August 29, 2024 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Kamala Harris’s time has come

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

HICAGO — A few weeks ago, Democrats were a divided party

headed toward a potentially explosive convention in Chicago. Those fears are gone today, as Kamala Harris has united the party and concluded one of the most successful conventions in American political history.

Democrats came to Chicago haunted by three ghosts: 1968, 2000, and 2016, and Kamala Harris banished all of them.

The ghost of 1968 was the haunting reminder of Chicago, where antiwar demonstrators took over the streets to protest the war in Vietnam.

The ghost of 2000 was when the last incumbent Democratic vice president, Al Gore, tried and failed to

follow a president into the White House.

And the ghost of 2016 was when the last woman, Hillary Clinton, tried to break the glass ceiling to the presidency. Kamala Harris looked all three of those ghosts in the face and busted them.

■ See HARRIS on page 5

The GOP pundit looking to turn Minnesota red

By Abdi Mohamed Associate Editor

bdul-Rahman Mag-

ba-Kamara, known commonly as AK Kamara, has become a wellknown conservative pundit online. His 20-year history in grassroots Republican politics laid the foundation for his ascension to becoming a Minnesota Republican national committeeman.

He was raised in North Dakota by a mother of Irish heritage and a father from Sierra Leone. His father struggled with addiction throughout Kamara’s adolescence. Once his parents divorced, Kamara’s mother worked hard to raise her four children, lean-

ing on subsidized housing and other resources.

“I think that part is important to understand, that I didn’t grow up in this perfect family, you know, with access to money or resources, wealth, any of that,” he said.

At the age of 18, Kamara headed to the Twin Cities to find an opportunity. He found a job as a product salesman and went door to door to pitch businesses. Two years later, he got married, which caused him to buckle down and plan his life. Kamara returned to school online and received his diploma. From there, he took courses at a community college and transferred to the University of

Build Wealth MN celebrates 20 years of helping Black families

By James L. Stroud, Jr Contributing Writer

uild Wealth Minnesota (BWM) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a fundraising Gala on August 24 at the Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis. The Black-Tie Gala included a four-course dinner, red carpet photo treatment, a live auc

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Save democracy by empowering young voters

By the League of Women Voters Minneapolis

oung Americans have been gathering strength and exerting more influence in recent elections, but they need help realizing their full political force as voters. We want them to do so for the health of our democracy.

While historically underrepresented at the polls, more 18 to 29-year-olds voted in the 2020 presidential election nationally than in 2016, close to 50%. The 2022 midterm turnout was better than expected, inching toward 30%. A positive trend but a far cry from the electoral clout the second-largest age demographic in the U.S. could have.

Generation Z (for Zoomer) are those born between 1997 and 2012, with Gen Z young adults expected to make up 17% of all eligible voters by 2024 and 35% by 2036. Combine Zoomers (sometimes called Plurals) with their older siblings and largest generation, Millennials, and the Brookings Institution expects them to account for most of all potential voters within this decade and 60% by 2036.

It benefits us all that they are civically educated and engaged.

Pew Research Center describes our youngest voting block as more racially and

ethnically diverse, progressive, and with positive attitudes toward government. Research also proves Gen Z’s low voting numbers are not due to a lack of interest on their part.

Studies from CIRCLE, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University’s Tisch College, consistently show that outreach, even one interaction, correlates with higher youth voting. When that doesn’t happen, barriers for young voters – particularly first-time voters – remain in place, perhaps for a lifetime.

Although highly concerned about the issues in the 2022 midterms, less than half of the young voters’ CIRCLE surveyed were ever contacted by any civic or political organization, candidate, or party.

The League of Women Voters’ primary mission is voter outreach, education, and access to the ballot. Locally, LWV Minneapolis holds voter registration drives twice yearly in the city’s high schools. In our unscientific survey of the students we met this past spring, the barriers to voting they cited match some nationwide responses.

Although a few said they doubted their vote would matter, most said they simply needed to learn how to vote,

■ See LWV on page 5

9,000 Black families in homes via the 9,000 Equities Plan.

Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison delivered prerecorded congratulatory video messages to David McGee, BWM’s executive director and founder.

State Senator Bobby Joe Champion was in attendance and greeted the audience.

“It’s not just enough for me to bring greetings from the State of Minnesota, but it’s also important for the State of Minnesota to understand and appreciate what we need to do to build wealth in the Black community and be very intentional about It.

“So, I’m proud to say we have been giving money to Build Wealth Minnesota from the State and helping 9000 Equities because it’s important for people to own a home.

“

MSR spoke with Karen Kelly-Ariwoola, who is the former Vice President of Community Philanthropy at the Minneapolis Foundation. She also admired McGee and his organization. “I met David McGee early in the formation of Build Wealth Minnesota.

David was a leader in setting the stage for closing the racial wealth gap and creating

generational wealth for Black families. David reminds me that the foundation was one of his early grantors. “I’m honored to have played a role in facilitating the early investment in David’s vision that is now in full bloom 20 years later and has impacted thousands of lives and generations yet born,” said Kelly-Ariwoola. Before introducing Andrea Levere, the keynote speaker, McGee took a moment to thank some of the early supporters like Indred Alexander, Anthony and Valene Anya, Brenda Colston, Chudi Igbanugo, Tim Figge, and Gary Cunningham of the Norwest Area Foundation. He also mentioned Levere for her mentorship, training, and focus while participating in a program that helps build highimpact nonprofits of color. Levere is also credited with creating the name for the 9,000 Equities program.

We spoke with Maelene Rhodes, one of the program’s new homeowners, during the Gala. She began saving for a home in 2018. “I found out about BWM because I attend the same church as Brother McGee,” says Rhodes.

Vice President Kamala Harris becomes the first Black female to accept Democratic presidential nomination. Facebook/KamalaHarris

Read about seangarrison’s Blak Grit on page 7.

this Edition...

■ See AK KAMARA on page 5

Photo by Abby Kjos

Maelene, Deborah, Lashawna

Photo by James L. Stroud, Jr.

By Izzy Canizares

After a hundred police calls, frozen cockroaches, and a sudden foreclosure, residents at the Lowry Apartments in St. Paul have had enough and are organizing with the help of a state representative.

The foreclosure of the 134-unit building at 345 Wabasha St. N. in St. Paul was announced on August 9. A sheriff’s sale was scheduled, but the city of St. Paul delayed it at the last minute.

It comes as the building’s owner, Madison Equities, is selling the bulk of its downtown portfolio, sparking concern from Mayor Melvin Carter, who says it could have a “chilling effect” on property prices downtown.

While rumors had been circulating among Lowry Building apartment tenants for months since the Grey Duck Tavern’s sudden closure earlier this year, none of them were informed of the official closure until they read it in the news themselves, which tenants say goes against the mandatory 30-day notice.

“I was scared but relieved. It felt like this might actually get the attention of officials,” Megan Thomas, a former tenant, said when she first found out about the foreclosure after reading it in the Pioneer Press.

“Then I was angry when told that the management had deliberately hidden the information.”

Metro

Residents fight back against Lowry Building foreclosure

She confronted someone in management at the building and claimed she was told that the foreclosure had been in process for months but that management chose to hide the information and not tell the tenants.

“This is an emergency housing crisis that we already have, but what’s the plan of action?” said Maria Isa Pérez-Vega, DFL House representative for District 65B. “It’s tragic, and I’m incredibly frustrated that my constituents, who live across from city hall, did not have people address these services. They’re acting like this is new. This is absurd.”

The document states that the city has condemned multiple apartment units and that the third floor “cannot be occupied.”

Rep. Pérez-Vega sponsored a bill passed in February to protect tenants’ rights to organize without fear of retaliation from their landlords. She immediately took action after learning about the issues with the Lowry Apartments building. Thomas helped organize a meeting last Wednesday with

Rep. Pérez-Vega, and about 50 residents attended despite alleged intimidation by building staff. Bring Me The News contacted Mike Larson, and while he said he could not speak on the current legal issues sur-

rounding the building, he said the tenants’ leases would be honored no matter who buys the property.

Before learning about the foreclosure, Thomas was already in a legal battle with

Madison Equities, filing a rent escrow. “It’s a legal way not to pay your rent until repairs are made,” Thomas said.

“Instead of paying my rent to my landlord, I got a clearance cut and paid it to the

TRUMP’S PROJECT 2025 IS A THREAT TO BLACK AMERICANS

Project 2025 is Donald Trump and JD Vance’s plan to remake the federal government if they win. It would:

Use Civil Rights-era laws created to address discrimination to instead benefit white people – Axios, 4/1/24

Gut the Affordable Care Act, which will raise health care costs and threaten health care coverage for millions of Americans – AP News, 11/27/23

Cut Social Security and Medicare Americans have earned – Washington Post, 2/9/23

Ban abortion nationally – New York Times, 2/16/24

District Court, and they hold it in ethical law until the case is resolved.”

Cockroaches and police calls

According to Thomas, the issues have persisted for over a year. After Grey Duck Tavern closed last month, empty liquor bottles were left in the now-abandoned bar, leading to a cockroach infestation.

Not only were they found in their hallways but in multiple apartment buildings, with Thomas even finding one in an ice cube.The city filed a revocation of the building’s Fire Certificate of Occupancy on August 16, ordering the property to be vacated by April 1, 2025.

The document states that the city has condemned multiple apartment units and that the third floor “cannot be occupied.” A re-inspection will be conducted on August 30.

Sanitary issues are not the only concerns. Multiple elevators that need repair, loose wiring, and doors that don’t close have caused safety concerns among residents, who claim management has refused to address them.

Documentation shows multiple complaints filed to the city of St. Paul concerning the building in recent months.

This article was first published by bringmethenews.com (BMTN). Izzy Canizares writes for BMTN.

Lowery Building, 345 Wabasha Street North, St. Paul

Photo courtesy/X

Lifestyle

New Orleans is a timeless travel treasure

By Al Brown Assignment Editor

New Orleans, the jewel of the South, has long captivated travelers with its unique blend of vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and spirited festivals. Despite the shadows cast by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this historic city has emerged more resilient than ever, offering visitors an enchanting experience steeped in tradition and warmth. Today, New Orleans not only beckons but dazzles with its rich tapestry of French, Creole, and African American influences, all wrapped in the unmistakable embrace of Southern hospitality.

I recall visiting New Orleans for the first time in 2007 and experiencing the wonders of this magical city—the enduring hospitality and charm of its citizens, watching a determined people rebuild from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I stayed in the French Quarter for nearly a year before Hurricane Gustav and a mandatory evacuation forced everyone out in 2008 for fear of another Katrina-like outcome.

York, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and even the nation’s capital.

Despite those reservations, at the heart of New Orleans is its music, an integral part of the city’s identity. The sounds of jazz, blues and zydeco spill from countless bars and street corners, infusing the atmosphere with a rhythm that invites spontaneity.

The annual Jazz & Heritage Festival, held each spring, celebrates this musical legacy with an impressive lineup of artists, showcasing genres that have shaped the city’s sound. From established legends to emerging talents, the festival offers an exhilarating backdrop for those longing to dance and revel in the soulful melodies that define New Orleans.

Food lovers are treated to an unparalleled culinary landscape where French, African, Spanish and Creole influences converge to create flavors that are as delightful as they are distinct. Iconic dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys tantalize the taste buds, while beignets dusted with powdered sugar provide

Photo by: Prexel/Kelly

thriving, celebrating their historical significance while embracing innovation. Visitors can now explore revitalized art galleries, music venues, and community spaces that symbolize the undying spirit of the city and its people.

Travelers looking to experience the best of New Orleans should aim to visit in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, perfect for strolling through the historic streets or taking in the vibrant sights. Additionally, many festivals occur during these seasons, providing authentic tales of the city’s traditions and culture through celebrations.

Of course, the city has its media black-eyes as every city, and yes, there are certain parts of town that tourists are warned of—the same for New

a sweet finish to any meal.

Famous establishments like Café du Monde and Commander’s Palace issue a warm invitation to take part in the

city’s culinary journey, showcasing the legendary hospitality New Orleanians are known for. The food here is not just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience often shared with family and friends, highlighting the city’s commitment to community.

The spirit of celebration is palpable in New Orleans, where festivals are a way of life. Mardi Gras, perhaps the city’s most famous festival, draws millions of revelers yearly to its vibrant parades

and extravagant masquerade balls. The spectacle embodies the city’s joie de vivre, encouraging all to indulge in the festive spirit.

Beyond Mardi Gras, local events such as the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, and the Essence Festival celebrate the rich diversity of the city’s culture, showcasing its dynamic blend of African American heritage and Creole traditions. Each event allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in

the colorful history and pride that resonate throughout the community.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city in 2005, New Orleans displayed remarkable tenacity and fortitude. As the city rebuilt, it clung to its unique cultural essence and dedicated itself to preserving its heritage in the face of adversity.

Today, neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Tremé have been restored and are

Ultimately, the city’s dynamic music scene, delectable food, and unforgettable festivals make it a must-visit for any traveler seeking an experience that transcends the ordinary. This is a city where flavors dance upon the tongue, music moves the soul, and the warmth of its people invites you to stay a little longer. Whether experiencing the thrill of Mardi Gras or savoring a quiet moment with a café au lait (coffee with hot milk) in hand, New Orleans remains a favorite travel destination— not just for its attractions, but for the heart and spirit of the people that pulse vibrantly through its streets.

Trust me. If you visit and stay long enough, New Orleans will grow on you.

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

By Laura Onyeneho

Dementia has been a part of Reverend Linda Davis’ family for a long time. Her late mother had the syndrome, and so did her sister. She began to notice how often they both forgot about basic things.

Her sister is a very strong and independent woman and business owner, but she slowly changed her behavior over a year after her diagnosis. “It’s hard,” Davis said. “You don’t know what you’ll get from day to day. It’s very emotional to see your loved ones suffer like that. You must learn different strategies to care for them.”

For Black families facing dementia, the challenges extend far beyond managing the disease itself. The emotional toll on caregivers, particularly Black women who often take on the brunt of caregiving duties, can be immense. Experts warn that the mental health of these caregivers is often overlooked, creating a ripple effect of stress and strain within the family unit.

What is dementia?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. The cognitive capacities, or thinking skills, begin to deteriorate

The emotional toll of dementia on Black families, caretakers

with dementia symptoms to the point where daily functioning and independent living are affected.

They have an impact on relationships, conduct and emotions as well. The symptoms of dementia are progressive, meaning that they begin slowly and progressively worsen with time.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that roughly one in five Americans provide care for older adults or individuals with disabilities, and over half of these caregivers are women. However, the burden falls disproportionately on Black families.

African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to the national average. This means not only are Black families more likely to have a loved one battling dementia, but they are also more likely to be the primary caregivers, shouldering the emotional and practical weight of that responsibility.

Davis pastors Boynton Chapel Methodist Church, where the average person is about 65. Several church members struggle with stories similar to hers. Her mission has been to create a support group to help those families.

“We’ve been trying to partner with the University of Houston to offer resources and support for people in

the Third Ward and other underserved communities,” she said. “When my sister was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s, we had no clue about who to talk to. Our family nurses helped us navigate healthcare providers, but not everyone has that assistance.”

The challenges faced by Black families go beyond simple numbers. For families where caregivers and dementia patients live under the same roof, generational differences can further complicate the situation. Members of younger generations, like Millennials, are more likely to have access to resources and open conversations about mental health.

However, older generation members may hold onto

stress for Black families. AARP research indicates that most African American caregivers are employed while caring for

“It’s very emotional to see your loved ones suffer like that. You must learn different strategies to care for them.”

the belief of keeping family issues private, creating a wall of silence that prevents them from seeking help. This stigma surrounding mental health can be particularly detrimental for Black seniors, who might be reluctant to seek support or even acknowledge the emotional toll of caregiving, leading to a decline in well-being for the entire family.

The financial strain of caregiving adds another layer of

a loved one. This often translates to juggling work schedules, taking leave of absence, or arriving late/leaving early to accommodate caregiving needs. This constant state of imbalance can lead to burnout, financial hardship, and a decline in overall well-being for both the caregiver and the dementia patient.

Neuropsychologist Luis D. Medina, Ph.D., at the University of Houston, shares experi-

ences similar to those of Davis. His maternal grandmother’s sister died of Alzheimer’s disease, and her daughter died of vascular dementia.

“It’s important to detect the early symptoms,” he said. “One of the big misperceptions in the Black and brown community is that these diagnoses are normal parts of the aging process.”

Warning signs Medina said that early signs vary depending on the type of dementia and the individual. They might have trouble navigating unfamiliar territory, getting lost in their home, paying their bills promptly, struggling to manage their medication, bumping into walls regularly, or getting lost in the neighbor-

hood while driving.

“All of these things are related to neurological changes in the brain. Treatments and interventions are the most effective,” Medina said. “My grandmother experienced this early on. She loved to cook. All her recipes were in her head, and she never wrote them down. Suddenly, she missed steps and ingredients, and things weren’t tasting the same.”

So, how can Black families navigate these complex challenges? Experts emphasize the importance of creating a support system. This may involve connecting with community organizations or faith-based groups that offer resources and respite care. Family members can also share the caregiving responsibilities, creating a more manageable workload for the primary caregiver.

Beyond building external support, cultivating empathy and self-compassion is crucial for caregivers. Educating oneself about dementia can help manage expectations and foster understanding. Taking time for self-care, whether engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or seeking therapy, is vital for preventing burnout and maintaining emotional well-being.

This post was originally published on Defender Network. Laura Onyeneho is an editor for the Houston Defender Network.

Courtesy of Antreina Stone/Unsplash

HARRIS

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This was not 1968. Harris addressed the war in Gaza head-on in her convention speech, refusing to run away from the most divisive internal issue in the party today.

This was not 2000. Harris acknowledged and thanked President Biden but laid out her own hopeful, optimistic vision for America based on freedom.

And this was not 2016. Harris did not dwell on her history-making campaign as a woman. She introduced herself to America in a relatable convention speech but then told the country how she plans to focus on us, not her. It was not only a contrast to the self-centered Trump campaign but a refreshing reminder that Democrats can win if they stay on offense instead of defense. Harris refused to be defensive on Gaza or the border, as she laid out

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were confused about registering, needed information about candidates, or were unaware of their eligibility.

The great news is that the North Star State has made voting easier rather than harder while still securing elections.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to be ready to vote in their first election as an 18-year-old. They can register right at the polls on Election Day or get the ball rolling by checking the box on their State ID or driver’s license application—a form nearly every 16-year-old is itching to fill out! By next year, it will be automatic. Understanding that classes and work schedules may conflict with voting on Election

AK KAMARA

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Minnesota Twin Cities, where he studied political science. Kamara hadn’t voted in an election before the 2004 presidential elections. Still, after a discussion with a fellow student who had loaned him a book, he was convinced that the Republican platform was for him.

“He said, ‘I want you to read this book. It breaks down why Democrats support Black people and why Black people should support Democrats.’ He gave me the book, and I read it. I got a completely different perspective,” Kamara said.

“My perspective is the founding of the Republican Party as a merger between the Whig Party and the Free Soil Party. That’s the Republican Party. [It] was founded as one of the tenets of the abolition of slavery.”

Now, 20 years later, as

BUILD WEALTH

Continued from page 1

She closed on her home this spring.

“March 14 of this year, I closed on my home. Before that, I lived in an apartment near my mother’s house. So, one day, I asked my mother how much she pays for her mortgage, and I heard her say how much cheaper her mortgage and association were than my monthly rent.”

Rhodes then moved in with her mother to save money, started paying off debt, and reached her savings goal of $3500.

She continued, “I contacted Jeff at BWM to tell them I was ready. I had my preap-

Democrats came to Chicago haunted by three ghosts: 1968, 2000, and 2016, and Kamala Harris banished all of them.

a strong vision of American power as a force for good in the world that can positively reflect our values.

The former district attorney prosecuted the case against

convicted felon Donald Trump and forced Americans to use their common sense. As she shared how she had to introduce herself in the courtroom, “Kamala Harris, for the people,”

she told America that she had spent her career with only one client: the people. On the other hand, Trump had spent his life focused only on himself.

On a night that also featured the Exonerated Central Park Five, no serious African American could watch Harris compared to Trump’s longwinded, rambling Milwaukee speech and conclude that he was the better candidate.

She even brought out her adorable grandnieces to teach Americans how to say

her name. Comma – LA.

By nominating Kamala Harris, Democrats have busted the ghosts of the past and embraced a new future that recognizes their strength.

Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come, and last week, Kamala Harris proved that her time had come. As she always says, when we fight, we win.

This story was republished with permission from Word in Black.

Day, Minnesota offers early voting, and absentee ballots are the solution for college students away from home.

The Secretary of State has a helpful College Students Fact Sheet at www.sos.state.mn.us.

These policies have paid off, with 15% more young voters in 2020 than the national average.

This is a shame because the Minneapolis high school students we met have strong feelings about the issues facing them and this country and want a say in what happens. Their top two concerns, overwhelmingly and across gender and ethnic lines, were the livability of the planet and the rights of all humans.

Minnesota offers early voting, and absentee ballots are the solution for college students away from home.

However, that still leaves a big segment of the Minnesota youth vote on the table, with too many teens and young adults in the dark about registration and voting options.

the leader of Minnesota’s Republican Party ahead of the presidential election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Kamara hopes to turn Minnesota red. He views Trump as a return to a thriving America where the broader public benefits from his America-first policies.

Kamara sees the Harris Walz ticket as the establishment option, whereas to him, Trump and Vance represent a populist approach.

“I’ve seen this trajectory where we’re becoming hyper-polarized,” Kamara said.

“Where the right basically sticks with only the right, the left sticks with only the left, and that’s basically where our nation has been heading.”

Kamara stated that Governor Tim Walz has governed as one of the most progressive governors in terms of legislation signed by governors in the United States. He believes the national spotlight will expose his past policies that may

Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss appeared in nearly every conversation, including mentions of specific regions of vulnerability and pipeline

turn moderate voters away. He also stated that Harris needed to gain the experience or ability to represent and lead the country as effectively as the former president.

“One of the biggest things is just the viewpoint that when-

controversies. These young people were well-informed and passionate.

They cared deeply about vulnerable groups, calling for the protection of LGBTQ+ rights, policies to end racism and women’s inequality, as well as the restoration of reproductive health care. They expressed concern for immigrants’ rights and the Indigenous community.

Close behind were quality of life issues, with safety leading the conversation. These students were clearly fed up with the specter of gun violence, being scared in their schools and communities, including a lack of trust in the Minneapolis Police Department. Concerned about the homeless, affordable housing, and safe and reliable transportation, they value their education as the key to

last few years. He’s gained over 100,000 followers on TikTok with nearly two million likes. His videos range from commentary on current events to political diatribes mixed in with some jokes. Kamara takes a laid-back approach to his

“Trump has been able to truly grow our economy, to help middle-class Americans, and then when it comes to foreign intervention, not intervening unless it’s 100% in America’s best interest.”

ever a president goes and tries to negotiate, whether it’s with Congress or other countries, we should always be focused on what will help most Americans,” he said. “Trump has been able to truly grow our economy, to help middle-class Americans, and then when it comes to foreign intervention, not intervening unless it’s 100% in America’s best interest.”

Kamara’s online political commentary has grown in the

punditry, often seen donning a hat with the American flag as he gives a take on the latest political headline.

When it comes to the issue

Black and brown Americans have with Trump’s past racial statements, Kamara believes that it is a narrative created by the media to purposefully create a perception of the former president.

success. They criticized book banning and called for free/ affordable college.

They also displayed a pretty good “baloney” detector, so politicians beware. Your young constituents and future voters reject unfulfilled promises and lies. They demand honesty, credibility, and adherence to the law from those who make them.

Civically educating and empowering this sleeping giant of a voting block cannot begin too early, and a good example is invaluable. Several students told us they would vote because their families do.

proval on a Saturday. I looked at two houses on Sunday and made an offer on one of them, and they accepted it on Monday. Then I moved in 35 days later and received $52,000 closing cost assistance.”

McGee said that expansion and replication of its operation across the United States has always been the plan.

“Yes, we always had that in mind from the beginning,” he stated.

“I looked at two houses on Sunday and made an offer on one of them, and they accepted it on Monday. Then I moved in 35 days later and received $52,000 closing cost assistance.”

Rhodes introduced MSR to two of her siblings and her mother that night. All four went through the BWM programs and are proud homeowners.

Information about BWM can be found at www.BwealthE.org.

James L. Stroud, Jr welcomes reader comments to jstroud@ spokeman-recorder.com

For information on voter registration and eligibility, voting deadlines and locations, questions about Ranked Choice Voting, and more, go to vote.minneapolismn.gov.

To help develop your voting plan, go to lwvmpls.org.

This is the fifth in a series of six articles about the 2024 Minneapolis City Election, brought to you by the League of Women Voters Minneapolis. Previous articles have covered the new city government structure, voting for a new council, and restoring the vote to former felons. Our next and final article will be on how to make your plan to vote. All articles are available at lwvmpls.org/ for-voters.

CIRCLE offers many ideas for growing the youth vote at circle.tufts.edu, and its research reminds us of the power of even a single interaction to encourage a new voter. Regarding the power of the vote, you can pay it forward with information and guidance, and LWV Minneapolis is here to help. Our democracy depends on it.

believes that people would be best served by the government getting out of their way.

Though Kamara stated that the media has twisted Trump’s rhetoric, many Republican politicians around the country have enacted policies to roll back any advancements in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Last year, the Supreme Court struck down the legality of affirmative action in college admissions, a decision that reversed decades of work to further opportunities for students of color to receive an education.

Critical Race Theory has become a buzzword for Republicans in recent years around the idea of students learning about America’s history with racist policies and their impact on the present day. Instead of correcting America’s wrongs, Kamara

“When people actually dig past what that narrative is, and they actually look at things that he did as president—the First Step Act, historical funding of HBCUs, and bringing together these coalitions for Latinos for Trump and Blacks for Trump—it’s clear that that’s not the case,” Kamara said.

“DEI doesn’t actually help anyone. DEI makes people feel good, but it actually doesn’t help anyone, because I don’t care what color skin you have if you don’t have a merit,” he said.

Despite the recent rhetoric from Republicans towards immigrants and other diverse communities, Kamara shared that the Republican Party has a wide tent to include every American.

“Regardless of your skin color, ethnicity, or even your religious background, if you are an American citizen who wants to be able to support having a strong America, there’s a place for you in the Republican party,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you might disagree on this issue or this issue, but if you’re strong about your ethnicity or your culture, bring that to the Party. It’s open for it, but it’s not going to be pandering.”

The Black Market empowers entrepreneurs The Black Market Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer

There is consensus that community is an essential pillar of self-care. It plays a crucial role in our well-being by providing support, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Data from Minnesota Compass shows Black people make up less than 10% of Minnesota’s population, so finding events centered around the Black community can be challenging. DeSeandra “Seanie” Sheppheard, a Black woman from Maple Grove, saw this as an issue and embraced changing it.

She envisioned a realm wherein Black culture and entrepreneurship thrived, where stores and products celebrated and resonated with her identity, and where people of color could come, experience, and learn about the multitude of services and products available from their community. Since its launch in 2021, this dynamic market has garnered much admiration and respect.

Born from her dream of a

thriving Black community in Minnesota, The Black Market is a unique marketplace determined to fulfill its mission of helping close the wealth gap in Minnesota by offering new pathways of Black economics.

Our community can eat, shop, and gather at the market to support more than 50 Black vendors offering various items.

On August 10, the last Black

“True knowledge of one’s self and the resulting pride works the most effectively against white supremacy and awakens one’s sleeping giant.”

Market of the summer took place at the Case Building in Minneapolis. The event, which moves from location to location, featured many vendors and drew hundreds of commu

nity members.

The sound of laughter and the smell of delicious food were carried through the market in the light breeze. It was the sunniest day of the week, and the vibes were business, joyous, and cultural.

I arrived ready to eat and was happy to see they had everything from oxtail over rice to banana pudding. However, despite the impressive selection of tasty treats, the lack of seating meant I had to eat in my car. While the inconvenience was minor, it

underscores a small area of improvement for future events.

The stars of the show that day were the Black business owners. They varied widely in age, nationality, and longevity, but what they all had in common was an unwavering commitment to servicing and strengthening their community.

Regina Brown, the owner of Regina’s Purposed Teas, offered organic herbal tea blends that she created to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. She greeted me warmly like we

were old friends and took her time detailing the health benefits of her available teas, such as stimulating the release of serotonin, aiding digestion, and enhancing cognitive function.

Each blend is paired with unique, thoughtful meditation or reflection designed to deepen one’s connection with oneself and the world around them.

When I asked Regina what her ideal impact was, she said, “ I desire each cup of tea to offer a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life.”

When you feel good, you want to look good; when you look good, you want to feel good. Either way, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tap in with Jamil Jackson, the upand-coming owner of Ordinary Design Studio. Jamil is among only a few Black tattoo artists in Minnesota, but he is expanding his services.

He now offers printing services to young Black fashion designers, curates his fashion brand, and helps with the program C.E.O (Change Equals Opportunity) Summer Academy, which gives young men ages 10-18 a safe space to learn, engage, and grow. The market provides a wonderful

opportunity to hear about new programs empowering youth and fostering creativity.

As the night ended, I was hungry for knowledge that only a good book could satisfy. As I sought out a good book to read, I happened upon Otieno Nyangweso, a Kenyan who moved from Nairobi to Minneapolis when he was only 19.

Otieno stood proudly in front of three tables covered in Black-authored novels. He owns Uhuru Bookstore and has sold Afro- and Africancentric books since the early 90s. “Uhuru” in Swahili means freedom, which he told me he was offering through his selection of stories.

He was soft-spoken, but the passion in his voice rang raucously through each word when he said, “True knowledge of one’s self and the resulting pride works the most effectively against white supremacy and awakens one’s sleeping giant.”

The next Black Market returns for its fall season opener on Oct. 12, 2024.

Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@spokesman-recorder.com

Ensuring financial compliance: tips and tools for businesses

Sponsored by

Financial regulations maintain market integrity, protect consumers, and ensure the financial system’s stability. However, their complexity and frequent updates can pose significant challenges. Here are some essential resources, tips, and information to help navigate these challenges effectively.

Understanding financial regulations

Financial regulations include governing financial institutions, companies, markets, and transactions such as:

● Anti-Money Laundering (AML). Measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

● Know Your Customer (KYC). Requirements for verifying the identity of clients.

● Data Protection. Regulations like GDPR govern the handling of personal data.

● Financial Reporting. Standards for reporting financial information accurately and transparently.

● Consumer Protection. Rules to protect consumers from unfair practices.

Financial-focused industries such as banks and financial advisors have their own set of regulations.

What are the main regulatory agencies?

Businesses operating in the financial sector or dealing with monetary transactions should be aware of several key regulatory agencies. These agencies enforce regulations to ensure market integrity, consumer protection, and financial stability. Here are some of the top financial regulatory agencies in the United States: 1. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC oversees securities markets, protects investors, and enforces securities laws.

2. Federal Reserve (The Fed). As the central bank of the United States, the Fed regulates national monetary policy and supervises banks.

3. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA regulates brokerage firms and exchange markets for market integrity and investor protection.

4. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The OCC monitors national banks and federal savings associations to ensure their safety, soundness, and compliance with laws and regulations.

5. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB ensures consumer protection

in the financial sector, including consumer products and services, and preventing unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.

What resources are available?

● Chamber Memberships. Joining local or international chambers of commerce can provide access to regulatory updates, networking opportunities, and compliance resources.

● Industry Newsletters and Publications. Subscribe to reputable sources like the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and specialized regulatory newsletters (e.g., Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence,

Bloomberg Law).

● Professional Associations. For updates and resources, engage with professional bodies like the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) or the International Compliance Association (ICA).

Tips for businesses

Stay informed and educated

● Regularly monitor updates from regulatory bodies.

● Participate in industry seminars, webinars, and training sessions.

● Subscribe to newsletters and alerts from financial regulatory agencies. Implement robust compliance programs

● Develop a thorough compliance strategy for your business.

● Appoint a dedicated compliance officer or team.

● Regularly review and update compliance policies and procedures. Leverage technology

● Utilize compliance software to track regulatory changes and manage compliance tasks.

● Implement automated systems for KYC and AML processes to reduce manual errors.

● Monitor transactions and detect suspicious activities via analytics.

Conduct regular audits

● Perform internal audits to ensure adherence to compliance requirements.

● Engage external auditors for unbiased assessments.

● Address any identified compliance gaps promptly.

Train employees

● Conduct regular training sessions on compliance topics.

● Ensure employees understand the importance of compliance and their roles in maintaining it.

● Create a culture of compliance.

Staying compliant with financial regulations is an ongoing process that demands vigilance, education, and strategic planning. Businesses, especially those in the financial sector, must understand the regulatory landscape, leverage available resources, and implement robust compliance measures to navigate the complexities effectively.

By staying informed through reliable sources, utilizing technology, and fostering a culture of compliance, organizations can avoid legal pitfalls and build trust and credibility with stakeholders. As regulations continue to evolve, proactive engagement and adaptation will be critical to maintaining financial integrity and stability in the long term.

zations

DeSeandra “Seanie” Sheppheard (l) and Nisha Taylor Photo by Alexzia Shobe

Photo by tinydevil via 123RF

Arts & Culture

seangarrison presents: Blak Grit, an art exhibition

By Angel Akurienne Contributing Writer

Seven artists, seven vibes, and one soul are on display at Blak Grit, an art exhibition curated by seangarrison at Northrup King Building, Gallery 332 that had its opening August 9.

A year in the making, abstract artist and curator seangarrison envisioned the exhibit that uplifts seven distinct Black male artists local to the Twin Cities, all with similar “art attitudes.” The featured artists include “visual jazz” projectionist Miko Simmons; afrofuturism aficionado Ron Brown; human spirit capturer Flahn Manly; sculptor, painter and chef Shea Maze; emerging multidisciplinary artist Dio; and veteran “analog collage” artist A Drew Hammond.

Before you reach Gallery 332, signs of trigger warnings

guide the way to prep patrons for the moving mixed media experience. Once inside, a wonderland of artwork entices folks to embark on a gritty journey. Chalk outlines lead to the back corner filled with projec-

the

tions of images and epitaphs in motion over jaw-dropping works done by Miko Simmons.

While the direction of the faces displayed in the main room lead the way, some pieces require 3D glasses (provided) to make already alive works leap off the canvas. Expansive portraits by Flahn Manly are hung throughout. His works showcase the spirits of Black folks and captivate viewers to take in the fullness.

Dio’s works expand a wide range of topics, all raw in expression. The impulse for pieces like “Murda Musik (Killin Beef)” might be to look away; however, it demands the viewer look even deeper and interrogate themselves and the statements reflected within the art. Shea Maze’s unique sculptures are each intricately made of gourds using natural pigments after a two-year drying process. Ron Brown’s bold take on the ancestors and America through an afrofuturistic lens and Drew Hammond’s contemplative collages conjure contemplations of both past and present.

The gallery flows through

the complex ranges of Blackness by way of the complexity of each artist. Whether abstract, visceral or sculpted, the space is set up intentionally to guide folks through the exhibition. A story is told at and through each piece.

“A lot of the work [propels you] from love to heaviness,” seangarrison noted. “The set up of the space was necessary— there isn’t a centered piece because we all sing the same song. Everybody grabbed a different instrument. If one person was out of tune, it doesn’t work.”

Don’t get it twisted; these brothers may be in tune, but they have their own voices and are not speaking on or for one collective experience. As stated on the exhibition’s webpage:

“We are not a monolith. Ain’t no group thought here. We are on seven different frequencies when combined to compose a unified sound of grit. The kind that fortifies our backbones when faced with the adversities of america; moving us to create beauty, joy, hope, love, and most definitely truth.”

Far from a monolith, seangarrison was intentional about the types of artists selected and how it impacts the exhibit.

“How do I deal with colorism?…

The collective of men span color and age range,” seangarrison affirmed. “We all got different viewpoints just being Black.”

Asked about the meaning of “Blak Grit,” seangarrison stated, “It takes a certain amount of audacity or nerve to be Black and still smile and be super dope.”

He is no stranger to audacity.

The abstract artist has been at this for decades starting as a writer 38 years ago and serving as a visual artist “with intent” for the last 12 years. “I’d rather do art 27 hours throughout the day than 27 seconds doing anything else,” he boasted.

A staple in the Twin Cities art scene, seangarrison received national attention for his piece “Walking on Air” created in response to the Chauvin trial back in 2021. Now, he showcases another standout piece he hopes will wake folks up, one that is impossible to miss upon entering the exhibit.

“The bullet is a modern day

noose,” he proposed. “Our bodies are a vehicle—we go on forever.” Constellations map the sculpted piece “They Are Still With Us” the artist designated as a tribute to Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman and mother who was murdered by a white officer in her home on July 6, 2024. It’s a tribute meant to be seen more than described, a piece meant to elicit a response, reaction, and/ or change.

Art as a vehicle for change is something artist A Drew Hammond fully believes in. A true master of mixed media collages, Hammond said, “Not only is it my responsibility as an artist to participate in exhibitions that help us denounce and dispel the marginalization of African American arts, it’s also my privilege to be in a space with African American artists who I respect and exhibit with over the years. [Also] there is something about being called to arts by artist and curator seangarrison. It’s an offer you just can’t refuse.”

For these seven artists, art is a call to action, an amplification of their voices. It is meant to stir the soul and imbue the mind. “Art has an impact,” seangarrison emphasized. “I don’t want anyone to leave the space and just think ‘that was cool.’ I want them to leave changed.”

Blak Grit Art Exhibition runs now until August 31 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Northrup King Building Gallery 332, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis. Find out more about the Blak Grit experience and the featured artists at www.seangarrisonartist.com/ blakgritexhibit.

Angel Akurienne welcomes reader comments at angelakurie@gmail.com.

American Ballet Theatre’s first African American ballerina honors her predecessors

By Jannette J. Witmyer

Early in her childhood, Anne Benna Sims, the first African American ballerina to sign a contract with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), wanted to take dance lessons. Still, she had to wait a few years before she was allowed to start.

“My mother said that I could not,” said Sims. “I was five. She said I couldn’t start until age nine because my bones needed to be finished.”

Sims said she progressed quickly once she enrolled in classes at the Long Island Institute of Music in Queens,

N.Y. “My very first class was just running, jumping, hopping, and listening to the music.”

“Then I advanced into my beginning classes and moved right into first position, second position, and all of that,” she shared, referencing beginner ballet technique. Those classes served as the launchpad to her ongoing education in dance.

Sims also had an interest in religious work. After a passing fascination with the habits and rosaries worn by the nuns at her Catholic school, she briefly considered becoming a nun by age 13. However, eventually

her intuition led her to choose a career as a ballerina.

“‘Black ballerina’ is not a profession. It is a description. Therefore, I was a ballerina. I was a Black woman dancing ballet.”

Ironically, by age 14 she had begun taking classes with the American Ballet Theatre School. Growing up in New York allowed her access to a

bounty of performances by what was considered “dance royalty.”

She recalls being taken to see “The Nutcracker” with Suzanne Farrell before she was 10; also seeing “Firebird” with Maria Tallchief, “Prodigal Son” with Patricia Wilde, New York City Ballet, and Arthur Mitchell; and attending a Saturday youth program at Queens College, where she saw “Carmen de Lavallade,” “Martha Graham,” “Alwin Nikolais,” and many others.

“My mom, God bless her soul, was very focused. And she knew I loved dance and wanted to be a ballet dancer,” said Sims. “So, by the time I was 16, I had seen all these incredible dancers and companies. I saw and was exposed to everything, but wanted to do ballet. That was it.

Sims’ mother may have been responsible for most of her exposure, but when she was 13, her sister purchased tickets for them to see a Royal Ballet performance in which her idols, Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, danced in “Giselle.” For her, the experience was a defining moment, which she describes as still being somewhat in awe.

Sims says she was excited to enter an apprenticeship with Harkness Ballet once she graduated high school. However, after studying with the company for a year following her audition, she was told that her pursuit was fruitless.

“David Howard, the director at the time, called me into his

“A group of us left in 1977. When we returned, I worked with Eglevsky and the Puerto Rican Dance Theatre,” she said. “Alfonso did ballet on Broadway, and the thing that was so amazing was that I turned down Alvin Ailey and had no idea where I was going.”

Then, as fate would have it, she joined a friend taking classes at ABT who had hopes of getting in; instead she was the one offered a contract.

office and said, ‘Well, you know, Anne… You will never get a job in this company. You’ll either have to go to Dance Theatre of Harlem or Europe.’”

Sims says she went to the dressing room after that meeting and realized, for the first time while looking in the mirror, that she was the only Black dancer in the room. She refused to be deterred, and when the opportunity arose, she auditioned for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montréal and was accepted. She stayed with the company for a year and, at 19, traveled to Switzerland and joined the Geneva Opera Ballet at the invitation of the company director, Alfonso Catá. He became her mentor and invited her to join the Frankfurt Opera Ballet as a soloist when he became its director. In 1977, she returned to the U.S.

Sims’ first principal role with ABT was in Anthony Tudor’s “Undertow” with Peter Fonseca, and she was a member of its first cast for the New York premiere of Paul Taylor’s “Airs.” The accomplished, former danseuse, who now lives in France, says that she’s not danced in over 40 years and has never been phased by the notion of being “the first Black.”

“One thing has always stuck in my mind: ‘Black ballerina’ is not a profession. It is a description. Therefore, I was a ballerina. I was a Black woman dancing ballet,” she explained.

“For me, the most important thing is my predecessors, as Black women in dance. So, it’s not a question of ballet. It’s a question of the spectrum. My history goes back to Katherine Dunham, who introduced Afro-Cuban dance to America. It goes back to Josephine Baker, a star at the Moulin Rouge.”

This article first ran in the Afro-American. Jannette J. Witmyer is a contributing writer to the Afro-American Newspaper.

Artist and curator seangarrison (left) and “analog collage” artist A Drew Hammond

Photos by Angel Akurienne

Danger Series #4 -

Joy of Innocence” by Miko Simmons

Anne Benna Sims performs as a soloist in “Dark Elegies.” Courtesy of Anthony Tudor

JOIN THE 90TH CELEBRATION!

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As the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder begins its 90th Anniversary year, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication.

Your generous contribution will support our legacy of dedicated community empowerment through journalism and ensure our vital work continues into the future.

As a “$90—for- 90” contributor (non-business), your name will be prominently displayed in our print and digital editions until the week of Aug. 10, 2025. The paper was founded on Aug. 10, 1934.

As a “$90-for-90” contributor (non-business), your name will be prominently displayed in our print and digital editions until the week of Aug. 10 — the date of our founding in 1934.

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Opinion

The critical importance of Black men’s health

By Kenny Hampton

The health and well-being of Black men is a topic of paramount importance that demands our collective attention and action. Black men face significant health disparities that not only affect their individual lives but also have profound impacts on their families, communities, and the broader society.

Addressing these disparities and promoting the health of Black men is not merely a matter of individual well-being; it is a crucial step toward fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

The health disparities faced by Black men are well-documented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black men have higher rates of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease compared to their white counterparts. They are also more likely to die from these conditions.

Additionally, Black men experience higher rates of certain cancers, including prostate and colorectal cancer, and have lower survival rates for these diseases.

These disparities are not solely due to genetic factors but are deeply rooted in social determinants of health, including access to health care, socioeconomic status, education, and environmental factors.

One of the most striking health disparities is the significantly shorter life expectancy of Black men. On average, Black men live about six years less than white men. This gap is a stark reminder of the systemic

inequities that continue to plague our healthcare system.

These inequities are compounded by factors such as racial bias in medical treatment, lack of access to preventive care, and socioeconomic challenges that limit opportunities for healthy lifestyles.

The impact of poor health on Black men extends beyond the individual to the entire community. When Black men are healthy and thriving, their families are stronger and more stable. Children benefit from having healthy, active fathers and role models who can fully participate in their lives. Healthy Black men

The health of Black men is a critical issue that has far-reaching implications for individuals, families and communities.

contribute to the economic stability of their families and communities, as they are better able to work, provide, and participate in community activities.

Moreover, the health of Black men is inextricably linked to the overall health and wellbeing of the Black community. When Black men face significant health challenges, it places a strain on community resources and social structures. Healthcare costs rise, and the burden of care often falls on family members, who may themselves face health challenges and economic hardships.

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By contrast, when Black men are healthy, they can contribute to community resilience, leadership, and economic prosperity.

Promoting the health of Black men requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual and systemic factors. It begins with raising awareness about the importance of preventive care and encouraging regular health screenings.

Education and outreach efforts must be culturally tailored and accessible, addressing the unique needs and concerns of Black men. This includes dispelling myths and misconceptions about health care and promoting positive health behaviors.

Access to quality health care is another critical component. This means not only increasing the availability of healthcare services in underserved communities, but also ensuring that these services are culturally competent and responsive to the needs of Black men.

Healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and address implicit biases that can affect the quality of care. Policies that expand healthcare coverage and reduce economic barriers to accessing care are essential.

Community engagement and support are also vital. Black men need safe spaces where they can discuss their health concerns, share experiences, and receive support. Community organizations, faith-based groups, and social networks play a crucial role in providing this support and fostering a culture of health.

Initiatives such as the African American Male Wellness Walk, which our agency proudly sponsors, create opportunities for Black men to come together, get active, and access health resources in a supportive and empowering environment.

At the African American Male Wellness Agency, we are dedicated to saving Black men’s lives and promoting their health through comprehensive programs and initiatives. Our mission is to eliminate health disparities and improve the quality of life for Black men.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Gus Walz’s joy is a strength, not a weakness

As someone on the autism spectrum, I saw Gus Walz break down [at the Democratic National Convention]. The joy he got out of seeing his dad [Gov. Tim Walz] speaks from his heart to that massive crowd brought out intense emotions in him.

You think that would make everyone happy to see? Nope, not Ann Coulter and many others who mocked him by calling him “weird.”

I grew up in Special Ed. I played adaptive sports and the Special Olympics. I’m proud of that part of me because it got me through one of the most difficult times of my life and it’s part of my story.

I had the pleasure of getting to know so many incredible people that also had disabilities who I competed with and against, who loved life and saw the good in everyone. Because

to many of them, they look for the positive attributes in everyone. Not the negative ones.

That joy Gus expressed, that’s a joy that the people who mocked him will never know. It doesn’t matter how much mon-

strive for and goals we want to accomplish. For so many people I know with rare diseases, physical, and learning disabilities, we face mountains of challenges in life.

That joy Gus expressed, that’s a joy that the people who mocked him will never know.

ey and wealth they acquire. It doesn’t matter how big their status is or even if they get to the very top of where they want to go. The joy that so many people with disabilities experience isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength that improves your life and it’s one we should all envy, not mock.

This isn’t to say everyone with disabilities is happy and those that are happy are happy all the time. We all struggle in life; we all have things we

But we are a resilient and strong people. And we accomplish things that the teachers in Special Ed and doctors that diagnosed us never imagined for us. If only Ann Coulter could experience that joy that Gus expressed.

Chris Juhn

Minneapolis

This commentary was originally posted on Facebook and republished and edited with permission.

Black hair as a battleground

Despite the CROWN Act, natural styles like Michelle Obama’s braids are still policed as school dress code violations.

By Quintessa Williams

During the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama’s stunning braids and Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson’s mighty afro were celebrated nationwide as symbols of Black pride, cultural identity and resistance. Given that the former First Lady once said America wasn’t ready to see a Black woman with anything but straight hair in the White House, their hairstyles symbolize a growing acceptance and recognition of natural hair in political spaces.

However, while Black hairstyles are becoming more accepted in politics, a stark contrast exists in America’s public schools. Black hair may be embraced in some spaces, but it remains heavily policed and criminalized in classrooms.

Hair dress code policies in schools disproportionately affect Black students, leading to higher rates of negative perceptions about their identity, severe psychological effects, and students being shoved into the school-to-prison pipeline.

Just weeks before the DNC, a judge dismissed a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by Darryl George, a Black student in Texas, after it was ruled that he was lawfully punished for wear

ing locs, a hairstyle rooted in African culture and spirituality. The school cited ‘”its dress code”’ as the reason for the suspension.

A national issue for Black students

Savannah Walker, an Andrew Jackson High School senior in Jacksonville, Florida, tells Word In Black that when schools enforce such policies, they are “not only policing hair but identity as well.

thy. This is hurtful, especially for young people like me who are still figuring out their sense of self and identity.”

In 2017, 17-year-old Jenesis Johnson was sent to in-school suspension for wearing her natural afro to school. The school’s dress code mandated that hair be “kept neat and out of the face,” and administrators claimed her afro was a distraction.

A year later in 2018, Faith Fennidy, an 11-year-old from Louisiana, was sent home because her braided hairstyle allegedly violated the school’s dress code. Fennidy’s case garnered national attention and sparked outrage over discriminatory hair policies in schools.

In 2019, Tyler House, a high school wrestler in Kentucky, was forced to cut his locs on the spot or forfeit his match. The referee insisted that his locs were not compliant with the sport’s regulations despite other athletes with similar hairstyles not being asked to make changes. These incidents, and many others like them, highlight the ongoing struggle Black students face in schools across the country.

According to a 2020 report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Black students, who make up only 15% of the U.S. public school student population, account for 45% of all school suspensions related to hair being cited as a dress code violation. In addition, 25% of Black students reported being penalized for wearing their natural hair, compared to just 5% of white students.

Does the CROWN Act protect Black students?

The act first became law in California in 2019 and is designed to ban discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including locs, braids, twists and afros.

In March 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the federal version of the CROWN Act. The Biden Administration voiced its support for the legislation. However, the bill stalled in the Senate, leaving millions nationwide without protection against hair-based discrimination. In states without the CROWN Act, 67% of Black students report experiencing discrimination or bias related to their natural hair in school. However, states with the CROWN Act have seen a 25% decrease in reported incidents of hair discrimination.

Where do we go from here?

In May 2024, Democrats reintroduced the CROWN Act at the federal level. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a leading voice in the fight for the CROWN Act, said, “This is not a partisan issue. The federal government would simply be following the lead of our states. This is an issue of justice. This is an issue of fairness. This isn’t just an issue of ending discrimination that has existed for too long. Enough is enough.”

Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, Savannah Walker’s father, Kadeem Walker, says he believes a potential federal ban on discrimination against Black hair will ensure all students are free to express their cultural hair identity without fear of punishment.

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Through our annual Wellness Walks, health fairs, and community outreach events, we provide free health screenings, educational workshops, and resources to thousands of men. Our programs focus on prevention, early detection, and management of chronic diseases, as well as mental health support and wellness education.

We also advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health and promote equity. By partnering with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, we work to create systemic change that benefits not only

“They’re basically telling us that we as our natural selves are unacceptable and that we must conform to white norms to be seen as respectable and wor-

Black men but also their families and communities. Our efforts are driven by the belief that when Black men are healthy, our entire community thrives. Finally, addressing the social determinants of health is essential for creating lasting change. This includes efforts to improve education, economic opportunities, and housing conditions in Black communities. It also means advocating for policies that address systemic racism

As of 2024, 25 states have passed the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), which protects against hairbased discrimination in workplaces and schools.

and promote equity in all areas of society. When we address these root causes, we create conditions where Black men can achieve optimal health and well-being. In conclusion, the health of Black men is a critical issue that has far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and communities. By addressing health disparities and promoting the well-being of Black men, we can build stronger, more resilient

“We must implement federal protections like the CROWN Act and hold schools accountable for discriminatory dress code policies,” he says. “It will be a giant step in ending these discriminatory practices on natural hair across the nation.”

This commentary is republished with permission from Word on Black.

communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It is a collective responsibility that requires commitment, action, and a vision for a healthier future for all.

Kenny Hampton is the president of the African American Male Wellness Agency, an organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Black men through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

By Ken Foxworth

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it. It’s that we aim too low and reach it.”

—Michelangelo

As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the flood of advertisements selling products your child may not even need. With technology becoming more common in classrooms, traditional supplies like pencils and paper may seem outdated. But while these changes bring new opportunities, they also raise questions about what’s necessary for our children’s success.

After working in schools for over 40 years as a preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and special educational associate, I’ve seen some instrumental factors in a child’s educational development firsthand.

Here are five things you can do to help your child start the school year with a stronger mindset and a better chance at success.

Making back-to-school count: Five ways

1. Show love and support Start each day by kissing or hugging your child. Let them know that you love them and are proud of them. It might seem simple, but many children don’t get the affection they need at home. Research shows that children who receive regular affection from their parents are less likely to develop behavioral problems and more likely to exhibit better emotional health and academic performance. A lack of love can lead to behavioral issues because children act out, hoping to be noticed. Remind them daily that they are loved, valued, and capable of achieving great things.

Start each day by kissing or hugging your child. Let them know that you love them and are proud of them.

2. Empower them with positive affirmations

Encourage your child by consistently reinforcing how

to support your child’s education

gifted, strong and intelligent they are. Positive affirmations help them build a positive selfimage and instill the belief that they can overcome challenges.

Studies have found that children who regularly receive positive affirmations from their parents and teachers are more likely to develop higher self-esteem and better cope with challenges, leading to improved academic outcomes. The more they hear these messages, the more likely they will internalize and act on them.

3. Limit screen time

Consider setting boundaries around phone usage. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged six years and older have consistent limits on the time spent using media, as excessive screen time is linked to poor sleep, obesity, and lower academic performance.

Encourage your child to engage in face-to-face conversations and interactions. This helps them develop critical social skills and ensures they aren’t overly dependent on technology for communication.

A simple hug can work wonders in a child’s outlook and confidence.

4. Seek out after-school programs

Find after-school programs that focus on phonics, writing, and creative thinking. These programs can help reinforce the basics, foster creativity, and give your child a sense of accomplishment outside the regular school day.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, children who participate in after-school programs are more likely to improve in reading and math and less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Look for programs

Early literacy is an educational priority

By Dr. Marina Merrill

Children who fail to achieve reading proficiency by grade three are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Thus, early literacy is an educational priority and an equity issue, as it can help mitigate the effects of poverty and systemic inequities.

In 2023, the Oregon legislature launched the Early Literacy Success Initiative to help all students learn to read, as only 46% of students read proficiently by the end of grade three. To support the initiative, the Children’s Institute (CI) partnered with the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest (REL Northwest) to compile accessible, evidence-based resources to support this effort and strengthen literacy practices for young children. Why focus on birth to grade three? Early experiences shape the foundation for all future learning, with critical brain development occurring before age five.

When young children develop strong language skills early

on, they are better equipped to engage in learning and succeed academically. REL Northwest compiled vetted resources to support early literacy from birth to age three and preschool to grade three. These resources include interactive reading apps, early literacy games, and parentchild reading guides. Educators and parents can integrate these strategies into home visiting programs, early intervention services, and communitybased programs. For older children in preschool and elementary school

When young children develop strong language skills early on, they are better equipped to engage in learning and succeed academically.

settings, the resources include guided reading materials, phonics-based learning tools, and literacy assessment guides.

For example, “How Parents and Families Support Oral Language and Vocabulary” provides research-based strategies, example texts, and reallife vignettes that parents and families can use to develop oral language skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including those from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Another resource, “A Kindergarten Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Family Involve-

ment in Foundational Reading Skills,” helps teachers support families in practicing foundational reading skills at home as a companion to the recommendations for classroom instruction. These resources address the unique needs and challenges faced by students, including students from lowincome families, English learner students, and students with disabilities.

Children’s Institute published these resources on a custom web page designed for families, caregivers, practitioners and policymakers to access and use practices linked to improving student outcomes. The resources are presented in a user-friendly format with clear instructions and explanations.

The shift toward identifying literacy skills on the zeroto-grade-three continuum reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education. This approach aligns with national trends and funding opportunities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive early literacy

Photo/Prexels

that also teach practical life skills such as financial literacy, which can benefit your child and your family.

5. Rebuild programs that connect us around our children

Strengthen the relationship between parents, teachers, and the community. Organizations like the PTA played a key role in the past, but today, many parents only visit schools when there’s a problem.

Research from the Harvard Family Research Project shows that increased parental

strategies. By thinking beyond the traditional PreK–3 continuum, Oregon is positioning itself as a leader in early childhood education reform.

The infusion of state funding into early literacy initiatives, particularly the Early Literacy Success Initiative, opens new possibilities. By leveraging this funding, educators and policymakers can adopt and integrate these tools and strategies into their existing frameworks, ensuring that every child in Oregon can develop strong literacy skills from the earliest age.

By creating a more equitable education system that empowers all children to reach their full potential, this initiative aims to improve early literacy and foster a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to the future of our children and our communities.

Lessons learned can or should inform efforts throughout the country and inspire action on early literacy.

REL Northwest plays a crucial role in building the capacity of education stakeholders across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington and helping state and district lead-

involvement in school activities is associated with higher academic achievement, better attendance, and improved behavior at school. Creating programs that encourage positive interactions and partnerships between families and educators is crucial.

Consider programs involving parents in school activities, such as community events or after-school programs that provide educational opportunities and meals. Investing in these connections can build a stronger, more supportive community for our children.

These steps might be challenging, but they are a start. By taking action, we can create a wealth of new opportunities and positive outcomes for our children and communities. If we can inspire just one child to pursue higher education or technical training and give back to their community, we can change the world.

Ken Foxworth is a longtime educator specializing in early and special education. He welcomes reader responses to kennethfoxworth568@gmail.com.

ers use data and evidence for informed decision-making. REL Northwest conducts applied research and provides training and technical support to state and local education agencies and community organization partners in the region. Children’s Institute, a nonprofit organization, focuses on improving the lives of children from prenatal to fifth grade in Oregon, especially those facing systemic barriers like poverty, racial inequities, disabilities, or rural areas. CI’s work focuses on shaping state early childhood policy related to early learning and healthy development and working with schools and districts to strengthen teaching practices in preschool through fifth grade with its Early School Success initiative. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including families, educators, regional leaders, policymakers, and health organizations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to early childhood education.

An NNPA Newswire story. Dr. Marina Merrill is the director of research and strategy at the Children’s Institute.

Image by Freepik

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BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST

IT Company (Minnetonka, MN) seeks Business Systems Analyst to utilize statistical and data analysis to implement security procedures, techniques, and remediation plans. Develop and maintain queries, reports, and metrics, to provide customized information for users to make business decisions. Perform quality assurance and user acceptance testing for new developments meant to close security vulnerabilities in systems. Conduct reviews of existing procedures (business and technical processes) to improve protections across the company. Drive change and process improvements through metrics and analytics that will improve efficiencies and enable cost reductions. Send resumes to: HRD, Maritz Consulting (d/b/a Ledelsea), 12800 Whitewater Drive, Suite 40, Minnetonka, MN 55343 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder August 29, 2024

Principal IT Developer for Medtronic, Inc. at its facilities, Minneapolis, MN.

Duties: Responsible for working with developers to build data models and create specifications to build ETL mappings with transformations while guiding them through the process and assume ownership for completion from development through deployment. Requirements: Masters’ Degree in Computer Science or related IT field. Experience must include four (4) years of post-bachelor’s progressive experience in all of the following: Analyzing, recommending, designing, and modifying data and analytics programs for internal functional areas on design solutions; Utilizing ETL tools to include: Informatica Power Center, Metadata Manager, DBT, Informatica Cloud, RDBMS (Oracle, DB2, MS-SQL, SAPHANA), Tivoli and Airflow; Reporting tools to include SAP Business Objects, Desktop Intelligence and Web Intelligence, Tableau, Power BI) in support of development based on business model design and source data; Programming languages to include JAVA, and Python, and coding techniques necessary to improve performance; Computer systems: IDQ, UNIX, Azure Cloud, CosmosDB, SQL Server, MS SQL Server Studio, Visual Studio/Git version Control, AWS, DevOps, JSON files, XML files, Informatica MDM, Enterprise Data Catalog, Snowflake, Axon, Alteryx, Informatica Cloud, REST API. Position is open to telecommuting from anywhere in the United States. Multiple positions available. To apply, visit https://medtronic.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ MedtronicCareers, select Req. #R3914. 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.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder August 29, 2024

SOE

Continued from page 12

said Adebayo.

Both players stress that the team isn’t concerned about the preseason rankings, but rather stays focused on doing well this season.

“I would definitely say Coach does a great job giving us a big picture of what the season should look like,” continued Adebayo. “But at the end of the day, that doesn’t matter if we’re not able to do small things.”

Said Ayeni, “We haven’t talked too much about team goals specifically. [I] focus on the things that I could do to get better every single day, knowing that winning and the results and the championships will be a by-product

Continued from page 12

it comes to social media.”

As a result, Logan-Redding created images for the car dealer through his photography and videography, “not only for myself, but I was doing it for them.”

Right now some of his photography is hanging in Minnesota Defensive Line Coach Winston DeLattiboudere III’s office.

Logan-Redding also took a photography class and had to complete a photo project: “I took the project and thought of it like a photography book,” he explained. “I already thought of a project that I wanted to do for my own portfolio. I called it “The Dinkytown Chronicles.”

Through his lens, he documented “what life is in Dinkytown, what I see Dinkytown being like, the state of what it is going through… We got construction everywhere. You see streets closed off. You see traffic being diverted. “It was a lot of time lapsing [photography] during the daytime, and then shifted to the nighttime to see the light rail run, see the liquor

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from that. I think the main goal is just…what I can do to improve.”

Adebayo is a computer science and business major. Ayeni is majoring in elementary education with a minor in theology. The two players are team leaders, noted Caruso. “I’m just grateful. I’m blessed,” said the coach.

“Even though football is amazing, I love my teammates and I love Coach Caruso and all the other coaches,” concluded Adebayo. “My life is not all about football, and I think I think Coach Caruso has done a great job of allowing us to understand that and see that on a different level, no matter how the season goes.”

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

stores around here, people moving around, and people being outside,” he said. “I did that in the spring of this year,” Logan-Redding said proudly. He also embarked on a second project using a drone.

“I think drone shots make things a lot more unconventional,” he said. We did get around to talk about football. What brought him to Minnesota?

“Coach [P.J.] Fleck was the only head coach to visit me at my high school… He truly meant what he said. I was super excited. This is a program that’s about me. It fits me.”

Logan-Redding says he is determined to play pro football. But first the three-time Academic All-Big Ten (2021, 2022, 2023) player is working hard to help Minnesota be successful on the field this season, his last as a collegiate.

Minnesota opens its 2024 season August 29 at home against North Carolina. But besides football, he pretty much has his post-college life mapped out: “I want to be a multi-businessman.”

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

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UMES

Continued from page 12

September 4. Their non-conference slate also includes Rutgers (September 20), Radford (September 21) and Old Dominion (September 21).

“I’m really excited to get our newcomers in and ad-

justed with the returners,” said Coach Faircloth. “We had a great season last year, so we’re looking to have a really good year. We’re going to put on a show because we want our stands packed.”

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

PREP

Continued from page 12

per carry while scoring four touchdowns in 2023. The Eagles finished with an 11-1 record while making it to the Class 6A semifinals.

Ke’Tavion Colton (Minneapolis Camden)—The 5’11” senior rushed for 638 yards with 7.0 yards per carry and six touchdowns, leading the Patriots to a 7-2 record and top seed in the Section 4AAAA playoffs. They made it to the semifinals.

Randy Kweyete (Park Center)—The 6’2” 170-pound senior safety had 27 tackles and one interception as a junior. One of the metro area’s best. Khalif Brown (Benilde St. Margaret’s)—The 6’1” 190-pound senior receiver caught 70 passes for 1,047 yards as a junior. The North Dakota State University commit also averaged 15 yards per catch and had eight touchdowns. Football is back!

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

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder August 29 & September 5, 2024

Ranyla Griggs Photos courtesy of Maryland Eastern Shore

Fall football is up and running

Prep football is back. Here’s who to watch

t’s that time of the year.

The prep football season is here. Here are eight outstanding student athletes to watch with some of their 2023 accomplishments.

Allan Lankfard Jr. (St. Paul Central)—The 6’1” 200-pound senior has been one of the metro area’s top players ever since his freshman year. He led the offense while playing quarterback and the defense at strong safety. Behind his leadership, the Minutemen finished with a 5-1 (7-3 overall) record in the North Star Twin Cities Division.

Emmanuel Karma (Robbinsdale Cooper)—The University of Minnesota commit recorded 48 tackles, including 10 for losses in 2023 for the Hawks. He played a vital role in Cooper’s 7-3 record.

Jmarion Sanders (Minneapolis North)—The 5’9” 180-pound junior receiver had quite the sophomore season while helping the Polars qualify for the Class 3A state playoffs last season. He caught 61 passes for 701 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 11.5 yards per carry. North finished with a 9-2 record.

Abu Tarawallie (Heritage Christian Academy)—The 6’3” 275-pound senior defensive lineman is the state’s secondranked player who has committed to play for the University of Minnesota.

Elijah Rumph (Eden Prairie senior)—The 6’1” 200-pound senior running back rushed for 794 yards averaging 5.8

St. Thomas seniors are friends, roommates, team leaders

he University of St. Thomas officially kicks off the 2024 football season August 29 as the Tommies host Sioux Falls. It is the school’s first night game of the Division I era at O’Shaughnessy Stadium in St. Paul.

“Just the opportunity to grow with one another and live in similar lives… It’s very helpful.”

The team in July was picked by the Pioneer Football League (PFL) coaches to finish second in the conference. UST won the conference in 2022 and finished second in 2023, falling

do admire photographers because of their canny ability to capture a moment in time with pictures. This is what Jalen Logan-Redding has self-taught himself to be—a photographer, first on a small camera, then upgraded to a better one.

Logan-Redding is a fifthyear senior defensive lineman at Minnesota. His plans include playing one day in the NFL. But on a hot, sunny August day after practice, he and I talked more about taking pictures than taking down ball carriers and quarterbacks.

“I believe I should be doing [photography] not only to help me and my family, but to build more skills so that I could be marketable,” the 6’4” player

just short as they entered the final weekend of last season in their hunt for a consecutive crown.

“I think the biggest storyline is, that is our first class of Division I guys who are now in their senior year,” Tommies HC Glenn Caruso told reporters, including the MSR, during media day earlier this month. Caruso is starting his 17th year as head coach.

Hope Adebayo (Inter Grove Heights) and David Ayeni (Anoka) are key members of that senior class that Caruso was referring to.

“Hope and I are both part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We led groups together,” stressed Ayeni, a 2023 PFL Academic Honor Roll member. The senior linebacker had 24 tackles and appeared in 11 games in 2023.

“We have been friends for four years now,” added Ade-

bayo, a two-time PFL preseason first teamer (2023, 2024) and a 2023 Academic Honor Roll member as well. The senior running back led UST in 2023 with 10 rushing TDs, including three multi-touchdown

games. The two also have been roommates since both arrived at St. Thomas.

“Just the opportunity to grow with one another and live in similar lives… It’s very helpful,”

Gopher senior lineman sees

in his future

from Columbia, MO pointed out. A couple of years ago “I just started shooting. Got ex-

perimental with it… Now I’m really heavy into it. “I’m very visual,” he admitted.

interview with Faircloth and Griggs, UMES was tagged for fourth in the MEAC. Griggs was selected preseason all MEAC.

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

nlike most HBCUs around the country, where football and the school’s marching band is the top dawg on campus each fall, this is not the case at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), where women’s volleyball instead is queen.

“I think here at UMES we’re a little bit different than some other HBCUs,” Hawks Coach Vanessa Faircloth told the MSR prior to the start of the season. “We actually do not have football. So, we are the fall sport.

“We’re really big about energy. So, anyone who comes in our gym for a volleyball game usually recognizes pretty quick that [volleyball] games are usually more hype at UMES than some of our basketball

games.

“We bring in a big crowd,” noted the second year head coach. “Our cheerleaders come in. Our band comes in. We have a full production.”

“We feed off our fans for energy,” concurred senior outside header Ranyla Griggs. “When it comes to our fans, they take volleyball games seriously. [I] like the love and support we hear from the stands.”

Faircloth was hired at UMES in June 2023 after two seasons as head coach at Chowan University. She inherited a program that had only six wins in two seasons, and in her first season she led the Hawks to a 16-12 overall record and 8-6 in MEAC play, as well as a first-round win in the MEAC tournament.

When the league preseason poll came out earlier this month and after our phone

Griggs (Atlanta, GA) led the Hawks last season with 303 kills and a team high 2.83 kills per set that ranked eighth in the conference. Twice she was player of the week during the season and recorded a seasonhigh 21 kills against Howard, which was picked to finish first this season.

“We

At 5’8” Griggs is considered undersized for middle hitter. “I was always told I wouldn’t be able to go Division I because I was shorter than most hitters in my position,” she recalled.

“That was very discouraging.

“When I finally got into the recruiting process [I] realized that HBCUs have girls that are a lot shorter or just more ath-

“There’s a lot of things I think I would be very interested in— production and directing, photography and videography, and all the stuff that comes into directing, producing and content creation—this is very inspiring to me because I’m truly passionate about it. I plan on starting my own photography business,” said Logan-Redding.

“There’s a lot of things I think I would be very interested in.”

A recent internship at a local automotive dealer served two purposes for Logan-Redding.

“I was really interested in the automotive field, and I plan on owning my own business related to that,” he continued. “They needed some help when

letic,” continued Griggs, who found her fit at UMES.

“I feel like I’ve always had the best of both worlds,” she continued. “My high school team was all Black, and my club team was majority [Black]. Coming into college, it was actually real comfortable and nice to see that it’s always going to be diverse, and I love to see how it’s expanding elsewhere outside of HBCUs. Even at some of these PWIs, there’s a lot of Black girls dominating the sport.

“I love to see that… It means a lot,” said Griggs, a criminal justice major. There are 11 new players on the 2024 roster from seven different states (Maryland, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Virginia, New York and California). Ten are freshmen and one transferred through the transfer portal.

Griggs is one of four seniors on the Hawks this season.

UMES opens the 2024 season August 30 and 31 at Mercyhurst University, then Mercer University on

Allan Lankfard Jr. (St. Paul Central) Courtesy prepredzone.com

David Ayeni (l) and Hope Adebayo

Photo by Charles Hallman

Jalen Logan-Redding

Photo by Charles Hallman

Coach Vanessa Faircloth talks with player