July 20, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Court approves MPD settlement agreement

By Cole Miska

Contributing Writer

fter last week’s hearing, Judge Karen Janisch signed a court-enforceable settlement agreement submitted by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the City of Minneapolis. The agreement, which is 144 pages long, is a legally binding document that lays out the terms of the settlement including new rules, training and reforms that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) will be legally required to follow.

The settlement agreement is the result of more than 30 negotiation meetings between the City of Minneapolis and MDHR that took place over the course of nine months.

Minnesota Assistant Attorney General Megan McKenzie, who argued the hearing on behalf of MDHR, said the set-

tlement agreement stemmed from the 2020 murder of George Floyd by former MPD officer Derek Chauvin.

“The criminal justice system has appropriately held [the officers who murdered Floyd] individually accountable, but individual accountability is only one step on the road to justice,” McKenzie said. McKenzie said that following

Minneapolis rent control measure won’t be on the ballot Fallout over City Council vote

By Cole Miska Contributing Writer

n June 28, hopes for movement on rent control in Minneapolis were dashed for the rest of the year when the Minneapolis City Council voted 6-4 against a motion to introduce an ordinance to get rent stabilization on the ballot this fall. Three city council members who supported the measure, Aisha Chughtai, Jamal Osman and Jeremiah Ellison, were absent on the day of the vote, which was on Eid al-Ahda, one of the most important Muslim holidays.

the road to justice led MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero to file a commissioner’s charge of discrimination against the City of Minneapolis and MPD. The charge followed a yearslong investigation into human rights abuses by MPD that concluded that the police department had engaged in racially biased policing.

■ See MPD on page 5

Council Member Jason Chavez said he was “shocked” that the vote was not delayed. “This is just wrong, and it’s frustrating, and it makes me angry,” Chavez said.

“Three Muslim council members can’t be here voting in favor of a policy they support. Two of the members authoring this rent stabilization policy didn’t vote because they’re spending time with their families celebrating Eid. That’s just wrong.”

City Clerk Casey Carl clarified that the calendar that placed this vote on Eid was adopted in Jan. 2022, a year before it was known what day

Met Council considers Blue Line Extension options away from Lyn-Park

By H. Jiahong Pan

Contributing

Writer

t the urging of Lyn-Park residents, planners may very well move the Blue Line extension away from Lyndale Avenue and onto a route along Washington Avenue.

Time and again, Lyn-Park residents have said that they are worried about how the project may impact their neighborhood’s safety and their ability to build generational wealth.

The realignment isn’t necessarily a done deal, but project planners are considering two options and plan to gather feedback from community members later this month.

However, at least one business along the Washington alignment is opposing it. At meetings last month, project planners presented their options to bypass Lyndale Avenue. From Target Field,

the realigned route would follow the existing route north-

west on 7th Street to 10th Avenue. The realigned route would then turn on 10th Avenue and head northeast.

One alternative calls for the Blue Line to snake through the backyards of apartment buildings and industrial warehouses as it operates next to the eastern side of I-94. Another alternative calls for operating the route on 10th Street, making a left turn at Washington Avenue, right by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority headquarters.

Both route alternatives would meet at Washington Avenue at around 15th Street — by the Holiday Gas Station — where the route would then operate on a bridge that is elevated over the West Broadway, I-94 and Washington Avenue intersection, touching down on

West Broadway next to the Kemp milk plant.

Although the east of I-94 alignment would prove less disruptive for residents—the only housing it would eliminate are apartments at 5th Street and 10th Avenue owned by NSA Properties—it would likely interfere with industrial and retail businesses, particularly the 130-year-old Friedman’s Department Store on West Broadway. The light rail bridge, if built as currently rendered, would introduce another eyesore to one of the North Side’s iconic gateways by blocking the view of the building.

It would also impact the parking spaces David Friedman relies on for his customers. “I’m against it. That’s all. I

■ See BLX on page 5

Beyond the Court basketball clinic uses sports to upend youth violence

MSR News Service

n Saturday, July 15, Bobby Brown’s “Beyond the Court” Violence Prevention Initiative basketball clinic was held at the Colin Powell Gym, located at 2924 4th Ave. in South Minneapolis.

The event, which is held annually, commemorates July 15, 1997, when Beyond the Court’s co-founder Bobby Brown III, his two sisters and 10-month-old niece were victims of a drive-by shooting.

Bobby, who was 15 at the time, suffered a spinal cord in-

jury from a bullet that left him in a wheelchair. This senseless act of violence inspired the Brown family to start a nonprofit to raise awareness about the effects of violence on Twin Cities youth.

This year, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, who grew up in the neighborhood, participated in the violence prevention basketball clinic, which provides local youth the opportunities to learn basketball skills and sportsmanship, interact with positive role models, and reinforce the philosophy of nonviolence in the community.

“I grew up in this very neighborhood and saw how the systems failed us,” said Sheriff Witt, at Saturday’s event, recalling that two of her siblings were lost to violence. She recalled that during her career she was pushed out of law enforcement in the very

neighborhood she grew up in, because friends and family members had been incarcerated.

“Some mistakes in life are learning lessons.” She encouraged the participants using her own experiences and journey by way of explanation. “We weren’t built to break. So when there’s adversity, don’t turn away. Face it. Be strong and never be afraid to fail.”

Councilmember Jeremiah Ellison

Photo by Chris Juhn

Friedman’s Department Store could see disruption in its business with Blue Line extension. Photo courtesy of Facebook

Sheriff Dawanna Witt with Beyond the Court participants

Beyond the Court founder, Bobby Brown III (in wheelchair)

Photos by Chris Juhn

Sheriff Witt shows off her hoop skills.

Dance City steps up

Northside dance troupe wins national championship

the work.

By Tony Kiene

Contributing Writer

Earlier this year, a local GoFundMe campaign helped to send a Northside dance team to the prestigious National Starpower Competition in Las Vegas. And not only did the girls from Dance City show up in the desert last month to challenge more than 100 of the best teams from around the country—they came back home to North Minneapolis as national champions.

Their talent and tenacity caught the attention of two of the most legendary dance studios in the world: the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, both of which have extended invitations to the 25 members of Dance City, ages four to 17, to train in their hallowed halls.

Northside 4 life

You could say that Dance City was the vision of its founder and director, Cierra Burnaugh. Although Burnaugh is quick to credit her dance moms as the impetus for the small but mighty dance studio that is now the pride of the North Side. “It’s possible that none of this would have ever happened if it wasn’t for them,”

For as long as she can remember, dance was at the center of Burnaugh’s life. Born and raised in North Minneapolis, Burnaugh loved performing and admits she was into the “sparkly costumes” too, choreographing routines for her friends and making sure their outfits always matched. “It was very serious to me,” she recalls.

At the age of five she started classes over North at the Hol-

lywood Studio of Dance before studying for years under Linda Green at the Art of Dance Studio, where upon graduating from high school Burnaugh became a teacher herself.

just for a year.”

She informed Green, and only Green, of her decision. However, that didn’t stop a group of dedicated and determined moms from tracking her down. “They came and found me to say how much their daughters loved me and that they didn’t want anyone else to teach them.”

That’s how Dance City was born.

This past winter, Hattie Webb witnessed this firsthand. A veteran PR specialist in the Twin Cities whose extensive experience includes television and entertainment, professional sports, and the airline industry, Webb fell in love with Dance City in, of all places, Cub Foods.

“These beautiful little Black girls walked up to me asking if they could help bag my groceries,” says Webb. “They were so polite, poised, confident. I had to learn more about them.”

The girls were raising money so that Dance City could compete in Las Vegas. After speaking to their mothers, Webb provided her contact information, hoping to soon connect with Burnaugh. “I think I can help you,” she told the girls and their moms.

found themselves going up against the best of the best— teams from California, Miami, New York City, and so many other places.

“A lot of these teams had already danced on television,” Burnaugh says, “Disney, Nickelodeon, and the like.” But her girls were ready.

“We went there expecting to have a great time, to make a good showing,” she continues, “But Dance City went out there and showed the nation what the North Side was all about.”

While balancing careers as an HR professional and a dance instructor, she realized she needed a break. “I’d been involved with dance basically my whole life,” Burnaugh says.

“It meant everything to me. But I was burned out. I just wanted some time away. Even if it was

Starting with 15 girls in 2015, Burnaugh partnered with the Minneapolis Public Schools and her alma mater, North Community High School, to find rehearsal space. Dance City was consistently winning prizes across the metro area, even traveling to competitions in cities such as Chicago, Dallas and Daytona Beach.

Then in January of 2020, with the assistance of David

Grady, Dance City opened its own space on West Broadway Avenue. But a few months later, Covid-19 shut down the world and Burnaugh was forced to stop classes for the next year.

“David was so nice to us,” notes Burnaugh, adding that he understood that the arrangement just wouldn’t work out because of the pandemic.

When it was finally safe to resume training, Dance City returned to North High, where they were welcomed back by Principal Mauri Friestleben. While she deeply appreciates the relationship that allows the girls to rehearse and train at North, Burnaugh admits that she’d love Dance City to have its own place again one day. “These girls deserve that.

Webb had been looking for a way to give back, to make a difference, particularly on the North Side where, she laments, “All the stories seem to be so negative, always pointing out

The impact that Dance City has already made on the lives of its members is, in a word, indelible. Three of the girls who started with Burnaugh eight years ago have matriculated to HBCUs, where two are continuing their dance careers and the other is pursuing cheerleading. “The sky is the limit for these girls,” observes Burnaugh.

Now the national champs have received invitations to both the Ailey school in Octo-

Opportunity of a lifetime

The girls of Dance City don’t just win trophies; they also do their own fundraising. Whether it’s car washes, selling concessions at North High sporting events, or other efforts, they are truly putting in

the violence and personal tragedy. But there is so much more to North Minneapolis than what we hear in the news.”

“Meeting these girls was an answer to my prayers,” she adds. “This is what I’d been waiting for. God put these children in my path.”

She was invited to a rehearsal and her love for Dance City only grew. She marveled at how disciplined the girls were, just like “professional athletes.” And she couldn’t help but take notice of how they all supported one another.

Webb soon became the volunteer marketing director and encouraged Burnaugh to create a GoFundMe page to get

ber, and Allen’s academy next spring. And, Dance City has initiated another fundraising campaign so that its members can train at two of the most elite conservatories in the world.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime. The world needs to know about these girls,” declares Webb, adding that the trauma that some of them have experienced is more than most people could ever imagine.

“They’re not afraid to tell you what they’ve seen. But they don’t want pity. They show up. To paraphrase Maya Angelou, “And still they rise.”

If you would like to help the girls from Dance City experience

Dance City to Vegas. Webb used her media savvy to shine a spotlight on the girls. Within days, they’d reached their goal and had the funds they needed to travel to Vegas.

When Dance City arrived at the competition in June, they

this amazing opportunity, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ help-these-national-champsblossom-grow.

Tony Kiene welcomes reader comments at tkiene@spokesmanrecorder.com.

“Dance City went out there and showed the nation what the Northside was all about.”

Dance City team members putting in the work

City troupe with founder and director Cierra Burnaugh (top right) Photos by Chris Juhn

Nature close to home: exploring your backyard with the kids

Parenting Today presented by

As the weather heats up and we head outside more frequently, it may be tempting to plan all of your nature adventures away from home. Don’t overlook the world that’s right outside your door, however—your backyard can be full of exciting surprises and opportunities to explore nature close to home. If you need some inspiration to help your kids get started exploring the backyard, here are four simple and fun ideas for a backyard adventure.

Make a map

A great way to get your kids to explore your backyard in a new way is to ask them to make a map. Provide pieces of grid paper so that they can draw everything to scale and set them to work! Depending on their ages, you can suggest different levels of detail and accuracy, but the important part is helping them learn to observe and then document.

If you have a large yard and multiple kids, consider splitting up the map-making project into zones so that everyone is free to explore and draw their own maps in their personal style. Not only will they have fun exploring the backyard, but they’ll be practicing several important life skills at the same time! Have them make a map every year so that you can see how your

backyard (and your kids) has changed over time.

Yard detective

The best way to get kids interested in a game is to make them powerful – superheroes,

community helpers, you name it! For this backyard exploration activity, tell the kids that they’ll be “yard detectives” trying to uncover the “unseen” in your backyard. Give each one a magnifying glass (this adven-

ture kit is a great set to have on hand for each kid!) and ask them to examine the backyard for clues about various things. Depending on the ages of your kids, the particular investigation will vary, but here are a few ideas: find evidence of 3 different animals; find evidence of a human presence; uncover the world beneath the flowerpots and detail what you find; dig a hole as big as your foot and note down what you see during and after the dig. By specifically asking kids to use their magnifying glasses for this detective work, you’re encouraging them to see the backyard from a whole new perspective. The littlest kids will love looking at nature through the eyes of a bug!

ABC exploration

A backyard scavenger hunt

is always a fun activity, but if your kids are old enough for something a little more complicated, try this Alphabet

observations, and you can use this opportunity to learn new words for familiar things (try learning the specific species of bird or flower!) or to dig deeper into corners of your yard that were previously unexplored (perhaps there are some yucca leaves hidden back in the brambles?). If your kids are coming up short for several letters, encourage them to use clever adjectives to meet the requirement instead – Quiet caterpillar, perhaps?

Science journal

For some backyard exploration that extends beyond one afternoon, try having your kids start science journals. Go out back and find an interesting natural process or item that each child would like to learn more about—this could be a

Over the coming weeks, pick one or two days a week to go out back and check on their items; has anything changed? What have you learned that makes you see this object differently now? If your kids would like more direction or just want a space to observe lots of different things yearround, then try this Journaling a Year in Nature book. With several prompts for observation during every season, your kids can note down their discoveries over time; they’ll have a whole new appreciation for the world right outside your door.

After looking at the backyard through these different lenses, your whole family will have a whole new appreciation for this slice of nature close to home!

MSR + Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) share a mission of protecting, maintaining and improving the health of ALL Minnesotans. Our shared vision for health equity in Minnesota, where ALL communities are thriving and ALL people have what they need to be healthy is the foundation of our partnership to bring readers our feature, Parenting Today. Good health starts with family! To view our weekly collection of stories, go to our website or scan the code.

Scavenger Hunt. The premise is simple – find something outside that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Completing the puzzle is what’s truly challenging! Your kids will have to get creative with their

bird’s nest, a worm in the compost heap, a rock beginning to erode—anything! Have them take notes on the item, including drawing pictures, and then spend some time researching together.

kids up-to-date with Covid-19 vaccinations

By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer

Although cases of Covid-19 remain blessedly low in Minnesota this summer, health experts warn that we should not abandon caution when it comes to the coronavirus. That’s why they’re reminding people to be sure they are up-to-date with the latest vaccine and boosters.

That’s especially true for children — and even more so for kids with special needs.

“Any time you have special needs, the immune system just is not as strong. If you want your special needs child to live, to be, to go out in the community and be safe, get them vaccinated,” said Adriene Thornton, health equity manager at Children’s Minnesota.

Over the past few years, Thornton has set up numerous community-based vaccine clinics for kids and their families, with a focus on underserved communities. But she has more than professional experience; Thornton herself is the mother of a special needs son who is now an adult. He caught Covid-19 before the vaccine was available.

“He has a fragile immune system…and wound up in the hospital. That was the scariest time of my life. All I could do was pray the doctors’ hands would touch him and heal him,” she recalled. “It wasn’t just the hospitalization. Bless my child’s heart, he was sick and in the bed for weeks after that.”

That’s why Thornton is so committed to making sure all children are protected with vaccines. “If it wasn’t for the vaccine we would still be where we were in 2020 and 2021,” she said, speaking to this writer on her “Taking Authority Over Autism” podcast.

“The vaccine is not a cure-all. It doesn’t completely protect people from getting Covid-19, but it does keep you out of the hospital. It keeps you out of the ICU. It keeps you from dying. If you want to continue to live and breathe, you need to get the the vaccine. This is an easy win.”

For information about the COVID vaccine, please visit us on the web!

Thornton knows that many citizens, particularly people of color, have been reluctant to get the vaccine. She has an answer when someone refers to past atrocities that people of color were subjected to.

“Some of the myths I was hearing was [that] they’re using Black people as guinea pigs,” she recalled. “When I was doing community clinics in the beginning, I had people who were not Black doing everything in their power to get vaccinated. They would tell untruths. They would say they had conditions and jobs they didn’t have. They would say whatever they had to say to get the vaccine, and that’s because they knew the importance of getting it,” she recalled.

“Non-Black people were chomping at the bit. Why wouldn’t we want to be as safe as other groups? I want our community to know the vaccine is safe.”

While Thornton is confident in assuring people about the effectiveness of the vaccine, she wants parents to do what they need to do to reach their own conclusions, for themselves and their children.

“It’s normal to have fears and questions. Call your trusted healthcare provider and have a conversation. They can tell you what the data is,” she said. “This can help them make an informed decision. It’s so important to protect our kids as much as we can. This is one more way to help them live their best life.”

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

Don’t overlook the world that’s right outside your door.

Adriene Thornton Courtesy of Children’s Minnesota

Training Day Fitness

Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Chris Juhn Staff Contributor

When Gabe Tandoh opened Training Day Fitness five years ago, it wasn’t his first time working as a trainer at the Brooklyn Park location. “I had been there as a trainer for several years before that. In 2012, a new owner came in and took over for a couple years. He ran the place into the ground, so I left and went to a different gym,” said Tandoh.

“I’ve been a trainer for over 16 years,” he adds. “My heart was always pulling to come back to this location because of the diversity. When the gym was about to permanently close, I saw my opportunity to come back and revamp it and give it new life.”

Open 24 hours, Training Day Fitness offers one-onone personal training, group classes, boot camp, massage therapy, and martial arts. “We also have chiropractors,” adds the 38-year-old owner, who works with four other trainers at the site. The gym also offers month-to-month memberships for $48, or one-year contracts for $36 per month.

MSR: What inspired you to start your business?

GT: I really like working with people, helping people become a better version of themselves, and improving their overall health by healing their body from the inside out. That includes everything from nutrition to massage to training and exercise, and giving them the knowledge to improve their bodies and challenge themselves to be physically better.

MSR: How does your business impact the community?

GT: It impacts the community in so many different ways. Because we’re located in a food hub, people generally come here [a strip mall area] for food. There are five different restaurants you can choose from in this strip mall alone. Food always drives people to get out of the house. So, I chose this location because it attracts people who are coming here for food.

But hopefully it’s the takeout that motivates them to say, “Oh, yeah, my fitness, I should probably do something about

that.” If you drive by it [the gym] often enough, eventually your conscience will kick in. Maybe they’ll incorporate fitness into their everyday routine along with getting food.

MSR: What would you say is your most popular service?

GT: Our most popular service is our gym membership. The fact that we’re tailored to the community’s needs and it’s a non-judgmental environment, we have a very diverse membership. People come in, they want to work out, they want to be left alone. And when they want answers to questions about how to improve, they always have access to that without being forced to or feel like they need to look a certain way or feel a certain way.

The fact that it’s open 24/7 means they can come in at any time they want and not have to feel like, “Oh, it’s closing time,” or “I can’t go in because it’s too busy.” If you can’t come in because it’s too busy, you can come in at a different time.

MSR: You mentioned that you came back because you felt drawn back to this location. Why was that?

GT: I currently live in Blaine. I lived in Brooklyn Park for 15 years. I moved to Brooklyn Park back in 2007. I’m drawn to the community. I do a lot of community work. I have a nonprofit that’s based out of

Gym helps members become better versions of themselves

whatever background they might come from, whatever bias, whatever their politics, they still have the same goals, which is improving themselves. It breaks down the walls.

MSR: What sort of miraculous transformations have you seen?

GT: I’ve seen people make drastic transformations physically after sticking with it. Every day I get to talk to people, and I tell them, “Hey, no matter what, no matter what you’re going through, keep coming because it will get better when you keep exercising.”

but mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

MSR: If there’s someone reading this right now that’s on the fence about joining a gym, what would you tell them?

GT: Give it a try. Go to multiple gyms on day passes and experience the atmosphere. A gym is supposed to be a place where you can comfortably walk in. If you walk in and you don’t feel comfortable, maybe that’s not the right fit for you.

You should never go into a gym and say, “I don’t like going in there because I’m going to feel judged. I’m going to feel persecuted. Or I have to look a certain way just to exercise.” It should be a part of your daily routine like work and daily house cleaning. It will help you in so many ways that you never imagined.

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

GT: As far as I know, this location has been a gym for the past 20-plus years. It was under poor management and ownership for quite a while. So, my biggest challenge was getting the bad taste out of everyone’s mouth and showing them that it isn’t the same place anymore.

It’s the same location, but it’s not the same atmosphere. Things are better and things

lot of free memberships to previous gym-goers just to let them come in to work out free-of-charge. I made a deal with them. If you don’t have a better experience, you’re free to go. If you do have a better experience, you’re welcome to stay. And about 100 percent of them decided to stay.

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

GT: The most rewarding part is seeing people of all shapes

I see a lot of physical transformation, and I see a lot of mental transformation.

Life is constantly throwing obstacles in our way in our daily lives. Exercise helps us mentally deal with it. It helps us deal with it emotionally. It helps us deal with it psychologically.

You know, most people come in with the intention of making a physical transformation. But that physical transformation opens so many other doors. It helps make things in your life better all around.

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

GT: My vision for the business is to keep growing, and to keep helping people be a better version of themselves every day.

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

GT: You might have 100 doors slammed in your face, but one will give you a little sliver of a green light. Once you enter, dream big! It won’t be easy. There’re going to be so many more obstacles in front of you. But start by writing down your goals for today. Your goals for next week. Your goals for a year from now. Your goals for five years from now. Put that list somewhere so that you can see it every single day to remind you.

here. I work with a lot of local schools.

I’m involved in so many different activities, so many things that go on in Brooklyn Park, it only makes sense to open a gym here and offer a service that I know will benefit everyone.

have improved. The services you receive, you’ll have a much better experience than what you had before.

For the first two years, I did a lot of listening to those who used to have a gym membership here. The first five to six months, I gave a

and colors and races come together. They’re all different but have one goal. I get to see it every single day. Exercise brings people together. They’re able to see that someone who looks different from them also wants to improve themselves. And

When you exercise, it’s basically free medicine and healing. You’re giving your brain and your body a chance to improve and put you in a better state of mind. The most rewarding is seeing people improving on so many different levels, not just physically

When those tough times come, you can lean on your goals and say, “Nope, this is difficult. But I’m not going to give up because I made these goals and I’m going to see them through. I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

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

GT: I want the community to not be afraid to exercise. If you had a bad experience at a gym, give another gym a try. Don’t just let your health deteriorate sitting in front of a screen or hibernating at home, because it won’t get better that way.

This facility has won best fitness facility for four years in a row. I’m one of the best massage therapists in Brooklyn Park for four years in a row.

I’ve won best personal trainer in Brooklyn Park for four years in a row. I’m willing to help people if they want help. So whatever reservations people might have, just get out there and try something different.

Training Day Fitness is located at 1460 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park. For more information, call 763-7775983, or go to www.tdfmn.com.

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

You might have 100 doors slammed in your face, but one will give you a little sliver of a green light.

Gabe Tandoh

Photos by Chris Juhn

MPD

Continued from page 1

Minneapolis will hire an independent evaluator, who will also be approved by MDHR, to monitor whether the City is making adequate strides to comply with the consent decree. The independent evaluator team, for which the City has set aside up to $1.5 million per year, will submit annual reports to the public regarding the progress. Judge Janisch requested these reports also be submitted for the court record.

After four years, if the City has fully complied with the reforms in the settlement agreement it can request a termination evaluation to end the

settlement agreement. If the city is not in full compliance within four years, it can still strike out the parts of the agreement that it is complying with.

Minneapolis City Attorney Kristyn Anderson said she does not expect the city to achieve full compliance with the settlement agreement overnight, but that the city was “absolutely committed” to the agreement.

“I anticipate the first year of the agreement is going to be a huge amount of work and undertaking. Maybe after that year, I could imagine that the evaluation team might get smaller. But it really is flexible and is designed to be that way,” Anderson said.

Anderson stressed that the settlement agreement that was

RENT STABILIZATION

Continued from page 1

Council Member Andrea Jenkins, who voted in support of the measure, expressed frustration with the criticism she and the council have received over the vote taking place. Jenkins says that she would have brought up a vote to delay the motion if a delay had been requested, but that no council member had requested a delay.

“I’m really disappointed that my colleagues didn’t show up to support this measure,” Jenkins said. “I honestly thought they were going to, because apparently this is a big issue for people, right? Everybody’s acting like they’re shocked and surprised and hurt and calling me names. How ridiculous is it to say this is somehow Islamophobic. I don’t even get it.

“There was no trickery,” Jenkins said. “There was no ill intent. There was no maliciousness in this.”

Jenkins said she had hoped to get something on the ballot regarding rent control for Minneapolis voters this year. She said that while the council will continue to try to draft rent stabilization legislation, because there is not enough time to get anything on the ballot she will focus on universal basic income, home appliance efficiency, and construction and subsidization of public housing as ways to assist renters with housing affordability.

According to ApartmentList.com, Minneapolis rent growth in 2023 is pacing below last year. Six

approved Thursday is not the same as the consent decree that is being negotiated with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Judge Janisch commended both parties for their work in preparing the settlement agreement, saying the document “reflected a lot of work.”

Continued from page 1

mean, what more can I say?” said Friedman’s owner David Friedman in March.

Project planners say the bridge is necessary so that the train doesn’t have to contend with highway traffic getting onto or off of Interstate 94 because of how the interchanges are built. Perhaps they are also hoping to avoid what the Green Line has suffered since its opening—the highest concentration of crashes occurring where the line crosses streets that lead onto freeway ramps.

Since the Green Line opened, trains have been involved in 29 crashes and one fatality at Highway 280, more than any other intersection along both the Blue and Green Line corridors, according to data obtained from the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database. “The geometrics of it just really make it tough to get a train through there at grade and control the intersection while it makes [the turn] and maintain a safe intersection there,” said Nick Landwer, transit system design director at Metro Transit at a June meeting.

Building this alignment would also affect Interstate 94 and the ramps that feed off of it into downtown Minneapolis. A MnDOT spokesperson says they are open to analyzing different options and are considering input from the community.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jacob Frey is concerned about how operating the Blue Line Extension on 10th Avenue will impact a fire station. East of Interstate 94, 10th Avenue is about 65 feet wide, and is currently configured with two trav-

“There is a huge framework,” Janisch said. “There is going to be a lot of work that the City is going to need to be doing in the very near future, to get

this staffed up and these processes and systems developed, and training programs developed and implemented. I hope that the City is up to that task and that [they] can find good people to carry this forward and to start implementing the framework, the systems, and procedures, and the oversight.”

Toshira Garraway Allen, founder of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, attended Thursday’s hearing.

Garraway Allen said the settlement agreement left her hopeful.

“It gives me a little bit of hope knowing that going forward people understand that if you mistreat someone, there are a set of rules in place to hold you accountable for that,” she said. “It still saddens my heart, though, to know that there was a lot of discrimination towards Black and Native people at the hands of the people who we’re supposed to have trusted to protect and serve us, all human beings from all walks of life.”

While hopeful, Garraway Allen did express worry that the settlement agreement would not change the culture at MPD.

“We can put some rules in place, but what concerns me is I don’t

our city. Our holy days and celebrations are not unknown or mysterious.”

The Muslim council members’ joint statement suggested several ways they believe the city council should have proceeded in their absence.

“[Council leadership] could have scheduled the meeting to a later date. They could have delayed this item to the next full council meeting, giving us enough time to still meet the ballot deadline if that would’ve been the council’s will. Or, most importantly, given that this was only an introduction and not a finished policy, the Council could have simply advanced the policy to committee the way we do all other ordinance introductions,” the statement said.

know how hearts will change because of this,” she said.

“People who have created this discrimination against our community, against Black and Native people, I don’t know how a set of rules can tell someone how to see another human being as a human being.”

With the settlement agreement approved by the courts, the City and MDHR will search for an independent evaluator to monitor the City’s progress toward meeting the agreement’s criteria. Negotiations between the City of Minneapolis and the DOJ for a consent decree are ongoing.

Cole Miska welcomes reader comments at cmiska@spokesman-recorder.com.

to accommodate the Muslim council members, saying she “did not do the right thing. Regardless of the political tension over the issue, it raised another issue, which shows us that the lip service around inclusivity does not translate into action. And we saw that in this particular issue,” Hussein said.

“It should have been a no-brainer. President Jenkins should have immediately recognized that today was a holiday and then recognized the fact that they had to table that. Their failure to do that does not fare well with the idea the city council respects and understands and promotes the religious diversity of the Muslim council members.”

months into the year, rents in Minneapolis have risen 2.1 percent. This is a slower rate of growth compared to this point last year. From January to June 2022, rents increased 4.5 percent.

Council Member Ellison said the vote “felt like the biggest breach of trust” that he had experienced over his entire time on the city council. He released a joint statement with Chughtai and Osman condemning the vote.

“Regardless of where you fall on the issue, the way this vote was taken today violates the spirit of inclusion Minneapolis prides itself on,” the statement reads. “Muslims have been serving on the Minneapolis City Council for a decade now, and thousands of Muslims live in

el lanes, two bike lanes, and one lane of parking on the southeast side.

“There were a couple of concerns that were highlighted by City staff previously, notably access to the fire station, as well as bike and ped access,” said Mayor Frey at a June meeting. Landwer reminded the mayor that the plans are preliminary, and that they are looking into design options to ensure firetrucks can access the fire station.

“This is an ongoing discussion that we’re having with City staff, particularly in this area,” said Landwer at the same meeting. “If it would be a transitway, we would provide access to fire. A transit way obviously helps with buses and bikes and peds.”

With these obstacles in mind, and with further testing and evaluation for the federally required environmental impact report being released sometime early next year, the Met Council will decide whether or not it makes sense to build the light rail on Washington. They plan to meet with community members later this month to understand the concerns residents and businesses along the Washington corridor may have with the alignment.

Lyn-Park neighbor Kim Smith and her neighbors intend to ensure project planners give serious consideration to building the project down Washington. She helped draft a state law that passed this past legislative session requiring project planners to answer their questions and host quarterly meetings about the project and to answer questions from community members.

“We’re trying to ensure that the Met Council, along with MnDOT and the City of Minneapolis,

Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned the vote taking place on Eid, saying the vote being postponed would have been “easy, low-hanging fruit” that would support inclusivity on the city council.

“I felt like it was an opportunity to welcome inclusivity, and instead we didn’t see that,” Hussein said. “We saw politics being played on a religious holiday, which is not something we hoped for the City of Minneapolis to be engaging in.”

Hussein also criticized Council President Andrea Jenkins for saying that efforts were made

Hussein said CAIR offers inclusivity training for organizations to learn how to better interact with and accommodate Muslim members and stakeholders and said he would like to offer the training to the Minneapolis City Council. Jenkins said she was open to having a conversation with CAIR about the training.

Council Members Chughtai and Osman did not respond to our request for comment for this story.

Cole Miska welcomes reader comments at cmiska@spokesman-recorder.com.

10th Ave. N., where the Metropolitan Council is considering building its Blue Line extension Photo by H. Jiahong Pan

does a robust investigation and gives more serious consideration to the east of 94 alternative options for the Blue Line route,” said Smith in a May text message.

Metro Transit plans to host the following meetings to solicit feedback about routing options they are considering for the Blue Line between Target Field Station and West Broadway Avenue east of I-94:

METRO Blue Line Extension Minneapolis Community Meeting for East of I-94

Option #1

Saturday, July 22 | 11 am – 12:30 pm

Twin Cities International School 277 N. 12th Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401

METRO Blue Line Extension 21st Ave Summer Block Party

Saturday, July 22 | 1 pm – 4 pm

Sanctuary Church (updated location) 2022 Aldrich Ave, N,, Minneapolis, MN 55411

METRO Blue Line Extension Minneapolis Community Meeting for East of I-94

Option #2

Tuesday, July 25 | 6 pm – 7:30 pm

Metro Transit North Loop Garage - Training Room 104, 812 N. 7th St., Minneapolis, MN 55411

METRO Blue Line Extension Minneapolis Community Meeting for East of I-94

Option #3

Thursday, July 27 | 6 pm – 7:30 pm

Virtual Meeting - Join at https://bit.ly/BLXMeeting

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

Council President Andrea Jenkins

“How ridiculous is it to say this is somehow Islamophobic. There was no trickery. There was no ill intent. There was no maliciousness in this.”

“We can put some rules in place, but what concerns me is I don’t know how hearts will change because of this.”

“We’re trying to ensure that the Met Council, along with MnDOT and the City of Minneapolis, does a robust investigation and gives more serious consideration to the east of 94 alternative options for the Blue Line route.”

Arts & Culture

Banned books by Black authors

By Nadine Matthews

Contributing Writer

uring the first week of May in 2020, journalist Nikole Hannah Jones was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for the collection of essays she edited for the New York Times Magazine called The 1619 Project.

She plainly stated that the collection “aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.”

During the last week of May 2020, George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police. In the wake of the killing, many people’s eyes were opened to the injustices faced by African Americans that were buried in history, such as the Tulsa Race Massacre and similarly violent and destructive attacks on the “Black Wall Streets” across America.

Many Americans expressed anger that they were never taught this history and the feeling partly fueled what many considered “a reckoning” by America with its past. People sought out more information about hidden facets of America’s history such as Hannah’s 1619 Project, which was subsequently adapted as a book.

Then came the backlash.

Reactionaries such as former President Donald Trump pushed back against this new understanding of American history and society, and by mid-2021, right-wing groups—mainly using legal scholar Kimberle Crenshaw’s critical race theory as boogeyman—began demanding that books be banned.

According to Pen America, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the right to express oneself through writing and the freedom to access those views and ideas, it became a fullfledged social and political movement.

Powered by local, state and national groups, the ban affected 1,648 unique book titles by 1,261 different authors. Roughly 40 percent of the books deal with LGBTQ themes. Almost all the rest deal with characters who are people of color, slavery, racism and activism.

Not only do book bans threaten our First Amendment rights, they also seek to rewrite and whitewash history. They seek to hide the knowledge that moves society closer to racial, sexual, gender and religious equity.

One of the best ways to neutralize the impact is by reading these books and keeping the stories they tell alive. Below is a sampling of books by Black authors that have been banned.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah Jones (One World)

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman (Penguin Random House)

Poem with themes of social justice read at the Biden-Harris inauguration in 2021.

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson (Random House)

Analyzes the structural and systemic nature of White supremacy in America.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (Ballantine Books)

Memoir by legendary author discusses themes of race.

Hood Feminism: Notes from The Women A Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall (Viking)

Critiques the weaknesses of feminism particularly its lack of intersectionality with regard to Black women from under-resourced communities.

All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

Memoir exploring themes of identity around race, gender and sexuality.

All American Boys by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books)

Explores themes of racism and police brutality.

Push: A Novel by Sapphire (Vintage)

A Black teenager enduring incest and general societal neglect reflects on the role her race plays in her situation.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

Children’s book where main character deals with colorism.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (‎ Nancy Paulsen Book)

In this memoir, the author discusses her family history dating back to Sally Hemings’ children sired by her enslaver Thomas Jefferson.

Beloved by Toni Morrison (Vintage)

Searing depiction of physical and mental traumas endured by America’s enslaved.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (‎Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group)

Discusses the damaging impacts of sexual molestation and colorism.

Being Brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley (Ragged Hand)

Wheatley, America’s first published Black poet, uses tenets of Christianity to challenge the practice of American slavery.

Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story by Ruby Bridges (Scholastic Inc.)

Children’s book chronicling Bridges’ harrowing experience integrating an all-White elementary school in New Orleans.

How To Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi (One World)

Distills the meaning of racism as a systemic phenomenon and argues that affirmative (not passive) steps must be taken to rid the individual and society of it.

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

Jazz happenings: from fellowships to new music

By Robin James Contributing Writer

The jazz world has plenty to celebrate these days, like well-deserved fellowships, a grand opening, new albums, and live performances not to be missed.

On July 12, the National Endowment for the Arts announced the 2024 Class of NEA Jazz Masters. The recipients of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships include Gary Bartz, Terence Blanchard, Amina Claudine Myers and Willard Jenkins, recipient of the 2024 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy.

The fellowships include an award of $25,000, plus the honorees will be celebrated at a free concert in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Louis Armstrong Center just opened in Queens, New York on July 6. The new 14,000-square-foot expansion opened to the public directly across the street from where the Armstrongs spent their final years.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens first opened in 2003. The center is a $26 million facility.

Pianist Jason Moran curated the inaugural exhibition at the Louis Armstrong Center. The title of the exhibition is “Here to Stay.” The center not only preserves Armstrong’s

legacy but will expand it as well. Visitors will get to listen to homemade tape recordings, view scrapbook photo collages, and more.

New releases and observances

Saxophonist Joshua Redman makes his Blue Note debut with his first-ever vocal album, “where are we” due out on Sept 15, featuring Gabrielle Cavassa, Aaron Parks, Joe Sanders and Brian Blade, plus guests Nicholas Payton, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Peter Bernstein.

This is all pretty exciting news considering the beloved history of Blue Note Records, and that Redman has been one of the most popular jazz artists on the scene for some time now.

Out since June 16, via Smoke Sessions Records, pianist

Orrin Evans’ “The Red Door” album showcases Evans taking plenty of chances with a first-class date with Nicholas Payton, Gary Thomas, Robert Hurst and Marvin “Smitty” Smith with special guests Buster Williams, Larry McKenna, Gene Jackson, the late Wallace Roney, and vocalists Jazzmeia Horn, Sy Smith and Alita Moses.

According to Evans, “It’s a swinging party on the inside.”

A very happy birthday to the late trumpeter Lee Morgan, whose birthday was on July 10. Edward Lee Morgan (July 10, 1938-February 19, 1972) was also a composer. He was one of the key hard-bop musicians of the 1960s and came to fame in his late teens.

Morgan played on John Coltrane’s “Blue Train,” and

with the band of drummer Art Blakey before beginning a solo career. My favorite Lee Morgan album is “Lee-Way” for its swingin’ song “These are Soulful Days.” I also dig his version of “All the Way” from his impressive album “Candy.”

Pianist Ahmad Jamal, who recently passed on April 16, also had a birthday on July 2.

At the age of three, Jamal began playing piano. He died at 92 years old, from complications of prostate cancer, at his home in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts.

Jamal’s album “Saturday Morning” is worth checking out. He will forever be remembered for his beautiful interpretation of the song “Poinciana.” I love the live version at Olympia Paris, which you can watch on YouTube.

The Walker Art Center has announced its 2023-24 performing arts season. Not to be missed is An Evening with Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily—the Love in Exile Trio. The performance takes place on Oct 10, 2023, at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis.

The Grammy Award-winning vocalist Aftab is returning to Minneapolis with longtime Walker-supported artists pianist Iyer and the multi-instrumentalist Ismaily. The sounds created as described by Aftab are “about self-exile, and the search for freedom and identity, and finding it through love and music.”

Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Social Justice Warrior: Gus Newport

By Marian Wright Edelman

“I’m lucky for what my grandmother instilled in me: Don’t think you know it all, learn something new every day. I learned it by engaging with people and having an analysis, and understanding the integrated role that can be played by communities, universities, government, all kinds of people. We don’t live in a community that has reached its limit as to what’s best.”

Gus Newport, who passed away in June, was a warrior for social justice, equality, and peace who spent his life pushing local, national, and international communities to get closer to “best.” He was a two-term mayor of Berkeley, California, and a friend and colleague of Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Harry Belafonte, Angela Davis, Danny Glover and Bernie Sanders.

Newport was an honorary member of Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress, a member of the advisory board of the U.S. Conference on Apartheid, co-chair of the U.S. Peace Council, a vice president of the World Peace Council, and a master of community development in every sense of the term.

He was also a friend of the Children’s Defense Fund and a beloved presence and leader in intergenerational dialogues at CDF’s annual Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry, where he will be missed by those gathering this week. He loved CDF’s Haley Farm and its spirit of allowing people to experience the beloved community Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned.

His commitment to change began in his hometown, Rochester, N.Y., where he became leader of the Monroe County Nonpartisan League civil rights organization in his 20s. Gus was helping defend nine Black Muslim worshipers who were arrested during a police raid on their Rochester mosque in 1961 when he met Malcolm X, who became a mentor and friend.

He went on to help Malcolm X found the Organization of Afro-American Unity and last saw him in Harlem four days before was assassinated.

By Ben Jealous

All of us suffered last week through day after day of the hottest average temperatures ever recorded on Earth. Now imagine it had been 10 percent hotter where you live.

That wasn’t hard to do for residents in urban neighborhoods where pavement, concrete and glass far surpass leafy trees. The people who live there pay a heat tax through their health and their economic well-being.

calls this the “tree equity” gap.

One of the easiest ways to find the neighborhoods with too few trees and too much heat is to look at a map of where racial redlining prevented residents from benefiting from federal home loans for much of the 20th century.

be announced at the end of the summer. That’s at least 25 times more than the federal government has spent for urban forestry in most years.

Within a few years Gus had moved to California, where he worked with community programs in the Berkeley city government before running for mayor in 1979. He was Berkeley’s second Black mayor, and his historic victory as the first successful candidate backed by the progressive Berkeley Citizens Action coalition helped set the tone for the city’s future.

During his two terms he led Berkeley to become the first U.S. city to divest from South Africa and the first to provide domestic partner benefits for LGBTQ+ families, and he fought for rent control, affordable housing, police reform, childcare benefits, environmental protections, and more.

He also had the opportunity to network with other

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progressive mayors, including the then-mayor of Burlington, Vermont, Bernie Sanders, who became a lifelong friend. Decades later Gus would be a supporter and surrogate for Senator Sanders in his presidential campaign.

After Berkeley, Gus continued working for change in communities across the country—from the successful Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood to rebuilding efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He continued his passionate support of international social justice campaigns, which even as mayor had taken him from his anti-apartheid leadership to visiting war-torn El Salvador.

In recent years, his dedication to intergenerational dialogue and mentoring was clear in one of our shared commitments: He was a beloved fellow member of the National Council of Elders.

Vincent Harding, James Lawson, Phil Lawson, Dolores Huerta, and Grace Lee Boggs convened the National Council of Elders to share what we’ve learned from 20th century Civil Rights Movements with young leaders of the 21st century and promote the theory and practice of nonviolence.

Members gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina in July 2012 to create a declaration of purpose, pledging to work with younger generations to do everything in our power to bring a greater measure of justice, equality and peace to our country and world. In 2020 we issued a “Greensboro Declaration II” renewing that commitment.

We were clear-eyed about how far we still have to go to create the national and world community based on peace, love, and mutual responsibility we have dreamed about and worked toward for so long, especially in a moment when White supremacy, intolerance and bigotry are again on a dangerous rise. But we agreed “We are energized and hopeful as we collaborate with younger generations to create new lifeways and relations across the globe.”

We offered the second Declaration “as an encouragement to all people to join with us on the path toward that new world we still dream about.

Together, we can overcome as we open our hearts to find ways toward loving communities.” To put it another way, in Gus Newport’s words, “We don’t believe we’ve reached our limit of what’s best. We do still believe, working together, that we will get there.”

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

Roughly 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas and roughly 80 percent of those city dwellers live in neighborhoods with less than 20 percent tree cover. And those places with minimal tree canopy experience significantly higher temperatures than green neighborhoods just miles away. That’s true in big cities like Newark and New Orleans and smaller ones like Burlington, Vt., and Erie, Pa.

The list of quality-of-life indicators that decline as the presence of trees declines is long—health conditions from heat stroke to asthma, outdoor activity, air pollution, flooding and chemicals from stormwater run-off, energy costs, and home values are among them. The most vulnerable are hardest hit—children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

The places where people of color and low-income Whites live get far less relief from trees. Communities in which nearly all residents experience poverty have 41 percent less canopy than those with nearly no poverty. The group American Forests

The need couldn’t be simpler to state—plant more trees where there are too few. But meeting it has been less a priority for those in neighborhoods where shade isn’t a luxury. We can’t overlook that urban trees help everyone—they keep close to a billion metric tons of climate-killing carbon out of the atmosphere.

We’re beginning to change that inattention. The same historic spending package approved last year that’s driving renewal of American manufacturing and growth of clean energy includes $1.5 billion for planting and maintaining urban trees, with the first $1 billion in grants expected to

That money gives us a chance to grow more than trees. We can grow livelihoods. Good jobs created in nurseries and tree care businesses should go first to the people in these neighborhoods who need them. We have good models—the Detroit Conservation Corps trains unemployed people, many of whom have faced incarceration, to earn tree care certifications by transforming vacant lots into nurseries, for example.

Like everything associated with our climate crisis, we are running out of time for urban forestry. Conditions like heat, storms, and air pollution that trees can help address are getting worse, which makes it tougher for us to grow the trees we need. Every year, the nation has more deaths due to severe heat than it would if we reduced urban temperatures.

As enormous as the new federal investment is, it’s just the starting point (the original proposal was $3 billion). The average cost nationally to plant and establish a tree in an urban area is $300. Five million trees planted will close a sliver of the tree equity gap. Our commitment to narrow it must grow as those trees grow.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

We are not colorblind

By Kerry Mitchell Brown

This country has never had equitable and inclusive structures, and colorblindness has never been a thing. The national identity built into our structures, laws, practices, and lived experiences is based on White supremacy. Race and skin color have always had consequences in this country.

Affirmative action was introduced because racist systems and discriminatory practices had for centuries denied Black people and people of color access to socioeconomic opportunities. Through various legislative initiatives, affirmative action assured Black people and other people of color that they would have the same education and employment opportunities as their White counterparts.

Institutions were incentivized to achieve racial equity and representation in classrooms, higher education and workplaces, giving them good reason to move away from White supremacy. For nearly six decades, education systems and the labor force have shown us the promise and the

possibility of dismantling our White supremacist system.

The reality is that affirmative action is no silver bullet. It has its limitations, like the fact that many of its initiatives are inequitable and disproportionately realized, often only benefiting White people and deepening inequality. But affirmative action has also been an important tool in raising awareness about and addressing issues of equity in educational and labor systems.

The dismantling of affirma-

Choosing to ignore race is a form of White supremacy, and it has historically been used to deny racial equity in all aspects of life. We must recognize and address systemic racism and its consequences. We must work together to build a society where race and skin color really doesn’t matter to your educational and job prospects. Until then, we need interventions like affirmative action. Dismantling it only serves to reinforce a colorblind society rooted in White privilege. Black people and other people of color will be worse off because of this.

In her dissenting speech, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that this decision “rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress.” We cannot allow this rollback. I want to move forward toward a future where we make decisions that allow all people to live with dignity, not back to a past of discord and violence.

tive action is a massive setback in our efforts to create an equitable future.

Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown, PhD, is a founder and principal of KMB, an equity strategist and cultural architect based in Chicago, IL.

“We don’t live in a community that has reached its limit as to what’s best.”

To feel less heat, we need more trees

Communities in which nearly all residents experience poverty have 41 percent less canopy than those with nearly no poverty. The group American Forests calls this the “tree equity” gap.

The national identity built into our structures, laws, practices, and lived experiences is based on White supremacy.

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 July 20-26.

Open Streets Returns!

By H. Jiahong Pan

Contributing Writer

Once again, it’s time to bike and party in the streets! Open Streets returned to Minneapolis for its 12th season after funding shortages threatened to close it.

The series of events, which historically involved closing long stretches of road to motorists so pedestrians and bikers can enjoy themselves, had been pared back in recent years due to staffing limitations. This year, Our Streets Minneapolis, the local nonprofit that organizes it on behalf of the City, planned five events, collectively closing a total of seven miles of Minneapolis streets to vehicle traffic.

Three of the Open Streets mainstay routes returned: Lyndale, Lake and West Broadway. Open Streets will also return to the West Bank for the first time since the pandemic began, albeit in a truncated half-mile segment.

On July 16, Open Streets was in the Harrison neighborhood for the first time, along a 1.3-mile-long route on Glenwood Avenue. The route was planned with the Harrison Neighborhood Association, which partnered with Our Streets on a number of campaigns.

“The spirit of this neighborhood now needs medicine,” said resident Marcus Kar, at the planning meeting with community members. “There are a lot of people in transition, issues around housing, homelessness, mental illness, drugs and abuse and things like that… We need to lift the spirit of this neighborhood [and] gather people around.”

“Last year, we hosted an event called ‘Imagine Sixth Avenue North,’ and we had wanted to do an Open Streets on Olson Highway. But MnDOT and the city wouldn’t allow us to do that,” said Harrison Neighborhood Association Executive Director Nichole Buehler. “So, we used the frontage street and Harrison Park to host the event. And that led to this year, doing Open Streets on Glenwood Avenue.”

ALTERNATIVES

Continued from page 10

would help entice W players to stay home rather than go overseas. It is planned for 10 weeks in Miami from January to March, three games each week as well as a 1-on-1 tournament is being planned.

Collier told reporters, during a Zoom call that included the MSR, that the feedback about the news of Unrivaled has been mostly positive. “It has been really encouraging,” reported the Lynx forward.

When a reporter asked how it will help grow the game, Collier explained, “First of all, when we go overseas our marketing goes black for half a year. You don’t hear from us until the league starts up again.

“That is one of the big things we are focusing on, the PR side. Just making sure that

getting our names out there and making sure the league is branded, because we want to increase our marketing.”

Furthermore, Collier stressed that Unrivaled will be “a new style of play—it will be 3-on3, but it will be two-thirds the size of the regular court. I think we are just really excited about keeping us inmarket, paying comparable to what you make in the league and overseas, and that brand recognition.”

If Unrivaled starts up, it will be running virtually the same time as Athletes Unlimited (AU), which is expected to start its third season next year. AU is a player-run league that holds a weekly draft where the four team captains, who are the top four point scorers from the previous week of games, play a five-week, three-games-a-week schedule between January and February. It started in Janu-

ary 2022, and featured many WNBA players, including Los Angeles’ Lexie Brown, who made the first AU all-defensive team.

Earlier this month, Brown was named chairperson of the AU Player Executive Committee. She and Megan Perry, the AU’s new director of basketball, spoke to reporters during a Zoom call on July 6.

Asked if the WNBA’s new prioritization rules will entice more players to play AU ball during the offseason, Brown told the MSR that the league is not just for W players, but for all women players seeking pro basketball experience in this country as opposed to going overseas.

“I think the timing of our league is great,” explained Brown. “I don’t want AU to be Plan B for people. I want us to be Plan A. I think it will be great to see more WNBA players not go overseas and

Here’s a list of upcoming Open Streets events:

Open Streets Cedar

Sunday, August 20, 11 am to 5 pm; Cedar Avenue between 3rd Street and 6th Street, and Riverside Avenue between Cedar Ave and 19th Ave.

Take Metro Transit: Routes 2, 3, 7, 22, Blue Line, Green Line.

Open Streets West Broadway

Saturday, September 16, 11 am to 5pm; West Broadway Ave between Lyndale Ave and Penn Ave.

Take Metro Transit: Routes 5, 14, 22, 30, C Line, D Line, micro.

Open Streets Lyndale

Sunday, October 8, 11 am to 5 pm; Lyndale Ave S between 22nd St and 42nd St.

Take Metro Transit: Routes 2, 4, 6, 21, 23.

play [instead in the AU].”

Added Perry, who joined AU after over 15 years of basketball experience, including working for the WNBA in managing player personnel and overseeing scouting and talent evaluation preparations for the draft, “When you look at the growth of women’s basketball, the opportunity here is to give athletes the chance to play in the United States of America.”

Both women when asked welcomed Unrivaled as another alternative to playing overseas.

“There is so much talent that we are aware of, even outside of what the WNBA is doing,” said Perry. “We are figuring out how to put out the best product for our season and give it meaning.”

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

VIEW

Continued from page 10

has done for women’s basketball,” noted the first-year center.

This was also Gray’s first WASG in her first year at Atlanta, and six years in the league. “I feel I worked very hard this season, and to finally be named an All-Star is a great feeling,” said the guard.

“It’s pretty dope to see,” added Wilson of Gray, her college roommate and teammate.

Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell’s first-half of season play was rewarded with her first All-Star nod. “I’ve weathered a lot of storms, a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” said the fifthyear veteran. “To celebrate where I am at in life, that’s the best part.”

Wade now a W owner Retired NBA star Dwyane

Wade is joining the WNBA’s Chicago Sky ownership group. Wade, who is going into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next month, sat courtside with his wife at last Saturday’s WASG. He talked to the MSR afterwards.

“It’s about these women,” said Wade. “It’s about these players. I’m thankful for all the attention, but I want the attention focused on them and this league. It’s a beautiful league and a beautiful platform, and I am excited to be a part of it along with my family.”

Asked if he envisions more former NBAers getting involved as WNBA team owners, Wade said, “That would be amazing, I’m sure. We all are fans of the game. I think it helps others see that this is attainable.”

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

Employment & Legals

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

WARNING: Your spouse has filed lawsuit against you for dissolution of your marriage. copy of the paperwork regarding the lawsuit is served on you with this summons. This summons is an official document from the court that affects your rights. Read this summons carefully. If you do not understand it, contact an attorney for legal advice

SUMMONS

FLAT RATE: $110 X 3 WEEK RUN

Manager – Energy Consulting: Avant Energy, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Req. Master’s in Business Admin. or related field & 4 yrs project management exp. or Bachelor’s in Business Admin. or related field & 6 yrs project management exp. Must possess 4 yrs exp. w/ a Master’s or 6 yrs exp. w/ a Bachelor’s in the following: Consulting; Client relationship management or stakeholder engagement; Electrical systems such as generation, transmission, distribution; Sustainability, energy efficiency, or renewable energy; Construction, infrastructure, or energy development. For confidential consideration, please submit résumé to Avant Energy career website- www.avantenergy.com/ careers. No agencies or phone calls please.

Data Science & Algorithms Engineer: Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN

Duties: Responsible for R&D of medical devices related to continuous glucose monitors. Requires a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related discipline. Must possess a minimum of one (1) year with each of the following (experience maybe gained through internships, research, coursework and/or work experience): Machine learning and statistical modelling for development and production systems using Python and MATLAB; Statistical analysis and hypothesis testing for large data sets with application to biomedical engineering; Advanced analytics methods, modeling, signal processing to include Kalman filtering, time-varying frequency analysis for Fourier transforms and Wavelets; Artificial Intelligence with machine learning algorithms including neural networks, reinforcement learning, supervised and un-supervised learning; Deployment of machine learning algorithms through docker and modular environment such as Application Programming Interface and microservices; Analytics on big scale database using tools to include cloud computing and HighPerformance Clusters; and Produce written documentation to include specifications, engineering reports, test plans, test procedures, validation plans, and validation reports. This position is open to telecommuting from anywhere in the United States. Multiple positions available. To apply, visit https:// jobs.medtronic.com/, select Req. #230008ZU. No agencies or phone calls please. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

PREP

Continued from page 10

the varsity placed third.

The following season, with Chapman at point guard and Ellis leading the team in scoring, the Governors went undefeated at 16-0 in conference play and were one game away from the Class AA state tournament before losing to the eventual champion, Woodbury.

In 2023, Givens, a 5’11” guard, came full circle on his own to lead Johnson to its second consecutive city championship, while being named St. Paul City Conference Player of the Year. The Governors’ quest for a Class AAA state tournament

stopped with a 76-62 loss to Mahtomedi.

Talk about coming full circle, Givens starred as an eighth-grader for the Governors before attending different schools in ninth, tenth and eleventh grades, ultimately coming to his grandfather’s alma mater, where he was also a star on the football team.

Givens recently signed to play basketball at Central Lakes Community College. No matter what happens, he and his grandfather will always be able to look back on their accomplishments.

It’s all in the family.

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

TOTAL: $320 PREPAID

1. The Petitioner (your spouse) has filed lawsuit against you asking for dissolu-tion of your marriage (divorce). copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. There should also be a copy of the Petitioner’s Financial Affidavit attached.

2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and your Financial Affidavit. You must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms and the Financial Affidavit form are available from the Court Administrator’s office. You must serve your Answer and Financial Affidavit upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer and Financial Affidavit, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

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

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

3. This proceeding does not involve real property.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS

Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements ap-ply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the court or the proceeding is dismissed:

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

(2) Neither party may harass the other party.

(3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continue without change in coverage or beneficiary designation.

From Display Ad Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

PHONE: 612-827-4021

(4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the court in later proceedings.

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT.

NOTICE OF PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT billing@spokesman-recorder.com

EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY

SIZE: 2 COL X 2.5 INCHES

RATE $44.60 PER COL. INCH

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

Sr. Engineer:

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Minneapolis, MN.

PHONE: 612-827-4021

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

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

SUMMONS

FLAT FEE: $320

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

Req a min of a bach deg or foreign equv deg in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or related field & 6 yrs of prog resp post-bacc exp as a RPA developer, data science developer, software/systems consultant/analyst, or related occupation. Must have at least 4 yrs of exp with each of the following: RPA development exp on multiple platforms; Working with Automation tools - Automation Anywhere and UI Path; Dispatcher/Performer Bots, Bot queuing; API, Optical Character Reignition, IQ Bot, Web Forms (AARI), Scarping methods, Schedulers, On demand Process, Human / Bot collaboration process, Cyberark and RPA Vendor Credential Lockers, Global Values; Multiple OCR tools used in developing automations to extract required details from Excel, PDF, Database, Unstructured documents, Images and Emails; Chorus, RPS, Gias, Resonant, Workday, Peoplesoft applications. Must have 3 years with each of the following: Developing RPA solutions that are built using multiple applications, APIs, User Interface Cloning, and exceed 400 steps; Programming languages like Java, .net, REST API, XML/JSON, Java Scripts, HTML, Python, CSS, SAP, C#, C/C++, SQL; Authentication schemes such as OAuth, Bearer, Digest, etc.; API Swagger & tools such as Postman, etc.; Agile methodologies/guidelines. Position is based out of & reports to Thrivent’s HQs in Minneapolis, MN, but allows for the option to telecommute from a home office anywhere in the US. May required up to 10% domestic travel. For confidential consideration, please apply at https://careers.thrivent.com/. No agencies or phone calls please.

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

Data Architect Consultant:

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Minneapolis, MN.

Req. a min. of a bach. Deg.in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a rel. field plus 8+ yrs. of exp. as a programmer/ system/data analyst, technical specialist, software engineer, or related occupation engaged in modeling and architecture. Req. a min. of 5 yrs. of exp. in each of the following: Database technologies (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, Oracle, Hadoop, Teradata); Data integration techniques, design patterns & data modeling tools; Developing reference architecture, principles & standards; Data management, data integration & database development techniques; & Proficiency in data management processes & data management lifecycle. Position is based out of & reports to Thrivent’s HQ in Minneapolis, MN, but allows for the option to telecommute from a home office anywhere in the US. For confidential consideration, please apply at https://careers. thrivent.com/. No agencies or phone calls please.

Manager – Energy Consulting:

Avant Energy, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Under Minnesota Statutes, Section 518.157, in a contested proceeding involving custody or parenting time of a minor child, the pa1iies must begin paiiicipation in a parent education program that meets minimum standards promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court within 30 days after the first filing with the court. 1n some Districts, parenting education may be required in all custody or parenting proceedings. You may contact the District Court Administrator for additional infom1ation regarding this requirement and the availability of parent education programs.

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

SUBTOTAL: $223 PER WEEK

Dated: 7/14/2023

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

PHONE: 612-827-4021

Signature: Latalia A. Margalli 3638 Washburn Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55412 612-447-8950

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, July 20, 27, August 3, 2023

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

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY

SIZE: 2 COL X 5.50 INCH

RATE $44.60 PER COL. INCH

TOTAL: $490.60

Req. Master’s in Business Admin. or related field & 4 yrs project management exp. or Bachelor’s in Business Admin. or related field & 6 yrs project management exp. Must possess 4 yrs exp. w/ a Master’s or 6 yrs exp. w/ a Bachelor’s in the following: Consulting; Client relationship management or stakeholder engagement; Electrical systems such as generation, transmission, distribution; Sustainability, energy efficiency, or renewable energy; Construction, infrastructure, or energy development. For confidential consideration, please submit résumé to Avant Energy career website- www.avantenergy.com/ careers. No agencies or phone calls please.

Please proof, respond with email confirmation to dis play@spokesman-recorder.com. For more exposure: We are also inviting our clients to advertise on our web site for 2 weeks for a flat fee of $150 per position with purchase of print ad.

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

AS VEGAS, NEVADA –

Whether it’s here in Vegas or elsewhere, the annual WNBA All Star Game is always more than the game itself.

“It is so awesome to be an All-Star,” noted Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier. But she pointed out it can be taxing as well. “You really don’t get a rest.”

Along with the commissioner’s “state of the league

Sports

Vegas hosts WNBA All-Stars

MSR is there to bring home the backstories

address” and a post-address Q&A—which seems to always include a question about expansion—this longtime W reporter tries to find interesting backstories from the players that all too often aren’t reported elsewhere.

Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard was among five first-time All-Stars this year, a late substitute due to an injury suffered by Elena Delle Donne. Earlier this season, Howard became the second-youngest player in W history to score 40 or more points in a game (43) as well as the

youngest player in the league to hit 40 or more by making at least five three-pointers.

Howard, however, reportedly felt slighted by not being an All-Star selection in the first place, and we asked her about that. “I had performed to the level of being an All-Star,” the second-year forward stressed.

“Definitely frustrated. I definitely wasn’t happy. It’s definitely a big deal to be an AllStar. And now that I am in it, it didn’t change [her initial feelings]. I’m still going to play with that chip on my shoulder.”

Alternatives to overseas play grow for women hoopsters

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

he WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) calls for new prioritization rules to fully kick in next season in 2024, which makes it difficult for veteran players to play overseas and still return stateside in time for training camp without being fined or suspended for the entire season.

Lexie Brown Megan Perry

regular season in the books after playing in France and recovering from a concussion.

A year ago, Phoenix’s Brittany Griner was sitting in a Russian jail. This year, she was back playing as a nine-time All-Star. “It’s always a new experience,” she told me.

The 6’9” center and this reporter both learned during her rookie year that we shared a love for Jimi Hendrix, and she even accepted a couple of album suggestions for which she thanked me later.

“He is going on my leg soon [as a tattoo],” admitted Griner of her musical hero. “I’m getting Jimi soon. Richard Pryor is

going on there [too]. It is going to be a real nice leg piece.”

Perhaps one of the underreported WASG facts from this past weekend in Vegas was that three former South Carolina players were in the game, all of whom previously played

for legendary Coach Dawn Staley: A’Ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston and Allisha Gray. Wilson told us that it’s a living testimony to the huge impact Staley has had on the former Gamecocks, now W pros.

“Coach Staley has prepped us for this moment,” she said proudly.

Boston, the first rookie AllStar starter since 2014, and eighth overall, added that Staley helped prepare her mentally for the pro game. “Dawn Staley is a special person. I don’t think she gets enough credit for what she

■ See VIEW on page 8

It’s all in the family

starting point guard during his junior year at St. Paul Johnson, leading his team—along with Wayne Ellis, Scott Ackerson, Chris Garrett, Monte DeBerry, Darren Chapman, Tony Adkins, Coy Nelson, Scott Marks and Kerry Hill to the city conference title.

grandson took to achieve similar success at the same high school were different, but the fascinating fact remains that their accomplishments came 40 years apart.

Here’s a closer look

Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams recently criticized the W’s prioritization rule. She joined the Storm earlier this month, nearly a third of the

“Something has to give,” Williams told ESPN. “France needs to have shorter seasons or the WNBA needs to [allow players] to make money and do both.” Williams signed a rest-of-season contract with Seattle July 3.

Two WNBA veterans, Minnesota’s Naphessa Collier and Breanna Stewart, now with New York, announced the launch of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league for 30 top league players to start next winter. Just Women’s Sports reported that the new venture will pay competitive salaries that hopefully

■ See ALTERNATIVES on page 8

hen St. Paul Johnson High School guard DeWayne “Weezy”

Givens—along with teammates Jay Tinsley, Kajon Jordan, Dhmani Tucker, Kenny Turner, Colin Moore, and Jalani Mays led the Governors to the 2023 City Conference boys basketball championship this past winter, it was a special moment for him and his grandfather, Barron Chapman

“We’ve really come full circle,” Chapman said of his grandson’s accomplishment. “I’m very proud of him.”

How have they come full circle, one might ask.

In 1983, Chapman was the

With that you have a family connection in high school sports that couldn’t go unnoticed. The paths grandpa and

In 1983 St. Paul Central was the four-time defending conference champion and Johnson had some talent that showed signs of success during the 1981-82 season, when the ‘B’ squad (junior varsity) team, led by Chapman and DeBerry, were city champs, and ■ See PREP on page 9

in 2023 and 1983, respectively.

Charde Houston brought her unique energy to the Lynx

averaged 9.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

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:Charde Houston (2008-11).

harde Houston was a big time college star at UConn, averaging nearly 10 points a game in 139 games. She graduated with a sociology degree. The 6’1” Houston, a California native, was drafted by Minnesota in 2008, in the third round.

“I was one of the catalysts that came in to bring the energy, change the game,” she reflected on her role with the Lynx.

(3.7 to 5.5) and assists (0.8 to 1.7) so impressively that she represented the team in the 2009 All Star Game. There she scored 16 points in 16 minutes.

spirit, charitable efforts, and love for the game.

Looking back as one of the team’s all-time 25 top players in franchise history, Houston expressed no regrets over her time in Minnesota. Always a fashionista, Houston didn’t disappoint the crowd. They roundly applauded as her name was called during the celebratory event earlier this month: “Just bringing the energy, no matter [if the team is] winning or losing,” she said of her contribution.

Her rookie season was good, but her sophomore season was even better as we saw Houston starting 33 of 34 games. She increased her scoring (8.8 to 13.1), rebounding

Two seasons later in 2011, Houston would be a member of Minnesota’s first WNBA championship team, the same season she won the 2011 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. The annual award goes to a WNBA player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a leader in the community and reflects Staley’s leadership,

But this reporter also observed that season that the player barely played (eight minutes a game), and saw no action during the postseason.

Two years earlier, Houston was averaging double figures; two years later, she wasn’t injured but couldn’t get off the bench except for timeouts.

We never got any answers to her apparent lack of court time. She never publicly complained and earned her only W title ring nonetheless.

Houston was traded to Phoenix during the offseason and played there for a couple of seasons, then a season in New York before retiring as a player after the 2014 season. In 128 games for Minnesota, Houston

In recent years, Houston has dabbled in modeling and fashion, and she once ran a nonprofit organization working with youth. Now a small business owner and CEO of Project Youth Opportunities Unlimited, she said, “I have a housekeeping business, and then I’m going to get into grant writing.”

Next week’s featured player: Monica Wright

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

“I feel I worked very hard this season, and to finally be named an All-Star is a great feeling.”

Napheesa Collier

Brittany Griner

A’Ja Wilson

All photos by Charles Hallman

Aliyah Boston

Allisha Gray Kelsey Mitchell

DeWayne Givens and his grandfather, Barron Chapman, led St. Paul Johnson to City Conference boys basketball championships

Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

“We’ve really come full circle.”

Photos courtesy of Athletes Unlimited

“I think it will be great to see more WNBA players not go overseas and play in the U.S.”

“I was one of the catalysts that came in to bring the energy, change the game.”

Among the Lynx Top 25, Charde Houston stands at the far left beside Lindsay Whalen. Courtesy of MN Lynx

Charde Houston Photos courtesy of Twitter