PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934
— See the MLK supplement on pg. B1
January 11-17, 2018 Vol. 84 No. 23 www.spokesman-recorder.com
For sex workers, ‘a little understanding can go a long way’
They are hit hardest by dangerous rise in STDs
stigmatized lifestyles. Who, as a wide-eyed youth, ever dreams of growing up to debase her dignity and self-respect for a living, much less risk health-threatening, even fatal disease? Rose C. surely didn’t. She can’t recall when she wasn’t in emotional pain, indeed in agony, which she eventually eased by smoking crack. As Rose speaks with the MSR
By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer
T
he Minnesota Department of Health has documented a dramatic, dangerous rise in STDs in the state over 2016: Syphilis increased by 30 percent, gonorrhea by 25 percent, and Hepatitis C infections by 38 per-
cent. Numbers aren›t in for the past year, but there are two certainties: They›ll increase, and this health hazard, already ravaging Black communities, particularly women and Patricia Carter, Turning Point outreach coordinator girls, will worsen. Among the most vulnerable are urban females who sell sex, al- a sexually transmitted disease she is standing out of the winter though no one is immune. “Re- discreetly see a doctor and that’s wind behind hedges at Spectrum spectable” ladies who do contract that. They don’t lead highly at-risk on Chicago Avenue crowded in
Whites surprised by poll shoWing blacks more hopeful MPR News Executive Editor Mike Edgerly told the MSR that the 2016 general election results prompted the poll. “We long wanted to know about A new Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) poll reMinnesota and its people, what are people thinkveals that Black Minnesotans are more hopeful for ing and why are they voting the way they are,” he the future. The MPR poll was this month’s topic at pointed out. “The poll seemed a good way for us the January 4 monthly Hawthorne Huddle mornto gain a better understanding” of the state, Edgerly ing meeting at Farview Park in North Minneapolis.
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer
(l-r) Lissa Jones, April Graves, Terrall Lewis, Tom Weber Photo by Charles Hallman Last August and early September of last year, MPR News and its sister organization, APM Research Lab, surveyed 1,654 Minnesota residents and found that most Minnesotans believe the state is on the right track. “Overwhelmingly, Minnesotans are hopeful,” MPR host Tom Weber said last week. But he and other MPR staffers were taken aback to learn from the poll results that 92 percent of Blacks surveyed were more “generally hopeful” compared to 82 percent of Whites. “We were very surprised,” he noted.
said. “We gained some greater understanding, not just about the African American community, but about Minnesota in general.” Weber and KMOJ’s Lissa Jones co-hosted the 90-minute Farview event, attended by about 30 people. April Graves of the Minneapolis Health Department and Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board’s Terrall Lewis were invited as panelists to the “community conversation on hope in North ■ See HopeFul on page 5
with drug runners and associates also dodging the cold. She’s soft spoken with a ready smile and kind eyes — considerably kinder than life has been to her. The hurt disappears for a while, but it always comes back. Rose’s story, which is all too common, literally stems from birth. “My mom walked out, left me in the hospital [at] three days old. The lady who adopted me wanted to look good as a pillar of society. Behind closed doors, it was hell. “Every day, the abuse [was] torturous. Locked in the basement. Beat ‘til the blood ran.” Why? I don’t know,” she replied. “Never found out.” Rape routinely is part of these women’s past. Was Rose C. molested as a child? Probably — something took place at age 12 so traumatizing to her that she forced herself to forget. “I wasn’t raped…that I know of. I had surgery down there. Might’ve blocked it out. If so, I’d like it to stay blocked out.”
NEEDED:
Foreign Service diversity By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Retired U.S. ambassador Harriet Lee Elam-Thomas says that diversity in diplomacy is needed now more than ever. She is a Black woman who over four decades rose through the ranks of the U.S. Foreign Service to career minister, serving tours in France, Mali, Cote d’ Ivoire, Greece, Turkey and Belgium. She was also this country’s ambassador to Senegal (2000-02) before retiring in 2005 after 42 years of service. Elam-Thomas’ recently published memoir, Diversifying Diplomacy (Potamac Books, 2017), gives the reader a first-person account of “the little Elam girl,” the youngest child of parents who left the segregated South and relocated in Boston, where she was
■ See STDS on page 5
Following in Mom’s footsteps
Daughter among many inspired by life of Claudia Wallace-Gardner By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer
This crowning achievement certainly wasn’t her sole contribution in a career that numbered professional, civic and academic directorships, not the least being her leadership of the former Twin Cities Opportunity Industrialization Center (TCOIC), now Summit Academy. The pioneering professional was the first African American to serve as director of special events at the University of Minnesota, where she worked for 17 years. At the university, she directed inaugurations for presidents C. Peter Magrath, Kenneth H. Keller, and Nils Hasselmo.
Claudia G. Wallace-Gardner, though gone, is far from forgotten. Even beyond family and friends, in whose hearts her beloved spirit lives on, she leaves a lasting presence that enriched, indeed empowered the community and public at large. Ezell Jones, who helped Wallace-Gardner found the nationally renowned Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature at the University of Minnesota, reflects, “If you move a pebble on the beach, it changes the shoreline. She was a pebble, inspiring my life and ■ See FooTSTepS on page 5 others.” Noted scholar Dr. John S. Wright, University of Minnesota professor of AfroAmerican & African Studies and English, adds, “Claudia Wallace-Gardner played a pivotal role in the original group of faculty, staff and alumni who helped the department of African American and African Studies mobilize local community and business leaders in the groundbreaking development of the Archie Givens Sr. Claudia Wallace-Gardner collection.”
Harriet Lee Elam-Thomas, retired U.S. ambassador born and grew up. She recently talked to the MSR by phone. “It is indeed needed and critical,” she stressed, referring to the importance of diversity among U.S. diplomats. The current lack of diversity, she added, isn’t necessarily the fault of the current Trump administration, “Every new Secretary of State…for the last 40-some years [has] merely given lip service to the whole idea of diversity,” Elam-Thomas explained. “[Colin] Powell did a much better job” as the first Black to serve in this position under former President George Bush (2001-05). “Because he was a general, he knows that on the battlefield, you need to have people of all races. You [couldn’t] care less if they are Black, White or green… in the midst of the war.” She also pointed out that the U.S. military is more diverse than the U.S. Foreign Service. Elam-Thomas admitted that she didn’t envision a life as a diplomat. She recalled, “I wanted to be a legal secretary,” and work for her older brothers, ■ See Foreign Service on page 9
Late ‘60s drum and bugle corp preserves ‘historic sound’ The Sabathanites kept kids off the streets in a turbulent era
Guilmant joined a progression of drum and bugle corps where he developed skills and proudly marched in paThe Twin Cities boasts some of the rades. At 12 years old, he joined the Kacountry’s top entertainers: Prince, The tos; a year later, he joined the Elks. In 1964, Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and at age 14, he joined the newly formed Sa“Sounds of Blackness.” Every name is bathanites in South Minneapolis. well known locally and worldwide. But “It’s one of those things when you’re there was another local group that, if you a kid and you see folks marching and were raised in Minneapolis, was just as jamming and you join in thinking I’m familiar not so long ago — the Sabathagoing to do this one day.” But, as Guilnites Drum and Bugle Corp, a group of mant pointed out, Leon Lewis, the young people created in the late 1960s by group’s leader, insisted that schoolwork the Sabathani Baptist Church. and grades had to be “up to par” in orMSR sat down to speak to one of the der to be in the group and march. group’s original members, Jonathon Guilmant started as a banner carrier Guilmant, who described the group as and later progressed to playing the the combination of two other drum and bugle corps, the Katos and Elks from Jonathan Guilmant North Minneapolis. ■ See SabaTHaniTeS on page 8 Photo by Paige Elliott By Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writer
The remaining active, original Sabathanites
Photo by Steve Floyd
2
January 11-17, 2018
SIGN UP FOR FREE SUPPORT TODAY.
Joyzetta Quit smoking 8/15/15
QUITPLAN® Services is a totally free program here to help make your resolution a reality—just ask Joyzetta. From a helpline that connects you with a quit coach to a starter kit complete with free lozenges, patches or gum, we’ll do everything we can to help you conquer your addiction and begin living smoke-free in 2018. See Joyzetta’s story and more at quitplan.com.
January 11-17, 2018
3
January is Radon Awareness Month a grant for a limited number of free kits are available through the Crutchfield Foundation on a firstcome-first-served basis by calling 651-209-3628.
By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD What is radon and why should I care? Radon is a radioactive, tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that escapes from the ground. It can build up inside homes, especially in the winter when ventilation is limited. Almost all homes contain some radon. Radon is strongly associated with lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Radon gas is a significant, yet rarely discussed problem in Minnesota homes. Here are some facts about radon and radon exposure: • Every 30 minutes someone dies from radon-associated lung cancer in the United States. • Radon associated cancer is preventable. • Forty percent of homes in Minnesota have dangerously elevated levels of radon gas. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all Minnesota homes be checked for radon. • Winter is the very best time to test your home for radon gas. • Radon testing kits are now available for less than $10 at mn.radon.com. • For those who can’t afford the kits,
Why should I care about radon? When radon is mixed in with air and wind outdoors, it poses no health risk. When radon accumulates in an enclosed space, such as in a home, it can build up to dangerously high levels. Ongoing exposure to radon has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. In fact, after smoking, it is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
lung cancer What causes radon? Radon is formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks and water. The amount of radon in a home depends on: • The type of rocks under and around a home • The amount of soil around the home • The local weather • How well insulated a home is
• How air-tight a home is • The integrity of the home’s foundation How is radon diagnosed? The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it. The most common test kits are called alpha track system kits. There are a variety of testing kits available online at such websites as Amazon.com. Most of the kits are used and mailed back in for analysis. The cost of the kit commonly includes the cost for the lab evaluation. The test kit detectors should be placed in the lowest level of a home where they are easily accessible but unlikely to be disturbed. Most detectors are left in place for three months, and then you will send the detector back to the laboratory for analysis. The highest levels of radon are most commonly found in basements, so that’s an especially important area to test, as well as any other areas where you may have poor ventilation. Winter is an excellent time to test because it’s indicative of normal conditions in your home when your windows are closed. Can radon exposure be prevented or corrected? When purchasing a home, make sure you get a full radon test report on that home. Radon reports are becoming required by law in many states. If you have a home that has tested positive for unacceptably high levels of radon, many times the fix can be as simple as ensuring that major entry routes are closed off. This includes covering any exposed soil in crawl spaces and ensuring that
any foundation floor cracks are completely sealed. Sometimes a professional may be required to correct a high radon level problem, and most reputable contractors are experienced in correcting such problems. Just make sure you hire someone with experience and a good reputation. Consumer resources such as Angie’s List, or some of the sources listed at the end of this article, or even the good folks working at your local hardware store, can help with such references.
Action steps The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it. We take safety precautions every day. We wear seat belts, test our homes for carbon monoxide, use smoke and fire detectors and alarms, and use security systems. It’s time for all Americans to add radon detection to our normal, regular safety checklist and take corrective action if the radon levels are found to be high. Radon levels in homes can be reduced by a certified radon mitigation specialist. A list of these specialists can be found at www.mn.radon.com.
Sources for additional information • Minnesota Department of Health website: www.health.state.mn.us/ divs/eh/indoorair/radon/index.html • 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800767-7236): National Radon Hotline. Purchase radon test kits by phone. • 1-800-55RADON (1-800-5572366): National Radon Helpline. Get live help for your radon questions. • 1-800-644-6999: National Radon FixIt Line for general information on fixing or reducing the radon level in your home. • 1-800-426-4791: Safe Drinking Water Hotline, operated under contract to EPA. For information on testing, treatment, radon in water, and drinking water standards. • Or visit www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/ citguide.html. This is an updated revision of a previously published column. Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD is a boardcertified dermatologist and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He also has a private practice in Eagan, MN. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine and one of the top 21 African American physicians in the U.S. by the Atlanta Post. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians, MABP.org.
Making a New Year’s resolution for a healthier mouth Tips for improving your oral health in 2018
LOVE THYSELF FEB. 3, 2018 • 12-4 The Minnesota Dental Association is urging all Minnesotans to make a resolution to improve their oral health in 2018. Eliminating bad habits, starting new good habits, and prevention are all key to maintaining good oral health and avoiding the risk of gum disease and other possible systemic conditions. Mouth-healthy resolutions: Start… • Brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems. • Flossing daily. • Chewing sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. • Drinking fluoridated water. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities.
• Seeing your dentist regularly (every six months) Stop… • Smoking. If you smoke, seek help with quitting. Smoking can worsen gum problems. • Drinking soda. A steady diet of soft drinks can lead to tooth decay. • Stop eating sour candies. Sour candies are very acidic and can weaken tooth enamel. • Biting your nails. Nail biting can chip teeth and harm your jaw. • Brushing too hard. Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums. For more resources and information about oral health visit www.mndental.org/public. Information provided by the Minnesota Dental Association.
Be a ‘Cold Weather Companion’ As the new year brings new concerns with another blast of brutally cold air hitting our area, it is a good time to remind people in the region to become a Cold Weather Companion to a local senior — whether they are a loved one, a neighbor or a stranger. It’s tough enough to cope with this weather, but when you’re a senior, you face even more danger. The drop in degrees has already proved deadly, with five people losing their lives due to the cold. You can help prevent such tragedies by checking in on seniors to make sure their homes have heat, the fridge is stocked, and prescriptions are filled. Families taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s should take extra precautions to ensure their loved one doesn’t wander outside in the frigid temperatures. (Did you know that three out of five Alzheimer’s patients will wander?) Nearly half of all hypothermia deaths happen to people over age 65. Many of these deaths can occur right in their own homes because seniors may not feel the dip in degrees due to dementia or medication that can affect awareness. If families don’t live close enough, they should reach out to a neighbor or a caregiver to check on their elderly loved ones. This simple gesture could make a life or death difference to a senior. — Information courtesy of SYNERGY HomeCare
Join us at Sister Spokesman as our panel of experts talk about “The greatest love of all” with ways to nurture and treat ourselves, inside and out.
ONLY
$5
BRING A SISTA!
THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF MINNEAPOLIS 410 OAK GROVE ST., MPLS, MN 55403 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 612-827-4021 GET CONNECTED! www.facebook.com/sisterspokesman • @SisterSpokesman
#heysista #soulsista #SisterSpokesman
4 January 11-17, 2018 The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.
Council salary raise is big deal for hard-hit community ‘Small percentage’ would go far with neighborhood services
TRYING MY BEST By Frank Erickson Contributing Commentator
For Black women, being called the Democrats’ ‘backbone’ is no compliment By Rev. Irene Monroe Contributing Columnist Black women voters in the recent Alabama U.S. Senate race are being thanked for “saving” the state from Republican candidate Roy Moore, a homophobe, slavery apologist, and accused pedophile. And we’re now being lauded as “the backbone” of the Democratic Party. As a voting bloc, Black women in Alabama didn’t just suddenly emerge for Democratic candidate Doug Jones. What hubris to think they did and not for themselves. We always have had agency and voting-mobilization strategies to support our candidates. The turnout that Alabama and the nation witnessed derives from a history of battling voter suppression that the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote in 1920, didn’t protect us from. While a tsunami of thanks in the form of hashtag #BlackWomen flooded social media, no amount of verbal appreciation will rectify the political imbalance and structural inequity Black women confront in the Democratic Party. African American women’s representation in leadership roles in the party needs to be supported by money and resources, and our voices need to become essential to political debates and governmental policy-making. And because our votes matter, many politicians need to stop pandering to us to get them by exploring cultural markers. For example, the stereotyped Black church stands front and center for many White politicians looking to woo, if not win, our votes. The perception that all White politicians need to do is merely show up the Sunday before the Tuesday we cast our ballots is not only a hackneyed campaign strategy, but it’s also a clear indication that these politicians have nary a clue nor a sincere concern for the parishioners they stand before. Our issues need to be addressed, such as reproductive justice, health disparities, gang violence, educational parity, urban environmental racism, and police brutality to name a few. Since the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, there have been ongoing efforts to suppress minority voting, such as changing polling locations, changing polling hours or eliminating early voting days, reducing the number of polling places, packing majority-minority districts, dividing minority districts, and the notorious voter ID laws that disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters. However, in recognizing African American women as the powerful voting bloc that we are —
in both local and national races — Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez gave a public shout-out. “Let me be clear: We won in Alabama and Virginia because Black women led us to victory,” he said. “Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we can’t take that for granted. Period.” We were “the backbone” of 1960s civil rights movements, we still are in the Black church, and we’re now recognized as such in the Democratic Party. We are always lauded, however, as “the backbone” for the service or rescue of others and yet demonized for it when we are for ourselves. And the phrase is not one of praise. It dehumanizes our suffering and stereotypes us as “the mule of the world,” a phrase African American folklorist Zora Neale Hurston coined. Contemporary commentators are making the point, too. “A donkey is a Democratic symbol, but Black women are not the mules of the party,” Britt Julious wrote in her Esquire piece “Black Women Defeated Roy Moore, and the Country Is Better for It,“ “We, too, are issue voters. We vote for the world we hope to see. Why take that for granted?” In 1972, Shirley Chisholm was the first female and person of color to run for president and on the Democratic ticket, paving the way for others. In her 1973 book, The Good Fight, Chisholm shared why she ran. “The next time a woman runs, or a Black, or a Jew or anyone from a group that the country is ‘not ready’ to elect to its highest office, I believe that he or she will be taken seriously from the start… I ran because somebody had to do it first. In this country, everybody is supposed to be able to run for president, but that has never really been true.” And those next times in the Democratic Party were in 1984 and 1988 for Jesse Jackson; in 2004 for Carol Moseley Braun; in 2008 for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama; and in 2016 when Clinton made a second bid. As a voting bloc, we know our strength. As Black women, we take pride in our agency and voting-mobilization strategies. We take no pleasure, however, in being anyone’s backbone but our own. Rev. Irene Monroe is a Huffington Post blogger and freelance journalist.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The MSR welcomes letters to the editors. Letters should be typed, double-spaced, in 12 point font and must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. A telephone number or email address must be included for verification. Letters of 250 words or less are more likely to be published. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for length.
SEND LETTERS TO: Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder- Letters to the Editor P.O. Box 3558 * Minneapolis, MN * 55408-0558 Or email your letters/commentary to jhence@spokesman-recorder.com
READER SERVICE • Circulation Department/Billing Department If you have any questions regarding your invoice or subscription, call 612-827-4021. 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. • News Department To report a news event, call 612-827-4021 or email to jhence@spokesman-recorder.com • Advertising Department To reach our advertising departments call 612-827-4021 or email to: display@spokesman-recorder.com
CORRECTION POLICY If we make an error, we want to correct it. If you believe that an error has been made email jhence@spokesman-recorder.com. If a correction is warranted, it will be printed the next week.
Make your
voice heard through the
MSR.
Send story ideas, news tips and opinions to Judith Hence at jhence@ spokesman-recorder. com. Send sports, community news, and health stories to Jerry Freeman: jfreeman@spokesmanrecorder.com. Send entertainment stories, events you want posted, and notices exclusively for our website to Paige Elliott: pelliott@ spokesman-recorder. com.
Minimum wage advocates were fighting for “$15 NOW,” but city council members did not see it that way; they gave workers $15 an hour in five years. But when council members gifted themselves a $10,000 raise, which will give them each a salary of $100,000, they will get it now, not in five years. Why? Well, times are tough, life is expensive; the price of everything keeps going up. Council members wanted their raise now. Now can they see how unfair they have been? Council members claim it is no big deal because “the raise is such a small percentage of the city budget,” Star Tribune. Many young Somali American students need after-school tutoring and the East Lake Street Library offers it, but the library
closes at 5 pm on many nights — I am told because of a lack of funds to keep the East Lake Library open later a few more nights of the week. Extending library hours would give these students of color somewhere to go to get help. The funds would be “such a small percentage of the city budget.” What “small percentage of the city budget” is most important, getting the council members a $100,000 a year salary or getting kids a safe place to learn? Gift yourself a raise, but don’t try to justify it. Frank Erickson lives in Minneapolis.
Many White Democrats would rather lose elections than share power with Blacks By Oscar H. Blayton Guest Columnist The path to victories for White Democrats is clear: share power with the people that can put them in office. This holds true for both state and federal elections. History has shown that while White candidates make pilgrimages to Black churches each election year like clockwork, they seldom cross the thresholds of those churches at any other time. We also know that White Democratic politicians hire smatterings of Black campaign workers for the sake of optics and to help with corralling Black support and enthusiasm. After their elections, these same politicians assign their Black campaign staffers to mostly ineffectual positions and hire precious few other people of color. Despite our power to put Democratic candidates into office, Black folks often are no more than pawns on the political chessboard for many White Democrats. Anyone who doubts this needs to ask himself why African Americans don’t show up in the administrations of newly elected Democrats in the same proportion that we showed up for those Democrats at the polls. Hillary Clinton was astonishingly tone deaf in her belief that she could muster Black support in a presidential election at the same levels enjoyed by Barack Obama. Claiming to carry hot sauce in her purse (a nod to a popular song by Beyoncé at the time) and doing the ”nae-nae” on national TV to show she had a bond with a homogeneous Black electorate was insulting to many Black voters. Too many folks remembered her once referring to Black youth as ”predators.” Too many people observed her campaign and saw no indication that there would be a significant improvement in the lives of African Americans under a Clinton presidency. While Clinton stumbled badly with Black folks (after all, she lost to the horror that was the Trump candidacy), Bernie Sanders fared no better. Sanders’ White campaign workers were breathtakingly tone
deaf. The ”Bernie Bros” acted as if they only had to say that Bernie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King 50 years earlier in order to gain Black support. Bernie’s campaign operatives in many Southern states ignored the Black political infrastructures that were already in place, thinking that White youth from out of state could parachute in and tell Black folks what to do. Never mind that local Black political activists had been working and managing local campaigns for decades. It is a sad fact for Black folks that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were the best that the Democratic Party had to offer us in 2016. This same old sad song of White Democrats failing to truly embrace inclusiveness continues to hit a sour note with Black voters. This off-key tune has a long history and continues to this day. In November 2017, Democrats in Virginia celebrated the victory of Justin Fairfax, the African American attorney who won that state’s lieutenant governor’s seat. But the support he received from the Democratic Party during his campaign was shamefully, but typically, meager. Three decades earlier, when L. Douglas Wilder announced that he would run for lieutenant governor of Virginia, top state Democrats, fearful of having a Black candidate on the statewide ticket, met secretly to try to figure out what to do about the “Wilder problem.” Fortunately, they could not stop Wilder. He went on to become lieutenant governor and, four years later became the state’s first Black governor. History to the contrary, too many White Democrats refuse to learn that Blacks can win elections. Less than a week after Black voters were hailed for having ”saved America” through a record turnout in Alabama to defeat Roy Moore’s bid for the U.S. Senate in December, pundits were advising the Democratic Party that it should reward its Black supporters by shoving them to the back of the political bus yet again. Bill Scher’s Dec. 20 article in POLITICO was typical of this bad advice. He sug-
gested that in 2018, Democrats should run candidates like Doug Jones, who won a narrow victory over Roy Moore but polled lower than Moore among White voters. Does Scher really believe that because it takes a rightof-center candidate like Doug Jones to get elected in Alabama, Democrats nationwide should shift their politics to the right and make Alabama politics the national standard? Scher may not realize it, but he is advocating that the Democratic Party reward its African American voters by showing them that their interests, aspirations and lives don’t matter. We now stand on the threshold of 2018, another busy election year. It is time to serve notice on the Democratic Party that Black folks no longer will be mere laborers in the field of politics. Any politicians expecting our support must incorporate Black staffers in effective policy-making positions in their campaigns and in their administrations. More than 100 Black women have announced they will run for office in 2018. We should pay close attention to how their campaigns are supported, or not, by White Democratic Party chairs and higher ups. It is time to demand that White Democrats support Black Democratic candidates. And it is past time for White elected officials to recognize the efforts of Black voters by bringing us to the tables of governance. Thanks to Oscar H. Blayton and NNPA for sharing this commentary with us.
January 11-17,2018
STDS Continued from page 1
What she can’t block, driving her to roam Minneapolis streets day and night, is the pain from which she seeks relief, merciful medication, incessant craving that keeps a stranglehold on her selfesteem and finds her doing things she’d rather not discuss. Rose C. is 58, has been hooking for the past 20 years, and doesn’t foresee a future for herself without a pipe in her mouth. Recently, not far from where Rose spoke to us, a gal stepped into a van, was beaten, robbed and gang-raped. It doesn’t have to be that way for Tonique Ayler, 37, who traveled a hard road and, ultimately refused to lose. She prevailed against a past of abuse and a stay in Shakopee Correctional Facility, not only saving herself, but also helping others to help themselves. “Mine was a form of generational prostitution,” which she states is not uncommon. “A lot of girls, soon as they hit 14, 15, their mom’s like, ‘You need to start kickin’ in. There’s no reason to be broke when you’re sittin’ on a gold mine.’ My father was a pimp. I grew up with three stepmoms [whom he] called ladies of the night. Growing up, it seemed normal. I stayed in that lifestyle about 17 years.”
FooTSTepS Continued from page 1
She oversaw ceremonial events for U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, NAACP President Roy Wilkins, President of the Republic of Finland Urho Kekkonen, Japanese Minister of Affairs Sunado Sonoda, and Chancellor of Austria Bruce Kriesky. Briefly, she was managing director at Penumbra Theatre Company. Her volunteer service entailed, among many other efforts, providing expertise on the W. Harry Davis Foundation Board of Directors; at Twin Cities YWCA; The Loft Literary Cen-
Tiffanee Wallace Jules
HopeFul Continued from page 1
She describes it as survival sex in exchange for somewhere to sleep, eat and wash her clothes. “A lot of times if someone gave me a snort of cocaine and offered a hundred dollars [to] not use a condom I would do it.” She caught and was cured of STDs, luckily avoiding HIV. In hindsight, she’s actually grateful for the prison sentence that intervened when she was caught dealing drugs. “It was a blessing. I remember for a long time thinking I would die, feeling hopeless. That boot camp changed my life the most. I learned accountability, honesty, integrity, discipline.” Upon release she received another blessing — albeit mixed. She transitioned to Resource, Inc. (now Avivo), which provided strong support right around the corner from drug infested, prostitution-plagued Peavey Park at Chicago and Franklin Avenues. Often, she couldn’t walk to the store without being propositioned. “That was hard,” she says. “It comes down to how much you want to change.” Change she did, graduating from college and going on to her present position as housing advocate at Breaking Free, Inc., which empowers women and girls to escape sexual exploitation with advocacy, direct service, housing and education. She manages 52 housing units with a caseload of 26 clients plus children, helping with parenting groups, food,
ter; the University of Minnesota Alumni Society, which she cofounded and where she was its first vice president; the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education; the Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council; and the University of Minnesota Association of Black Employees.
referrals, emotional support, relapse prevention and weekly survival classes on issues related to addiction and recovery. «I wanted to work with women leaving sex trafficking. The best way to help someone is to lead by example.» January 7 marked her second anniversary in sobriety. “I want other women to know, no matter your background, you are worthwhile, you’re valuable. Any [pitfall] that comes to you, you can bypass. Pretty Woman isn’t how it is,
do so much, working, going to school. A lot of times our girls, young women are neglected and go out to the street.” There, in short order, they’re apt to be propositioned and, like Tonique, have unprotected sex in exchange for that extra hundred dollars. These days, tipping usually isn’t necessary. Often all a customer has to do is demand sex if the addicted woman expects to smoke his crack, unquestionably a factor in the rising rate of STDs. Cart-
you’re down in the alley, on the stroll, you routinely keep company with the ruthless and brutally vicious to whom victimizing someone comes perfectly natural and you are — plain and simple — an object of gratification. Citing the power of prayer, Carter adds, “Recovery [from chemical dependency] is a big part. When you’re not drinking, not high, whatever you’re medicating with, practicing sobriety you have a clear mind. [You need] sup-
“I wanted to work with women leaving sex trafficking. The best way to help someone is to lead by example.” being rescued by Richard Gere.” She characterizes the average john as a slumming, well-to-do suburbanite with a wife and kids waiting at home. Tonique recalls the first date to which a trafficker dispatched her: «We went to dinner, and when he initiated sex I declined.” The trick complained, whereupon when she got back, the pimp beat her to the floor and kicked her. “I don’t want to see women go down that road.” She can’t prevent their past but works with them on their future. “A little understanding can go a long way.” Patricia Carter, outreach coordinator at Turning Point, Inc., 52, was a sex worker from age 15 to 21. “The root,” she says, “was a lack of direction from a father figure and a single mother who could only
hood, events for AFI’s board of directors, and the lecture series committee with Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey. Tiffanee also worked with her mother during the year Claudia was at Penumbra, and together they created the management company Beyond Your Dreams
er repeats, “The root is at home, what seems a hopeless situation.” Even those not addicted are broke and, meeting a female already in the life or a pimp, figures the money beats flipping burgers for minimum wage. “You treat yourself to clothes and makeup. It looks like it’s working. Until things get ugly, at which point you’re already out there. How did Carter get out? “God,” she said. “He was calling my name, and my mother never stopped praying. [She] never gave up.” She, too, escaped without winding up HIV+ and counting her blessings. “The streets don’t care.” True enough, if you’re not an upscale call girl with assignments at this or that hotel, if
portive people in your life [at] Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous you can talk to so that you don’t continue to make the same mistakes.” She adds, “It’s important for Minnesota to take a look at how to be more effective, get the right people in programs, allow [them] to be effective working with African American women and young ladies,” especially professionals like her who know first-hand what the problem is and how to help solve it. “And the compassion.” Photo of Patricia Carter courtesy of subject. Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to P.O. Box 50357, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Tiffanee says that a perk of her mom being so accomplished at carrying out events was when she hosted events at home. The festivities “were full of love, food, great conversation, laughter, music and dancing. I enjoyed spending time with her, listening to her stories, her laughter. I can hear her laugh now.” Over the past two years, Tiffanee was there for Claudia as her caregiver and cherishes having had the chance to literally give Events. “I have learned so much of macaroni and cheese. Tiffa- back, taking care of her mom just from her: [to be] reliable, experi- nee calls her mac and cheese and as her mom once upon a time enced, and a caring profession- spaghetti dishes “heavenly, de- did for her. “It was full circle. I’m al who understands relationship lectable and appetizing.” grateful I was able to do it.” building. I’ve been successful because of a high level of drive, motivation and goal setting…major asset[s] my mother taught me.” Tiffanee recalls with heartfelt pride the difference her mother helped make for others as the TCOIC community program director. «[People] should have a trade, be able to work [and] be able to raise their kids.” It wasn’t merely about barely getting by and pulling down minimum wage. Claudia wanted them to have knowledge under their belts that would help them get somewhere in life. «So many were able to go through TCOIC to learn [job skills] and be in the workforce and provide for their families.” While her work at the U of M entailed moving and shaking among the power brokers, Tiffanee treasures a personal memory of her mom and Maya Angelou, who referred to her as her “Minnesota family.” They would always have high tea and brunch whenever she was in town.» Angelou may have enjoyed an aspect of Claudia’s abilities that the public missed out on — her culinary wherewithal, particularly at whipping up a dish
“If you move a pebble on the beach, it changes the shoreline. She was a pebble.” Wallace-Gardner’s daughter, Tiffanee Wallace Jules, affectionately says of her mother, “I owe everything I am to her.” The proverbial apple never fell far from the tree as she herself swiftly got off to an auspicious start in the work world. “While attending the U of M, I became a staff reporter at the African American Learning Resource Center [and wrote for] the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and the Minnesota Daily. Following in Mom’s footsteps.” Before assuming her present position as group membership sales and event agent for AAA Texas, Tiffanee interned with the local NBC affiliate KARE-11. She went on to the American Film Institute (AFI) in Hollywood, event-managing (among other projects) Ron Howard’s Parent-
5
their [poll response] numbers would be down. It was a learning moment for me.” “We’re surprised that you’re surprised,” Lewis told Weber upon hearing this. “Healing also is part of hope,” Graves continued. “The things that have hurt us we can heal from, individually and collectively. We actually can become stronger because of these things.” When Weber asked if Whites have the same capacity of hope as Blacks, Graves replied, “There is much to be learned from the Black experience.” She later told the MSR, “If we can get White folk to have more hope, it would be good for all of us. Hope is something we can use.” The MPR poll also found that Twin Cities residents and Minnesotans of color in general are less trusting of law enforcement than other Minnesotans by a two-to-one margin. “This is nothing new,” Lewis said matter-of-factly. Weber later told the MSR that last week’s meeting, which was taped and broadcast on MPR earlier this week, was “a concerted effort” to bring such issues to its audience. “Our audience is still largely White,” but “I want to make sure we have a conversation” on the poll. “I think there are a lot of people who don’t think about this question a lot. If you’re White, the results may surprise you, but there are reasons why it shouldn’t.” “I was excited to be asked to be part of it,” Graves concluded. “I think it was a conversation worth having.”
Minneapolis.” “It’s been a necessity to be hopeful, not a choice,” Graves stressed. “What’s the alternative to no hope? Hope really expects change is possible and things can get better.” “The reason why we’re hopeful is, what else we got?” Lewis added. “I’m hopeful because we are in perpetual creating mode.” “Hope provides us with the ability to get up and move,” Jones pointed out. She and Weber invited questions and comments from the audience. James Everett stated that Blacks in Minnesota tend to be more hopeful, especially those who relocated here from other parts of the country, or from places they consider “in dire straits.” “It’s not so much hope,” Everett contended. “We [as Blacks] consider ourselves Minnesotans. We don’t necessarily get treated like it.” Lewis later told the MSR the poll results might be different if the young people he regularly works with were asked. Many don’t see hope in their current circumstances, he pointed out. The MPR poll mirrors similar national surveys that also show Blacks as more optimistic than Whites, Weber reported. “We don’t hear that in dayto-day conversations, especially in the media,” he said. “As a White American, the hope surprised me. I don’t have that perspective to understand” what Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to happens to Black people in this country, noted the challman@spokesman-recorder.com. public radio host. “I was of the assumption that Black Minnesotans just look at their history…and
November 11, five days after her passing at age 69, Gov. Mark Dayton declared it “Claudia G. Wallace-Gardner Day.” A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018, 11:30 - 3:30 pm, in Coffman Memorial Union Theater at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. Photos of Claudia WallaceGardner and Tiffanee Wallace Jules are courtesy of the subjects. Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to P.O. Box 50357, Minneapolis, MN 55403
10 DAYS OF LIVE CONCERTS, FAN ACTIVATIONS, INTERACTIVE GAMES AND MORE! FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 4, 2018 NICOLLET MALL: Verizon Up Stage at Ice Mountain at 8th Street & Nicollet
Morris Day and the Time
Idina Menzel
Soul Asylum
Idina Menzel kicks off Super Bowl LIVE with a frozen rendition of “Let It Go” Friday, January 26
PRINCE NIGHT
MONDAY, JANUARY 29 Performances by Sheila E., Morris Day and the Time, and The Revolution.
THE JETS • BOB MOULD • COBI • DESSA • ESERA TUAOLO • THE JAYHAWKS • MINT CONDITION AND STOKELY • NEW POWER GENERATION (NPG) • NEW POWER SOUL • SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS • THE STEELES • STOKLEY WILLIAMS • VOCALESSENCE MORE PERFORMERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Learn more at mnsuperbowl.com/sblive
6
January 11-17, 2018
Black Hollywood legend pens new memoir Jenifer Lewis shares secrets to Hollywood success in new memoir mance, Lewis talked about being molested as a teenager, her first encounter with illegal substances and growing to understand and cope with a bipolar disorder diagnosis. “Feel your feelings. If you’re disappointed you feel, if you’re hurt you feel,” said Lewis. “Don’t you stay in a dark room and be quiet and if somebody inappropriately touches you or abuses you, you tell somebody.” Compelled by the actress’s gripping, yet comedic words, audience members gushed over the
opportunity to engage with the Hollywood legend and to share their own personal stories. “Ms. Jenifer, I just wanted to say my daughter, she would of been 27, she was bipolar,” one district resident said. “We discovered it when she was 13. When she was about 16 or 17 she heard you talking about being bipolar and it made her feel a little bit more comfortable with her treatment. She didn’t get all the way better, she passed away, but I’ve always wanted to meet you just to tell you, ‘Thank you,’ for giv-
ing my daughter that little extra amount of time on Earth to feel better.” The always amusing co-star of the hit ABC sitcom “Black-ish,” recently published a deeply personal memoir titled The Mother of Black Hollywood. Filled with comedy, sex, glamour, sorrow, pain, and good advice, Lewis’ latest over-the-top production — the story of her life — is a terrific read for anyone who has ever felt like they were ignored, but longed to have a voice.
Lewis said that she recently completed work on a new Disney animated TV series based on the movie Big Hero 6 and plans to reprise her role as Jackie Washington in the mockumentary Jackie’s Back! 2 that will pick up where the original 1999 Lifetime channel movie left off. Thanks to Lauren Poteat and NNPA for sharing this story with us.
Courtesy of Harper Collins By Lauren Poteat Contributing Writer
J
enifer Lewis, affectionately nicknamed “Auntie” in Black Hollywood, recently made a special appearance at the Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. where she shared the trials, tribulations and triumphs of her journey to superstardom, while sending a strong message to millennials to stand up and find a purpose. “There’s no foolproof way to live this thing called ‘life.’ I can’t
save the world, I can’t save you and ain’t nobody coming to rescue you,” said Lewis. “Do the work, look in the mirror and know this ain’t no rehearsal. This is life.” Lewis continued: “Live, pursue happiness — sometimes it’s easier said than done—but we have to strive for that. You’ve laid down in front of these police barricades, now get up, stay up and keep it moving, but don’t miss the beat of feeling...don’t just go willy nilly into the world.” Detailing traumatic and heroic moments from her past throughout her special perfor-
Hollywood legend Jenifer Lewis shares memories from her rollercoaster career, during a special appearance at the Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Photo by Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA
Three Billboards wins four Globes, but Oprah steals show
(l-r) Sterling K. Brown won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama; Oprah Winfrey accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award for her “outstanding contribution to the entertainment field” at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri emerged the early favorite in this year’s Oscar race after taking home a quartet of trophies in the Best Picture, Actress (Frances McDormand), Supporting Kam Williams Actor (Sam Rockwell) and Contributing Writer Screenplay categories at this year’s Golden Globes Awards held Sunday, Jan 7. Meanwhile, Cecil B. Demille Award-winner Oprah Winfrey emerged as the early favorite in the 2020 Presidential sweepstakes after delivering a rousing, nine-minute speech about female empowerment. Winfrey is the first African American woman to win the award, and her speech was so wellreceived on social media that it triggered speculation about a possible presidential run with the hashtag #Oprah2020. Another noteworthy moment came when Sterling K. Brown made history as the first African American actor to win for Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama for his starring role on This Is Us.
Host Seth Meyers opened the festivities with a monologue taking potshots at Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Woody Allen on a historic night where most women wore black evening gowns to show their solidarity with the #MeToo movement. And again and again, winners for female-centric films and TV shows made heartfelt acceptance speeches touching on the issue of sexual abuse. Overall, this year’s Golden Globes amounted to a powerful confirmation of the seismic cultural shift from shaming the victims to blaming the perpetrators. Go to MSRNewsOnline.com for a complete list of this year’s winners. Kam Williams welcomes reader responses to kam_williams@hotmail.com. Photos courtesy Globes/MGNOnline
of
Facebook/Golden-
January 11-17, 2018
Fashioning You! INSIDE & OUT
7
W
elcome to Fashioning YOU – Inside and Out. This column is two-fold – in addition to keeping readers in the know about the latest fashion trends and ideas for everyday life, Fashion Columnist Nicole Pillow also intends to provide food for thought on how to cultivate beauty and confidence that radiates from the soul.
Enjoy!
By Nicole Pillow
Will you survive or thrive in 2018?
Simple steps for a fresh fashion start It’s that time of year when we look forward to a fresh start in some area of our lives. Whether it is to lose weight, exercise more, get better rest, or save money, many of us see this time as a chance to hit the restart button. So, why not use this same “restart button” as an opportunity to walk into the New Year and into your closet with a clear mindset, clean space, and energy to take on the year ahead? To help you leap into 2018 with clear intention, I’ve spelled out three style strategies focused on redefining your wardrobe, clearing your space, and cultivating self-love.
Replenish: Be intentional when investing. Once you’ve analyzed and organized what you already own, you’ll have a much clearer picture of where you might need to expand. Having the important staples in your wardrobe can make a huge difference. What are you missing that would help you? Take notes on what’s worth buying and adding to your wardrobe. For example, if you have a ton of shoes but never the right pair, what would be the right pair that would work with everything? A pair of black boots or wedges? A black or white tank top? Athleisure or loungewear? The perfect belt? While you’re at it, don’t forget to refresh your bras and undergarments. Choose what feels beautiful to you. Just knowing that you’re wearing them will boost your confidence and remind you that you’re worth it.
Out
Renovate:
Photo by Eye for Ebony/Unsplash One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou gives us a timely reminder that our mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive. Yet even with the best of intentions, we can find ourselves stagnant, catering to the demands of our daily grind — unconsciously going through the motions of our routines and giving little attention to the things we say we desire the most. The way I see it, thriving is an empowered way of living — one that cultivates awareness, builds confidence, and embraces personal growth. It’s about transformation instead of resolution. With a proactive spirit and the willingness to look within, YOU have everything it takes to refresh your intentions for 2018 and actively create the life you truly desire. Here are a few strategies to help get you started:
next. So before you discard the old and move on to the new, make sure to explore the valuable lessons that lie within.
the things we do. Whatever doesn’t make you happy needs to go. No more mediocre in 2018!
Renew
As we grow, often our goals, dreams, and aspirations grow, too. Now might be the perfect time to upgrade your vision. Take a moment to examine your heart — what do you want be, do, or have in your life? Once you have clarity about the outcomes you desire, dig further to flush out WHY you want them — it’s critical to know your motivation. Don’t just think about what you want from the new year, but write it down on paper. Then turn each aspiration into tiny bite-size goals (doable steps of action) that focus on HOW to get there. Now if you really want to supercharge your intentions and maintain focus on your dreams, I encourage you to make a vision board — a board that visually dis-
As you step into a fresh season of renewed intention, it’s important that you renew your mindset as well. If we want to be successful in any area of life, we must be careful not to perpetuate negative patterns of thinking. Your thoughts are extremely powerful. They quickly fuel doubt, shame, and offense. Your mindset has the ability to move you ahead or cause you to play small. What you think drives how you feel, and how you feel drives what you do, which ultimately determines the outcomes you get in life (both good and bad). So, be on the lookout for any stinkin’ thinkin’ — yours or someone else’s — so you can make the very next thought something pos-
Revision
Get rid of items that don’t feel like you anymore. You know how the saying goes: “New year, new you!” The new year is a great time to redefine your personal style and make sure that your clothing serves you no matter where you are or what you’re doing. I realized one day while attempting to get dressed that I had a whole closet full of clothes for a life I was no longer living. There I was standing in front of my closet full of clothes, declaring with frustration, “I have nothing to wear!” It was time to
Revive: Step out of your comfort zone to try something new. Take more risks with fashion in 2018. There’s certainly no need to change your overall style; however, taking the chance to try something new can keep life interesting.
Inside
Reflect
Recapping the highlights for 2017 isn’t just reserved for the sport networks and Hollywood stars. As hard as it might be to toot your own horn, this is your time to celebrate and shine. Acknowledging your personal progress and achievements, no matter how big or small they may seem, will help spark an attitude of gratitude and stir up some positive motivation to propel you forward. So, be proud of yourself and start adding up your wins! Get clear about how you made success happen in the past and how you can build on these victories as you move into the new year.
Reframe
When looking back to reflect on this past year, not all the pieces may look pretty. There are real-life situations that conjure up feelings of failure, heartache, disappointment, and regret. Who really wants to sit around and think about that? But the truth is that ALL experiences in your life are valuable to your personal growth, if you choose to see them that way. I always tell my clients, “There’s no such thing as failure, only feedback.” Examining what didn’t go so well, and why, can help you know what to do (or not do)
Photo by Lauren Roberts/Unsplash
A vision board is a useful tool to visualize your goals.
YouTube/Sarah Johnson
itive and true about the best you.
Reclaim
Resolve to rise above petty issues and see the joys that surround you. When focused on toxic people or the petty stuff, we are robbed of valuable energy and time that could be better spent on our goals and the things that really matter most. Reclaim your energy and time by refusing to tolerate things that do not contribute positively to your life. I know this sounds easier said than done, but it’s so important to release hard feelings so they don’t weigh you down. As we get older, we get a better idea of who we are, who we want to be, and who we need in our lives to be happy. The same applies to not only people but also
plays of images that represent your goals and desires — they’re powerful and fun. Remember the new year is not only the perfect opportunity to take stock of your wardrobe, but also the perfect time to turn your reflections inward to take a real hard look at your life. It’s up to each of us, no matter what age or stage, to keep our spirits open to learning and decide how we will live. If you want to be happy, you have to choose to be happy on purpose. The choice is yours. In 2018, will you survive — drift through your days and let life happen to you — or thrive by creating a life filled with passion and purpose? Let’s thrive together!
rethink my wardrobe in a big way. Here’s how I did it: I started by removing everything out of my closet so I had a clear space. Then began analyzing and reconstructing what I had. As I went through my wardrobe, I held each piece and asked myself the following three questions: • Does this piece help me reach my goal (i.e. work attire) or my personal style? • Does this piece fit my body (and if not, can it be tailored?) • Does this item bring me joy or make me feel confident when wearing it? If I answered no to at least two of these questions, I let it go. I know this can be tough, but you want to make sure you’re only keeping items that serve your purpose and support your current lifestyle needs. Whether that’s work outfits, a cute date night look, or you just feel so happy when you put it on — assess these feelings when going through your closet versus just staring at a mass of fabric on a hanger. I know this process can take some time, but the benefits are worth it. If you have a larger wardrobe, you can work this strategy one section at a time — no need to rush it. This is also a great time to ditch duplicates and similar items. Just imagine how refreshing it will be to create efficiency. Purge what’s taking up space, and make room for a wardrobe that reflects not only the new you, but the true YOU.
Nicole Pillow welcomes reader responses to npillow@spokesman-recorder.com.
For example, if you typically wear a lot of black, try injecting a pop of unexpected color — a new year, calls for a new hue. A fire-engine red handbag can heat up any neutral outfit, or try a rich jewel-toned scarf around the neck. Don’t allow a limited budget to discourage you. One BRAVE item is all it takes to it liven things up and keep you on trend. Mixing up what you already have is a great zero cost option to make things feel new. For some creative inspiration, treat yourself to a current style magazine, browse the web, or even attend a local fashion show. Check out the upcoming Arctic Bold Fashion Show 2018, with special guest host Idris Elba, on Thursday, February 1 at Stella’s Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar in Uptown. The celebrity party starts at 7 pm, with the fashion show at 9 pm. This would be a wonderful way to stir up your imagination and build on your fresh fashion start for 2018. Hope to see you there!
8
January 11-17, 2018
Rondo Commemorative Plaza inches closer to fruition
On
January 4, community members gathered to sign the contract for the construction of the Rondo Commemorative Plaza at Hallie Q. Brown Center in St. Paul. Construction for the plaza is slated to begin as soon as weather permits and is to be completed prior to the 35th Rondo Days festival the third week of July. The plaza seeks to “honor the past, seek reconciliation and look to the future” engaging visitors with a multi-media presentation that includes audio-video remembrances of the social, political and cultural life of the “Golden Age” of Rondo, according to organizers. For more info about the project and video of the October 2017 groundbreaking, see “Rondo lives on in St. Paul: Commemorative Plaza preserves Black history” on MSRNewsOnline.com or got to https://rondoplaza.org.
r
Seated l-r: Mia Amore Emmanuel, Marvin R Anderson (Rondo Avenue Inc. co-founder), and Richard Copeland (Thor Construction CEO) Middle l-r: Marion Kennon (Rondo Roundtable member) Sharon Kennedy-Vickers (eCentric Solutions CEO), Lyssa Washington (4rm+ULA Architects) and Mica Anders (Rondo Plaza administrator) Standing back row l-r: Melvin Emmanuel (RAI Board), Todd Wardrope (MTN), Al Stafford (Rondo Roundtable member) Marvin Scroggins (RAI Treasurer), Art Gardener (Thor Construction), Louis Zachery (Oppidan Investments), Jonathan Palmer (HQB executive director), Taffy Jones (RAI past president), Gayle Smaller (RAI co-chair) and Glorius Martin (RAI board member) Photo by Dawn Selle, HQB administrator
SISTER SPOKESMAN ATTENDEES KICK OFF NEW YEAR WITH NEW MOVES It was chilly outside, but Sister Spokesman attendees stayed warm at “Making Fitness Fun: Move Your Body in the New Year” at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis on Jan. 6. Chef Jason Leibel performed a cooking demonstration, making a spicy curry chicken, along with a veggie companion, and Harris “Da Line Man” Parks of “We Are Family” Soul Line Dancing Group got attendees up and moving with some new line dancing steps.
Harris “Da Line Man” Parks (l) teaching attendees some new steps Photos by Olivia Crutchfield
(l-r) Dahlia Taha, Sister Spokesman event coordinator, MSR CEO/Publisher and Sister Spokesman host Tracey Williams-Dillard, Chef Jason Lebeil and Wendy Puckett of Wendy’s House of SOUL
SabathaniteS
beats are still stuck in our heads, even the folks who marched in the Elks.” Continued from page 1 They performed at local and rural events, but the Minneapbugle. “I had no idea what I was olis Aquatennial was their favordoing — thank God reading muite event. “We were always in the sic was not a requirement.” The back, thinking it was racially mosongs were made up of beats. tivated. Turns out,” he comical“A lot of us would be at our desks ly stated, “if we were in front, that in school banging like we were would have been the end of the making beats,” he recalled. “We show,” because people waited used to get garbage cans, cardboard boxes, etcetera. Those same for the group and followed them
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 3744 4th Ave. South
■
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Phone: 612-827-4021
■
Fax: 612-827-0577
TraCey williams-DillarD Publisher/CEO
CeCil e. NewmaN
lauNa Q. NewmaN
wallaCe (JaCk) JaCkmaN
Norma JeaN williams
Founder-Publisher 1934-1976
Co-Publisher Emeritus
CEO/Publisher 1976-2000
Vice President Emeritus
Senior Editor Jerry Freeman
Contributing Writers
Sports Writers
Kenneth Brown
Editor-in-Chief Judith Hence Online Editor Paige Elliott
Dr. Charles E.
Larry Fitzgerald Charles Hallman Mitchell P. McDonald
Crutchfield III Kelley Eubanks Dr. Deirdre Golden Dr. Clarence
Desktop Publishers
Hightower
Bob Keller Laura Poehlman
Dwight Hobbes Brandon Jones
Administrative Assistant Carlene Williams Staff Writer Charles Hallman Cartoonist Bob Keller
Tammy McIntyre Khymyle Mims Ivan Phifer Brandi Phillips James L. Stroud, Jr. Julia Johnson
Opinion Writers
along the streets to the end of the parade. He remembered many times during road trips, after performing in rural areas, motorcycle gangs would follow the group out of town screaming, “Can’t you go any faster?” at the school bus. “I guess [they wanted] to make sure we were leaving town.” In 1967, there were riots. “Police came on horses to disperse the crowd in downtown Minneapolis, not too far from the courthouse.” From that moment on the Sabathanites would no longer perform in the Aquatennial. They continued to boycott the event for 40
For more photos by Olivia Crutchfield, go to MSRNewsOnline.com. To see video, visit the Sister Spokesman Facebook page: @SisterSpokesman. Next up: Sister Spokesman: Love Thyself, Feb. 3 from 12-4pm at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis!
years until 2010, when Mayor R.T. Rybak asked them to come back and honored them by proclaiming the Aquatennial event as “Sabathanites Day.” These experiences taught Guilmant and other Sabathanites the meaning of teamwork and unity. “We had to stick together. [And] nobody disrespected the women [in the group],” who also marched in parades. He still performs with the group, playing the base drum at neighborhood events for Sabathani, carnivals at Martin Luther King Park, and South Side Day. “People don’t know the hard
work that really goes into it,” said Guilmant. “You’re marching with heavy drums for miles in formation. That takes strength.” The sounds of drums and marching are what he calls a “historical sound” that he would like to share [with] the new generation, but he finds that a bit of a challenge. “People [in the group] are getting a little nervous now. We try to keep it going, but once we are done, that’s it. The age catches up to you. There are about 11 of us now.” Guilmant reports that nowadays they will just get together to have a jam session, hoping the legendary marching will bring a revi-
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor
Onika Nicole Craven Olivia Crutchfield Steve Floyd Chris Juhn Sophia Hantzes Lou Michaels
2600 E. 38th Street. Mpls., MN 55408 612-827-7928 fax: 612-827-3587 www.greatfriend.org Sunday Morning Worship: 8 am Sunday School: 9 am Morning Worship: 10:40 am N.B.C.: 5:30 pm Evening Worship: 7pm (1st Sunday) www.greatfriend.org The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor 451 West Central
Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104
Dr. Willa Lee Grant Battle, Pastor 1908 Fourth Ave. So. Mpls., MN 24 Hour Dial-A-Prayer: 612-870-4695 www.gtdci.org Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Prayer Daily 7 pm Evangelistic Service: Wednesday & Friday 8 pm
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
Publications are published every Thursday by the Spokesman-Recorder Publishing Co., Inc.
• Editorial/Business office is at 3744 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409
POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, P.O. Box 8558, Minneapolis, MN 55408
INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Subscription Rates: In-state $35 yearly • Outside Minnesota $40 yearly All subscriptions payable in advance.
Bethesda Baptist Church
Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor
Contributing Photographers
MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
Ivan B. Phifer welcomes reader responses to ivan.b.phifer@gmail.com
Worship
Myrle Cooper Ron Edwards Frank Erikson Rev. Irene Monroe Mel Reeves Lucky Rosenbloom
Minnesota Newspaper Association • National Newspaper Publishers Association
talization to a new generation. He feels it will teach discipline and responsibility. “We could possibly give them homework help with extra-curricular activities. It would help get them off the streets.” Other notables who marched in the Sabathanites were Gary D. Hines, music director and producer of Grammy Award-winning “Sounds of Blackness,” and Judith Hence, editor-in-chief for the MSR.
Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM
St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444 Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8 & 10:45 am Prayer Service: Wednesday 7 pm
"Welcome to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church" Grace Temple Deliverance Center
At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904
www.bethesdamnonline.com email:bethesdamn@prodigy.net
Service Times: Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm
Advertise your weekly service, directory or listing!
CALL 612-827-4021
January 11-17, 2018
Legals
Employment
The Public Housing Agency of the City of St Paul (PHA) is soliciting proposals to audit the PHA’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, with options to renew for each of two subsequent years. The official Request for Proposal, Contract Number 18-112, may be obtained at no charge in hard or digital copy by contacting Ron Moen at ron.moen@stpha.org or at 651-292-6142, or Holly Gray at holly.gray@stpha.org or at 651-292-6145. RFP Documents are also available at Northstar Imaging at 651-686-0477 or at www.northstarplanroom.com, under public plan room, RFP FOR FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICES FOR ST. PAUL PHA. Digital downloads are no charge; contact Northstar for hard copy pricing. Sealed proposals must be received by 4:00 PM on February 9, 2018 at the office of the PHA, 555 Wabasha Street North, Suite 400, St Paul, MN 55102-1602. Ron Moen Finance Director/Controller (651) 292-6142 ron.moen@stpha.org Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, January 11, 2018
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, PROBATE DIVISION 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-17-1487
In Re: Estate of GLORIA MILDRED WATTSON, Decedent.
NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is given that an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar, along with a Will dated June 10, 2017. The Registrar accepted the application and informally appointed Grant C. Jensen, whose address is 12900 1st Ave. S., Burnsville, MN 55337, to serve as the personal representative of the Decedent’s estate. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection. Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters testamentary, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the Decedent. Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred. SIGNED BY: Alonna Warns, Probate Registrar, Probate Division Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer, District Court Administrator SIGNED DATE: January 02, 2018
MOOSBRUGGER LAW OFFICE P.A. Anthony J. Moosbrugger MN# 0322180 208 W Main Street Kasson, MN 55944 Telephone: (507) 634-4111 e-mail: anthony@moosbruggerlaw.com ATTORNEY FOR GRANT C. JENSEN
Minnesota Spokesman Recorder January 11 & 18, 2018 STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, PROBATE DIVISION 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-17-1548
In Re: Estate of DONALD JOSEPH OCEL, Decedent.
NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND INFORMAL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is given that an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar, along with a Will dated August 8, 2007. The Registrar accepted the application and informally appointed Samuel C. Ocel, whose address is 4109 Overlook Circle, Bloomington, Minnesota 55437, to serve as the personal representative of the Decedent’s estate. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection. Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters testamentary, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the Decedent. SIGNED BY: Julie Peterson, Probate Registrar, Probate Division Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer, District Court Administrator SIGNED DATE: January 02, 2018
Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A. John C. Redpath MN# 0387391 333 South Seventh Street, Suite 2600 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 Telephone: 612-359-7629 Facsimile: 612-359-7602 e-mail: mhartranft@fwhtlaw.com ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For more info go to: www.mylegalaid.org/jobs.
SOe Continued from page 10
Then why Lincoln? “The coaching staff was incredible. I knew they’d take care of me well,” Morton said. “Academically it is really good and what I needed to be able to excel after school.” She expects to graduate this spring with a psychology degree and may look into playing overseas. On the last afternoon of 2017, it was our first time watching Morton on the court. I didn’t see her play at Osseo, where she was a four-time all-conference performer, a 1,000-plus career scorer, and helped lead her school to a state runners-up finish in her junior year and the semifinals as a senior. Morton played volleyball as well. Morton is Nebraska’s most experienced Division I player. During her mandatory sit-out year last season, she learned the Cornhuskers’ system as a result. “A lot of it was working on things I could work on, and keeping faith and confidence all the time,” she recalled. Morton put her oncourt absence to good use, made the school’s ScholarAthlete Honor Roll, and became a member of the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team. However, this past summer Morton suffered a foot injury and underwent surgery in late September. This has as a re-
service
Continued from page 1
two of whom became lawyers. But during a trip to France while in college, “They welcomed me in such a way that I had not been welcomed, like I have value,” she remembers. That was in 1962. “I felt really empowered. I was 18 or 19 at the time.” A later opportunity to work with foreign exchange students as a “junior diplomat” finally convinced her to seek a career in Foreign Service, despite the fact that at the time there were few if any Black females to emulate. “I didn’t have one role model at the time,” ElamThomas said. But she proudly pointed out that the late Patricia Roberts Harris, the first Black woman chosen as a U.S. ambassador (for Luxenberg, 1965-67) by President Lyndon Johnson, in essence became her role model. More importantly, ElamThomas also realized her true diplomatic role: “I didn’t realize that whenever you step out the door you represent the United States of America,” said the ambassador, who in addition to English speaks French, Greek and Turkish. The retired ambassador once
worked at the United Nations and served as acting deputy director for the U.S. Information Agency. But diplomacy involves much more than the offices of secretary of state and the ambassador, Elam-Thomas pointed out. “The ambassador position should not be politicized,” she opined. “Each administration has the right to have ambassadors who have been supportive of them during their campaign,” but, she quickly interjected, it’s the behindthe-scenes career diplomats who are equally important. They often aren’t political appointees. She cited as an example Powell’s successor Condoleezza Rice (2005-09). “She did not know Egypt, Asia or Latin America. She had to rely on career diplomats to provide her the briefing and support whenever an issue came about, and she would be required to not only be knowledgeable, but be able to resolve” the issue as well. “Very few Americans know what diplomats do. We have been trained to be experts in the cultural geography of the area,” ElamThomas explained, adding that things overseas have become even more challenging post-Sept. 11, 2001; she was ambassador at the time. “I had full-time bodyguards the following day. My work became even more
difficult…to present a face of America that is not antiMuslim,” she stated. Since her retirement, Elam-Thomas has advocated for more diversity in the diplomatic field where she saw few faces that looked like her. Now the director of the University of Central Florida Diplomacy Program, Elam-Thomas stressed the importance of being worldsavvy and “authentic” for a long and successful diplomatic career. “Every American embassy is established thanks to our relationship with the host country. We are a guest in that country; we cannot superimpose our values on another nation,” she advised. “I dare say that if it were not for the career diplomats who are still working in the trenches, still working to ensure the safety of Americans abroad to bring some credence…they are still highly effective. They are the face of America.” Elam-Thomas would like to see these faces become much more diverse. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Fellowship Attorney Funded by Robins Kaplan Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to www.mylegalaid.org/jobs. sult slowed her debut in her one and only season at Nebraska. “It’s been a struggle,” she admitted, “but every game it’s getting better.” Against the Gophers, Morton finished with three points, a rebound and an assist in the fivepoint road win. “Other than the injury, everything has been going well,” she said in an upbeat tone. Before she headed off to celebrate with family and friends who were present in the Barn on New Year’s Eve, Morton said with a beaming smile, “To finally get back home and get a W feels great.” Second time back home for this former prep For the second straight weekend, a former local prep hoopster played at the Barn as a visiting opponent. Sophomore guard Nia Hollie on Sunday led Michigan State with 14 points in a six-point loss to the Gophers. It was the second time back home as a Spartan for Hollie, a Minneapolis native and Hopkins High School grad. She scored nine points last season in a road win over Minnesota. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesmanrecorder.com.
OUR WAIT LIST IS OPEN Now Accepting Applications Mears Park Place in St.Paul offers 1 BR subsidized apts. Controlled entry, on bus line, community room, great location, and more. Must meet HUD income guidelines. 651.292.1313 www.tbigos.com Equal Housing Opportunity
GET NOTICED!
• Employment • Rentals
• For Sale • Divorce • Assumed Name To place a classified ad please call
612-827-4021
ARTISTIC EAR WEAR
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, January 11 & 18, 2018
Foreign
Housing
Legal Support Specialists
REQUEST FOR AUDIT PROPOSALS
9
Judith Clark your ear wear stylist 612-702-3457 Judy_digg@yahoo.com (title you message: regarding ear wear) facebook: artistic ear wear, leave a message there also
View Continued from page 10
called this out in print or electronic media. I did, but the answer wasn’t satisfying. I don’t know where or when Thibodeau learned how to be so controlling. He certainly didn’t get it from the late Bill Musselman, the Wolves’ first coach and the man who brought Thibodeau into the NBA in the first place and hired him as an assistant coach. Musselman had his ways, but he always was accessible whenever I approached him during his and the club’s first two years in existence. In fact, until now, every coach after Musselman was pretty easy to deal with for the most part — some better than others. Mitchell, who I covered as a player before he went into coaching, often would give freely of his time when approached. Thus far we haven’t sought a one-onone with Thibs mainly because we don’t have the time to get a security clearance just to ask a couple of questions, making him the first Wolves coach or executive I haven’t had an official encounter with. Perry Michael Simon, who weekly writes “The Letter” for All Access Music Group, recently noted that today’s journalists are too “predictable,” preferring not to ask tough questions and settling instead for “non-answers.” I would apply Simon’s
observation to local sportswriters in particular. Too many are scared to ask tough questions, opting to be kissy-face with coaches and players. You definitely see this these days with Thibs, the Big Bad Wolf. Unless it’s a person who doesn’t look like them — then they become faux Mike Wallaces. Thibodeau isn’t the only one, but he’s emblematic of today’s sports coverage landscape. It’s like this at the collegiate level as well. “They need you more than you need them” — Simon’s eight-word advice has been my mantra for as long as I can remember, but especially since I decided to get into this business. Sadly, too many of my compatriots have forgotten or abandoned this knowledge. Rooney Rule violated? Did the NFL’s Oakland Raiders get around the league’s Rooney Rule when they hired Jon Gruden as their next coach? The Rule is in place mandating that all NFL teams must interview at least one person of color for coaching vacancies. There were published reports that Gruden was the frontrunner for the Raiders job. If so, then the team violated the Rooney Rule. The question is whether the league will investigate or let it go. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
June 8-14, 2017
10
9
January 11-17, 2018
Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
W A
s of press time this week, Larry Fitzgerald remains hospitalized in Arizona for heart valve surgery and implantation of a pacemaker. He has informed us by phone that he is recovering apace and looks forward to resuming his column as well as covering this year’s Super Bowl, as he has done for over three decades now. Join us in praying for Larry’s restoration to good health and the return of his invaluable sports journalism. His many friends and fans are invited to send him their well-wishes via email at info@larry-fitzgerald. com.
hy are the local media scared of Tom Thibodeau, the Minnesota Timberwolves president and head coach? When Thibodeau’s predecessor Sam Mitchell was coach, he was oft-criticized by some
Most local sports journalists, it seems
almost a season and a half ago, he’s no friendlier than Mitchell but is more controlling. It seems most everyone has accepted the current coach-prez’s dour disposition in lockstep fashion. Unlike past seasons, with the David Khan
ANOTHER
VIEW Charles hallman
Today’s journalists are too “predictable,” preferring not to ask tough questions and settling instead for “non-answers.” media for his surliness during post-game press conferences. Mitchell didn’t answer questions in their preferred servant-master manner, and some called him out for that. But since Mitchell’s departure and the Thibs regime took over
years an exception, never have things been so controlled at the newly remodeled downtown Minneapolis basketball facility. Access to players and coaches these days feels like trying to crash the Trump White House. The last two Wolves
Tom Thibodeau (l) and Scott Layden, Timberwolves general manager Photo by Charles Hallman
media days, which once was designed for media to speak to players and coaches in small groups or brief one-
Brooklyn Park prep star finally gets to play back home — and win Janay Morton now can brag that she never lost at Williams Arena as a collegiate. Nebraska defeated the host Gophers on New Year’s Eve. “It feels really good [playing in Minnesota], because I haven’t been here in five years of playing college ball,” the smiling Brooklyn Park native told the MSR afterwards. She hadn’t played in her home state during her time at Eastern Michigan, and Morton didn’t play a year ago when the Huskies came to town following her transfer from EMU to Nebraska. The 5’-10” senior guard was a three-year starter at Eastern and scored over 1,300 points. She ranks among the school’s top 10 in career steals — Morton’s 96 steals in 2015-16 was third-best in school history and 18 more than any other Mid-American Conference player that season. She made the league’s firstever All-Defensive team and third-team all-MAC. She also made the MAC All-Freshman team in 2013-14. Why then, after three successful seasons with such im-
PreP Scene mitChell Palmer mCDonalD
Janay Morton
but to our knowledge no one else has spoken out about it, let alone ■ See View on page 9
This week’s “Fab Five” photos feature a former boys’ basketball standout point guard leading his college team (McKinley Wright IV); two former prep girls’ basketball superstars competing against each other at the collegiate level (Kenisha Bell and Janay Morton); a sophomore averaging double figures for her high school team (Dlayla Chakolis); a junior among the leading scorers on her team (Aja Wheeler); and one of the most dynamic prep players in state history (Andrayah Adams) contributing to her team at the collegiate level. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail. com.
Photo by Charles Hallman
“It’s been a struggle, but every game it’s getting better.” pressive individual stats, did Morton transfer from Eastern to Nebraska, from the MAC to the Big Ten, she was asked. “I loved it there and everything was good. But I felt for
Thibodeau and players taking short questions in timed sessions. Some reporters grumble afterwards,
Highlights from this week’s ‘Fab Five’ prep stars
Sports odds and ends
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer
on-one’s, have become press briefings. The only thing missing was Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with
me personally I had to make another step, so that was leaving Eastern,” the young woman responded. ■ See SOe on page 9
Minnesota junior point guard Kenisha Bell (Bloomington Kennedy) drives past Nebraska senior Janay Morton (Osseo) in a Big 10 matchup. Nebraska won the 79-74 contest despite a 30-point effort from Bell. Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald
McKinley Wright IV (Champlain Park), Mr. Basketball and Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year in 2017, averages a team-leading 16 points per game as freshman point guard at Colorado. Courtesy University of Colorad
Sophomore point guard Andrayah Adams (St. Paul Como Park) is averaging 12 points per game for St. John’s University (NY). Courtesy St. John’s University
Junior guard Aja Wheeler averages 13 points per game for Robbinsdale Cooper. Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald
Hopkins junior Dlayla Chakolis is third-leading scorer for the Royals, averaging 15 points per game. Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald
January 11-17, 2018
B-1
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
What is your dream for the community? Welcome to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. legacy special edition As you may know, for several years the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) has offered a special Martin Luther King, Jr. edition in celebration of his legacy. In past years, in addition to an event calendar, we selected a quotation from Dr. King’s extensive writings and asked community members to share their thoughts on the relevance of the quotation or Dr. King’s legacy. This year we asked community members a simple question: What is your dream for the community? We hope you enjoy the voices gathered here for our Martin Luther King, Jr. special edition, and we thank you for your continued support of the MSR.
King’s dream still a powerful example for today’s young people
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer
D
r. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout his lifetime advocated for a fair and equitable community. The MSR, in past years, has asked local officials and others to share their thoughts on Dr. King’s dream, as we annually recognize his legacy each January. This year, however, we spoke to three South High School students, all born at least three decades after King’s death. All three told us that King’s dream is still very much alive: “My biggest dream for the community is [for] all the little kids that don’t have guidance, don’t have both of their parents or [don’t have] too many people in their lives — I hope they find a good path to follow. “I hope they don’t end up on a path like a parent in jail or anything. I hope they end up staying in school and fight through the stress and the neglect they’ve been through,” 16-year-old Diamond Dortch of Minneapolis stressed. Too many youngsters are unfairly “categorized as hood rats, that ignorant Negro,” she pointed out. “Dr. King had a dream, and I have
adopt his traits back then, we can have a better future now.” Dortch said that too many young people of color, especially pre-teenagers, are “left alone, neglected. Their parents have gone to jail or they have siblings that are on drugs. They are not in a good environment — people are in and out of the house. I hope they can find a way through that and be successful.” As a result, Dortch proposes a new system for youngsters who find themselves in troubled situations beyond their control, but not a modified foster care system. Rather “a shelter for [ages] 10 and up” that these young people could live and flourish while they attend school, she noted. She also advocated lowering the minimum age a young person can legally work from the current age 15. This would allow young people the opportunity to work “at least two hours [a day] and can have a little money in their pocket.” Photo by Jeronimo Bernot/Unsplash Worku referred to a recent song, “I’m Not Racist” by Joyner Lucas, that speaks a dream that my kids won’t be judged it’s the country we live in today. It’s hard on today’s world: “It shows a two-sided by their [skin] color but by the content for Black men to provide for [their] fami- perspective of how White people may of their character,” 15-year-old Tiger ly, and come home safely without being view African Americans, and [why] AfWorku of Minneapolis said. “I feel that if harassed by police officers,” Worku said. rican Americans feel the way they feel,” he explained. Although the song on the outset appears negative in tone, “It is important to acknowledge that it’s there. There is a negative light that faces our community. I would like that to be changed,” Worku continued. Dortch bemoaned, however, that some communities have drifted far
“I believe we can take some of his doings and sayings back then, and apply them to how it is right now. He didn’t do all that just to have this Black-on-Black crime — Black neighborhoods killing each other.”
we can get to a world in 30 years, even a hundred years, to when we don’t discriminate against people based on the color of their skin or assume their positions based on the color of their skin that would solve a lot of the problems right now facing the United States. “My dream is to see communities treated equally — not only equally but also with equity. Our community needs equity. That’s my dream,” Worku added. The oft-repeated notion about absentee Black fathers bothers him, however. “There are a lot of Black fathers who are already there for their children. It’s not that they don’t love their children but
Dr. King was “one of those one-ina-million people,” 17-year-old Clinton Mosley III, of Minneapolis stated. “I believe he was an inspirer for his people, but he wasn’t the only one leading marches back then.” King’s work still means a lot today “and [for] people maybe 50 years from now,” he pointed out. “I believe we can take some of his doings and sayings back then, and apply them to how it is right now. He didn’t do all that…just to have this Black-on-Black crime — Black neighborhoods killing each other. He wanted us to band together...make a better and wider path for us to succeed in life. If we
away from Dr. King’s dream. “I feel there is a lot of stuff that goes on with teenagers and young kids,” she said. “We got teenagers out here killing themselves. Dudes are out here buying guns. You see a lot of drug dealing.” Dortch painfully recalled when a young girl’s life was senselessly taken. “She got shot in the face just for walking home at night. She wasn’t doing anything to anybody, or in a gang. We are killing our own people. We are making ourselves the enemy. We are making an army against ourselves. We are making it easy for the cops and White people who are racist and do want us dead, doing their jobs for them.” Worku wants an end to systemic racism and a “messed up judicial system” — “I think we are 300 years behind in this country,” he said. Finally, these three young people all said they believe that Dr. King’s dream is achievable. “My end goal, my dream on what I plan on working toward in the future, is to make sure that the discrimination ends in our community. We can’t always completely change White people’s perspective — there are White people who hate us. But when it gets into the legal system and it hurts us that way” that bothers him and he wants to see things changed. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder. com.
(l-r) South High School students Clinton Mosley III, Diamond Dortch, Tiger Worku
B-2
January 11-17, 2018
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
2018 MLK CALENDAR OF EVENTS King Jr. Blvd, Saint Paul 10 am—12 pm, A musical celebration featuring Stokley Williams and Maria Isa. Governor Mark Dayton, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III and Rep. Ilhan Omar will be the featured speakers. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please RSVP. For more information, go to http://bit.do/GovenorsMLKCelebration.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 6 pm, Mayoral MLK Reception AICHO, 202 West 2nd St., Duluth. A chance for the community to come together in unity and celebrate diversity. This event is part of the Duluth-Twin Ports MLK Holiday Celebration sponsored by the NAACP Duluth Branch. For more info, visit http://duluthnaacp.org/mlk.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 5:30 pm, Dinner; 7 pm Show: Rhythm & Hues Peace United Church of Christ,1111 North 11th Ave. Duluth. This event is in conjunction with the DuluthTwin Ports MLK Holiday Celebration sponsored by the NAACP Duluth Branch. Visit http://duluthnaacp.org/mlk for more information.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 12-4 pm, Youth Nation Washington Center, 310 North 1st Ave. W., Duluth Celebrate MLK at this free family-centered community event that highlights the youth in the community. There will be games, performances, music, food, and fun! This event is in conjunction with the 2018 Twin Ports’ MLK Tribute events, sponsored by the NAACP Duluth Chapter. For more info, visit http://duluthnaacp.org/mlk. 12-4 pm, MLK Saturday - A Day of Exploration, Music, Exhibits & Fun for Families Minnesota History Center, 345 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Made possible through a sponsorship by General Mills and the MLK Holiday Breakfast, this event offers an interactive celebration of the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Explore “The 1968 Exhibit” opening celebration; create screen-printed activist posters; join in a spoken word activity; be of service by packing personal hygiene kits for the Dorothy Day Center; and enjoy performances by students at the Walker West Music Academy, a learning community rooted in the African American experience. Exhibit entry is included with museum admission of $12 adults, $10 seniors, veterans/active military, college students; $6 ages 5-17; free age four and under and MNHS members. For more info call 651-259-3015 or visit www. minnesotahistorycenter.org. 1-4 pm, Science Fusion: African Americans in Science Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul Bring the whole family out to discover the inspiring careers and scientific contributions of local African American professionals in the fields of health care, technology, and more.
Admission is free for four kids (ages 17 and under) with each full-priced adult admission. Call 651-221-9444 to purchase tickets. Special rates for people with limited income are available. 7-10:30 pm, Spectrum Dance Theater presents “A Rap on Race,” Ordway Theater, 345 Washington St., Saint Paul In 1970, two towering personalities of the American intelligentsia, Black author and social critic James Baldwin, and White anthropologist Margaret Mead, sat together and recorded a conversation on what is a defining subject of the American experience — race. Now, more than 40 years later, two contemporary artistic icons, Anna Deavere Smith and legendary choreographer Donald Byrd, re-imagine this monumental moment in history into a genre-obliterating evening of “theater for the 21st Century.” Tickets range from $19-40. For more info, visit http://bit.do/ RapOnRace or call 651-224-4222.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 12-3:30 pm, MLK Sunday Potluck & Celebration Redeemer Lutheran Church ELCA, 1800 Glenwood Ave. N., Minneapolis Enjoy an afternoon of music, song, and poetry at this annual potluck that follows the 10:30 am worship service in the fellowship hall. Fried chicken will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring side dish and/or desert to share with at least four people. Following the potluck meal from 2-3:30 pm will be a “beloved community” celebration filled with song, music, and poetry. For more info, go to http:// bit.do/MLKPotluck. 6-8 pm, Hope & Healing Cabaret Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd St., Minneapolis Coretta Scott King wrote that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday “celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America.” Join in celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy through theatrical and musical performances. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. This program is a collabora-
tion between MNHS and the African American Interpretive Center. $20; MNHS members save 20 percent. For more info call 612-341-7582 or visit www. minnesotahistorycenter.org. 7 pm, MLK, Jr. Day Celebration - Not a Myth but a Man: Open Mic Night Luther Seminary Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham St., Saint Paul Bring your poem, song, or reading exploring the question, “What does beloved community mean to you?” The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information, go to http://bit.do/ LutheranSeminaryMLK. 7-10 pm, Watch That Star: MLK Concert 2018 Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Community, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis For over 400 years, protest songs of all kinds — folk, jazz, blues, gospel and hip hop — have helped generations of African Americans survive, strive and thrive. Bruce Henry leads a spellbinding historical journey with an all-star band, singers Tonia Hughes, Robert Robinson, Mari Harris and PaviElle, dancer Kenna-Camara Cottman, the SJA choir and more. General admission is $25; $10 for students. For more info, go to http://bit.do/WatchStarMLK.
young people should have access to a four-year college degree. Proceeds will benefit the Minneapolis Chapter of UNCF, and help provide low-income local students with four-year scholarships. Actor David Oyelowo (Selma) is this year’s keynote speaker. Oyelowo (pronounced — “ohyellow-oh”), a classically trained stage actor who is working successfully and simultaneously in film, television and theater, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. He graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), and received the “Scholarship for Excellence” from Nicholas Hytner in 1998. Musical entertainment will be provided by Twin Cities’ own Sounds of Blackness. The breakfast will be broadcast live at 8 am on Twin Cities Public Television and streamed online at www.
go to http://bit.do/EventBriteBridge-Painting. 9 am, Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance — Not a Myth but a Man Luther Seminary Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham St., Saint Paul Rev. Kenneth Wheeler will be the keynote speaker at this community event that aims to explore the human side of Dr. King — a human being with strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and gifts. Wheeler is a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who has served as an anti-racism trainer in the Greater Milwaukee Synod and on the board for the Commission for Multicultural Ministries. In 2012, he was a recipient of the Milwaukee Black Excellence Award, honored as a religious leader. Keynote remarks
7 am, MLK Holiday Breakfast — A fundraiser to benefit UNCF Minneapolis Armory, 500 South 6th St., Minneapolis Support of the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fundraiser Breakfast will help keep Minnesota’s promise that all
tpt.org. You can also watch the broadcast at one of the community breakfast locations listed at to www.mlkbreakfast.com. 8-10 am, Be Human Kind: A Way to Healing Halenbeck Hall, Main Gym, 720 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN. St. Cloud’s MLK Breakfast and Day of Service is an opportunity for students and community members to participate in service projects to make items that will be donated to local community organizations. Sheyann Webb Christburg, civil rights activist and acclaimed author of Selma, Lord, Selma, will give the keynote address live in Halenbeck Hall. In its fifth year, the MLK Breakfast event invites students, employees and community members to engage in conversations and interactions that critically analyze how to create positive change and do the required actions to support the well being of everyone in the community. Local citizens, business owners, community leaders, and non-profit organizations are welcome. The event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. Registration closes on January 11. Seating is limited. For more info, go to www.stcloudstate.edu/care/ mlk-breakfast. 9 am—12 pm, MLK Jr. Day of Service: The Bridge Painting Project 1111 West 22nd St., Mpls., Volunteers will be painting a portion of the drop-in center. All paint and materials will be provided. If interested, register by January 11 to enable organizers to give The Bridge an accurate volunteer count. For more info,
3-4 pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Green Central Gym Park, 3416 4th Ave. S., Mpls. Celebrate the history of Martin Luther King, Jr. by enjoying music, dance, a guest speaker, and food. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, call 612-370-4918. 5:30-7:30 pm, The 34th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Centennial Student Union Ballroom, Minnesota State University, Mankato The event starts at 5:30 pm with hors d’oeuvres and social time. The program begins at 6:15 pm with awards, followed by entertainment provided by Mankato Children’s Chorus at 6:45 pm. Keynote remarks by Kevin Lindsey, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, begin at 7 pm. His theme for the evening will be “50 years of Human Rights in Minnesota.” For more info, visit http://bit.do/CommemorativeCelebration.
MONDAY, JANUARY 15, DR. REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY All day, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed as a day to serve the community and reflect on Dr. King’s philosophy of bringing people together to work towards a common good. Find volunteer sites for MLK, Jr. Day of Service by contacting Hands on Twin Cities at 612-379-4900 or info@ handsontwincities.org, or go to www.handsontwincities. org or www.mlkday.gov.
11 am—2 pm, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Powderhorn Community Center, 3400 15th Ave. S., Mpls. Powderhorn Park is hosting its 20th annual gathering for Twin Cities community members to come together to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration features local performers, artists and a community meal. Food donations benefiting the Aliveness Project and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative will be collected. For more info, go to www.ppna. org/mlkcelebration.
will be at 9 am; Worship Service is at 11 am; Community lunch is at 12 pm. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information, go to http://bit.do/LutheranSeminaryMLK. 9-11 am, Our Community, Our Time – MLK DAY 2018 Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Rd NE, Minneapolis Expect an MLK celebration for youth ages 5-10 years old focused on fun performances and community-building. Free and open to the public. For more info, visit http://bit.do/Our-Community. 9 am—12 pm, 2018 Governor’s Council on the MLK Day Celebration 345 Washington St., Saint Paul This year is the 32nd Annual MLK Celebration put on by the Governor’s Council. The theme this year is: “Life’s most persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Governor Dayton will host his final Martin Luther King Day, Jr. Day Celebration, and hopes to make his last MLK event special and impactful for the community. The celebration will consist of a youth rally, musical acts, an awards ceremony honoring Minnesotans who are making a difference for all of us, and a celebratory program featuring amazing speakers. This year organizers anticipate that the celebration will draw more than one thousand people in attendance. 9-10 am, Youth rally at the MN State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
5:30-9:30 pm, Meatless Monday 4: Eating Pot Pie, Laughing in the Eye of this Rotten Storm Eureka Compass Vegan Food, 629 Aldine St., Saint Paul This event invites community members to Celebrate MLK Day and “the proud, loud, and mighty resistance with a warm, fortifying, and comforting meal surrounded by compassionate and jovial friends.” The meal is entirely nightshade free and soy free and gluten free and nut free. $25. For more info, visit http://bit. do/MeatlessMonday. 6:30-7:30 pm, Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. The annual celebration includes a keynote presentation by Toki Wright and live entertainment by STA FRUIT. Chad Jackson, senior account executive of the Minnesota Twins, will serve as emcee. The celebration is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate. Refreshments will be available following the program. For more info, go to http://bit.do/ MLKParkCelebration. 7-9 pm, At the River I Stand: MLK Day Screening/Discussion East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul The East Side Freedom Library’s commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, will screen and discuss At the River I Stand, the award-winning documentary about the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, during which Dr. King was assassinated. This 58-minute documentary focuses on social inequity
January 11-17, 2018
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition 2018 MLK CALENDAR OF EVENTS CONTINUED issues that have only become more urgent in the intervening years: the connection between economic and civil rights, debates over strategies for change, the demand for full inclusion of African Americans in American life, and the fight for dignity for public employees and all working people. Free and open to all. For more visit eastsidefreedomlibrary.org or call 651-230-3294.
al Heritage Fund.Free and open to all. For more info, go to https://hclib.bibliocommons.com or call 612-543-KNOW (5669).
7 pm, University of Minnesota’s 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert University’s Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Minneapolis, U of M West Bank campus The concert features various artists presented 7-9 pm, AGC’s 5th Annual MLK Lecture and by the Avant Garde, including Jovonta Patton, AshCommunity Forum ley DuBose, Chadwick Niles Phillips, Delphin Starr, All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Meah Ismail (The Spoken Poet), and Daonna Lewis. Church, 3100 Park Ave. S., Mpls. The show will also include a prelude performance Community members are invited to attend this by the U of M Jazz Combo. forum led by Minneapolis City Council Member The concert is free of charge and open to the pubAndrea Jenkins. The forum will be centered on the lic; no advance tickets or reservations are required. many social justice issues of our times. Free. For more info about the program, or for disability accommodations, contact the Office for Equity and 7-10 pm, A Conversation of Afro Centric Art in the Diversity at oed@umn.edu or 612-624-0594 or go to Twin Cities z.umn.edu/mlktribute2018. Innovation Artist Laboratories, 609 S. 10th St., Mpls. FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Ta-Coumba Aiken will lead a conversation centered on navigating the current landscape of “being 11 – 2 pm, MCTC MLK Tradition of Service Black in America” for artists of color and the reali1501 Hennepin Ave., Room T.1400, first floor, in ties of creating Afro-centric artwork. Attendees can the Technical Building, Minneapolis also enjoy a performance from Niles, and preview Minneapolis Community and Technical College pieces of the “Afro-Centric” Gallery opening Feb. (MCTC) will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. 1, which celebrates artists of color in the Twin CitHoliday Celebration event featuring keynote speakies for Black History Month. For more info, call 651- er Ericka Huggins, an educator, former Black Pan246-9234. Free. ther Party member, political prisoner, human rights activist and poet. TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 Other highlights include an African drum and dance ensemble and an ancestral remembrance liba11:30 am—1:30 pm, Dr. Martin Luther King – Day of tion ceremony. Door prizes will be awarded and box Service lunch will be served. Free and open to all. For more Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park info, visit h ttp:/ /bit.do/MCTCMLK. Campus, 9000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park A lecture will take place at 11:30 am, with keynote remarks by Ben Dossman of Fat Chance Foods to follow. The event will conclude with a hands-on service project. No registration is required and there is no cost to attend. For more info, go to http://bit.do/ HennepinTechMLK. THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 6:30–7:15p m,Stories of Wit and Wisdom North Regional Library,1315 Lowry Ave. N., Mpls. Through a collaboration with Black Storytellers Alliance, community members are invited to listen to lively stories from African and African American folktales. Learn lessons for tricksters, join in with call and response, and take home little bits of wisdom. Funded by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultur-
3-6 pm, MLK Reparations Dinner & Dialogue Rice St. Library, 1011 Rice St., Saint Paul Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King with a candid conversation about reparations for the descendants of slaves in North America. The Minnesota Migration Act is legislation that will secure reparations for the descendants of slaves who reside in the state of Minnesota. This event is hosted by Trahern Crews and food will be served. Free admission. For more info, go to http://bit.do/MLK-Reparations. Share your events with MSR readers by going to the Events page on MSRNewsOnline.com
Fifty-Five years ago By Regina M. Brown
Reflections on Letter from A Birmingham Jail in 1963 When the brave realized that Freedom is not Free When oppression was bold Written on dehumanizing signs When we understood the tumor Was malignant, aggressive, and in no way benign. “We are caught in an inescapable Network of mutuality…” Yet we still must elucidate The birthright of our Humanity “…Tied in a single garment of Destiny” No matter left, center, or right, To date the Dream is still NOT history Black Lives Matter! Ever-present is the cry By Lynching, Mobs, Dogs And blue guns we die Ever within the rules of the law Unjust treatment in the courts Justice evades us Nevertheless, unyielding are our efforts Justice delayed is justice denied More than 400 years of history’s lesson Justice must be demanded Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor The only wish is to maintain the status-quo An unjust code of a power majority Used to maintain a False sense of superiority So, we tiptoe on our own land Not knowing what to expect Plagued with inner fears And outer resentments But no longer willing To be in the abyss of despair The “nobodiness” of Blackness The psychological warfare That forces a response A cry from the soul I am not a Thing! I am human, I am whole Your order is disorder Your justice inhumane Freedom, my birthright Can and will be gained! The voices can no longer Be ineffectual with an uncertain sound The message is clear Equity must abound We were here before the pilgrims Before the Declaration of Independence Our ancestors’ spirits are growing Impatient, waiting for our transcendence Fifty-five years since MLK wrote the letter One would think by this time The Nation would be much better Killed for his effectiveness He lived the plan for our satisfaction Collection of facts; negotiation Self-purification; and direct action
Remembering Dr. King “The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. Application deadline February 1, 2018
perpetually learning
one campus p-12 in Golden Valley | breckschool.org
B-3
B-4
January 11-17, 2018
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
Each generation is tasked with moving human history forward By Andrea Jenkins Minneapolis City Council Member, Ward 8 “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps perpetrates it. He who accepts evil without protesting it is really cooperating with it.” —Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King What is evil in this world? Racism, sexism, poverty and war. These are the evils that I am concerned about, protest about, and work each and every day to eliminate.
Last month, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Smithsonian Museum of African History, in Washington D.C. with my family. When you enter the building you embark onto a large elevator that holds about 75 people, and it’s not until you go down three and half stories that you realize it was designed to replicate the feeling of being crammed into a slave ship. Then you actually enter the bowels of a replicated slave ship; I tried holding back the tears, and did for a while. The journey goes through
Andrea Jenkins (back) with (l-r) Miré Regulus and Darius Regulus at the Dr. King Monument in Washington.
Dream a better world into reality
slavery, the Civil War, and reconstruction (which is where the tears began to fall). I learned that during this period there were many Black elected officials all over the country, prolific in the South. Blacks (more than 100 Blacks held public office after the Civil War) served on city councils and as state legislators, and there were mayors, congressmen and U.S. Senators. Having recently been elected to serve on the Minneapolis City Council, it really hit me hard what an enormous responsibility I have taken on. Because about five years after the Civil War, the KKK was born, and gerrymandering and voter suppression through violence created an environment that made it impossible for Blacks to continue to build political power. Each generation has a responsibility to move human history forward. Witnessing the journey that African Americans have been on since arriving on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean was a deeply moving moment. We have consistently, persistently and diligently tried to bring America closer to realizing the true meaning of its creed. Those hopes, dreams and prayers were manifested in Dr. King’s life and work. But the work continues, and this is the vision I have for our “Beloved Community.” “Reconstruction,” in Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History. v.4. New York: Macmillan Library Reference USA, 1996.
By Jeremiah Ellison Minneapolis City Council Member, Ward 5
M
ost of Dr. King’s speech sometimes feels lost — the words “I have a dream” dominate our collective memory — so allow me to revive, at least, one other sentence from that speech: “In a sense, we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check.” King’s speech was not merely aspirational, but rooted in a practical truth — that wealth has been intentionally stripped from Black people in America. The repayment of that debt will have to be achieved with equal intention, and even more is owed. I dream of a coalition of workers and activists — of Fred Hampton marching with Berta Caceres. I dream of Emma Goldman and Malcolm X delivering a speech to a crowd of young people, urging them to fight for dignified work. I dream that our food nourishes us, that our air does not give us asthma, and that Flint’s tap water is at least clean enough to bathe in.
I dream that wealth-building in places like North Minneapolis is not reduced to a buzzword, but treated as a reality. Dreaming is not light work. For me, dreaming is a political orientation. Dreaming is also a means of survival, but not a passive survival rooted in silence. I’m surrounded by people that, through their grimace, survive, but do it to music and the smells from the cookout down the block — people who survive as they dance, write, read and argue. I see that dreaming-to-survive spirit in the mothers and the fathers who, every day, seem to make magic for our kids. Activism, organizing, and movementbuilding are what Detroit activist Adrienne Maree Brown would call acts of science fiction. She means this in a good way — that we are dreaming our way into a world that has never existed, into a future that could be. And, by our will, just might be.
“ Peace is not merely a distant
“ As a student of color,
going to college has brought many opportunities for me to grow, develop and become the leader that I am today.”
goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. ” —MLK
— Mohamed Mohamed ’19
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL
Augsburg University Bethany Lutheran College Bethel University Carleton College College of Saint Benedict The College of St. Scholastica Concordia College • MOORHEAD Concordia University • ST. PAUL Gustavus Adolphus College Hamline University Macalester College Minneapolis College of Art and Design Saint John’s University Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota St. Catherine University St. Olaf College University of St. Thomas
Find college profiles, degree options and how to apply at:
mnprivatecolleges.org/possible
Everyone Welcome 2823 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis & 317 E. 38th St., Minneapolis
www.seward.coop spokesman_2017-Mohamed_0922.indd 1
9/22/17 8:12 AM
January 11-17, 2018
B-5
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
Black women must have We must grasp the fierce urgency of now a seat at the table By Tina Burnside Civil rights attorney and writer
“We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., quote from his “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963.
M
ost people only remember the last lines of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. But the quote above, also from that same speech, is what I want to focus on in thinking about the future of the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota.
Our community, city and state face serious problems of poverty, racial inequality and economic disparity. Minnesota ranks as the second-worst state for racial inequality for Black people with glaring disparities in which Blacks are incarcerated at higher numbers, have lower incomes, higher unemployment, and lower home ownership than Whites. We can no longer take the “luxury of cooling off” to study the problem. We already know
there is a problem. What we need are real solutions. Policies must be crafted in partnership with business, government and the community. This partnership must include Black voices and leadership. We can no longer create solutions without listening to the people who are experiencing the problems, and we can no longer tell Blacks and other people of color that change must come gradually, or to wait. It is 2018 — 55 years after Dr. King delivered his famous speech. As Dr. King said, we must be reminded of the urgency of now. There is no time to “cool off” or proceed gradually. Now is the time to make the promises of democracy a reality and not just a campaign slogan, soundbite or hashtag.
55 years later, much work is needed to fulfill Dr. King’s dream in Minnesota By Senator Bobby Joe Champion By LaDonna Sanders-Redmond Diversity and Community Engagement Manager, Seward Community Co-op Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner District 3
We
need to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Democracy is under attack. Black Women are the ones who have the stamina and the courage to step forward when others who say they are progressive or liberal cannot or will not. It is quite easy to see the enemy that is opposite to our values and our beliefs. It is much harder to take stock of what is known as the
progressive or liberal voice. The progressive liberal White voice speaking for those that are historically marginalized is no longer good enough. What matters is representation in every office and every position. I dream that more African American women will buck the political system. I dream that African American women will refuse to wait their turn, remain silent or tolerate being ignored. I dream that African American women will come forward and run for political office by droves to secure democracy for our communities. When we stand up for our communities, all communities benefit. African American woman will make real the promises of democracy — now.
Producing Green Energy in North Minneapolis for 26 Years
Dr.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at a time where the words he spoke were radical, important, and needing to be both heard and said. Fifty-five years later, we still have so much farther to go. I echo Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words — 55 years later; our communities are still not free. We are still fighting against economic disparities, unequal pay for work, and an achievement gap that is hurting the youngest of us. But, I also echo Dr. King’s words when I say I have a dream. I have a dream for our community that lifts up all of us:
A dream of better opportunities for employment — for an environment where local businesses can thrive and hire community members for jobs that pay a living wage. A dream of better education for all of us — from our youngest students to the people who never thought they would make it to college, to those that have earned a degree and are returning to our communities to give back to the people that gave so much to them. A dream of stronger relationships with our police force, and of an unwavering commitment from our public safety officers to protect and serve all of us. A dream of true equity that moves our entire community forward, that moves all of Minnesota forward.
This continues to be our hope, and it is the hope that I carry with me to my work in St. Paul. As we head into session, I will carry these dreams with me and I will work as hard as I possibly can to make them a reality, to make our community proud, and to make our city and our state a remarkable place for everyone.
Join NorthPoint in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 15, 2018
‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Chicago, March 25, 1966
1313 Penn Avenue North, Minneapolis MN 55411 612-543-2500 www.northpointhealth.org
B-6
January 11-17, 2018
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
‘I Have a Dream’ speech resonates 55 years later Still, many believe much work is left
Also in the crowd was Dr. Henry Brockington, a retired faculty member from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, who was then a 23-yearold Howard University student. “I was active in civil rights in the Washington area,” said Brockington, who is Black. “I did a number of sit-ins and went into neighborhoods in Washington and the surrounding areas.” Headlining the event was the 34-year-old King, who used about half of a prepared speech that opened with a reference to Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. He followed with a comparison of the signing of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to a “promissory note” guaranteeing “inalienable rights.” But King declared that “America has defaulted on this promissory note,” giving “the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked “‘insufficient funds.’” Though his words were well-received, after 10 minutes he sensed an opportunity. He laid aside his text and spoke from the heart, invoking the words “I have a dream,” though it was not the first time he used that phrase in a speech; he had actually spoken it several times before. But on this day, the words rang as never before. He repeated them seven more times to growing cheers, referencing the Declaration of Independence, the racial struggles of the South, and his hopes for his four children. His concluding passage of “free at last, free at last” was from his original text and met with thunderous applause. “It was a very historic moment,” said Gluba. “You could just sense it, with the sheer number of people of all ethnic backgrounds, all coming together. It was probably the largest peaceful demonstration ever in Washington, and it was kind of overwhelming.” Brockington still remembers where he was standing. “I was by a tree on the right-hand side of the reflecting pool,” he said. “I still call it ‘my tree.’ “It was the most fulfilling speech I had heard in my lifetime to that point,” recalled Brockington. “It was the most exhilarating, most promising experience, because I felt I was needed. I saw what I had to do to help others. For the first time in my life, I really felt like an American, not just an Afro American, beView from the Lincoln Memorial toward cause of the mass of people of many different the Washington Monument on August 28, 1963 races.” King’s words were heard nationwide, as
By Tom Emery Contributing Writer any of its words were improvised, and some were not even original. But Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech summarized the struggles of millions of Americans and inspired people of all backgrounds, then and now. The 18-minute oration from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial remains a seminal moment in American history. The March on Washington in 1963, which was not solely organized by King, was intended as a peaceful demonstration for “jobs and freedom” for all Americans. It also served as a mass call for passage of civil rights legislation introduced by President Kennedy two months before. Organizers feared a low turnout, but an estimated 250,000 demonstrators, about a third of them White, showed up in Washington to hear an array of celebrities, activists and performers. In the crowd that day was St. Ambrose College junior Bill Gluba, who served as the mayor of Davenport, Iowa from 2008-16. “St. Ambrose was a hotbed of progressive liberal thinking in that era,” recalled Gluba, who is White. “A number of the faculty and students, including myself, were committed to the real principles of the Declaration of Independence, of equality for all.”
M
all three networks pre-empted regular programming to broadcast the speech live. The speech remains one of the most recognizable moments of the era. Coretta Scott King later recalled her husband’s words as coming “from some higher place.” The Los Angeles Times lauded the speech as “matchless eloquence,” a sentiment shared by most observers. In addition to its historic impact, the speech is also considered a model of rhetoric. King’s historical and Biblical allusions and use of repetition hammered home his message, creating a timeless quality to his words that still resonates to many today. “Dr. King was the most powerful orator I’ve ever heard,” said Gluba. “And I’ve heard a lot of presidents, senators, and other leaders.” However, within a few years the speech had faded from view, partly due Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivering “I Have a Dream” to subsequent events. Three weeks af- at the 1963 Washington, D.C. Civil Rights March ter the March on Washington, a Baptist church in Birmingham was bombed, killing in 2013 revealed that 49 percent think “a lot more” four young girls and tempering the optimism that needs to be done to realize King’s vision. Since then, flowed from King’s words. The Kennedy assassina- other events in America have further demonstrated tion that November, coupled with the Vietnam War the racial divide. and other hallmarks in the civil rights struggle, also “I think if Dr. King were here today, he’d be disovershadowed the speech. appointed and saddened,” remarked Gluba in As the March on Washington intended, the Civ- 2013. “There’s still a tremendous lack of civil equalil Rights Act was signed in July 1964 and legally ity and economic justice, and in many ways, we’ve banned discrimination in jobs, voting, and pub- regressed from the strides we made after the Civil lic facilities. Other landmark advancements in civ- Rights Movement. il rights followed, but the struggle was hardly over. “African Americans are still struggling, in some In 1965, a disappointed King declared that his ways worse now than then,” continued Gluba. “dream” had become a “nightmare.” “There’s been such a breakdown of families, crime King’s assassination on April 4, 1968 revived in- is a problem, and jobs are an issue. There’s still a lot terest in “I Have a Dream,” and it has since taken to do to make Dr. King’s dream a reality.” its place among the greatest orations in American Brockington, who like Gluba has remained a civhistory. A 1999 poll of scholars by the University il rights activist, agrees. “Has progress been made of Wisconsin ranked “I Have a Dream” as the top since then? Yes,” said Brockington in 2013. “Am I American speech of the Twentieth Century. satisfied with the progress that has been made? No. In 1986, King’s birthday became a national holi- I’m not totally satisfied with everything that has day, and the speech is a common theme of its cele- been accomplished, because there is still work that brations. Its words have been repeated worldwide, must be done.” including by Nelson Mandela and during the Tiananmen Square protests of June 1989. Tom Emery is a historical researcher and freelance Still, many Americans believe King’s dream is writer from Carlinville, Ill. He welcomes reader responses not yet reached. A Pew Research Center poll re- to ilcivilwar@yahoo.com. leased around the 50th anniversary of the speech Photos courtesy of Wikipedia
KIMONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018 KICKS OFF WITH THE
THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES...
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PROGRAM
345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 10am-12pm ASL Interpreters and CART services will be provided.
kiEvent is FREE & open to the public. Limited seating. For more information: www.facebook.com/mnmlkholiday