold the land to the postal service in October 2022. Two years prior, the agency considered moving to another site and solicited public comment on the move. The postal service decided in February 2021 to remain at the current site.

Residents who needed to send mail while the Minnehaha post office was out of service

had to go to a post office on Bloomington Avenue, about a mile to the west. For Susan, it was not convenient. “I’m glad the [Minnehaha] post office is open again,” she said. “Two years or three years is hard when you have no other way to send or receive your mail.”

However, those who needed to get mail from a P.O. box in the old post office had to go to the old Kmart building at Lake and Nicollet.

Obituary

Dr. Charles Edward Crutchfield III

Sunrise, January 17, 1961—Sunset, June 21, 2023

r. Charles Edward Crutchfield III passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023, after bravely battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for two and a half years. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on January 17, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Charles was the beloved son of Drs. Charles Crutchfield and Susan Crutchfield Mitsch. He took great pride in being the older brother of Carleton, Christopher, Robert, Raushana, and Rashad. Even during his young adulthood, Charles was known for his self-confidence, generosity, and unwavering determination. Charles embodied these values throughout his life. He possessed a warm and outgoing personality, forging connections with ease and bringing people together. Charles approached life with boundless

optimism and a playful sense of humor, embracing every moment to its fullest. Charles attended Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis for high school, where he excelled as an athlete and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his senior class. He graduated with honors from Minnehaha Academy in 1978 and pursued his passion for biology at Carleton College. Charles then continued his medical education at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota, and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota.

While studying in Rochester, Charles met his future wife Laurie. They married in 1994. Together, they had three cherished children, Olivia (23), Charles IV (19), and Arianna (16), who held their father in the highest regard. Charles instilled in his children a strong work ethic, a thirst for knowledge, a commitment to excellence, and a deep sense of compassion for others.

Dr. Crutchfield III was a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of the Crutchfield Dermatology clinic, which he founded in 2002 in Eagan, Minnesota. Throughout his 25-year career, he selflessly served his patients and advanced medical knowledge, with a particular focus on the

well-being of individuals of color. As the first African-American dermatologist in Minnesota, Dr. Crutchfield III was a pioneer in his field. He cared for over 50,000 patients, authored hundreds of scientific papers (including a textbook), and had an impressive legacy of outstanding contributions to dermatology. Dr. Crutchfield III was consistently recognized as one of the nation’s leading skin care experts in local and national surveys involving physicians, nurses, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities. He received numerous local and national awards and recognitions, including being named among “America’s 10 Leading Dermatologists” by Black Enterprise magazine and “100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota” by Minnesota Medicine. He also received the Karis humanitarian award from the Mayo Clinic. He held professional affiliations such as serving as President of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians and being a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, a national medical honor society.

As a senior medical advisor for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder newspaper, Dr. Crutchfield III and his esteemed colleagues authored numerous articles shedding light on vi-

tal health topics of interest to the Black community. Additionally, he served as the Vice President of Minnesota’s Black Community Project, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the achievements and contributions of the African American community in Minnesota through mediums such as books, documentaries, and podcasts. Dr. Crutchfield III was dedicated to increasing the enrollment of students of color in medical schools to ensure future diversity in medical providers. He mentored many college students to help them gain admission to medical school.

Devoting a significant portion of his time to teaching, Dr. Crutchfield III held the positions of Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College. He was honored with the Outstanding Clinical Teaching Award, as voted upon by the University of Minnesota’s medical students, and received the 2023 Part-Time Teacher of the Year Award. Even while undergoing cancer treatment, he displayed unwavering commitment by continuing to teach his Cutaneous Biology course remotely from his hospital bed.

Since its establishment in

For Robert Wilkinson, who lives in Longfellow, it’s one of the few reasons why he came to the neighborhood surrounding the Kmart. “I get most of my mail at a P.O. box. I come here almost every day or every other day,” said Wilkinson in an interview at the post office inside the Kmart several months ago. “I won’t keep coming to this neighborhood that much unless I come to eat or shop or something.”

Although the post office is now out of the Kmart building, the city doesn’t plan to demolish it right away. “There is an eight-month process from a building being vacant to demolishing the building,” said city spokesperson Sarah McKenzie, adding they expect to tear down the Kmart building next March. The process includes testing the building for hazardous and regulated materials, submitting the project for public bid, city council approval of a contractor, and remediation of hazardous and regulated materials.

Once the Kmart building is demolished, the city anticipates it will take another year to reconnect the two segments of Nicollet Avenue. They plan to begin designing the layout of the street this summer, with the city council and mayor approving the layout at the end of the year, so that a redesigned Nicollet Avenue can reopen in 2026.

H. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader comments at hpan@spokesman-recorder.com.

2012, the Crutchfield Dermatology Foundation has been dedicated to promoting good health throughout Minnesota. Its activities encompass awarding scholarships to promising students, sponsoring educational presentations, developing online resources, and publishing books that foster health awareness. Among the foundation’s remarkable accomplishments is the creation of an innovative lectureship on ethnic skin at the University of Minnesota, which has played a pivotal role in educating medical residents and local dermatologists about the unique challenges associated with treating skin of color.

Renowned for his unyielding passion for sports, Dr. Crutchfield III served as the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Wild, and Minnesota Vikings. He frequently attended Minnesota sporting events and was especially an avid baseball fan. Beyond his love for sports, Charles had many diverse interests. He was a talented artist, creating numerous contemporary, geometric pieces. Gardening was another passion, with Charles proudly earning a blue ribbon at the 2012 Minnesota State Fair for his hot peppers. Furthermore, he was an excellent cook and had a discerning

palate for fine foods. However, among all his interests, what Charles treasured most was traveling and spending quality time with his beloved family. Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carter Vernard and Mary Jackson Ellis, and Charles Bannie and Cessie Hollis Crutchfield; as well as his stepmother, Patricia Wilson Crutchfield. He is survived by his parents, Drs. Charles Sr. and Susan (Robert); his devoted wife Laurie; his cherished children Olivia, Charles IV, and Arianna; and his siblings Carleton (Linda), Christopher (Thu-Mai), Robert, Raushana, and Rashad. He also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

In honoring Charles’ memory, let us carry forward his legacy of compassion, dedication, scholarship, and excellence. His impact on the medical community, his family, and all those fortunate enough to have known him will forever be treasured.

A private funeral service will be held. A celebration of life memorial service is being planned for later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Crutchfield Dermatology Foundation [https:// www.crutchfielddermfoundation.org] would be greatly appreciated.

2 June 29 - July 5, 2023 spokesman-recorder.com

“Two years or three years is hard when you have no other way to send or receive your mail.”

New Minnehaha post office Photos by Chris Juhn

June 29 - July 5, 2023 3 spokesman-recorder.com

Lead paint a hazard in most older homes Grant helps make Northside grandma’s home safe for grandkids

By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer

Melissa Hudson is looking forward to the summer break from school. That’s because the Camden neighborhood resident will be able to spend even more time than usual with her nine precious grandchildren. She’s planning regular visits to the playground and the Dairy Queen on N. Lyndale Ave with her grandkids in tow.

“I keep three of them five days a week and two of them every other weekend,” said Hudson, 58. “We love to have slumber parties. We eat pizza, have juice boxes, and get under the covers and watch movies. We just have so much fun.”

But recently, an inspection revealed the three-bedroom home that Hudson bought more than 20 years ago showed evidence of lead paint, posing a danger to her young grandchildren. “I didn’t know anything about this until they did testing at my house. I was so scared to hear this,” Hudson said.

Scientists and physicians

have long known that lead exposure is especially dangerous for young children and can have serious, long-term effects on their development, including permanent neurological damage. Every year about 200 children in Hennepin County are found to have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health.

The government banned lead paint in 1978, but 75 percent of homes built before 1978 still contain some leadbased paint. Hudson’s Northside home was built in 1918.

But this story has a happy ending. Hudson’s home is now not only safe for her grandchildren, but it also got a major upgrade. Thanks to a grant from Hennepin County, Hudson got 10 old windows that had been coated in lead paint replaced with brand new energy efficient windows.

“In windows in older homes there’s a friction surface, and when they are opened and closed, the grinding creates fine lead dust from the paint that gets on the window sills,

wells and the floor,” said Kelly Koch, the Hennepin County project manager who worked with Hudson.

“Windows are the perfect height for little children; they pull themselves up and get the fine dust on their hands and then of course their hands go into their mouths,” she added. “Even if you wash the sills and the floors there can be exposure, and there is no safe level for lead.”

As part of the program, Hennepin County even pays for families to relocate while the repair and replacement work is going on so they face no danger from the hazardous work. Hudson spent three nights in a hotel when her new windows were installed and some peeling paint on her porch ceiling was enclosed.

“We work with families through the whole process. We have our own list with contractors who hold the correct licenses and certifications, so the homeowners don’t have to go out and find the person to do the work,” Koch said.

Up to $15,000 in grant money for lead abatement and remediation work is available for eligible homeowners and landlords who have children under six at home or, like Hudson, have young children who are frequent visitors.

The new windows have been a welcome addition for

Hudson. “It’s safer, number one, but it’s much nicer and we don’t have to worry about this,” she said.

“Any homeowner who might have lead paint should do this.

I don’t want to think of any child who could be harmed by lead. Get it done.”

To find out more about the Hennepin County lead program and if you are eligible for a grant for your home, go to hennepin. us/leadcontrol or call the hotline at 612-543-4182.

Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader responses to sbrundidge@ spokesman-recorder.com.

4 June 29 - July 5, 2023 spokesman-recorder.com Health Free Produce • Community Resources LOCATION: Parking Lot at Plymouth & Oliver DATES: FRESH FOOD 9:30 am until supplies run out rain or shine MAY 12 & 26 JUNE 9 & 23 JULY 14 & 28 AUGUST 11 & 25 SEPTEMBER 8 & 22 FRIDAYS Scan this QR code for NorthPoint food shelf information 612-767-9500 www.northpointhealth.org For information about the COVID vaccine, please visit us on the web! FREE

Melissa Hudson Photo by Sheletta Brundidge

MGN SUBSCRIBE TODAY

“Any homeowner who might have lead paint should do this.”

FREY

Continued from page 1

the MSR in his City Hall office. Our interview with the mayor took place before the Department of Justice report released on June 16, which found that the Minneapolis Police Department routinely engaged in racist and abusive behavior against Black and Native Americans.

“We campaigned hard to get this new system,” Frey said of his expanded authority. “I think it’s probably the most important accomplishment that I’ll ever have in public service,” said Frey. “The full rollout takes longer, because we’ve got 100 years worth of culture that is built into the bricks and mortar of City Hall just because the law just changed. It’ll take a while.”

The new city government structure features four officials who report directly to the mayor—the city operations officer, the community

TRAGEDY

Continued from page 1

an hour in a 55-mph zone.

Officials are not calling this a pursuit but believe that Thompson was impaired. A toxicology report has not yet been released. Minneapolis police spokesman, Adam Kennedy, stated that the trooper was not close enough to stop Thompson, which is why he did not turn on his siren.

safety commissioner, the city attorney and the mayor’s chief of staff. In addition, Frey’s administration created two new offices—public service and community safety.

“This is a seismic shift,” continued Frey. “It allows us to have more of a clear delineation of authority. I think it’s working.”

munity,” stated Frey. “We’ve got a commissioner [Alexander] who’s charged with coordinating the effort and is working his tail off. I think we’re making some really good progress.”

On police-community relations, the mayor said, “It is not a destination but an ongoing journey. I do think we’ve made some very significant improve-

being installed to reduce the muscle-memory of police officers. I feel that the programs have happened, and I’m optimistic.”

In early June, the mayor led local media on a walking tour of Nicollet Mall to promote the “Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup” recommendations intended to help revitalize downtown. We asked Frey about North Minneapolis, particularly the West Broadway corridor. In recent months, the area has seen the loss of a grocery store and a pharmacy, and several other businesses have left the Northside since 2020.

verge of a renaissance. There are some really great things that are happening on West Broadway and in North Minneapolis right now that we’ve never seen before.”

Even before the pandemic, the city has doubled down on its commitment to economic recovery, according to Mayor Frey. Through his annual budget and using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by Congress in 2021, “Minneapolis has invested millions into small businesses, especially on East Lake Street and West Broadway,” noted the mayor.

Frey was reelected as Minneapolis mayor with over 56 percent of the vote in 2021. Now, nearly midway through his second term, we asked his final thoughts on his standing with the city’s Black community.

“First, I’ll say, as mayor you will get hit from every single different angle. But I have felt we have had a really close relationship with the Black community. No community is a monolith. What has been inspirational is the resilience and talent of the Black community over these last several years.

At Monday’s press conference, Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of the Council of American Islamic Relations Minnesota, stated that there’s information still missing in relation to the death of the victims and that an outside investigation is necessary to get to the truth.

“As I heard from the families, this is a pain that they hope will never be brought forth to any family in our state, in our country. That is why we believe it’s important in this moment to ask for an outside independent investigation into this case that will help us get answers,” he stated. “We are in the business of making sure that there’s clarity. But we also understand that based on the history of law enforcement investigating law enforcement, that that’s not usually the best way of addressing any situation.”

Hussein referred to a recent chase that resulted in the death of a six-year-old in Brooklyn Center as an example of how improper procedures from law enforcement could lead to unnecessary deaths.

Law enforcement reported that officers found a loaded handgun in the rental along with MDMA (ecstasy), 2000

Two significant hires by the mayor—MPD Police Chief Brian O’Hara last November and Dr. Cedric Alexander as community safety commissioner last summer—are key to implementing the new structure. “Chief O’Hara is working his tail off to make sure that he’s building out positive relations in the com-

fentanyl pills, and cocaine. After crashing his SUV into the five young women, Thompson fled the scene and was found bleeding in a Taco Bell parking lot and taken in for medical care. Toxicology results for Thompson are still pending.

On June 22, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty charged Thompson, 27, son of former state house representative, John Thompson, with 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide. He received

ments. Building trust between police and the communities that they’re charged with protecting and serving, this is what they said that they were going to do.

“Reforms are happening,” said Frey. “Policy changes have already been made. Many of them are now in the process of

The woman sustained severe injuries and was in a coma for two months, with medical bills of more than $2 million dollars. He was released early from prison in January of 2023, despite having similarly fled the scene of an accident in California.

As more information is shared, family members of the five young women are searching for clarity and a sense of justice. Given Derrick John Thompson’s past and his early release, the victims’ families

“While we can’t dictate what the private sector does, we can help advocate and heavily influence,” stated Frey. “The day after we learned of the closure of the grocery store, I had the [building] owners in my office. I’m confident we’re going to be able to get a grocery store back, and we’re gonna work our tails off to get there.

“West Broadway is on the

munity leaders, officials, and acknowledge the tremendous turnout that we had for their funeral, which is the largest public funeral in our community’s history.

“We thank all those people who took part in that and who

He added that the city invested $2 million in the Ownership and Opportunity Fund to provide opportunities for BiPOC business owners. “We often talk about equity in a social sense. There’s also racial equity in the business sense. When you have equity that’s being able to have a stake in the decision making process… we need both the social equity and the business equity.”

Farah and other community leaders flocked to the scene of the incident and stayed up with families to console and spiritually counsel them. He shared that he and other mosque leaders reached out to mental health experts for guidance on

“We’ve had broad support, specifically from North Minneapolis. I appreciate it personally, how important that coalition is to getting things done.

“We have a whole lot of work to do,” he said. “Our city has seen tough times over these last couple of years. But I think we’re coming out in the right trajectory.”

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

gation. Currently, an online fund has raised nearly half a million dollars for all five families.

Farah and other mosque leaders had reached out to the organizers of Launch Good, a Muslim crowdfunding platform, to get the word

two counts for every victim. Bail was set at $1 million. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also announced three federal counts in relation to drug trafficking and illegal gun possession. The MSR reached out to former state Rep. John Thompson, but did not receive a response.

and community leaders are concerned that Thompson might get off easy.

At the press conference, family members of the young women gave statements in remembrance of their loved ones. Sundus Odhowa spoke about her sister and the immense loss her family is experiencing.

“My sister was the pillar of our family. She had a promising future and was pursuing a computer science degree at the University of Minnesota. While many knew her as a reserved and quiet individual, to me, she was the funniest person I knew,” she said. “It breaks my heart that I won’t witness her getting married and graduating from college and growing old with her.”

Abdulahi Farah is a board member and leader at Dar AlFarooq mosque. Having been close to the families of the young women, he spoke to the impact that they made in their local community.

made it possible. But moving forward, it is our collective responsibility to honor their memories by advocating for justice for them, and to ensure that their legacy is always remembered.”

On the night of the tragedy,

MILLER

Continued from page 1

miss most about Hamline University when you retire?

DFM: I will miss my students and the many friends I have made.

MSR: What are your plans after you retire from Hamline?

DFM: My plan is to first sit by the fireplace and read, with my feet up and a glass of wine. In all my years in higher education, I have rarely allowed myself to fully relax. It is time I did so.

how to help members of their congregation grieve the loss of the five friends.

The mosque held a fundraiser for the victims a week after their deaths, to help ease the loss for their families and pay for future legal fees related to an investi-

After everything settles down, who knows, I might get back on the job treadmill. For now, my volunteer work will suffice.

I’ve enjoyed my time in Minnesota. The community

out about this tragedy. Islamic leaders from around the country took to their platforms to share the fund.

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

has been fabulous, and they truly have in that sense.

James L. Stroud, Jr welcomes reader comments at jstroud@ spokesman-recorder.com.

According to previous reports, Derrick John Thompson was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2020, after fleeing from police in California and hitting a pedestrian with his car.

“This was their home away from home. This was their hangout spot. This was their rec center, this very gym, and their spiritual sanctuary,” Farah said at the press conference on Monday. “We appreciate the support from our com-

I also plan to focus on my physical and mental health. I need to get to know me again, as I have spent many years focusing on the needs of others. I look forward to spending time with my husband, after eight years living apart, and with my son. My son lives in LA, and I hope to travel to see him as often as I can. I also have a young woman for whom I am a legal guardian. We need to get back to understanding each other. When my “house” is back in order, I plan to write a book.

June 29 - July 5, 2023 5 spokesman-recorder.com

Jaylani Hussein of CAIR MN at the press conference Photos by Chris Juhn

“It is our collective responsibility to honor their memories by advocating for justice for them, and to ensure that their legacy is always remembered.”

“I think we’re making some really good progress.”

Sundus Mohamoud Ali (left), the sister of Siham Adan Odhowa who was killed in the crash Hamline University President Fayneese Miller Photos courtesy of Hamline University

Harmonious Wellness Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Chris Juhn Staff Contributor

When Kelly Shay launched Harmonious World in 2020, she saw a need for services that support people’s mental health, physical health, and emotional and spiritual wellbeing on a more holistic level.

“I offer more integrative services,” said 41-year-old Shay, “by assisting and supporting people in getting to root causes of imbalances in the body and taking a whole-body approach.”

Starting a business in the midst of a pandemic was challenging. However, this year she moved her business to a space in the ZaRah Wellness Center, on West Broadway in North Minneapolis.

MSR: How would you describe your business?

KS: With harmonious wellness, the primary focus is regenerative health. Regenerative health is a practice that looks at getting to the root, the base, the foundational level of why someone might be experiencing imbalances in the body. It involves looking at tissue glands, and organ health—really looking at cellular health. So, supporting people’s bodies at the cellular level.

Regenerative health is rooted in biochemistry, science and nature, so really understanding the systems and the chemical processes of how things work in the body… If someone has symptoms or is diagnosed with something, then regenerative health looks at different herbs, food and nutrition to support the body. A big part of regenerative health is also focused on detoxification of the body—eliminating certain foods that create acidic environments that cause disease and imbalance in the body.

MSR: How does your business impact the community?

KS: It impacts the community because there are not too many regenerative health practitioners here in the Twin Cities. A friend of mine opened up a

Business

A holistic approach to healing

school, the Institute of Regenerative Health, just last year. I was one of the first groups to go through that training program to become a certified regenerative health practitioner.

As part of that training, you look at the body systems. You look at herbalism, detoxification, and different practices and methodologies to examine the body to see what might be going on.

There’s a western approach to health that a lot of people focus on in the community. I take the approach of looking at the root cause and bringing into the body nutrition and things that will support the function of the glands in a way that they are optimally designed to function.

You don’t see too many people doing that in the community here, especially in the communities of color. So, this feels like a niche right now. There are a lot of different holistic practitioners and mind-

ly great feedback and the business has been well-received. I’ve done pop-up events where I’ve shared about my work and some of the products and the services that I offer. At the soft opening at Zarah, the community came out, everyone was

and moved into location.

MSR: What’s the main thing people come to you for?

KS: Right now, it’s nutritional support and coaching—looking at how to get their body back in balance. Also, there’s a part of the wellness work that I do through harmonious wellness that is yoga, meditation, and breathing work. That is something that I’ve been teaching for 15 years. People come to me for one-on-one yoga classes, meditation classes, and breathing classes. So that is also something that I offer through the wellness branch of my business,

MSR: What has been the most rewarding part of owning your business?

responds once you provide a really healthy, alkaline environment for the cells to really thrive.

MSR: What’s the biggest challenge in owning your own business?

KS: I think the biggest challenge is that it’s just me. I don’t have any employees. I do all the marketing, financial management, and getting more resources and grants to support the work. It’s really just navigating and managing my time so that I can do everything.

is another opportunity where I share information about regenerative health. And so, I’m really looking at it on a global scale, and developing more collaborations and partnerships. I see myself as a leader in the community, but I really thrive off collaborations. So the next stage is just finding other like-minded people and organizations that want to partner and that believe in the power of holistic health and regeneration of the body and mind and spirit.

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

KS: Strategize, write down your plan, write down your vision, and really visualize and meditate on that so you get a very clear picture of what you want to do and where you want to go. Don’t hesitate to reach out for community resources and communicate with other entrepreneurs who are in that same field. You should always know your target market, your target audience, so reach out to businesses that are already operating and are successful in that field.

body wellness practitioners in the city. But as far as regenerative health practitioners at this level are concerned, this is new. This is a newer science in the community here in the Twin Cities.

MSR: How has the community responded to your business?

KS: I have gotten a ton of real-

very excited to learn about this practice.

My calendar has been filling up and I’ve been getting lots of emails and calls, so the interest is there. I have been supporting clients through regenerative health for about a year now. But it’s starting to pick up now that I’ve fully launched my new wellness site

KS: The most rewarding part has been seeing people’s health improve and seeing people start to feel better and look better--having clearer skin, no more bloat, brain fog, anxiety, stress, depression. You can work with them on the yoga mat, or just share different breathing techniques with clients.

It’s also introducing new ways of eating and letting go of foods that aren’t serving their body and their mental state. I’ve seen some clients have really quick responses. It’s amazing how fast the body

I’m now at a stage of development and growth and I’m looking to bring on some interns to help with some of those administrative tasks. The challenge has really been some of those administrative, backend tasks and marketing the business.

MSR: What’s your vision for your business? What does success look like for you?

KS: My vision for my business is to continue serving people in the Black community, people in the Latino and Indigenous communities, and the BIPOC community here in the Twin Cities. I envision extending harmonious wellness to other states and globally.

I also do events that bring together the wellness and entertainment industries. That

Do informational interviews. Learn and study the business and the path that those who are successful took to get there so that you can learn from them and be supported in that way. Have a mentor. I highly suggest finding a mentor who understands the business and the vision and direction that you want to go. Meet with that person at least once a month. Also, financial management, financial literacy, and budgeting are really huge.

Harmonious Wellness is located at 1200 W Broadway, Suite 170, in North Minneapolis, in the ZaRah Wellness Center. For more information, go to (612) 355-6337, or go to www. harmoniouswellness.com.

Chris Juhn welcomes reader comments at cjuhn@spokesman-recorder.com.

Take time off this summer, but not from your finances

Arts & Culture

Veteran media personality reflects on path to station owner

By Tony Kiene Contributing Writer

oming of age on the West Side of Chicago, Wesley Smith recalls, “We were so poor, the only thing we could afford was our imagination.” That imagination has served Smith well over the years, and today he is the sole proprietor of the only Black-owned radio station in Minnesota—the Twin Cities Radio Network (TCRN).

Music has always been one of the essential components of Smith’s life, even though he admits he’s yet to achieve his dream of mastering the piano. It was radio that fueled Smith’s imagina tion, and in particular Chicago’s legendary WVON, which was found at 1450 on the AM dial in those days.

“I was a Motown baby,” recalls Smith, reminiscing about the clas sic catalog that served as the soundtrack to his childhood. In fact, outside of Detroit, WVON was Berry Gordy’s first call whenever he was trying to break a new record coming out of Hitsville U.S.A. A multitude of notable radio personalities graced the air waves at WVON back then, including a young Don Cornelius. But perhaps the one that resonated the most with Smith was Herb Kent, “The Cool Gent,” who remains the longest-running DJ in the history of radio, having spent nearly 70 years on-air before passing away in 2016 at the age of 88.

It wasn’t just the music, but the memorable characters and ra dio sketches that Kent invented that fascinated Smith and sharp ened one of the lifelong skills he values most: listening.

“We didn’t always have a TV when I was growing up,” he explains. “Radio replaced the TV in our house. To me, the radio was everything. It taught me how to listen. To truly

listen.” Reading was another passion of Smith’s, something his brother Lorenzo taught him when he was only four.

As he started school, Smith read everything he could get his hands on, including the copies of Muhammad Speaks that he came across as he walked through his West Side neighbor hood. His interest in the paper attracted the attention of some Nation of Islam leaders, and before long a six-yearold Smith was visiting the local mosque at their behest.

As heady as that must have been for such a young kid in 1960s Chicago, it would hardly compare to having dinner at Muhammad Ali’s Hyde Park resi dence just a few days later. “I couldn’t believe it. I was eating dinner with the champ. At his house!”

This wouldn’t be Smith’s only encounter with a Who’s Who list of Chicago during that era. He would soon meet Jesse Jackson, who’d just taken over the leadership of Operation Bread basket. It was also in 1966 that Smith marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who himself moved to the city temporarily to lead the Chicago Freedom Movement.

Smith fondly remembers Dr. King’s rally at Soldier Field in July of that same year, which was emceed by WVON’s Kent and featured performances by Mahalia Jackson and a 16-year-old Stevie Wonder.

Returning to radio

As he got a bit little older—skipping directly from 2nd to 4th grade, demonstrating his resolute passion for education and

studying the social issues that defined the day—family and friends predicted that one day Smith would become a lawyer, teacher, doctor, or maybe even a preacher.

But life doesn’t always follow the path we anticipate, and none of Smith’s hopes or dreams would easily come to fruition. He came to Minneapolis in 1989, having become familiar with the city after some of his siblings first relocated here.

Still, hard times followed. “I spent some time in the streets,” Smith explains. “I was homeless. It was rough.”

However, Smith, nothing if not resilient, found his way back to some of the same things that inspired him as a child.

“I worked with local schools for nearly 20 years. The Minneapolis Public Schools, charter schools, alternative schools.” Likewise, Smith’s commitment to community never waned as he put in time helping at some of the city’s most venerable institutions including Sabathani, The City Inc., Turning Point, and the Min-

Ultimately, fate smiled on Smith and he found his way back to the medium that shaped his younger years in such a profound way—radio.

Some of those in the business took note of Smith’s eloquence, his “perfect for radio” voice, and knowledge—not only of music but so much more—and put him on the air, where soon he became known as “Wes Smooth.”

When the owners of internet-based Twin Cities Radio Network began plans to build a new brick-and-mortar station in Miami, they wanted to make Smith the station’s featured talent. After careful consideration, however, Smith chose not only to stay in the Twin Cities but bought TCRN for himself in 2015, making it the first and only Black-owned radio station in the North Star State.

Keeping it smooth

Now based in St. Paul, TCRN’s principal format is smooth jazz. Smith cites several reasons for this, but in large part it’s because he doesn’t want to compete with other stations.

“No one else is really doing what we are at Smooth Jazz Radio,” Smith notes. “Some people are Coke. Some are Pepsi. We’re just trying to be 7-Up— you know, crisp, clean, and no caffeine. We’re an alternative. Another option if you will.”

To honor his father, Smith does play traditional jazz on Sundays. “Growing up in Chicago, the radio only played jazz on Sundays. And my dad and I would sit there and listen. Some of my best memories as a kid.”

As an online station, TCRN attracts its audience from every corner of the United States and beyond. “We have dedicated listeners in Germany, Brazil, the U.K., Italy, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Serbia, Mozambique, and more. The vision for TCRN is to broadcast to the world.”

Of course, there’s so much more to TCRN, and Smith, too. “We’re always doing stuff out in the community, as well as for the community on the air.”

This includes providing music for events such as the St. Paul Police Department’s Safe Summer Nights and National Night Out and supporting organizations such as I.C.A.R.E. (Increase Community Awareness Responsibility and Education) and the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression.

Smith himself continues to serve as a “stage host” at concerts around the country. Yet, despite his success and influence on radio and the world of live performance, he’d never allow anyone to call him a DJ.

“I play music. I’m a music service provider,” explains Smith. “Being a DJ is a special skill. Q-Bear is a DJ. Brother Jules, rest his soul, was a DJ.”

Regardless, it’s clear that Smith and TCRN are making an indelible imprint here in Minnesota and elsewhere by, as Smith might say himself, just “keeping it smooth.”

To listen to Twin Cities Radio Network, visit twincitiesradionetwork.com.

Tony Kiene welcomes reader comments at tkiene@spokesman-

and lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM by JAMES LAPINE

June 29 - July 5, 2023 7 spokesman-recorder.com

directed

Into the Woods June 17 – August 13 612.377.2224 guthrietheater.org Onstage this summer Sponsored by FREE FIRST SATURDAY Bring the whole family to explore the galleries, make art, and get creative! Offered the first Saturday of every month. SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAY A free event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences. Join us for a calm environment the second Sunday of every month from 8–11 am. Learn more: walkerart.org Visit us: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis

music

book

by SARNA LAPINE

“No one else is really doing what we are at Smooth Jazz Radio. We’re an alternative. Another option if you will.”

Wesley Smith

Chance to cut climate pollution from big trucks

By Ben Jealous

he interstates built in the 1950s and 1960s killed the vitality of the communities where people of color and the poor lived, from Overtown in Miami to the Hill District in Pittsburgh to the South and West Sides of Chicago. The disruption and segregation of those communities happened by design.

The harm continues to this day for the residents who remain in those neighborhoods.

Because the highways run through their backyards, those people are at point blank range for the pollution from the millions of vehicles driving the interstates burning fossil fuels.

Transportation accounts for more than a quarter of the climate damaging gasses this country makes, more than any other sector. An estimated 72 million Americans live in close proximity to trucking routes, and they are disproportionately people of color or living with low incomes.

We have an unprecedented chance to change this longstanding disregard for so many Americans’ health and wellbeing, and we must grab that chance if we want to reduce vehicle pollution enough to reach our goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030.

While heavy duty vehicles— think delivery trucks, garbage trucks, buses, and tractor trailer trucks—are only six percent of the vehicles in the United States, they produce a third of the climate pollution

from transportation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new rules that would sharply reduce the carbon dioxide that heavy duty vehicles will be allowed to belch in their exhaust and pave the way for more trucks and buses that have no emissions.

special interests and the politicians they support will oppose any regulations that have a chance to avert climate disaster. The EPA must stand up for communities most damaged by truck and bus pollution.

The stricter rules should add momentum to changes already happening in that part of the economy. Manufacturers like Daimler, Ford, Navistar and Volvo have pledged to increase the number of zero emission trucks they sell, and big volume shippers including Amazon, FedEx and Walmart have said they will cut their air pollution.

The available models of zero emission trucks are up more than a quarter from three years ago, and their cost is expected to drop 40 percent in the next four years. Seventeen states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have agreed to a plan to boost zero emission truck sales with an initial target of 30 percent by 2030.

By Marian Wright Edelman

ixty years ago in June 1963, a young wife and mother drafted a neatly handwritten letter about a “problem” her family was facing:

Dear Sir:

I am writing to you concerning a problem we have. 5 yrs. ago my husband and I were married here in the District. We then returned to Va. to live. My husband is White, I am part negro, and part indian. At the time we did not know there was a law in Va. against mixed marriages. Therefore we were jailed and tried in a little town of Bowling Green.

We were to leave the state to make our home. The problem is we are not allowed to visit our families. The judge said that if we enter the state in the next [25] yrs., that we will have to spend 1 yr. in jail.

We know we can’t live there, but we would like to go back once and awhile to visit our families and friends.

We have 3 children and cannot afford an attorney. We wrote to the Attorney General, he suggested that we get in touch with you for advice.

Please help us if you can. Hope to hear from you real soon.

their marriage license.

Mrs. Loving later said she initially believed they were doing that because less paperwork was required there. But Richard may have understood something she didn’t: Getting a marriage license as a mixedrace couple would have been illegal and impossible in Virginia.

Mr. Loving may not have known how the state would treat legal interracial marriages that had been performed elsewhere, but five weeks after their wedding they received a very literal rude awakening. Acting on a “tip,” sheriff’s deputies surrounded their bed with flashlights at two in the morning demanding to know why they were there together. Their reply that they were husband and wife made no difference. The Lovings were arrested, and Mr. Loving was held in jail overnight while the pregnant Mrs. Loving was forced to stay for several days.

Both were charged with violating Virginia’s Racial Integri-

er, and great-grandmother sent another groundbreaking letter. This time, it was a public statement submitted just before the Massachusetts Legislature’s historic vote reaffirming marriage equality, and read aloud at a 40th anniversary celebration of the Loving v. Virginia decision.

“When my late husband, Richard, and I got married in Washington, DC in 1958, it wasn’t to make a political statement or start a fight. We were in love, and we wanted to be married… My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed what the judge said, that it was God’s plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love.

“But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation’s fears and prejudices have given way, and today’s young people realize that if someone loves someone, they have a right to marry.

“Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the ‘wrong kind of person’ for me to marry.

The comment period for these new rules ended Friday, so the EPA needs to finalize them quickly. As we saw last year with other common sense air pollution standards for trucks that the EPA adopted,

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com

Beyond the new federal rules, we have extraordinary incentives that are part of the historic infrastructure and clean energy packages that President Biden and Congress approved over the last two years. We’ve pledged to spend $1 billion by 2031 on zero emission heavy duty trucks and another $5 billion by 2026 on clean school buses. We must have the bigger stick of tougher regulation, but for the first time we have meaningful carrots from these incentives.

We’ve finally as a nation started to acknowledge the scope of the change it will take to preserve our fragile and already damaged planet. But the interest in the status quo is strong among those who gain from it, like Big Oil companies reporting record billions in profits. We can’t turn our attention away now, assuming that recognizing the problem will undoubtedly lead to the right actions to address it.

Sixty years ago, neighborhoods in Manhattan, Washington and New Orleans fought back successfully against being divided and paved over by interstates. Finishing the job of ending the pollution from those highways’ traffic will take that same commitment on our part.

Yours truly, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Loving Mrs. Mildred Loving, the letter’s author, had chosen to reach out to U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who suggested she and her husband contact the ACLU for help. Over the next several years dedicated ACLU lawyers took their case through the court system.

The Lovings eventually made history when their struggle to have their marriage recognized in their native Virginia led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia. On June 12, 1967, the justices ruled 9-0 that Virginia’s law banning interracial marriage and all others like it were unconstitutional and that the freedom to marry was “a basic civil right.”

The Lovings, who shunned the spotlight, made it clear they never set out to be social revolutionaries. It was simple: They loved each other, wanted to marry, and beyond that, as Mrs. Loving said, “It was God’s work.”

The two first met in the early 1950s in Central Point, Virginia, the small community where they both grew up. They became young sweethearts, and in 1958, when Mildred became pregnant they decided to get married. They drove to Washington, D.C., for

ty Act. Under a plea bargain, in order to avoid a year-long jail sentence they were forced to leave the state and were prohibited from returning together for 25 years. They settled in Washington, D.C., but missed the small town where they had spent their entire lives. These were the conditions that led the Lovings, inspired by the growing Civil Rights Movement, to reach out to Attorney General Robert Kennedy asking for change.

After the landmark 1967 victory, Mr. and Mrs. Loving returned to their hometown with their three children. Sadly, their own happiness ended in tragedy in 1975, when Mr. Loving was killed and Mrs. Loving lost the sight in one eye in a car accident caused by a drunk driver.

But the Lovings had paved the way for thousands of other couples like themselves who were marrying the people they loved. Thanks to God’s work and the Lovings’ love, my husband Peter and I were the very first interracial couple to be married in Virginia after the U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Mrs. Loving never remarried and lived quietly at her home in rural Caroline County, Virginia until she passed away in 2008. But a year before her death, the widow, grandmoth-

“I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people’s civil rights.

“I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.”

In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court would issue another landmark decision guaranteeing full marriage equality. But this June, during a Pride Month when bigotry, intolerance, and threats of violence against LGBTQ+ Americans are on a sharp and dangerous rise, it is critical to listen again to Mrs. Loving’s words. Mildred Loving and the lawyers and judges who affirmed her convictions were on the right side of history. Ugly voices shouting for less equality and less freedom will not carry the day now.

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

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. He is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free,” published in January.

8 June 29 - July 5, 2023 spokesman-recorder.com Opinion Listening again to Loving Follow Us! @MNSpokesmanRecorder

We have an unprecedented chance to change this longstanding disregard for so many Americans’ health and well-being, and we must grab that chance if we want to reduce vehicle pollution enough to reach our goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030.

“I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry.”

Summer Guide

The MSR’s guide to summer festivals, concerts, and activities for foodies, stargazers, art and music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for the week of June 29-July 5.

Kathleen Johnson presents Hotter Than July: The Album

June 29 – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

The Belvedere at Crooners Supper Club – 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis

This evening of live music was created and produced by Brad Steine of the Soul Tight Com

mittee band in connection with Kathleen Johnson of “Musicians4musicians.” It is a complete rundown of Stevie Wonder’s “Hotter Than July” album and other Wonder classics performed in the month of June as a celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month, the national recognition of “Juneteenth,” and the continued uplifting of the 40th year anniversary of MLK Day. For more info, visit bit.ly/KathleenJohnsonHotterThanJuly.

Erykah Badu and Mos Def

June 30 – 7:30 p.m.

Xcel Energy Center – 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul

BaduWorld, Inc., has announced that Erykah Badu, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and performance artist, is hitting the road on her nationwide “Unfollow Me” Tour, along with hip hop’s most introspective and insightful artist, yasiin bey (aka Mos Def). The predominantly arena concerts, produced by Outback Presents, promise an out-of-this-world, surrealist atmosphere. For more info, visit bit.ly/ErykahBaduMosDef

Somali Independence Day Festival

Taste of Canterbury – Tacos and Tequila

July 1 – 5:00 p.m.

Canterbury Park – 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee

Upgrade your racing experience with our special “Taste of Canterbury” event series, transporting you to the taste of Tacos and Tequila sponsored by Don Julio! This themed entertainment experience will show what Canterbury’s kitchen can bring to the table, with specialty food, cocktails, and pairings during an evening packed with themed fun and live racing action. Enjoy your favorite birria tacos with grilled vegetables and tres leches for dessert! Events include live racing admission, samplings of Bourbon craft cocktails, two drink tickets for our selection of Bourbon based cocktails for the full bar, as well as access to the appetizer pairings throughout the evening. Entertainment will be provided in-between live racing. For more info, visit bit.ly/ CanterburyTacosTequila

Community Quilt Project

July 1

West Lake between Blaisdell and Stevens Avenues, Minneapolis

The annual festival and parade—which features food, cultural activities, music and dance—is the highlight of Somali Week, beginning June 29. For info, visit www.somaliweek.org.

Talib Kweli

July 1 – 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The Dakota – 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

The Brooklyn-based MC earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. Whether working with Yasiin Bey as one-half of Black Star, partnering with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal, releasing landmark solo material or collaborating with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, or Madlib, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism, crafting captivating stories, and showing the ability to rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental. For more info, visit www.dakotacooks.com.

Through July 1 MAAHMG – 1256 Penn Ave. N. (4th floor), Minneapolis

The “Community Quilt Project” features 14 quilts that symbolize themes including Black history, Black joy, love and family, racial justice, civil rights, Black liberation, healing and freedom. The exhibit also includes a quilt honoring Minneapolis’ favorite son, Prince Rogers Nelson, which was created during the painting of the Prince mural in May and June of 2022. The “Community Quilt Project” is open for viewing during MAAHMG’s regular hours (Tuesdays through Fridays, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Admission is free and free parking is available in the ramp at the rear of the building. For more info, visit www.maahmg. org/exhibits.

Amythyst Kiah

July 5 – 7:30 p.m.

The Parkway Theater – 4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis

Grammy nominee and Folk Alliance International award-winner Amythyst Kiah and her band return to The Parkway in support of her critically acclaimed debut album release, Wary + Strange (Rounder Records), including the chart-topping single, “Black Myself.” For more info, visit bit.ly/ AmythystKiahJuly5.

June 29 - July 5, 2023 9 spokesman-recorder.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MSR TODAY go to spokesman-recorder.com call 612-827-4021, or scan code

Hue-MAN’s substance abuse ambassadors

By Faaya Adem

More than 30 students in the Twin Cities graduated from Hue-MAN’s youth substance abuse training on Friday, June 15.

The program was designed to help young people provide peer counseling on substance abuse.

Funded by a grant from the City of Minneapolis, the organization created the training as a way to help those in need.

Hue-MAN Partnership’s community engagement liaison, Clarence Jones, said there are many young people dying from substance abuse.

He said Hue-MAN plans to bring youth who are trained

SOE

through the program to community events as young ambassadors. They would help promote substance abuse training and connect with people their age in their communities.

The four-day Hue-MAN training included sessions on the opioid epidemic and how to use Naloxone, the generic name for narcan. Maddy Reagan, overdose prevention manager for the Steve Rummler Hope Network, handed out Naloxone kits provided by the network.

At the end of the final day, the students received shirts and framed diplomas that listed the training they had completed. Those students can now take additional training with the

Steve Rummler Hope Network to become trainers themselves.

Many of Hue-MAN’s graduates are interested in giving back to their communities using the skills gained from

about this project from a Facebook group run by Princess Titus, an activist and co-founder of Appetite For Change (AFC). She decided to bring her 11and 12-year-old daughters to the Hue-MAN training.

“They may be a little young, but we all go through things in

prevention.”

Initially, Ceant’e was not interested in substance abuse programming. Substance abuse programming and the subject itself are triggering for her, she said. “Drugs have become less pure and more deadly.” This pushed her to join the project and increase intervention in her community.

“It was closer to the plant than whatever this is,” Ceant’e said, referring to the increase in fentanyl-laced drug overdoses. “So, to see babies dying the way they are, it’s just hard to watch.”

She believes the way some adults engage with children also needs to be addressed. “Even people with substance abuse disorders should have harm reduction skills and be aware of how they can impact children.

“It’s important that adults also make sure they have Naloxone kits on them,” Ceant’e said. In the past, overdosing meant taking a large quantity of drugs, which signified that the quality of the drugs was good. Now it means something completely different.

the program.

Charisma Ceant’e learned

life,” Ceant’e said. “I think that early education is the key to

Francisco Forty-Niners.

Training more young people will decrease the number of overdoses and positively impact the community, said Ceant’e. She plans on doing outreach by training and passing out Naloxone kits.

BOXING

“Now, you don’t need to take too much,” Ceant’e said. “You can take a little bit of a very bad thing and die.”

Faaya Adem welcomes reader comments at fadem@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Continued from page 12

As a result, Lennox became a part of the Lynx’s first controversial trade when she was shipped out to Miami in midseason for Minneapolis native Tamara Moore. The trade was roundly criticized by fans, who never really embraced Moore, the first and only Northsider to play for Minnesota. She was gone the following season.

As for Lennox, she became a part of two dispersal drafts, the first when Miami folded and Cleveland selected her, and then again when the Cleveland franchise folded and Seattle selected the guard.

With the Storm, Lennox looked like her old self and was reunited with former Lynx teammate Katie Smith, also picked for the Minnesota all-time top 25. Along with Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson, they helped help lead Seattle to the 2004 WNBA Championship. Her stellar play during the postseason culminated in being named Finals MVP, averaging 22 points per game.

Lennox retired from pro ball in 2011, with Tulsa (now Dallas). Her sevenyear WNBA career, as well as seven years playing overseas during the offseason, included being named to the second team WNBA All-Star (2000) and the Polish Cup winner in 2007. She also

started her Lennox Foundation 22 in 2005, to support children who were victims of neglect and abuse, and won the league’s Community Assist Award in 2006.

But coming back to Minnesota earlier this month, Lennox said she was deeply touched. When her name was announced, a loud chorus of cheers echoed through the arena.

“I still have those fans out there,” she said humbly. “It’s an amazing feeling when I walked in this building. I just felt the energy. I just felt the love. Brings back a lot of memories even though a lot of things are different.”

Her place in Lynx history is secure. “We weren’t able to make that championship. But you know, we laid the foundation for those championships that came after us. So I’m very, very happy and appreciative to be here,” said Lennox, enjoying the celebratory moment as she stood on the Minnesota home court. “I’m just happy to be a part of this.”

Native Americans declined by nine percent. A study on diversity in medical schools shows Black medical students make up only 7.3 percent of the total U.S. medical school population, an increase of less than one percent over the last 40 years.

The need for more Black doctors and other physcians of color is needed everywhere, including the NFL, especially in occupations such as physician’s assistants, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, and behavioral clinicians.

When asked if a “Rooney Rule” is needed for hiring more Black medical staffers, Reggie Scott, the Los Angeles Rams V-P of sports medicine and performance, responded, “I think before you start talking about adding race rules to this, I think we’ve got to bring more exposure.

“We need more minorities, diverse people, we need more females… I think we need more of a mix. I think this approach is the right approach to take right now,” said Scott of the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Initiative.

Two of the participants in the 2022 initiative also spoke to the media: Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Omolayo Dada, who worked with the Tennessee Titans, and Dr. Kelsey Henderson of Meharry Medical School, who worked with the San

“It kind of really opened my eyes to the fact that there is a problem,” explained Dada. “You’ve got 60 percent of players that are Black, but they are not seeing a medical staff that looks like them in equal numbers.

“Everyone was very, very welcoming,” continued Dada. “I was even able to talk with the nutritionist and the strength and conditioning coach, because health is not just only medicine. This exposure to [sports] medicine gave me an in-depth perspective as to what it would be like to be a sports medicine physician.”

“I learned basic science through sports medicine,” said Henderson. “I really learned to appreciate a holistic approach..and the social and cultural aspects in [sports medicine]. I was able to see how there was a great collaborative approach to sports medicine.”

“I think the most important thing with this program is watching some of these young students eventually get opportunities in the NFL, which is what the pipeline is all about,” said Scott.

“One of the goals…is to get undergraduate students or even high school students thinking about these types of careers,” concluded Sills. “There’s always more work to be done, but we’re very proud of the start.”

from 2017 to 2018.

Continued from page 12 the next season but never fully regained the form that marked her rookie year.

Now nearing 40 years old, Truax (31-6-2) is seeking one more chance at the belt. “I don’t feel the age has caught up with me in the ring,” he told the MSR a couple of weeks before his scheduled fight last weekend. “I don’t feel I have lost any steps.” Morrill, who defected from Cuba and came to Minnesota a few years ago, said, “I think Minnesota first of all… It is my second home,” he said in Spanish, as his brother translated in English.

James held the WBA welterweight title from 2020 to 2021. He and the super lightweight Owens are stablemates at the Circle of Discipline boxing program.

St. Paul boxing promoter Quincy Caldwell, who owns and runs Coach Q Training in St. Paul, told reporters, including the MSR, during a June 14 open workout and news conference at Element Gym in St. Paul, “Minnesota boxing is very underrated.”

Both Truax and Proper admitted that finding suitable boxers to train with can be challenging. “We don’t have the number of fighters thaat

they have in California,” noted the former. “Truthfully, I’m at the level where I can bring in guys to mimic styles when I’m fighting an opponent.”

Proper trained with Truax in preparation for his June 17 scheduled fight against Cameron Krael of Las Vegas, where he suffered his first defeat as a pro by TKO in the 6th round. “The preparation was extremely intense,” stressed the St. Paul native, who record is now 7-1. Reid, Jr. won his second pro fight on the same card with Proper, a first-round knockout over Christopher Morrow, and is now 1-0-1. He first fought as a pro in March.

“No matter what platform I’m on…I am an African American young man [age 26], who loves my family,” said Reid. “I love boxing. I’m promoting love, happiness, joy whenever you see me.”

Caldwell said his main goal as a boxing promoter is to provide fair opportunities for local fighters. “It’s nothing to do with ego for me,” he declared. “My goal is to give fighters the opportunities to build their careers.”

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

Follow Us!

@MNSpokesmanRecorder

10 June 29 - July 5, 2023

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com. Betty Lennox with a fan Courtesy of Twitter

from page 12 Bulletin IN PRINT & ONLINE! CALL 612-827-4021 P.O. Box 8558 • Minneapolis, MN 55408 Follow Us! @MNSpokesmanRecorder MINNESOT A SP OK ESMAN-R ECORDE R 3744 4th Ave. Sout h Minneapolis, MN 5540 9 Ph one : 612- 827- 40 21 Fax: 612- 827- 0577 TRA CE Y WIL LI AM S -D IL LARD Pu blishe r/CE O CECIL E NEWMA N Fo u nder- Pu blishe r 1934 -1976 WALLA CE (JACK) JACKM AN Co -P ublisher Emeritu L AUNA Q NEWMA N CE O/Pu blishe r 1976 -200 0 NOR MA JEA N WIL LI AM S Vice Pr esiden t Emeritus MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS Minnesota Newspaper Association • National Newspaper Publishers Association The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Publications are published every Thursday by the Spokesman-Recorder Publishing Co., Inc. Editorial/Business o ce is at 3744 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In-state: 1 yr: $40, 2 yr: $70 Outside Minnesota: 1yr: $50, 2 yr: $90 All subscriptions payable in advance. INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Managing Editor Evette Porter Senior Editor Jerry Freeman Digital Editor Paige Elliott Desktop Publishers Kobie Conrath Jim Handrigan Executive Sales Assistant Laura Poehlman Social Media Assistant Dominica Asberry-Lindquist Account Representatives Cecilia Viel Ray Seville Harold D. Morrow Event Coordinator Jennifer Jackmon Sports Writers Charles Hallman Dr. Mitchell P. McDonald Contributing Writers Al Brown Dr. Charles Crutchfield, III Charles Hallman Robin James Tiffany Johnson Tony Kiene Nikki Love Cole Miska Abdi Mohamed Henry Pan Angela Rose Myers James L. Stroud Jr. Staff Photographer Chris Juhn Contributing Photographers Steve Floyd Travis Lee James L. Stroud Jr. Bethesda Baptist Church Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com email:bethesdamn@prodigy.net Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor 451 West Central St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444 Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8 & 10:45 am Prayer Service: Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church" Greater Friendship M issionary Baptist Church Dr. B.C. Russell, Pastor 2600 E. 38th Street. Mpls., MN 55408 612-827-7928 fax: 612-827-3587 website: www.greatfriend.org email: info@greatfriend.org Sunday Church School: 8:30 am Sunday Worship: 9:30 am Winning the World with Love” Grace Temple Deliverance Center Dr. Willa Lee Grant Battle, Pastor 1908 Fourth Ave. So. Mpls., MN 24 Hour Dial-A-Prayer: 612-870-4695 www.gtdci.org Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Prayer Daily 7 pm Evangelistic Service: Wednesday & Friday 8 pm Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM Advertise your weekly service, directory or listing! CALL 612-827-4021 Advertise your weekly service, directory or listing! CALL 612-827-4021

Charles Hallman welcomes

reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com. VIEW Continued

Intern

MSR

Graduates of Hue-MAN’s training program Photo by Faaya Adem

Employment & Legals

STATE OF MINNESOTA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COUNTY OF HENNEPIN DISTRICT COURT PROBATE MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

In Re: Estate of Court File No. 27-PA-PR-23-737

Margaret Susan Spence, Deceased NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given, that an amended application for informal probate of the above named decedent’s last will dated May 27, 2016 has been filed with the Registrar herein, and the application has been granted informally probating such will. Any objections may be filed in the above, and the same will be heard by the Court upon notice of hearing fixed for such purpose.

Notice is hereby further given that informal appointment of Dennis Clifford Spence, whose address is 4905 32nd Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417, 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 are empowered to fully administer the estate including, after 30 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 14, 2023 Lindy Scanlon Registrar

ProSe Sara Gonsalves Court Administrator

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 29, July 6,2023

A/1 Contract No. 24-052

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

PHONE: 612-827-4021

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

PROBATE

2 WEEK RUN FLAT RATE $215.00 PREPAID

Please Note: New email address for all future ads is ads@spokesman-recorder.com

The MSR handles billing digitally.

A/1 Contract No. 24-049 INVITATION TO BID

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

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, MN 55130 for VALLEY HI-RISE

OFFICE EXPANSION, Contract No. 24-052, until 3:00 PM, Local Time, on JULY 12, 2023, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud via the Zoom App. Bids may be submitted electronically, in a pdf format, to Northstar Imaging, www.northstarplanroom.com, or may be delivered to the address above.

MDAN

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 2:00 PM, local time, at Valley Hi-Rise, 261 University Ave E, Saint Paul, MN 55130.

A complete set of bid documents is available by contacting Northstar Imaging at

This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.

Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT 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 in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, 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 Spokesman-Recorder

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

PHONE: 612-827-4021

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

I hereby acknowledge that sanctions may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. §549.211.

AND

Dated: April 24,

PLEASE CONTACT

SUBTOTAL: $154

PHONE: 612-827-4021

Sealed bids will be received by the Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul at 200 East Arch Street, St. Paul, MN 55130 for PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT WEST SIDE DUPLEXES, Contract No. 24-049 until 2:00 P.M, Local Time, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Bids may be submitted electronically, in a pdf format, to Northstar Imaging, www.northstarplanroom. com or may be delivered to the address above.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held JUNE 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at 755 LIVINGSTON AVENUE ST.

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

SUMMONS

Opportunity Form and Minnesota Responsible Contractor Compliance Affidavit. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a satisfactory performance bond and separate payment bond. The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

Please proof, respond with email confirmation to ads@spokesman-recorder.com

AN EQUAL VICTOR FATUNSIN OPPORTUNITY AGENCY PROJECT LEADER (651) 775-9573 victor.fatunsin@stpha.org Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 29, 2023

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.

A/1 Contract No. 24-047 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, MN 55130 for SITE IMPROVEMENTS at 834 PEDERSEN STREET, Contract No. 24-047 until 2:00 PM, Local Time, on July 12, 2023, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud via the Zoom App. Bids may be submitted electronically, in a pdf format, to Northstar Imaging, www.northstarplanroom.com, or may be delivered to the address above.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held in conjunction with a tour of the jobsite on JUNE 29, 2023 at 1:30 PM, at 834 PEDERSEN STREET, St. Paul, MN 55119. Immediately following the conference there will be a Pre-Bid Tour of the site. All questions arising from this pre-bid conference will be addressed by addendum if necessary.

ACCOUNTING DEPT BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

A complete set of bid documents is available by contacting Northstar Imaging at 651-686-0477 or www.northstarplanroom.com, under public plan room, SITE IMPROVEMENTS at 834 PEDERSEN STREET, Contract No. 24-047. Digital downloads are available at 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 satisfactory 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.

Please proof, respond with email confirmation to ads@spokesman-recorder.com

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers

Please Note: New email address for all future ads is ads@spokesman-recorder.com

AN EQUAL JIM LEARY OPPORTUNITY AGENCY PROJECT LEADER (651) 775-4094 JIM.LEARY@stpha.org Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 29, 2023

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $16.32-$29.50 per month and business services are $34.61-$48.61 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible lowincome individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaper). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. However, the decision is ultimately up to each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979. Thank you.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/ community-development/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

Community Advocates and Engagement Coordinator

The Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network at the U of MN is hiring a Community Advocates and Engagement Coordinator. Provide administrative and program support for Community Advocates program and educational projects. BA/BS in relevant field or equivalent experience required. Experience with community work and excellent multitasking. Apply for Job ID #356061 at https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job.

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is hiring a Manager of Individual Giving

The Manager of Individual Giving is the ideal position for a fund development professional looking to be part of a growing and successful team who is committed to laughing and working hard together. This position manages MCEA’s annual fund, has a portfolio of mid-tier donors, and shares responsibility for implementing fundraising efforts to acquire, grow, and sustain support for a leading environmental nonprofit.

MCEA has been the leading legal and scientific voice for Minnesota’s environment since 1974. We support work life balance and have recently adopted a 36 hour work week.

MCEA has won multiple awards including the Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2021 and 2022. Please visit our website at https:// www.mncenter.org/job-openings.html for full description and how to apply.

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is hiring a Manager of Grants and Institutional Giving

The Manager of Grants and Institutional Giving will partner deeply with the Chief Advancement Officer and CEO, and work with leaders across the organization, to meet and exceed revenue goals from institutional partners. The ideal candidate enjoys managing up, is a strong writer with the ability to communicate complex ideas persuasively and has strong organizational skills with an attention to detail. This new position will join a growing and successful team who is committed to laughing and working hard together. This position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and has no direct reports. MCEA has been the leading legal and scientific voice for Minnesota’s environment since 1974. We value diversity, equity, an inclusive culture, and respect in the workplace. MCEA has won numerous awards for best workplace. Please visit our website at http://www.mncenter.org/job-openings.html for full description and how to apply.

June 29 - July 5, 2023 11

PAUL, MN 55107. All questions arising from this pre-bid conference will be addressed by addendum if necessary. A complete set of bid documents is available by contacting Northstar Imaging at 651-686-0477 or www.northstarplanroom.com, under public plan room, PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT WEST SIDE DUPLEXES, Contract No. 24-049. Digital downloads are available at no charge. Contact Northstar for hard copy pricing. Bids must be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee, Non-Collusive Affidavit, an Equal Employment

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Personal Injury Court File No.: TBD Azelia

vs. AMENDED SUMMONS Daniel Jonathan Fay, and The Standard Fire Insurance Company, Defendant. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT: 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. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 21 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: Swor & Gatto, P.A. 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, MN 55102

Vang, Plaintiff,

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 or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 22,29, July 6, 2023

2023 SWOR

GATTO, John Paul J. Gatto (#0387730) Paul J. Gatto (#33741) ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF 1177 West Seventh Street

PREPAID FLAT RATE: $110 X 3 WEEK RUN TOTAL: $300

The Minnesota Display Ad Network

the week beginning 6/25/2023 Central Citizens Alliance Bank seeks applicants for the following positions: VP Loan Ofﬁcer – Clara City Credit Analyst Supervisor – Clara City Vendor Management Coordinator – Clara City Seasonal Maintenance Assistant – Clara City Core Application Specialist – Clara City Operations Lead – Howard Lake Accounts Payable Clerk – Howard Lake Human Resource Associate – All MN Locations Credit Analyst Lead – All MN Locations Correspondent Banker – All MN Locations Compliance Manager – All MN Locations Risk Manager – All MN Locations To view our job postings or Apply Online please visit: citizensalliancebank.com/careers Citizens Alliance Bank is an EEO Employer

beginning 6/25/2023 Central Citizens Alliance Bank seeks applicants for the following positions: VP Loan Ofﬁcer – Clara City Credit Analyst Supervisor – Clara City Vendor Management Coordinator – Clara City Seasonal Maintenance Assistant – Clara City Core Application Specialist – Clara City Operations Lead – Howard Lake Accounts Payable Clerk – Howard Lake Human Resource Associate – All MN Locations Credit Analyst Lead – All MN Locations Correspondent Banker – All MN Locations Compliance Manager – All MN Locations Risk Manager – All MN Locations To view our job postings or Apply Online please visit: citizensalliancebank.com/careers Citizens Alliance Bank is an EEO Employer

ads to run ONE TIME,

WE’RE HIRING!

Mpls Armory rises to premier boxing status

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

oxing in Minnesota, especially in Minneapolis, is becoming more and more like Las Vegas and Atlantic City as a championship venue. “It has become a prominent and recognized venue in boxing,” said Showtime boxing host, Brian Custer, a couple of days before last Saturday’s eight-bout card at The Armory, which included two title fights.

The historic building holds 8,400 people and has been hosting fights since 2018.

Current super middleweight champion David Morrill, Jr., former world champions Caleb Truax and Jamal James, and VeShawn Owens all call it their home ring. Slink Proper (Sona Akale) and Andree Reid, Jr. hope one day to fight there as well.

some hidden gem in Minneapolis.”

Super middleweight champ

David Morrill, Jr. after he threw out the first pitch at a wins game

LYNX GREATS

The MSR is the only local media member that has covered the Minnesota Lynx from the start of its 25-year existence as the team became the Twin Cities’ most successful pro franchise. Before this season, the team chose its top-25 players in Lynx history and held their 25th anniversary celebration the weekend of June 9-11, where the MSR spoke to several of the honored players.This week: Betty Lennox (2000-02).

etty Lennox didn’t win her only WNBA championship here in Minnesota, but she is one of the Lynx’s all-time fan favorites these many years later.

Lennox, now a middle school teacher, played on six WNBA clubs during her domestic and overseas playing career. The 5’8” guard was drafted by Minnesota in 2000, sixth overall, out of Louisiana Tech, where she played her

“It’s a historical building and tons of boxing history,” said Truax, who lost in a majority decision to Burley Brooks last Saturday. “You can feel it.

It is one of the premier boxing venues in the country right now. It is an awe-

Minnesota has a rich boxing history: Harris “The Black Pearl” Martin (1865-1903), was the first world “colored” middleweight champ who hailed from Minneapolis. A 2010 Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame in-

ductee, he died at age 38 after suffering a heart attack while walking home from work. Arthur “Flash” Johnson fought here as a flyweight contender (1992-2003).

Traux, an Osseo native and University of Minnesota graduate, has been

Fan favorite Lennox’s pro career began with the Lynx

one of Minnesota’s most recognizable fighters since he turned pro in 2007, after winning the state USA Boxing, Region 1, and Upper Midwest Golden Gloves titles. He was the IBF super middleweight champ

Tartan High girls welcome new hoops coach

athletes (one boy, one girl) from each high school, public or private, in St. Paul. Below are the 2023 honorees.

The Winfield Awards honor the top student athletes from St. Paul.

final two collegiate seasons (1999, 2000) after taking a year off to focus solely on finishing her psychology degree. Her endless high energy

and aggressive style of play quickly endeared Lennox to Lynx fans, a still growing group for the franchise, which was then only a couple of years in existence.

“This is my first [team],” noted Lennox, sporting the special jacket given to her and the other 24 players and coaches selected to mark the Lynx’s 25 years.

The then first-year player

averaged nearly 17 points, five rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, was named to her first and only All-Star team, and became the franchise’s first WNBA Rookie of the Year. But Lennox’s second year (2001) was injury-marred, as she broke her hip, which severely hampered her play. She struggled and came back

■ See SOE on page 10

NFL’s sports medicine pipeline taps ‘underrepresented groups’

cal staff as well as increased health equity for athletes across the country is being addressed. The NFL, NFLPS and PFATS joined forces and started the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. In its inaugural year last season, 14 students from four HBCU medical schools worked with eight NFL clubs during the 2022 season.

ccording to the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS), its membership is 86 percent White and 5 percent Black. The Professional Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) members are 65 percent White and 23 percent Black.

The apparent need for more diversity among NFL medi-

This upcoming season, 19 Black students from HBCU and PWI medical schools, including the University of Minnesota Medical School, will be paired with each NFL club.

“We feel like there’s a real challenge and an opportunity to improve the representation

of underrepresented groups,” declared NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills during a May 22nd media call that included the MSR.

This is a league where more than half its players are Black, and Black assistant coaches (290), greatly outnumber Black HCs (3). It’s a league that is fighting a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Black head coach on its hiring practices. For this league to create a sports medicine pipeline for Blacks as well as other people of color and women is surprising to say the least.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, enrollment of diverse students in medical schools is increasing. Black students increased by nine percent and Latinos by four percent, but

■ See VIEW on page 10

his weeks’ column features a new head basketball coach in the high school ranks, an annual awards banquet honoring senior student-athletes, and yet another honor for the state’s top track and field athlete.

Robinson new coach at Tartan

The new girls basketball coach at Tartan High School is former St. Paul Central and Marquette University standout Angel Robinson

On the way to capturing Miss Basketball and Metro Player of the Year honors as a senior, Robinson led the Minutemen to the 2007 Class AAAA state championship before embarking on a Hall of Fame collegiate career at Marquette University and playing professionally overseas.

Winfield Awards held

A couple of weeks ago, the 47th Annual Winfield Awards Student Athlete Banquet was held at the Intercontinental St. Paul-Riverfront Hotel.

The Winfield Awards, named in honor of St. Paul Central, University of Minnesota alum and major League baseball Hall-of-Famer David M. Winfield, honor the top student athletes from St. Paul.

For the first time, instead of having 12 finalists (six boys, six girls) and two winners (one boy, one girl) the committee chose to honor two student-

Girls: Aissatou Faye (Central), Shania Nichols-Vannett (Como Park), Morgan Redden (Cretin Derham Hall), Morgan Yang (Harding High School), Emily Rademacher (Highland Park), Jocelyn Mann (Humboldt), Trinity Adams (Johnson), Veronica Rosales (St. Agnes), Maryeva Gonzales (St, Paul Academy and Summit School), and Jamaya Cusic (Washington Technology).

Boys: Tye’Jawn Cox-Curtis (Central), Gael Manzi (Como Park), Justice Linton (Cretin Derham Hall), Ashton Adesoro (Harding High School), Monaire Vaughn (Highland Park), Dontae Willis (Humboldt), Ka’ Jon Jordan (Johnson), Tysan Nguyen (St. Agnes), George Peltier (St. Paul Academy and Summit School), and Chuchi Xiong (Washington Technology). More accomplishments for Hughes Jr.

It has been quite the year for Irondale High School track and field phenom Juriad Hughes Jr.

After breaking the 41-yearold long jump record set by St. Paul Central’s Von Sheppard at the 2023 meet a couple of weeks ago, Hughes leaped 24’ 9” last week to capture top honors at the Nike National Outdoor. Oh, yeah! He’s a rising senior member of the Class of 2024, so there’s more to come.

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

12 June 29 - July 5, 2023 spokesman-recorder.com Sports

Dr. Omolayo Dada

“I love boxing.

I’m promoting love, happiness, joy whenever you see me.”

(l-r) Quincy Caldwell, Slink Proper, Caleb Truax, Andree Reid, Jr. Photos by Charles Hallman ■ See BOXING on page 10

“I still have those fans out there.

I just felt the energy. I just felt the love.”

Betty Lennox is in the front row center in white shoes pointing to the Lynx 25 logo on her blazer Courtesy of MN Lynx Angel Robinson Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

“I think the most important thing with this program is watching some of these young students eventually get opportunities in the NFL, which is what the pipeline is all about.”

Reggie Scott Dr. Kelsey Henderson Dr. Allen Sills All photos courtesy of the NFL

June 29, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Community presses for answers after tragedy

Frey rolls out new government reforms

President Fayneese Miller opens up about her resignation from Hamline University

Metro U.S. Postal Service reopens Longfellow office

Dr. Charles Edward Crutchfield III

Lead paint a hazard in most older homes Grant helps make Northside grandma’s home safe for grandkids

FREY

TRAGEDY

MILLER

Harmonious Wellness Black Business SPOTLIGHT

Business

A holistic approach to healing

Take time off this summer, but not from your finances

Arts & Culture

Veteran media personality reflects on path to station owner

Returning to radio

Chance to cut climate pollution from big trucks

Summer Guide

Kathleen Johnson presents Hotter Than July: The Album

Erykah Badu and Mos Def

Somali Independence Day Festival

Taste of Canterbury – Tacos and Tequila

Community Quilt Project

Talib Kweli

Amythyst Kiah

Hue-MAN’s substance abuse ambassadors

SOE

BOXING

Follow Us!

Employment & Legals

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers

Mpls Armory rises to premier boxing status

Super middleweight champ

LYNX GREATS

Fan favorite Lennox’s pro career began with the Lynx

Tartan High girls welcome new hoops coach

NFL’s sports medicine pipeline taps ‘underrepresented groups’

Articles inside

Employment & Legals

Hue-MAN’s substance abuse ambassadors

Summer Guide

Chance to cut climate pollution from big trucks

Veteran media personality reflects on path to station owner

Take time off this summer, but not from your finances

Business A holistic approach to healing

Lead paint a hazard in most older homes Grant helps make Northside grandma’s home safe for grandkids

Metro U.S. Postal Service reopens Longfellow office

President Fayneese Miller opens up about her resignation from Hamline University

Frey rolls out new government reforms

Community presses for answers after tragedy