MSR publisher twice honored during Juneteenth
By Jasmine McBride Associate Editor
racey
WilliamsDillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-
Recorder (MSR), was recognized with two prestigious awards during 2025 Juneteenth celebrations, honoring her enduring leadership, legacy and impact in the Twin Cities Black community.
“I am so happy to see MSR
Foundation (r).
getting the recognition it deserves,” said Williams-Dillard.
“Anyone who does this work knows that it requires your all, which I continue to give.”
Williams-Dillard received the Senator Champion Legacy Leadership Award on Monday, June 23, during a ceremony at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis. The award, presented by the Original Juneteenth Committee and Minnesota State Senator Bobby Joe Champion, celebrates individuals and institutions who have made transformative contributions to Black empowerment and cultural preservation.
“Your unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing Black excellence and legacy has not gone unnoticed,” the committee stated in its award announcement. “We are proud to acknowledge the impact you’ve made over the years.”
Originally scheduled for the prior week, the ceremony
Black astronaut celebrates the journey from slave ship to spaceship
By Genoa Barrow
hen actress Nichelle Nichols contemplated leaving her groundbreaking role of Lt. Nyota Uhura, a Black female crew member aboard the fictional starship Enterprise on “Star Trek,” civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. convinced her to see the bigger picture and how her presence on the show was in fact its own giant leap for mankind.
Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. got a similar call from Rev. Jesse Jackson after he trekked to outer space in real life. Dr. Harris, a medical doctor, went to space twice and became the first Black man to walk in space on February 9, 1995.
The OBSERVER sat down with the trailblazer-turned venture capitalist as he reflects on the 30th anniversary of making history and looks ahead to being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut of Hall of Fame later this year.
Something Rev. Jackson said while praying for him has stuck with Dr. Harris for three decades. “He said, ‘Lord, thank you for taking us from the slave ship to the spaceship.’
“It was remarkable. Only Jesse Jackson can put those two things together, but it was relevant to where we are and where I was at the time. We have in this country gone from being slaves to now being major contributors to what we consider to be ‘The American Way.’ I’m so pleased and proud to be part of that.”
Dr. Harris trained in California at NASA Ames Research Center and became the first African American to perform
an extra-vehicular activity during the second of his two Space Shuttle flights. Since 1986, Dr. Harris has served the space program in various roles as research scientist, flight surgeon, astronaut and advisor. He conducted research on space adaptation and developed medical devices. He served on STS-55 and STS-63, logging over 438 hours and 7.2 million miles in space.
Dr. Harris is one of only 14 African American astronauts to travel to space. It’s an elite group that includes Guion Bluford, Jr., who became the first African American to reach space in 1983; Ronald McNair, who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger
in 1986; and Mae Jemison, who became the first Black woman in space in 1992.
Dr. Harris recalls the moment the hatch opened and he experienced the wonders of the world firsthand, “It was incredible to see this big, blue ball which we call planet Earth.”
While he initially felt like he was falling, the spacewalk brought Dr. Harris a sense of grounding and confirmed his role in the universe. “We as Black people have been involved with space for a long time, since the very beginning.
“We were some of the first mathematicians, some of the first astronomers. That all came from the continent of
See SPACE on page 5
was postponed due to threats made against elected officials. The rescheduled event allowed community leaders, elected officials, and supporters to come together in an intimate setting, where Sena-
tor Champion presented the award in person.
In addition to the Legacy Leadership Award, WilliamsDillard was also honored with a Community Griot Award from The ANIKA Foundation dur-
ing its Juneteenth – A Family Celebration held June 21 at the Minnesota State Capitol.
The Griot Award, a hallmark of the foundation’s annual celebration, recognizes individuals ■ See AWARDS on page 5
Savannah Tribune celebrates 150th anniversary
By Savannah Tribune
he Savannah Tribune has a proud and glorious heritage. A weekly newspaper covering news and issues related to Savannah’s African American community, The Savannah Tribune, originally named The Colored Tribune, published its first edition in 1875. Three African American civic and business leaders — John H. Deveaux, Louis B. Toomer Sr., and Louis M. Pleasant — recognized the need for a newspaper dedicated to serving Savannah’s Black community. Since its founding, The Tribune has consistently stood at the forefront of positive efforts to improve the lives of African Americans and uplift the broader community.
press emerged in the South.
This was also a perilous time for Black Southerners. White resistance to Black progress simmered during Reconstruction and ultimately led to segregation policies in the 1890s and the reemergence of the Ku Klux Klan in 1915. Despite the hostile environment, Savannah native John H. Deveaux founded The Colored Tribune with a stated mission to defend “the rights of the colored people, and their elevation to the highest plane of citizenship.”
Born in 1848 to a free Black family, Deveaux was a prominent Savannah businessman with the personal resources to finance the venture. Many Black publications folded after Reconstruction ended in 1877, but The Tribune survived until 1878, when all of
veaux’s death in 1909. With the exception of hiatuses from 1878 to 1886 and from 1960 to 1973, The Savannah Tribune has operated continuously.
Sol C. Johnson, born in 1868, had lived in Savannah since childhood and also ran other successful businesses. However, the paper’s survival, according to historian Jeffrey Alan Turner, cannot be explained solely by economics.
Turner wrote, “One does not have to look hard to find Black editors in the South who spoke out too strongly against white society... Deveaux and Johnson must have had a sense for when they could criticize the system — as they often did — and when they needed to be cautious.”
During Johnson’s editorship,
Early years
The years between President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the Reconstruction Era, which began in 1865 at the end of the Civil War, ushered in a brief period of opportunity for Southern African Americans, particularly in politics. During that time, a Black
the city’s printers — who were white — refused to produce it. Deveaux revived the paper in 1886 and served as editor until 1889, when he was appointed Collector of Customs and relocated to Brunswick, Georgia.
Solomon “Sol” C. Johnson assumed editorship, and later purchased the paper following De-
The Tribune served as the only medium in South Georgia and
Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder (l), was the recipient of the Community Griot Award presented by Anika Robbins of the ANIKA
Photo courtesy of Michael Diehl
Recipients of the Senator Champion Legacy Leadership Award (l-r) CEO of Sabathani Community Center Scott Reid; Phyllis Wheatley Community Center’s Managing Director of programs & operations Amondo Dickerson; Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Publisher Tracey WilliamsDillard; the Original Juneteenth Committee community leader Alicia D. Crudup; Senator Bobby Joe Champion; Turning Point CEO and President Lori Wilson; CEO of KMOJ Freddie Bell; and North News reporter Azhae’la Hanson. Photo courtesy of Achsah Tadesse/MSR
Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. was a part of two space shuttle missions and in 1995 became the first Black man to walk in outer space.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Savannah Tribune publisher Shirley Barber James at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual conference – where she was awarded as publisher of the year June 27.
Photo courtesy of NNPA
Somali-owned sambusa company “Hoyo” expands to Midtown Global Market
By Binta Kanteh Contributor Writer
A decade ago, Halima Mohamed’s sister, Mariam, showed up at her house with a big idea — and a business partner.
Alongside Matt Glover, Mariam proposed launching a company rooted in a beloved Somali staple: sambusas. The goal wasn’t just to bring the savory pastries to a wider audience, but to empower Somali mothers through employment, celebrate their cooking talents,
are sold in select grocery stories, including local co-ops like the Wedge and Mississippi Market.
and share Somali cuisine and culture with the Twin Cities. That company became Hoyo, which means “mother” in Somali — a name honoring the women at the heart of the business. Since its founding in 2015, Hoyo has grown steadily from its original 750-squarefoot kitchen in Bloomington, where sambusas were handmade and packaged by Somali women using a recipe developed by Halima.
On June 17, Hoyo celebrated the grand opening of its new production facility in the lower level of the Midtown Global Market, nearly tripling its footprint to 3,000 square feet. “We’re expecting to make more,” said co-founder Halima Mohamed.
“Sometimes over there [in Bloomington] we made 3,500 to 4,000 sambusas. Here, we’re expecting maybe 8,000.”
The expansion was made possible through support from the Lake Street Council, which backed Hoyo through its Lake
Co-founders
Street Lift initiative — an $8 million effort to revitalize businesses in the Lake Street corridor following civil unrest and
“This is a woman-owned, Black-owned, Muslim-owned business that employs mothers.”
economic downturns.
“This is a woman-owned, Black-owned, Muslim-owned business that employs mothers,” said Yusra Mohamud, a business advisor for the Lake Street Council. “They embody our mission — entrepreneurship through immigrants and people of color.”
The new facility not only increases production capacity but also includes dedicated office space and upgraded equipment to streamline sambusa making. On opening day,
ICE detainees face indefinite confinement in Minnesota jails
By Joey Peters
Though he’s eligible for a green card, Kratos Fernando has been in jail for nearly four months as an immigrant detainee.
An old marijuana case put Kratos Fernando on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s radar earlier this year as it ramped up immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
ICE agents arrested Fernando, 25, in early March, and he’s been held in the Sherburne County jail ever since then. He’s since been ordered for release, he said, pending a medical examination required in order for him to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
Fernando, an asylee who was born in Angola and has been in the United States since he was 2 years old, said he can’t afford to pay the several thousand dollars he said it would cost to have a doctor travel to the Sherburne County jail to perform the exam. For now, he’s staying in jail indefinitely.
A similar situation faces Nadeem Khalid, held in the Sherburne County jail since last summer. Unlike Fernando, Khalid, 54, has been ordered for deportation.
Khalid has previous convictions for stalking and domestic abuse of his ex-wife and served prison sentences for those offenses. He said he’s accepted the fact that he’ll be deported to his home country of Pakistan.
“I don’t want to fight my case,” Khalid said. “I don’t want to argue with anybody. Just deport me.”
Khalid said authorities have tried to deport him three times, including last month when he boarded a flight to his native country. He said he touched down in the United Arab Emirates and was turned around and sent back to the United States because of a military conflict between Pakistan and India.
Fernando’s and Khalid’s situations illustrate how it’s get-
ting harder for ICE detainees to be released from custody, even through deportation.
Part of the reason is a ruling last year by the federal Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals that essentially allows detainees to remain in custody indefinitely until their immigration case is settled.
Even after a judge orders a detainee’s removal from the country, that detainee can still sit in jail for months, even years, before being deported. Or, in Fernando’s case, even after they’ve won their immigration case.
“I’m tired of being detained,” Fernando said.
Immigration attorneys argue that keeping detainees in jail indefinitely is costly to taxpayers. The Sherburne County Jail, for example, receives $100 a day from the federal government for every ICE detainee. They also emphasize that ICE detainees are being held for civil offenses.
“These are not criminal detainees. Even if they are convicted of crimes, they are in jail for a civil matter,” said Nico Ratkowski, a St. Paul immigration attorney.
“I don’t want to argue with anybody. Just deport me.”
Pivotal ruling
The Eighth Circuit’s ruling in Banyee v. Garland affirmed that “due process imposes no time limit on detention pending deportation.” The case involved Nyynkpao Banyee, who had been detained by ICE in the Kandiyohi County jail for one year while he appealed his deportation order in immigration court. A federal district court ruled in favor of Banyee before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision.
A separate ruling in 2001 by the U.S. Supreme Court allows immigrants detained by
federal authorities to petition for release once they’ve been held for longer than six days after they’ve been ordered for removal.
But the Banyee ruling, written by U.S. Circuit Judge David Stras, who is based in Minneapolis, ruled that detainees who are still awaiting judgment on or appealing their immigration case cannot petition for release from custody, a right known as habeas corpus.
The Banyee ruling applies to the region covered by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Arkansas. The ruling conflicts with prevailing law in other regions of the country, said Linus Chan, an immigration attorney and director of the Detainee Rights Clinic at the University of Minnesota Law School.
“[No one] in the Eighth Circuit can claim that being detained for a long time gets you released,” Chan said. “That’s what’s changed.”
Before Stras’ ruling, Ratkowski frequently took on habeas corpus cases for detained immigrants. Since then, not so much. “The Banyee decision basically destroyed immigration habeas for prolonged detention,” Ratkowski said.
Now, Ratkowski said he files habeas cases for detained immigrants in much narrower situations that don’t argue for full release, such as transferring detainees to their court hearings so they don’t forfeit their bond.
It’s not clear how many ICE detainees in Minnesota and across the country have been held in jail for longer than 90 days. Chan said he unsuccessfully sought that information in a 2017 lawsuit. An ICE spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment.
‘Just deport me‘
Those still eligible for habeas release in Minnesota can still find themselves in jail much longer than 90 days, even after a judge orders their deportation. Such is the case
Hannaan Shire, the co-founders’ niece, led tours of the new kitchen.
“One of the biggest differences is probably the size,” Shire said. “It really helps us match the production levels we want to be at and meet demand.”
Hoyo currently employs 24 staff members, including
workers from Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Ghana. Beyond sambusas, they also produce
sauces and other accompaniments that reflect the culinary diversity of their staff.
Community members like Murwo Elmi, who attended the grand opening, say businesses like Hoyo are critical for the city’s economic and cultural vitality. “I always come and support women businesses or any minority businesses that open in Minneapolis,” Elmi said. “This helps our community and people looking for jobs. It’s very important to see that.”
The grand opening came just weeks after the Trump administration reinstated a travel ban affecting Somalia and 11 other countries. Despite national political headwinds, Halima and her sisters say they remain focused on growing Hoyo — and helping others grow with it.
“We hope we grow into a bigger company, hire more people, and make a lot of sambusas,” Halima said. “So it’s enough for everybody.”
For more information, visit www.midtownglobalmarket.org.
Binta Kanteh is a contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
for Khalid, who was ordered for removal in May 2022 and has been in detention since last July.
Khalid has a complicated case. He came to the United States in 1988 on a visa and
came in early May, when Khalid boarded an airplane that made it all the way to the United Arab Emirates. After the plane touched down, authorities ordered Khalid returned to the United States because India had just started launching missiles into Pakistan.
Khalid said he tried to persuade authorities otherwise.
“I said, ‘Let’s fly to Pakistan, it is only two hours away, and I will find my own way there,’”
will argue that June came and went without a deportation. He isn’t confident Khalid will be deported by then, and even if he is, Ojala-Barbour won’t know until after the fact because of the opaque nature of immigration court.
“The logistics of how they do removals has always operated behind a shroud of some secrecy,” Ojala-Barbour said.
“As an immigration attorney, it’s not really something that we’re privy to or part of.”
‘I’ve already won my case‘ Detainees like Fernando who have been ordered for release can still run into issues that keep them in jail for prolonged periods. His issue: his inability to pay for a required medical exam to obtain his green card, which he said a judge has approved for him. Fernando, who came to the United States in 2002, is currently an asylee.
In 2019, Fernando was convicted for possessing around 1.5 ounces of marijuana and missing a court date. He served his sentence and said he’s moved on with his life.
“I was young; I was 19 at the time,” he said. “I’ve learned from my mistakes. I have kids that I cannot let make the same mistake.”
in 1999 obtained permanent residency. In 2011, he was arrested on suspicion of drug possession. Then, two years later, Khalid pleaded guilty to financial card fraud.
In 2014, the federal government opened an immigration case against Khalid, alleging that he had committed fraud on his asylum application in the 1990s. Eight years later, in 2022, an immigration judge ordered his deportation. After that order, he was charged with and convicted of stalking and domestic abuse for violating a restraining order and sending threatening messages to his ex-wife.
Khalid is currently appealing the domestic violence conviction. Regardless, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the conviction and served his time. After his release, ICE arrested him in July 2024, and he’s been detained ever since.
In the year since his detention, the federal government has unsuccessfully tried to deport Khalid three times. The most remarkable attempt
he said. “They said, ‘No, we have to bring you back.’ I’m not going to spend the rest of my life in jail; just deport me.”
Later in May, Khalid filed a habeas motion for release under supervised conditions, arguing that he is not likely to be deported in the foreseeable future. Federal prosecutors however, argued against his release and contended that his deportation date would happen sometime this month.
That date came on Tuesday, when Khalid said he was transported to Fort Snelling to take a shuttle to the MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport. By the time he got to Fort Snelling, Khalid said, authorities told him it was already too late and that he would miss the flight.
He also said he had asked that someone escort him on the flight to Pakistan because of the conflicts going on there. He was sent back to the Sherburne County jail.
Khalid’s lawyer, Graham Ojala-Barbour, said he plans to file a motion early next month supporting Khalid’s release. It
Now 25, Fernando is married with two sons, a 3-yearold and a 1-year old. Without him at home, Fernando said, his wife is struggling to pay the bills and raise the kids on her own.
The required health exam, known as the I-693 report, typically costs the applicant $500. Only a U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services-certified doctor can perform the exam. But because Fernando is in jail, there is an added cost: He must get the doctor to come to the jail, which costs a minimum of $1,000. He’s having a hard time gathering the money for it.
“Some people want $2,000, some people want $3,500,” he said. “It’s ridiculous. Why can’t ICE just release me on an ankle monitor so I can take the test and pay $500? I’ve already won my case, so why would I do anything stupid?” This piece
Halima (l) and Mariam Mohamed during a grand opening of the new $1.6 million Hoyo sambusa facility at Global Midtown Market
Hoyo’s sambusa
Kraktos Fernando was born in Angola and has been in the United States since he was 2 years old. He’s now stuck in ICE detention in the Sherburne County jail because he can’t afford the cost of a doctor to finish paperwork for his green card.
Photo courtesy of Sahan Journal
Murwo Elmi
Health Understanding menopause: What
much more than regulate the menstrual cycle; it also supports brain function, digestion, cardiovascular health, joint flexibility, and even skin appearance.
By Dr. Ayanna Quamina, ND Columnist
Insomnia. Dry skin. Achy joints. Acid reflux. Hot flashes. Itchy ears. Brain fog. All of these symptoms, and many more, can be traced to one condition: menopause.
While menopause is often described as a phase of life, it is technically a specific point in time. A woman is considered to have reached menopause when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
The time before that is called perimenopause, which can last for years and is often marked by irregular periods and a wide range of symptoms. The phase following menopause is called postmenopause, which essentially lasts the rest of a woman’s life. Fortunately, many symptoms gradually subside over time.
Perimenopause is often underdiagnosed. Symptoms can be inconsistent, making it difficult for medical providers to offer a clear diagnosis or appropriate support. But understanding what’s happening in the body, and why, can be a powerful first step in finding relief.
The estrogen effect
Many of the symptoms related to menopause stem from fluctuating or declining estrogen levels. Estrogen does
Here’s a closer look at how estrogen influences different systems of the body, and what you can do to support yourself during this transition:
Digestive system
Estrogen helps regulate digestive function, including acid release, motility and inflammation.
• Symptoms: acid reflux, bloating, constipation
• Lifestyle tips: track food and symptoms; increase fresh produce
• Supplement options: digestive enzymes, l-glutamine, probiotics*
Cardiovascular system
Estrogen protects the heart and blood vessels.
• Symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, high blood pressure
• Lifestyle tips: avoid alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and chocolate; use portable fans
• Supplement options: magnesium citrate, passionflower, hibiscus*
Brain and nervous system
Estrogen supports memory, mood regulation, and neurological health.
• Symptoms: brain fog, memory lapses, anxiety, depression
• Lifestyle tips: prioritize joy and rest; support gut health for better brain function
• Supplement options: Bcomplex vitamins, omega-3
fatty acids, passionflower*
Sleep
Estrogen impacts serotonin and melatonin, which affect sleep cycles.
• Symptoms: trouble falling or staying asleep
• Lifestyle tips: maintain a regular sleep schedule; limit screen time before bed
• Supplement options: magnesium bisglycinate, B-complex, passionflower*
Joints and muscles
Estrogen maintains joint lubrication and muscle strength.
• Symptoms: joint stiffness, frozen shoulder, reduced muscle mass
• Lifestyle tips: stretch daily; incorporate bodywork; prioritize restorative rest
• Supplement options: curcumin, quercetin, omega-3 fatty acids*
Bones
Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining bone density.
• Symptoms: osteopenia, fractures, osteoarthritis
• Lifestyle tips: walk regularly; stop smoking; eat leafy greens
• Supplement options: vitamin D3 with K2, calcium, magnesium citrate*
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Estrogen affects nearly every part of the body.
While research on menopause was underdeveloped for decades — in part because women were excluded from clinical studies until the 1990s — we’re now beginning to catch up.
In the meantime, here are three suggestions that may help:
1. Start with the basics: Focus on sleep, stress management, eating habits, and physical activity. If you don’t know where to start, try going to bed at the same time each night — a small shift that can help reset the body.
someone who takes your symptoms seriously. This is no time to suffer in silence.
A time for compassion
The menopausal transition can trigger not just physical discomfort, but also a sense of grief, loss, or identity confusion. It’s a time that calls for self-compassion. If you find yourself spiraling with questions like “What’s wrong with me?” try reframing the thought to “What kind of support is my body asking for?”
Skin and hair
Estrogen helps with collagen production and hydration.
• Symptoms: dry or itchy skin, thinning hair, bruising
• Lifestyle tips: stay hydrated; consult a dermatologist, especially for melanated skin
• Supplement options: collagen, biotin, rosemary oil*
Navigating menopause with support
2. Track your symptoms: Recording what you feel and when can help you spot patterns. These insights can empower both you and your health care provider to develop a tailored approach to support.
3. Reach out: You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you start with your primary care provider or a specialist, look for
It may not be easy, but a shift in perspective can help you feel more at peace — and less like you’re fighting a losing battle.
*Note: Not every remedy is right for every-body. Always consult your trusted health practitioner before beginning a new supplement or treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Ayanna Quamina and her practice at www.drayannaq.com. Email her directly at info@drayannaq.com.
Black Business SPOTLIGHT Flow Hair and Beauty
By Jasmine McBride Associate Editor
Tucked in the heart of South Minneapolis, Flow Hair and Beauty is not just a beauty supply store — it’s a place of transformation, dignity and healing, particularly for customers navigating hair loss.
But even owner Getinet Alemu knows that many people walk in without realizing Flow is Black-owned. “That happens all the time,” Alemu said.
“People come in to shop and have no idea who’s behind it. So when someone says, ‘Wait — this is Black-owned?’ it’s a really proud moment.”
Flow, which has been open for just over a year in the Uptown neighborhood, specializes in high-quality hair products and wigs, with a unique focus on supporting people experiencing medical hair loss. The store is in the final stages of gaining Medicare accreditation, which would allow it to accept insurance for hairpieces prescribed by a doctor.
“We’re getting certified to work with insurance companies, so people going through chemo, alopecia, or other hair loss can be covered,” Alemu
said. “That part is really close to my heart. I have a family member who lost their hair due to cancer, and I’ve seen how hard it is to find help.”
Before launching Flow, Alemu built his reputation as a barber in Bloomington. He’s been cutting hair for more than a decade and said he was inspired to expand into the women’s beauty industry after seeing how a haircut can boost someone’s confidence.
“Ownership in our community is so important, but the barriers are real.”
“Barbering came naturally to me, and I’ve always loved the way it makes people feel,” he said. “But I wanted to bring that same feeling into the women’s space. That’s what Flow is about.”
The shop isn’t without the woman’s magic touch, though. He credits his wife and his two enthusiastic employees, Anna
A private, respectful space to try on wigs
Flow owner Getinet Alemu, above, says, “Barbering came naturally to me, and I’ve always loved the way it makes people feel. I wanted to bring that same feeling into the women’s space.”
and Jade, for their contributions, because he says opening a new retail business wasn’t easy.
“Honestly, starting Flow has been one of the hardest things I’ve done,” Alemu said. “The barbershop was much easier to get off the ground. With the store, we’ve invested a lot in inventory and marketing, but foot traffic has taken time to build. We haven’t turned a profit yet, even after more
than a year.”
Still, he’s committed. He spends most Tuesdays at Flow, working directly with clients and hearing their stories, especially those navigating illness or hair loss.
“One of the biggest things people say is they’re grateful for a private, respectful space to try on wigs,” he said. “That means a lot to me to know we’re giving people not just
quality products, but dignity.”
Alemu said he has a longterm vision to expand Flow’s reach throughout Minnesota and eventually nationwide. In the short term, he’s focused on making the South Minneapolis location sustainable and growing its presence in the community.
Flow recently launched a nonprofit, the Flow Foundation, to help fund wigs and ser-
vices for those who can’t afford them. There are currently more than a dozen people on a waiting list.
“We just want to be able to help,” Alemu said. “Even if someone can’t buy something right now, we want them to know we’re here.”
Asked what it means to be a Black business owner in 2025, Alemu said it’s both empowering and challenging. “Ownership in our community is so important, but the barriers are real,” he said.
“Still, I’m proud. It means something to have a space like this, to be visible, to serve, to show what’s possible.”
How to support Flow Hair and Beauty:
• Visit the store at 3007 Lyndale Ave. S.
• Spread the word on social media.
• Donate or share the Flow Foundation’s fundraiser.
• Refer someone in need of medical hairpieces or private wig fittings.
For more information, visit www.flowhairmn.com, follow on Instagram @FlowHairAndBeauty, or email flowhairandwigs@ gmail.com.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@ spokesman-recorder.com.
AWARDS
Continued from page 1
who uplift and preserve Black voices and culture in Minnesota.
In a letter announcing the award, The ANIKA Foundation wrote, “As a trailblazer, you continued
SPACE
Continued from page 1
Africa, so we should be proud. This is not anything new. This is just us living our inheritance, in a sense.
“I’m just following through what my forefathers and mothers laid down before me, that foundation that allows me now, instead of being on Earth and looking up toward the heavens, actually being able to lift off into the heavens.”
Dr. Harris would go back in space if given the chance. “My goal was to not only explore space, but I wanted to go to the moon.”
He’s proud that another Black man, Victor Glover, is slated to travel to the moon in April 2026 as part of the Artemis II mission to establish a long-term lunar presence. Another first.
“He is a remarkable young man,” Dr. Harris said of Glover.
“That’s going to be really exciting.”
Dr. Harris and Glover are featured in the 2024 film “The Color of Space: A NASA Documentary Showcasing the Stories of Black Astronauts.” The elder ambassador wants more people of color to participate in the future space economy, ensuring equal opportunity in this growing field.
“It is important for us as we go forward, where there will be this new space economy, where we’ll be having orbiting platforms and we’ll be having colonies on the moon. A whole ecosystem is going to be produced between the Earth, low earth orbit, and the moon and later Mars. I want to make sure that all of us are equal participants in that potential money.
“It’s the reason why you have billionaires, very wealthy people, investing in this, because they see the opportunity. I want to make sure that our community also takes advantage of that opportunity.”
In the beginning Dr. Harris grew up within the Navajo Nation in Arizona
SAVANNAH
Continued from page 1
Race Riot, lynchings, the convict lease system, and the lack of educational opportunities for Black children in Savannah.
By the 1920s, the paper had moved from a generally conciliatory stance toward whites to a more assertive voice for racial equality. It also served as a forum for the Black literati. James Weldon Johnson, a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was a Tribune correspondent during his tenure as executive secretary of the NAACP.
In 1928, The Tribune faced significant competition from the newly established Atlanta World (later Atlanta Daily World), which would become the state’s most prominent Black newspaper and gain national readership by the 1930s. Still, The Tribune endured. Sol C. Johnson led the paper until his death in 1954. He was succeeded by his goddaughter, Willa Ayers Johnson, the first female owner and editor. A graduate of Talladega College, an HBCU in Alabama, she also worked for the Department of
“I am so happy to see MSR getting the recognition it deserves.”
building on the legacy charted by your grandparents and parents, exemplifying the true spirit of entrepreneurship, serving as an inspiration to many.”
The dual recognitions reflect
where his mother was a teacher. She encouraged him and his siblings to dream big and see the seemingly impossible as reachable. He remembers watching astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin land on the moon on July 20, 1969.
“I looked at that black and white television and I said, ‘I want to do that. I want to go to the moon. I want to be an astronaut,” Dr. Harris said.
He was not alone. “This is the first time that human beings stepped foot off the planet and here we are, American kids, kids from all over the world, watching this and saying that we want to follow in the footsteps of these giant men.”
While these white men were setting their sights on the universe and planting the American flag in previously uncharted territory, Blacks were back home leading a Civil Rights Movement and fighting for equality and basic human rights.
“On that same black and white television, I could see some of the greatest feats of humankind, but also turn the channel and see the struggles that we were having as Black people in this country. To have had that as a dream and hold on to that for many years and then be able to fulfill that dream, that’s the story that I tell young people, no matter what communities that they’re from, that if I can do that, they can too.”
Dr. Harris does regular outreach through a nonprofit foundation that bears his name and its Dare to Dream program, which focuses on empowering through STEM education, health initiatives and financial literacy. He calls reaching young people, particularly those from underserved communities, his “terrestrial mission.”
“I had an extraterrestrial mission in space. My terrestrial mission is ensuring that all of our communities, our inner city communities and rural community students, have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, whatever their dreams are.”
His efforts rose out of visits
Family and Children Services while managing The Tribune. Under her leadership, the paper continued publication until September 1960, when it closed during a period of decline in Black media. Industry analysts attribute this trend partly to the belief that, with racial progress underway, Black publications were no longer necessary.
Re-emergence
After a 13-year hiatus, banker Robert E. James re-established The Savannah Tribune in 1973. He served as owner and publisher until 1983, when his wife, Shirley Barber James, became the second female publisher and sole owner. A community leader, Barber James is a graduate of Spelman College (HBCU), earned an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and worked as a licensed professional counselor at Savannah State University. Under the James family’s stewardship, The Tribune continued to prioritize stories relevant to African Americans — both locally and nationally — while promoting Black community events. Even as its primary competitor, the conservative Savannah Morning News, began diversifying its
reach through digital innovation and community-centered journalism.
plies… That’s our focus: service.”
theanikafoundation.org.
Williams-Dillard’s deep ties to Black media and advocacy.
As the granddaughter of MSR founder Cecil Newman, she has continued the paper’s 90year legacy while expanding its
“We turn 91 this year, and we’re coming off a trip to a Black media convention with the presence of publications who are 130 years plus,” Williams-Dillards said. “Black media is needed, and I believe it is because of the service it sup-
Both events emphasized the importance of legacy, intergenerational leadership, and community celebration as pillars of Juneteenth commemorations in Minnesota.
For more on this year’s Juneteenth events and honorees, visit juneteenthminnesota.com and
to a juvenile detention center in Houston, Texas where he lives. There was a problem.
“I would engage these young people who were in trouble and they needed help. I would come in there and as the inspiration, I would ask them, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’
If you ask that question, in elementary school, or even middle school, you’ll have like 90% of the kids raise their hands. They know what they want to do and they’ll tell you that ‘I want to do this’ or ‘I want to do that.’
“In this group, the same kids, about 50 of them in a room, two hands were raised, and I realized in that moment that there was something different about these young people, and that was that they forgot the dream, or the environment didn’t allow them to dream.”
Dr. Harris is a shining example of how education can literally propel a person to new heights. “[We] instill in them the value of having goals and setting goals, but more importantly, that how they accomplish that goal is through education.In this day and age, in the 21st century, where technology drives everything that we do, it’s about STEM education and high quality STEM education. That’s important.”
newsroom and increasing its coverage of issues affecting Black readers, The Tribune retained its niche as a trusted voice for Savannah’s African American population.
“The Savannah Tribune, originally named The Colored Tribune, published its first edition in 1875.”
Another surge In 2002, the newspaper gained new momentum with the return of veteran advertising executive Tanya Milton. A Savannah native, Milton had launched her career at The Savannah Tribune in 1975 before moving to Detroit and Kansas City, where she held advertising roles at The Black Secretariat and the Kansas City Star & Times, respectively. She returned to Savannah in 1981 and spent 21 years with the Savannah Morning News before rejoining The Tribune as General Manager and Advertising Sales Director. Milton’s return was key to the
He also motivates with his latest book, “Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential,” published in February. Exposure and access are critical, but there’s pushback as conservatives ban books and classes that acknowledge Black history and the president axes federal funding for programs that seek to address longstanding disparities in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). NASA has already ended funding for programs aimed at underrepresented groups.
“Dr. Harris is one of only 14 African American astronauts to travel to space.”
“I consider myself here because of affirmative action from years ago,” Dr. Harris said. “When there was an outreach to those of us who were qualified to go to medical school and law school and to teach and all that sort of thing, but weren’t given the opportunity. When given the opportunity, the result is me.”
It’s important to continue to provide those opportunities, he says.
newspaper’s growth and stability during a time when small, privately owned weekly newspapers across the country were struggling to remain relevant.
A phoenix experience
In January 2006, an electrical fire severely damaged The Tribune’s office at 916 Montgomery Street. The Savannah community quickly rallied in support. Savannah State University (an HBCU) offered Tribune staff access to its journalism department’s computers. Assistance also came from The Savannah Morning News and the Savannah College of Art and Design. That same week, The Tribune purchased new computers and relocated to a building at 1805 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, owned by Robert E. James. The newspaper maintained its proud tradition of never missing a publication date since its 1973 relaunch and continues to operate from that location today.
Looking ahead
As of 2018, Shirley Barber James remains The Tribune’s owner, publisher and editor. Now celebrating 150 years of service, The Savannah Tribune continues to earn its place in the 198-year
To support the work of the MSR, donate, attend or share our upcoming events: our gala and yacht cruise. For more information, visit our website under the “MSR events” tab.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@ spokesman-recorder.com.
important for us to recognize that, because sometimes we let external forces define us. It’s important to not let anybody define you as an individual, and nor should we let any group define us as a group of people.”
Hall of Fame
Bluford was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. Six years before him, another Black man, Robert Lawrence, Jr., was inducted. Dr. Harris will join fellow veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson for a May 31 ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center.
“Now that there are those of us who have ‘made it,’ it is incumbent upon us to reach back and reach into our communities and create programs and create our own opportunities. I like to say that we should be our own affirmative action.
“When I say that, I’m speaking about all communities, but particularly the Black and brown communities,” he continued. “We need to be about creating programs that are going to support our communities so that we can participate equally in the American dream.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force briefly removed training courses featuring videos of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen in response to President Donald Trump’s DEI ban, but reversed the decision after public outcry.
Photos of the pioneering Black pilots were among hundreds of thousands slated for removal from the military’s database.
Some are also replacing the word “equity” with other language, and others are removing references to historic “firsts.”
Dr. Harris doesn’t fear erasure. “We’re here to stay. We are part of this nation, we are part of this world.
“We are contributors and have been since the very beginning and will continue to be. It’s
“It’s very special to be selected to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. In part, I’m selected because of what I’ve done in space,” Dr. Harris said. “Being the crew medical officer on both my missions, some of the medical firsts that I did as a physician in space, along with the space walk and just contributing to the whole space program, I felt very honored, and to be recognized for that has been great.”
That he was selected by his peers makes the honor all the more special “because it comes from people who are knowledgeable about what’s happening in the space program and where we’re going,” Dr. Harris said. “But it’s also about your entire life, about your accomplishments, the things that I have done after.
“Being an astronaut and being a physician and using that as a platform to go into communities all around this nation, in fact, all around the world, and talk about why STEM education is important, why are dreams important, why are you important to not only you, but your community and your nation. To be recognized for that is a tremendous honor for me.”
This piece was originally published in The Sacramento Observer. For more information, visit www.sacobserver.com. The Observer was nominated for the most awards at the 2025 NNPA annual convention – aimed at celebrating the Black press.
history of the Black press and proudly upholds its legacy as “Georgia’s Best Weekly.”
piece was originally published in
Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. was a part of two space shuttle missions and in 1995 became the first Black man to walk in outer space. Photo courtesy of NASA
Photo courtesy of Savannah Tribune
Arts & Culture
Spotlights from MSR’s editor
825 Arts honors legacies of elder changemakers
The Frogtown Arts Festival is returning this summer with a theme that celebrates generational impact: Legacies Feed Future Flowers. The annual event, scheduled for Aug. 16 from 1 to 8 p.m. outside 825 University Ave., will spotlight artists, changemakers, and community members through a day of music, food, art — and flowers.
This year’s festival will honor residents from the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods who are building legacies through cultural work, activism, and community leadership. Nominations are now open for both elders and young changemakers whose contributions are shaping the community.
“Honoring the legacies of elders who have made contributions to Frogtown and Rondo is a way of connecting generations,” said Tou SaiK Lee, the festival’s elder manager.
“It’s specific to changemakers, people working for racial justice, equity, empowerment, and cultural representation. We want to give them their flowers.”
is how we make sure knowledge keeps being passed on,” Lee said. “It creates an intergenerational bridge.”
The event is organized by the Frogtown Neighborhood Association (FNA) and 825 Arts, which will also be cel-
A selection committee will choose five nominees from each category to be honored during the festival’s opening
ceremony. In addition to the public recognition, honorees will be featured in a forthcoming set of community trading
cards. Runners-up will be acknowledged on a legacy wall celebrating local contributions.
“Giving people their flowers
ebrating the public opening of its newly renovated arts space.
The building at 825 University Ave. was nearly turned into a
As the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrates its 90th Anniversary year, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication. As a “$90—for- 90” contributor (non-business), your name will be prominently displayed in our print and digital editions until the week of Aug. 10, 2025. The paper was founded on Aug. 10, 1934.
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parking lot in 2009, but was saved through community advocacy led by FNA. This year’s festival marks the culmination of more than a decade of work to transform it into a creative hub for the neighborhood.
“Giving people their flowers is how we make sure knowledge keeps being passed on.”
To nominate someone for recognition, visit: https://tinyurl. com/FAFFlowers25.
For those interested in joining the festival as an artist, vendor, or volunteer, more information is available at frogtownaf.org or by emailing faf@frogtownaf.org.
You can also follow 825 Arts on Instagram (@825arts) or connect with Frogtown Neighborhood Association and 825 Arts on Facebook to stay updated on summer programming.
825 Arts is a nonprofit committed to building community power by providing a creative home that incubates the arts and amplifies the voices of all people in the neighborhood. For more information, visit www.825arts.org.
Photo courtesy of Jasmine McBride/MSR
Education
Normandale teaching programs redress racial imbalances
By Jasmine McBride Associate Editor
When Leticia Alvarez crossed the stage at Normandale Community College to receive her diploma, she wasn’t just marking a personal achievement. She became the first graduate of SpedUP, a growing initiative aimed at increasing the number of BIPOC special education teachers in Minnesota.
was paid,” she said. “It was the fact that I had a cohort of people who supported me. I wasn’t doing this alone.”
Her commitment to special education is deeply personal. “I had an uncle who spent time in group homes and wasn’t treated as a human,” she said. “And early in my career, I worked with students with disabilities. I saw myself in them. I saw how the system wasn’t built for them. I wanted to be a part of changing that.”
Since graduating, Alvarez has continued working in Bloomington Public Schools, now as a licensed educator. She also returned to Normandale as a mentor, speaking to current students about her journey.
Program staff say this cycle of graduates returning as mentors is exactly what they hope to see. “It’s about building a network,” Chan said. “Students supporting students. Teachers supporting future teachers.”
In total, the SpedUP program has graduated nine stu-
dents so far, with more expected to join the ranks in 2025. Certify has also seen growing enrollment, and spots remain open for the upcoming year.
Alvarez said she’s proud to be part of the small, but growing, community of Black educators in Minnesota.
“I’ve been reflecting a lot about Brown v. Board of Education, and how Black teachers were displaced,” she said. “Now we’re in this moment where we’re so needed, not just for Black students, but for all students.”
She added: “When I show up, I show up as me. I wear sneakers and jeans. I have tattoos. I listen to hip hop... But I’m also a scholar. I’m an educator. And I want every young person to know — you can be all of that too.”
For more information, visit www.normandale.edu/academics.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses
Alvarez’s journey to that moment was anything but traditional. “I always had this desire to go back and finish,” she said. “I wanted to make myself proud. I wanted to break generational curses.”
After enrolling at Normandale right out of high school with plans to study criminal justice, Alvarez took a break to raise her first child. She began working in Minnesota schools as a paraprofessional, a role she held for several years. But she wanted more: more opportunities, more impact, and more support for students who often go unseen.
That path led her to SpedUP.
Launched three years ago, SpedUP is part of Normandale’s Education Pathways de-
partment, which also includes Certify, a program designed to support Black men entering the teaching profession. Together, the programs seek to address two urgent gaps in Minnesota’s education system: the shortage of special education teachers, and the lack of racial representation among educators.
“Less than 6% of teachers in Minnesota identify as people of color,” said Kenny Chan, the SpedUP program coordinator and a former special education teacher. “That means many students will go through their entire education without seeing themselves reflected in the front of the classroom.”
Both SpedUP and Certify provide wraparound support: paid tuition, mentoring, life
coaching, and cohort-based learning. That model is key to success for many students who are balancing full-time jobs, family obligations, and the demands of college.
“We really want to support the entire student,” said Jeremy McNamara, director of Education Pathways at Normandale. “They’re workers, they’re parents, and they’re coming back to school to make a difference in their communities.”
The college has focused on building partnerships with area districts, including Edina Public Schools and Intermediate District 287. Both districts have received state Grow Your Own grants to help support employees seeking licensure. Eleven educators from those schools are now enrolled in
the SpedUP program.
SpedUP students also receive professional development throughout the year, including workshops on microaggressions, resume writing, mock interviews, and financial literacy. Chan and McNamara said the program’s offerings are shaped by direct student feedback and updated annually.
“We really listen to what our students tell us they need,” McNamara said. “That feedback is helping us shape the future of the program.”
Alvarez said it was that support that helped her power through the challenges of balancing her job, parenting responsibilities, and college coursework.
“It wasn’t just that tuition
SpedUP graduate Leticia Alvarez with her husband and two sons.
Leticia Alvarez
Why an Iran/U.S. war should concern Black folk
By Aswad Walker
Black folk should most definitely view a potential US/Iran war with deep concern because bombs are “colorblind.”
In other words, any smoke Iran has for the U.S. will hurt us all.
And how did we get here? How did we come to a point where the U.S. is flirting with provoking another world war by bombing Iran?
Potential war
Well, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, for roughly 30 years, attempted to get U.S. presidents to join him and his crew in a war against Iran. For 30 years, Netanyahu has told U.S. presidents the same thing: Iran is just years away, maybe months away, maybe just weeks away from having all the materials needed to create an entire arsenal of atomic and/or nuclear weapons.
Another way of looking at that is to say Netanyahu has been lying his butt off for 30 years, but no U.S. presidents fell for the okey-doke. Until now.
And of all the countries in the “Middle East” that the U.S. makes a habit of belittling and threatening, Iran ain’t the one. They may or may not have all the firepower Netanyahu has sworn up and down (since 1995) they were two weeks away from building. But what-
Continued from page 10
ever they have, they will bring it. And again, Blackfolk can’t sit on the sidelines with this issue. Because bombs (and/or all forms of political and military violence) are “colorblind.”
Panther Party, chairman of the Illinois chapter and head of the Chicago chapter.
Black
folks take note: It’s not just about immigrants
By ReShonda Tate
Let me just say it plainly: Black folks can’t sit this immigration fight out. Not now. Not ever. I know we’re tired. Tired of carrying movements, of being the moral compass of the country, of fighting for justice that never seems to swing our way. I get it.
We’re tired of the headlines, the hashtags, the heartbreak. And maybe you’re tempted to sit this one out — to let others carry the load, to sit on the rooftop with your sweet tea while immigration battles rage on below.
But if we think we can watch from the sidelines while ICE raids snatch up our brown neighbors, let me be clear: That same system is already coming for us, too.
is built on anti-Blackness.
According to the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, over a quarter of Black adult U.S. citizens do not have a driver’s license with their current name or address. Nearly one in five don’t have a license at all. And in a country where the line between “undocumented” and “unverified” is getting blurrier by the day, what do you think happens when a Black person can’t immediately prove their citizenship?
This is not just about immigrants. This is about state power and who it decides to target.
They get detained. Deported. Disappeared.
At least… kinda.
Color-coded violence
Because truth be told, historically, global and domestic conflicts disproportionately impact people of color, with race often central to their genesis and execution. White supremacist ideologies inherently escalate tensions, readily advocating for “war” against non-white communities (Black, Latino and Asian) far more frequently and aggressively.
And if you go beyond these American shores, bombings, coups, military overthrows and invasions have visited country after country, nation after nation, of predominantly Black, Latino and Asian peoples.
And U.S. global conflicts have impacted Black folk and other folks of color more than others in other ways. It’s we who have made up the majority of frontline troops — the ones most in harm’s way. And it’s been Black veterans who were least likely to access GI benefits in the war’s aftermath.
All that being said, it’s still
This country has always been quicker to pull the trigger on political/military violence against Black folk.
Pick a year. Pick a decade. Pick a century. This country has always been quicker to pull the trigger on political/ military violence against Black folk. The easy examples are Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, Florida’s Rosewood, and Arkansas’s Elaine, AK Massacre.
But don’t forget the MOVE bombing in Philly in 1985. Or the assault on the Black Panther leadership, including the Dec. 4, 1969 assassination of Fred Hampton, deputy chairman of the National Black
hadn’t determined how long Lewis’ rehab with the Saints will last before he is called back up. “They don’t let you out to
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very true that if attacks from other countries target U.S. soil, those bombs won’t care if your people are the descendants of the once all-Black Seneca Village (now NYC’s Central Park) or generational residents of Stone Mountain, GA (the once heart of the Confederacy). We will all feel the heat.
And for what?
This piece was originally published in Word in Black. For more information, visit www.wordinblack.com.
play games unless you’re pretty darn close or feeling 100%,” explained Lewis, who told us that he “feels good.”
Since back in St. Paul, Lewis has been inserted in the Saints’ lineup at DH. “I treat DHing like I am a fan — I’m watching the game and watching every pitch,” he continued. “I want to play of course, but they are doing what’s right and best for me to keep me safe. I know I’ve been running really well and taking my at-bats seriously, trying to work on some things specific to timing.”
“To me a DH is like an off day, except you just do the fun part and just go hit,” said Lewis, who last Sunday played third base for the first time during his rehab stint. “I think they are going to wait and see how the body responds and go from there,” Lewis, who turned 24 on June 5, pointed out.
The Twins on May 24 held a Royce Lewis bobblehead night at the ballpark, the first of two such nights that honors the team’s Black players. Byron Buxton will have his bobblehead available on July 12.
It’s coming in the form of racial profiling, flawed facial recognition algorithms, and government databases riddled with errors. It’s coming with militarized raids that don’t ask about citizenship status before they knock down your door.
It’s coming through the same systemic pipeline that has always criminalized Black and brown bodies. Immigration enforcement may be the tip of the spear, but the whole sword
There are documented cases — plural — of Black American citizens being held in ICE detention centers, some for weeks, some for months. Some had birth certificates in hand. It didn’t matter. Their skin, their names and their neighborhoods were deemed “suspicious.” And if we think that can’t happen to us or our loved ones, we’re already in danger. This is not just about immigrants. This is about state
power and who it decides to target. The same ICE that terrorizes immigrant families will be the same force that justifies expanding surveillance in Black communities. The drones over the border don’t stop at the border. The same predictive policing that flags “high-risk” zip codes already patrols ours. And the normalization of kicking down doors in brown neighborhoods? That’s rehearsal for Black neighborhoods, too. It’s all connected. So no, maybe you don’t go out to the protests. Maybe you don’t chant in the streets or call your senator. But you don’t sit and sip tea either. Not while the smoke rises. Not while state violence becomes more precise, more data-driven and more relentless. We have to show up — not just because it’s right, but because we’re already in the fight whether we admit it or not. Citizenship doesn’t protect us. Birthright doesn’t shield us. And silence won’t save us.
If they can come for them, they can — and will — come for us.
This piece was originally published in the Houston Defender. For more information, visit defendernetwork.com.
Why Black fathers must speak up about autism
By Anthony Tilghman
As a Black father, I’ve worn many titles — provider, protector, community leader, mentor. But none has shaped me more than being “Dad” to my daughter Amari, who was diagnosed with autism.
When I first heard the word autism associated with my child, I’ll admit I was overwhelmed. Like many parents, I didn’t fully understand what it meant. I was afraid of what the future might hold. But in the Black community, fear is often met with silence. And silence — especially around disability and mental health — has become a quiet barrier too many families struggle behind.
That’s why I’m speaking out — not just as a father, but as an advocate for our children, for public service education, and for civic engagement rooted in love and leadership.
Black children are too often diagnosed, later misdiagnosed, or outright denied access to the early interventions they need. The reasons are layered — racial disparities in health care, cultural stigma, under-resourced schools, and unconscious bias in medical and educational systems. The
“I love it. Hopefully my family and friends were able to get some, too,” said Lewis. “Any bobblehead with Royce on it is really cool. This one is awesome with the eye black and the royal blue uniform that we have. It’s really cool.” Royce was among several players who participated in an equipment giveaway for local youth, winning the 2024 Carl R. Pohlad Outstanding Community Service Award from the Twins Community Fund Board of Directors. “All
results are heartbreaking. Our children fall through cracks that should never exist.
Even fewer people talk about the role of fathers — especially Black fathers — in this journey. Too often we’re pushed to the margins of the conversation or expected to stay silent. That ends here.
We need to normalize vulnerability in Black men and redefine strength as being fully present for our children.
I’ve sat in countless IEP meetings. I’ve researched therapies, pushed for inclusive classrooms, and sought out the support systems that weren’t readily available. I’ve wiped away tears and celebrated every breakthrough. And in each step, I’ve realized that parenthood is more than presence — it’s informed, engaged leadership. It’s showing up as our child’s strongest advocate.
Through my advocacy, I’ve worked with other families here in Prince George’s County to build community, share knowledge, and empower fathers. But we need more. We
the kids with their big smiles seeing the gloves, the shirts and bubble gum. They came straight from school. They had a great time,” he reported. Lewis looks forward to rejoining the Twins and hopefully finishing the season healthy. “I will be better off for it in the long run,” he concluded.
It’s official
The University of St. Thomas is officially a full Division I institution after a vote by the NCAA Division Board of Di-
need a cultural shift — one that recognizes neurodiversity, reduces stigma, and promotes civic participation among parents and caregivers.
We need to normalize vulnerability in Black men and redefine strength as being fully present for our children. And we need policy. We need paid family leave, inclusive classrooms, early intervention access, and increased funding for special education — especially in underserved communities where disparities are most pronounced
These aren’t just family issues — they are issues of public leadership. They are the foundations of building future leaders through involvement, advocacy and education.
Our children deserve more than awareness — they deserve action. And our fathers deserve to be seen, heard and supported — not shamed or silenced.
Autism is not a tragedy. Silence is.
Let’s talk. Let’s act. Let’s lead.
This piece was originally published in Black Press USA. For more information, visit www. blackpressusa.com.
rectors that the St. Paul school has officially completed its reclassification process, school officials announced last week.
“We are proud to have them as a full member and look forward to all their teams being eligible to compete at Summit League and NCAA Championships in 2025-26,” said Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton in a released statement.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
VIEW
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wide net and interviewing a multitude of different people to find the best possible fit for that team,” ESPN analyst
Andraya Carter told the MSR before the season. “I hope that it includes Black women and that they get their fair shot to show why they would be great for that role.”
Seattle this season boasts the league’s only all-Black female coaching staff: Assistant Coach Ebony Hoffman,
WILLIAMS
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the demand [of the position].
“But once she went to Chicago, Cheryl saw it,” said Don as he pointed to her only season with the Sky, where Williams started all 40 games at PG, averaged a career-high 6.3 assists, and finished fourth in the league in assists. “Her true nature is point guard. Man, that’s in her DNA.”
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pointed out. “I ended up doing a lot of physical therapy, and I fell in love with the physical rehabilitation process, so I changed my major to exercise science. When I graduated, I took a year off.
“I actually applied to physical therapy school, made my deposit, and moved back home to Tennessee,” she continued. “I was ready to go to school when I got this phone call about the assistant coaching job at Sacred Heart.”
After a year as assistant coach, Sloan now leads her own program.
“If I’m being honest, I haven’t even seen it as a challenge for me” as a first-time head coach.
a former player, and former two-time W head coach Pokey Chatman, who is associate head coach and assistant general manager. Finally, we are unabashedly rooting for success for Quinn, now in her fifth season. “Shout out to my organization for the support and encouragement and getting behind me as a young leader,” concluded the soft-spoken Quinn, “giving me an opportunity to continue to grow in this role.”
Augsburg football gets first Black coach KiJuan Wade last week
“Everybody looks at offense, that jumper and everything. I like defense when she can stop somebody from going off.”
Asked what brings him so much joy watching his daughter play, Don said, “She come out and hit that baby J. That’s like euphoric. And the biggest one is her defense: “When she slapped somebody’s ball [away], that really gets me going,” he said proudly.
“Everybody looks at of-
“I know I had to keep my eyes and my ears open… I wanted to make sure [her first HC job] would be the perfect job for me, so I wasn’t in a hurry.
“I loved coaching there,” she said of her time at Sacred Heart, “and it was a great first coaching experience. When I saw this program at Delaware State, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be one of the first women’s wrestling coaches at an HBCU. Getting the opportunity to be a part of this was something that I knew I couldn’t pass up.”
Once again, Sloan is making history, this time as a Black female head wrestling coach.
“I want to make sure that I extend my gratitude to Delaware State University administration for seeing me fit for
was named the new Augsburg head football coach. He was a defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator (2022-23) and was Macalester interim head football coach in 2021. He was hired by Amy Cooper, who was named athletic director and began June 1.
Both Wade and Cooper are the school’s first Blacks to hold their current positions and will be separately featured in future MSR editions.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
fense, that jumper and everything. I like defense when she can stop somebody from going [off].”
It’s been a couple of months since Don and Courtney premiered their co-hosted podcast, “Courtney’s Daddy & Her.” “We still got some [episodes] in the chamber we ain’t put out yet,” concluded Courtney’s dad.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
this position,” said Sloan. “I also want to express my gratitude to HBCU Wrestling. They made a huge donation to launch this program.”
The new Hornets head coach said she can’t wait to get her program off and running, building a foundation of success. Building a winning program from scratch, surmised Sloan, “ranks really high” on her legacy resume.
“I never would have thought that my career would evolve into this. Of course I wanted to make my family proud, and I’m still doing so in this position. I think it’ll sink in the first time I have all of my studentathletes in place, our first team meeting together.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
SLOAN
Twins’ Lewis takes injury in stride
oyce Lewis hopes to be back with the Minnesota Twins as soon as this week. He was assigned to the St. Paul Saints last week on Major League Rehab Assignment for the second time this season.
“If it was up to me,” Lewis told the MSR last Saturday before he was scheduled to bat leadoff and DH in the first game of the doubleheader against Louisville, “I would’ve been playing on Tuesday when I got activated against the Mariners [earlier in the week].”
The fourth-year pro has been sidelined much of this season, first with a bad left hamstring strain, which he then reinjured again when he
returned to action in May, getting placed on the 10-day injured list since June 15. When healthy, Lewis is a top hitter and solid infielder, but sadly the California native has yet to play a full season since he was brought up to the parent club in 2022. Lewis is the Twins’ all-time leader in home runs through his first 100 career games, and tied for second all-time in postseason HRs (4).
“Nobody wants to be hurt. Unfortunately, I have been that guy.”
“Nobody wants to be hurt. Unfortunately, I have been that guy,” admitted Lewis. The Twins as of press time
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Sports
Coaching While Black
This occasional series will highlight Black coaches at all levels of sport. This week: Why aren’t there more Black WNBA women head coaches?
oelle Quinn is the only Black woman head coach in the majorityBlack women-led WNBA this season. Just two years ago, half of the then-12-team W had Black head coaches. This season there are only three, with Quinn having the league’s longest tenure as a Black HC since 2021 .
Earlier this season, Quinn became the 22nd-winningest coach in the league with over 80 career wins. A former player, she was promoted to her current role after two seasons as associate HC (2020-21), and after she joined the staff as an assistant in 2019, a year after she retired after 11 pro seasons in 2018, playing her final season on Seattle’s 2018 WNBA title.
I first met Quinn the day she was drafted by Minnesota fourth overall in 2007, and we have talked ever since during her two seasons with the Lynx, as well as at her other stops in Los Angeles, Washington, Phoenix, and two stints in Seattle.
Quinn is only the 19th Black woman to hold a W head coaching job. She is the
CourtneyWilliams’ biggest fan is her dad
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
on Williams this season has become a fan favorite at Minnesota Lynx home games. He stands tall, proud, and sometimes loud, cheering for both the team and for his daughter Courtney Williams.
“I’m a father that’s doing fatherly things,” Williams told the MSR referring to a June 21 local newspaper article published about him and Courtney, the Lynx’s starting point guard. He stands out in the crowd as he wears a replica team jersey with her number 10 on the front and his daughter’s name on the back, unabashedly rooting for her and her teammates.
Photos by Charles Hallman
Black women losing ground as WNBA head coaches
Storm’s first Black HC, and led the team to the first-ever Commissioner Cup in 2021, her first season at the helm.
“I think it was a great honor to lead this team and represent Black women,” said Quinn before the Storm at Lynx regular season game on May 25. “I think representation matters.”
Journalist Jemele Hill recently joined so many of us Black journalists asking why aren’t there more Black head coaches when over 75% of the league’s players are Black. It is a subject that too often is tap danced around whenever we ask league officials.
Hill last week, on her weekly YouTube podcast, asked why there is only one Black female HC in the league.
Journalist Tamryn Spruill
wrote in a “Deadspin” article that although there have been more women than men as W head coaches, barely over 21% of the league head coaches historically have been Black women.
“In the WNBA, Black women are institutionally denied opportunities to grow and develop the teams in their charge.”
“The WNBA’s 12 franchises demonstrated…that they cannot be trusted to implement inclusive, equity-based hiring practices in this area. In the WNBA, Black women are institutionally denied opportunities to grow and develop the teams in their charge.
“White women average 4.4 years in WNBA head coaching positions,” added Spruill. “Black women…average just 2.5 [years].”
Look at these recent examples: Teresa Weatherspoon, who was hired by Chicago in 2023 and fired after the end of the 2024 season, lasted only one season. Atlanta fired Tanisha Wright, a former W player, after three seasons last year. She is now an assistant with the Chicago Sky.
Another former player, Vickie Johnson, was twice a W head coach (2017 in San Antonio and 2021-22 in Dallas) and subsequently fired from both jobs.
“I certainly hope when W teams are finding new head coaches, they are casting a
Wrestling champ surprised to find herself coaching — and loving it
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
elaware State announced last November that women’s wrestling was added to its athletics program. Last month Kenya Sloan was announced as the program’s first head coach.
“I was the assistant coach at Sacred Heart University, which is one of only six Divi-
“What’s so neat about our sport right now is it’s growing so fast.”
Overall, there are nearly 150 women’s wrestling programs across the three NCAA divisions, NAIA and NJCAA, and eight DI wrestling clubs. Over 1,200 women are com-
sity, where she was a team captain and two-time NAIA All-American and won the 2022 NAIA National Championship as a 155-pounder.
She earned her degree in exercise science and educational ministries, and later her certification as a strength therapist and physical therapy technician. But Sloan quickly pointed out that she didn’t see herself as a coach.
Courtney Williams
“I don’t know what the big deal is,” said Don after a recent Minnesota win, between saying hello to everyone who passed him by, whether he knew them or not. “I don’t know why people like me,” he added, smiling. “Somehow I just feel like I’m doing what’s natural. And it’s astounding to me — this is natural.”
For as long as Courtney has been hoopin,’ Don has been in the stands cheering her on, and whenever needed, offering her constructive criticism.
“Ain’t no rehearsing, just being me and loving her, that’s it,” he pointed out.
Courtney’s basketball has taken her from high school growing up in Florida, to South Florida in college, and throughout her 10 WNBA seasons, which began in Phoenix, then flourished in Connecticut, and later made a surprising position change in Chicago two seasons ago. She’s now in her second summer in Minnesota, having signed as a free agent during the 2024 off-season.
And her father has been with her all the way.
“We like Minnesota and all the people in Minnesota, and Cheryl [Reeve, Minnesota head coach,]” Don reiterated. Courtney has been starting
at point guard since joining the Lynx. Along with her on-court energy and spunk, she is a big shot artist.
“A lot of people look at that jump shot,” explained Don. “But they don’t look at her defense. Her defense is tremendous, top notch. She can cover any player, and when she do it, she do it good. That’s the little thing that I look at more, and free throws,” stressed her father.
During a 2024 MSR interview, Courtney wanted not to be called a point guard, even though her on-court play belies her protestation. Don said when told this he wouldn’t agree with her at all.
“Being a point guard has always took everything out of her, so when she got to college and she can move to the ‘2’, she did it because she wanted to be a scorer,” he stressed. “I always knew she was a point guard, but she didn’t want to be a point guard because of
sion I women’s wrestling programs in the country,” said Sloan in a recent MSR phone interview. “What’s so neat about our sport right now is it’s growing so fast. I’m pretty sure at the high school level, women’s wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.”
peting in college. The Knoxville native was Tennessee’s first four-time female high school wrestling champion (87-0), the nation’s top wrestler in her weight class (180 pounds). Sloan then went on to wrestle in college at Campbellsville (Ky.) Univer-
“Even from the time I was young,” she recalled, “I didn’t know what I thought I would do. Even going into college, I thought I would go into business. My father works in business, and I always looked up to him in his career.
“I was double majoring in business administration and then educational ministries.
[Then] I had an injury in college that made me kind of reassess my options,” Sloan
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Palmer McDonald’s
Scene’ will return next week.
Royce Lewis Photo by Charles Hallman
Noelle Quinn Photos by Charles Hallman Pokey Chatman
Mitchell
‘Prep
Kenya Sloan Photo courtesy of Threads