MN Spokeman-Recorder - Sept. 12, 2024 by MN Spokesman Recorder

St. Paul Public Schools works to address truancy

By Al Brown Assignment Editor

n recent years, St. Paul Public Schools have faced a daunting challenge: addressing the growing issue of chronic absenteeism among its student population. As data reveals from the Minnesota Department of Education, more than 30% of students in

Minnesota have been chronically absent, missing over 10% of the school year. These statistics are even more troubling within specific cultural groups in the district, where Native American, Pacific Islander, and African American students have been missing significant chunks of their education, with some absent up to 30 days of the school year. Despite these

Bernadette Anderson to receive posthumous honor Street to be named Bernadette Anderson Way

By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer

he legendary Bernadette Anderson—affectionately known as “Bernie” and “Momma Bernadette” and considered by some “the mother of The Minneapolis Sound”—will receive welldeserved recognition for her profound contributions to the Minneapolis community. The city will officially rename a portion of Russell Avenue North as Bernadette Anderson Way, a significant tribute to her legacy. On Friday, September 13, from 3 to 8 p.m., the Anderson

family will host a commemorative street-naming ceremony and block party to honor Bernadette’s life and legacy. Speakers include Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Spike Moss. The celebration will feature an “Old School” musical jam session featuring local artists Andre Cymone and Sue Ann Carwell. This event is inspired by the decades of dedication Anderson devoted to the well-being of youth in North Minneapolis. Her life of service was grounded in her commitment to eliminating racial disparities. She brazenly called out injustice, drawing on her personal

alarming numbers, school leaders like Licensed School Counselor Mitchell White and Assistant Superintendent Adam Kutz are determined to turn the tide on truancy. Kutz emphasizes the gravity of missing such a substantial number of school days, explaining, “I mean, missing that many days is significant. There are only 174 school days in a

year. So it’s very significant.” While not solely blaming COVID-19, Kutz identifies the pandemic as a pivotal turning point that exacerbated the downward trend in attendance. Yet, he acknowledges the progress made, noting, “The district has seen improvement in attendance despite those numbers among the mentioned cultural

■ See TRUANCY on page 5

experience as a Black woman and mother in Minneapolis, witnessing racial inequities in education, housing, employment, and health care.

Throughout her journey, Anderson marched, protested, and prayed on the front lines. She also served on several

Twin Cities Exclusive Showing: Paris Three

By Al Brown Assignment Editor

n the heart of the American South, where whispers of change were growing louder, three brave young girls etched their names into the annals of history with an act of defiance at a bus station diner in Paris, Ky. It was 1961, and the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. The struggle for equality was shaking the foundations of segregation. Remember that this was seven years after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education ruling in 1954, which set in motion the end of school segregation in America. Yet Paris, Ky, like many places, was emblematic of the era’s deep-rooted racial divides. Located in a bustling city in the South, it was an establishment that exemplified the societal norms of the time, where segregation dictated that its tables were reserved solely for white patrons. In this environment, Weida

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Beloved actor James Earl Jones dies at 93

By Stacy M. Brown

ames Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic characters in film history, passed away today at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93. His representatives at Independent Artist Group first confirmed the actor’s death to Deadline. Over a remarkable career that spanned six decades, Jones earned an indelible place in both Hollywood and Broadway. He became one of only a few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Jones’s acting career began on the stage and in film with his breakout role in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove (1964). His powerful on-screen presence led to roles in a variety of acclaimed films, including Conan the Barbarian (1982), Coming to America (1988), The Hunt for Red October (1990), and The Sandlot (1990). He earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope (1970), a role that also won him his first Tony Award.

He became one of only a few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Best known to many as the commanding voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars, Jones brought depth and gravitas to the villainous character, making him one of cinema’s most unforgettable antagonists. He reprised the role in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), further cementing his legacy in the galaxy far, far away.

Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones’s contributions to the arts extended far beyond Star Wars. He voiced the beloved character Mufasa in Disney’s animated classic The Lion King (1994) and again in the 2019 live-action remake. His unmistakable voice was also a signature of CNN’s “This is CNN” campaign.

On Broadway, Jones was a force to be reckoned with. He earned four Tony nominations and took home two wins for The Great White Hope in 1969 and August Wilson’s Fences in 1987. His contribution to the stage was celebrated with a Special Tony Award in 2017.

Jones’s talents were equally recognized on television, where he won two Primetime Emmys in 1991 for Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave. His voice and presence on-screen were magnetic, a testament to his versatility as an actor who could excel in drama, comedy, and everything in between.

A recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, Jones’s lifetime of achievements earned him accolades from SAG-AFTRA and the National Board of Review and a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording in 1977.

Stacy Brown is an NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent.

Photo by Stuart Crawford

■ See ANDERSON on page 5

Inclusivity is the Girl Scout Way

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

LEARN MORE

Photos courtesy of Girl Scouts River Valleys

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Health

Making dentistry accessible, affordable, and free of fear

By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer

Dr. Quint Lester is a dentist motivated by his strong Christian faith. “My logo is an illuminated tooth. My practice is my way of bringing light into the world. My ministry, if you will, is giving people the ability to shine with their smile to make this world brighter,” he said.

Lester has purchased Hilltop Dental Clinic at 50 County Road B East in Maplewood. Starting September 9, Twin Cities residents will have access to this dental practice owned and operated by a Black dentist.

“I want to be a beacon and a place of refuge, especially for those who have had a bad experience with dentistry,” Dr. Lester said. “I’m excited to provide a safe space for patients to receive comprehensive and compassionate oral care.”

Lester will lead a team of seven at the east metro office, which includes a dental hy-

gienist, three dental assistants, and office staff. He said he is especially eager to work with patients who fear dentists.

“Fear stems from a bad experience. Dental school teaches procedures but doesn’t do a very good job speaking to the fact that patients come with their own experiences, cultural beliefs, and traditions,” he said.

munity has a distrust of healthcare providers, especially when we don’t have providers that look like us and have the same experience and background. There’s a lack of mutual understanding,” Lester said.

Black Americans are disproportionately plagued with dental and oral health con-

“The African American community has a distrust of healthcare providers, especially when we don’t have providers that look like us.”

According to the American Dental Association, a mere 3.8% of dentists in the U.S. are Black. In Minnesota, that figure is even lower. The 2019 Minnesota Dental Workforce report by the Minnesota Department of Health found that 1% of Minnesota’s dentists are “Black or African American.”

“The African American com-

cerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that periodontal disease is higher in African Americans, and that African Americans experience untreated tooth decay nearly twice as often as white Americans.

“People are thought to be in control of their teeth. If they don’t brush or floss and eat junk, they have a bad outcome.

Dentists can be very judgmental about how a patient presents,” he said. “That doesn’t open the door for good oral health care. That’s not my approach.”

Lester was born and raised in central Georgia. He is the oldest of six children, and he was a standout athlete, playing football and running track. He was still in high school when he shadowed a relative who was a dentist and observed his “pure, selfless acts of care” afforded to patients that made him “fall in love” with dentistry.

After graduating from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville in 2018, Lester completed a residency at a community health clinic. He found he enjoyed working with patients with dental anxiety. His “favorite patient” was a woman who had not been in the dentist’s chair in 30 years.

“Dentistry is an intimate field; I was able to build rapport and eliminate her fear,” he re-

called. “I’ve been blessed with many patients like that. They tell me, ‘I hate the dentist, but I don’t hate you.’”

After his residency, Lester was recruited to Minnesota, a place he “couldn’t have found on a map.” He moved to Brooklyn Park with his wife Saida and four children, and five years later, they settled into life in the Twin Cities. The southern family has taken up snowboarding, learned to embrace winter, and found a church home at Fellowship Missionary Baptist

Church in Minneapolis.

Lester’s goal in purchasing the Hilltop Dental practice is to make dentistry accessible and affordable for families. He plans to accept state insurance and those without insurance as patients.

For information and appointments with Dr Lester, go to www. hilltopdental.com or call 651488-2541.

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

Hennepin County’s response to the opioid crisis has been robust

Sponsored by

By Al Brown Assignment Editor

Hennepin County has been grappling with an unprecedented opioid crisis, marked by a surge in addiction-related overdoses and misuse of prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The sobering statistics from 2022 reported by the county indicate 377 opioidrelated deaths, highlighting the critical need for decisive action and effective solutions.

Since 2012, opioid misuse in the U.S. has steadily escalated to proportions that could no longer be ignored, pushing Hennepin County into a muchneeded public health response.

As a result, the county has embarked on a comprehensive and proactive campaign to combat this crisis, framed around a multifaceted fourpronged approach: prevention, response, treatment and recovery, and eliminating disparities.

Prevention: building a foundation of awareness and best practices

Prevention efforts anchor Hennepin County’s strategy against opioids. A critical element of this approach is creating an opioid data collection and sharing tool, enabling monitoring and analyzing trends to inform community interventions. Additionally, the county is pushing healthcare providers towards adopting best-practice prescribing guidelines, helping ensure that prescription medications are dispensed responsibly and effectively.

Community education takes center stage, with initiatives to promote the safe storage of medications and encourage environmentally sound disposal practices. These steps are pivotal in reducing the instances of prescription drugs being misused or falling into the wrong hands.

2012,

Response: readiness to act in a crisis

The response component is squarely focused on immediate action in times of crisis. The county is dedicated to ensuring that all first responders, necessary county employees, and targeted stakeholders are proficiently trained in administering Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. This life-saving medication has become a critical tool in reversing the effects of opioid overdoses.

Moreover, Hennepin County supports two county-operated safe syringe services and Naloxone distribution points. These services not only provide immediate life-saving interventions, but also serve as points of contact for individuals seeking help and resources for substance use issues.

To further empower the community, Hennepin County hosts regular Naloxone training sessions. These public trainings offer crucial, hands-on guidance for administering Naloxone, helping citizens become first responders. Interested individuals can attend one of many training sessions scheduled throughout September.

Visit Hennepin County at Hennepin.us/opioid for a comprehensive list of naloxone train-

ing dates, locations, and other available services, such as medication and sharps disposal and treatment and recovery weekly meetings.

Treatment and recovery: A pathway to healing

Treatment and recovery are essential facets of Hennepin County’s framework, aiming to provide robust support systems for individuals striving to overcome addiction. The county collaborates with local healthcare providers and organizations to ensure that both the accessibility and quality of care meet the needs of those affected by opioid misuse.

Eliminating disparities: an inclusive approach

Finally, the county recognizes the importance of equity in its fight against the opioid epidemic. Efforts are underway to ensure that all populations, regardless of socioeconomic status or background, have equal access to preventative measures, effective treatments, and recovery support. By addressing systemic disparities, the county seeks to dismantle barriers to care, utilizing a more inclusive public health strategy.

Hennepin County’s multifaceted response to the opioid

crisis reflects not only a robust policy framework but also enlist the spirit of a community united in action and purpose. As the county continues to adapt and respond to the evolving nature of this epidemic, the commitment to saving lives and fostering recovery remains of utmost

a much-needed

importance. Through continued training, resource distribution, and community engagement, Hennepin County is poised to serve as a model for counties nationwide grappling with similar challenges.

The county opioid response involves a large network of part-

ners offering various services. Partners include Red Door Clinic, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Clinic, and Indigenous People’s Task Force, among many others. Al Brown welcomes reader response to abrown@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Dr. Quint Lester

Submitted photo

Since

opioid misuse has steadily escalated to epidemic proportions, pushing Hennepin County into

public health response. Courtesy of Hennepin County

Continued from page 1

groups. We’re not back where we want to be, but things are improving.”

Mitchell White, a veteran school counselor, is particularly proactive, engaging with families directly when students miss excessive days. Reflecting on the core issues related to absenteeism, White said, “I think the root problem is the need for more community engagement and outreach on our part. If you look

statewide, there is a growing problem with attendance in urban sectors. We need to get people engaging with these families and communities.” His frontline role involves addressing absenteeism at the 15-day mark. However, he is aligned with Kutz on the criticality of missing school, asserting, “Missing that many days affects everything—attendance is like the main artery of a student’s educational trajectory. It affects graduation chances—everything.”

The district has implemented initiatives such as the

Student Assistance Matters (SAM) team to combat this issue. Kutz elaborates on the SAM team’s approach: “We communicate with families during different attendance thresholds. They talk about why attendance is so important and why it matters. They meet with students at school and send communication to families.” Despite these efforts, Kutz acknowledges the limitations, stating, “But to me, what do 30 absences or more mean for a student, and most of my career has been in secondary education... but that’s going

ANDERSON

Continued from page 1

boards, including the PTA for the Minneapolis Public School System, where she worked to close the educational opportunity gap for Black students. Along with her passion for fighting for equality, Anderson held the care of youth close to her heart. For over 22 years, she worked at the Ruth Hawkins YMCA, where she focused on empowering children through initiatives and programs she developed, such as Bernadette’s, a teen club that

PARIS THREE

Continued from page 1

Allen,14, Augustine Fields,14, and Margaret Nichols, 16—a trio of spirited Black teenagers—stepped, armed with nothing more than their unwavering courage and a thirst for equality.

That amazing story told through film will be shown at the Colin Powell Center, 2924 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, on Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.

What happened in Paris?

On a brisk autumn afternoon in March, 1961, following a school basketball game, the trio entered the Greyhound Bus Station, which also served as a diner, with a singular, bold purpose: to demand the same right afforded to white patrons—the right to enjoy a meal without prejudice. As they sat at the coun-

incentivized academically successful youth with leisure and creative programs. Beyond that, Anderson worked at the Minneapolis Ur-

ban League Street Academy, where she coordinated the lunch program and served as a mentor to numerous individuals, a role that underscored her impact on the community. She was also president of the Guild, an auxiliary arm of the Urban League that raised money for youth.

Jellybean Johnson, founder of the Minneapolis Sound Museum, was one of the many adolescents impacted by Anderson back in the day. He confided, “I looked at this woman as a mother figure. I want to say I think I called her Mom as that was what she was to us all, the neighborhood mom. That was the only way I saw her. She was

“When I first heard the story, I looked at my grandmother and said, ‘Wow, this sounds pretty awesome. And then I realized that one of those ladies was my grandmother.”

ter, conversations hushed and eyes turned, simultaneously shocked and expectant of the confrontation to follow.

The café worker, reflecting the attitudes of the time, instructed them to leave. But the girls, driven by the clarity of their convictions, refused. Their quiet yet resolute defiance spoke volumes, echoing the chants for justice sung by many nationwide.

The patrons watched as the tension in the diner reached a boiling point, and soon, the police were called. The girls all then went home and were

later arrested by police for allegedly “attacking” a white woman at the diner, an accusation that was later proven to be false.

This incident, while a small section in the vast canvas of the Civil Rights Movement, resonated with activists locally and nationally. Their act of defiance became a catalyst for further demonstrations throughout the city, inspiring not just the residents but also young people across America to stand firm against the tide of racial segregation.

Karrie Claybrook, the

to mean an increased risk of not passing those classes and leads to not on-time graduation.”

When questioned about potential solutions and whether earlier intervention is feasible, Kutz explained, “Sure, we flag them daily. Every time a student is absent, a family gets a phone call or a text message, whichever is the family’s preferred method of contact.”

White sees cultural representation as a critical factor in addressing attendance issues, suggesting, “I think that hiring folks that look like these families, making culture a strength in the process would make a big difference.” He advocates for a broader, community-focused approach, emphasizing, “We can get into who’s more at fault all day. Nevertheless, the work needs to be done. We must reach these families; otherwise, these children will continue to fall through society’s social and educational cracks.”

Two sportswriters for the MSR, who work extensively with students, weigh in on the truancy issue. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, a coach and teacher at St. Paul Johnson, believes the problem lies with schools.

“I think the schools need to be made more interesting. We

need to learn what truly excites these today’s kids that will keep them in school.”

Charles Hallman, who coaches at Minneapolis South High, believes parents can do more. “I say it’s not about a more exciting school environment, but more parental accountability. Parents leave early in the morning without bonding or encouraging their children, as it happened when we were youth.

“The times are different, and some parents are forced to leave early, but the kids are left to fend for themselves. And when the parent is not there to enforce them going to school—many choose to ditch

“Her philosophy stuck with me and the other kids. You know you gotta finish what you start.”

the one person supporting all the neighborhood musicians around the North Side, and within her block on Russell and a few more blocks radius, she was the birthplace of the Minneapolis Sound without a doubt.”

Although many people may rightfully remember her for her contributions to the music scene in Minneapolis, her true legacy is that of a woman who under-

granddaughter of Weida Allen, explained how she felt when she first heard the story of the Paris Three. “In Paris, Ky, they have a reunion for Western High School, which was the black school in Paris in 1961,” she said. “I was immediately moved by their courage and knew how important it would be for others to hear their story. And then I realized that one of those ladies was my grandmother.”

Claybrook continued, “Not just because of the courage they displayed, but because this story was just one of many that too often go untold. My hope is that we might honor their sacrifice with our actions today. I’m so excited to have partnered with Studio 180 and Story Front Pictures to bring this story to life.”

Young girls faced the courts of injustice

As they stood in court, the three girls remained com-

stood kids and did her part to ensure they got the chance to live up to their potential. The MSR asked Andre Cymone about his mother’s impact on the community. He shared, “The open-door policy that she had. She allowed me to bring a lot of friends in. Some people would come from all over the neighborhood, a lot of kids that didn’t

posed, their presence alone sending a powerful message of resistance and hope. Their legal battle, while arduous, amplified the voices calling for change and renewal of American ideals where freedom and equality were not determined by the color of one’s skin but by the content of their character.

The arrest of these young girls ignited attention. The incident forced the town to confront the realities of segregation. Their actions also led to a boycott of downtown Paris, which led to the first Black cashier being hired in the city’s history.

Their story didn’t end there.

Each of these young women continued to contribute to the movement. They became educators, activists and storytellers, ensuring the narratives of their struggle and triumph were passed on to future generations. The Paris Greyhound diner sit-in was just one mo-

school,” expressed Hallman. White and Kutz remain committed to improving St. Paul Public Schools attendance rates. Their focus on community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and proactive intervention highlights a multi-faceted strategy crucial in addressing chronic absenteeism. By acknowledging the unique challenges different cultural groups face and implementing tailored strategies, they strive to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.

Al Brown welcomes reader comments to abrown@spokesman-recorder.com

really fit in. When I first moved into the neighborhood, I didn’t fit in, but she allowed me to have people like Prince and other kids in the neighborhood come and hang out. That was one of the main things.”

He added, “Her philosophy stuck with me and the other kids. You know you gotta finish what you start. We would be downstairs practicing, and we would always talk about writing songs, and she would always say, ‘Anybody can start a fight, but anybody can’t finish a fight.’”

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

ment of many in their lives devoted to the cause of civil rights, but it was a defining one—a testament to the power of youth in the fight for justice. Today, the legacy of their bravery continues to inspire. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of standing together against injustice and the profound impact a single act of courage can have in pursuing equality. As we reflect on the events at the Paris eatery that day, we are reminded that change begins with the courage to sit down and refuse to get up.

Where are they today?

All three are alive and active, once again, living in Paris, Ky. They will be at the Colin Powell Center and participating in a Q&A discussion following the film.

Al Brown welcomes reader comments at abrown@spokesman-recorder.com.

Bernadette Anderson

Who is missing in St. Paul Public Schools?

Mitchell White

By Stacy M. Brown

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the U.S. economy added 142,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in August, less than the 165,000 economists had predicted.

While the job growth missed forecasts, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% from July’s 4.3%, suggesting continued strength in the labor market under the Biden-Harris administration.

Job growth in August came in higher than July’s revised 89,000, but revisions to June and July figures showed the U.S. economy added 86,000 fewer jobs than initially reported.

Despite the adjustments, wage growth continued to increase, with year-over-year wage gains rising to 3.8%, up from 3.6% in July.

ued economic progress under his administration. “Thanks to our work to rescue the economy, nearly 16 million new jobs have been created, wages and incomes are rising faster than prices, businesses are investing in America, and millions of entrepreneurs are opening small

inflation back down close to normal levels, it is important to focus on sustaining the historic gains we have made for American workers,” he remarked.

Biden warned against returning to what he described as failed Republican policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy and reductions to critical programs. “The last thing we should do is turn back to the failed trickle-down economics…cutting taxes for the wealthy and large corporations, raising taxes on middle-class families, or cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act,” Biden emphasized.

Some economists, however, are cautious about how these figures will impact the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. “The overall solid gain in August payrolls, the retreat in the unemploy-

Monthly wages grew by 0.4%, double the prior month’s 0.2%, offering signs of resilience for American workers amid ongoing inflation concerns.

ment rate, and the pop in average hourly earnings are not likely enough for Fed officials to start the rate-cutting cycle with a 50 bps reduction on September 18,” Nationwide’s chief economist Kathy Bostjancic noted.

Bostjancic’s remarks reflect

the broader debate among economists. Some see the data as a reason for the Fed to pursue a more conservative rate cut of 25 basis points to avoid overheating the economy.

In a statement following the jobs report, President Joe Biden celebrated the contin-

businesses—acts of hope and confidence in our economy,” Biden said.

The president also stressed the importance of maintaining these gains as inflation returns to manageable levels. “With

“We’re fighting to expand opportunity, and we’ll keep pushing forward. The American people have shown their resilience, and we’re committed to building an economy that works for everyone,” he insisted.

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

Arts & Culture

Selby Ave. JazzFest 2024

Celebrating jazz, community, and live music

It’s that time again—the 2024 Selby Ave. JazzFest kicks off on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Selby and Milton in St. Paul. The Jazzfest is free and open to the public.

The family-friendly festival celebrates jazz music and community with performances by local, regional, national and international artists. It also features food vendors and arts and crafts.

What’s striking about the event is its diversity—the audience and cultural activities alone

highlight the area’s rich heritage. Plus, it’s just a great way to support live music.

This year marks the first time since the Jazzfest started in 2002 that it’s been presented by Walker West Music Academy. Stephanie and Mychael Wright, the Jazzfest founders and former owners of Golden Thyme Coffee and Café, currently serve as consultants for the festival.

Last year, the headliner was legendary saxophonist Najee. This year’s headliner is vocalist Jamecia Bennett.

Other performers include L.A. Buckner and BiG HOMiE, Ashley Dubose, Capri Big Band, Walker West Music Academy All-Stars, and Selby Avenue Brass Band. Each year, I look forward to see-

ing the consistently good Walker West Academy All-Stars, a combination of Walker West Music Academy faculty and Jazz Ensemble Students.

“Walker West is such an integral part of the Selby neighborhood,” stated Jazzfest founder Mychael Wright. “As we have since our first Jazzfest in 2002, we feel it is important to give the future of jazz a welcoming place to perform.”

What’s striking about the Selby JazzFest is its diversity—the audience and cultural activities alone highlight the area’s rich heritage. Plus, it’s just a great way to support live music.

Bennett, a Minneapolis native, is a three-time Grammy Award winner. She has her own band, “J Movement,” and is the new featured lead vocalist of the hometown’s favorite group, the Sounds of Blackness.

Bennett has performed alongside several musical greats, including Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Ann Nesby, Usher, Patti Labelle, Mint Condition, Janet Jackson, and Prince. She is the CEO of Minnesota

The mic is yours at Uptown’s SNAPPED

By Tiffany Johnson Contributing Writer

SNAPPED is the latest openmic sensation in Uptown Minneapolis. It brings a fresh vibe to the city every Thursday night at the Green Room.

Minneapolis has been a driving force in shaping the global music scene for many decades.

Named one of the top 10 cities for live music, this recognition speaks not only to the legendary artists who have called the city home but also to its deep-rooted culture of nurturing the arts from the ground up.

Founded by Twin Cities’ own Emmy award-winning composer Ryan Bynum and nationally renowned drummer and producer Brandon Johnson, SNAPPED embodies Minneapolis’ defining spirit by offering a unique platform for performers from various backgrounds and performance styles to take the stage alongside a professional band, all in front of a lively and engaged audience. The idea for SNAPPED was inspired by memorable open mic events that had become a staple for many local performers during the mid and late 2000s. “The Blue Nile was directed by Kevin

Washington and Desdemona and a few other people,” Bynum recalls. “And then Chadwick Phillips, aka ‘Niles,’ started something called On the One, which was shut down by the pandemic. On the One went on to become a festival,” he says. This evolution of the local open mic scene created a unique opportunity for SNAPPED. “Finally, we got that opportunity. Tanner [Montague], the owner of the Green Room, gave us every Thursday night to do whatever we wanted, and we decided to birth SNAPPED.”

This event also filled a void for Minneapolis artists after important local music institutions and pillars began to disappear. As a result, artists began to migrate to other cities that provided performance opportunities, such as Nashville, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Bynum says, “McNally Smith [College of Music] closed, Prince passed away, and IPR [Institution of Production and Recording] closed. These are places where we used to find who’s new, hot, upcoming, and who we want to work with on stage.

But just because this institute closed, or the Purple One passed

Samara Joy

Movement Ent., a company that offers styling, public relations, management consultation, vocal coaching, and other services.

Samara Joy live at the Ordway

Following the Selby Ave. JazzFest, jazz enthusiasts can catch Samara Joy performing at the Ordway in St. Paul on September 14 at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to hear a preview of tracks from her upcoming album, set to be released on October 11.

“You Stepped Out of a Dream”

has worked with artists like SZA, Kehlani, and Jazmine Sullivan.

is the recently released single from Joy’s upcoming Verve Records album, “Portrait,” which was just announced.

The Bronx-born Grammy Award winner won the Best New Artist Grammy in 2023. “Portrait” will be her third full studio album and follow-up to her 2022 album, “Linger Awhile.”

The singer released her selftitled debut album in 2021. She’s come a long way in a short time and has evolved into a fine vocalist and an impressive songwriter, bandleader and arranger.

The new album (eight songs) spotlights her co-producer, trumpeter and bandleader Brian Lynch, a Grammy Award winner. Expect to hear from her touring band (octet), which features trombonist Donavan Austin, saxophonists David Mason and Kendric McCallister, trumpeter Jason Charos, bassist Felix Moseholm, pianist Connor Rohrer, and drummer Evan Sherman.

The band has a cohesive chemistry that sounds modern and from jazz’s golden era. Joy has incredible voice control, intonation, and vocals that display a silky richness that’s truly captivating.

I particularly enjoy her rendition of “Guess Who I Saw Today.” She’s only 24 years old but is already poised to join the famous ranks of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Yes, Joy is that phenomenal.

In December, she’ll tour with her family for “Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday featuring The McLendon Family.” To check out those dates and learn more about Joy, visit www.samarajoy.com.

For more information about the Selby Ave. JazzFest visit www.selbyavejazzfest.com.

Robin James welcomes reader comments at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.

away, doesn’t mean that the arts just stopped here. With that being said, we felt like we needed to provide a platform for these artists and a space for all artists to come, network, and show what they do.”

SNAPPED debuted on January 4 of this year. Over time, Bynum and Johnson have created a flow that attracts eager participants week after week.

Johnson recalls, “For the first two weeks, the attendance was kind of dry, and we had to stretch out seven or eight performers for the night. But by the third week, out of nowhere, SNAPPED just kind of exploded.”

Regarding who is encouraged to participate, “Everyone of any genre,” says Johnson. “If you would like to paint while someone else is giving their piece; if you do clothing, we have vendors so people can come and display what it is that they create.

“Performers, singers, poets, rappers, jazz artists, comedians. It’s an open mic. It’s 100% that,” Johnson shares enthusiastically.

An incredibly special and unique aspect of SNAPPED is the live professional band that accompanies each performer.

The SNAPPED house band is made up of the following: Butchy Austin, horns; Ryan Bynum, keyboards; Yanni Davis, keyboards; Taylor Hamilton, keyboards; Derrick Holleman, lead guitar; Brandon Johnson, drummer; Jayln “Sir” Spencer, bass guitar; and “Junior,” horns. House singer Jordan Avent powerfully serenades audiences each Thursday to both open and close this lively and soulful event.

Bynam also shares the rotating community of talented musicians supporting the live band weekly, “...musicians that are there just in case: Christian Walah on backup bass, Spencer Christensen is on backup lead guitar, and Dametries Holms Jr. is on backup drums.” The supporting music community at SNAPPED is dense, including organist William Duncan from Walker West and keyboardist David Smith, who

From the rich local culture and supportive community to the soulful edge and intimate atmosphere, there is no open mic experience quite like SNAPPED in the Twin Cities for musicians, performers, and audiences alike.

“People come to SNAPPED every Thursday, an event that we created that’s become bigger than music,” says Johnson.

SNAPPED is a 21+ free event every Thursday at 8:30 at the Green Room in Uptown. Doors open at 7 p.m., and Open Mic sign-up happens between 8 and 8:30. Limited seating is available.

To learn more about SNAPPED, visit www.greenroommn.com/ events#/events.

Tiffany Johnson welcomes reader responses to tjohnson@spokesman-recorder.com.

Submitted photo

Jamecia Bennett

Submitted photo

Ryan Bynum on the keys

Brandon Johnson on the drums Photos courtesy of SNAPPED

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Opinion

Ensuring a fair and just transition to green economy

By Ben Jealous

“What good is a dollar an hour more in wages if your neighborhood is burning down? What good is another week’s vacation if the lake you used to go to is polluted and you can’t swim in it, and the kids can’t play in it?”

Those were questions posed by legendary labor leader Walter Reuther. Reuther was the president of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) during the first Earth Day in 1970. UAW wrote the first check supporting Earth Day and contributed mightily to the national organizing effort for the inaugural holiday we still celebrate today.

On Earth Day 1993, I gave my first major speech on behalf of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) at a rally opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The experience taught me firsthand how the movements to protect our planet and the rights of working people are tightly linked.

We just celebrated Labor Day in what is projected to be the hottest year on record. It is a great time to celebrate the relationship between labor and the environmental movement and to remember that we have the tools to ensure that the transition to a clean energy economy does not leave workers behind.

A just transition means creating good green jobs and protecting workers’ rights. It means ensuring workers have a center seat at the table when discussing climate policy. It means providing workers with the training and support they need to be ready to work in emerging green industries and ensure they are taken care of. And it

means investing in the communities directly impacted by the transition.

Last year, Michigan provided the nation with a template for achieving this. The state’s Clean Energy and Jobs Package is a bold effort to aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a rapid transition to clean energy by ensuring workers in the automobile, energy, and other sectors benefit.

Our overlapping movements for progress and justice almost always involve a battle between organized people and money.

For a long time, organized money has been trying to break up the important friendship between labor and environmentalists.

“What good is a dollar an hour more in wages if your neighborhood is burning down?”

We saw this during Michigan’s historic climate and jobs legislation debate. Environmental groups, labor organizations, and state officials worked together, in good faith and with open communication, to ensure the principles of a just transition were applied.

Part of the legislation was creating a special office under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity dedicated to a just transition: the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. Its purpose is “to develop proactive strategies that help companies and Michiganders take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state.”

When labor leaders testi-

Minneapolis revitalization should avoid more bureaucracy

By Kristel Porter

The discourse surrounding Minneapolis revitalization has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, with a heavy focus on downtown. Community groups, business organizations, and elected officials alike have put forward their thoughts on strategies for the collective advancement of our amazing city.

As the debate continues, we should encourage decisionmakers to widen their focus and look beyond the immediate downtown area.

Redevelopment Council, Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, and the Capri Theater work to curate community-identified activities designed to transform West Broadway into a thriving commercial corridor that meets residents’, businesses’ and visitors’ goods, services and entertainment needs.

overburdening the small and local businesses that create employment opportunities.

That’s the crux of our concern with proposals like the Labor Standards Board, a new layer of government that could ultimately throw off the progress we’re all making today.

North Minneapolis, as we all know, has had a particularly challenging few years. But we also represent a community with more promise than perhaps any other neighborhood in the city.

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fied in favor of the legislation and the need for that office, at least one opponent of the bill tried to twist their testimony to suggest they were saying clean energy initiatives were killing jobs—which was not what they were saying at all.

Throughout the legislative session, rumors circulated that labor groups were obstructing progress on the bill or trying to move the goalposts on items negotiated by labor, green groups, and the state. But advocates were able to put down the rumors easily.

The president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, Ron Bieber, a third-generation UAW member and the son of a former UAW president, attributes that to the good-faith working relationship between the parties involved.

“When our partners on the enviro side heard any divisive rumors, they knew to be skeptical and that they could just reach out to us and ask. And vice versa.

Building that trust and partnership based on mutual interest was crucial in preventing efforts to fracture our coalition.”

Michigan has an advantage. It was already a strong union state, which was also part of the template. States that want their workers to be ready to enjoy the fruits of the next economy should establish a firm base of protections for workers’ rights.

Any major economic transition, even one as necessary and urgent as the transition to clean energy, must not be done at the expense of our communities and workers. We can ensure the U.S. leads the world in clean energy, green technology and manufacturing without leaving workers behind. The new clean energy economy promises Americans better health outcomes and lower consumer costs. It can also mean a jobs boom, with better jobs for higher pay.

According to Climate Power, clean energy projects spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act created 312,900 new jobs between August 16, 2022, and May 31, 2024 alone. As clean energy jobs continue to be created, 75% are projected not to require a four-year degree. The Brookings Institution found that the “mean hourly wages for clean energy jobs exceed national averages by 8 to 19 percent.”

As Walter Reuther noted, all the benefits we want for workers—better, safer, higher-paying jobs—can only be enjoyed to their fullest if the air is breathable, the water is drinkable, and extreme heat and climatecharged weather events aren’t wreaking havoc on their homes and communities.

North Minneapolis, as we all know, has had a particularly challenging few years. But we also represent a community with more promise than perhaps any other neighborhood in the city. A fighting spirit, room to grow, and an infectious entrepreneurial drive are all elements that make us ripe for economic and community development.

It has been promising to see recognition of the contributions that North Minneapolis and other communities can make to our city’s cultural and economic fabric. The Minneapolis Foundation’s report on downtown revitalization strategies named West Broadway Avenue as a suggested target for the development of a “cultural corridor” alongside other neighborhoods. We couldn’t agree more.

Businesses and community leaders are hard at work here in the West Broadway corridor. Organizations like WBC, Northside Residents

Initiatives like Open Streets West Broadway allow over a thousand vendors, local artists and musicians to show off their craft while driving foot traffic to our area. Our Black Business Week, featuring Black-owned vendors and entrepreneurs, drives crowds to experience the unique contributions of the community to our city.

We’ve welcomed support from city leaders throughout the last few years of revitalization efforts like the Vacant Building Registry (VBR). As a new city council charts their priorities this session, we hope they’ll continue to embrace that kind of approach while avoiding enactment of new red tape.

The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Frey are right to focus their efforts on ensuring an equitable, worker-focused revitalization of Minneapolis. Among many important considerations in that pursuit, they must be focused on avoiding

Keeping our lights on, keeping employees on the payroll, and of course keeping our community intact while fostering togetherness—these are goals that everyone shares, regardless of whether you’re sitting at a desk at city hall, organizing in the community, or serving customers.

Let’s focus efforts on building the capacity of businesses and entrepreneurs while elevating the positive and cultural assets of North Minneapolis and engaging the community in the ongoing revitalization of the West Broadway area. We should ensure that workers are protected in the process while keeping pathways to those jobs themselves open. We should think twice before establishing new and untested regulatory bodies that could jeopardize growth.

Kristel Porter is the executive director of the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition.

Men are redefining manhood for a brighter future

By Rob Okun

Since the presidential campaign shake-up in July, the national conversation about manhood is abuzz with talk of a “new” masculinity embodied by good, decent men like Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff. What’s new, though, is what’s now coming into focus: the consequences of years of men’s hard work to redefine manhood.

Masculinity has too often been narrowly characterized as poisonous and misogynist, and most men are seen as patriarchal MAGA-heads. The rest of us, apparently, just stood by mute, unwilling to challenge the bigots and bullies.

That’s a lie. All men—including “white dudes”—have been taking back the narrative.

While it’s refreshing to hear the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee, Gov. Walz, and second gentlemen, Mr. Emhoff, cited as models of this “new” masculinity, it’s far from new. Men have successfully crafted strategies to break out of the man box since the mid-1970s.

Nearly everyone is aware of the bad news about “toxic” masculinity—from men like Andrew Tate to groups like the Proud Boys. Few know the good news: men’s efforts to redefine manhood.

A bit of history

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Ben Jealous is the Sierra Club executive director and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

For 50 years, a growing number of men of all races and ethnicities in North America and around the world have followed women in working to prevent domestic and sexual violence and protect reproductive rights while also working to redefine and transform traditional ideas about manhood, fatherhood and brotherhood.

The antisexist men’s move-

ment incorporates a range of men and men’s experiences, from boys on the journey to manhood and fathering or mentoring to male survivors and men of color; from GBTQI+ men to men overcoming violence; from men’s health to men’s experience with feminism.

Woven together over the decades, we’ve created a multilayered tapestry of one of the most important social change movements you may never have heard of. Men and women worldwide work day in and day out for gender equality. Globally, the campaign is united under the banner of the MenEngage Alliance, a network of over 1,000 members in 88 countries.

In North America, organizations like Equimundo, Next Gen Men, Fathering Together, A Call to Men, and Men4Choice have been transforming our idealistic aspirations into concrete action for years.

There certainly are men who feel marginalized and deeply resentful of women’s gains. Andrew Yarrow’s “Man Out: Men on the Sidelines of American Life” empathizes with them, men who are distressed about their place in contemporary society. They’re highly susceptible to being seduced by traditional manhood, characterized today by Trump and Vance’s unhinged bluster.

By contrast, Emhoff and Walz represent men who can integrate, being both steady and strong and tender and vulnerable. As a high school teacher, Mr. Walz, for example, could simultaneously coach football and advise a gay-straight alliance.

Today, more men understand that we can’t ignore the power we hold in society. It’s not a power we earned, but

one we received at birth simply by arriving on the planet in male-identified bodies.

Relinquishing our grip on the twin symbols of that power—privilege and entitlement— is not easy. Men fear losing control and having less; they fear the unknown, wondering, “What will my life look like if I am not in charge of others?”

It’s time for men to take a leap of faith and trust that our lives will be enriched in ways we can’t imagine if we loosen our grip and share the reins or hand them over to women, perhaps beginning in November with Kamala Harris.

Men are now rejecting a fixed definition of masculinity, replacing it with an emotionally rich expression of masculinities. We are navigating our lives with our eyes and hearts open, beginning to see the contours of a manhood that celebrates rather than dreads men’s tears and uncertainties.

Men are now able to negotiate the gender landscape on a surer footing, better able to bear witness to women’s lives, and better understand women’s realities—and our own. Masculinity based on domination and emotional rigidity has failed men.

Men have worked for five decades to replace those traits with compassion and vulnerability. That’s the masculinity inspiring men not just to move forward, but also to unambiguously declare, “We’re not going back.”

Rob Okun, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is editor emeritus of Voice Male magazine, chronicling the antisexist men’s movement for more than 30 years, and is editor of the anthology “Voice Male: The Untold Story of the Profeminist Men’s Movement.”

By Quintessa Williams

Can hip hop help transform the academic experience for Black K-12 students across the country? Flocabulary, an online learning platform that infuses culturally relevant, hip hopbased content into academic lessons, proves it can.

“Flocabulary has completely transformed the way my students engage with language arts,” says Mrs. Vivian Jackson, a middle school teacher in Atlanta. “They’re not just memorizing vocabulary words — they have a better understanding and are using them in a greater context. It’s cool to see what a difference it has made.”

The program’s success lies in its ability to resonate with students through content that reflects their culture, history, and experiences. By integrating hip hop and contemporary language, Flocabulary helps students relate to academic subjects more engagingly.

This approach is particularly effective for Black students, who may feel disconnected from curricula that overlook their cultural backgrounds. With this approach, Flocabulary has significantly improved academic performance and enhanced students’ connection to learning. Innovative solutions such as Flocabulary are certainly needed.

Student disengagement, culturally irrelevant lessons

According to a report from

the United Negro College Fund, about a third of Black students report feeling disengaged in schools, which is about 10% higher than the national average across all student demographics.

Researchers believe the disengagement rate is linked to a lack of culturally relevant curriculum for Black students. In a 2023 survey, Educators for Excellence found that only 26% of educators nationally believe their curriculum is culturally relevant for their student population.

In addition, the Social Psychology of Education also found that minimal cultural relevance is a key factor in why Black students are 25% more likely to exhibit disengaged behaviors such as low participation or skipping school.

Culturally relevant content in schools is integral to Black students’ academic performance. According to The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, schools that implemented culturally responsive curricula saw a 10-12% increase in test scores and reported more positive academic outcomes.

Such key factors played a role in developing EdTech tools that are not only culturally relevant but also address educational gaps impacting Black students.

What is Flocabulary and how does it work?

“We believe students learn

best when they have a voice in their own learning,” according to the Flocabulary website.

“Our north star, for nearly two decades, has been to facilitate learning that is not just academically rigorous, but also joyful and reflective of student interests. Every student has a voice. They just need more opportunities to use them. And you’d be surprised what they can do with a microphone in their hands.”

One of Flocabulary’s tools features lesson plan videos using hip hop music. Each video is designed to align with educational standards and covers specific topics like vocabulary, science, language arts, historical events, or math concepts. The rhythm and rhyme make the information more memorable, helping students retain the material more effectively. After watching the video, students can engage in interactive activities such as quizzes, exercises, and vocabulary games.

Flocabulary also offers a Lyric Lab, which allows students to apply their newfound knowledge by creating their own raps using the vocabulary and concepts they’ve learned in the lesson. Teachers can then track their students’ progress using the program’s assessment tools, analytics, and other information to identify areas where students may need additional support.

A positive impact on academic performance nationwide

Educators using Flocabulary in their classrooms have reported significant improvements, with 96.4% of teachers reporting that their students are more engaged in school when using the program.

Joquetta Jackson, a library media specialist in Randallstown, Maryland, says she uses Flocabulary because it supports culturally responsive teaching and pedagogies. “The lessons and resources are aligned to standards and are easy for me. Not to mention, the videos and lyrics are dope and fresh.”

Dustin Ecker, a fourthgrade teacher in Indianapolis, says he’s noticed the increased student engagement Flocabulary has brought to

the classroom. “ It’s easy to get students excited about difficult concepts and for them to work collaboratively on rigorous tasks,” says Ecker.

Flocabulary also reported that 97% of educators who use the program daily or weekly find that students who seem disconnected in class will clearly engage with the program’s lessons. Moreover, 91% of students agreed that they better understood the material after watching a Flocab video or lesson plan.

Reaching Black students through hip hop is effective Hip hop has long been recognized as a medium that deeply resonates with Black youth. Founding hip hop educators like Christopher Emdin have also helped ef -

fectively bridge the gap in using hip hop content to engage Black K-12 students nationwide.

In 2014, Emdin, an associate professor at Teachers College, delivered a keynote address titled “The Hidden Science of Hip Hop: S.T.E.M. with No Root Bears No Fruit” during the Alumni of Color Conference. Emdin urged educators to embrace hip hop culture as a means to engage and teach students, particularly Black students, who often feel disconnected from traditional academic content.

“Our kids are different, not deficient,” he said.

Emdin suggested that educators should model their pedagogy after cyphers or rap battles to create similar engagements in the classroom. The long history of hip hop pedagogy and its structures, such as in the church and community, can be replicated in the classroom.

The road ahead: addressing the divide and inequities

Access to quality educational resources is often limited in underserved communities nationwide. As a digital platform, Flocabulary helps bridge this gap by providing content that has proven to be engaging, effective, and accessible to Black students regardless of location. But it isn’t free: an individual teacher plan costs $11.50 a month, but prices vary between districts and schools.

This story was republished with permission from Word in Black.

Dated: 6/19/24

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played three years on the Association of Volleyball Professionals beach volleyball circuit, was a 2019 Rookie of the Year nominee, and played for Team USA on the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) world beach volleyball tour.

One might naturally assume that coaching would be next for Jones Schooderwoerd, but according to her, that wasn’t necessarily the case.

“I think I thought about coaching,” she admitted. “I was a graduate assistant coach for a beach volleyball

program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. It was short because it was Covid season, but I really loved it. That was the first time I really thought about coaching.

“But once I stopped playing professionally,” she continued, “I was watching volleyball every single day. My husband said, ‘Babe, you got to get out of Human Resources, you’re still very interested in volleyball.”

“That’s kind of when I found that if I wasn’t playing volleyball, I needed to be involved in some capacity, because I couldn’t get away from it,” said Jones Schooderwoerd. Jones Schooderwoerd was hired in January. The Long

Beach, Calif. native and her husband packed up and relocated to the Midwest, where the weather can be unpredictable.

“That was one of my big questions when I met [Coach Cook and others at the school]. What is this gonna be? Do I need to get snow chains? What jacket do I need? I had to ask all these questions.”

Nonetheless, the first-year Gopher assistant coach is glad to be here as the team now competes in the new 18team Big Ten.

“I’m really excited,” she told us last month before the season began. “I think we have a really interesting perspective

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because these [new] teams that we’re [already] pretty familiar with, Keegan having coached in the Pac-12, myself having played in the Pac-12 and coached in the Pac-12 last season. So, they’re teams that we’re familiar with, and they’re all really great teams.”

Jones Schooderwoerd observed as one of the few Black coaches in the Big Ten, “I definitely have seen an increase in diversity, both with race but also with gender. I feel so grateful every day to get to work here, because our staff does have really great diversity.”

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

VIEW Continued from page 12

together. All the accounts say the pilot made some kind of catastrophic error, didn’t anticipate the [weather] conditions and crashed into the mountain range, just a couple of miles from the airport, killed all 29 people on board,” including Peete, his wife, and their three children. After his talk, Spewak sur-

mised, “I thought it deserves its own book. I think he’s a really important figure for baseball fans… I think his legacy should be widely known.”

Next – A Black baseball player played on an all-White Minnesota team before Jackie Robinson.

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

Sports

Hamline football coach gets down to basics

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

osiah Walker got his first taste of coaching while in high school in New Jersey. “I began coaching Pop Warner… I did volunteer hours. That was one of my prerequisites before graduating,” explained Walker, an assistant coach working with the linebackers at Hamline.

“That was one of the reasons I began coaching. I kind of fell in love [with it].”

Walker credits his high school coaches as well as the athletic director for their guidance to him as a student athlete. “They helped me look for colleges when I was looking to play at the next level,” he recalled. “They were my support system as well as my family.”

Now in his second season of college coach-

ing at Hamline, Walker previously was the running backs coach at Mayville (ND) State (2023), where he also earned two degrees (B.A. in business administration and management, and M.A. in adult and continuing education and teaching).

I also got to watch him work one-on-one with a player after a two-hour preseason morning practice. “With individual conversation with each player,” he explained, “they let you know what they need for that moment. After practice is over with, they have more time to kind of take a breath and understand.

“Slowing down [after practice], everything is quiet,” continued Walker. “Now it allows them to understand.”

Walker briefly shared his coaching philosophy: “I’m always trying to push the people that I’m talking to, no matter who it is, to push them to the greatest potential. Why not try to be better than what you were yesterday? Always strive for greatness.

“Why not try to be better than what you were yesterday? Always strive for greatness.”

“[Players] may have different verbiage in high school, and then they come to college and they’re like, ‘Coach, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” surmised the coach. “That’s why I always try to break everything down on being great because you want to be great.

“No matter what level that you have to get in, you have to teach from basic to basic, the A, B, Cs, then teaching the techniques,” he said. “We just have to talk in their language, and then it kind of grips a little bit more for them.”

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

North representing on the gridiron

hristopher Johnson posted the pictures on Facebook of five former Minneapolis North football and basketball student athletes who hope to make noise on the gridiron this fall—along with an interesting question as well.

“When is someone going to write this story?” Johnson’s post read.

The posted pictures were of wide receiver Tyler Johnson (Los Angeles Rams), safety Omar Brown (Green Bay Packers practice squad), defensive end Quientrail Jamison-Travis (Auburn University), wide receiver Mario Sanders (University of Illinois), and cornerback Zashon Rich (Kansas State University).

Johnson, aka “Coach Pete,” coached each player as an assistant to Hall of Fame boys basketball coach Larry Mckenzie

The basketball director of the Heritage Youth Sports Foundation wanted some respect for these student athletes. “Salute these men,” Johnson’s post read later.

An even more interesting observation: All were coached in football by current Polars

Head Coach Charles Adams Salute!

Cal native comes up north to coach Gopher volleyball

rissy Jones Schoonderwoerd is the first Black assistant volleyball coach at Minnesota since the late Maurice “Mo” Batie, who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest in 2000 while playing basketball on campus at age 36. He was a Gopher assistant for four seasons with the late head coach Mike Hebert, who he followed to Minnesota when Hebert got hired from Illinois in 1996.

Jones Schoonderwoerd is one of only three Black assistant volleyball coaches in the Big Ten this season. She came to Minnesota after a season at California as its interim head coach, and led the squad to an undefeated 11-0 non-conference record and 16-15 overall.

She was previously on the staff as an assistant when the Cal coach unexpectedly resigned. “When I was presented with that opportunity,” recalled the first-year Minnesota assistant, “it happened two weeks before the season started. So, I didn’t really have a choice.

“I

found that if I wasn’t playing volleyball, I needed to be involved in some capacity, because I couldn’t get away from it.”

“But I really trusted a few things,” continued Jones Schooderwoerd. “I had a lot of success as a player, which was really great for me to learn the mechanics of the game. I’ve had great beach coaches, great indoor coaches, and have learned so much.

“The coaches that I’ve had have been some of the most influential people in my life,” she pointed out. This includes Minnesota HC Keegan Cook, who coached Jones Schooderwoerd for four seasons at

Washington. As a player, Jones Schooderwoerd was a three-time AllPac 12 honoree, an AVCA All-American, and helped Washington twice make the NCAA Elite Eight. She also made beach volleyball AllAmerican when she played at Cal Poly as a graduate student, making her only the second player in NCAA history to earn All-American status in both indoor and beach volleyball. Jones Schooderwoerd also

The rise and tragic fall of ‘Pistol’ Peete

The St. Louis Cardinals signed their first Black players in 1954. Peete was second.

he St. Louis Cardinals

baseball team was as talented and diverse as a 1960s major league baseball club could be, barely over a decade after Jackie Robinson’s MLB debut in 1947. Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Curt Flood and others helped create the club, beginning in 1960, that would eventually win three National League pennants (1964, 1967, 1968), the 1967 World Series, and finishing second in two others.

Thomas Alston was the Cardinals’ first Black player in 1954. A promising rookie named Charlie Peete was the team’s second Black player and might have been the club’s starting centerfielder in 1957 had he not become the first active major leaguer to die in a commercial plane crash in November 1956.

American Baseball Researchers (SABR) convention in Minneapolis in August.

“A couple of years ago, I had kind of always been familiar with the story, but really thought there was more to do with it,” Spewak said. “I started to do some research, found some archives, did a lot of

“He pretty much played every position except for pitcher.”

Journalist and author Danny Spewak’s second book, “Cardinal Dreams: The Legacy of Charlie Peete and a Life Cut Short,” “was probably a twoyear process,” Spewak told the MSR at the Society of

newspaper articles, research, and interviewing players that came across him that knew him, and friends of his.

“[It] all came together,” noted Spewak.

“It’s a name that you wouldn’t

know. It’s a name that I think that more baseball fans should know about, and that was kind of the goal behind the book,” Spewak pointed out on Peete, who according to the author, “left a legacy as one of the first Black players in St. Louis Cardinals history.”

Charlie Peete was born in Franklin, Va. in 1929. Nicknamed “Pistol,” Peete mostly grew up in Portsmouth, Va. and played semi-pro baseball.

“He actually dropped out of high school so that he could pursue this professional endeavor,” added Spewak. “[He] pretty much played every position except for pitcher.”

The 18-year-old Peete got his pro start in the Negro Leagues with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1950. “He was very competitive” but didn’t play

much, said Spewak.

After serving in the armed services in Korea, Peete played baseball in Canada. “He’s not a household name, but he plays well,” said the author. “He comes back [to the States] and he tries out and makes the Portsmouth [minor league baseball team]. He becomes one of the first African American players in the Piedmont League” and became an all-star.

This caught the eyes of the Cardinals, and the team selected Peete in late 1954. He was assigned to their Triple-A farm club. He eventually was called up to the parent club and made his MLB debut on July 17, 1956 against Pittsburgh.

“He plays 23 games for St. Louis,” said Spewak on Peete. “He didn’t hit well. He had some moments—he had a triple against the Phillies’ Robin Roberts.

“His defense is really where he makes his mark,” and the Cards saw Peete as a potential outfield starter for the next season. This is why he was on the team’s active roster, explained Spewak.

“He decides to go to Venezuela for winter ball and brings his entire family because they wanted to spend Christmas

Crissy Jones Schooderwoerd

Photo by Charles Hallman

Josiah Walker Photo by Charles Hallman

Tyler Johnson (Los Angeles Rams) Courtesy Los Angeles Rams

Omar Brown (Green Bay Packers) Courtesy Green Bay Packers

Mario Sanders (University of Illinois) Courtesy illinois.rivals.com

Zashon Rich (Kansas State University) Courtesy

Danny Spewak Photos by Charles Hallman

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