January 17-23, 2019 Vol. 85 No. 24 www.spokesman-recorder.com
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THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934
THE MLK ISSUE Tuesday, January 15 marked what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King’s 90th birthday. More than 50 years after his assassination, we explore the lasting effects of the iconic activist’s work and how he might view America’s progress toward his tenets of racial and economic justice and civil rights.
THE DREAM TODAY How are you living out Dr. King’s dream?
As we celebrate and reflect on King’s ongoing legacy, the MSR took to the streets to find out how various community members are working to live out his dream today. Interviews were conducted by MSR contributors Onika Nicole Craven, Solomon Gustavo and Chris Juhn. Cheniqua Johnson, 23, district outreach coordinator for Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley — Worthington, MN I am living out MLK’s dream by having faith in and dedication to God’s work. As a public servant, I understand that many spaces I have had the privilege of being in were not designed for me or my community. Each day we make history. Each day we break systematically oppressive barriers, we make Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sacrifice and dream fruitful.
REMEMBERING THE RADICAL MLK The whitewashing of More than just a King’s message and legacy dream of brotherhood NEWS ANALYSIS By Solomon Gustavo Contributing Writer
It’s been 50 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated while giving a speech in Memphis, Tenn. For those who heard King speak, word of his assassination was tragic but unsurprising. Dr. Wornie Reed, who marched with King and saw him speak 30 or 40 times, noted that King would often say he did not expect to live a long time.
Dr. Wornie Reed Photo by Cecilia Leonard However, Reed said, the last thing King or anyone who worked with him anticipated, along with many other Blacks of the time, was that 50 years later there would be little civil and
Black rights progress — even some regression. A large deterrent to continued progress is propaganda painting King as a sweet guy with a catchy speech device (dreams are nice) instead of as a skilled and calculating social philosopher torquing deep-rooted gears of American governance and culture to rapidly bring attention to the urgent matters of poverty, racism and war. Precipitating King’s death in 1968 were huge milestones in the Black movement for rights and respect, like the passing of the Voting Rights and Fair Housing acts, among others. Reed, who is now a professor of sociology and Africana studies and director of the Race and Social Policy Research Center at Virginia Tech, also pointed to the 1967 National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (also known as the Kerner Commission). This was essentially a commission on Black riots, said Reed, that had only a few Blacks on it (including Roy Wilkins). After its formation, the Black community braced itself for another insulting whitewashing of Black
■ See Legacy on page 8
Three particular works from 1957 to 1967 illustrate how King’s political thought evolved from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a hopeful reformer to a radical has come to be revered as a hero critic. who led a nonviolent struggle to reform and redeem the United King’s support for White States. His birthday is celebratmoderates ed as a national holiday. Tributes For much of the 1950s, King are paid to him on his death anbelieved that White southern niversary each April, and his legministers could provide moracy is honored in multiple ways. al leadership. He thought the But, from the perspective of White racists of the South could a historian of religion and civil be countered by the ministers rights, the true radicalism of his who took a stand for equality. At thoughts remains underapprecithe time, his concern with ecoated. The “civil saint” portrayed nomic justice was a secondary nowadays was, by the end of his theme in his addresses and polife, a social and economic radilitical advocacy. cal who argued forcefully for the necessity of economic justice in ■ See Brotherhood on page 8 the pursuit of racial equality. By Paul Harvey Contributing Writer
While the Twin Cities may be chock full of events to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the partial government shutdown is affecting observance plans across the country. All government-funded parks, museums and landmarks nationwide have been closed since the shutdown began on Dec. 22 as border wall funding remains a major fight in Washington, D.C. Now in its fourth week, many who planned to visit King’s birth home in Atlanta or pay homage at his memorial monument in Washington, DC will have to find alternatives if the shutdown is not over soon. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home Photo courtesy Google
I’m living out his dream as a voice for the voiceless [and] bringing forward the issues of poverty and inequality and how those things are continuing to negatively impact people of color, African Americans, and poor people. One of the tenets that Dr. King really stood on was anti-poverty, and that’s the work that I’m continuously trying to move forward. Joyce Marrie, founder, CrossRoads Panorama — Richfield The true meaning of what it means to be free [is] sharing my creativity to a world that hurts for LOVE!
Joe Davis, 32, poet and teaching artist — Minneapolis My work is to empower students of all ages to creatively use their voices speaking out against injustices and to build what King called the “Beloved Community.”
King (center) talks with civil rights leaders and President Lyndon B. Johnson (right), at the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 1964. Photo courtesy of AP Photo
Government shutdown affectinG mLK ceLebrations across the country By MSR Editors
Andrea Jenkins, 58, City Councilmember — Minneapolis
• Martin Luther King Jr. National HisHere is a list of some historic sites that torical Park in Atlanta — the site of will remain closed until the shutdown King’s birth home and Ebenezer Bapends. tist Church where he pastored for eight • Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in years Washington, DC • The Tuskegee Institute and Tuskegee • The Selma and Lowndes County interpretative centers along the Selma to Airmen national historic sites in TuskeMontgomery National Historical Trail gee, Al. Good news though: sites like The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta are hosting a series of events in observance of the holiday. And, of course, you can check out our twopage insert of events (on pp 6 & 7) happening throughout the state to honor the civil rights icon.
Jiccarra Hollman, 27, founder, Living on Purpose, LLC — Minneapolis I see myself as a changemaker, activator and leader. At least once a month I get to put on the uniform of the nation and be a part of something bigger than myself. I am also living his dream by living the most free life that I can while making and creating opportunities for myself and others and keeping an open heart and open mind to all. Jason Griffin, 44, security — Minneapolis Martin Luther King’s dream laid the brick of tolerance for the foundation for this society so we can stand on it today and celebrate ourselves as Black people. ■ See SoUNd oFF on page 8
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January 17-23, 2019
Celebrating KMOJ’s 40 years of ‘Q-Bear’ MSR: How important is it that we have KMOJ serving the community? Q-B: It’s a huge, unique thing. You can’t run into a lot of stations in the whole United States that do what KMOJ does. To also be of color. It’s community, community, community… We’ll go to community events, basketball games, some of the stuff that’s going on in the schools. We also deal with the political realm. You have to have balance, and we have to bring our reality. A lot of people have come in, got a solid foundation, and gone on to work elsewhere… It’s our responsibility to help people grow.
By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer KMOJ’s eight annual Soul Bowl is set to honor Walter “Q-Bear” Banks, Jr. as more than a popular radio personality, but also paying homage to the community-minded media veteran as a veritable institution. Long a household name, Banks has worked at KMOJ for 40 years, including his current positions as programming director, operations coordinator, and afternoon drive-time disc jockey. Through his work, he has become a beloved figure for countless personal appearances at not only prestige events, but also neighborhood goings-on, particularly those benefiting youngsters. The January 21 event will also be a fun-filled occasion, featuring cordial competition for family and friends to get away from it all and connect for a good time while setting them up and knocking them down. There’ll be first-, second- and third-place trophies along with awards for the most strikes, highest scores, and a gag prize for the most gutter balls, so that even losers can win. The MSR sat down with Banks for an amiable chat at the station about his upcoming event and serving the community.
bowler, as well — Marcus. We call him “Big Cheese.” He’s a bad dude on the bowling alley. I see a little bit of Alonzo in him. Quiet as it’s kept, there’s a lot of great bowlers of color in the Twin Cities... With bowling, it’s competitive, but it’s about community as well, giving people the opportunity to socialize. It’s a positive force. You find yourself enMSR: How did Soul Bowl come about? couraging each other to do your best Q-B: It started out, there was a young and to talk and laugh, just have a good man I used to bowl with and teach time. youngsters at Nokomis Bowling Alley in South Minneapolis, Alonso Lucas, on MSR: This particular event sounds Saturday mornings. We then came up special. with a tournament, and from there be- Q-B: It is. There’s trophies, plaques, that gan Soul Bowl. Just got a lot of people to- kind of thing. Beyond that, at KMOJ we have, like, 15 deejays and will have mugether who loved to bowl. It’s been a great thing because, for me, sic there as well throughout the whole Alonzo was a great person who may time… It’s the kind of thing that, pernever get the recognition of how good sonally, I like instead of so much negahis game really was. He’s passed on, but, tivity. During the summertime, I take kids he was one of the better bowlers when it came to representing the Twin Cities fishing. That’s one of the things I came up with. My pops would take me fishBowlers Guild... Alonzo has a son who’s an amazing ing. I was asked in an interview…if
there’s a memorable moment I could repeat [from his many celebrity contacts], what would that be? That thing was the chance to go fishing with my father. He taught me a lot about what it is to be a man. MSR: You sing? Q-B: Yeah. I sang with Vera Jenkins and the Angelic Chorus. Also with Gospel Choirs United, James Cleveland. Actually, gospel was my first time on-air. Angelo Chapman got me in at the station. I was singing with his chorus and he said, “Why don’t you come by? Just to see if you can do it.” From attending North High and at lunchtime doing stuff at the microphone and deejaying for dances, I had technical skills as well as knowing music. So, they let me be a gospel announcer. Then, somebody didn’t show up to do their show. I didn’t have all the skill, but I had enough, could work a turntable, and I knew how to communicate. You
have to have all that besides having respect for the station itself and the system of doing things. I had a lot of tutelage from a lot of people and I was a young kid, just openminded and learning. One day Angelo said, “I’ll be right back.” By the time he returned, the program was over and they were getting calls asking, “Who was that young man that was on-air?” MSR: When opportunity knocked, you opened the door. Q-B: I walked through that door with open arms and book bags — and respected the space. Something I learned from my mom, dad, grandmother and granddad — that if you respect the space, it will respect you. That’s about being positive, being community-minded and being good to other people... Not at any time did I think I would be at KMOJ, now, 40 years. It’s about your title. It’s about your work ethic and what you do.
MSR: You’ve a seen a great deal of history here, including growing pains and controversy about how things have been handled. What’s your experience with that? Q-B: Because something’s in front of you doesn’t mean you have to be a part of it. There’s been a lot of different changes, allegations this person did this or that. My responsibility and my job is the survival of the radio station. I don’t care about the politics, the nonsense or none of it. I’ve been through nine to 11 different station managers. Some of them have been good, some have been great, and some have been horrible. My growth throughout my time at KMOJ, the number one thing has been community. That’s been it for me. I want to see somebody sit in the seat who is about the mission statement. Which is about us, the community. Soul Bowl salutes Q-Bear on Monday, January 21, 10 am – 4 pm, MF Southtown Lanes, Bloomington. For more info, visit kmojfm.com. Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to dhobbes@spokesman-recorder. com. Photo by Chris Juhn.
Food insecurity on rise among college students la, has taken direct action as well. In addition to serving as student cabinet vice president at LeadMN, Oballa led the charge to establish a food pantry at the institution he attends, Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota. It would seem that at this student The Antilevel at least, leadership in opposing Poverty food insecurity is growing. The work In spite of what we hear about reSoldier of another University of Minnesota cord-low levels of unemployment, perby student, David Begleman, was highsistent job growth, and other positive Dr. Clarence lighted by The Minnesota Daily late economic indicators, food insecurity Hightower last year. remains one of the pressing issues in Begleman spearheaded discusthe nation. And, as you would expect, among the most vulnerable populations to this sions to launch a partnership with Swipe Out Hunger, a national program that enables students to docontinuing trend are seniors and children. Here in Minnesota, after reaching a five- nate unused “U Card” (dining services) swipes to year high in 2017, food insecurity among se- food insecure students. Carleton College in Northniors dropped slightly in 2018. Overall, Minne- field and Duluth’s College of St. Scholastica have alsota remains one of the least food-insecure states so joined forces with Swipe Out Hunger. Recently the Star Tribune reported that nearly in America. And yet, last year there were a record 3.4 million visits to Minnesota food shelves; more two-thirds of all students at Minnesota State Unithan three million visits per year has remained the versity, Mankato say they have “missed meals in the past semester due to food insecurity.” Accordstandard since 2011.
Students surviving in college on ramen noodles and pizza is hardly new. What is new is that universities are no longer shrugging off the issue. Food insecurity on a college campus can be anything from missing a few meals to forgoing meals several dozen times in a semester. — Chris Bowling
“Hunger is something no one should struggle with, or be judged for.” So, if food insecurity seems to be trending down (if ever so slightly) among some vulnerable populations, what groups are seeing an increase in food insecurity? The answer: college students. Relative to this issue, the State of Minnesota has been center stage in a multitude of different ways. A 2015 study conducted by public health researchers from both Arizona State University and the University of Minnesota suggested that more than one out of every three college freshmen is food insecure. One of the researchers, Dr. Meg Bruening, adds that, “This number is over two times the national rate of food insecurity among adults, and over 10 percent higher among households with children.” Last year, The Chronicle of Higher Education profiled five American college students, including two from Minnesota. One of two students featured in the piece, Frankie Becerra of the University of Minnesota, states, “Food insecurity is not only just skipping a meal because everyone at some point has skipped a meal. Food insecurity is not knowing when your next meal is going to be.” To his credit, Becerra has put his words into action. He’s become student cabinet president of LeadMN, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of college students in Minnesota. The other local student profiled, Oballa Obal-
ing to the article, comparable numbers are being witnessed at college campuses nationwide. Again, the good news is that MSU Mankato and other colleges and universities across the state are partnering with organizations such as Hunger Solutions and Second Harvest Heartland to fight food insecurity. Food pantries and farmer’s markets are also pitching in to fill the gap, and there is even an effort to assist SNAP-eligible students in applying for and receiving food support benefits. Still, one of the critical factors addressed in the Star Tribune piece and countless others is the stigma that is tied to food insecurity. College students, as well as others, are often afraid to ask for help because of that stigma. That must change as we increase our efforts to erase food insecurity and hunger wherever they may surface. In the words of a young woman named Dawn, after receiving support from the nonprofit Feeding America in her home state of Idaho: “Hunger is something no one should struggle with, or be judged for.” Clarence Hightower is the executive director of Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties. Dr. Hightower holds a Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University. He welcomes reader responses to 450 Syndicate Street North, St. Paul, MN 55104
January 17-23, 2019
Treating skin of color
By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD First of a three-part series
M
ost skin diseases occur in people of all nationalities, regardless of their skin color. Particular problems encountered in the skin are more common in people with different hues of skin, and sometimes a disorder seems more prominent because it affects skin color. This column and the two that follow will consider these problems and their treatments.
The melanocytes make up only a small percentage of overall skin cells. In fact, only two to three percent of all skin cells are melanocytes. The variation in skin color we see across all people is determined by the type and amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes. All people inherently have the same number of melanocytes. A recent theory indicates that the differences in skin color are really a reflection of the skin’s ability to protect against ultraviolet radiation. Persons living closer to the equator produce more melanin because the ultraviolet radiation is more intense and ultraviolet protection is required by the human body. Groups of people living further away from the equator produce less melanin, resulting in lighter skin color. One reason treating pigmented skin can be somewhat tricky is that traditional textbooks have had only black and white photographs. Additionally, many lesions have been described as red, pink, salmon, or fawn-colored. This certainly is true in Caucasian skin; indeed, many of the textbooks that were written had this as the majority patient type. However, in tan, brown, or darkbrown skin, inflammation can look grey, copper, or violaceous in color. Additionally, certain conditions will have a slightly different presentation in pigmented skin.
Variations in skin color Skin color is determined by cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialized cells within the skin that produce a pigment known as melanin. Melanin is produced and stored within special structures known as melanoPost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation somes, contained in the melanocytes. and hypopigmentation Melanocytes can either stop producing color or produce excessive color in cases of inflammation. Generally, in children, the cells stop producing color, especially in irritation of the diaper area. (I explain to parents that the cells tend to go to sleep.) It is very common for a child of color to have a very light area of post-inVariations in human skin colors flammatory hypopigmentation. This is
sunscreens to prevent ultraviolet radiation exposure and subsequent cancer later in life. In the majority of cases, vitiligo is probably the result of an auto-immune or inflammatory attack on melanocytes. In these cases, topical anti-inflammatories and phototherapy, most notably narrow-band ultraviolet B, tend to be most effective. We have a success rate of approximately 75 percent in our clinic. In the remaining cases, these are probably related to a genetic program in the melanocytes where they die prematurely. Usually, with the appropriVitiligo Vitiligo is a skin condition that oc- ate treatment, signs of vitiligo can be recurs in all people, but it is most notice- versed in one to two months. able in patients with tan, brown, or dark-brown skin. I believe that vitiligo Pityriasis alba Pityriasis alba is a condition where is really the end stage of several differwhite patches occur on the arms, trunk ent disorders. In some disorders, the melanocytes and, most notably, on the face. This is a are attacked by the immune system, widespread condition seen primarily in and they die. In other conditions, the adolescent patients of color. It is a result melanocytes are pre-programmed to of very mild irritation and/or eczema die early. No matter what the cause, ul- leading to post-inflammatory hypopigtimately, patches of vitiligo are white mentation where the melanocytes temporarily stop producing color. spots devoid of melanin. Gentle topical anti-inflammatoBecause these areas lack natural protection, vitiliginous patients must wear ry lotions, mild cleansing bars, and ul-
‘Surviving R. Kelly’:
Ending the atmosphere of acceptance
Sexual assault is a heinous As the world watched and reactcrime that plagues individuals, ed to the Lifetime documentary sefamilies and communities. The ries Surviving R. Kelly, it was striking stigma associated with this crime to observe the public discourse on R. often prevents those who are Kelly’s lifestyle and actions, which victimized from telling anyone can best be described as horrendous, about these occurrences. Unforterrifying and heartbreaking. Howtunately, many of us have abusers ever, there seems to be an underlyJEGNA within our own families and coming theme that is missing from the munities. conversation. That theme is R. Kelly being a vicBrandon Jones The impact of sexual abuse in the tim of and, allegedly, a perpetrator community of sexual abuse. This traumatic sceLike other types of trauma, we often do nario in the story is critical to how R. Kelly has gotten to this place and all the people in not address sexual abuse in healthy ways. his life who did not attempt to stop what was Victim blaming and shaming is often a reason going on. This also highlights the atmosphere why people do not talk about sexual abuse in of acceptance within the African American the community. Often victims are told to “get over it,” which can lead to other psychologicommunity. cal confusion because they are not being protected or supported by people who they depend on. Another element of the silence is knowing the perpetrator, which makes it extremely difficult for the victim of the abuse to speak up. In the community, we have too often chosen to “not talk about it.” When we do not talk about “it” as a problem, oftentimes the victims of the abuse do not know that what happened is problematic and can have negative impacts on their life.
R Kelly / Instagram
tra- moisturizing lotions can be used to treat pityriasis alba. The loss of color in this condition is usually only temporary and is most notably seen on the cheeks of adolescents.
Vitilgo before (l) and after treatment where the inflammation of diaper irritation causes the melanocytes to stop producing color, leaving light or white patches. With the appropriate treatment, the color almost always returns to normal within a few weeks. In older patients, inflammation can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is most commonly seen in areas where acne blemishes heal, leaving a dark spot behind. These, too, will fade with time; however, it can be quite persistent.
Dermatosis papulosa nigra This most commonly occurs in African American patients. Some people call them “flesh moles,” “Bill Cosby spots,” “Morgan Freeman spots,” and, more recently, “Condoleezza Rice spots.” It tends to occur slightly more frequently in women than in men. These are tan to brown to black, raised papules that can occur on the forehead, cheeks, and neck. Under the microscope, they resemble other benign growths known as seborrheic keratoses. We use a unique surgical technique in our clinic that can achieve excellent results in treating dermatosis papulosa nigra. Indications for treatment can be pain, itching, irritation, and cosmetic reasons. Next week: acne, “ashy” skin, keloids, acne keloidalis nuchae Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD is a board certified dermatologist and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He also has a private practice in Eagan, MN. He received his M.D. and Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology and Genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. Dr. Crutchfield was recognized by Minnesota Medicine as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. He is the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations.
“ Peace is not merely a distant
goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. ” —MLK
If we do not want any more R. Kelly types or victims of sexual abuse in the community, we must begin to be honest and protect our children.
This acceptance is around the abuse that takes place with no one acting to intercept or address the issue. In the series, R. Kelly’s younger brother stated that he and other family members were victims of sexual abuse from their sister. There is a correlation that ancestral sexual abuse tends to occur among What to do about the abuse We have to be able to break this acceptance people who were also abused by family members. There is a high probability that Kelly’s to get to a place of healing. People need to feel safe enough to have these discussions and alsister may have also been a victim. low healing to take place. Social support for those affected is vital. We must get more comSexual abuse as childhood trauma Sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviors fortable with discussing this unpleasant topic. are certainly not exclusive to R. Kelly. Accord- The conversations must take place. Education on the topic of sexual abuse, sexing to the National Sexual Violence Resources Center, an estimated one in four women and uality, and healthy sex is a must. We live in one in six men are abused by age 18, most of- a fast-paced, hyper-sexual society where we ten by someone they know. Most of these sex- are not informed enough about sex. We have ual assaults are never disclosed, much less re■ See JegNa on page 9 ported to the police.
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Everyone Welcome 2823 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis & 317 E. 38th St., Minneapolis
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January 17-23, 2019
Money Matters How to survive a financial crisis
By Stephenetta Harmon Editor-in-Chief It’s 2019 and the disparity gaps between Black and White household income and wealth is even greater than ever. Add to that the effects of the 2008 recession, which most Black households have yet to fully recover from, and the fact that 40 percent of adults are unable to cover a $400 emergency expense, and all those tips about getting our credit together seem moot. Most of us are either in — or one paycheck away from — a financial crisis. Considering the current government shutdown, it’s now or never when it comes to taking control of our financial future. Here, we chat with financial coach Jonathan Marcello about concrete ways to survive and thrive through financial uncertainty.
“If people can’t spend money on things like retail or services than those businesses can’t pay people. Are you one of those people?” asked Marcello. “This is the time to evaluate every spending choice. Scale down on expenses that aren’t a necessity.”
Be wise with your tax return “Tax season is coming. Be smart with your return — 80 percent of people living check to check have dependents,” said Marcello. “So, for a lot of people, this will be the biggest check they’ll see this year. Don’t blow it on unnecessary expenses or feel-good buys like tech toys, a mommy-makeover or extravagant vacation.” Instead, he recommends, to use half of your return to start your savings or emergency fund. For the rest, he said, take one half and catch up on or get ahead of bills. “The feeling you have when Create a budget Take account of every dollar com- you wake up not being behind or in ing in and every dollar that you arrears [debt that is overdue after spend. “You can’t even begin to save missing one or more payments] is or make real goals if you don’t know refreshing,” said Marcello. “Let that what you’re working with,” said encourage you to keep working toward your goals.” Marcello.
“Now is a good time to look at what you’re good at and see if you can monetize it.” Live within your means But, he added, it’s not enough to just create a budget anymore. “You have to adjust your budget within the current economic standings,” said Marcello. “Even if you aren’t one of the 800,000 who are furloughed, the government shutdown affects everything. If people don’t have money, people can’t spend money.
Get real about a savings plan It’s hard to think about saving money when you’re trying to make ends meet, but just putting away a few dollars from each check can add up quickly. “Out of sight, out of mind,” said Marcello. “Automate your savings so you don’t even miss the few less dollars. Either have your job set up an automatic deposit of five to 10 percent into another
gave his own real estate experience as an example. “I have rental properties that are affected by the government shutdown because I have Section 8 tenants,” he said. “While vouchers seemed like a stable choice, Get a side hustle If you’ve got down time, pick up I made sure to rent to half cash tena side job or start a small business. ants and half Section 8. With no “Now is a good time to look at what funds being released yet for January, you’re good at and see if you can imagine if I had done then I would monetize it,” said Marcello. “I know be at the total mercy of government a TSA agent who drives Uber and funding vouchers.” joined Amazon Prime to make deResearch and invest liveries. “If you’ve got it, take $100 out of “She also makes candles, bath soaps, foot scrubs, and other ef- your recreational money and infects,” continued Marcello. “And, vest.” For example, he said, “You she sells food plates for $10 on Sun- can bid on a garage sale or storage days. Tough financial times require unit that’s about to be auctioned off. Or you can shop thrift shops for you to think outside the box.” deals that you can resell. There are ways to so many ways to make monAlways have a plan B Even when you think you’ve fig- ey, you just have to research them ured out your financial future, have and find what fits your situation.” Marcello also said this is the best a back-up plan or strategy. Marcello account or find an app that can do the same thing.” (The MSR has previously shared some apps that can help you get started.)
Tips for a smooTh Tax season
Though Tax Day happens every year, it still Max out your retirement plan contributions If you haven’t already maxed out your reseems to catch many Americans by surprise. This year, don’t miss the deadline or let this tirement plan, do so before you file or by April 15. This can help reduce your taxable income crucial to-do loom large over your head. and the amount you may owe. The current To have a smooth tax season, consider the maximum 401(k) contribution is $18,500, or $24,500 if you are age 50 or over. If you can’t following: contribute the full amount, try to match your employer contributions. Depending on the Gather your records Before you file, make sure to gather all of amount, contributions can save you thouyour important tax documents. This includes sands in tax debt. receipts, canceled checks and other records that support income, deductions or tax cred- Have a refund plan Don’t just let your checking account abits that you claim. sorb your tax refund only to spend it on an impulse buy. Whether you invest the money Get started early If you can, get a head start on your taxes. in your retirement, sock it safely away for a Filing early is a good tactic for anyone, but rainy day or put it towards the purchase of a particularly those with evolving or complex big-ticket item, such as the down payment of financial circumstances. Not only will doing a house, having a plan for your tax refund can so help you prevent the anxiety that comes help you make the most of the money. with procrastination, but you will also reThis year, have a fuss-free tax season. With ceive your refund early — if you’re due one — or give yourself time to prepare to pay any a little planning, you can file your taxes efficiently, without the headache and at the greatowed taxes. est benefit to your finances. Do your research — Information provided by StatePoint. Photo The list of what is tax deductible is more extensive than you might realize, so do your re- courtesy Getty search. Keeping good records throughout the year of your expenditures can help you take advantage of these opportunities.
time to get involved in the market. “I don’t know which ones, but there is a stock or bond somewhere that is suffering from the government shutdown,” he said. He said for those who are familiar with stocks to look at those that have declined since the shutdown began. But he recommends moving quickly. “It will rebound quickly once the shutdown ends.” For more info and advice, visit marcellosolutions.com. Stephenetta Harmon welcomes readers responses at sharmon@spokesmanrecorder.com. Photo courtesy of Getty
Join NorthPoint in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 21, 2019
‘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
January 17-23, 2019
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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.
Remembering Dr. King and ‘The Other America’ By Charlene Crowell Guest Commentator Once again on the third Monday in January, much of the nation will mark the anniversary of the death of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countless programs and events will no doubt recall several of his famous speeches from the 1963 March on Washington’s “I Have A Dream” to his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” delivered in Memphis during the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike. In a life span of only 39 years, King captured global attention in his valiant, nonviolent fight for the values of freedom, justice, and equality. Preaching and fighting for long overdue citizenship rights first promised to all in the Declaration of Independence, he championed economic justice — especially for Blacks to have safe, decent, and affordable housing. He also called for full participation in the economy, and an end to financial exploitation. Now 51 years since his assassination, his words still
shattered dreams,” said King. “It’s more difficult today because we are struggling for genuine equality. It’s much easier to integrate a lunch counter than it is to guarantee a livable income and a good solid job. It’s much easier to guarantee the right to vote than it is to guarantee the right to live in sanitary, decent housing conditions.” In 2019, the two Americas King wrote about still remain. A nation once lauded for its enviable and expanding middle class has evolved into a nation of people who are either growing wealthy or growing poor. In this unfortunate process, the nation’s envied middle class is vanishing. Historically, homeownership has been a reliable measure of the nation’s middle class. Late last year, it stood at 64.4 according to the Census Bureau. Yet when race and ethnicity are added, who owns a home today discloses a far different picture. White homeownership was higher than the national average at 73.1 percent. But Blacks still suffering
uncertain about their lives, or livelihoods or both. While landlords and HUD figure out the paperwork, 1.2 million families relying on this vital rental support program remain at risk. Also caught in partisan bickering of a federal government shutdown are men and women — the military and civil servants — whose service to the country is deemed so essential that they must continue to work without knowing when another paycheck will arrive. Another 800,000 furloughed federal workers may be at home; but like others affected by the shutdown, they too, still need to pay their rent or mortgage, honor their financial obligations and take care of children as best they can. When times are tough financially, a range of predatory lenders seize opportunities to tempt those who are hardpressed for cash with interest rates on loans that would make a bookie blush. They offer loans of a few hundred dollars with interest payments that double or tri-
May we all honor King and do our respective efforts to make America live up to its promise of opportunity for all. strike a resonant chord. His words — written as prose, but markedly poetic — remain as timely as they are timeless. “There are so many problems facing our nation and our world, that one could just take off anywhere,” King said in a speech delivered on April 14, 1967, at Stanford University. Entitled “The Other America,” King began by recapping the nation’s bounty and beauty, noting how “America is overflowing with the milk of prosperity and the honey of opportunity,” and how “millions of young people grow up in the sunlight of opportunity.” For his audience, those comments almost certainly reflected the lifestyles of the students attending one of the nation’s elite educational institutions. In his inimitable Baptist cadence, King then went on to speak of the “other America” that was equally real but far removed from the commonplace privilege associated with Stanford. “Little children in this other America are forced to grow up with clouds of inferiority forming every day in their little mental skies. As we look at this other America, we see it as an arena of blasted hopes and
from the financial losses from the now decade-old foreclosure crisis had a homeownership rate of 41.7 percent, lower than its pre-housing crisis rate of 47.7 percent. Today’s Black homeownership resembles the same levels experienced at the time of the 1968 Fair Housing Act’s passage. Latino homeownership today is higher than that of Blacks at 46.3 percent; but still lower than its earlier pre-crisis rate of 47.7. Housing also remains troubled for renters, as well. According to the National LowIncome Housing Coalition, the nation lacks more than seven million affordable rental homes that affect 43.8 million families. Moreover, 11 million families pay more than half of their income on housing and are considered severely-cost burdened. As of January 3, over 1,100 HUD contracts with landlords for its Section 8 rental voucher program expired. By February, another 1,000 more contracts are expected to expire. The federal shutdown has already surpassed the 1995 shutdown record of 21 days. At press time, the stalemated federal government shutdown continued, leaving millions of people
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ple the cash borrowed to those with few or no financial options. Those who are unpaid or underemployed — those who are working, but failing to earn a salary comparable to their education and training, student loan repayments can take a financial backseat to housing, utilities, or other daily living needs. In 1967, King advised his Stanford University audience, “Somewhere, we must come to see that social progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals…. And so, we must help time, and we must realize that the time is always right to do right.” This year, may we all honor King and do our respective efforts to make America live up to its promise of opportunity for all. Charlene Crowell is a contributor for NNPA Newswire and communications deputy director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
Mellaneous
What would King think of today’s America? By Mel Reeves Contributing Commentator If he were alive, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be wholly disgusted with the American experiment. Nothing, but everything, has changed — including how we talk about the Black struggle in America. Revisionist historians, including conservative and shameless Blacks, have reframed the struggle against racism to point the blame at the victims. “Cultural deficiencies” are the problem they preach. Jason Riley, one such apologist for White Supremacy, has used King’s holiday to put forward ideas that would cause King, himself, to roll over in his grave. According to Riley, King’s message that “Blacks have an important role to play in their own advancement,” was not his primary one. In his YouTube videos, Riley erroneously claims that the victory against discrimination and for equality has been won. That would mean, however, closing his eyes to the reality of today’s U.S. What he is really saying is that his belly is full, ironically partly due to his ability to blame Black folks rather than White Supremacy primarily for their problems.
If King were alive today, he would be gravely disappointed, but he wouldn’t be surprised.
mixed African, Indian and European heritage. King would be disappointed in the lack of young fighters against injustice as more and more Black youth forgo social justice concerns as they pursue wealth, capitalist status and careers. Instead, they create nonprofits or organizations that go around begging folks in authority to do the right thing. King would take issue with the entertainment and sports industries which have given rise to more Black sportscasters and commentators. He would be disappointed by Stephen A. Smith and the Jason Whitlock and others who use the platform to denigrate and blame Black folks rather than aid in the struggle against White Supremacy. He would be disappointed because he would know the kind of sacrifices that were made to give Black folks these platforms. He would, however, applaud the efforts of Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James and correctly point out to James that the NBA, too, is a bit of plantation. Why else would it prohibit players from staying seated or taking a knee during the playing of the National Anthem? King would also be pleased with the progress that women and LGBTQ community have made. He would be disappointed that it has not progressed far enough. He would be disappointed by the lack of real progress among Black folks as evidenced by Chicago and the broader Black community’s refusal to reign in serial predator and woman abuser R Kelly. He would be heartbroken to know that Black girls and women were allowed to be molested, abused and exploited for decades without any community intervention. He would be shocked at the insensitive victim-blaming and the lack of concern for the welfare of Black women. He would also be appalled that Black Americans had organized no real prison movement to demand the immediate release of non-violent offenders and children who have been immorally incarcerated and treated as adults. King would be saddened by the absolute refusal of this country to create a universal single-payer health care system which would provide health care to all Americans. He would also be disheartened by the current drug epidemic for which the current president refuses to call a national emergency. He would be appalled, but not surprised, by the continued use of police violence as a means of making sure that Black folks, especially, know their place in this society. If he were alive, he would call out the U.S. government’s never-ending war in Iraq and Afghanistan and he would condemn the U.S. attempts to murder those who oppose it with continuing drone strikes that have killed thousands in the Muslim world. He would condemn the U.S.’ constant meddling in the affairs of other countries as it is currently doing in Syria and Venezuela. He would be disappointed in the lack of advocacy for peace and the rather small anti-war movement. King was a real drum major for justice, equality, and opportunity. He would be critical of a government and society that has, at best, stood still and at worst, is heading backward. The question is, what do we do now?
Riley also says that racial disparities aren’t driven by racism. As silly as that statement is, rather than acknowledging it is at least a part of the problem, Riley instead pulls out a Moynihanian culturally-deprived narrative. This rather smooth misinterpretation says that King focused on the problem of individual White bigotry rather than the institutional racism and discrimination. That is patently false — King took on the system of White Supremacy and its companion capitalism. While King, indeed, preached Black selfhelp and self-love, he also talked about Blacks being beautiful and encouraged Black self-esteem. His primary work was centered around changing the system that necessitated inequality and changing the values that kept that system intact. If King were alive today, he would be gravely disappointed, but he wouldn’t be surprised. Trump as president would not even surprise him, as he would probably say that the U.S. has the kind of leadership it deserves. As an apostle of hope, King would be bitterly disappointed in the lack of real progress economically, socially and politically. If he were alive, he would insist that those migrants from Central America be allowed refuge. He would insist that humanity trump borders. King, as an internationalist, identified with and supported immigrants, who like everyone else, are just trying to make it. But, a minority of Black folks have been whispering about the necessity of building the wall, to their shame. He would be disappointed with those Blacks in their XenophoJustice then peace bia, who can be heard whispering all over the country: ‘who cares about the Hispanics if Mel Reeves has a blog fighthepowerjournal.com they don’t care about us?’ and can be reached at mellaneous19@yahoo.com Those statements are historically untrue. There has been much Black and Brown cooperation dating back to the days of slavery when our Mexican brothers and sisters harbored runaway slaves. The traditional Latin community stemming from Mexico has a lot in common with the Black community — especially considering that much of Mexico is of
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January 17-23, 2019
2019 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
2019 MLK COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, (Monday, Jan. 21), officially approved as a federal holiday in 1983, is observed as a day of reflection and service to the community. Below find events in the Twin Cities and beyond to celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy as a champion of social and racial justice, equity and equality. SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 12-3pm, MLK Weekend + “The 1968 Exhibit” Closing Family Activities, Minnesota History Center, 345 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Honor Dr. King’s legacy by reflecting on 1968 with art activities, service projects, and performances throughout the weekend. Plus, stop in to see “The 1968 Exhibit” before it closes on Jan. 21. Info: bit. ly/1968MLKClosing 1:30-5:00 pm, Together We Sing Festival, Minnesota History Center, 345 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Join VocalEssence and guest artists to raise your voice and give back. In partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, sing songs
of protest and progress, move your feet to the rhythm of justice, try your hand at spoken word performance, and volunteer for a cause. Free, but registration required. Info: bit. ly/2EwGojK
5-9 pm, HWMR Presents: BE the Change Pop Up, Fourpost at Mall of America, 204 South Ave., Bloomington HWMR invites commu-
nity members to celebrate Dr. King’s life, legacy, and dream through collective economics and shared values at this MLK Weekend pop up shop. Free. Runs through Jan. 20. Info: bit.ly/ HWMRMLK
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 3-4:30 pm, 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
COMMON CHORDS NORTH MINNEAPOLIS
FREE MUSIC EVENTS Community Meal and Sing-Along Tue Jan 22 6pm free meal / 7pm sing-along Sanctuary Covenant Church
Tribute Concert, “Reclaiming the Dream,” University’s Ted Mann Concert Hall, U of M West Bank campus, 2128 4th St., S., Minneapolis This multi-disciplinary event combines the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with musical performances. The program, curated by U of M alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, includes VocalEssence Singers Of this Age; Ginger Commodore; Jacob Dodd; Brian Grandison; Madalyn McCurdy, granddaughter of Reginald Buckner; U of M student brass ensemble; Minneapolis Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins and many more. The concert is free and open to the public; no advance tickets or reservations are required. Info: z.umn.edu/mlktribute2019
apolis Chapter United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to help provide low-income local students with four-year scholarships. CNN Tonight’s Don Lemon, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist, keynotes this year’s event, with entertainment provided by Twin Cities’ own Sounds of Blackness. This breakfast will be broadcast live at 8 am on Twin Cities Public Television and streamed online at TPT.org. You can also watch the broadcast at one of the community breakfast locations listed below. All Twin Cities-area breakfasts request a $5 donation (children 12 and under are free) and start at 7 am except where noted. $25 for general admission. Info: mlkbreakfast.com
7 pm, Sheroes and Heroes in Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis T. Mychael Rambo, Tomasina Petrus, Congolese musician Siama, Chinese pipa master Gao Hong, and the Naadha Rasa Center of Music, are just a few of the local and international artists featured at this year’s concert. Created by Bruce Henry, the show honors the brave women, men and children who fight for justice, equality and freedom around the world. $10-$25. Info: bit.ly/SaintJoanMLK
2019 COMMUNITY BREAKFAST VIEWING SITES: Mount Zion Temple 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 White Bear Unitarian Universalist 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Brooklyn United Methodist Church 7200 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 Judson Memorial Baptist Church 4101 Harriet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55409
Music Together: Finale Concert Sat Jan 26 7pm North High School Featuring the Minnesota Orchestra, trumpeter Charles Lazarus, The Steeles, Juxtaposition Arts and MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra.
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Saint Bridget Catholic Church 211 E Division St., River Falls, WI 54022 University of Minnesota – Duluth Campus 1120 Kirby Dr., Duluth, MN 55812 First United Methodist Church 230 E. Skyline Pkwy., Duluth, MN 55811 7 am, Community Breakfast, Coppertop Church, 238 East Skyline Pkwy, Duluth This free breakfast offers an opportunity to bring the community together to honor
4 pm, MLK Interfaith Service, Peace Church, 1111 North 11th Ave., East Duluth With this year’s theme, “The Current Crisis in Race Relations,” this interfaith service, part of the Duluth-Twin Ports MLK Tribute sponsored by the NAACP Duluth Branch, offers community members an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy through the lens of current race relations. Info: duluthnaacp.org/mlk
Catered by Breaking Bread Café
Registration and information at minnesotaorchestra.org/commonchords
Macalester College Kagin Commons, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
MONDAY, JANUARY 21 7 am, 29th Annual UNCF MLK Holiday Breakfast Fundraiser: Doing for Others — A Call to Social Action, Minneapolis, Armory, 500 S, 6th St., Minneapolis This annual breakfast fundraiser benefits the Minne-
Redwing Senior High School 2451 Eagle Ridge Dr., Red Wing, MN 55066 St. Peter’s United Church of Christ 111 E Orleans St., Stillwater MN 55082
Dr. King’s life and to work towards fulfilling his vision. The food will be served by the African American Men’s Group, provided and sponsored by The Duluth Grill. This event is in conjunction with the Twin Ports’ MLK celebrations, sponsored by the NAACP Duluth Chapter. Info: bit.ly/TwinPortsBreakfast 8-9 am, Martin Luther King Jr - Human Rights Breakfast, Chaska, 3210 Chaska Boulevard, Chaska Join the Chaska Human Rights Commission, the City of Chaska and the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce at this second annual breakfast. Reflect on the work of Dr. King, enjoy remarks from community leaders, and watch the presentation of the 2018 City of Chaska Human Rights Award. The event is free and open to the public. Free will offerings will be accepted. Info: bit. ly/ChaskaMLK2019 8-10 am, 6th Annual MLK Jr. Day of Service: Stronger Together Dream Together, River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 Fourth Ave. S, St. Cloud Wil Haygood, a best-selling author and prize-winning journalist, will provide a keynote address that focuses on America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of changemaking African Americans.
January 17-23, 2019
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2019 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special Edition
2019 MLK COMMUNITY CALENDAR CONTINUED Community members are invited to engage in conversations and interactions that explore ways to push for positive social change. The event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. Registration closes on Jan. 18. Seating is limited. Info: bit.ly/StCloudBreakfast 9 am-12 pm, 2019 Governor’s Council MLK Day Celebration, 345 Washington Street, St. Paul As in previous years, this year’s event opens with a youth rally at 9 am at the Minnesota State Capitol. Performers at the rally include Strong Movement, Chadwick “Niles” Phillips, Ray Covington, MN Orchestra and more. The festivities continue with a celebration of “Women of Color in STEM” featuring a keynote address by Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to travel in space, and 3M CEO Mike Roman. The events are free and open to the public, but seating is limited; early arrival is suggested. TPT will air the events live. Info: bit.ly/GovernorsMLKDay or email MNMLK2019@gmail.com 9:30 am-11:30 am, Who Is MLK?, Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Rd NE, St. Anthony People young and young at heart are welcome to the 3rd Annual MLK Celebration & Children’s March. Gather in unity at this free, community-organized event to express yourself through art, conversation, and music, and help build a better community for all. The event is a collaboration between Saint Anthony Village Residents, Nativity Lutheran Church, Family Services Collaborative, Saint Anthony Village High School’s Dare2BeReal Club, Thrivent Financial Services, SAVEC, Ryan Stopera of FreeTruth Media, a local activist/artist of the Twin Cities. Free. Info: bit.ly/WhoIsMLK
Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave., South Minneapolis This free annual celebration includes a keynote presentation by Paul Robinson, senior community leadership manager of the Amherst Wilder Foundation, live entertainment by Chasity Brown and an ap11 am, Beloved Community: pearance by Minneapolis City Learning from Our Neigh- Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, the 2019 Living the bors, 2481 Como Ave.,St. Paul Honor the life and work of Dream Award honoree. Attendees are encouraged Dr. King by listening to and learning from neighbors. Af- to bring a non-perishable food ter visiting ministry sites to lis- item to donate. Refreshments ten to leaders around the Twin will be available following Cities, participants will return the program. Info: bit.ly/ to Luther’s campus for a chapel MLKMplsParks service led by Don Samuels, with a community meal to fol- 7-10 pm, A Change Is Gonlow. Free and open to the pub- na Come - Wee Willie Walklic. Info: bit.ly/MLKSeminary or er Remembers MLK, Crooners Main Stage, 6161 Highway call 651-641-3416 65 N.E., Minneapolis Savor Dr. King’s legacy with 12-1:30 pm, 2019 Twin Ports MLK Rally, Duluth Entertain- the soulful sounds of R&B ment and Convention Center crooner Wee Willie Walker. (DECC), 350 Harbor Dr., Du- Tickets are $10-$12. Info: bit.ly/ WalkerMLK luth Me’Lea Connelly of VilTUESDAY, JANUARY 22 lage Financial Cooperative will keynote this year’s rally, while Tolu Ekisola serves as the em- 6 pm, Common Chords: Comcee. Performers include ARE munity Meal and Sing-Along, Poets, Major Attraktion Dance Sanctuary Covenant Church, Group and Dee VanDassor & 710 W Broadway Ave., MinneJoyce who will sing the Negro apolis As part of the MN OrchesNational Anthem “Lift Every tra’s Common Chords resiVoice and Sing.” dency week in North MinneThe Drum Major for Peace apolis, Minnesota Orchestra Awards will be announced Music Director Osmo Vänskä, and presented, and the new the Minnesota Orchestra, and NAACP Executive Officers Sanctuary Covenant Church will be installed. Info: bit.ly/ invites the Northside commuTwinPortsMLKRally nity to join in a family-friend1-4 pm, Augsburg University ly sing-along at 7 pm, preceded Martin Luther King, Jr Con- by a community meal catered vocation featuring Terrance by Breaking Bread Café at 6 Kwame-Ross, Hoversten Cha- pm. Tickets are free, but adpel, Foss Center, 22nd Ave. S. & vanced registration is required. Riverside, Minneapolis Info: bit.ly/MLKSingAlong Dr. Terrance Kwame-Ross Fair, U.S. Bank Stadium, West Plaza Lobby, 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis Dust off your resume and make your case in front of decision-makers at this free diversity job career fair. Info: bit. ly/MLKDiversityFair2019
is a local and nationally recognized educator and pedagogue whose research and study of culture, language, knowledge, and learning, in and out of school, expand over 25 years across 38 United States, and 15 countries worldwide. This
Tickets are $30. Northside residents can see the show free using the code NORTHMPLS. Seats are limited. Info: bit.ly/ MNCommonChords 7 pm, Wade in the Water: An Evening of Freedom Songs, Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Rd, Edina Join the Theodicy Jazz Collective for an evening of music and conversation hosted by The Center for Arts and Spirituality. The event will focus on the historical roots of jazz, blues and freedom songs and their connection to spirituality. A reception will follow the concert. Free and open to the public. Info: normluth.org/CAS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 10 am, Race & Rights in Antebellum America, Minnesota Historical Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W, St. Paul
tions with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 speeches. 7:30 pm, We Shall Overcome Join a 30-minute pre-show — A Celebration of Dr. Mar- discussion to learn about tin Luther King Jr. Featuring the evening’s performance Damien Sneed, 345 Washing- genre(s) and topics through lecture, dialogue, or demonstration of an art form. $27-32. Info: bit.ly/MLKOvercome or call 651-224-4222
VOLUNTEER OPPS
Dr. Martha S. Jones, author of Birthright Citizens: Race and Rights in Antebellum America examines the long fight that African Americans activists faced to gain U.S. citizenship. Free. Info: mnhs.org
Find MLK, Jr. Day of Service volunteer sites by contacting Hands on Twin Cities at 612-379-4900 or info@ handsontwincities.org or go to handsontwincities.org or bit. ly/2019ServiceDay. Did we miss an event that ton St., St. Paul should be added to our calendar? Inspired by the words and Email info to msrnewsonline@ action of Dr. Martin Luther spokesman-recorder.com. King Jr., producer and musical director Damien Sneed’s We Shall Overcome showcases repertoire from across the African American music tradi-
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 9 am-12 pm, Dismantling Racism with Dr. Ruben Rivera, Mercy Vineyard Church, 752 Harding St. N.E., Minneapolis A biblically-based event aimed at helping churches recognize racial bias and reorient hearts through faith and each other. $35. Register: bit.ly/MLKRubenRivera FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 2-8 pm, Minneapolis College MLK Celebration, 1501 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis This annual event kicks off with non-perishable care package making from 2-5 pm, followed by a Beloved Communities panel discussion from 6-7 pm led by Leslie Redmond, president of NAACP Minneapolis Chapter and Dr. Josie Johnson, human rights and social justice activist. Lissa Jones, host of KMOJ’s Urban Agenda serves as emcee for 6 pm dinner program that precedes a keynote address by professor, author and lecturer Dr. Duchess Harris from 7-8 pm. Info: bit. ly/MplsCollege or 612-659-6471
10-11 am, 2019 Twin Ports MLK Youth March, Washington Center, 310 North 1st Ave., West, Duluth Take to the streets in solidarity against systemic racism and oppression. The march will kick off at the Washington Center, on the corner of 4th St. and Lake Ave. and proceed through downtown Duluth to the DECC where the MLK Rally will commence. Free food and hot beverages will be served. Attendees who arrive on time will get a free MLK button. Info: bit.ly/MLKTributeMarch
event is free and open to the public. Info: augsburg.edu/convo/mlk
11 am-2 pm, MPRB Powderhorn Park MLK Celebration, Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 South 15th Ave., Minneapolis Celebrate the history of Dr. King with free performances and a lunch. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate. This family-friendly celebration will mark the conclusion of the 10th Annual “Feeding the Dream” food drive, which will place at participating recreation centers throughout the city through Jan. 21. Volunteers are welcome. Info: bit.ly/MLKMplsParks
7 pm, Common Chords: Music Together: Finale Concert, North High School, 1500 James Ave. N., Minneapolis This is the culminating event of the Orchestra’s Common Chords residency week in the North Minneapolis community. The concert features musical collaborations with The Steeles, MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra, Orchestra trumpeter Charles Lazarus and Patricio DeLara from Juxtaposition Arts, who will create new artwork live during the performance. Join the performers for a free post-concert reception 6:30-7:30 pm, MPRB MLK with food provided by SamCelebration, Rev. Dr. Mar- my’s Avenue Eatery and Cooktin Luther King, Jr. Recreation ie Cart.
11 am-2 pm, The Minneapolis Professional Diversity Career
3-4:30 pm, MPRB Central MLK Celebration, Central Gym 3400 4th Ave. S. Minneapolis Come and celebrate the life and movement of Dr. King with recitals, choirs, music, dance, a guest speaker, and an old-fashioned soul food dinner. Info: bit.ly/MLKMplsParks 6-8 pm, Rondo: Beyond the Pavement - Special MLK Day Screening, SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St., St. Paul Community members are invited to view this Rondo youth-produced film that chronicles elders’ stories about the once-thriving Rondo community and the devastating impact of the construction of I-94. Discussion and refreshments will follow. The film is produced by St. Paul Almanac and In Black Ink, in partnership with St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN) and High School for Recording Arts (HSRA).There’s a $5 suggested donation at the door, but no one will be turned away. Info: bit.ly/Rondoscreening
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
RECLAIMING THE DREAM A celebration intermixing the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with multi-disciplinary performances. Including local artists curated by U of M alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence. VocalEssence Singers Of this Age Ginger Commodore Jacob Dodd Brian A. Grandison Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis council vice president
Madalyn McCurdy, granddaughter of Reginald Buckner Karla Nweje Chadwick “Niles” Phillips Atosha Rypa U of M student brass ensemble Harry Waters, Jr.
Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Reginald Buckner
Sunday, January 20, 2019 • 3 pm Ted Mann Concert Hall Free and open to the public Learn more at z.umn.edu/mlktribute2019
Media Sponsor
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January 17-23, 2019
SOUND OFF
Tracey Gibson, statewide director for recruitment, retention and affirmative action for Minnesota Management and Budget — Brooklyn Park
Continued from page 1
Maya Byrd, 25, special education para — Brooklyn Park I am living out King’s dream by remembering the importance of equality and instilling that in my kids. Like myself, they know the importance of accepting and welcoming people of all backgrounds.
Martin Luther King Jr. provided a voice for social change. Today, I am a voice and an advocate where there are inequities and injustice. I do this with dignity, respect and love to create equality for all. Kevin Edwards, 34, food prep — Minneapolis
Malik Peer, 48, equity and outreach specialist — Minneapolis I’m working to interrupt the historical programming and social conditioning that will raise consciousness to create a more equitable and just educational system.
BrOtherhOOD Continued from page 1
Speaking at Vanderbilt University in 1957, he professed his belief that “there is in the White South more open-minded moderates than appears on the surface.” He urged them to lead the region through its necessary transition to equal treatment for Black citizens. He reassured all that the aim of the movement was not to “defeat or humiliate the White man, but to win his friendship and understanding.” King had hope for this vision. He had worked with White liberals such as Myles Horton, the leader of a center in Tennessee for training labor and civil rights organizers. King had developed friendships and crucial alliances with White supporters in other parts of the country as well. His vision was for the fulfillment of basic American ideals of liberty and equality. Letter from Birmingham Jail By the early 1960s, at the peak of the civil rights movement, King’s views had evolved significantly. In early 1963, King came to Birmingham to lead a campaign for civil rights in a city known for its history of racial violence. During the Birmingham campaign, in April 1963, he issued a masterful public letter explaining the motivations behind his crusade. It stands in striking contrast with his hopeful 1957 sermon. His “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” responded to a newspaper advertisement from eight local clergymen urging King to allow the city government to enact gradual changes. In a stark change from his earlier views, King devastatingly targeted White moderates willing to settle for “order” over justice. In an oppressive environment, he noted, the avoidance of conflict might appear to be “order” but in fact supported the denial of basic citizenship rights. “We merely bring to the sur-
I’m living the best way possible I can by being positive and treating everybody with kindness. I’m a Christian, and I live life according to how the Bible says. I just try to be positive.
legislative victories in 1964 and 1965. Johnson’s “Great Society” launched a series of initiatives to address issues of poverty at home. But beginning in 1965, after the Johnson administration increased the number of U.S. troops deployed in Vietnam, King’s vision grew radical. King continued with a searching analysis of what linked poverty and violence both at home and abroad. While he had spoken out before about the effects of colonialism, he now made the connection unmistakably clear. He said: “I speak for those whose land is being laid waste, whose homes are being destroyed, whose culture is being subverted. I speak for the poor in America who are paying the double price of smashed hopes at home, and death and corruption in Vietnam.” King concluded with the famous words on “the fierce urgency of now,” by which he emphasized the immediacy of the connection between ecoCall for economic justice nomic injustice and racial inBy 1967, King’s philosophy equality. emphasized economic justice as essential to equality. And, he made clear connections The radical King King’s “I Have a between American violence abroad in Vietnam and Amer- Dream,” speech at the March ican social inequality at home. on Washington in August Exactly one year before 1963 serves as the touchstone his assassination in Memphis, for the annual King holiday. King stood at one of the best- But King’s dream ultimateknown pulpits in the nation: ly evolved into a call for a funRiverside Church in New York. damental redistribution of ecoThere, he explained how he nomic power and resources. had come to connect the strug- It’s why he was in Memphis, gle for civil rights with the supporting a strike by garbage fight for economic justice and workers, when he was assassithe early protests against the nated in April 1968. He remained, to the end, Vietnam War. He proclaimed: “Now it a prophet of nonviolent resisshould be incandescently clear tance. But these three key mothat no one who has any con- ments in King’s life show his cern for the integrity and life of evolution over a decade. This America today can ignore the remembering matters more present war. If America’s soul than ever today. Many states becomes totally poisoned, part are either passing or considerof the autopsy must read ‘Viet- ing measures that would make nam.’ It can never be saved so it harder for many Amerilong as it destroys the hopes of cans to exercise their fundamental right to vote. men the world over.” This would roll back the He angered crucial allies. King and President Lyndon huge gains in rates of political Johnson, for example, had been participation by racial minoriallies in achieving significant ties made possible by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. At the same time, there is a persistent wealth gap between Blacks and Whites. Only sustained government attention can address these issues — the point King was stressing later in his life. King’s philosophy stood not just for “opportunity,” but for positive measures toward economic equality and political power. Ignoring this understanding betrays the “dream” that is ritually invoked each year.
face the hidden tension that is already alive,” King wrote. He argued how oppressors never voluntarily gave up freedom to the oppressed — it always had to be demanded by “extremists for justice.” He wrote how he was “gravely disappointed with the White moderate…who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom.” They were, he said, a greater enemy to racial justice than were members of the White supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and other White racist radicals.
“We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.”
YET THEY PERSIST
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Paul Harvey is a professor of American History, University of Colorado. This story was first published by The Conversation.
Legacy Continued from page 1
history and pain. But the report, which was established by a Lyndon Johnson executive order, said the reason for the riots was “White racism… White institutions created it, White institutions maintain it, and White society condones it.” “No commission on the executive level has said that before or since,” said Reed. Aggressive, Kingstyle civil disobedience apparently was getting the message across. In all the times Reed heard King speak, he only heard him talk about peace once — and that had to do with getting out of Vietnam. “King talked about peace all the time,” said Reed, but only to White media asking when the protesting and tension would ease up. King would tell them that peace is not the absence of tension, that without justice there is no peace.
Trey Bell, 42, fire demolition specialist — Burnsville I am pursuing peace and unity with everyone in a patient and compassionate way.
er minorities since 1968.” Poverty was bad enough in King’s day that he was willing to put his life on the line in efforts to change it. Yet “poverty is worse now,” Reed told the MSR, adding that economic downturns like the recent recession tend to fall hardest on the heads of Blacks. “For children, it’s substantially worse.” King helped force the Vietnam War to an end, but militarism is still rampant, like the drawn-out bouts in Iraq and Afghanistan. “He would have been campaigning vociferously against this,” said Reed. And racism, the last of King’s big three issues, is no better and “in some areas worse,” said Reed. “Racism in housing has gone pretty much unabated.” Incarceration under the present criminal justice system — in a nation that’s about 13 percent Black — has a two-thirds Black population and is so deeply, fundamentally racist that, Reed said, that if King and Mother Theresa came back to life this instant and were put in charge, they would be considered the world’s biggest acting bigots.
“Nobody was more vilified than MLK.” “That’s where the chant comes from,” said Reed. No justice, no polite obedience. And that went for anyone that took issue. “I can remember being an unwelcome guest in Black households,” said Reed of soliciting support in King’s heyday as a social agitator. In the weeks before he was killed, Reed said King was honing in most on the issue of poverty, sometimes working 20-hour days. He was organizing a massive civil disobedience campaign in Washington, DC. He and his cohorts anticipated it to be the largest they’d ever assembled, with a contingency plan of literally grinding the nation’s capital to a halt if the country continued to ignore the poor. “These are not things I’ve read, but things he said to us and we would do,” said Reed. Then King had to head to Memphis for a side issue, a garbage workers’ strike. “There was always a side issue,” said Reed. Riots sprung up everywhere immediately after King was killed. Also, said Reed, nearly instantly, the propaganda machine went to work characterizing King as a benevolent dreamer attributing any assimilation or progress to calm, peaceful protest. More commissions formed to study the postKing riots, but they now pointed to the “problematic character of Black Americans,” said Reed. “We’ve been there ever since. “One thing that is better now,” said Reed, is that, because of the Voting Rights Act, many more Blacks hold public office. That advancement alone, though, has “not resulted in the improvement of African American life.” In fact, Reed said in a statement, “The gutting of the Voting Rights Act by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 made 2018 one of the worst years for voter suppression of African Americans and oth-
“Many of us assumed that things would be tough,” said Reed, “but not this bad.” Reed went so far as to say that King’s legacy, so misconstrued over the years, doesn’t help Blacks much now. “In fact, it hurts us.” Reed has yet to visit the King memorial in DC. “I am not officially boycotting,” he said, but he remembers sitting in an Atlanta church when King, again, told those listening he didn’t plan to live long, but this time added that he did not want a monument built. He felt that a monument to one person’s achievements wouldn’t do anything for the hungry or wrongly imprisoned. “We need to have a movement,” said Reed. In the 40 years since King’s death, there had been no racial movement by Blacks. Reed said he was concerned as he watched young Black people like his son mature into adulthood in an era of no struggle. Then the everyday police killings of Blacks caught fire on social media, and Black Lives Matter came to the fore, a group that Reed is enthused over. When told about how Black Lives Matter Minneapolis’ civil disobedience efforts — like highway, state fair and airport shutdowns — were often greeted locally by scorn, complaints of pointless disruption, rudeness and inconvenience, Reed encouraged, offered support, and said the best sign that a protester is following King’s legacy is when people are aggravated. “Oh, absolutely,” said Reed. “Nobody was more vilified than MLK.” Solomon Gustavo welcomes readers responses to sgustavo@spokesman-recorder.com.
January 17-23, 2019
Legals
9
Employment A/1 Contract No. 19-089 INVITATION TO BID
Sealed bids will be received by the Public Housing Agency (PHA) of the City of Saint Paul at 200 E. Arch Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55130 for MT AIRY RETAINING WALL REPLACEMENT, until 2:00 PM, Local Time, on FEBRUARY 14, 2019 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Mt Airy Retaining Wall Replacement is a project involving the demolition of four existing block retaining walls and replacing with reinforced concrete walls including excavation, backfill, concrete bollards, landscaping, railings and parking lot resurfacing. A complete set of bid documents are available by contacting Northstar Imaging at 651-686-0477 or www.northstarplanroom.com , under public plan room, Mt Airy retaining wall replacement. Digital downloads are no charge, contact Northstar for hard copy pricing. Bids must be accompanied by a 5% bid guarantee, a MN Responsible Contractors Compliance Affidavit, and EEO. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds. PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD on January 23, 2019 AT 1:30 PM at 200 East Arch Street Community room (Mt Airy Hi-Rise) St Paul, MN. A tour of the existing retaining walls will follow. The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY
STEVE AHNER PROJECT LEADER (651) 292-6069 Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, January 17, 2019
Jegna Continued from page 3 too many issues that concern our community to not be better informed and more comfortable at the very least with discussing sex. The topic of sex is a basic foundation for addressing the issue of sexual abuse. Since we are unwilling to have these brave conversations, the acceptance and silence continue without interruption. One person who has devoted her life’s work to addressing this issue is Robin D. Stone, author of No Secrets, No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal from Sexual Abuse. In this book, Stone demystifies the cultural taboos and social dynamics that keep Black families stuck
in this atmosphere of acceptance from generation to generation. Unfortunately, due to historical trauma, our position and perceptions of sex and sexuality tend to be unhealthy and often distorted. If we do not want any more R. Kelly types or victims of sexual abuse in the community, we must begin to be honest and protect our children. Otherwise, we are sacrificing the health and wellbeing of the next generations of the Black community. Brandon Jones M.A. is a mental health practitioner. He welcomes reader responses to Brandon@jegnainstitute. com or follow him on Twitter @UniversalJones.
Housing
Fitz Continued from page 10
Kansas City allowed 421 points and were ranked 31st in total defense. New England we saw lose Super Bowl LII to Philadelphia here in Minneapolis; they allowed 325 points and were ranked 21st in total defense. New Orleans allowed 353 points and were ranked 14th in total defense, while the LA Rams allowed 384 points and were ranked 19th in total defense. How about the records of the four finalists versus 2019 playoff teams? New Orleans was 3-1. Los Angeles was 4-2, Kansas City was 2-4, and New England was 4-0. I can’t wait. The NFL has two great championship game matchups in which experience, talent, and home-field advantage could be critical. Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday and Friday at 9:10 am, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@ larry-fitzgerald.com or visit Larry-Fitzgerald.com.
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SOe Continued from page 10
days are ahead.” As a result, he is stressing to his players the importance of staying tough and cultivating “the ability to preserve through tough times,” Woldeslassie said. “It is really important that we keep developing our culture. That is going to be the biggest challenge for us this year.”
Players with five or more years in the W can be unrestricted free agents and sign with any club. Restricted free agents — players with four years — can sign with another club, but their present club can match and retain them. A “reserved” player with three or less years can only sign with the club they played on last year. A “core” player, a designation usually for All-Starlevel players, is offered a maximum salary for at least one year. According to Swish Appeal, the WNBA “hard” salary cap per team this season is $976,300. Minnesota’s Maya Moore is among the most soughtafter free agents available. Moore, Seimone Augustus and Rebekkah Brunson are the Lynx’s free agents, but all, it is hoped, will re-sign with the team.
Talking W free agency The 2019 WNBA free agency period officially started last Saturday as teams began negotiations with players. Teams can begin signing playCharles Hallman welcomes reader responses to ers February 1. challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
PreP Continued from page 10
“Who’s Big Ben?” I asked. “You’ll find out,” he replied with a smile. We arrived at Macalester College in St. Paul to find the place packed with people. (The crowd was later announced at 2,500). The teams came out to warm up and I got my first glimpse of Coleman — all 6’9” of him — and was immediately in awe of him, having never seen anyone in high school that tall before. Though Central was the team I was rooting for, I found myself secretly cheering for Coleman. My newfound hero didn’t disappoint, scoring a team-leading 15 points before fouling out in a 65-55 loss to their St. Paul counterparts.
Mike Esaw had 12, Pat Burston 11, and Damond Dickson 10 for the Polars. Suggs led Central — who would finish runner-up in the Class AA state tournament — with 19, and Williams added 12. I was happy that Central won but was also glad I got to see Coleman. He ended up being the first African American Minneapolis City Conference player to earn a scholarship at the U of M. The Twin City game he starred in on that cool February afternoon also ushered in a historical rivalry during the 1980s in which North and Central met in the annual inter city classic in 1980, ’81,’82, ’83, ’85, ’86, ’87 and ’88. Whenever I would run into him as an adult, I would mention that game and the rivalry that followed. In our last conversation, he told me how
much he admired my father. I thanked him and responded by telling him how much he had inspired me. Rest easy, Big Ben. Ben Coleman’s funeral service will be held at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3355 4th Street in Minneapolis, on Saturday, January 26, 2019 Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
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factly. Professor Dix’s next study, which he hopes to see published in a book this year, will be on HBCUs playing PWIs in college baseball. “I am writing a chapter [in which] I am specifically analyzing walks allowed per nine innings pitched,” Dix explained. “I looked at 10 years of baseball data…when the pitcher on the mound represents an HBCU relative to a pitcher on the mound for a PWI. I think the baseball study is really interesting…” It’s a good bet that Dix’s findings, when released, will show results similar to his earlier studies on women’s basketball and football: Black schools get no respect.
Continued from page 10
Although Dix didn’t take this into account in his latest study, there tends to be mainstream media bias toward HBCUs as well. “I can’t speak on what goes on in the minds of those journalists,” he said. However, only the MSR sought out post-game comments from the three visiting Black coaches in two of the three contests at the Barn. “I wasn’t expecting to see so many people upstairs [in the Williams Arena third-floor media room],” Burroughs said to me after speaking to a room of mostly White reporters save one. He’d been called upstairs at my request. Usually the HBCU coaches are not called up from the basement by the U of M media folks, and Burroughs was surprised it happened. “But you requested it,” he said. “Now that makes sense.” “We have been getting a lot of that” this season, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach Nate Kilbert said of the media snub as he spoke
Andrew Dix
Submitted photo
Next: A new study looks at how Black female athletes navigate racism and sexism to excel.
outside the visitors’ locker room in the areCharles Hallman welcomes reader responses na’s basement after his contest. “This is pretty much across the board when you play to challman@spokesman-recorder.com. bigger schools. They (the White media) don’t want to cover us.” “When you win, you will be covered. When you lose, you will not be covered,” NCA&T Coach Jay Joiner noted matter-of-
10
January 17-23, 2019
THE NFL’S ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’ FACE OFF
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees led the NFL with a QBR 115.7 and completion percentage 74.4. Quarterback Jared Goff of Los Angeles threw for 4,688 yards and 32 touchdowns. QB Tom Brady of New England is recognized as the greatest of all time. Five-time Super Bowl champion, he’s the all-time post-season leader in games played with 38, 28 wins, and the most completions, passing yards and touchdown passes.
Tom Brady chasing title No. 6 Pat Mahomes leads Kansas City
T
his is what greatness is all about. Four teams have navigated through the minefields of the NFL to reach the finals in one of the most exciting seasons in league history. The NFL’s first three teams that scored over 500 points in the regular season — Kansas City 565, Los Angeles 527, and New Orleans 505 — are now on a collision path to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta. For the first time in the Conference Finals, the four topscoring teams remain. Kansas City will host New England in the AFC Championship, and New Orleans will host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship. In both cases, this is the rematch. They met during the regular season. New England edged Kansas City 43-40 on Oct. 14 in New England. New Orleans defeated Los Angeles 45-35 in New Orleans on Nov. 4. All four teams are driven by great quarterbacks. Kansas City’s Pat Mahomes threw 50 touchdown passes to lead the league. He’s only the third quarterback in league history to throw 50 or more touchdown passes.
Jared Goff and the Rams
Drew Brees has Saints marching All photos by Lou Lampson except whre noted
It’s official: The facts show that referee bias is all too real Media bias only adds insult to injury
Second of a three-part column
ANOTHER
VIEW
Do teams of Historically Black Colleges and Universi- -------------ties (HBCUs) get the respect they are due when playing Charles predominately White instituhallman tions (PWIs)? That’s the question raised by a recent study on bias. Middle Tennessee State Professor Andrew Dix discussed in last week’s “View” his latest referee bias study on HBCU women’s basketball teams. Since its publication last November drew some media attention, he told the MSR, “I feel this line of Akilah Carter-Francique research is taking what [Black school officials and coaches] are talking about and putting it out light some of those issues,” inthere to a larger media so that cluding the need for diversity people are realizing that this is training for referees, she pointed going on, but there wasn’t evi- out. “Their personal biases may dence and years of statistical da- influence officiating a game,” Carter-Francique added. ta to support it,” Dix said.
the six figures. “The kids look forward to those games, and I do as well,” said Coppin State Women’s Basketball Coach DeWayne Burroughs last month after playing Minnesota. “We like this competition, and it does a great job preparing us for our conference.” Along with Coppin State, Minnesota also hosted Arkansas-Pine Bluff in women’s basketball, and the Gopher men It’s worth noting that typi- played North Carolina A&T last cally HBCU teams play PWIs in month. All three contests were “guarantee games,” when Black lopsided victories for the hosts. schools agree to play away from ■ See View on page 9 home for a payment typically in
“When you win, you will be covered. When you lose, you will not be covered.” “I’m happy to see that people are talking about it,” Prairie View A&M Professor Akilah Carter-Francique stressed. Dix’s study is “helping to bring to
If this weekend’s games don’t excite you, you’ve already checked out. A long time ago a wise man said defense wins championships. Let’s look at the four finalists on the defensive side of the ball.
■ See Fitz on page 9
Sports odds and ends
Intensity of college play a top challenge for Mac men’s hoops By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Twitter
Photo by Steve Floyd
The first year of a coach’s program is always the hardest. “I think we can have a top-25 Division III men’s basketball program” at Macalester, a top25 liberal arts college, Abe Woldeslassie, the Scots’ first-year head coach, has pledged. But it’s tough finding success in a season, and in a conference as tough as the MIAC, Mac (1-9, 4-11 overall), which has been looking up from the bottom of the standings this season. “I think for us in year one [the challenge] is getting them [his players] to realize how hard you got to play,” Woldeslassie told us recently. “It’s different from high school. The level of intensity you have in high school isn’t OK for this level. Getting them to understand that and execute that is really the challenge for year one.” With only three seniors, Macalester’s roster this season is mainly underclassmen. Woldeslassie, a 2008 Scots graduate and an all-MIAC performer during his playing career, noted that his club is relying a lot on sophomore center Jackson Henningfield and senior forward Wyatt Ferm.
Award” after each game. “Our goal every game is to have 10 turnovers or less, [since] we talk so much about valuing the ball.” The Scots are on the bottom half of a four-game road swing. The team plays at Gustavus Wednesday and at Augsburg Saturday. Last Saturday they earned their first league win this season, a 75-74 win at St. Mary’s. Ferm had 32 points and 12 rebounds, including an 18-footer game-winning jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining. Henningfield added 14 points. Asked how he’s handling a tough first season in charge, Woldeslassie replied, “Record aside, I think having the opportunity to be a head coach at Macalester has been a dream for me. I know brighter
■ See SOe on page 9
“I know brighter days are ahead.” Henningfield (19 points a game) “is a big part of our offense and our identity on both ends,” the coach said. Ferm is second with 14 points a contest and leads the MIAC in rebounding (10.2 rpg). “Those two are really the main options for us offensively,” Woldeslassie pointed out. He also wants his team to cut down on turnovers, this season inaugurating a “Golden Ball
Abe Woldeslassie
Photo by Charles Halllman
Rest easy, Ben Coleman
His outstanding play in one game sparked my love for prep sports
Ben Coleman
Photo courtesy Woods Recruiting
passed away last week at Ben Coleman the age of 57. played in the first It was his presence high school basketin the 1979 Twin City ball game I ever atBoys’ Basketball game tended. It was that between Minneapolis game that sparked North and St. Paul Cenin me a passion for PreP Scene tral, held at Macalester high school basCollege in St. Paul, that ketball and led to Dr. Mitchell my career as a prep PalMer McDonalD changed my life and, unknowingly at the time, sports columnist. changed history. Coleman was a Here’s the story. former Minneapolis As an eighth-grader at HighNorth basketball standout who went on to star at the University land Park Jr. High School in of Minnesota and the University St. Paul, I was relatively new to of Maryland before embarking the Twin Cities, having moved on a seven-year NBA career. He here two years prior from New
Brunswick, NJ. Attending athletic events at the high school level was not on my radar at the time. Gophers, Vikings, Twins? Yes! High school? No! My father, Kwame McDonald, a sports columnist and community activist at the time, was all in the mix. He would leave the house every Tuesday and Friday — this was before Saturday games, weekend and holiday tournaments, and jamborees became the norm — to watch St. Paul Central. Each time, he would invite me to go with him. Each time I would decline his invita-
tion. Then came the day all that changed. It was Saturday, February 17. “Come on, we’re going to the Twin City game,” my father said with authority during breakfast. “We’re going to see Central go up against Big Ben.” Living in St. Paul, I was aware of the Central players as Brian Dungey, Davey Givens, Stacy Robinson, Rickey Suggs, John Williams and Farron Henderson. They were all heroes in our neighborhood, so I was confused.
■ See PreP on page 9