July 25, 2019 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

July 25-31, 2019 Vol. 85 No. 51 www.spokesman-recorder.com

MYSTERY DEEPENS

Black union conference draws Black stars to Bloomington By Solomon Gustavo Editor-in-Chief

Though not often considered a Black stronghold, the Blackness of the 300,000 who live in the state does not go unnoticed. Minnesota has been the recent site for national coverage of Black tragedies like the police killings of Philando Castile and JaA July 16th Justice for Isak demonstration at Eagan City Hall Submitted photos mar Clarke. From those killings and the outrage they Minnesota State Patrol, Dakota County killing Aden. The Ramsey County Medsparked arose activist enerSheriff’s Office and South Metro SWAT ical Examiner reported in a news regies that were felt across the lease that Aden died of multiple gunTeam. nation. In the press conference, New said po- shot wounds Organizers at the A. PhilThe Egan police chief did not make it lice from these several departments purip Randolph Institute (APRI), sued Aden to a wooded area near High- clear what provoked police to shoot Ada national Black education en. None of the departments involved and labor union forged durhave reported that Aden fired at them. ing the Civil Rights MoveNew said in the press conference that ment, took note and realit was “too soon” to determine if Aden ized they didn’t really have a fired his weapon. presence in Minnesota. Also, According to his sister Samaya Aden, said APRI President Clayola when the family was allowed to view Brown, Minnesota is home to his body they saw wounds from a nonthe esteemed labor advocate, lethal weapon, possibly a rubber bullet. former Congressman, and “He always put others first,” she said current State Attorney Genof her brother. “He loved to laugh. He eral Keith Ellison (and, of was very goal-oriented and really cared way 13 and Silver Bell Road. Aden later course, Prince). moved to an area off the 1900 block of about those around him. He loved his To make its presence felt family and treated family like friends. Seneca Road in Eagan. and bring Minnesota Blacks “Never in a million years would I New said that Aden was armed, reinto the fold of its activism, have thought my brother would be in a sulting in about a four-hour standoff APRI set its 50th annual Nathat ended with police shooting and ■ See Mystery on page 5 tional Education Conference

over Eagan police shooting Isak Aden By Mel Reeves Contributing Writer Questions abound in the July 2 shooting death of Isak Abdirahman Aden, 23, of Columbia Heights. Missing details have only added to the confusion about just what happened out in those Eagan woods the night of Aden’s death. Eagan police Chief Roger New, in a July 3 press conference, reported that his department received a 911 call from a woman who said she was being assaulted. New did not provide any other details, and his department has yet to release a copy of the 911 call or the exact contents of the call. New said police did not know if the caller had been harmed. The 911 call brought out police from several different suburban departments, including Egan, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Edina, Lakeville, the

“Never in a million years would I have thought my brother would be in a situation like this.”

MN leading U.S. in disparities reduction?

Humanities Center CEO Lindsey says that’s doable the National Endowment for the Humanities. “What we seek to do is create “To the extent that people can a just society that is connected, control their narrative, they have curious and compassionate,” a better chance of controlling said Lindsey. “We also seek to their destiny,” said Kevin Lind- create space for people who have sey, the Minnesota Humanities not had a place at the table to Center’s newly hired CEO. “I have their voices heard — either think that sometimes gets overlooked in the realm of social justice.” Helping people use their voices to “identify issues of concern, identify strategies and solutions to problems or ‘opportunities,’” is what he said attracted him to the nonprofit. “That›s really critical, and the humanities can play a role in that.” Defining humanities as “the study of how people process and document the human experience,” the Center is one of 56 state humanities councils across the country, funded in part by Kevin Lindsey By Stephenetta Harmon Contributing Writer

in the public or in the public policy arena.” It’s a pretty lofty goal given Minnesota’s glaring disparities. While known overall as being one of the best states to live, bike and work in, it’s also known as one of the worst states for Blacks and other people of color with re-

Submitted photo

spect to income, homeownership, education, and other critical facts of life. “We’re trying to reduce disparities and impact educational achievement and outcomes,” said Lindsey. Admittedly, while the Center has been around for half a century, many Minnesotans still have no clue what it does or how it works. “The Humanities Center, to some degree, is not on folks’ radar,” said Lindsey. Part of his goal, he said, “is to raise its visibility and then also ensure that we are authentically participating with people and that we are truly collaborating with them to help them shape their narrative.” Over the next month, Lindsey will be hosting a series of community engagement sessions to help raise awareness ■ See Lindsey on page 5

Buoyed by district support, Omar takes on broken health care By Solomon Gustavo Editor-in-Chief Congresswoman Ilhan Omar returned from Washington Thursday, July 18 to throngs of Minnesotan’s chanting “Welcome home, Ilhan.” Minnesotans greeted Omar’s return from political battles fueled by racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and sexism on the Washington front and in the social media trenches, thanking her for her strength and leadership, fueling her

with their support in anticipation of future bouts. President Donald Trump tweeted on July 14 that Omar and other congresswomen of color should “go back” to their “corrupt” countries. Following the racist and irrational attack, Trump began fixating on Omar at rallies, prodding his supporters, at one event, to chant “send her back.” “I think that these attacks are meant to make people like us feel not wel-

Omar during her Medicare for All Town Hall at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis

■ See oMar on page 5

Omar talking with a supporter after the town hall Photos by Chris Juhn

■ See Union on page 5

Danny Glover

Rev. Jesse Jackson

BLACK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

MINNEAPPLE CLEANING

Amondo Lewis

Entrepreneur inspired by family’s perseverance By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

comed,” said Asma Mohammed, who waited to warmly welcome Omar at the MSP International Airport. “More than anything I think that we need to remind everyone that Minnesota loves her and accepts her.” Omar went straight to South Minneapolis to make a stand in the fight for healthcare access. “There are a lot of people trying to distract us now,” she said before a wildly enthusiastic crowd

at the Radisson Blu Mall of America Hotel in Bloomington Aug. 7-11. “We are excited to come to Minnesota,” said Brown to the MSR.

One thing about a business whether restaurant, retail, what have you — things get dirty. Regardless of the service you provide to customers or clientele, appearance is king. That calls for things being immaculately clean. Enter MinneApple Cleaning, owned and operated by CEO Amondo Lewis. “From showrooms to lobbies to storefronts to bathrooms — we do it all,” said the 26-year-old. “Whether preparing for a big event, in the midst of spring cleaning, or everyday upkeep, we take these tedious tasks and make them worry free.” MinneApple, said Lewis, is available to clean businesses daily, weekly or monthly, or to provide a one-time clean up. He supervises a current staff of five. “We’re growing rapidly, and I’m always looking for new talent.

We are in a great position to make it past our second year of business, smashing numbers from 2018.” This was not happenstance. “I got the business off of the ground with hard work, dedication, and a lot of research.” He wants ultimately to “serve the community, creating jobs, investing in the neighborhood to make a difference.” For a young man, Lewis has shown a great deal of serious dedication to his business. “I have a newborn daughter and fiancée, and my focus is to provide the life they deserve. I plan to leave something my daughter can have, something she can be proud of, something for her children and their children. More than a company, this is my foot into the door of real estate or the tech business, or investments.” Just as he’s there for his little girl, Lewis’ mom, Shawnda Hobson, now administering Meals on Wheels at ■ See BBs on page 5

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July 25-31, 2019

AVOIDING ‘BRAIN-DRAIN’

Educational (and fun) events in August

Check out opportunities to learn about nature – while nature is still nice enough to enjoy. Submitted photo

By Dalvin Aboagye Contributing Writer

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s school comes to an end and kids flock back home for the long summer ahead, their learning often gets left behind. Months out of the classroom makes retaining lessons into the next school year a challenge. Studies dating back to the 1990s estimate that the average student loses one to three months of what they learned during the school year over summer break. What’s now referred to as the “summer slide” or “summer brain drain” intensifies in higher grade levels and hits low-income kids especially hard. Luckily, there are options. Kids don’t have to lose out on having fun during the summertime to learn a thing or two. And parents don’t have to carve out chunks out of their paychecks to help them along the way. Listed below are some free or affordable educational events for children and parents that are taking place in the Twin Cities in August. Neighborhood Night Enjoy a small camping experience fit for all ages every Thursday at the park’s weekly Neighborhood Night program. Learn basic outdoor skills like starting and maintaining a campfire. Or just sit back, relax and enjoy the food, fun and flames in the evening time. Admission is free and spaces are unlimited. The event is weekly on Thursdays from 6-8 pm at North Mississippi Regional Park located at 5116 N Mississippi Dr. in Minneapolis. For more info or to register, visit www.minneapolisparks.org.

Power of Produce Club Help those in your care learn to form healthy eating habits. Each child in the program, which is for ages four to 12, receive $2 in market tokens per visit to spend on fresh produce. Registration and check-in can be found at the information booth. The event occurs each Saturday in August from 9 am to 1 pm at Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market located at 629 2nd St. in Minneapolis. Sensory Friendly Sundays Explore exhibits and other programs that take into consideration the needs of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other sensory processing disorders. Children 3 and under enter for free, while tickets for children ages 4 to 12 cost $5. Tickets for ages 13 to 24 and seniors are $8, and $10 for adults. The event is Sunday, Aug. 11 from 10:30 am to noon at The Bakken Museum, located at 3537 Zenith Ave., S in Minneapolis. Family Funday: Ugh-a-Bug Learn about the wide variety of insects and make bug-inspired art. Admission is free. Pre-registration is preferred but not required. The event is Sunday, Aug. 18 from 1 to 3 pm at North Mississippi Regional Park. For more info or to register, visit www.minneapolisparks.org. Family Fun Night: The Science of Me Get a crash course on the ins and outs of the human body with experts on the human heart and a blood scientist. The educational fun is free for kids under 18. The event is Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 6:30 to 9 pm at The Bakken Museum.

Outdoors: Beneficial Botany Explore the different ways people have used plants for generations. Learn how to identify edible plants, those with medicinal benefits and plants that create natural color dyes. Admission is free for ages 8 and up. Spaces are limited so register soon. The event is Saturday, Aug. 24 from 3 to 4:30 pm at North Mississippi Regional Park. For more info or to register, visit www.minneapolisparks.org.

Dalvin Aboagye welcomes reader responses to dalvin.aboagye@gmail.com.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

Party down the St. Croix on the

Legacy Boat Cruise 2019 Saturday, August 3, 12 – 4pm Cruise includes:

Live entertainment from

Wenso Ashby Jazz & Beyond & Phyllis “Showtime” Braxton Plus, an all-you-caneat buffet! Sponsored by

Wenso Ashby Jazz & Beyond

Phyllis “Showtime” Braxton

Enjoy a four-deck sailing experience:

Bus Itinerary:

• Deck 1: Smooth Jazz Lounge

Departs from Minneapolis & St. Paul

• Deck 2: Golden Games/Shoppers’ Delight

9:00 am – Board at MSR, 3744 4th Ave. S., Mpls 9:15 am – Departs for St. Paul 9:35 am – Board at MLK Rec Center, 271 Mackubin St., St. Paul (west side of bldg.) 9:50 am – Departs for Stillwater, arriving approximately 10:30 am

• Deck 3: Q-Bear Old School/R&B Lounge • Deck 4: Community Rooftop Smooth sounds of Wenso Ashby Jazz & Beyond

All-you-can-eat buffet Games & prizes!

Steppin’ with Phyllis “Showtime” Braxton

Best sailing outfit wins a prize!

Returns to St. Paul & Minneapolis 4:15 pm – Board bus 4:30 pm – Departs for Twin Cities 5:00 pm – Drops off at MLK Center in St. Paul 5:20 pm – Drops off at MSR in Minneapolis

To purchase tickets, visit MSR office or msrnewsonline.com • Info: 612-827-4021 ST. CROIX BOAT & PACKET, 525 MAIN ST. S, STILLWATER

July 25-31, 2019

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Becoming a physician is something every student should consider

By Fadlullah Ba’th Guest Contributor About to begin his second year of medical school at the University of Minnesota, Fadlullah Ba’th agreed to Advice columnist Dr. Charles Crutchfield’s request that he contribute a column about a young Black man’s journey to medical school and perhaps inspire others like him to follow their dreams into the medical profession.

I

hear music everywhere. The whistling sounds of Korngold, Debussy and Beethoven bounce around my brain as I walk, listen to lectures, and prepare to sleep. I first picked up a violin as a two-year-old, and sound has been a big part of my life ever since. I began performing professionally as an 11-year-old. Although violin came quickly to me, I was usually the only Black male at every violin studio, orchestra, and competition, so my journey with music is a story of overcoming adversity.

Specifically, I remember spending afternoons practicing instead of playing outside, placing in violin competitions with jammed fingers, and my mother pushing me to succeed because she knew that violin provided me with the best opportunity to get out of PG County, Maryland. However, despite the tribulations, I believe that my ability to face adversity with perseverance and grit as well as the creativity and fine motor skills I learned as a professional violinist have been invaluable on my journey to medicine. My journey would not have been possible without my mother’s help, who has always been a role model, encouraging me in the art of healing. I love the ability of music to take the audience away from their problems even if it was only for a few minutes, and my mother taught me the power of music. The idea that I could heal in other ways first popped into my mind after reading the autobiography of a Black surgeon in grade school. However, the idea of being a physician was still a pipe dream, and my career as violinist was taking off, which I saw as my way to a better life. At 16 years old, I began college at Chestnut Hill College before transferring to Manhattan School of Music to pursue violin, learning the practice of patience, repetition, teamwork, communication and self-sacrifice. After two years as a professional violinist after school, I again felt the desire to provide my audience with more than a momentary escape. Wanting to blend music with medicine, I began reading about the psychology of music, general psychology, and neurology. Realizing that my knowledge was limited in the treatment of disease, I enrolled in a clinical psychology master’s program and started working at Jordan House, a psychiatric crisis bed facility in Washington, DC. Throughout my study of both music and psychology, I supplemented classroom knowledge with real-world experience. I learned time management, developed organizational and work skills, learned that confidence requires work and dedication. I saw how arrogance can destroy understanding, practiced dedication to a goal, and learned about striving towards perfection through constant improvement of skills and techniques. I have had the pleasure of performing internationally as well as providing meaningful care to individuals in psychiatric crisis. Overall, I have learned that success in what I have done is a result of my being able to learn, adapt, and empathize with those I interact with. As you might have suspected, I brought these lessons with me as I completed a post-baccalaureate at American University, through the medical school application process, and finally into my classrooms as a medical student.

Medicine in the end was the perfect choice that my two-year-oldviolinist-self would have never expected. I never expected to end up in Minnesota or feel at home in a place so different from the East Coast. But I have learned that it is the unexpected parts of life that have brought me the most happiness. Getting accepted to the University of Minnesota medical school was one of the happiest moments in my life. This happiness was quickly quelled knowing I did not have the finances to support this dream. Fortunately, my community gathered together and donated money at a fundraiser performance organized by my family. At the end of the performance, when I realized my dream was possible, I danced because I believe that no matter how old you get, there are certain things that you are allowed to celebrate like a child.

Submitted photos And now, again, is a time to celebrate like a child, as I have completed my first year of medical school. It would not be a stretch to say that the initial transition into medical school was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. However, the lessons that I learned on my journey to medicine have given me the tools to make medical school fun as I created a balance between studying and spending time with the people that make this place feel like home. When I first picked up the violin at age two, I knew that music was special. It could tell unique stories like that of a young Black man who found his calling in the art of healing.

Effective mental health care requires cultural competence from providers ity culture. Research suggests that eight percent of Whites live below the poverty level compared to 22 percent of African Americans and 27 percent of Mexican and Native Americans. In addition, those living in poverty are more likely to experience homelessness or insecure housing that present additional multifaceted barriers to mental health and obtaining appropriate care. The percentage of uninsured minorities exceeds that of Whites by over 50 percent. In general, individuals experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition will most often seek help from their primary care physician. However, nearly 30 percent of Hispanics and 20 percent of African Americans do not have a usual source of health care. By Dr. Lolita King-Bethel Racial and ethnic minority groups in Guest Contributor the U.S. are more likely to use emergency departments for all of their healthcare Since 2008, July has been designatneeds. Even when minorities seek care ed Minority Mental Health AwareEmotional from a primary care physician, they are ness Month with the goal to bring Wellness with less likely to receive appropriate treatawareness to the unique struggles Dr. Golden ment. that underrepresented groups face in by For instance, several studies docuregards to mental illness in the UnitDeiDre Annice GolDen mented how physicians were less likely ed States. Care providers’ familiariP h.D., lP to identify or accurately measure the sety with cultural differences among verity of depression among minority pathese groups is essential to successtients versus their White counterparts. Physicians ful treatment. While the term “minority” has traditional- have largely assumed that mental health concerns ly been associated with racial, ethnic or cultural are less prevalent in communities of color. Poor minorities in America, recently the mental health mental healthcare access and quality contribute to field has recognized the need to expand this term poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, to include individuals from a wide-range of mar- for people from racial and cultural communities. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of mental ginalized and underserved communities. These communities include those who may identify as disorders greatly depends on the ability of the part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, refugee and immi- patient to explain their symptoms to their physician and understand steps for treatment. Howevgrant groups, and some religious groups.

Poor mental healthcare access and quality contribute to poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, for people from racial and cultural communities. One in six Americans suffer from a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition. However, people of color such as African American, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans are more likely to experience the risk factors that can cause such disorders. Risk factors include living below the poverty level, chronic illness, alcohol or drug use, and trauma experiences such as childhood abuse or neglect, parental divorce or separation, a household member with a history of mental illness, incarceration of a family member, or household violence. Poverty tends to affect minority populations disproportionately when compared to the major-

er, often overlooked by physicians is the significant role that culture plays not only in how people view mental illness, but also in how they describe symptoms and approach their own treatment. For instance, some cultures tend to view mental illness as a personal weakness or punishment from God. In other cultures, stigma takes the form of silence. In other words, some minority communities simply never talk about mental health, and the lack of conversation about it can create a sense of shame around mental illness and seeking treatment. Stigma creates shame and shame promotes avoidance. Since diagnosis by a mental health professional

is required to access many effective mental health supports in communities, those not engaged often fail to have access to support services important to recovery, school and job success, development of helpful coping skills, and improved health and mental health management. During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we can challenge healthcare providers and health systems to improve their competence for treating minority populations and better understand their lived experiences that so often includes both challenges and victories. By doing so, we can reduce stereotypes, negative preconceptions, and bias and improve the health and mental health outcomes for marginalized people. Tips to support mental health • Create healthy environments by associating with positive people. • Volunteer, as helping someone else can boost your sense of purpose. • Increase physical activity, as this will help to create a healthy mind. • Ask for help, as this promotes social- and community-building. • Communicate your needs with others, as this helps to strengthen relationships. • Give up bad habits, as this will allow room to develop a healthier you. • Set goals, as this will create personal agency.

As a community, we can all do our part in raising awareness of mental health for minority populations through promoting the message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. Culturally competent and trauma-informed mental health providers are available at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. Walk in appointments are available on Mondays, 10 am to 12 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 pm to 3 pm. Additionally, scheduled appointments are available by telephone at 612-543-2500 or by walk in between 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday. Dr. Lolita King-Bethel is a licensed clinical psychologist at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, where she has practiced for more than 10 years. In her current position as a clinical team manager, she divides her time between clinical practice, clinical supervision, training and administrative duties. She provides culturally competent, evidence-based therapy such as trauma-focused treatment and other evidence-based models to adults, adolescents and children. Dr. Deirdre Golden, director of behavioral health at NorthPoint Health & Wellness, welcomes reader responses to 612-543-2705.

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July 25-31, 2019

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.

Volume on xenophobia and racism on blast By Rev. Irene Monroe Contributing Commentator The first time I heard the racial trope “go back to where you came from,” I was getting off of a school bus in a White section of town in Brooklyn, N.Y. Little did I know then I’d hear those words from kindergarten through 12th grade, and the N-word was usually coming at the end of the phrase than the beginning. By my senior year in high school, very few White students and their parents hurled those words at us Black kids who were in the school’s new college-bound program. And, many of our White teachers, school administrators, and staff employees didn’t have to, because it was not what they said to us, but rather their treatment of us.

er than address the crisis head-on: “Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came…These places need your help badly, you can’t leave fast enough.” Trump’s statement illustrates how perceptions of birthright, citizenship, ownership, and racial entitlement have upped the volume of xenophobia and racism these days. Many more people feel emboldened to call the cops on Blacks, to tell perceived foreigners to leave this country, and to concoct birther conspiracies of American born children of immigrant parentage, like presidential hopeful U.S. Senator Kamala Harris from California, and former President Barack Obama. While many Americans

cure his perceptions of birthright, citizenship, racial entitlement, and ownership of this country, but it speaks of and to other ordinary White Americans, too. While the American public have heard, many times, Trump utter his the nowfamiliar refrain “I am the least racist person you have ever met” when it comes to defending his racist behavior, similar refrains are spoken by ordinary White people. When the American Colonization Society failed to send all freed Blacks and slaves “back to Africa,” the dominance and societal backing of the White gaze allowed for the “othering” and policing of nonWhites. While it began with the slave codes, which did not permit Blacks to assemble without the presence

Trump’s statement illustrates how perceptions of birthright, citizenship, ownership, and racial entitlement have upped the volume of xenophobia and racism these days. The treatment of “otherness” I experienced from my years of being bussed I learned had less to do with the people targeted, like myself, and everything to do with the group in power. I learned that their perceptions of birthright, citizenship, ownership, and racial entitlement were bolstered by laws and institutions keeping their belief system in place. It is the belief, at least in my generation and older, that it takes a long time for attitudes like that to change, if they change at all, because changing those people, their systems and laws can take more than one lifetime. However, not with the four Democratic congresswomen, fondly called “The Squad” — Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. When The Squad called out the president and his administration for the inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants detained in cages, and the deplorable and squalid conditions they are forced to live under, President Donald Trump, in his inimitable style of ad hominem tweets, tweeted the following rath-

are shocked that more than 90,000 people liked Trump’s tweet, and many of his fellow Republicans stand behind him, Congresswoman Presley clapped back at Trump, stating, “This is what racism looks like.” And, she’s right. Trump espouses a racist nostalgia of his childhood during the 1950’s-1960’s Jim Crow era, which to him was when America was great. Most see how racist the country was back then. However, do we see it now? I realize, however, I am not alone in my telling of being outside of my perceived racially confined area. A Red Sox fan recently posted in the New York Times comments section the following: ”As a young person of color in Boston, I would hear “go back to Roxbury where you belong.” This while I, an Americanborn citizen, ventured out of the public housing projects to the downtown area or to Fenway Park.” The volume and the degree to which everyday White American citizens have called 911 on Blacks for sitting at Starbucks, barbecuing in a public park, playing golf too leisurely, or napping in a school’s college lounge, to name a few, not only speaks of Trump’s vile acts as aberrant to se-

of a White person, it didn’t end there. The White gaze morphed into various permutations of policing over history: KKK, segregation, White citizen councils, and White privilege, to name a few. And, each of these permutations makes clear that a White person’s discomfort, unease or suspicion of the “other” trumps a nonWhite person’s civil rights. President Trump’s proclivity for racist remarks comes as no surprise. His comment stating a preference for immigrants coming from a Scandinavian country like Norway than from Africa and Haiti, which he depicts countries as nations with nothing to offer the U.S, is based solely on his xenophobic racism. The Squad has a lot to offer this country. They are the hope of what democracy should look like. And, for the record: all of them are U. S. citizens, three born in the states, and one, Omar, became a naturalized citizen in 2000. Rev. Irene Monroe is an African American lesbian feminist public theologian, soughtafter speaker, and preacher.

A CITY IN DANGER

America’s new version of Tombstone By Ron Edwards Contributing writer As the level of gun violence in the Twin Cities continues to escalate, we see no real attempts to follow any of the many solutions proposed. The MSR last week had an article on fathers needing to talk to their sons. Jamil Jivana has recently written Why Young Men, about solutions to combat the rise in violence committed by young men of all races around the world. On Friday, July 12, 2019, gunmen walked into an upscale, CRAVE rooftop restaurant at Hennepin Avenue and 8th Street, in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. It’s the latest violence in our city.

course, the next time this now “normal” cycle circles back. It was interesting to hear the comments of some who were interviewed by TV, cable, radio and print reporters and journalists, many offering a shell-shocked reflection of concern and fear of the “new normal” they have just lived through. The event caused panic up high, on the upscale rooftop restaurant, as well as down on city streets, as leadership once again looked the other way, as if the carnage and chaos that erupted in the Twin Cities and surrounding metropolitan areas will selfcontain and self-remove. Belief in the new normal prevents confronting the truth of a city’s violence that

It is a sad commentary when Minneapolis sounds like a movie based on a violent novel of a distant past. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police Department Chief Medaria Arradondo say they have a plan. As of the writing of this column, we are still waiting for the unveiling of their plan. Gunfire has become a new normal most nights and days. Our sister city of St. Paul, the state capital of Minnesota, is not far behind Minneapolis in violence and mayhem. The violence that spilled into early Saturday morning, July 13, in downtown Minneapolis, reflects a dangerous pattern of planning and implementing violence. The rioting and confrontation between partygoers and law enforcement frightened both citizens and visitors going to downtown Minneapolis. The same weekend some 20,000 young people from 13 countries were holding a youth faith gathering at Vikings stadium. I have warned about this. Predictions of both what is hoped for and what is hoped to be avoided reflect a decade of what some call the “new normal.” Leadership (community, government, corporate, profits and nonprofits, TV, radio and print) stepping away from this violence as “normal” reflects the decision to not recognize the homicidal mentality as “this too shall pass.” That this violence will thus subside, until, of

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD THROUGH THE MSR Send story ideas, entertainment stories,news tips and opinions to sgustavo@spokesman-recorder.com Send sports and health stories to jfreeman@ spokesman-recorder.com Send community news, events you want posted, and notices exclusively for our website to pelliott@ spokesman-recorder.com

too often reminds us of TV and movie westerns of the wild west’s changing “normals,” as seen in such famous wild west place names as Northfield, Tombstone, Abilene, and Dodge City, including the famous outlaw criminals in early 20th century St. Paul. Then the shootings are gone. Until, of course, the next time. For some, being startled beyond anything imaginable showed up as a temporary interruption of what was to have been a beautiful rooftop experience of a great evening and what had been assumed to be a safe activity to enjoy. It is a sad commentary when Minneapolis sounds like a movie based on a violent novel of a distant past. Where are the touted solutions, or is their missing also part of the long-wondered question: why has no organization, agency, person or leader asked about the solutions suggested in my 2002 book, my 16 years of columns since 2003, and the over 50 solutions on my Minneapolis Story website? Stay tuned. Ron Edwards is an author and hosts radio and TV shows.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The MSR welcomes letters to the editors. Letters should be typed, double-spaced, in 12 point font and must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. A telephone number or email address must be included for verification. Letters of 250 words or less are more likely to be published. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for length.

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July 25-31, 2019

5

Obituary

Linda Jean Benner Parker February 9, 1949 – May 21, 2019

oMar Continued from page 1

at the Sabathani Community Center on 38th Street. “…I’m going to continue to do the work on behalf of the Fifth [District].” Omar shared a panel during her Medicare for All Town Hall with Washington state Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and former Min-

nesota House Majority Leader Erin Murphy. She said the American healthcare system is broken, and the way to fix it is Medicare for everyone, which she called a “moral imperative.” This country is one of the wealthiest in the history of the world, she pointed out, yet one in four Americans cannot afford or access the health care they need. The measure would mean “high quality health care for all U.S. residents,” with compre-

hensive coverage that would include dental, vision, and long-term care. There would be no copays, deductibles or other cost sharing. Supplemental reporting done by Chris Juhn. Solomon Gustavo welcomes reader responses to sgustavo@ spokesman-recorder.com. All photos by Chris Juhn

On February 9th, 1949, Linda Jean Benner Parker was born to LaVerne Benner and William Terry in St. Paul. She was the eldest sibling. At the age of 12 Linda became a bornagain Christian. She attended St. James A.M.E. Church in St. Paul, Bethel A.M.E. Church in Buffalo, New York, and St. Peter’s A.M.E. Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a young girl she enjoyed ice skating and running, and performed in a singing group called the Gospel Pearls. Linda always had dreams of being a flight attendant and moving to sunny California to see the warm beach. She moved out to San Francisco with her life-long ‘sister-friends’ Pamela Boone and Marla Minor. Just like the tides pulling back and forth at the beach, Linda went back and forth from California to Minnesota several times over the years. She had grown a fond hobby of understanding her family history and craved to understand the Benner diaspora. Linda was preceded in death by her mother LaVerne Benner and father William Terry. Linda leaves behind her sisters Carmita Oakley and Rose Terry, brother Carlton Benner and Bob Terry; her sons Troy Carter (Judy) and Ahmad Carter, and daughter Jade Parker; and bonus-mom loved-ones Denise Smith (Kenneth), Trey Parker, Greg Parker (Evelyn), and Daimon Alegre-Parker. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren: Robert Smith (Moksha), Robyn Hawkins (Dominique), T.J.

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was unreal.” There was another role model Lewis made sure to mention: “The late Nipsey Hussle taught me through his music and teachings about the importance of health, building generational wealth, and family.” Lewis explained just what he considers that work ethic to be. “To me, it’s everything. What you’re willing to give, what you’re able to get from yourself is your altitude. Otherwise, what can you expect out of life?” There was a time one of the few employment opportunities available to African American men and women was subserviently cleaning up after others. However, circumstances and perspectives change as a people persevere. “Everything is how you look at it. It used to be one of the only jobs we could get. Now, just a few short years ago a Black man was the leader of the whole free world. Even today, some people might think, ‘Well, you mop floors. You clean toilets for a living.’ “I’m my own boss. I’m an entrepreneur.”

Community Emergency Service in South Minneapolis, was there for him. Heroically, in fact. “She worked really hard as a single mother,” Lewis said. “I’ve seen her work through pretty much any problem. And she’s someone who wouldn’t let us know she was having trouble. She sacrificed. “When we were young and there wasn’t enough to eat,” he continued, “she’d feed us and say she wasn’t hungry. I would tell her I was full and she could finish my plate. We looked out for each other to get further and further in life. That’s something you can’t thank someone enough for.” Fortunately she didn’t have to do it entirely by herself. “Uncle Scottie acted as a father throughout my life. These are two people I watched be knocked down by life and never give up time after time.” Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to Lewis took his family’s perseverance as the inspiration for his life and business. “Their dhobbes@spokesman-recorder.com. dedication to establishing themselves, building a better life, all while remaining positive,

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of the Center and its work. Its current efforts are varied and wide-reaching, ranging from grant-giving and programming to civic engagement and culturally based programming. Many of those initiatives impact curriculum diversity across the state, including an educator’s institute and anthologies that highlight traditionally absent or marginalized writers. Lindsey referred to Blues Vision, a collection of stories by African American authors released in 2015, and a Somali youth anthology set to be released this fall. The Center has also facilitated extensive work with Minnesota’s Indig-

enous people, including the traveling “We Are Water MN” exhibit, which focuses on the impact of the state’s waterways from recreation, job development and health. In addition, the Center is now exploring the impact of change in St. Paul and other areas through an African American lens. “We’re looking at being intentional on highlighting and amplifying some of the stories and giving more of a complete history and a more complete understanding of place,” Lindsey explained. An example is a recent partnership with Rondo Avenue, Inc. and local publishing house In Black Ink to develop a series of children’s books highlighting the historic St. Paul neighborhood. “That shapes the narrative of how people see African Americans within the

Coming with her and APRI are a slate of Black stars of stage and picket line: Danny Glover; Sheryl Underwood; Co-President of The Women’s March Tamika Mallory; Baltimore State Attorney Marilyn Mosby; and, his health permitting, Reverend Jesse Jackson, among many others. There will also be speakers from Minnesota, including MN Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy, and Welcome Minneapolis CEO Melvin Tennant. The theme of the 2019 conference is “What’s Going On?” “It’s been a struggle and a fight since the last presidential election,” said Brown. APRI and its many partners and allies had to rethink its approach, especially in their get-out-the-vote efforts. “The last presidential election was a time the voting rights were not exactly protected,” said Brown. Not since the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965, said Brown, had the organization seen so many violations across the span of the country and found itself in so many court battles. Their response was more boots on the ground. APRI went into Black neighborhoods populated with people who “have never been on an airplane before” as well as to enclaves where people hail

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situation like this. He had a lot to lose.” Aden was a University of Minnesota student who owned his own business and, according to a teacher, was very intelligent, scoring the highest of his fellow students on the ACT. Aden’s family, friends and community members protested the killing on July 16 in Egan, marching and chanting outside of the Egan Police Department and City Hall. The pro-

state of Minnesota. And it’s something in which people [who live here] are controlling the narrative, as opposed to having someone else tell their story.” Beyond its own programming, the Center provides micro-grants of up to $2,000 to individuals and community groups to create humanities-related projects, including the Humanities Innovation Lab, as well as other funding opportunities via Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment. With that, Lindsey said, MHC is looking to be “very proposal-friendly to the community.” This includes limiting the red tape in the application process, even allowing individuals to leave voice and video submissions. Pulling from his previous work as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Lindsey is

Haag (Rylee), Teneisha Parker, Jasmine Carter, Damani Price, Jaiden Alegre-Parker, Travis Carter, Cierrah Ross, Donovan Carter, Lauren Ross and Liam Ross, and great-grandchild Jalen Hawkins. Linda also leaves behind many cousins, nephews, nieces, and sister-friends. Fond memories will forever linger in the hearts of those who loved and knew Linda. She will be missed, but we are at peace knowing that she is free, dancing in the arms of her heavenly Father

from the rarified likes of Spelman College and Florida A&M University, making sure no Blacks were uninformed or being boxed out of the voting process. It’s an awareness that can never start too early. “We catch folks young,” said Brown of APRI striving to inform students as young as 14 of their voting rights and of the importance of harnessing the power of the Black vote. “We wanted [the political Right] to know they had new eyes looking at them: younger, more verbal, ready to take on another fight,” said Brown. Last year, APRI registered over 100,000 people to vote. That’s but a taste of the activist work APRI has done since the last conference, like extensive work in water rights and the cost of energy, and buttressing unions in right-to-work states is the work. The APRI conference will summarize, discuss, and make plans to expand upon their work at the Bloomington conference. Other topics to be addressed include health care, the criminal justice system, and gerrymandering. Registration for the entire weekend is $300; for just the dinner and awards gala, $100. For registration visit apri.org. Solomon Gustavo welcomes reader responses to sgustavo@spokesman-recorder.com. Photos courtesy of Wiki Commons

test was later taken inside to the city council meeting, where the mayor allowed those protesting Aden’s death to voice their concerns. The primary demand was that the police who killed Aden be prosecuted. The Aden family has also demanded that all of the video surrounding the incident be released, including police body cams and squad cam. Five police officers who reportedly fired at Aden have been placed on leave, including Anthony Kiehl, Daniel Nelson, Matt Ryan, and Adam Stier of the Bloomington Police Department and Jacob Peterson of the

also seeking to build bridges between the community and policymakers. “People who are impacted by policy, they often have the best ideas,” he said. “They have the most knowledge about how the policies impact them. They really should be co-creating policy.” He applauded efforts at the State and legislative levels, including Gov. Tim Walz’s “One Minnesota” and legislation spearheaded by Rep. Rena Moran and Sens. Jeff Hayden and Bobby Joe Champion. These efforts address equal pay disparities; maternity accommodations; banning the box, which bars private employers from asking applicants about their criminal history; and expungement laws, which allow people to petition the court for expungement of criminal records.

Egan Police Department. For some of the officers involved, this was not their first time executing extreme force. Kiehl was involved in the 2015 fatal shooting of Quincy Reindl, a 24-year-old White male. Peterson fatally shot Zachary Premo, a 26-year-old White male, on June 11, 2013 in Duluth. Stier has three lawsuits filed against him for his conduct while administering field sobriety tests. Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mellaneous19@yahoo. com.

Lindsey hopes MHC can be involved with helping to bring even more people to the table. “We want to be the example across the country on how to be inclusive in that process,” he said. “How do we leverage activities, and how do we build a coalition of the willing to actually be the coalition of the doing? If we get to that point, then we’re making progress, and then Minnesota earns the recognition of being that leader. “We still have a lot of work to do,” said Lindsey, “but I think if we bring some intentionality to that work, we can be the ‘North Star’ among other states.” Stephenetta Harmon welcomes reader responses to sharmon@spokesman-recorder. com.

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July 25-31, 2019

Little Africa Festival returns with first-ever parade By Solomon Gustavo Editor-in-chief

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ommunity building is like weaving a quilt — a patchwork of foreign hues form the greater fabric. Without being fully sewn in, people all too easily tear apart, says African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) CEO Gene Gelgelu. “When people feel they belong to a place, they invest,” said Gelgelu. AEDS is a nonprofit that helps African immigrants with financial literacy, business loans, homeownership education, business development training and technical assistance for businesses. The organization also specializes in the community-building block of cultural engagement. Since 2014, AEDS has held a Little Africa Festival in the Midway area of St. Paul, roughly between Hamline and Prior avenues. Because of its concentration of African immigrant restaurants and businesses, Gelgelu and AEDS have dubbed it Little Africa. The point of the festival is simple — they want African immigrant communities to invest in the Twin Cities, and for the metro to get to know them. In its first year, the festival drew 200 people. By 2018, attendance eclipsed 5,000. AEDS wanted to capitalize on its success. “We need to do something bold, different and big,” said Gelgelu. He and his team were considering their options, and, while researching a possible parade, found there was no such African parade in the state.

Participants of the 2018 Little Africa Festival dancing in the street. After a year of finding sponsors and securing permits, the 2019 Little Africa Festival will kick off with a parade for the first time. Parade floats and groups will feature the many varied African immigrant communities and their cultural dress, dances and treats. “We are going to African-dance in the streets of the Capitol city,” said Gelgelu. There will also be floats and groups from non-African people. That goes for the food and merchandise vendors and entertainment at the festival, said Gelgelu, an intention aimed at weaving the African immigrant cultures with other immigrant cultures and traditions already established in the Twin Cities. Featured musical acts will include Congolese musician Siama Matuzungidi, Ethiopian singer Genet Abate, and Nigerian singer Carolyne Naomi. The Little Africa Parade is Saturday, Aug. 3 from 4:30 to 9 pm, running along Snelling Ave. and finishing at Hamline Park located at 1564 Lafond Ave. in St. Paul. The Little Africa Fest is the next day, Sunday, Aug. 4 from noon to 9 pm at Hamline Park.

Festival-goers appreciate art exhibited during the 2018 festival.

Solomon Gustavo welcomes reader responses to sgustavo@spokesmanrecorder.com. Submitted photos

CATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS! Thursday, August 1, 2019 CHS Field, 360 Broadway, St. Paul Gates open at 5:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 7:00 p.m. Join AARP Twin Cities for a special screening of a baseball classic in a way that you never have before, outdoors under the stars! Sit in the stands or bring a blanket and watch from the outfield. Concession stands open for refreshments. No chairs allowed. The movie is free of charge and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. Sign up today at aarp.cvent.com/CHSMovie19

July 25-31, 2019

7

Doc captures history and glory of gospel music By Solomon Gustavo Editor-in-chief The spiritual backbone for Blacks has often been the church, and the essence of that spirit, the gospel choir. Documentary filmmaker George T. Nierenberg’s gem Say Amen, Somebody (1982) captures the emotion and grit of this powerful genre. Many, if not all, musical traditions in American culture trace their origins to the idle imaginings of a slave or the recently freed, from the strum of the banjo to the improvisational nature of the horn and the addictiveness of poppy poetic lyricism. Those genres boiled down, be it bluegrass, soul, jazz, funk, blues, rap, tend to have one elemental influence at their foundations — gospel music. To this day, gospel music plays a large and easily recognizable influence in popular music. Yet, even in the era of the documentary boom with every legacy rock band and teeny-bopperturned-adult-bopper doling out hours of behind-the-scenes footage

and commentary, there aren’t many docs dedicated to gospel music. Nierenberg’s Say Amen, Somebody does well in telling the history of gospel greats like Thomas A. Dorsey and Willie Mae Ford Smith, and does so with rhythm, shifting with verve through joyous shots of packed 1980s Chicago Black churches. Glorious scenes of Black voices rejoicing, echoing the same melodies and harmonies that spawn the endless evolution of American musical genres, are followed by testimonies from gospel singers attempting to grasp their spiritual, soulful calling — and as they reach, their merry spirit ascends upward, bringing the viewer with them. Say Amen, Somebody is screening at Walker Art Cinema 7 pm Aug. 7 and 9. Tickets cost $10. For more info, visit bit.ly/SayAmenWalker. Solomon Gustavo welcomes reader responses to sgustavo@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Say Amen, Somebody is a joyful recounting of the joyful noise that is gospel music.

Submitted photo

Black American History from Plantations to Rap Culture Flawed but valuable By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer Pascal Archimede’s Black American History from Plantations to Rap Culture (Nofi Group) merits an “E” for earnest effort, though the execution is hit-and-miss. For ages, a lasting complaint in mainstream academia has been that by the time students reach university or college, their education entails scant reference to African American history beyond the advent and abolition of slavery. That, in and of itself, validates this book as a text for high school and junior high curricula. Archimede, quite sensibly, didn’t try to shoehorn all of a people’s history into 130 pages. He provides informed thumbnail sketches and flashpoints on a timeline. Roughly the first-half leads the reader to his ultimate, specific focus: rap. It’s an excellent way to interest today’s generation in the past and have them take stock in the African American legacy. “Part 1: Defining the African-American” dispels the misconception that African blood setting foot on American soil began with bondage, citing the 30 sailors who served with Spanish adventurer Vasco Núñez de Balboa when he found the Pacifica Ocean in 1513. It also spells how, over the next 100 years, a process of elimination landed on Africans for slave labor - indentured Whites and captured Native Americans were, for plantations’ grueling purposes, physically unfit for use as livestock. With which, as the book outlines, men, women and children were dehumanized to an animalistic state no different than cattle, horses, pigs and such to provide the bedrock of a thriving economy. Eventual emancipation undermined by the oppressive backlash of reconstruction, Archimede chronicles the determination of political and social leaders to fight for actual freedom. Remarkably, he includes nationalists on the order of Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X — those that to this day remain controversial for choosing autonomy over assimilation — along with figures that meet general, po-

litically correct approval like Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Archimede acknowledges a community cornerstone, the church, as “one of the most important institutions for the... community because it played and still plays a prominent role in their ’emancipation.’” Another long-prized establishment, the press, receives its due for serving as an instrument of information as well as a force for advocacy. “Church, press and school,” he summarizes, “are the three pillars of the [Black] community in the United States of America.” The celebrated likes of Jesse Jackson and former President Barack Obama noted with high profile conservatives such as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and HUD Secretary Ben Carson are featured to highlight the social progress of a Black bourgeoisie even as that chapter cites inner city poverty and disproportionate prison populations. “Part II: Rap As A Musical Form” observes, at considerable length, the rap genre spawned as grassroot artistry borne of social commentary, pointedly marking its origin and the seminal influence of percussion accompanied verse by pioneering quartet The Last Poets. How, despite being boycotted by radio stations, their 1970 debut marketed 300,000 units on the small, independent Douglas Records label, creating what amounted to a guerilla movement in music. “Today,” Archimede opines, “they are regarded as the patrons of... rap.” He adds, “In 1982, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released a single, [’The Message’], which marked rap history. It was a realistic social chronicle about harsh life in the ghetto. It had become a verbal weapon which aimed at denouncing the abuse African Americans [experienced] under Regan presidency.” He goes on to recognize a roster of successors — Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac Shakur,

rap’s popularly degenerated into obscenity-laced self-aggrandizement and sexist vulgarity. Importantly, a testament to facts of historic life suffers immeasurably when it’s inaccurate. Contrary to his claim that the Black Panthers’ mission was to take up arms against the police, violent self-defense was but one component. It’s well-documented that they were principally dedicated to social service, providing, among other things, food and clothing. “One of [the Black press’] paradoxes is that a great majority of its advertisements...alienate the community [by advertising] skin clearing or hair straightening.” Though whitening cream was pushed in Ghana, as of 1917, an ad for it was removed from the media due to protest and, in May of this year, the product caught flak for being hawked in Pakistan. And not since the days of Madam C.J. Walker marketing Tan Off in the early 1900s has such a product been seen in the AfCourtesy of Nofi Group rican American press. Regarding hair straightening, the Notorious BIG and more — posting that con- sustained success of Dark & Lovely, for intemporary acts are intrinsically connected to stance, indicates the community-at-large is far transplanted African culture and sensibilities. from alienated. There are, as well, grammatBlack American History is serviceably re- ical flaws that competent editing would’ve searched, but the author wasn’t invested eliminated. enough to thoroughly do his homework. As Ultimately, however, the book’s value cana consequence, there are significant omis- not be denied as acknowledgement that White sions and glaring errors. He overlooks that History is not the only American history. slaves fled to freedom via the Underground Railroad; Black slave owners in, for instance, Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to South Carolina and Tennessee; such iconic in- dhobbes@spokesman-recorder.com. dividuals as Shirley Chisolm and Maxine Waters; the evolution of cinematic images and stories — but a few pieces missing from the overall picture. He also says nothing of how

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July 25-31, 2019

BULLETIN As the sun came out, so did the Rondo faithful.

Rondo spirit alive and well despite rained-out parade Bursts of torrential rain showers in the morning cancelled the parade, and headliner CeeLo Green of the Goodie Mob was a no-show. But those who ventured out to the 36th Annual Rondo Days Festival on Saturday were awarded with a warm, but thankfully low humidity afternoon to celebrate St. Paul’s storied, historically Black neighborhood. The grounds were still puddled and muddy in spots, but the scent of grilled food, sounds of live music and children at play kept the mood light. To close out the event, the entertainment stages came alive with classic hip hop collective Goodie Mob on one stage, and local funk/R&B group the Maxx Band on another. Both groups offered sounds to satisfy the diverse tastes and age range of the Rondo faithful.

—Photos and write up by Paige Elliott except where noted

Goodie Mob's Bi

g Gipp Photo by N.L.

NatioNal Farmers’ market Week kicks oFF aug. 4.

The annual National Farmer’s Market week will be celebrated in communities nationwide Aug. 4-10. The celebration highlights the role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system and gives local markets the opportunity to showcase their contributions in the community. This year, for the first time, the Min nesota Farmers Market Association, Min nesota Grown, and the

Min nesota Farmers Union, are collectively sponsoring a large statewide kickoff event on Sunday, August 4 at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market in downtown St. Paul. There will be a program from 10:30-11 a.m. with brief remarks by agriculture representatives, elected officials and farmers, and competitions in which the guest speakers will compete against each oth-

er in farm-themed contests like corn shucking and veggie rolling. Olympic athlete and Min nesota Grown spokesperson Carrie Tollefson will serve as emcee. There will also be contests and activities for all ages during Market hours, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Currently, there are more than 185 farmers markets across Min nesota. According to the Min nesota Department of Agriculture, Min nesota ranks fifth in the nation in agricult ural production, with $17 billion in agricult ural sales per year.

Crowd vibes to songs from the Goodie Mob.

For more info, go to stpaulfarmersmarket.com. Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash

WEEKEND TOP 5 | August 3-4 Boat rides, art fests car shows & more: here are the editors’ picks of free or low-cost community events around town.

AUGUST 3

Legacy Boat Cruise 2019 12-4 pm @ St. Croix Boat & Packet, 525 Main St. S., Stillwater. $60 Party down the St. Croix while helping to support the oldest Black newspaper in Minnesota. Enjoy a four-deck sailing experience that includes live entertainment, games and prizes, an all-you-can-eat-buffet and more in celebration of the MN Spokesman-Recorder’s 85th anniversary. Info: bit.ly/LegacyBoat2019

AUGUST 3-4

28th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair

10 am – 6 pm @ Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S., Mpls. Free Billed as the best regionally juried art fair around, this community art gathering offers over 200+ artists, a youth showcase, a wine garden and more. Info: www.ppna.org/powderhorn-art-fair

AUGUST 3-4

Little Africa Fest 2019: African Day Parade & Fest Parade: Aug. 3, 4:30-9 pm; Fest: Aug. 4, 12-9 pm @ 1564 Lafond Ave., St. Paul. Free This year, the Little Africa Fest kicks off with a parade on Aug. 3 along Snelling Ave., followed by a full line-up of art, music, food and dance on Aug. 4 to celebrate and support the African business and cultural district in the area. Info: littleafricafest.com/blog

AUGUST 3

’90s Car Show 2-5 pm @ Green Central Park Elementary School, 3415 4th Ave. S., Mpls. Free A new car show is coming to South Minneapolis. Created by local community leader Anthony R. Scott II, and sponsored local neighborhood organizations, the event features cars from the ’80s and ’90s and music from GO95.3 radio station, plus vintage clothing, video games, ice cream and hot dogs and more. Info: Call 612-720-2826 or email mranthonyscott2@gmail. com.

AUGUST 3

9th Annual Minnesota Caribbean Dancehall Queen Contest 6 pm-2 am @ Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, 2524 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. $20-30 Find out who will be crowned this year’s dancehall queen at this colorful event filled with dance, food and more. Info: Call 651-472-2699.

Photo by Steve Floyd

Want your event listed in the paper? Make sure to submit it at least 14 days in advance to give our print subscribers time to plan ahead. Find more events, or add your own, at msrnewsonline.com.

July 25-31, 2019

Legals

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Employment

State of Minnesota Case Type: Dissolution Without Children County of Hennepin District Court Summons without Real Estate First Judicial Court In Re the Marriage of: Margaret Zelee Davies, Petitioner and Bill Sam Davies, Respondent ORDER FOR SERVICE BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS 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. 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: 7/10/2019

GENTILE V. GILL ET AL. SUMMONS STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No. 27-CV-19-7820 Case Type: Civil Other/ Miscellaneous-Renewal of Judgment Robert Gentile, Jr. vs. John M. Gill, Sun Products, Inc., Sun Hockey, Inc., and Sun products USA, LLC, Defendants. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO John M. Gill, individually and as President / Owner / Manager of Sun Products, Inc, Sun Hockey, Inc., and Sun Products USA, LLC. 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff's Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20** DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20** days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Robert Gentile, Jr., 30 Wyman Road, Billerica, MA 01821. Address within the state where the subscriber may be served in person and by mail: 1660 S. Highway 100, STE 500A, St. Louis Park, MN 55416. 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff's Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: May 4, 2019 /s/ Robert Gentile, Jr., Plaintiff, 30 Wyman Road, Billerica, MA 01821, 978.987.6497, robgentile@verizon.net.

Mechanical Contractors Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties is seeking licensed, bonded, & insured mechanical contractors to perform mechanical work for the Federal Department of Energy's low income weatherization program in Ramsey, Washington, & Anoka counties. Bidder's contact cher@caprw.org by 8/9/19.

Civic Engagement Associate (50% Time) – St. Paul Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to www.mylegalaid.org/jobs

Consultant Business Analyst Consultant Business Analyst, Concord USA, Minneapolis, MN. Req. Bachelor’s in Mgmt. Info. Sys., CS, Mech. Eng., Business Admin, Comp. Sci. Eng., or related discipline, & 1 yr. exp. in: business analysis, translating client business needs into tech needs, info sys needs, data needs, & business processes, software dev. Tech. & methodologies (waterfall, Agile, SDLC, DevOps). Must possess exp. or coursework in: working w/ global companies to build relationships & grow personal network; working in team environ.; using inductive & deductive reasoning in analysis & possess proficiency w/ basic analysis techniques & tools to complete analysis. Concord conducts background checks on all new hires. May work remotely anywhere in the US. Submit résumé to lauren.kollmann@concordusa.com No agencies or phone calls please.

MN Spokesman-Recorder, July 11, 18 & 25, 2019

Signed: Margaret Zelee Davies

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder July 18,25 & August 1, 2019

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Nathaniel Jones, Plaintiff, v. Samuel Ray Lindstrom, Defendant.

MN Spokesman-Recorder, July 18, 25 & August 1, 2019

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SUMMONS

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff's Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Megan Curtis Law 1010 W Lake Street, #110-110 Minneapolis, MN 55408 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff's Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: 5/15/19 MEGAN CURTIS LAW Megan M. Curtis, MN #0393601 P: 612-978-0641 F: 651-412-5070 E: mc@megancurtislaw.com ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

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“They have taken me in with open arms,” the rookie said of his new teammates. His journey to the Capitol City, almost like his painful debut, wasn’t smooth either. Alexander was bypassed in the June baseball draft. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get my name called,” he continued. “I tried out a lot of different avenues [and] tryouts. Nobody pulled the trigger on me.” But when the roster came down to just one outfielder after a player’s contract was purchased by MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Paul quickly sought to fill the spot and signed Alexander. “Fortunately, St. Paul was the first ones to actually go all in on me…to give me an opportunity to play,” the 6’-4” 215-pound outfielder noted. “I’ve loved [baseball] ever since I was two, three years old,” Alexander recalled. “It was the first thing, the first ball my dad put into my hand. I fell in love with it.” Speaking after a game last week, Alexander said,

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Gibson Foundation Executive Director Kristy Pierce, a 1981 St. Paul Central graduate who serves as a cultural specialist at Como Park, supported Smith’s viewpoint and expanded on it. “It’s a safe place,” she said. “They are in a space where they know adults care about them. When spaces are created with adults they know love them, they will show up.” Gibson is a behavior intervention specialist at Como Park, where he will also coach the boys’ varsity team this winter. On this particular evening, as he finished a pick-up game with camp participants — where he displayed the point guard skills he used to lead Johnson to the Class 4A state tournament his senior year —

“It has been a real cool experience. I learned a lot from the guys.” The hotter-thannormal July weather he encountered since his arrival — he’s never been in Minnesota before — has taken him aback: “It’s warmer than I thought it would be.” The Saints outfielder last weekend got hit again — this time, finally, with his bat. His first career hit was a line-drive single, and Alexander later added a double as he knocked in all three runs in a 12-inning, 3-2 victory last Friday at Fargo-Moorhead. He lined a two-run single the following night in another one-run win, and got three more hits, an RBI, and scored a run Sunday in the Saints’ three-game sweep and the league-best 40-21 at the mid-season break. St. Paul resumes regular-season play Wednesday after hosting the American Association All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday, and the 2019 All-Star Game on Tuesday. Alexander is glad to be with the club whose motto is “Life is Fun.” “I’m blessed to be here in this atmosphere,” he said. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Smith said he had something to show him. Looking at Smith’s cellphone, both listened to a FaceTime message from a participant who left camp early to attend college. He expressed thanks for the inspiration and courage he received while attending the camp. “That’s pretty cool,” Gibson said with a smile. “That’s what it’s all about.” The 4th Annual Gibson Foundation Hope Heals Basketball Camp for boys and girls ages 13-19 runs Mondays and Wednesdays at Washington Technology Magnet; and for ages 9-12 at Arlington Recreation Center Tuesdays and Thursdays. The current camp will end on July 31; the next camp starts next week. For more information, call 651-399-3908 or email nyce32105@gmail.com. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

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questions during her AllStar press conference. I also visited the NBA store located on the city’s famed Fifth Avenue, across the street from the tall office building owned by the current president. 2005-Connecticut: First WASG played at a casino, the gym located in the back. 2006-NYC: The East finally snapped its six-game losing streak to the West. It was Seimone Augustus’ first All-Star game, one of four rookies, then the highest number ever in a single WASG. 2007-DC: At least seven of us media types were forced to cram into a taxi from a WNBA event in southwest Washington Boys and Girls Club back to town because the media shuffle that brought us there was two hours late. 2009-Conn. (no game in ’08): Swin Cash became the first player to win MVPs whether on the winning squad (West) or the losing squad (West, 2011). My highlight, however, came after the game when I ran into Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson during a layover and got an exclusive interview about LeBron James’ “The Decision” that also occurred that weekend. He said no other reporter had asked him about it. 2010-W vs. USA in CT (No WASG): The first time we saw incoming UConn

senior Maya Moore play in person — she was on the U.S. squad. She would be a Lynx the next season. 2011-San Antonio: My first time in Texas. Found a hole-in-the-wall place to eat courtesy of the hotel shuttle driver. Also was the first time Minnesota had four All-Stars — the quartet would later help the club win its first league title. (No game in ’12) 2013-Conn: Second WASG at the Sun casino. 2014-Phoenix: Attended my first-ever National League game the day before (Arizona-Chicago). Moore and Shoni Schimmel hit dueling last shots in the first OT All-Star Game, won by the East. 2015-CT: Moore won the first of her two WASG MVP awards in the five-point West victory. (No game in ’16) 2017-Seattle: Moore repeated as MVP, scoring a record 30 points, and the West would be the last conference to win consecutive ASGs (West finished with a 10-4 record). 2018-Mpls: The first time I covered a WASG without having to fly, rent a car or sleep in a hotel. It also would be then-W president Lisa Borders’ last All-Star appearance. She would step down shortly after the season. 2019-Vegas: To be determined Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

10 July 25-31, 2019

With majors done, now The W All-Star Game chronicles — come the PGA playoffs 14 years and counting

M

y, how time flies. Already NFL training camps are opening this week — including the Vikings in Eagan — and baseball season is entering the dog days of summer, as they say. Native son Shane Lowry dominated the golf field in winning his first career Major. The 148th Open Championship played in Portrush, Northern Ireland on the hallowed grounds of Royal Portrush Golf Club for the first time in 68 years. The 32-year-old Lowry won it with brilliant golf — 67-67-63-72 — for four days on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. His local knowledge and desire and determination led him to victory. He’s the champion golfer of the year. In the United States we call the Open Championship the British Open. It’s been played for 148 years. As an amateur in 2009, Lowry won the Irish Open when it was played at Royal Portrush Golf Club. The Major golf season is over now. Tiger Woods won the Masters, Brooks Koepka won the PGA Championship, Gary Woodland grabbed the United States Open, and Lowry wins the Open Championship in his native land, thrilling a nation. Woods is the last player to win three Majors in one year, which he did in 2000. He missed the cut in Ireland.

He’s still one victory away from tying Sam Snead for most wins all-time with 82 career wins. Koepka finished in a tie for fourth; he had another sensational year and he’s the world’s number-one player. He finished in a tie for second in the Masters, won the PGA, finished second in the U.S. Open and tied for fourth in the Open. I’m really happy for Tony Finau. It’s extremely competitive on the PGA Tour, and he’s one of the few minority players on the tour. He played here in Blaine at the 3-M Open two weeks ago and shot 13 under par. The winner, Matthew Wolff, shot 21 under par to win. Finau had his best tournament of the year in the Open Championship, finishing solo third. “I’m all about family,” said Finau. “I’ve always had family support with my golf dreams and career. “So to have some family here in Minnesota is really cool for me,” he continued. “There are so many great players on the PGA Tour, you have to bring your A-game if you’re going to compete.” Finau’s third-place finish in the Open, a Major, sets him up nicely for the upcoming PGA Playoffs and the Fed-Ex Cup. 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@larryfitzgerald.com or visit LarryFitzgerald.com.

the 2010 WNBA vs. USA exhibition, our 14th overall. Each WASG in itself provided its own unique moments, whether during the game or away from it, as the following summary shows: 2000-Phoenix: Our first game included the first time ever heading straight to the game from the airport and heading back shortly afterwards. Minnesota’s Betty Lennox was the game’s only rookie. She would later win Rookie of the Year honors. 2002-Washington: The first WASG in the nation’s capital. Lisa Leslie won the third of her three All-Star MVPs — she also dunked the game’s final basket.

ANOTHER

VIEW Charles hallman

Lynx first-time All-Star guard Odyssey Sims Las Vegas this weekend hosts the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game (WASG) and the ancillary activities leading up to it. This is the second time under the current format in which the 24 players were selected regardless of conference affiliation and put on two teams, captained by the two top vote-getters. This also is the first time the game is played in Las Vegas, the second-year home of the Aces, the team that started in Utah and then moved to San Antonio before landing in Sin City last season. It will be this sportswriter’s 13th consecutive mid-season classic, and counting

Lynx All-Star center Sylvia Fowles

I achieved national fame when former league president Donna Orender took umbrage with my diversity questions.

Photos by Charles Hallman 2003-NYC: My first time in the Garrden. I also achieved national fame when former league president Donna Orender took umbrage with my diversity ■ See View on page 9

New Saints outfielder off to a strong start Gibson gives back Sports odds & ends By CHARLES HALLMAN

Troy Alexander

Photo by Charles Hallman

St. Paul Saints outfielder Troy Alexander’s welcome to professional baseball was a rather painful one of sorts. The American Association club signed him as a free agent July 14. He made his pro debut later that night against Winnipeg. Alexander reached base on his first at-bat thanks to getting hit by a pitch. “I got hit right in front of the knee,” he recalled of being plunked. “It was a straight fastball. It hurt for a moment. What a way to be welcomed to professional baseball.”

Almost two months earlier, the 22-year-old Alexander was finishing up his collegiate baseball career at Arkansas-Little Rock. His first year there (2018) he led the Trojans with seven

ed 12 multi-hit games and homered in his last college game in late May, making the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team. He also played baseball at Alvin (Texas) Community College in 2017. Now a Saint, Alexander essentially replaced former St. Paul outfielder Burt Reynolds, who was traded to Sioux Falls July 2 as the team’s only Black player.

“St. Paul was the first ones to actually go all in on me, to give me an opportunity to play.” home runs and 40 RBI. This past season, he finished second on the team with 12 homers and 13 doubles and scored 39 runs. He post-

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since June and ends Today Donnell next month. Judging Gibson is an edby the packed gymucator, coach, role nasium at Washmodel, hero, and ington Technolocreator of his own gy Magnet on a hot foundation deWednesday evesigned to encourPreP Scene age and inspire inning, the camp is ner-city youth. having a successful Dr. mitChell Four years ago, Palmer mCDonalD summer. the former St. Paul “We have 150 Johnson basketball kids signed up,” volstar and 2004 graduate was unteer Ronnie Smith said focused on raising his three with enthusiasm. children and his job as a Smith, a 1976 St. Paul parks and recreation worker. Central graduate who also “I was totally focused on played for the Minutemen, raising my family and my was a successful youth basjob, he said. “I didn’t think ketball coach for three deI would be doing anything cades. He was persuaded to else but that.” come out of retirement last That all changed on April year and hasn’t regretted it 1, 2015. one bit. On his way to work that “It’s good for our youth to morning, Gibson spotted a come and just play,” the newburning house on the city’s ly appointed assistant coach North End. Before firefighters arrived on the scene, he had saved the lives of three families. After receiving numerous awards and the welldeserved recognition that comes with such heroism, Gibson felt inspired to contribute further to his community. “I wanted to do more,” he said. “I didn’t know what at the time, but I wanted to get something started.” With that, he founded and Donnell Gibson created The Gibson FoundaPhoto courtesy of Facebook tion, an organization that uses basketball to inspire youth to focus on leadership, re- for St. Paul Como Park’s spect, violence prevention girls’ basketball team added. and interventions. “If you notice, they [the camp The 4th Annual Gibson participants] all get along, Foundation Hope Heals Bas- and most importantly they ketball Camp — see details are having fun.” below — has been running ■ See PreP on page 9