January 4, 2018 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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January 4-10, 2018 Vol. 84 No. 22 www.spokesman-recorder.com

St. Paul inaugurates its first Black mayor Mayor-elect Jacob Frey meets the community By Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writer

St. Paul’s first Black mayor Melvin Carter is sworn in.

In

The newly elected Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, has wrapped up a slew of listening sessions ahead of taking office on Jan 2. According to press materials, the purpose of the listening sessions was to highlight Frey’s commitment to improving police-community relations, increasing the city’s affordable housing, and building an inclusive local economy. The events were chaired by Council Vice President Elizabeth Glidden and Abou Amara and facilitated by Mayor gives his inaugural address Dave Ellis. Photos by Lou Michaels After a virtual listening sesshown me. I’m the son of a policeman and a teacher; a product of our public schools and rec centers who grew up to be a city council member, advisor to Governor Dayton, and now mayor of the greatest city in the world.” Carter pledged to work to improve the city in what he called “the three pillars” of “public safety, education and economic justice.” The inauguration kicks off a week of events for Carter, which will include informal meet-ups at community spaces throughout Saint Paul and at the Rice Street Recreation Center for a service project. The week will culminate with an inaugural ball at Union Depot on Friday, January 5 at 7 pm.

sion on Facebook on December 19, Frey’s policy committee met with community members at the Urban Research and OutreachEngagement Center (UROC) in North Minneapolis on Thursday, December 21. “We are in a transition month,” Glidden stated at the meeting. “There are major issues that aren’t being mentioned that we need to bring to the mayor.” Added Amara, “This doesn’t work unless we have you [the community members] feeding into this conversation.” Some of the questions attendees answered included “What would make Minneapolis a great ■ See Frey on page 8

front of a packed room at his alma mater, Central High School in St. Paul, Melvin Carter III took his oath as the mayor of St. Paul, becoming the city’s first African American to hold the position. The inauguration ceremony began at noon and included remarks from Gov. Mark Dayton and former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, the first Black mayor of Minneapolis; Native dancing and drumming; and blessings from various faith communities. Carter’s speech struck a hopeful note as he thanked his predecessor Mayor Chris Coleman, who is running for governor; his mayoral opponents; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and his family and many supporters. “My love for Saint Paul goes back 100 years to when my great-grandFor more information on the inauguration and related events, visit www. parents fled here from the hatred and violence of the Deep South,” said Carter. “They couldn’t have imagined the opportunity this city has stpaul.gov. Mayor-elect Frey listens to event participants. Photo by Ivan B. Phifer

Psychiatrist sees herself as a mental health detective

Trump’s bigoTry TargeTs powerful black men By Charles Hallman Staff Writer Throughout 2017, President Donald Trump has used Twitter as his bully pulpit “in personal, frightening ways,” attacking people of color, especially Black people, and others he perceives as against him.

The Atlantic magazine examined one week in November and found that over 40 percent of Trump’s tweets and retweets were aimed at Black people. He has gone after Black politicians and Black sportscasters: “He and his office have launched sustained, coordinated verbal assaults” as well on ESPN Anchor Jemele Hill and Florida U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson after they publicly disagreed with the president, wrote The Atlantic staff writer Vann R. Newkirk II. Trump has gone after Black fathers, in particular LaVar Ball, after one of his sons was among

three UCLA players arrested for shoplifting in China in November. The president claimed that he got them released and Ball and the young men didn’t thank him properly. The elder Ball, on the other hand, questioned just how much Trump really played a part in his son’s release. Trump at times during the year has also taken aim at Black male athletes. He called Black NFL players “sons of bitches” after they protested against the U.S. flag and kneeled during the playing of the national anthem before games this season. The president “raged” against NBA star Steph Curry when he said he wouldn’t go to the White House if his Golden State Warriors were invited for winning the 2017 NBA championship. “Trump is singling out Black men for not being properly grateful and for standing up for themselves,” Alex Shephard of The New Republic reported in November. “Trump has a long history of doing exactly this, inside and outside the White House.” “It seems trite to say that Trump likes to pick fights with Black people — he picks fights ■ See Bigotry on page 8

By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

tual,” the last being not exactly what one generally expects What health do you have to hear from a professional in at all without mental health? the field of psychiatry. “Without all of those in If your mind isn’t right, everything else is bound to go combination, health is imposwrong. “It’s important to understand health [as] a holistic concept,” says psychiatrist Dr. Reba Peoples. “People often think of health as the absence of disease. It really is the sible.” Dr. Peoples approachpresence of wellness. Not just es the spiritualty compophysical, but mental, emo- nent as “a human, an African tional and,” she adds, “spiri- American, who comes from

a spiritual tradition.” She notes, “Western medicine [originates] from a reductionist point of view, which often views the body as similar to a machine.”

says Peoples. “Paul Laurence Dunbar said, ‘We wear masks to protect ourselves when we are in settings that aren’t predominantly minority settings.’” She adds, “Even that

“Just being African American in a racist society is enough to cause problems.”

Dr. Reba Peoples

The good doctor is in a uniquely advantageous position to benefit Black patients, particularly those who understandably steer clear of her White peers who may not understand such patients or their difficulties in dealing with life. “A study was just done [indicating] African Americans experience depression differently.” This crosses social strata, from everyday folk dealing with racism and other social pressures, on top of today’s crushing economy, to — sometimes — high-salaried Black women and men in prestige positions. “Just being African American in a racist society is enough to cause problems; nothing’s really changed,”

word, minority — we have to think about how our use of language shapes who we are, because people of color are the majority. We use this language that reinforces the concept of us as less-than.” Her practice includes helping mental health professionals who find themselves so focused on counseling clients that they neglect their own needs. “It’s hard for people who are in the helping or healing profession to slow down enough to take care of [themselves]. A lot of times we’ve grown up as caregivers in our families. That almost becomes an identity. “You only have so much to ■ See Mental health on page 8

FARE FOR ALL: Bulk buying power key to offering affordable, healthy food 1986, part of a nationwide network of Cooperative Food Purchasing programs. Now under the hunger relief organization The Food Group (formerly Emergency Foodshelf Network), FFA specializes in offering affordable fresh produce and frozen meat to communities of need. Using a cooperative food purchasing model that utilizes bulk buying power, FFA purchases produce and meat in large quantities at wholesale prices, enabling the organization to pass along to the consumer discounts of up to 40 percent off typical store prices. “People often ask, ‘How can you sell your stuff so cheap?’” said Weatherhead. “Well, it’s simple. We have something that a lot of places don’t have. We Courtesy of Facebook/Fare For All have a large warehouse; we have huge freezers and we have large trucks. So we By Paige Elliott it.” That’s the basic idea behind Fare For buy in bulk. We buy from a lot of MinOnline Editor All (FFA), according to Scott Weather- nesota companies… We are buying the “Everyone deserves healthy food head, the nonprofit’s program manager. same packages that the grocery stores The program began as Fare Share in are, and the more food that we buy, the where they live or where they can get to

lower our costs. “When I first came here, we were buying 5,000 pounds of chicken at a time. Now we’re buying 15,000 pounds because we’re selling more. Because of that, for five years, our prices have not gone

meat items; an $11 mini-pack with four meat items; a $10 produce pack consisting of 15 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables; and a combo pack with a mix of fresh produce and meat for $20. FFA offers “hot buys” of popular items at each site. In January, for example, the hot buy is a five-pound package of boneless chicken breast tenderloins for $8; in March, an Easter brunch box; and in the summer, a grill box with burgers, steaks and other meat that can be grilled. Also, warehouse sales are held up and our packages are bigger and bet- every other Monday in New Hope. At ter than they were five years ago. The this location, items are sold individualdifference between what we pay and ly as well as in packages. what we sell it for is mostly just to covWeatherhead shared the reasoning er transportation costs to get out to some behind the choice of food offerings: “If of these areas.” you notice, our food is fruits and vegeFFA has 31 sites in the Greater Twin tables and frozen meats — not canned Cities metro area where food packag- goods. When you go to a store, the two es are distributed once a month for two most costly things that you’ll see in the hours. The offerings include a $25 mega■ See Fare For all on page 8 meat pack with a variety of seven to nine

“How can you sell your stuff so cheap?”

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January 4-10, 2018

Ubuntu: when people prevail over profits Today, at the start of 2018, the battle between profit and people is central to just about every social, political and economic debate there is.

No man may poison the people for his private profit. — President Theodore Roosevelt When morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses. — The Honorable Shirley Chisholm We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing oriented” society to a “person oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered. — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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s we begin a new year, I want to revisit a theme that has appeared from time to time over the last four years of this column. That of which I speak is actually much more than a theme, however; it is a principle that we should all adhere to as human beings regardless of our faith, creed, race or station in life. This principle is putting people ahead of profit. On its face, placing people above profit seems like a rather universal value. In recent years, it has even been the point of reference for a number of books, including one by an anti-capitalist (American linguist Noam Chomsky) and another by a “capitalist philanthropist” (Sevenly CEO Dale Partridge).

Yet the fact that we have to be reminded of it because of such texts and general discourse suggests that it has not been a standard that the human race has lived up to. Of course, that goes without saying, and our failure to do so is nearly as old as history itself. Two-and-a-half millennia ago in Plato’s Republic, Socrates explored the meaning of justice in a series of dialogues. Among the ideas presented by Socrates was his belief that there are three types of people: Those who pursue wisdom, those who pursue honor, and those who pursue profit. Without question, the profit motive and devotion to property rights have been endemic to America since its colonial days, as evidenced by the strategic removal and relocation of Indigenous Peoples, the institution of Chattel Slavery, and the philosophy of Manifest Destiny. As the practice of putting profit over people has long underscored our history in both heavy-handed and subtle ways, there are recent instances of such wicked behavior that go beyond the pale. For example, in the 1970s

Profit graphic courtesy of Pixabay, people photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash there was the disgrace that became known as “Pinto Madness.” Discovering a design flaw in the fuel system of its Pinto automobile, executives from the Ford Motor Company decided it was more cost-effective to settle lawsuits with the families of those injured or killed by this fatal defect than

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it was to actually fix the design flaw. It is estimated that at least 500 people died during the seven-year period in which Ford chose not to address this problem. In just the last couple of years there is the case of pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli, who in 2014 while head of Retrophin jacked up the price of one medication from $1.50 to $30 per pill. A little more than a year later as CEO of Turig Pharmaceuticals, Shkreli raised the cost of the AIDS drug Daraphim by more than 5,500 percent (from $13.50 to $750 per pill). Then, in the spring of 2017, after several lawsuits and a spirted occupation by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its supporters, the Dakota Access Pipeline began pumping oil from Northwest North Dakota down to South Central Illinois. According to local tribes, scientists, environmentalists, farmers, and many others, the decision to remove the protesters and greenlight the pipeline construction and operation through the Dakotas places the water, air, soil and wildlife on

and around the Standing Rock Reservation at great risk. Today, at the start of 2018, the battle between profit and people is central to just about every social, political and economic debate there is, be it tax policy, health care, education spending, immigration, entitlement reform, or infrastructure, among others. And, as Shirley Chisholm noted in the quotation above, profit tends to win out. The insurance industry, banking and investment firms, Big Pharma, energy companies, the prison industrial complex, and other private institutions continue to post historic profits. Meanwhile, the income and wealth gaps not only persist but get increasing worse as approximately 40 million Americans remain in poverty while another 100 million or more are merely one misstep from falling into the ranks of the poor. The evidence that profit is valued above people in America is clear when considering the inequities in public education, dearth of living-wage jobs, insufficient healthcare options,

privatization of the criminal justice system, assault on affordable housing, and the push toward gentrification, among other forms of corporate avarice. Although the forces that place money, power and greed ahead of us may seem indomitable, there is a better way. It’s a way that the citizens of this country and the world must seek, find and impose. From the Nguni Bantu languages of Africa comes the word Ubuntu, which loosely translated means “humanity towards others.” More than a word, it is a philosophy of life that has inspired the phrases “I Am Because We Are” and the truncated “I Am We,” among similar expressions. This is a philosophy that recognizes the humanity in everyone and treasures people above profit, planet above property, peace above war, and principle above desire. Shortly after his papal election in 2013, Pope Francis asked how is it that “people are less important than the things that give profit to those who have political, social and economic power? What point have we come to?” In spite of the warnings throughout history from ancient Africa to Socrates to Dr. King to today, we remain at such a point, a moment where profit motive and property rights supersede human rights and dignity. It is imperative that, for the sake of ourselves and future generations, we find a way to overcome these unjust, immoral and malevolent policies and practices in favor of Ubuntu. 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 4-10, 2018

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Good news: We are winning the war on cancer id malignancies such as cancer of the lungs and skin, many of the checkpoint inhibitors are providing high hopes, especially in clinical trials. In fact, almost 25 percent of patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies have shown promising remissions and or excellent responses to these types of treatments.

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD

In

the war on cancer, we are living in unique and wonderful times. The last several years have shown the development of several new approaches to the treatment of cancer that are proving to be very promising and effective. In the past, the three most important strategies in the treatment of cancer involved surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. With a better understanding of our immune system, we’ve been able to develop four new specific strategies that are targeting and treating cancers better than ever.

Checkpoint inhibitors The immune system is incredibly powerful, and if it is turned on completely the immune system can attack normal tissues causing widespread destruction and even death. As a result, the immune system operates with a safety guard, a kind of “braking system,” to keep it from turning full on and launching an attack on healthy cells. These safeguards are called “checkpoints.” Many cancer cells exploit this protective mechanism by sending signals to the immune system that they are normal; they are okay; don’t attack. Because of this trick, many cancer cells can avoid detection and destruction from the immune system. Scientists have now discovered ways of introducing drugs made from custom-made proteins that rev up and turn on the immune system. By allowing the immune system to pass the checkpoints, they are called “checkpoint inhibitors.” The immune system, specifically the Tcells of the immune system, have to pass through several checkpoints before they can be unleashed and turned on. These checkpoints are for our safety. If you can get around the checkpoints, you can turn the immune system on to attack. And that’s what the checkpoint inhibitors do; they rev up the immune system so that the Tcells can attack the malignancies. The war on cancer has had significant advances, especially to liquid- or blood-born cancer such as certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. However, when it comes to sol-

Immune cell vaccine The second strategy in attacking cancers is a cancer cell vaccine. In this type of system, specific immune cells that normally patrol the system looking for abnormal cells and malignant cells are taken from the patient and mixed with their tumor cells, outside the body. This process educates these types of immune attack cells, called dendritic cells, to recognize the malignant cells better than they did inside the body. Then they are put back into the body, and they attack cancer. This is partially similar to the way vaccinations work, hence the term “immune cell vaccine.” Combination of chimeric cell therapy The third type of strategy in treating malignancies involves something called the combination cell or “chimeric cell.” There are particular types of immune cells called T-cells. There is a pretty slick trick where they extract a T-cell from a patient’s body and mix it with

ferent types of probiotics and bacteria that can live in our bodies that will support immune health and the ability to fight malignancies. The microbiome is so important to our overall health that I view it as another organ! In conclusion Although the war on cancer is not over, I’m delighted to report that right now we have some of the best tools ever available in the fight against cancer. In fact, former president Jimmie Carter used some of these tools to have a complete remission of malignant melanoma that metastasized to his brain. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it’s not the same prognosis that it was even a few short years ago. Talk to your physician about a combination of therapies including traditional surgery, radiation and chemotherapy along with the four new strategies discussed today, including checkpoint inhibitors, im-

mune cell vaccines, chimeric cell treatment for blood malignancies, and manipulation of a patient’s microbiome, the friendly bacteria that live within us that can augment our immune system. The war on cancer has never looked better than it does today. 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 has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine and one of the top 21 African American physicians in the U.S. by the Atlanta Post. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians, MABP.org. This column previously ran in the April 4, 2016 edition

a specific virus. This virus infects the T-cell and causes it to have special sticky proteins on its surface. These sticky proteins are excellent at recognizing specific malignancies, especially those of the liquid form, that is, blood-born malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. These combination cells float freely in the blood and recognize blood-born malignancies. They bind to the malignant cells in the blood and destroy them. The reason they call them chimeric cells is because they are a combination of two types of cells — an immune cell and a virus. Microbiome enhancement The fourth new strategy in the war on cancer involves something entirely unique. It involves something called the microbiome. The microbiome is composed of all the bacteria that live within our bodies, typically in a safe and friendly manner. It includes but isn’t limited to most of the bacteria that live in our gastrointestinal tract (gut). These friendly bacteria live within us in a complementary manner and often can produce different proteins and chemical signals that assist our immune system in doing a better job. Many people eat certain yogurts called probiotics to increase the nature of good bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract. In fact, it’s found that certain compositions of bacteria seem to be present when the immune system does a better job of fighting off malignancies. Scientists are right now studying the dif-

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February 16-22, 2017

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Weatherization 101: Four ways to get a warmer home this winter

Photo by N. on Unsplash

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reading the cold drafts and rising heating bills that come with winter? You’re not alone. Nearly two-thirds of Americans live in homes that need to be weatherized to improve heating efficiency and maximize comfort, but many still don’t take the time to do so, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll for Duck brand. Why? The cold reality is that most people simply don’t know what to buy or where to start when it comes to weath-

erizing their homes. But, preparing your house for chillier weather can be as easy as following some step-by-step instructions or consulting a brief how-to video. Here are a few tips to get started. 1. Secure seals by weather-stripping. Windows and doors are the two largest draft sources in any home, leading to high heating costs and an uncomfortable living environment. For these reasons, they should be top priorities.

To combat these sneaky air leak spots, use high-strength weather-stripping. This strong, flexible material makes it easy to seal gaps of different sizes around windows and doors. 2. Dodge door drafts. Assess your doors for potential drafts and energy loss, as everyday wear and tear can wreak havoc on thresholds and door seals. Depending on the door style, there are several solutions that provide multiple layers of protection, such as door shoes, draft seals and door sweeps. Most are easily customizable to meet your door width simply by cutting the product down to size. Online videos can provide step-by-step instructions that show you exactly how to install a variety of different door weatherization solutions. 3. Winterize windows. With a few simple steps, you can insulate windows while maintaining a crystal-clear view. These kits offer a pre-taped top for quick and easy roll-on film installation. Plus, there’s no measuring required and they fit snugly to window frames for the duration of the winter season. 4. Cover sneaky attic entranceways. Finally, don’t forget about attic access openings or pull-down stairs as a source of air leaks. Since they’re usually not insulated, they can be a considerable culprit of energy loss in your house. How do you prevent this? An attic stairway cover is a simple solution to combat heat loss. Plus, they’re flexible, lightweight and easily repositioned to maintain direct access to the attic. Don’t be left in the cold this winter. By taking a few measures, you can prepare your home against drafts and air leaks during the wintry months. Information provided by StatePoint Media

Rethink your buying habits to reduce the waste you generate Before you buy • Evaluate if you need it. Consider the cost in time and money to maintain it. Think about what you’ll do with it when you’re done with it. • Consider buying used items. For retailers who sell used items, visit Choose to Reuse. • Rent or borrow items you don’t use often. • Use up what you have. Check to see if you already have the product you want to purchase. • Buying • Buy good-quality, reusable, durable goods. Avoid trendy and disposable items. • Look for items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Purchase items in bulk and in concentrate. • Buy green. Look for credible labels. Be aware of some terms that may not mean anything, such as environmentally friendly, earth-friendly and natural. • Buy the right amount for your needs. Plan and measure before you buy. Purchase only what you can use before it expires. • After you buy • Take good care of your items to extend their life. • Repurpose your items. Find a creative new use for your old stuff. • Make use of your reusable items. Remember your shopping bags, water bottles, mugs, napkins, towels, and food containers to cut down on waste. Information provided by Hennepin County Green Disposal Guide Photo by Onur Bahcivancilar on Unsplash

Learn to repair your items at upcoming Fix-it cLinics Fix-It Clinics are scheduled for: — Saturday, January 13 from noon to 4 pm at the North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Avenue North in Minneapolis — Saturday, February 10 from noon to 4 pm at the Crosstown Covenant Church, 5540 30th Avenue South in Minneapolis Information provided by Fix-It Clinics Tackle your resolution of finally getting around to fixing that broken lamp, toaster or coffee maker or mending your favorite sweater or pair of pants at an upcoming FixIt Clinic. Get free, guided assistance from handy volunteers to disassemble, troubleshoot, and fix household items including small appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more.

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January 4-10, 2018

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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.

IN RESPONSE TO: “Beloved nightspot

owner, Arnellia Allen, dies at 79” by Dwight Hobbes, December 22, 2017

A very loving person I met several years ago. Never forget that beautiful greeting and always smiled when she saw me. Loved to hear my soulful voice. You will so truly be missed. R.I.H. —Michael Rosenberg

Don’t underestimate Black women in the voting booth By Melanie L. Campbell Guest Commentator ”It’s a good night to be an African American woman,” said CNN Political Commentator Symone Sanders on Tuesday night. This was her response to the historic Doug Jones victory over Roy Moore in the special Alabama senatorial election. But Democrats and Republicans alike should take heed. Political pundits can parse words, slice and dice the numbers and call Moore a ”terrible choice” as the Republican candidate, but make no mistake about it the African American vote was the critical difference between a win and a loss in that election. In his initial remarks to his followers and the media, Senator-elect Jones unabashedly thanked African Americans, in particular, for their support. And why not? Exit polls indicated that 98 percent of African American women voted for him. In contrast, only 32 percent of White women in Alabama voted in his favor. The same political pundits tried to report that the women’s vote is what brought Democrats historic victories in the 2017 Election on November 7 in Virginia and New Jersey. The reality is not all women voted for the winning candidates in those elections. According to the 2017 Election exit polls, like they did recently in Alabama, Black women led the way in turning Virginia and New Jersey from red to blue, up and down the ballot. Conversely, the majority of White women voted for the Republican gubernatorial candidates in New Jer-

sey and Virginia. The November 7 exit polls reported that Black women voted 91 percent for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Ralph Northam, who was elected governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. White women voted 51 percent for the Republican candidate, Ed Gillespie. In New Jersey, Black women voted 94 percent for Democratic candidate, Phil Murphy, who is governor-elect for New Jersey. Latino women voted 88 percent for Murphy and White women voted 44 percent for Murphy. To be clear, Black women have been the most loyal voters for progressive candidates for decades. In 2016, Black women voted 94 percent for Hillary Clinton; White women voted 53 percent for Donald Trump. In 2013, Black women were the decisive vote for current Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, voting at 91 percent. White women voted for anti-choice Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli at 54 percent. In both 2008 and 2012, Black women led the way in electing President Barack Obama the first African American president of the United States. The Black women’s vote, in fact, accounts for the gender gap in support of the Democratic Party, as the majority of White women supported Republican candidates in both elections. So the question is: Will Black women continue to be the most loyal voting bloc for democrats in the 2018 Mid-Term Election? I caution the Democratic Party to pay close attention to the recent Black Women’s Roundtable/ESSENCE ”Power of

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the Sister Vote” Poll (2017 BWR/ESSENCE Poll), released in September 2017, that gauged Black women’s political attitudes. The 2017 BWR/ESSENCE Poll revealed an 11 percent drop in the belief that the Democratic Party best represents the interest of Black women, dropping from 85 percent to 74 percent over the past year. In fact, more Black women think that none of the political parties represents them well, up to 21 percent from 13 percent in 2016.” The poll also showed Black women millennials identifying as independents continues to rise. The poll further disclosed Black women have a significant interest in running for political office on a local level. The 2017 Election results appears to confirm that growing interest, with several Black women making history in key local and statewide races including Sheila Oliver being elected the first African American elected lieutenant governor of New Jersey; Vi Lyles elected first African American woman elected mayor of Charlotte, N.C.; Keisha Lance Bottoms winning the mayor’s race in Atlanta; Andrea Jenkins, first African American transgender elected to the Minneapolis City Council; Mary Parham Copelan, first African American mayor of Forestville, Ga., and many more across the country. These changing political attitudes and trends provide an opportunity for the Democrats, if they fully embrace and respect Black women’s leadership as their most loyal base on a national, state and local level. It is also an opportunity for the Republican Party, if they choose to reverse course from being the party of the ”Altright,” White nationalists and White supremacists. Otherwise, Black women — especially millennials — will likely expand their options as independents or members of third parties in the future. So, for those progressives who want to win in the 2018 mid-term election cycle, remember: Black women are the ”secret sauce” to victory. Follow Black Women. Melanie L. Campbell is the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable.

I was blessed to work with Arnellia starting at the Nacirema Club. We had good ideas and she was such a jewel to work with. I can remember her showing me how to pop a cork, at the time [it was] cold duck, a casual bubbly champagne wine. She was always best known for her smile. Never wanting any trouble. Her strong spirit will truly flow on. I was very fortunate to see Arnellia this summer at Selby Days. Same smile lit up my heart this time. I held her tight [and] asked her was there anything she needed. Her heartfelt response was the same. Our family loves you, Arnellia; we will always remember that brown glow. There is no other like you. Flow on, Arnellia. We love you dearly. —Twaya McIntosh and family R.I. H. Mrs. Arenilla. You will be truly missed in the Twins Cities. God has called another angel home. Go get your rest. We loved you but God loved you best. —Jeanette McDaniel Sister Spokesman felt like home when it was held at Arnellia’s. Thanks for the memories. —Sandra Freeman So very saddened to hear this news. Arnellia was a beautiful soul outside and in and had the patience of Job. I also had the opportunity to work with her at the Nacirema Club back in the day. She will forever be missed. I will keep her family in my prayers. —Sheila Williams

Watch 2018 in the Twin Cities

Will there be positive change in the treatment of our Black communities? THROUGH MY EYES: The Minneapolis Story Continues By Ron Edwards Contributing Columnist Happy New Year! We will work to make it so by staying focused on the prize of civil rights and equal opportunity for all, White as well as people of color. How Minneapolis responds will determine whether or not positive changes are made in education, jobs, housing, public safety and police community relations. For instance, County Attorney Mike Freeman has to make a decision about the Mohammed Noor case, if he hasn’t already done so as of the writing of this column. Rumors are circulating that disastrous reports about the poor quality of the Noor investigation and Freeman’s bad mouthing of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, led to a serious reprimand of the county attorney by Governor Mark Dayton, and has caused Freeman to change his mind about whether to send the case to the grand jury this election year. His comments recorded without his knowledge at a Christmas party being given by one of the labor unions has created negative political fallout for him — a problem of his own creation. Some people should not drink and talk at the same time, because you don’t know who is listening. Passing the buck to a grand jury to make the decision to charge or not to charge allows the county attorney to seek an escape hatch for his political future. As we reported last week, the officer-involved shooting in the police precinct still has to be dealt with. This comes on the heels of an investigative report by Curtis Gilbert, of American Public Media (APM). APM’s station brands include MPR (Minnesota Public Radio). Gilbert’s lengthy December 14, 2017 report confirms our analysis that evaluations by city employees, “screened out too many minority candidates,” and it resulted in significant misuse of public dollars. That money was used to disqualify and block the hiring of Native Americans, African Americans and others of color who applied for posi-

tions with the Minneapolis Police Department. Gilbert has documented $480,000, not to mention the lawsuit I’ve written about since 2006, where five officers sued over the screening process. The city denied the claim, but settled the suit for $740,000. Between just these two screening case figures the $1,220,000 comes under the heading of waste, misuse of funds, and greater taxes. The incoming mayor and city council has to determine whether or not to investigate and initiate evaluations, covered in Gilbert’s report and per my recommendation at the public hearing on the appointment of Chief Medaria Arradondo. The new incoming mayor and city council must consider taking and filing criminal charges. We are concerned that the vast network of political connections will block the new officials from taking corrective action to present a formal criminal complaint. I, again, invite readers of this column to review Curtis Gilbert’s report on the Minnesota Public Radio investigation, our column of August 3, and our blog entries of July 16, 20, 21 22, 24 and 26. We urge the incoming new mayor and city council to remember what Thurgood Marshall reminded us of, “the rights and privileges of citizenship, as well as its attendant responsibilities,” take appropriate action, and not make the false charge that Chief Arradondo and the communities of color did not alert Minneapolis White City government of this historical disaster based on race. I’ve written about it for a decade; it is not a secret. We wait to see if the city’s incoming officials will stand up and be counted or slink into the walls of silence, as their predecessors did. Stay tuned. Ron hosts radio and TV shows. To read his solutions papers, books, and archives go to www. TheMinneapolisStory.com.

Call us, write us, email us - your stories Send story ideas, news tips and opinions to Judith Hence at jhence@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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Send entertainment stories, events you want posted, and notices exclusively for our website to Paige Elliott: pelliott@spokesmanrecorder.com.

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January 4-10, 2018

Crown Heights, Get Out, Girls Trip among the Best Films of 2017 Best Foreign Language Films In the Fade, The Insult, First They Killed My Father, Felicité, The Square Best Documentaries I Called Him Morgan, Last Men in Aleppo, Whose Streets, Step, Quest Best Actors Gary Oldman — Darkest Hour Denzel Washington — Roman J. Israel, Esq. Daniel Kaluuya — Get Out Jake Gyllenhaal — Stronger Josh O’Connor — God’s Own Country

Girls Trip, starring (l-r) Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith was the first comedy of 2017 to crack $100 million in the U.S. Courtesy of Universal Pictures By Dwight Brown Contributing Writer

As

we look back on the highest caliber films of 2017, the array is diverse, the talent is strong and the entertainment value is solid. These are the films that will make you laugh, cry, think, hug someone or wish you had super powers. The following films opened in 2017, are still at a theater near you or will be on a streaming service shortly. Enjoy. Best Films Battle of the Sexes (***1/2) In the 1970s, Grand Slam tennis champion Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and over-the-hill tennis pro Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) duke it out in the pivotal tennis match of the century. Their battle is still socially relevant today. Stone brings King’s raw courage to life and the dawning of her new sexual identity is profound. Carell gives Riggs the right dose of bluster. Well directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valarie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine). Coco (****) This American-made animated film shows such great respect for Mexican culture. It takes you to unimaginable places where humans and spooky creatures collide all synched around the holiday Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Rich palette of colors. Lively musical score. Firmly and affectionately voiced by Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal and Renée Victor. Co-directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina. A joy to watch.

Girls Trip (****) This hilarious and relentlessly bawdy take on a girls’ weekend reunion in New Orleans is a cross between Bridesmaids and The Hangover, only more outrageous. Praise to screenwriters Kenya Barris (TV’s Black-ish) and Tracy Oliver and director Malcolm Lee. Rain accolades on Tiffany Haddish for her impressive comedy chops and equal doses of love to Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah for giving us a great laugh. Best Comedy of the Year. In the Fade (****) A mother (Diane Kruger) loses her child and husband in a bombing in Germany and she seeks justice and revenge. The sociopolitical aspects of the racist attack against her Kurdishborn husband are so topical it’s as if the movie was ripped from a newspaper headline. Director Fatih Akin also wrote the screen adaptation of a novel by Hark Bohm. Riveting from beginning to end.

Best Actresses Annette Bening — Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool Sally Hawkins — Maudie/The Shape of the Water Diane Kruger — In the Fade Charlize Theron — Atomic Blonde Emma Stone — Battle of the Sexes Best Supporting Actors Jason Mitchell — Mudbound Ethan Hawke — Maudie Ian Hart — God’s Own Country Michael Shannon — The Shape of Water Idris Elba — Molly’s Game Best Supporting Actresses Tiffany Haddish — Girls Trip Michelle Pfeiffer — Mother! Laurie Metcalf — Lady Bird Mary J. Blige — Mudbound Tatiana Maslany — Stronger

Best Screenplays The Shape of Water — Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor Girls Trip — Kenya Barris, Tracy Oliver Get Out — Jordan Peele God’s Own Country — Frances Lee The Big Sick — Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani Best Cinematography Mudbound — Rachel Morrison Dunkirk — Hoyte Van Hoytema The Shape of Water — Dan Lausten First They Killed My Father — Anthony Dod Mantle Darkest Hour — Bruno Delbonnel Best Animation/CGI Coco, Loving Vincent, Despicable Me 3 Other Great Films Atomic Blonde, Baby Driver, The Big Sick, Dunkirk, Call Me by Your Name, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, God’s Own Country, I, Tonya, The Lost City of Z, Lowriders, Maudie, Mudbound, The Post, The Shape of Water, Stronger, War for Planet of the Apes, Wind River Worst Movies Chips, Detroit, Downsizing, Mother, The Mummy, Suburbicon, Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! A Madea Halloween

Dwight Brown is a film critic and travel writer. As a film critic, he regularly attends international film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the American Black Film Festival. Read more movie reviews by Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com. Thanks to Brown and NNPA for sharing this story with us.

Lady Bird (****) A precocious high-school student, Christine (Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn), goes by the name Lady Bird and is in a constant verbal battle with her pessimistic mother (Laurie Metcalf, TV’s Roseanne). Teen angst colors her relationships with her first boyfriend (Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea) and second lover (Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name) Hilarious. Heartwarming. Written and directed by actress Greta Gerwig (Jackie) and based on her life. Stars Wars: The Last Jedi (****) Wow. This is the event movie of the year. So much action. So much haunting drama and raw emotion. And it Daniel Kaluuya stars in Get Out, a surprise hit with critics and at the box office The film has grossed more than $175 million in the U.S. Courtesy of Universal Pictures

MAKING FITNESS FUN! Coco opened during the Thanksgiving weekend to strong critical and box office success. The movie has grossed over $167 million domestically to date. Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Crown Heights (***1/2) Everyday heroes are on view in this simple yet courageous story about two friends whose bond is stronger than a crooked Brooklyn District Attorney. In the wake of misguided films like Detroit, Crown Heights is a godsend. Director/writer Matt Ruskin’s understated style makes the film seem real. Lakeith Stanfield shines in the lead as a wrongfully convicted suspect. Nnamdi Asomugha plays the friend who never gives up on him. Pure inspiration. Darkest Hour (****) Sure, Gary Oldman chews up the scenery as the stalwart Winston Churchill in this World War II film about Germany’s impending invasion of Britain. He deserves an Oscar for his interpretation and so does his makeup man who turns the slim actor into the stout world leader. Brilliant direction by Joe Wright. Smart script by Anthony McCarten. Superb cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel. Get Out (***) It’s quite surprising and fresh that in his first outing as a filmmaker, Comedy Central star Jordan Peele gets so much right about the art of making a drama/horror movie. He aptly captures that insular foreign feeling Black people have when they are in a room full of awkward-acting Whites. Then he cranks the horror up a notch to a high crazy/weird decibel. Daniel Kaluuya is the face of the common man. Milton “Lil Rel” Howery is his hysterical wingman. Best First Film of the Year, hands down.

doesn’t just build to one climax. It crescendos up to climax, after climax, after climax... The mix of the old generation, with Princess Leia (the late Carrie Fisher) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), with the new warriors, like Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega), is seamless. The surprising plotlines by writer/director Rian Johnson and the astonishing art direction, production design, costumes and cinematography make this saga a fun experience with lots of eye candy. Wonder Woman (****) Best comic book hero turned action film movie of the year. Director Patty Jenkins, with Gal Gadot as her muse, elevates the legendary Amazon warrior way above the current tepid Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) to an upper stratosphere. Perfect blend of beauty and strength. Great special effects. Tight script by Allan Heinberg. Robin Wright and Chris Pine co-star. Best Directors Joe Wright — Darkest Hour Dee Rees — Mudbound Christopher Nolan — Dunkirk Rian Johnson — Star Wars: The Last Jedi Patty Jenkins — Wonder Woman Best First Films Get Out, Patti Cake$, Thank You for Your Service, Novitiate, Menashe

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Sabathani Community Center The Heart of the Community

Family Resource Services - Provides basic needs services to stabilize families including: food, clothing, income tax assistance, limited cash assistance, back-to-school supplies, seasonal garden plots, and furniture. A staff Navigator works with program participants to set goal plans related to economic stability and self-sufficiency. A partnership with Hennepin County assists participants with on-site social work and eligibility applications for public benefits. Horizons Youth Program - An after-school and summer academic enrichment and youth development program

for children ages five to 14 years old. Program activities include reading, writing, math, computer skills, arts and crafts, social/emotional development, enrichment activities, and STEM curriculum. James G. Cook First Access Health Resource Center - The health resource center is set up to assemble venues and create connections for people to access healthy behaviors and medical services on their own schedules. Service includes: free pediatric medical clinic, pediatric dental clinic, mental health services/referrals, fitness program, health education, and

2017 “Memorium”

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Claudia G. Wallace-Gardner

laudia G. WallaceGardner, age 68, prayerfully and peacefully transitioned to eternal life November 6, 2017, in Houston, Texas after a long illness. She was the heartbeat of her family. Known as a spirit-filled, warm, compassionate, fun-loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who loved God and family, Claudia enjoyed music, entertaining, reading, and taking care of everyone around her. Despite years of pain and discomfort, she remained bolstered by her faith and love of God. Her ability to find humor, patience and beauty in the direst situations endeared her to everyone she encountered. She will be remembered as dignified, stylish, honest, a true friend and great organizer who gave unconditional love, made legendary mac & cheese, and left an event planning legacy. Claudia graduated from Patrick J. Henry High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in communications, with emphasis on nonprofit management systems, from the University of Minnesota. Claudia’s professional career included directorships at the former Twin Cities Opportunity Industrialization Center (TCOIC), Penumbra Theatre Company and the University of Minnesota (U of M). While at the U of M, Claudia directed three University of Minnesota Presidential Inaugurations — C. Peter Magrath, Kenneth H. Keller, and Nils

Hasselmo; and ceremonial events for President of the Republic of Finland; Vice President Walter F. Mondale; Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, Supreme Court; NAACP President Roy Wilkins; Japanese Minister of Affairs; Chancellor of Austria and others. Her volunteer service included the Twin Cities YWCA, Givens Collection for African American Literature, The Loft, University of Minnesota Black Alumni Society, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council and the University of Minnesota Association of Black Employees. Claudia was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, LeRoy Gardner, Jr.; parents Albert H. and Lucille M. Wallace; and sisters Karen Bivens and Joyce LeSwain Micks (Don). She is survived by her daughters Tiffanee Jules (Michael) and Lena Gardner; sons Frank Sentwali Gardner (Becca), and LeRoy Gardner, III (Suzanna); sister Valerie Shipbaugh (David); brother Albert H. Wallace, Jr., (Debbie); sister-in-law Sharon Gardner (Joe); brother-in-law Gordon Gardner; grandchildren Jules Jr., Lance, Jada, Cihuacoatlzin, Amari, Judah, Kiya, Nicco and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. The celebration of Claudia’s life will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018, 11:30 am — 3:30 pm, in Coffman Memorial Union Theater, University of Minnesota — Twin Cities Campus, 300 Washington Avenue, MN 55455. Contact number: 952-2202052.

health fairs and screenings. Senior Center - This program helps senior adults maintain independence by providing transportation, weekly blood pressure and glucose clinics, podiatrist clinic, AARP chapter, U-Meet-Us social club, weekly ceramic classes, monthly education programs, weekly exercise classes, special legal services and case management. Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) – The initiative works in collaboration with community partners to reduce health disparities in the African American and Latino communities served by Sabathani Community Center in the areas of diabetes, teen pregnancy, unintentional injury and violence.

-Information from Sabathani web site

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Fare For all Continued from page 1

store are fruits and vegetables and frozen meats.” He went on to note how unhealthy processed foods (like chips and cookies) are often much cheaper. “A lot of people can only afford so much and want to get as much as they can for as little as possible. I understand that. So at FFA, we said, instead of buying cookies and crackers because they are cheap, what if we made the good food affordable? So, instead of two or three bags of potato chips for $5, what if they can get a produce pack — enough for the whole month — for $10?” He added, “The one thing we struggle with a little bit is when people say they want organic food. Organic food costs more. So there’s no way we can buy organic food in bulk and get it to them at a $10 price.” Depending on the season, the produce is either locally grown or sent from all over the country, according to the website. There are no limits for packages, and all forms of payment, including EBT cards, are accepted except for personal checks. Participants are not required to prepay or preorder, and unlike many other discount food programs, there are no income qualifications or restrictions. Also, site volunteers bring the groceries to the cars for shoppers and unload the items. Weatherhead likened the experience to the old “full-service filling stations” from back in the day. How are distributions sites chosen? “We try to find need areas,” said Weatherhead. “There’s North Minneapolis and two or three sites in St.

Bigotry Continued from page 1

with everyone,” continued Newkirk, who added that his social media use displays a “knack for knocking down the kinds of Black folks members of his base want to see knocked down — those who in a different era might have been considered “uppity.” “I don’t follow him,” Minnesota Timberwolves veteran guard Jamal Crawford told the MSR when asked about the president’s tweets. “Other presidents in the past haven’t done it [tweeted]. I think there are issues that affect our country that are more important.”

Courtesy of Facebook/Fare For All Paul. We find a place that is visible, and where food is needed, where people need some help. “I can’t tell you that there’s one thing we look at,” continued Weatherhead. “We do look at areas of poverty. But that’s just one aspect. We also look at population… There are cities like Madelia and St. James that are almost food deserts, so they have to travel a long way to get food. “We try to put our sites in areas that need more food access. And then, if we ever get into a situation where we see stores like Aldi and Hy-Vee opening sites really close to some of our areas, we may consider moving out of that area and moving into another area that doesn’t have the same food access.” Weatherhead noted that the December 14 food distribution at Hallie

ple. “The Black male athletes are powerful and have made significant economic contributions to this country for decades. I believe many of his supporters have a similar view of Black people and athletes — awe and fear.” The Shadow League.com staff in November opined on Trump’s “coded racism in which he vehemently targets Black men… It’s nothing new. It’s become an exhausting, agonizing and brain-cell-draining practice to respond to Trump’s predictable, divisive and ignorant attacks, particularly through Twitter.” McAllister pointed out that “Race has always been one of those highest natural vulnerabilities, with many instances

“Trump is singling out Black men for not being properly grateful and for standing up for themselves.”

Q. Brown in St. Paul reported its biggest sales ever. The site completely ran out of the popular $30 holiday packs. The continued success of the organization is noteworthy considering the nonprofit doesn’t have an advertising budget. Said Weatherhead, “We never had this much business ever and it’s all word-of-mouth. “We made a decision several years ago that we would not advertise. We want to put our money into food, not advertising. And we’re at a high right now. We tell people, if you like the program please tell somebody else, and that’s what they’re doing, and that’s why we’ve become big.” In addition to word-of-mouth, FFA relies on agencies, organizations like the United Way, and various community food shelves to help share information about the food distributions.

Frey Continued from page 1

place to live?” and “What issues do you think need to be addressed?” Many community members at the meeting stated that the most pressing issues were with regards to policecommunity relations, income inequality, and youth education. The next listening session was held on Dec. 29 at public housing high-rise Horn Towers at 3121 Pillsbury in South Minneapolis, where over 100 people packed the community room. This listening session included residents of the building, expressing concerns about the complex, while welcoming Mayor-elect Frey to the highrise.

Lisa Anderson, one of the Horn Towers’ 20-year residents, stated that issues such as safety and security are important. “We deserve to live in a safe environment. Violence is a real problem over here. I’m not just speaking up for myself, I’m speaking up for all of us who live here [in Horn Towers].” Sarah Kuhnen, neighbor of Justine Damond, who was shot by a Minneapolis police officer in July of 2017 after reporting a possible assault, echoed concerns over safety but in a broader sense. “Residents and police experience trauma on a daily basis, and we want them supported better with wellness training. That doesn’t just happen once, but happens annually and semi-annually along with de-escalation training.” More than a few Somali residents urged Frey to work with

Mental health Continued from page 1

His Wolves teammate, guard Jimmy Butler, added, “I don’t want to talk about that. I only talk about things I can control rather than drag me into that nonsense.” The MSR asked for comment from Lenny McAllister, whom we met in St. Paul at the 2008 Republican National Convention. McAllister is an author, former talk show host, and current adjunct history professor at La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, “President Trump has exhibited tone-deafness towards many demographics of Americans, including, but not exclusively, African Americans,” McAllister observed. “Throughout his political rise, Mr. Trump has exhibited [a] willingness and talent to exploit misunderstandings, ‘gray areas,’ and over-complexities in order to drive home an ‘us-versus-them’ mantra to those that have been vocal supporters of his.” We also talked to Indiana University doctoral candidate Johari Shuck, who works with parents of aspiring college athletes of color on the do’s and don’ts of recruiting. Shuck said, “The president is both fascinated by and fearful of Black peo-

over the course of American history where politicians have been too willing to touch upon our national self-affliction with a self-serving precision that advances a personality, not the American people collectively. “This dynamic will likely not change with a man that has offended Blacks, women, Christians, Muslims, and geopolitical allies alike,” McAllister said. “It is easier to be ‘overly critical’ with African Americans than it is other groups in America.” McAllister, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2016, surmised that as the second year of his presidency is upon us, Trump’s tweets against Blacks and others won’t end any time soon. “Sadly, Mr. Trump is not insensitive on issues of race because he is a bigot. Primarily, he is insensitive on issues of race because he is insensitive on many things in general.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Cathy Patterson, a new FFA participant, was pleased with her first shopping experience. “It was great,” said Patterson of the food distribution site at a community center in Burnsville. “It was very organized. The staff was very welcoming and helpful.” Because of a disability, Patterson, a St. Paul resident, works part-time and utilizes food shelves to help supplement her groceries. An FFA sign posted at a local food shelf caught her eye. “I’d definitely continue to see what they have to offer and see what discounts they have” in the future, said Patterson. Weatherhead has found the work at Fare For All to be most rewarding. “I’ve been here for five years. I worked at Wells Fargo for 23 years. I took this as my retirement job, and it went from not working many hours to being the

give. Eventually, there’s that old saying, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’” In other words, you can’t make someone else’s self-worth your self-worth? “Exactly.” Whether treating laypersons or fellow professionals, Peoples sees herself as a detective who “figures out what’s going wrong in order to bring patients into alignment.” In 2015, Dr. Peoples devised the Imara Health website (www.imarahealthandwellness.com) addressing the individual and his or her world, emphasizing how environment and lifestyle influence mental and emotional stability. “What music are we listening to, media we’re consuming, people [with whom] we surround ourselves — all those things feed into our consciousness. We have to be careful.” Not subscribing to the field’s pill-happy propensity, she nonetheless acknowledges, “If there are biochemical imbalances that may be leading to issues...you have to understand those factors.” The website states, “Imara Health recognizes that one size does not fit all when it comes to attaining and maintaining wellness.” The cornerstone is outlined by an acronym, SMART: (S)leep, (M)ovement, (A)wareness, (R)ecognizing identity and (T)ailoring input. This forms the foundation of Imara’s functional medicine matrix.

program manager. “And I tell you, I love this! It’s just such a fantastic program. It’s one of those ‘feel good’ programs for everybody; that’s how I describe it. It’s a ‘people helping people’ program. You can’t help but like being a part of it.” If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for Fare For All, visit https://fareforall.org/get-involved. To find a food distribution site near you, go to https:// fareforall.org/find-a-site or call 763-4503880. If you are interested in bringing Fare For All to your community, contact Scott Weatherhead at 763-450-4212 or sweatherhead@fareforall.org. Paige Elliott welcomes reader responses to pelliott@spokesman-recorder.com.

immigrants regarding issues of identification. Maria Cisneros, a community organizer who lives in the Central neighborhood, encouraged Frey to focus on safety and was supportive of the Somali residents. Cisneros shared that she survived a robbery during which she was stabbed. She linked the issue of safety to the call from local immigrant communities to create a municipal I.D. “Immigrants without a state-issued I.D. because of their immigration status do not feel safe calling police,” she said. Cisneros stressed that immigrants who lack I.D. are taken advantage of when it comes to housing, as well. “Some living in substandard conditions are afraid to report issues like [pest] infestations,” she said. At the end of the listening session, Frey stated that he will

continue to follow the issues and serve the stated needs of the community. “These issues are important, and as mayor I intend to see that these concerns are addressed,” he said. Frey has plans to hold town halls in each ward in Minneapolis following his inauguration, which will held on Monday, Jan. 8 at 9:30 am in the City Hall Rotunda, 350 South Fifth Street in Minneapolis. Visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us for details. An inauguration party for Mayor Frey and Minneapolis City Council members will take place Jan. 13 at First Avenue in Minneapolis. For more info, visit www.mplsdowntown.com. Ivan B. Phifer welcomes reader responses to iphifer@spokesman-recorder.com

Dwight Hobbes welcomes readers’ reEach component is a major behavioral determinant of health. The SMART Well- sponses to P.O. Box 50357, Minneapolis, MN ness Overview states that, in addition 55403 to private practice, “Imara Health and Wellness is committed to ensuring that savvy leaders and employees of mission-driven organizations are equipped with the tools necessary to reclaim a sense of joy and purpose in their lives. Imara Health’s services include executive and leadership coaching, communication strategies and conflict management, wellness coaching, employee workshops, seminars and trainings (burnout, toxic stress, self-care strategies) and clinical consultation. Dr. Reba Peoples’ principle objective empowers patients to become stewards of their own wellbeing by acquiring sufficient skill to proactively achieve and sustain holistic health, to assume responsibility and selfaccountability for how they handle their lives — mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Have your head on straight and the rest will follow.

For In-Depth News Comprehensive Event Listings Community Resources Visit us at:

MSRNewsOnline.com

January 4-10, 2018

Legals

Employment

STATE OF MINNESOTA

CASE TYPE: DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

DISTRICT COURT

WITHOUT REAL ESTATE

FOURTH JUDICIAL COURT

Mental Health Pracitioner Position at The Family Development Center

CASE NO: 27-FA-17-2309

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For more info go to: www.mylegalaid.org/jobs.

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS In Re - the Marriage of: Wilter Asiago, Petitioner and Sidney M. Dishmon, Respondent THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: YOUR SPOUSE (HUSBAND OR WIFE) HAS FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU FOR DISSOLUTION OF YOUR MARRIAGE. A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK REGARDING THE LAWSUIT IS SERVED ON YOU WITH THIS SUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM THE COURT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE.

Provide in home therapy to individuals and families experiencing mental illness while pregnant, parenting and/or bereaved. Please see https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=245.462 Subdivision 17 for necessary qualifications. Send resume and cover letter to delta@thefamilydevelopmentcenter.com

1. The Petitioner, (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the Family Law Facilitator Program, Famiupon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and

View

file your Answer, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. 3. This proceed-

Continued from page 10

ly Court Self Help Center located in the Family Justice Center, 110 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. You must serve your Answer

ing does not involve real property. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS: Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements apply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the Court or the proceeding is dismissed: (1) Neither party may dispose of any assets except (A) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (B) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (C) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding. (2) Neither party may harass the other party. (3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation. (4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the Court Administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider of a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota statutes, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the Court in later proceedings. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT. Date: 6/6/17 Signed: Wilter Asiago MN Spokesman-Recorder, December 21 & 28, 2017 and January 4, 2018 STATE OF MINNESOTA

ATTORNEYS – MEDICAL-LEGAL PARTNERSHIPS:

CASE TYPE: DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

three possessions away from being undefeated,” the coach noted on the fivepoint loss at North Carolina on Nov. 29 and a threepoint defeat at San Diego Dec. 10. Stollings told the MSR that her backcourt speed again will be the team’s strength: Three of the team’s top four scorers this season are backcourt sistahs. Kenisha Bell leads the Gophers with 20 points a game,

with soph Gadiva Hubbard (nearly 13 points) and frosh Destiny Pitts (around 12 points) third and fourth, respectively. “We’re as quick as anybody in the Big Ten with our backcourt.” “I think we’re pretty fast,” Hubbard added. “I think we’ve got an advantage if you can come out and play fast,” surmised Bell. “A lot of teams struggle guarding us because of our speed.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Housing FOR RENT Find your new home with At Home Apartments. Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApts.com for an apartment or townhome. Equal Housing Opportunity

GET NOTICED! • Employment • Rentals • For Sale • Divorce • Assumed Name To place a classified ad please call

612-827-4021

DISTRICT COURT

WITHOUT REAL ESTATE

FOURTH JUDICIAL COURT CASE NO: 27-FA-17-8220

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS In Re - the Marriage of: Wendy Georgina Albizu, Petitioner and James Albizu, Respondent THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT:

SOe Continued from page 10

WARNING: YOUR SPOUSE (HUSBAND OR WIFE) HAS FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU FOR DISSOLUTION OF YOUR MARRIAGE. A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK REGARDING THE LAWSUIT IS SERVED ON YOU WITH THIS SUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM THE COURT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE. 1. The Petitioner, (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the Family Law Facilitator Program, Family Court Self Help Center located in the Family Justice Center, 110 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. You must serve your Answer upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. 3. This proceeding does not involve real property. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS: Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements apply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the Court or the proceeding is dismissed: (1) Neither party may dispose of any assets except (A) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (B) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (C) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding. (2) Neither party may harass the other party. (3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation. (4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the Court Administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider of a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota statutes, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the Court in later proceedings. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT. Date: 12/15/2017 Signed: Wendy Albizu MN Spokesman-Recorder, December 21 & 28, 2017 and January 4, 2018

finished second among Big Ten hitters — the Clermont, Florida native averaged 3.91 kills per set against opponents. Samedy won two preseason tournament MVPs, and three times made all-tourney teams this season, along with being named twice conference top freshman of the week and once espnW National Player of the Week. Sophomore outside hitter Alexis Hart was second in kills for Minnesota (446) and was named a third-team All-American and all BigTen. She made the conference’s all-freshman team in 2016. Hart averaged 4.10 kills per set against Big Ten opponents and had 287 kills against league clubs. The Kansas City, Mo. native made two all-tournament teams and was named Big Ten Player of the Week once this season. Samedy, Hart and Samantha Seliger-Swenson were the three individual Gophers named All-American this season. The Gophers, who finished third in the conference regular season (15-5), is since the 2012 season among four Big Ten schools (Nebraska, Penn State and Wisconsin are the other three) that have been ranked number one in the nation a total of 51 weeks. The Nittany Lions have been atop 28 times during this time span.

Minnesota finished fourth in the nation in attendance (4,971 spectators on average), behind Wisconsin at third and national leader Nebraska. The Big Ten had nine of the nation’s top 25 teams in this category, the others being Penn State (sixth), Michigan State (ninth), Illinois (13th), Purdue (17th), Iowa (23rd) and Michigan (25th). Most marketable Black athletes Nielsen recently announced that three Black athletes are the most marketable athletes of 2017. Sisters Serena and Venus Williams are the first and second most marketable athletes of 2017, according to Nielsen. This is based on its N-Score Talent Tracker that assesses endorsement and casting potential of actors, athletes, musicians and other U.S. celebrities on values that range from 1 to 100, using such attributes as influential, role model, and trendsetter. Serena earned an 83 score, and Venus had a 79. NBAer LeBron James is third with a 76. Information from MediaPost.com was used in this report. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.

9

June 8-14, 2017

10

9

January 4-10, 2018

Their differences do not lessen fraternal twins’ mutual support

ANOTHER

VIEW

Taiye (l) and Kehinde Bello

charles hallMan

There are approximately 100 African American and other studentathletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2017-18 school and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players This week: Gopher sophomore basketball players Kehinde and Taiye Bello

T

aiye Bello is averaging over 18 minutes a game for the Gophers thus far this season. Her sister Kehinde, however, is averaging just under four minutes a game and has only seen action in four contests thus far. We talked to the Gophers’ first fraternal twins of color, who are from Southfield, Michigan, after the December 13 Cal Poly contest when Taiye started and had her second career double-dou-

was named the team’s most improved player. The Bello sisters always have been each other’s biggest supporter: “Every time Taiye comes out of the game, I am always encouraging her and telling her what she could do from my outside perspective on what she could work on,” Kehinde stressed. “I would agree with Kehinde on that,” Taiye added. Although both listed at 6’-2”, Kehinde said with a smile that they both love battling for the ball. “I play the ‘five’ and she plays the ‘four’,” explained Taiye. “It’s always fun to play with Kehinde.” But off the court, the two aren’t Patty Duke-like “identical cousins.” For example, Taiye picked computer science as her major: “I Photo by Charles Hallman got interested in it in high school. I found it very interesting,” she ble, while Kehinde logged eight pointed out. Kehinde, on the other hand, minutes of action. Does it bother them that they aren’t playing to- is still undecided on a major: “By gether as much? Kehinde saw ac- the end of this [academic] year, I tion in just five games last season, should know,” she said. “I am rewhile Taiye started in 14 contests, ally interested in protecting the including the final 10 games, and environment [or] business, prob-

“When she says social life, we’re really with our team most of the time.”

Sports odds and ends

The Big Ten is once again the queen of women’s volleyball. With Nebraska defeating Florida for the 2017 NCAA Women’s Volleyball national championship in Kansas City earlier this month, the Big Ten now has claimed nine of the last 12 NCAA crowns — six by Penn State, 2007-10, 2013, 2014 and three by Nebraska in 2006, 2015 and 2017. The Huskies and Penn State playing each other in the Final Four meant the conference has had at least one team in the national semifinals 15 straight years, and 19 times since 1981. The final American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) coaches poll placed seven Big Ten schools, with four ranked among the top 10: Nebraska (1), Penn State (3), Michigan State (8), Minnesota (10), Wisconsin (12), Illinois (17) and Purdue (18). Minnesota this season reached the Sweet 16 before losing to national runner-up Florida.

and total points (535.5), and second in digs (333) behind Dalianliz Rosado’s 524. She played in all 34 matches, led in match kills 24 times, and

Backcourt speed gives Gophers edge Minnesota Coach Marlene Stollings, after the team’s final non-conference contest Dec. 22, said that she believe her club is ready for conference action,

Coach Marlene Stollings (l) and Gadiva Hubbard Photo by Onika Nicole Craven experience,” Taiye announced. “It’s everything I’ve expected. From academics to social life to basketball, I feel it’s a really nice wrapped-up package.”

which began Dec. 28. “You look at our non-conference record (11-2), and we were ■ See ViEw on page 9

We’re starting 2018 with five photos featuring a sophomore leading his team (Curtis Jones), two seniors (Shamar Tucker-Adams and Treavon Nystrom) who led their respective teams to victory at the Augsburg Holiday Tournament, a former girls’ basketball standout starring at an HBCU (Allina Starr), and a former prep star leading the way in his final year of collegiate play (Zach Lofton).

Gophers finished third this season

Minnesota freshman opposite hitter Stephanie Samedy, a unanimous Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, was among a record 17

Kehinde quickly corrected her sister about their so-called social life: “When she says social life, we’re really with our team most of the time,” she clarified.

Starting 2018 with five prep leaders

Big Ten tops in women’s volleyball By Charles Hallman Staff Writer

ably one of those two.” The same applies to their leisure-time pursuits. Once a huge Game of Thrones fan, Taiye is watching a Netflix original “horror thriller” series she called “really interesting.” Kehinde watches Insecure on another channel “about a Black female going through life. It’s really hilarious.” After a year or so, the Bello sisters agree they have adjusted well to campus life. “It’s been a good

PreP Scene

Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

Stephanie Samedy MSR file photos

Big Ten volleyball players selected as American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans. She was a first-team selection, the first time in program history that a true freshman was so honored. Samedy also was named AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year among 32 conference All-Region honorees, and was among 10 Big Ten players named unan- Alexis Hart Photo by Charles Hallman imous All-Big Ten. Samedy led the 28-6 Gophers in kills (478), kills per ■ See SOE on page 9 set (4.05), points per set (4.54),

Former Columbia Heights superstar Zach Lofton is currently averaging 19.1 points per game as a shooting guard for New Mexico State University.

Sophomore guard Curtis Jones leads Minneapolis South averaging 15.4 points per game. Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Photo courtesy of New Mexico State University

Senior forward Treavon Nystrom scored 27 points in leading Minneapolis Southwest past Schaeffer Academy 65-56. Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Senior guard Shamar Tucker-Adams led St. Paul Johnson with 20 points in a 63-59 victory over Mayer Lutheran. Photo by Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Larry Fitzgerald’s column

will return next week.

Former Minneapolis DeLaSalle standout Allina Starr is averaging 12.4 points per game for the Hampton University women’s basketball team. Photo courtesy Hampton University