March 7, 2019 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

March 7-13, 2019 Vol. 85 No. 31 www.spokesman-recorder.com

PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934

MN police brutality gets national BET exposure

See more Kingdom of Hayti on pg 7

Twilight reflections of a Rondo native son

By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

part documentary highlights stories of leaders, advocates and change agents in six citBET’s new docuseries is ies across the country. In addishining a national spotlight on tion to police violence, episodes the Twin Cities. The network’s cover such glaring racial issues Finding Justice series is set to air in Black communities as voter a special episode on police bru- suppression and the school-totality featuring commentary prison pipeline. The other five from a broadcast on communi- featured cities include Tampa, ty radio station KMOJ 89.9FM. St. Louis, Los Angeles, BaltiExecutive produced by more and Atlanta. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Last November, BET and Dream Hampton, the six- brought its cameras and crew By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

to KMOJ to document a special broadcast of KMOJ’s Community Values Conversations hosted by veteran activist Al Flowers, Jr. The broadcast featured members of Minneapolis’ Procedural Justice Team, who are part of a program spawned by the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice from President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. Among the team’s members ■ See BET on page 5

Melvin Whitfield Carter, Jr. went from heading down a dead-end path in his youth to becoming a 28-year St. Paul police veteran. He also built a rich family legacy challenging racism and segregation within the police department and becoming the father of St. Paul’s first Black mayor. His memoir, Diesel Heart (Minnesota Historical Society Press), captures how the former wayward hellraiser transitioned to a leader serving his community. Native to St. Paul’s historic Rondo district, during the 1950s and ‘60s he witnessed the destruction of his neighborhood and family home with the construction of the I-94 freeway corridor. The spirited teenager — who lived under the shadow of his father, famed Twin Cities jazz musician Melvin Carter — was good with his fists and ran the streets with abandon. Then he found himself in the middle of a home robbery that did not go well. It proved to be his crossroad. He joined the Navy, where he boxed. Later, the St. Paul police force provided more than a job. It was his chance to do some good for himself and others. He also founded Save Our Sons, a nonprofit which mentors and supports at-risk African American youngsters. Carter’s frank, fluidly articulate, refreshingly down-to-earth, shoot-from-the-hip mainfesto not only chronciles his reformation, but also a different perspective on racism as an affirmative action

Melvin Whitfield Carter, Jr. is a 28-year St. Paul Police Department veteran hire: “policing while Black.” “As a one-man squad, I could only count on backup when about three White officers were on the same shift,” he writes in the book. “Some guys called for backup at parking meter violations. But I’d get dispatched to violent domestics-in-progress, some of the most dangerous calls we had, and be all alone.” ■ See CarTEr on page 5

Finding hope, help for women after incarceration By Paige Elliott Digital Editor “I got what I needed,” said Natalie Pollard after attending Sister Spokesman’s “New Beginnings: Life After Incarceration” discussion. She had left work and rushed over to the March 2 event on a mission to gather info for herself and other women transitioning from incarceration. “It was wonderful to be able to briefly share my story,” added Pollard, “and me being formerly incarcerated getting information that I didn’t know — it was phenomenal.” As Pollard confided to attendees gathered at the Minneapolis Urban League, because of her abrupt release from prison, she missed much of the pre-release, transitional information that was shared with attendees by panelist Guy Bosch, associate warden at Shakopee Correctional Facility. “I was in an abusive relationship and I had an abusive boyfriend,” Pollard explained during the discussion. “One

Photos by Steve Floyd

Natalie Pollard shares her story with attendees night he broke into my house and attacked me and I defended myself. And as a result, he passed away. So they charged me with his death; I was also pregnant with his child…” Pollard went on to share that after she filed an appeal and got a second-degree murder without intent conviction overturned. However, Ramsey County wanted to retry her case. So, to avoid “going to trial again and possibly

getting more time and [being] away from my children, I took a plea deal... second-degree

Pollard and panelist Cecelia Viel, who was also formerly incarcerated, offered attendees a glimpse into the harsh realities women must navigate upon release from prison. How does one stay afloat among a sea of “no’s” county wanted to terminate when applying for jobs, housher parental rights, she trans- ing, or trying to reconnect ferred custody of her kids to with a family torn apart by her parents. To get them back, prolonged absence? “I needed some support she’ll need stable housing and in trying to reunite with my employment. ing an interstate truck driving trade, she also revealed that she’s homeless. Because the

“Be the first person to give them a chance.” manslaughter,” said Pollard. She was released from Shakopee Correctional Facility in Oct. of 2017 and is on parole until June. Although Pollard is employed and is learn-

family and with kids,” admitted Viel, now the executive director of the StartANew organization. “Because I had been gone for over three years...I needed to get back to being Mom. That was a hard one.” It’s not that there aren’t resources available for formerly incarcerated women. In some cases, the information just isn’t getting out to those who need it when they need it. “I feel like a lot of people don’t know about the resources available to them when they’re transitioning,” said panelist Betalham Benti, a reentry counselor at Goodwill Easter Seals. “And it’s very critical to do the work and to get the word out there as much as possible so people have an outlet.” The event’s panelists laid out the various programs and resources offered in prison and outside — from transitional fairs and GED and college courses in prison to assistance with license reinstatement, ■ See Finding hopE on page 5

BLACK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

ANGIE’S HATS We caught up with Sandifer in her sixth-floor Lowertown studio filled with hats In the heart of Saint Paul’s and millinery equipment to art district sits a distinctive talk inspiration, the creation shop where milliner An- process, and her vision for the gie Hall Sandifer makes hats. future. Founded in 2006, her namesake brand Angie’s Hats has MSR: How did you learn how grown from a class project af- to make hats? ter getting laid off to an inter- Angie Hall Sandifer: There national business, supplying was nobody [locally] to teach custom-fitted creations to hat me, so someone recommendlovers all over the world. ed that I work at the Guthrie Her hats are flashy, extrava- in the costume department. gant, and one-of-a-kind. They [Then] I ended up finding a speak to the rich traditions of master milliner in North CaroBlack women and their cov- lina. I had private lessons with eted church hats as well as her, [but] when I came back, I women all over the world was [still] clueless. I kept pracclamoring for crowning looks ticing and one day some real at the Kentucky Derby. hats started showing up!

By Chris Juhn Editorial Intern

MSR: How did a class project inspire your business? AHS: I grew up in the South and I was a Baptist. My mother wore hats, my grandmother wore hats, my father wore caps. He liked seeing us in hats, so that whole church hat thing was an inspiration for me. I love hats, I never thought I would be making them, but it worked out and I found my passion. MSR: What kind of hats do you make? AHS: I started out with just basic hats — mostly church hat styles. But, as the years went by, I’ve gotten a little bit more creative. Now I do Kentucky Derby hats, as well.

Angie Hall Sandifer Photos by Chris Juhn MSR: The Kentucky Derby MSR: That’s pretty intense. is in May. How long does it What’s the process like? AHS: There are different take to make a hat? AHS: Probably a week, at ways to make hats. Sometimes I use fabric, somemost. times it’s straw, etc… I make

them the old-fashioned way — wood blocks, steam, wire, those sorts of things. A lot of people think that you just buy a mold and add things, ■ See BBS on page 5

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March 7-13, 2019

State’s first teachers’ union celebrates a century of education activism

St. Paul Federation of Educators new logo

Striking teachers in 1946 Photo courtesy of St. Paul Federation of Educators

By Kay Robinson Contributing Writer

M

innesota’s first teachers’ union just turned 100 years old. The organization marked its anniversary last Friday, March 1 at a special celebration which included unveiling a new name — The St. Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE) — and a new logo. Formerly known as the St. Paul Federation of Teachers, the union local changed its name to reflect the organization’s desire to be more representative of its membership. The nearly 4,000-member union not only has an active teacher membership, but also includes educational professionals and assistants and other licensed staff. The SPFE launched in 1918 as the Saint Paul Women’s Federation of Teachers, Local 28. It merged with the men’s local in 1957 and has continued to make history during its longstanding tenure. Members organized the first teachers’ strike in 1946, when it was illegal for public workers to do so. The nearly sixweek strike demanded equity in

pay for women, smaller class sizes, and textbooks for all students. They won. The union local negotiated two more near-strikes in1989 and 2018 with renewed demand for school basics, winning more support staff and classroom size limits. Other achievements include securing restorative practices, $15 minimum wages, and professional development. Today, the union local continues the same fight while also advocating for school staffing, resources and equity for the state’s secondlargest school district and one of its most diverse. Seventy-nine percent of students in St. Paul Public Schools are of color; 30 percent are Black. “We look forward to continuing the fight for fully funded, racially equitable schools in the weeks and months ahead,” said SPFE President Nick Faber in a statement. The union also supports the district’s student-led Student Engagement and Advancement Board, which is pushing for a mandatory ethnic studies course for all high school students.

The SPFE is also politically active, encouraging its members to participate in local precinct caucuses and become public education delegates. In addition, the SPFE conducts candidate screenings to help better inform the public on their candidates’ stance on education, and they use their influence to influence the general and primary elections. This year, seven St. Paul City Council and four School Board director seats will be on the bal(l-r) Eastern Heights staff Lawren Rohling, Laura Nunez, Robin Gray King, lot. Candidates seeking endorseKatina Edwards and Bernetta Green attending SPFE 100-year celebration ments, such as Anika Bowie and on March 1, 2019 Chauntyll Allen, shared their rePhoto courtesy of Facebook/St. Paul Federation of Educators sponses via questionnaire regarding how they see themselves as “public education champions,” and what they will do to work toCALL FOR SPFE BALLOT APPLICATIONS wards increased school integraThe SPFE Elections Committee is now accepting ballot applications tion and reform policy creation. for the following SPFE seats: President, Secretary, Executive Board, and Regional Labor Federation. Information collected via the appliFor more information and to view cation will be put into a voting guide that will be mailed to all memcandidate questionnaires, visit spft. bers, along with the voting ballot. org. SPFE members seeking to run for one of these positions must complete an online application before the March 22nd deadline. Final Kay Robinson welcomes reader SPFE ballots may be returned via mail or building stewards. The responses to krobinson@spokesmanvoting deadline is April 22, 2019 at 5 pm. recorder.com. For ballot applications, go to bit.ly/spfecandidate2019.

It’s not too late to support your child’s parent advisory council from 5:30 to 8 pm. Dinner and child care are provided. Remaining 2018/2019 Meeting Dates • March 7 • April 11 • May 2 • June 6

Remaining 2018/2019 Meeting Dates • March 15 • May 31

For more information, contact Dana Abrams at 651-767-8394 or dana.abrams@spps.org. Somali Parent Advisory Council The Somali Parent Advisory Council has two more meetings scheduled through the end of the school year at the District Administration Building, located at 360 Colborne

With just a few months left in the current school year, your child can still use your support for not just this year’s, but also next year’s academic success. As noted in previous articles, studies show that your involvement is directly associated with improved student achievement and leadership development. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools host culturally specific councils, including African American-focused, to give parents a voice for change and impact while helping them to learn about district issues, share concerns, and identify solutions. These councils create a direct path for parents to connect with district and school leaders along with other parents. Parents can provide input concerning school-related issues as well as shape and influence district policies and programs, and they can advocate for issues vital to the success of schools, youth and families in their community. Below is a listing of the remaining meeting dates for both Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools’ councils.

2018/2019 Meeting Dates • March 28 • April 25 • May 30 For more information, contact Charisma Smith at 612-668-2096 or charisma.smith@ mpls.k12.mn.us. St. Paul Public Schools Parents of African American Students Advisory Council The Parents of African American Students Advisory Council meetings are hosted monthly at the District Administration Building, located at 360 Colborne Street,

For more information, contact Mohamed Hadi at 651-744-8299 —Information provided by Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools.

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Minneapolis Public Schools Black Parents’ Advisory Council The Black Parents’ Advisory Council meets the last Thursday of the month at the Davis Center located at 1250 West Broadway Avenue in Room S1-433. All meetings take place 6-8 pm. Refreshments, transportation and child care are provided.

Street, from 5:30 to 8 pm. Child care and meals are provided by the Office of Family Engagement and Community Partnerships.

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March 7-13, 2019

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Six tips for staying healthy in a world of germs

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD

Dr. Crutchfield, it seems like everyone at work is sick. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick at work?

H

ere are some tips on protecting your health in the workplace in spite of all the germs that may be lurking there. Tip 1: Wash your hands. As you entered your office, you probably touched one of many common surfaces just teeming with germs. These common surfaces include elevator buttons, escalator railings, and door handles. Whenever possible after such contact, wash your hands for 15 seconds with warm, very soapy water. I was at a professional sporting event this weekend and the men’s bathroom was extremely full. I counted 30+ people. I paid very close attention, and half the people did not wash their hands. The ones who did attempt to wash their hands did so in

such a poor manner that they really only wasted their time. Many just splashed or rapidly rinsed their hands under the water for less than five seconds. No soap. It was almost like a theatrical performance or a gesture of washing hands so as not to look bad in front of the other bathroom patrons. They did not engage in a significant, worthwhile, useful handwashing event. Remember, you should engage in at least 13-30 seconds of hand washing with warm, soapy water. True story: When I did wash my hands, I did it properly, and the man behind me commented, “Dude, you’re washing your hands like you’re a doctor!” Wow, did that bring a smile to my face. Also, be sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy. Make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. It can be almost as effective as washing your hands with warm, soapy water. When it comes to your desk, the area is mainly contaminated with your own germs, so they are unlikely to make you sick unless you brought germs in with you (as from doorknobs, elevator buttons) and did not clean your hands. Also if you have other people who may work in your personal work area, like an IT person working on your computer, then you should clean your area. This is best done with commercially available disinfectant wipes. Keep these handy and use daily or whenever someone else works in

your space or uses your computer. Tip 2: Try not to touch your face. This is much easier said than done, but with practice and concentration, you can minimize or decrease how much you touch your face. Studies have shown that most people touch their face 60-100 times per day, and some people even much more. Your hands carry germs, and they can enter your body through your mouth, eyes and nose. Minimizing the number of times you touch your face will minimize how often you get sick. Tip 3: Keep your distance. Maintain a safe distance from your co-workers. You can’t control if your co-workers arrive sick, but you can control the distance between you. Most germs, including the flu virus, are unlikely to spread beyond three feet. For good health, be sure to stay three feet away from coworkers, especially anyone who is sick. Wearing a mask may seem safe, but in most work environments it is not practical. Tip 4: Sneeze into your elbow. In the old days, we were taught that when sneezing we should do so into our hands to prevent propelling germs into an aerosolized cloud that could contaminate those around us. Unfortunately, our hands subsequently touch many surfaces

Photo courtesy Getty like telephones, coffee pot handles, refrigerator door handles, doorknobs, vending machine buttons, etc. Sneezing or coughing into our hands just allowed germs to spread differently, not to mention transmission by shaking hands. Coughs and sneezes should be done into one’s elbow or a tissue. Tip 5: Get vaccinated. Vaccination is one of the best things that you can do for your good health. It protects you and also those around you, including people who can’t get vaccinated, like infants or those with weakened immune systems. Sure, there are all kinds of cold medicines that can make you feel better if you are sick, but the best strategy is to pre-

vent getting sick in the first place. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables that will help boost your immune system — and get vaccinated. Tip 6: If you are sick, stay home. You will recover faster at home and not spread your illness to your co-workers. The rule of thumb is that if you have a fever, do not go to work. If you are ill but not feverish and can work, this is the one time to wear a mask and keep your distance from coworkers. Remember, you can’t completely eliminate getting sick at work, but you can do many things to minimize your risk of getting sick that will protect both you and your coworkers.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He also has a private practice in Eagan, MN. He received his M.D. and Master’s Degree in molecular biology and genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. Dr. Crutchfield was recognized by Minnesota Medicine as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. He is the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx. Dr. Crutchfield is also an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations, and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians.

Post-traumatic growth: How adversity can make you stronger A few coping strategies that I recommend practicing are learning Cognitive Behavior Techniques (CBT), practicing mindfulness exercises, and physical activity. Find a therapist or other resources in CBT that will assist you with getting your thoughts and emotions together and aligned. Mindfulness exercises allow you to give your mind a rest. Physical activity provides you with the ability to maintain good health while instilling better habits in your life. Post-traumatic growth does not occur without you taking action. Sometimes taking the initial

Meditation is a coping strategy that can give your mind a rest. Photo by Keegan Houser on Unsplash Adversity and trauma come with significant consequences, many of which are negative. However, it may be possible to heal and strive beyond your trauma. Many people have observed and experienced significant growth and development after unfortunate suffering, trauma and pain. What if survivors of traumatic events not only can heal from their trauma, but may actually grow into stronger, more driven, and more resilient people because of their trauma?

is not a place that should cripple one or stunt our ability to move forward. It can actually be an opportunity to inform ourselves, empower ourselves, and overcome the trauma we have experienced.

The importance of coping skills We will struggle to overcome any traumatic situation without the appropriate coping skills. Many of us do not learn coping skills as we grow up. Brandon Jones Coping skills are not a requirement in school, and in most families and communities we are often not taught what we can do to feel better in the face of adversity. What is post-traumatic growth? When we do learn various methods to deal Post-traumatic growth or resilience is positive psychological change experienced as a result of with our trouble and pain, we typically learn adversity and other challenges in order to rise to a these things through observation. We rarely get a higher level of functioning. Ultimately, post-trau- clear explanation of to us why we should do this matic growth highlights the benefits of emotion- and what it will do for us. Coping skills need to al growth, stronger relationship bonds, and a dif- be intentional in order for them to have the kind ferent perspective on life. These three things do of impact that leads to resiliency and empowernot happen without effort. These benefits are not ment. guarantees, but they are possibilities. Do not allow trauma to hold you back Ultimately, trauma does not need to defeat or How does one grow from trauma? Understanding that this ability to transform define you. It may be a reality in your life. It may your pain into power is possible is an important have been a significant factor in the decisions you element that contributes to fostering hope and have made. It may still have an active role in your opportunity. The trauma that people experience daily experience. However, it does not have to dedoes affect our emotions, thoughts and actions. termine who you are as a person. Too often, this impact results in unhealthy and Much of the adversity that people experience is harmful outcomes. However, this is not always the case. Some- devastating. Yet being a survivor of the situation times individuals are left at a point of uncertain- is often itself a sign of resilience. ty and emptiness. This uncertainty or emptiness Coping strategies

JEGNA

step is the hardest. You must have faith in yourself and a desire to change for your healing journey to begin. Brandon Jones, M.A. is a mental health practitioner. He welcomes reader responses to Brandon@jegnainstitute.com or follow him on Twitter @UniversalJones.

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March 7-13, 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.

Why are you paying more in taxes than Amazon and Netflix? By Morris Pearl Guest Commentator This tax season, millions of Americans will be receiving smaller refunds from the IRS — or worse, a bill. At the same time, two of the most profitable companies in the country are not only avoiding paying taxes altogether, but one is receiving a federal rebate check of hundreds of millions of dollars. Both corporations and individuals are subject to federal income taxes. For those individuals who earn their money through work, the rates are anywhere from 10 to 37 percent. For those of us who live off investment income, marginal tax rates are zero percent, 15 percent and 20 percent (this sucks too, but I’ll get into that at another time).

these options. For example, say two years ago (when the stock price was $140), the company issued stock options with an exercise price of $140. Let’s say that now, the stock price is $340, and employees cash in their options. The company issues them shares of stock, and the company gets a tax deduction of $200 per share even though the company does not actually have any cash expenses (on a cash basis, the company is actually up $140 per share). In fact, for financial accounting purposes, the company only has the much smaller expense of the value of the option at the time it is granted. Netflix did the same, as well as something even more ridiculous. To lower their tax contribution, Netflix claimed a number of research and development (R&D) credits. This credit doesn’t just mean that research is deductible (like any other expense), but

There’s no reason why two extremely successful companies have lower effective tax rates than the average middle-class American, but here we are. On the other hand, the corporate tax rate is 21 percent. It would be reasonable to assume that companies like Amazon and Netflix would pay 21 percent — or at least close to that figure — after applying deductions and other tax credits. This has not been the case. From 2012 to 2017, Amazon paid federal income tax at an average rate of 11.4 percent on over $8 billion in profits, almost half the highest marginal tax rate for corporations now and less than one-third the marginal tax rate for corporations before 2018, which was 35 percent. In both 2017 and 2018, the company paid $0, and this year, the company will be receiving a $129 million rebate. Netflix didn’t pay much more, either. The streaming service paid $0 in tax in 2017, and their tax rate was 1 percent for 2018. This is despite Netflix boasting 139 million paying subscribers in 2018, with a profit of about $845 million. Unfortunately, this is a longstanding problem with the tax code; not simply a result of Republicans’ Tax Cuts and Jobs Act going into effect. In 2017, after raking in $5.6 billion in U.S, profits, Amazon paid $0 in federal income tax. They achieved this zerodollar tax bill in part by claiming tax credits for executive stock options. These companies get a tax deduction when people with stock options exercise

that (for the eligible R&D costs) the federal government actually pays 100 percent of the costs one of two ways. A company can either take 100 percent of the eligible R&D costs and deduct it from whatever they owe or have it added to their refund. Interestingly, in all of the discussions of that credit that I read, members of Congress were always talking about inventing lifesaving drugs to cure cancer or something similar. I never heard anyone discuss the need for taxpayers to pay for research into making better recommendations for what shows you might like to stream, but alas. Obviously, Netflix’s effective tax rate of 1 percent is fundamentally unfair, and Amazon getting a refund is absurd. But, after Republicans’ tax overhaul in late 2017, one can be sure their tax rate is lower than that of middle-class Americans is now absolutely by design and not a mistake. There’s no reason why two extremely successful companies have lower effective tax rates than the average middle-class American, but here we are. Morris Pearl is a former managing director at BlackRock, Inc., and Chair of the Patriotic Millionaires.

A Tale of Two Crises: Venezuela and Trump Through My Eyes The Minneapolis Story Continues By Ron Edwards Contributing Commentator With soaring disease, hunger, and mass emigration, Venezuela is experiencing its worst socio-economic crisis in history. As I predicted a month ago, conflict, violence, and death have further erupted along the Venezuela-Colombia border. No one knows the true casualty figures, although foreign news media are indicating it is, so far, a small number of persons shot and killed. Along the Venezuela-Brazil border, large caravans of trucks with food and medicine from the United Nations’ World Health Organization for the people of Venezuela have been halted and prevented from entering by selfproclaimed leader Arturo Maduro. The U.S., most Latin American countries, and key European countries do not even recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. The Trump Administration assured the American public and the rest of the world that the Venezuelan military would turn on the Maduro regime, causing it to fall. Yet, as of this writing, the Maduro government

still stands. And, as American propaganda is being promoted, Russia, China, and Cuba continue to build fortifications and pour assets into Venezuela in support of Maduro. In the meantime, it is clear to the trained eye that Trump is taking advantage of helpful diversions, including the meetings he had during the week of February 27 in Hanoi, Vietnam with Vietnam’s President Nguyen Phu Trong, and then with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as his upcoming meeting in March at his Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Fla., with Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the new team of Democrats in Congress need to study harder to better understand his playbook. The same disappointment holds regarding America’s Fourth Estate, which has also not figured out the rules of engagement with Trump nor with the special counsel’s playbooks, regarding perceived do’s, don’ts and can’ts. How long will America’s future remain in the hands of those in Congress, whether Democrat or Republican, who continue to act like chil-

dren on a New York city playground? Government — complex and challenging— needs grown-ups to operate with fairness, not just power, in order to maintain equality of opportunity for all (and not just partisan party favorites). We are reminded of the adults like Thurgood Marshall and colleagues who dealt with Jim Crow by avoiding childish fits of violence and keeping their eyes on the prize. When they found the tough task of undoing Jim Crow causing them “distressed moments,” they turned to the single dissent of Justice John Marshall Harlan, a former slave owner. In the “separate but equal” ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson, Harlan “grew up” to write that the Constitution as amended (especially the 14th Amendment), “removed the race line from our governmental systems” and prohibited any arbitrary separation of citizens “on the basis of color.” We urge the elected and appointed officials in Congress and Senate houses to seek that same vision that Thurgood Marshall found in our Constitution. Stay tuned. Ron Edwards is an author and hosts radio and TV shows. Edited for clarity and context.

Pulling back the curtain on legal double standards By Oscar Blayton Contributing Commentator It’s time we stop lying to ourselves. The lying has gone on much too long and every time the lie is repeated, we are all the worse for it. The lie is that in America, everyone is equal under the law. It’s time to pull back the curtain on this lie, but in order to do so, first, we must have an understanding of what ”law” actually is. In its most basic form, “law” is a process of authoritative control whereby certain members of a particular community establish and maintain a specific public order. This definition may seem like a mouthful, but history can help us unpack it. Nazi Germany had anti-Jewish laws, the racist regime of South Africa had apartheid laws and the southern states in this country had Jim Crow laws. The Nazis, the Afrikaners, and the Southern segregationists all had authoritative control over their respective national and state communities. With that control, they each ordered their societies in the manner they desired. In each of these instances, it is not difficult to identify those community members who sought to maintain a specific public order, nor is it difficult to identify the ”specific order” they sought to maintain. For Blacks in South Africa and the segregated southern United States, subjugation was the public order. And in the case of Jews living under Nazi control, it was extermination. For these people, those were the laws. A law need not be just or fair or benign to be the law. Law, like a gun or any other tool, can be used for good or for evil. To disguise the fact that laws can be cruel, unjust and designed to harm certain members of our community, the myth of ”blind justice” was created. It fostered the notion of a fair legal system in America, but observations in most American courtrooms will instruct us that what passes for justice in this country is not color-blind. American laws are written with high-sounding words, full of dignity and sensibility — but words are not deeds. And, as in courtrooms, the long arm of the law, embodied in the form of law enforcement officers, reaches out into the streets and neighborhoods where we witness the double standards that are applied in enforcing our laws written in lofty language. Even though the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ended slavery more

than 150 years ago, people of color are still forced to wear the proverbial shackles of the double standards in our country’s legal system. Bigots and racists use our system of laws and law enforcement to police Black and Brown bodies, making it clear to people of color that we are neither welcome nor expected to ex-

arrest. Black men are subjected to this law at a rate vastly disproportionate to their numbers in the general population. A statewide journalism project in South Carolina titled “TAKEN” reports that while comprising only 13 percent of that state’s population, Black men represent

Bigots and racists use our system of laws and law enforcement to police Black and Brown bodies. ist in White spaces. Ohio maintains a specific public order that allows Whites to walk the streets with automatic rifles unmolested by the police but justifies gunning down a Black man who is purchasing a BB rifle in an open carry state. It also finds no fault in a police officer executing a 12-yearold Black boy for playing with a toy gun in a park. This is the law in Ohio. Many other cities and states maintain a specific public order that targets people of color for fines and the confiscation of property in order to fund local and state governments. Ferguson, Mo. was proven to use the disproportionate levying of fines on people of color to fund their municipal activities. That was the law in Ferguson. South Carolina’s civil forfeiture law allows police to confiscate money and property from people merely suspected of having committed a crime. This is often done without a trial, and in some instances, without even an

65 percent of all citizens targeted for civil forfeiture. This is still the law in South Carolina. The slave codes, the Fugitive Slave Act, and the Jim Crow laws of years past and the gutting of the Voting Rights Act just a few short years ago are all part of a process of authoritative control by certain community members to establish and maintain a specific public order that keeps people of color in shackles. There are many more laws that do this, but the list is too long to discuss in this short commentary. We must pull back the curtain to determine the true public order purpose of each law governing our lives and to identify those community members who seek to establish and maintain them. Once we do this, then we can ask ourselves, if this is the America we want for ourselves. And if not, what are we going to do about it? Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.

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March 7-13, 2019

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CarTEr

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to box, taught him gun safety. He’d pretty much learned everything I had to teach him by the time he was 14.

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Carter spoke with the MSR, reflecting on the life and times of a Rondo son.

Angie’s Hats celebrates Black style history

Submitted Photo

but that’s not how I do it. You come in for a fitting [and] you find different embellishments, such as ribbon or feathers, and I make the hat. Then you come in for a second fitting to find out if I need to make any adjustments. It’s custom-made to fit your head.

to make hats and sell them locally or in boutiques across the country. MSR: Who is your clientele? AHS: I sell church hats to a lot of women going to weddings in Europe because hats are customary there. But my busy season is the Kentucky Derby.

MSR: Do you make men’s hats? AHS: I make fedora-style hats.

MSR: How do you interact with the art community around you in Lowertown and the Twin Cities? AHS: I’ve been a part of the art crawl, and I usually open my studio for it. People are a little bit surprised to see hats, and people are really receptive.

MSR: Where do you draw your inspiration? AHS: Old movies. I just love that era when people got dressed up. They were elegant, they were classy, so that’s kind of my inspiration.

MSR: What has been the most rewarding part of ownMSR: What’s your vision for ing your business? AHS: I used to work with Angie’s Hats? AHS: I want to do more kids through Big Brothshows. I want to get more in- ers, Big Sisters, and I always volved in conferences that used to tell the kids, “The oncome to the Twin Cities and ly career advice you need is become a vendor. My goal to find your passion and folis to have [my hats] in bou- low it.” But I never thought I’d tiques and not sell them on- find my passion — and I did. line. Angie’s Hats is located at 308 Prince Street, Studio 610 MSR: Why not online? AHS: A lot of times we find in St. Paul. The shop is open hats online that are pretty by appointment only. For more and we order them. [We get info, call 651-208-4442 or visit them and] they don’t look angieshats.com. good on us or they don’t fit [well] because a lot of people don’t know what their head size is. So they send them back. I don’t want to get into shipping orders. I just want

MSR: Of course, it’s significant that you’re the father of St. Paul’s first Black mayor. But, what inspired you to document your own history? Melvin Whitfield Carter, Jr.: I’m in my twilight and want to leave the kids with at least one message: There is great value in not self-destructing. I wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer and we’ve seen some of us who’re brilliant fall by the side, who aren’t here anymore. I have what I call survivor’s bewilderment, survivor’s astonishment. The reason I

Continued from page 1

proper identification, clothing, and employment upon release, to name a few. All agreed that successful re-entry largely depends on how

needed to write this story is because I’m allowed to. I’ve been allowed to live it. MSR: What kind of trouble did you get in early on and what moved you to turn your life around? MWC: A lot of fighting. It was a process. One day, I broke into a house on Central Avenue in broad daylight and was going to take this great big piece of furniture — one of those old combination television, record player, radio. We were trying to take it out the door at 3 in the afternoon. And didn’t have transportation. No ride. Suddenly, I had to ask how I was going to explain this to my parents. How could I explain it to myself? MSR: You had an attack of common sense. MWC: Yes. I put that [stuff] down and left. It was the turning point, because a lot of my peers went on to commit more serious acts. I was trying to imitate my father, who reminded me of [Star Trek’s] Mr. Spock. He was always logical. I wished I could be like him. He was a true-North Star that I wanted to follow. MSR: Speaking of following in a father’s footsteps, how do you feel that story impacted your son? MWC: Before we go there, I can’t single out one child. I have two beautiful daughters, Anika Ward and Alanna Galloway. They’re every bit as dynamic. Anika is a branch director at Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Alan-

proactive and engaged a person is in their transition. Another key takeaway from the conversation was the overwhelming agreement on the importance of language, shifting away from labels like offender and inmate to terms like client, visitor or resident of an institution.

BET Continued from page 1

are Rev. Jerry McAfee of New Salem Baptist Church, Spike Moss, Diamond Reynolds, and A Mother’s Love founder Lisa Clemons, who all convened with peers last fall for a three-day International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Orlando. Flowers said his issues-oriented show was a natural fit for the series documenting activism across America. “That’s all we talk about on the show. But, we talk about both sides of it,” Flowers told the MSR after the BET taping. “[BET’s] show was on police in the community. Their focus was on telling the story.” Flowers, however, noted that the series’ story producer, Maya Lilly, “wanted excitement,” he said. “She wanted to talk about the Philandos, the Jamar Clarks, because the media likes that fight.” Flowers had his own agenda in mind: an

MSR: You faced and prevailed against discrimination on the force. How have things changed? MWC: I’ve seen it go from having almost no Black officers at all — we had to sue the St. Paul Police Department just to hire them — to having a couple of Black chiefs of police. That’s phenomenal. They could only do so much because of issues that are planted in the core of law enforcement. They’ve done what they could. It isn’t enough unless you change the whole culture. Now, [the department] is really reaching out to African Americans, being engaged in the commuSeaman Melvin Whitfield Carter Jr., U.S. nities. The biggest difference is the influence Navy boot camp, 1968 of [former St. Paul Police] Chief [William]

“There is great value in not self-destructing.”

Leading the discussion were (l-r) Betalham Benti, Guy Bosch, Tracey Williams-Dillard and Cecelia Viel

Finding hopE

5

Melvin Whitfield Carter, Jr. founded youth organization Save Our Sons in 1991. Photos courtesy Minnesota Historical Society Press na is a union rep at AT&T. I peeped America and saw what it had in store for my children, so I had a sense of how they needed to be prepared. Beyond that, I kind of married up. I’m pretty street. My wife, Toni Carter, attended Carleton College on a full scholarship and was the first Black county commissioner in Minnesota. She’s an actor as well, was at Penumbra Theatre in the original plays. She’s very conscious of culture. I think our opposites blended well with our children. And as a cop, I’d take [my son] to court. I took him to the gym and taught him how

Attendee Michele Fernandes Livingston explained. “To refer to an institution as a residence...because you are in fact residing in prison serving your sentence, that gives a person more of an identity and place and a wholeness. [You can’t] dehumanize people, and then expect them to return to a community whole.” Community members play a pivotal role in helping formerly incarcerated people rejoin society, said Benti. “As family, as community members, as practitioners, how are we supporting that process? Saying simple things like, ‘I’m proud of you’ or ‘We’re lucky and happy to have you back!’ That’s a start. “We can hold policy-makers accountable, from a policy perspective” continued Benti, “ but we also need to take into consideration as community members, how are we contributing to their transition?” Pastor Rozenia Hood Fuller, MDiv., of Good News Baptist Church in North Minneapolis, said she came out to the event because “the church needs to be in the com-

intelligent, articulate discussion of problems and solutions. “I think the program went over strong,” said Clemons, whose A Mother’s Love is a community group that does street outreach focused on strengthening African American families. “We had Diamond there to speak about [being] a victim of police trauma,” she said. Reynolds came into the national spotlight after witnessing the murder of her fiancé, Philando Castile, by the police on July 6, 2016. He was killed by Jeronimo Yanez, a St. Anthony, Minnesota police officer, during what should have been a routine traffic stop. “It was important to hear everyone’s concerns about what’s happening to the community, learning a lot, taking a lot in,” said Reynolds. “It can make a large difference, because so many people aren’t aware of the issues that were discussed. Knowledge is power, and the only way people can get the knowledge is to pay attention to the media.” Clemons also praised the other team mem-

Finney. Responding to the community means a lot to him. The current chief, Todd Axtell, is a mentee of his. I always had a sense that Finney was grooming Todd, who does things much in the same spirit, which is great. Diesel Heart is available at mnhs.org/ mnhspress/books/diesel-heart. Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to dhobbes@spokesman-recorder.com.

munity and not just behind four walls. “I wanted to learn how to best support folks that I serve in my church, and in my community and in my family who need those resources,” Fuller continued. “And I also want to share [the resources] with other pastors. So this was good for me.” Asked what more community members can do to best aid wom-

en re-entering society, Pollard said, “Have a little compassion. If you’re a private landlord willing to work with someone with a felony background, that information should be pushed out more — clothing, housing, food shelves, anything that would help a woman to get back on her feet.” Benti echoed that sentiment for business owners. “Be open to hiring individuals with a criminal background. Be the first person to give them a chance.” Paige Elliott welcomes reader responses to pelliott@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Pastor Rozenia Hood Fuller, MDiv.

Find reentry resources on Community, page 8. Visit MSRNewsOnline.com for more photos and video from the event. Next up for Sister Spokesman: “Homeownership Can Be Yours!” on April 6, 12-4 pm at LifeSource, 2225 N West River Rd in Minneapolis. Visit @ SisterSpokesman on Facebook to RSVP.

Photos by Steve Floyd

bers. “There was McAfee to talk about spirituality. You had Spike Moss talking about the historical piece. You had Al talking about the need for collaboration to have a strong relationship in our community with the police department. The psychologist Dr. Phil was stating how Black communities in our states have the same exact [issues].” “It was all about mutual respect and really getting down to some kind of solution that’s going to better our community,” said Flowers. “Most important,” said McAfee, “is that [the program] was a collective of different perspectives, a cross section, represented [in the interest of] impacting our community. My mindset is that all politics are local, each particular issue.” BET’s presence was important for “the national exposure of some of the stuff that’s been happening in Minnesota,” added McAfee. “… Minnesota is viewed by so many as this extra-progressive kind of deal, but we [as African Americans] know better. “They like to keep all the dirty secrets hidden as it pertains to people of color, [including] how

we’re controlled by Democrats and [are] suffering greatly under that regime.” Clemons agreed: “I don’t think the problem is with the community. I think the problem is with the City actually listening to the community.” The series also features voices from such celebrity activists as rapper T.I. and actors Hill Harper, Boris Kodjoe and Naturi Naughton. BET hosted a special screening in Minneapolis last week of the its debut episode focused on Florida’s Stand Your Ground law and the murder of Markeis McGlockton by a White man after a parking lot confrontation. Finding Justice premieres March 10 on BET. For more info, visit bet.com. Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to dhobbes@spokesman-recorder.com. Stephenetta Harmon contributed to this article; contact her at sharmon@spokesman-recorder.com. Photo by Nathan Bolster/BET

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March 7-13, 2019

8 tips for visiting the sick I’ve spoken to medical professionals, clergy and caregivers and gathered etiquette considerations for visiting those persons. 8 life etiquette tips for visiting the sick

Courtesy of Getty Life Etiquette, it’s all about respect for ourselves, respect for others and respect for the world around us. By Juliet Mitchell Contributing Writer “When… I was sick… you visited me.”

I

Matthew 25:36

t’s not a happy subject to discuss, but it’s inevitable that human bodies will experience sickness, disease or break down. Since this is a fact of life, a part of the human condition, we are likely

to be called upon to visit someone who is sick at some point. So, let’s get real about this whole visiting the sick thang, y’all. Yes, my southern girl is coming out. Yes, I’m a GRITS (Girl Raised in the South). Growing up in the South around a close-knit community of relatives and friends, acquaintances and even strangers, visiting the sick was as much a part of life as farming, canning and going to church. As good family, good community members and good church folk, you cooked some food, packed it up, cleaned yourself up and went to visit. Visiting included laughing

(if the person was up to it), talking (if the person had the interest, strength or energy), listening (if the person wanted to listen), and sometimes sitting quietly. Your visit may have required feeding, cleaning (yes, even cleaning the person — especially relatives and close, close friends) and sadly, sometimes that visit meant shedding some tears. We know that at any age, sickness and disease can take hold to our frail human bodies; however, as our population ages, it’s more likely that we will be visiting our elders as they approach the end of life.

1. Please call and arrange a time to visit. There are numerous considerations concerning time, feeding, bathing, dispensing of medication and a sleep schedule. Do not be offended if the caregiver gives you specific times to visit rather than allowing you to stop by at your convenience. 2. Ask if it’s OK to bring something for the sick person to eat or drink. That person may be on a restricted diet or may not be taking food at all. 3. On that note, it is also considerate to bring something for the family/other visitors if you’re visiting a home. If you do not know the person’s likes and dislikes, ask. Some general things that are usually needed include bottled water and/ or juice; fruit, sandwich fixings, prepared meals. Remember to include paper towels, napkins, even disposable cutlery and cups. We live in a diverse world, so, again, if you don’t know, ask. 4. Be as clean as you can and be prepared to take your shoes off if visiting a home (bring clean indoor shoes if you must wear shoes). Also, be prepared to wash your hands, use sanitizer and/or wear a mask. 5. Be willing to sit in silence. Your presence and your positive en-

ergy are important, not necessarily a whole lot of chatter. I’ve actually been told that too much talking can be disturbing to the sick. 6. While we’re on the topic of speaking, remember to tone it down. Some of us can be too loud. You might say, “Well, I’m just loud” or “That’s just the way I talk!” But this isn’t about you. Keep the volume low. 7. Keep your visits short. A 10, 15- or 20-minute visit is long enough. I know that it may seem cold, but according to my “research,” — depending on the degree and extent of the illness — the energy of visitors can be “draining” and de-energizing for the person who is ill. 8. Should you bring flowers or a gift? Well, that depends. Again, ask. Besides the physical and emotional aspects of caring for the ill, families and caregivers are often faced with the stress, weight and worry of financial demands, as well. Perhaps a gift card or a monetary gift would better help to meet the needs of that family. Do you have any etiquette tips related to visiting the sick? Please share them with me at jmitchell@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Personal motivation comes from discovering your 'why'

By Brandi Phillips Contributing Writer If most of us had a dime for all the excuses we make for living healthier, we would be rich. With Sister Spokesman’s Get Fit Challenge, brought to you by Wellife 360, we make it a point to give you a few tips

throughout each week to help you stop the excuses and hit the perfect stride in your health journey. This week, we address motivation — how to get and maintain it. Staying motivated starts with finding our reasons why we want improved health. Why do you want to be healthier? Dealing with arthritis or menopause? What about

HOMEOWNERSHIP CAN BE YOURS!

dry skin, poor digestion, heart disease, diabetes, or brain fog? Or maybe you have an event or family affair to attend? But staying motivated also depends on finding activities/workouts that we like, so we can see consistent results. Once you’ve tasted success, you’ll want more! It’s never too late to start anew and find something that motivates us. While discussing the topic within our Get Fit online group, Ms. Rocamore from St. Paul, shared, “I get motivated when preparing for an event. Last year, my events were 3K races throughout the summer. Those consistent events spread throughout the summer kept me motivated to keep working out and training. I want to get back to being healthy by preparing for events.” If using events as motivation works, you should start there and continue that process throughout your lifetime. That could mean preparing for a wedding, then a vacation or a birthday.

Superficial or deep-rooted, event-related or medical, all motivations are all acceptable, as long as they keep us reaching for our goals. We must do what works for us! As we progress, and reach plateaus, it will be important to try new techniques and re-establish our motivations for being and living healthier. Even if you are not officially a part of the Get Fit Challenge, feel free to take these tips and apply them to your own health journey. For more info about the “Get Fit” Challenge or Wellife 360, contact Brandi D. Phillips at bphillips@spokesman-recorder.com.

Get Fit Challenge:

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March 7-13, 2019

7

Inside the Kingdom of Hayti, 'the Wakanda of the Western Hemisphere' In March 1811, President Henry Christophe surprised everyone when he anointed himself King Henry I and renamed the northern republic, the Kingdom of Hayti. Henry I soon had a full court of nobles that included dukes, barons, counts and knights to rival that of royal England. Haiti’s first and only kingdom immediately attracted the attention of media outlets from around

An 1811 wood engraving depicts the coronation of King Henry.

By Marlene Daut Contributing Writer

M

arvel’s blockbuster Black Panther, which recently became the first superhero drama to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award and took home three awards, takes place in the secret African Kingdom of Wakanda. The Black Panther, also known as T’Challa, rules over this imaginary empire — a refuge from the colonialists and capitalists who have historically impoverished the real continent of Africa. But fans of the box-office phenomenon might not realize that

they don’t need to look to the make-believe world of the Black Panther to find a modern-day Black kingdom that aspired to be a safe haven from racism and inequality. The fictional kingdom has a real-life corollary in the historic Kingdom of Hayti, which existed as a sort of Wakanda of the Western Hemisphere from 1811 to 1820. The Haitian Revolution led to the creation of the first free Black state in the Americas. But the world was hardly expecting a former enslaved man named Henry Christophe to make himself the king of it. Media accounts from the era

‘I am reborn from my ashes’ was the motto of Henry I, the former slave who became king. Courtesy ofWikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

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able to arrange is equal to it.” Banks admired the code’s detailed reorganization of the economy, from one based on slave labor to one — at least in theory — based on free labor. This transformation was wholly fitting for the formerly enslaved man-turned-king, whose motto was “I am reborn from my ashes.” The code provided for shared compensation between proprietors and laborers at “a full fourth the gross product, free from all duties,” and it also contained provisions for the redistribution of any land that had previously belonged to slave owners.

ti, where they told stories of the monarch’s favoritism and the aristocracy’s abuse of power. Worse, Henry’s famous fortress, the Citadelle Laferrière, was, according to some accounts, built with forced labor. For this reason, Haitians have long debated whether the imposing structure, which was restored in 1990, ought to symbolize the liberty of post-independence Haiti. Henry’s dreams of a free Black kingdom would not outlive him. On Aug. 15, 1820, the king suffered a debilitating stroke. Physically impaired — and fearing a fracturing administration plagued by the deser-

Courtesy of Fine Art America serve as a window into a brief period of time when the kingdom stood as a beacon of Black freedom in a world of slavery. Yet, like Wakanda, the Kingdom of Hayti wasn’t a utopia for everyone. A new kind of kingdom On January 1, 1804, an army led by former enslaved Africans in the French colony of Saint-Domingue staved off France’s attempt to bring back slavery, and declared themselves independent and free forever.

A woman climbs the stairs on the remains of Sans-Souci Palace in 2017. Courtesy of Andres Martinez Casares/Reuters

The Haitian Revolution led to the creation of the first free Black state in the Americas. But the world was hardly expecting a former enslaved man named Henry Christophe to make himself the king of it. The leader of the revolutionaries, General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, had defeated Napoleon’s famous army and made himself emperor of the newly renamed Haiti. But in October 1806, Dessalines was assassinated by political rivals, leading the country to be divided into two separate states: General Henry Christophe named himself president of the northern part of Haiti, while General Alexandre Pétion governed a completely separate republic in the southern and southwestern part of the country.

the world. How could there be a republic on one side of the island and a monarchy on the other, they wondered? Was the new Black king trying to mimic the same White sovereigns who had once enslaved his people, others asked? The edicts establishing the royal order of Haiti were immediately translated into English and printed in Philadelphia, while many American and British newspapers and magazines Illustrator Mahlon Blaine depicts King Henry on the cover of the ran celebrity profiles of the Hai- 1928 book Black Majesty. tian king. Courtest of @paulclammer/Twitter The ‘First Monarch’ of the ‘New World’ In 1813, construction of the opulent Sans-Souci Palace — meaning literally “without worry” — was completed. The palace was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1842; today, its remains have been designated a world heritage UNESCO site. During its heyday, the palace dazzled. There were the elegantly manicured gardens and a unique, domed cathedral. King Henry lived in the palace with his wife, Queen Marie-Louise, and his three children, Prince Victor Henry, and the princesses, Améthyste and Athénaire. A free island in a sea of slavery There was much more to King Henry’s reign than luxurious parties. On March 28, 1811, King Henry installed a constitutional monarchy, a move lauded by many in the British elite. The famous British naturalist Joseph Banks championed Henry’s 1812 book of laws, titled the “Code Henry,” calling it “the most moral association of men in existence.” He added, “Nothing that White men have been

“Your Majesty, in his paternal solicitude,” one edict reads, “wants for every Haytian, indiscriminately, the poor as well as the rich, to have the ability to become the owner of the lands of our former oppressors.” Henry’s stated “paternal solicitude” even extended to enslaved Africans. While the Constitution of 1807 had announced that Haiti would not “disturb the regimes” of the colonial powers, royal Haitian guards regularly intervened in the slave trade to free captives on foreign ships that entered Haitian waters. An October 1817 issue of the Gazette celebrated the Haitian military’s capture of a slave ship and subsequent release of 145 of “our unfortunate brothers, victims of greed and the odious traffic in human flesh.” Too good to be true? Yet life in the Kingdom of Hayti was far from perfect. Henry’s political rivals noted that people frequently defected to the southern Republic of Hai-

tion of some its most prominent members — Haiti’s first and only king killed himself on the night of Oct. 8, 1820. For all those who still dream of Black liberation, strong — if ultimately flawed — leaders, like both the King of Hayti and T’Challa of Black Panther, have always been central to these visions. King Henry was even depicted as a sort of superhero in his time. As one article from 1816 noted of Henry: “History demonstrates that no people has ever done anything great entirely by themselves; it is only ever in collaboration with the great men who become elevated in their midst that they raise themselves up to the glory of accomplishing extraordinary deeds.” Marlene Daut is the associate professor of African Diaspora Studies, University of Virginia This story was republished by permission from The Conversation.

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March 7-13, 2019

BULLETIN

Attendees at Sister Spokesman’s “New Beginnings: Life After Incarceration” gathered March 2 at the Minneapolis Urban League to discuss re-entry and transition resources for formerly incarcerated women. The afternoon also included shopping, games and prize giveaways and plenty of networking. SEE FULL STORY ON THE FRONT PAGE AND A LIST OF RE-ENTRY RESOURCES BELOW. Visit msrnewsonline.com for more photo and video highlights. All photos by Steve Floyd

MN Re-entry Resources CENTRAL MINNESOTA RE-ENTRY PROJECT This organization works with the Minnesota Department of Corrections and Community Corrections in the Tri-County area to assist recently released incarcerated people. They provide referrals for housing, employment, and other resources Info: cmnrp.org or 320-656-9004 DRESS FOR SUCCESS TWIN CITIES – DFS offers a network of support, professional attire and the development tools for low-income women to help them achieve career advancement, career stability, and economic sustainability Info: twincities.dressforsuccess. org or call 651-646-6000 GOODWILL EASTER SEALS – The re-entry program team works one-on-one with returning individuals and helps connect them to resources — education, job training, housing assistance, medical services, mentoring and more Info: bit.ly/goodwillresources or call 651-255-4920 PEACE OF HOPE – Offers transportation for people visiting their incarcerated loved ones Info: peaceofhope.info or call 1-800-PH1-0833 RS EDEN – Specializes in housing, recovery, and corrections services Info: rseden.org or call 612-287-1600

STARTANEW – A faith-based organization that specializes in supporting and offering resources to women in need of a fresh start Info: startanewmn.org or call 612-361-4645 or 612-389-0008

$220K+ UP FOR GRABS IN 2019 FEDEX GRANT CONTEST

TWIN CITIES R!SE – A program designed for anyone in need of job training and meaningful employment Info: twincitiesrise.org or call 612 338-0295 180 DEGREES – Offers a variety of programs, from housing to employment assistance and life training Info:180degrees.org

MORE RESOURCES: Becoming Ms. Burton by Susan Burton This is a great read for anyone interested in the topic of women in prison and re-entry. Burton is a formerly incarcerated person who created safe homes for women reentering society in Los Angeles. She shares her experiences in her book. You can order a free copy for people currently incarcerated at the link below. Info: bit.ly/RequestABook Hennepin County Library – The library offers resources to help people released from correctional facilities rejoin their community with greater success. Info: hclib.org/freedomticket

S

mall businesses are encouraged to enter FedEx’s Small Business Contest. Now in its seventh year, the contest offers grants and services to U.S. -based small businesses. This year, 10 winners will receive a collective prize pool of $220,500 — the largest sum since the contest was established in 2012. “We know it’s difficult for even the most promising of small businesses to grow and scale, especially at the beginning of their lifecycle” said Scott Harkins, senior vice president, Customer Channel Marketing at FedEx. “That’s why we are proud to offer our top 10 winners so much more than just the funds to help them grow their businesses. “This year, our winners will receive much needed expertise and advice on some of the most fundamental and critical aspects of building a viable and sustainable business — and we will stay on with them as a trusted advisor as they take their businesses to the next level.” In addition to the grants, winners will also receive an additional dollar amount in credit to use towards FedEx Office print and business services to help run their businesses, as well as packages designed to help them with website optimization, design thinking, social media, and print expertise.

Specifically, the 2019 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest prize packages include: • • •

Grand prize: One winner of $50K plus $7.5K in FedEx Office print and business services Silver prize: One winner of $30K, plus $5K in FedEx Office print and business services Bronze prize: Eight winners of $15K, plus $1K in FedEx Office print and business services

To enter, participants must visit www.fedex.com/grantcontest and enter their contact info, write a short business profile and upload four photos of their business or product, including their logo. While not required, participants also have the option of submitting a 90-second “elevator speech” video to supplement their entry. The contest entry period is open until March 25, 2019, with voting to take place until April 1, 2019. Winners will be announced on April 29, 2019, at fedex.com/grantcontest. —Information provided by FedEx Photo by NESA/ Makers/Unsplash

March 7-13, 2019

Legals

9

Employment INVITATION TO BID

Project: Maya Common II 1220 Brook Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 Description: New 6-story, 50 Unit Rental Apartment. Five levels of housing over one level of on-grade parking. Structure is wood-framed (5-stories) over precast

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN Shelter Construction LLC, Plaintiff, v. We Local People L.L.C.,and Airizes Miller,

CASE TYPE: CONTRACT COURT FILE NO.: 27-CV-19-2795 JUDGE: THOMAS FRASER

SUMMONS

plank (one level), with a variety of exterior finish materials.

Defendants

Bidding: On behalf of the Developer, Van Cleve Court Development., Frana Com-

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: 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: Virtus Law, PLLC 7040 Lakeland Avenue, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55428 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.

panies is accepting bids for Divisions 1-33, including some Site Work, Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Carpentry, Thermal & Moisture Protection, Doors & Windows, Finishes, Specialties, Equipment, Furnishings, Elevators, Fire Protection, Mechanical and Electrical. Bids Due: SEALED BIDS DUE Friday, March 22nd, 2019 @ 2:00 p.m. Please drop off sealed bids to Frana Companies Inc., 633 2nd Avenue South, Hopkins, MN 55343 NO EMAILED OR FAX BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Project Manager: Dan Ackmann (952) 873-7497, dackmann@frana.com Project Architect: Devon Lundy (612) 455-3109, dlundy@urban-works.com Special Notes: 1. This project will include Minneapolis Small and Underutilized Business Program (SUBP) Contracting goals of 8% MBE and 5% WBE, Certifications listed on MNUCP Website http://mnucp.org. HUD Section 3 Program and contracting goals of 10% and Resident Goals (30% new hires). Employment Labor Goals on site will also be required of 6% Female hours and 32% Minority hours. 2. Davis-Bacon Prevailing wage rates and reporting processes will be required. This includes weekly certified payroll submissions into the City of Minneapolis LCP Tracker Reporting System. In addition, all employees must be paid weekly. Wage determination and Federal Labor Standards Provisions are attached. (MN180182, 09/28/2018 MN182) 3. HUD Section 8 Project based voucher program is Part of this project requirements for contracts in excess of $100,000. 4. This project is not LEED-Certified, but will be built under MHFA Green Communities Criteria. 5. Construction is expected to commence June 2019. A 12-month construction schedule is anticipated. 6. All Vendors with site work Contracts in excess of $50,000 will be required to have an Apprenticeship Program certified by the State Department of Labor. 7. Minneapolis Civil Rights Pre-Construction Booklet (attached) must be submitted with all qualified bids. 8. Procedure for Bid Inquiries and Questions: a. All inquiries must be submitted in writing with reference to specification section and/or drawing number. b. All inquiries must be submitted to Dan Ackmann, Frana Companies, dackmann@frana.com. 9. Frana Companies will provide three (3) Project Open Houses per the following schedule:

Dated: February 21, 2019 By:Nathan W. Nelson (#0347401) Steven V. Rose (#0296661) Daniel R. Spicer (#0399414) 7040 Lakeland Avenue, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55428 (612) 888-1000 Fax:(763)447-3591 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF

Sr. GIS Analyst (021906). SRF Consulting, Minneapolis, MN. Req. Master’s in IT, Programming, GIS or similar field & 1 yr. exp in GIS analysis. Must possess 1 yr. exp w/: working w/ PostgreSQL & Python for processing large data sets & GIS Analysis in ERSI suite including ArcGIS for Developers, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Server. Duties: perform competitive intelligence modelling. To apply: visit https://www.srfconsulting.com/careers/openings/. SRF Consulting Group, Inc is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. No agencies or phone calls please.

GET NOTICED!

Church Secretary. Part Time.

Typing. Some knowledge of computers. Best suited for someone living in the Mpls.near south side. 612-382-0795

• Employment • Rentals • Housing • For Sale • Divorce • Assumed Name • Probate

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Place your ad by calling us

612-827-4021 Goals for Homeownership in 2019?

MAKE THE MSR CONNECTION!

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, March 7,14 & 21 2019

Thursday, March 14, 12:00pm to 2:00pm Tuesday, March 19, 10:00am to 12:00pm Wednesday, March 20, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Plan Review: Frana Companies 633 2nd Ave. S, Hopkins, MN 55343 Minneapolis Builders Exchange 1123 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55405 Metropolitan Econ. Dev. Assoc. 250 2nd Ave., Suite 106, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Fitz

Continued from page 10

Plans are available to view/download at:https://frana.sharefile.com Login – franabids@frana.com Password – franabids1! Please contact Lynn Lindblom, Project Assistant, by email at Lindblom@frana.com to order a CD with the Plans and Specifications. Allow 4 days for delivery. EQUAL HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY-

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, March 7 & 14 , 2019

PreP

Continued from page 10 blocked the layup attempt. It was quite the performance. DeLaSalle wins with Weems leading the way Nurjei Weems led the way with 18 points as DeLaSalle (No. 3 in Class 3A) defeated Como Park (No. 10 in Class 3A) 68-54 in a 3A, Section 4 Semifinal matchup at East Ridge last Saturday evening. Mary Claire Francois, Kiani Lockett, Sydney Runsewe and Mya Williams each added nine points apiece

for the victorious Islanders, who led 39-19 at halftime. Como Park, the St. Paul City Conference and Twin City champs, were led by Ronnie Porter’s 18 points while teammates Shania Nichols, Kaylynn Asberry and Jada James each scored 11. The Cougars are among the youngest teams in the state. Porter, Asberry and James are in ninth grade. Nichols is an eighth-grader. The future is bright. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

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Sports Writers

Jerry Freeman

Kenneth Brown Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III Dr. Deirdre Golden Solomon Gustava Charles Hallman Dr. Clarence Hightower Dwight Hobbes Brandon Jones Tony Kiene Nekima Levy-Armstrong Issa A. Mansaray Tammy McIntyre Juliet Mitchell Khymyle Mims Ivan Phifer Nicole Pillow I. Angela Rae James L. Stroud, Jr.

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baseball, ball, fired manager Molitor after three seasons. Longtime star Mauer decided to call it quits at age 35. He played the last season of his contract, which was $23 million per season. Those are two legendary local names. Molitor was fired first, so we will never get to ask the question would Mauer still have retired if Molitor had been retained. He clearly can still play the game of baseball. Cleveland has owned the American League Central in recent years, and Detroit, Chicago and Kansas City were not close to being competitive last year. The Twins hope 2019 will be different. But better? “The Chicago White Sox are the wild card team in the Division,” said Bremer. “We all know that Cleveland is still the team to beat, but they have lost some key guys that were instrumental during their reign as Division champions. “You don’t know how they’ll react to the loss of

Michael Brantley and others. Kansas City is rebuilding, Detroit is rebuilding. Let’s say the Twins have rebuilt and it’s up to the Buxtons and Sanos and Keplers to continue to progress. “In the case of Buxton and Sano, last season was a disaster for both of them. So there is still an awful lot of talent on this roster, and it would not surprise me that the balance of power in the Division doesn’t change in 2019. It could very well be that if the Twins get over the Cleveland hurdle, this team has an awful lot of potential.” Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday and Friday at 9:10 am, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com or visit Larry-Fitzgerald.com.

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SOe Continued from page 10 [any] bad loss when you are playing any team in the Big Ten.” On Thursday’s Minnesota-Indiana matchup, the Gophers defeated the Hoosiers in a four-point road win in early February. “It starts there with her,” Moren said of the 6’1” senior guard Kenisha Bell. “We had a difficult time at our place guarding her. I think Coach [Whalen] has them playing with a tremendous amount of confidence.” Bell, the Gophers’ leading scorer (nearly 20 points a game), is one of three unanimous All-Big Ten selections by the coaches. She also made the conference all-defensive team announced on Monday. Destiny Pitts made first team (media) and second team all-conference (coaches), along with junior Taiye Bello (honorable mention) and junior Jasmine Brunson (Big Ten sportsmanship team). After a January swoon

View Continued from page 10 the latter was a better “fit,” Moore recalled. “When I applied for a production assistant position at my ABC affiliate, a producer spent most of the interview telling me how “thankless” the position is… This was an entry-level position,” Moore continued. Starting next week, Lake becomes the only Black weeknight host on local mainstream radio at WCCO. “We have to continue to diversify our media,” he said. “I’m just

that coincided with the team’s struggles at the time, Pitts, the 5’-10” guard/forward, has been a reckoning force in February. She has scored at least 21 points a game for the past six games and has been shooting over 46 percent from threepoint range. “She has been terrific in the second half of the conference season,” Whalen observed. “She is shooting the ball well. She has been leading our team from everything to practice to shoot-arounds. It is not a surprise that she is playing so well. “At this time of year, it’s about who is playing well and about players making plays,” Whalen observed about playing in March. “I feel good that we have a couple of guys [Bell and Pitts] playing well and with a lot of confidence. We’ll go in there and see what we can do this weekend.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

one of many talented minorities in this town.” Moore continues working, waiting for her opportunity. “[I am] always begging some editor to give me a chance,” she said. “Why must I jump through hoops like a seal at Sea World just to get noticed? It bothers me.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

10

March 7-13, 2019

Sports radio still presents a White wall of CAN THE TWINS CHALLENGE IN 2019? resistance to diversity

S

unday, March 3 it was zero. The average temperature in Minneapolis and St. Paul on that day is 35 degrees. Opening day for Major League Baseball is March 28 at Target Field, believe it or not. In recent years, Major League Baseball has been sending subtle signals to its players that the days of mega contracts are a thing of the past. That all changed the last week of February when San Diego, Colorado and Philadelphia, all National League teams, signed three of the richest contracts in history: Manny Machado for 10 years and $300 million with San Diego, Nolan Arenado for eight years and $260 million with Colorado, and the mother of all contracts, Bryce Harper for 13 years and $330 million with Philadelphia.

Rocco Baldelli Photo courtesy of MN Twins

The bad news for Twins fans is they did not add a young superstar to replace Joe Mauer, who decided to retire. On the heels of the team firing manager Paul Molitor, the popular ex-Gopher and Hall-of-Famer, the Twins are going outside the organization for the first time in 20 years by hiring first-time manager Rocco Baldelli. “I remember Rocco being a really good player,” said Dick Bremer, longtime TV voice of Twins baseball on FOX Sports. His time as a player was cut short by injury, and now he’s come back to be the manager of the Twins. “The last time they went outside the organization was Ray Miller back in the mid-eighties,” Bremer noted. “This is a different era now in baseball. If you look around, the most successful football coaches, basketball coaches, and baseball managers all seem to be much younger. So the Twins have got Rocco Baldelli, and it will be interesting to see how he does and what he does with what I think will be a real good roster to work with.” After the 2017 season, the Twins ownership decided to go against their blueprint, a blueprint that has won two (1987, 1991) World Series Championships. General Manager Thad Levine, in this new era of ■ See Fitz on page 9

S

ports radio has been and still is virtually all White and male, a seemingly impenetrable White wall built on cultural conditioning apparently decreeing that White voices are superior to those of Blacks, women, and other people of color. Last month’s cover story in a local alternative weekly was on KFXN-FM, the Cities’ longest running sports station, which this columnist long ago stopped listening to, calling it the “Klan” for its persistent Whiteness. The story buried in the jump pages stated the obvious: “Noticeably absent from The Fan: women and people of color,” it said. The station manager remarked, “We’re just trying to represent the Twin Cities the best we can…” Although KFXN ranks among America’s top-performing sports stations, its primarily White male audience “[is] not very diverse,” said a Nielsen VP

of audience insights in Inside Radio last year. Like the legendary Daffy Duck’s response to frustration, all we can do is laugh at such vanilla-dominant programming. Before it became The Fan, it was WDGY-AM, which be-

College sport’s busiest time starts this week. “This is the best time of the year,” Minnesota first-year Head Coach Lindsay Whalen said during Monday’s Big Ten coaches’ teleconference with reporters, including the MSR. The two-hour media call

previewed this week’s conference tournament in Indianapolis. Minnesota (20-9) plays 10thseeded Indiana (19-11) Thursday in the third of four scheduled quarterfinals contests. The seventh-seeded Gophers, after a 12-0 start that included the conference opening win over Wis-

Charles hallman

Henry Lake

Photo by Charles Hallman

came a news-talk station in 1989 before going all-sports in 1991 and changing call letters. The late Mel Riley was its first Black drive-time co-host, who eventually was pushed to the shadows and then later out the door. A Black female was once hired as

a reporter but became a layoff victim while the station happily promoted Michele Tafoya, who went on to national fame. Jannelle Moore Photo courtesy of Twitter

among the top 75. The Gophers will have to win four games this week in Indianapolis — in other words, win the Big Ten tourney and the automatic bid — to assure them a spot in the NCAAs later this month. When a reporter asked her if she’s been keeping up with all the bracketology jazz, Coach Whalen responded, “You can’t be focused on that. You have to be focused on your next oppo-

PreP Scene Dr. mitChell Palmer mCDonalD

Luke McElroy knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the key with about 30 seconds remaining, and Daveonte Davis sank two free throws — though he tried to intentionally miss the second one — with two seconds remaining to help clinch St. Paul Central’s 77-74 victory over Minneapolis North in the Twin City Boys’ Basketball Gym last Saturday. The Minutemen came back after the host Polars built a 41-35 halftime lead behind the threepoint shooting of Eli Campbell, the drive and penetration of Na-

Daveonte Davis

each other,” Indiana’s Teri Moren noted. “I don’t think there is

■ See SOE on page 9

“At this time of year, it’s about who is playing well and about players making plays.” Once upon a time, winning 20 games would be a certainty for the NCAAs, but no longer. As a result, Minnesota’s 201819 overall record might not be enough to impress the NCAA selection committee because their RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) rankings are far behind five Big Ten teams whose RPIs are in the top 50, and two other clubs

nent.” Instead, she and her players, along with their fellow Big Ten compatriots, are now in survive and advance mode. “It is so much parity, competitiveness in every game,” Penn State Coach Coquese Washington said of this season’s Big Ten, which returned this year to an 18-game schedule. “We all seem to beat up on

McElroy, Davis led Central to TC victory sir El-Amin, and timely buckets by Omar Brown while extending the lead to 20 points at the 10-minute mark in the second half. Central chipped away the lead behind the free throw shooting and timely baskets

Minneapolis-born Henry Lake was there, then left to host middays at a Kansas City sports station; he returned to KFXN last fall. But in both stints, Lake’s talents were underutilized. Last week, WCCO, “the Good Neighbor,” announced he will

Gopher hoopsters narrow focus to ‘survive and advance’ consin, then fell to 2-8 in league play, winning only once in January. But February proved better as Minnesota became one of the nation’s hottest clubs (7-2), including a win over third-seeded Rutgers. Whalen became only the fourth Gopher coach to finish Big Ten play at .500 or better (8-8) in her first season. The coach explained, “We’re proud of what we were able to do. We didn’t quit.”

By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer

VIEW

“Why must I jump through hoops like a seal at Sea World just to get noticed?”

Sports odds and ends

Coach Lindsey Whalen confers with guards Destiny Pitts (far left) and Kenisha Bell.

ANOTHER

host weeknights (9 pm-1 am) beginning March 11. “WCCO believes in me and my talent to help them move forward in freshening up their brand,” Lake told me in an exclusive interview last weekend. “I truly thank all of the folks out there that have supported me throughout the years. I know that I represent a segment of the population whose voices and opinions aren’t always heard. I take that seriously.” Besides Lake, there are others, such as Lea B. Olsen, who can talk sports and run circles around the current group at the klan but were born with the wrong skin color. “I’ve been taught you have to work twice as hard to get noticed,” North Carolina-based Jannelle Moore told us via phone last week. She is a regular on SB Nation, among others, as a basketball writer, but she wants to do more. “I’ve been freelancing ever since I left [college],” Moore lamented. She shared a couple of failed attempts to break through that White wall of resistance. “When I was younger, I interned for my hometown newspaper before going to college. Years later, I got an interview [for a full-time job]… “The managing editor asked, ‘So what’re you doing these days?’ It was a formality, and eventually [I got] passed up by a woman with no journalism experience.” The managing editor told her that ■ See ViEw on page 9

by Davis, clutch drives resulting in layups by Dion Ford, and smothering defense by Khai West, who had three steals and two layups during the comeback. Campbell led North with 23 points. Brown had 16, and El-

Omar Brown

Amin finished with 11. Central got a game-high 24 points from Davis and 19 from Ford — who recently hit the 1,000-point career scoring mark in a victory over St. Paul Johnson — while West had 11 and McElroy’s heroics gave him a total of

Kesh’on Walker (Minneapolis North) grabs a rebound during

Curtis Favors

Teammates help Gopher guard Kenisha Bell get up after getting fouled. Gopher photos courtesy of Twitter nine. Walker leads Polars to JV victory Minneapolis North, behind the outstanding play of Kesh’on Walker, defeated St. Paul Central 60-57 to capture the JV Twin City boys’ basketball title. Central got outstanding play from Curtis Favors, Gavin Gothard, Jaymonn Crumble and

Kiana Lockett

Jaylen Cardenas, but Walker seemed to be everywhere for the Polars, whether it was blocking shots, getting rebounds, clutch steals and timely put-backs and tip-ins. During one sequence of play, Walker grabbed an offensive rebound and missed the put-back, then raced down the court and ■ See PrEP on page 9

Kaylynn Asberry Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald