May 15, 2025 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder - Vol 91 / Edition 42

Five years after George Floyd, hopes for racial justice fade

By Stacy M. Brown

s the nation approaches the fifth anniver-

sary of George Floyd’s murder, a new Pew Research Center study reveals a sobering assessment from Americans: The heightened focus on race and racial inequality following the 2020 protests has largely failed to improve the lives of Black people.

In the immediate aftermath of Floyd’s death at the hands of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murder and manslaughter and sentenced to over 20 years in prison, public attention surged. Millions joined protests across the country.

Support for the Black Lives Matter movement peaked, with 67% of Americans backing the cause, and 52% believed at the time that the national reckoning would result

in meaningful change for Black Americans.

Today, only 27% say those changes materialized. Pew’s new survey, conducted February 10–17, 2025, among 5,097 adults, finds that 72% now say the increased focus on racial inequality has not improved life for Black people. Even among Democrats, optimism has waned significantly — just 34% believe the racial reckoning made a difference, down from 70% in 2020.

Support for Black Lives Matter, which surged in 2020, has dropped to 52%. Favorability has remained highest among Black adults (76%), Democrats (84%), and adults under 30 (61%). Only 45% of White adults and 22% of Republicans express support.

“The justice system is not fair when it comes to Black people,” said a Black Republican in their mid-40s, one of many A peaceful “I

■ See GEORGE on page 5

It’s an ‘everyday decision’ to lead

Change MN and Macy’s give local teens a prom boost

By Brian Fullman

earra Allen, a mother of six and a community health worker, stood in the marbled halls of the Minnesota Capitol. A single printed page in hand, wearing a United 4 Youth shirt, Allen took time off work to be there.

Outside of the Minnesota House chambers, Allen waited to talk to key representatives to build support for bill HF1660, which would direct a study on the demand gaps, and recommend funding for statewide youth programming. Legislators began to funnel out of the heavy wooden double doors.

Allen felt a mixture of excitement, nervousness and courage start to swell. She knew this was her chance.

One conversation with Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (DFL) ended in enthusiastic support, including a picture of her holding up the United 4 Youth shirt. Another with Representative Danny Nadeau (R) ended in an apparent change of heart. Initially

against it, Nadeau moved to consider it.

Momentum was building.

From launch to legislative momentum

United 4 Youth, an ISAIAH campaign to raise public funding for afterschool and youth programs across Minnesota, launched earlier this year and has moved quickly at the legislative session.

The campaign began after listening sessions among community members and leaders with the Muslim Coalition of ISAIAH (MCI) and the Barbershop and Black Congregation Cooperative (BBCC). Parents, aunties, “hooyos” (referring to moms in Somali), kids and grandparents shared what they wanted for their families and neighborhoods. Dreams. Concerns. Hopes. Frustrations. A lack of options and funding for youth programs outside school hours came up again and again. Park facilities and staffing suffer. Programs are scarce. Together, there was a feeling that we have been letting our kids down collectively by not making them more of a central focus in our public dollars. Since the campaign launch, leaders like Mearra Allen met to figure out how to make the legislation a reality. We drafted

■ See COMMUNITY on page 5

By Kiara Williams Staff Writer

or many high school girls, prom represents more than just a formal dance — it’s a celebration of identity, growth and selfworth. Yet for students with limited financial resources, the cost of dresses, glam and accessories can put that rite of passage out of reach.

This spring, Be The Change MN partnered with Macy’s Mall of America to host a prom empowerment event, providing free dresses, makeup, and styling services to dozens of Twin Cities teens. The collaboration aimed to ensure no girl would miss out on this milestone due to financial barriers.

“It felt really great,” said Atreyu Rogers, a counter manager at Macy’s. “I grew up in a really impoverished neighborhood in California, and I saw a bunch of girls who struggled

to do anything for prom. So the fact that at my job I can help girls in need and empower them — that’s all I could ever ask to do.”

Students were nominated by school staff or mentors and brought to Macy’s to shop for dresses, receive professional makeup services, and celebrate with peers. For some, like Courtney White, a senior at Longfellow Alternative High School, the opportunity made prom possible in a way she hadn’t expected.

ed — something I was comfortable in — and wear it without it being an issue. I got to be me for once.” Others found the experience to be just as transformative. Gabrielle Smith, a senior at North Community High School, said the event helped her overcome personal insecurities and express herself more freely.

“I don’t usually wear dresses or anything that shows skin,” Smith said. “Today helped me stop criticizing myself. I told myself, ‘I need to wear this and go out here and just be me.’”

The impact extended beyond self-image. Ari Henley, a junior at Washburn High School, expressed how the event helped alleviate the stress of prom preparations — especially the financial burden.

“I’d probably be wearing an old prom dress I had,” said White, who is also a young mother. “But here, I got to choose whatever dress I want-

“Coming up with the money would’ve been difficult,” she said. “This is the first time I didn’t have to do things last

Can’t Breathe’’ protest held in Daytona Beach on June 11, 2020 in response to the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd included law enforcement, clergy, local activists and elected officials. Courtesy of Duane C. Fernandez Sr.

Frequently throughout 2025, space in these pages will be given to organizations working to end racial injustice across the state. We hope that these reflections spark policy changes for a more equitable Minnesota. This week’s guest contributor is Brian Fullman, a lead organizer at ISAIAH.

Scholars pose in their dresses at the selfie booth. Photo courtesy of Kiara Williams/MSR

Anything Helps is as grassroots as addiction recovery gets

Sponsored by

By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer

In North Minneapolis, where abandoned homes serve as makeshift shelters and overdose rates among Black residents soar higher than anywhere else in the state, a small, modestly funded organization is quietly transforming the way Minnesota addresses addiction and survival.

It’s called Anything Helps, but the name doesn’t do justice to its scope. Born out of necessity and vision in 2010, the organization has become one of the few communityrun harm reduction programs in the state. Its mission is deceptively simple: Meet people where they are, literally and figuratively, and let them lead their own recovery.

“The disparities here are, I’m pretty sure, still the worst in the nation,” said Emanuel Roberts, founder of Minnesota Overdose Awareness (MOA), which laid the groundwork for the Anything Helps drop-in center.

“If you’re Black in Minnesota, you’re seven times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than a white person.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, opioidrelated deaths rose 43% statewide between 2019 and 2021, with fentanyl present in 90% of those cases by 2022. And while overdose deaths among white Minnesotans have begun to decline, deaths among Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities are rising. In particular, Indigenous Minnesotans now die from opioid overdoses at nearly eight times the rate of their white counterparts.

Founded by Roberts as he transitioned out of incarceration, Anything Helps was initially focused on helping people reenter society and reduce recidivism. But as Roberts and his peers — many of them formerly incarcerated — became increasingly involved in overdose prevention through MOA, the mission deepened.

“We said, ‘Why don’t we do what nobody else has done?’”

Said Brian Warden, now the harm reduction director. “Let’s have a harm reduction organization and a recovery organization cohabitate in the same space.”

“You’re not going to get sober if you don’t have a place to live. That’s just facts.”

That cohabitation space, built in North Minneapolis, includes a safe use area, nursing office, laundry, hygiene access, Narcan distribution, and drop-in services for unhoused residents. It was designed to match criteria outlined in Minnesota’s 2022 Safe Recovery Site legislation, which supports facilities that aim to prevent overdoses while respecting the dignity of people who use drugs.

“We weren’t offering treatment,” Roberts explained. “But

people still asked us for it. They trusted us. And we were just as happy to help them the twentieth time as the first.”

At Anything Helps, there’s no pressure to get clean before accessing basic resources like showers or socks. The focus isn’t conversion, it’s conversation.

“This isn’t about pushing people through diagnostic criteria,” Warden said. “It’s about letting them steer their own recovery. We ask them, ‘What do you need today?’ And if they say housing, or a vet for their dog, or a mental health provider, we try to get it. That’s harm reduction.”

This model contrasts sharply with many mainstream services that require sobriety or force clinical milestones.

“We’ve had people who live in their cars, people working fulltime who can’t afford housing in Minneapolis,” Warden added. “You’re not going to get sober if you don’t have a place to live. That’s just facts.”

Their client-centered model is showing results, not just in community trust, but also in tangible outcomes: lower overdose rates, higher engagement in voluntary treatment, and increased access to housing and public benefits.

Much of this work unfolds in ZIP code 55412, a largely Black area with the highest rate of overdose deaths for Black Minnesotans. But unlike downtown encampments that make addiction visible, the crisis here hides in plain sight.

“There’s a misconception about North Minneapolis,” said Roberts. “People are using in grandma’s house, in abandoned homes. Just because it’s not out in the open doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”

The challenge, they say, isn’t about access — it’s about

Racist attack on child in Rochester ‘not an isolated incident’

By Stacy M. Brown

Outrage has turned to action in Rochester, Minnesota, after a white woman launched a racist verbal assault on a 5-year-old Black child at a public park — an incident that has sparked national condemnation, a surge of community support, and a flood of donations aimed at helping the young victim heal.

The Rochester Branch of the NAACP said the incident, which occurred on April 30, was a deliberate and threatening act of racial hate — not a misunderstanding or isolated outburst. According to the organization, the child, who is also reportedly on the autism spectrum, was targeted with repeated racial slurs, including the n-word. The woman did not express remorse and doubled down when confronted by a bystander.

“This was not simply offensive behavior — it was an intentional racist, threatening, hateful, and verbal attack against a child, and it must be treated as such,” the Rochester NAACP said in a statement. “Public parks should be safe, inclusive spaces for children and families — not sites of hate and trauma.”

A widely circulated video of the incident drew sharp backlash, as did the woman’s subsequent move to launch a fun-

awareness. One client who recently began Suboxone treatment didn’t even know the medication existed until last year. “How do you access something you don’t know exists?” Warden asked. “An ounce of education is a pound of prevention.”

To address this, the organization has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health and others to gather and release data about opioid use in BIPOC communities. A new report slated for release on May 26 will provide detailed insights from Minnesotans of color who have direct experience with addiction and treatment.

Even as the need grows, federal and state funding for harm reduction remains tenuous. The Biden administration’s proposed cuts to Health and Human Services, leaked in early 2025, could threaten Medicaid and other vital supports.

Site funding. “I may not be with them anymore,” Roberts said, “but I hope they apply and get a big grant. Because that place was always about community.”

In addition to daily services, the organization carries on a powerful tradition: Minnesota Overdose Awareness Day, now entering its 15th year. Scheduled for August 28 at 7 pm, the event includes guest speakers, Narcan training, and time for families to honor loved ones lost to overdose.

“We try to make sure we’re honoring the folks who are forgotten,” Roberts said. “Because when we get caught up in statistics, we forget that every number is somebody’s child, somebody’s mother or brother. This work is personal.

My mom died of addiction in 2007. I do this for her.”

As Minnesota grapples with how best to address the

“If they cut Medicaid, that’s going to disproportionately affect the people we serve,” Warden said. “We’re just starting to move from conversation into action, finally collecting data, identifying problems and trying to solve them. And now we’re watching the funding get pulled away.”

Still, Anything Helps presses forward. Its Northside facility was built with the intention of qualifying for Safe Recovery

“No child should ever be dehumanized, and love

draising campaign for herself. She identified herself as Shiloh Hendrix and claimed she needed financial help to relocate in the aftermath. In less than 24 hours, her campaign raised nearly $150,000. As of this week it has surpassed $600,000, with many of her supporters openly defending her use of racial slurs and demonizing the child.

In response, the Rochester NAACP acted quickly, launching a GoFundMe campaign to support the young victim and his family. That campaign has since raised $341,484 in

just two days, thanks to an outpouring of support from across the country and around the world.

The NAACP has since closed the fundraiser at the family’s request. “From the beginning, this campaign was rooted in a powerful truth: no child should ever be dehumanized, and love must always be louder than hate,” the NAACP said.

According to the organiza tion, 100% of the funds raised — minus standard platform fees — will be placed in a trust account solely managed by the child’s parents. “No member of the

Rochester Branch of the NAACP has received — or will receive — funds from these donations,” the organization clarified.

The incident has drawn attention to a rising tide of hate and bigotry not only in Rochester but across the nation. Over the past year alone, the Rochester NAACP has documented

must always be louder than hate.”

a bridge near Century High School, a noose and effigy used to intimidate a Black family, and swastikas and racial epithets spray-painted on the home of a local representative.

opioid epidemic — balancing recovery with enforcement, public health with politics —

Anything Helps offers a model rooted in trust, respect, and radical accessibility. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” Warden said. “We just need to make sure everyone has access to it.”

Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses at abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.

dent,” the NAACP said. “It is part of a troubling and painful trend that continues to escalate across the country.”

Community members seeking to do more are encouraged to support the NAACP’s ongoing work through the Rochester Branch’s Fighting Fund for Freedom at https://rochesterbranchnaacp.betterworld.org/ donate.

This piece was originally pub

Shiloh Hendrix with sons

Photo courtesy of givesendgo

Locals at the Capitol visit the Anything Helps booth. All photos courtesy of Anything Helps

Anything Helps co-partners with The One Movement to provide Naloxone kits for the community.

Founder of Anything Helps Emanuel Roberts

By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer

As federal protections shrink, Women’s Foundation doubles down

When federal funding shrinks and reproductive rights hang in the balance, grassroots innovation often leads the way. In Minnesota, that innovation is embodied by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFMN), a 40-year-old philanthropic institution committed to gender and racial equity.

As political attacks on bodily autonomy escalate, WFMN has doubled down — launching new funding streams, elevating BIPOC-led health organizations, and grounding its work in the lived realities of women and gender-expansive people across the state.

“People really want to come together in community right now,” said Michelle Tran Maryns, vice president of innovation and strategic communications at the Foundation. “There’s been an uptick in people needing access to reproductive health care, and in response we launched our Reproductive Freedom Fund.”

Since its launch, the Fund has granted $250,000 to organizations like Gender Justice, We Health Clinic in Duluth, and The Aliveness Project. Unlike many restricted-use grants, $10,000 of each WFMN grant is specifically earmarked for staff wellness, providing an antidote to the burnout plaguing frontline reproductive health workers.

“There’s so much demand and not enough people to do

all the work,” Maryns said. “We wanted to make sure nonprofit staff are taking care of themselves so they can continue to sustain the work.”

“We’re not just reacting; we’re building the future we want to live in.”

Though Minnesota has protected abortion rights under state law, access remains deeply unequal, particularly across race, income and geography. According to the Minnesota Department of Health: Black and Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancyrelated causes than white women.

Roughly 50% of Native women in Minnesota lack ad-

equate prenatal care.

Rural counties, including large parts of Greater Minnesota, have no obstetric or abortion providers at all.

“Data shows us that communities of color often don’t have access to the services they need — like prenatal care, obstetric care or abortion,” Maryns said. “We use an intersectional equity lens when selecting grant partners. That means asking who’s being left out, and who’s leading the work.”

WFMN’s participatory grantmaking model involves community members in every funding decision. Applicants are evaluated not only for their services, but also for who leads them while prioritizing women, people of color, and queer leadership.

As many national nonprofits shift their language in response to right-wing backlash — avoiding terms like “Black,” “LGBTQ,” or “abortion” — WFMN has held firm.

“We’re very bold,” Maryns said. “We’re the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. Our mission is to end systemic inequities and drive innovation for gender and racial justice. We want organizations to say they’re Black-led, or serving gender-expansive people.”

That clarity has helped WFMN remain independent. The foundation has never received government funding. Instead, it draws from a robust endowment, established in 1983 with the first milliondollar gift to any women’s

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foundation in the U.S., as well as donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and private foundations.

This independence has become a lifeline in a time of legislative uncertainty. A 2025 draft budget leaked from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed deep cuts to Medicaid and Title X, which would disproportionately impact low-income families, especially Black and brown communities in Minnesota.

date information about where and how one can get access to abortion care anywhere in the United States:

People denied abortion care are more likely to experience poverty years later.

Those who receive reproductive services report lower rates of anxiety and depression over time.

Communities with reproductive autonomy see greater maternal survival rates, educational attainment, and civic engagement.

Additional events, including the Leadership Celebration in October and Community Connects sessions in Rochester and across the state, aim to build stronger coalitions and share best practices.

“We’re not just reacting; we’re building the future we want to live in,” Maryns said.

That future includes plans to expand the Reproductive Freedom Fund into a permanent endowment. With a goal of raising enough to grant $300,000 annually, the

“These policies have harmed a lot of the nonprofit work being done here,” Maryns said. “But because we’re community-funded, we’ve still been able to provide grants.”

Numerous studies confirm that people with control over their reproductive lives experience better mental health, higher lifetime earnings, and stronger family outcomes.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit chatbox that details up-to-

“Reproductive justice is about the right to have children and raise them in safe communities, [or] not have children,” Maryns said. “And that’s only possible when people have full access to care, no matter who they are or where they live.”

WFMN recently hosted its inaugural Feminist Future Festival, a space for organizers, funders, and community members to dream up solutions in the face of fear and fatigue.

Foundation hopes to sustain these efforts long after the news cycle moves on.

“This is just the beginning,” Maryns said. “We’re planting seeds so that no matter what happens at the federal level, Minnesotans — especially Black, brown, Native and immigrant women — can access the care they deserve.”

Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses at abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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Michelle Tran Maryns

Reproduction of maps from the Minnesota Department of Health

Photo/graphic courtesy of Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

By Kiara Williams Staff Writer

When Alex West Steinman co-founded The Coven in 2017, she wasn’t just building a coworking space — she was crafting a new vision for economic empowerment. Alongside Erin Farrell, Bethany Iverson and Liz Geel, Steinman launched a business that centers women, nonbinary and trans people while remaining open to all, and that grounds itself in reciprocity, community care, and transformative access.

But they grew disillusioned with the lack of institutional investment in equity-centered work. “What if we created the world we actually wanted to live and work in?” Steinman recalled asking.

That question laid the foundation for The Coven, which opened its flagship location in Minneapolis’ North Loop. Since then, it’s grown into a movement with two headquarters in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and five additional franchise locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spaces,

“We got tired of trying to fix broken systems,” said Steinman. “So we built our own.”

The four co-founders met in the advertising industry and previously operated a nonprofit called Minneapolis Mad Women, aimed at equipping women and people of color with professional development tools.

rich with natural light, art, and affirming design, serve as hubs for connection, collaboration, and career acceleration.

When the pandemic hit, The Coven quickly pivoted online, hosting multiple daily Zoom events to keep members informed and supported. Topics ranged from financial

resources for entrepreneurs to managing mental health while parenting during lockdown.

carried: “We’re accountable to our community because we are part of the community.”

That philosophy ultimately led to the franchise model. “We knew we couldn’t be the ones to lead in cities like Columbus or Milwaukee — we don’t live there,” Steinman said. “Franchising gives us the opportunity to offer infrastructure and support while uplifting someone local to be the heartbeat of their own community.”

This model of ownership

ed through that pathway.”

Memberships range in price from as low as $19 or $39 per month for limited access, to $249 for full-time use. The tiers are designed to maintain sustainability without excluding members of varying socioeconomic backgrounds. “We’ve always believed that for-profit and for-good are not mutually exclusive,” Steinman said.

Inside The Coven, the energy is collaborative, not competitive. Their Eat Street location, for example, organically became a hub for educationfocused nonprofits. Organiza-

2022 tested the business. “2020 wasn’t our hardest year,” Steinman reflected. “It was the years after. We were stretched thin, unsure of what was next. But our members kept showing up.”

That trust in their mission ultimately brought them through to the other side. In 2024, The Coven saw renewed growth. New locations like St. Louis Park and Northeast Minneapolis opened with strong momentum — offices selling out before doors even opened.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Steinman offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t count your-

That commitment to community paid off. Not only did their members continue paying dues — many of whom were not physically using the space — but their virtual community doubled in size.

Later that year, following the murder of George Floyd, The Coven transformed its space into a distribution site for essential supplies like diapers, food, and toilet paper. Steinman said the moment crystallized an ethos they already

has tangible results. One of their St. Louis Park franchisees first entered The Coven through their communityfunded membership program, a long-standing initiative where, for every 5–8 paying members, one membership isgifted to someone who might not otherwise afford access. To date, over 400 such memberships have been granted.

“We don’t call them scholarships. They’re full members,” said Steinman. “And some of our most vibrant leaders start-

tions like Education Evolving, Minnesota Education Partnership (MEP), and Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE) operate out of the space, often sharing resources, hiring each other’s consultants, and exchanging ideas.

“We never hoard connections,” said Steinman. “There’s enough to go around.”

Still, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Following temporary rent breaks during the early pandemic, the financial burden of backpay in 2021 and

self out before someone else does. Say yes to yourself first, and let others say no if they need to.”

Because at The Coven, saying yes to yourself isn’t just permission — it’s a pathway to power.

For more information on membership pricing or to explore franchising opportunities with The Coven, visit www.thecoven.com.

Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Alex West Steinman at The Coven Minneapolis on Eat Street

Coven’s four co-founders: (l-r) Erinn Farrell, Liz Giel, Bethany Iverson and Alex West Steinman.

Radical Leadership Awards 2023 at The Coven St. Paul

Radical Leadership Summit 2024 at The Coven St. Paul

GEORGE

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respondents offering openended reflections. “When convicted of crimes, Black people always get heavier sentences than their White counterparts, even when they have no prior convictions.”

The study also finds that Americans have become more pessimistic about the future of racial equality. Among those who believe the country hasn’t gone far enough on equal rights, only 51% now say it’s likely that Black people will eventually achieve equality with White people, down from

COMMUNITY

Continued from page 1

a bill, propositioned legislators, planned lobby visits, showed up to committee hearings to testify, and built a network of partners interested in raising youth programming revenue.

More people in the ‘People’s House’ At the beginning of the year, leaders with BBCC went on a self-guided tour of the Minnesota Capitol. For many, it was their first time. We went into the House and Senate chambers. Our kids sat where legislators would soon sit to debate policies that would directly impact our families. We got to know our house.

When we demystify how statewide policies come to be, most BBCC leaders are surprised to learn how possible — even bland — the process is. You need an agenda, bill language, legislative champions, and people who will sustain pressure on lawmakers. You need a power analysis. You need support and votes. It’s not easy. Sometimes it’s not simple. Nothing is guaranteed. But my point is that it is

PROM

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minute. I’m just very grateful.”

For Jordan Dawson, a senior at Southwest High School and a cheerleader, dancer, and student leader, the event symbolized something larger — a gesture of community care and validation.

“The world is getting so expensive, and a lot of people can’t afford as much as we should be able to,” Dawson said. “This gave girls the free-

60% in 2020. Just 32% of Black adults say they believe racial equality is attainable — a stark contrast with 61% of White adults who say the same.

As companies once eager to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) now pull back — a trend accelerated by Donald Trump’s executive order banning DEI efforts across the federal government and pressuring private employers to follow suit — public sentiment toward such initiatives has soured. Lawsuits and backlash have contributed to the rollback, even before Trump’s intervention.

Americans are split on whether companies should weigh in on political or social issues: 50% say it’s important,

while 50% say it’s not. However, among those who remember corporate responses to the 2020 protests, 69% believe those statements were made under pressure rather than out of genuine concern.

Pew’s findings also show how partisan divides color perceptions of race in America. While 82% of Black Americans say the country has not gone far enough on racial equality, only 14% of Republicans agree.

A majority of Republicans (66%) say too much attention is paid to racial issues, while 56% of Democrats say there’s too little.

Video footage of police violence continues to shape opinion. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans have seen such videos, with 63% saying they help hold offi-

possible. What would our families and kids’ futures look like if more of our people — not just paid corporate lobbyists — were at the Capitol, talking to representatives to push for what they want?

“If you’re looking to move something you care about, do it. But don’t do it alone. Find your people.”

What is the cost if we forfeit our power and voices? What more do we lose if we continue to let others speak for us?

Power suffers no lone wolves Even wanting something

dom to feel confident in a dress and not worry about their pockets. It’s a great experience, especially at this important season in our lives.”

Founded by John Baker, Be The Change MN is a youth-focused nonprofit that supports students of color through culturally affirming and opportunity-driven programming. The prom partnership with Macy’s reflects a shared commitment to equity, dignity and celebration.

Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@ spokesman-recorder.com.

badly only goes so far. The main case I made in a previous story was the agency and power of everyday people to effect change, so long as we take responsibility to exercise it. I want to build on that: Power suffers no lone wolves.

Mearra Allen has been crucial in the study bill for youth funding. She’s been on her own leadership path, learning and taking risks. But she’s one of many people with stories

cers accountable. Yet 54% say the videos make it harder for police to do their jobs. Black adults (65%) and Democrats (68%) are most likely to view widespread sharing of the videos as a good thing.

ful, while Republicans are more likely to feel uninterested or satisfied. In measuring change, the verdict is grim.

Most Americans (54%) say the relationship between Black people and police is no better

What was once hailed as a racial awakening now feels, to many, like a missed opportunity.

As the 2020 movement fades in visibility, feelings of exhaustion have risen. Half of Americans, including 54% of Democrats and 48% of Republicans, say they feel extremely or very often exhausted when thinking about race in the U.S. Democrats are also more likely to feel angry and fear-

in this work. Nothing hangs solely on one person’s shoulders, but we’re all responsible for our role.

If you’re looking to move something you care about, do it. But don’t do it alone. Find your people. Connect to an organization focused on building power that you can contribute to. BBCC and MCI leaders are at the center of this work, supported by policy-minded people, narrative strategists, and partnerships with aligned groups like Kids Count On Us.

Organizing hope for the long haul

It remains to be seen if our bill will become law this year. We’re holding on to hope and finishing strong at a final blitz at the Capitol. Lawmakers passed it in the Senate but not

than it was before Floyd’s killing. A third says it’s worse. Just 11% say it’s better.

Looking ahead to Trump’s second term, 48% of Americans believe he will make racial matters worse, compared to 28% who believe he will improve things. Party affiliation predicts opinion: 82% of Democrats ex-

in the House. A version could still pass as bills are reconciled. We want a win, but I’m proud of what folks have accomplished. For some perspective, it took a coalition of 70 groups about a decade to pass statewide paid family and medical leave in 2023. Some things take time. It’s important to start the clock now by taking that initial step forward.

It’s an everyday decision to lead

In the face of federal dynamics that are as alarming as they are exhausting, people in Minnesota have an opportunity to decide what to protect and push for. One antidote to our social ills is people from all walks of life stepping into civic life. I’m not just talking about voting. I’m talking about what

pect conditions to deteriorate, while 53% of Republicans think they’ll improve.

The Pew Research Center’s comprehensive study reveals that what was once hailed as a racial awakening now feels, to many, like a missed opportunity.

“[Black people] still are paid less than Whites when both are performing the same job,” said a Black Democrat in their early 70s. “Black people are still looked at as criminals when they haven’t committed any crimes.”

Stacy M. Brown is Black Press USA senior national correspondent. This piece was originally published in Black Press USA. For more information, visit blackpressusa.com.

happens between elections — how we engage with officials and how we build a mandate of what we want.

I think about Mearra, who decided years ago to be a leader — not because it was easy or fun, but because she, her kids, and her community are worth fighting for. Mearra is bold and courageous, but she’s no superhero. She’s part of a growing group of Black folks in Minnesota — among whom I count myself — who have made an everyday decision to lead. I write all this to encourage you to see yourself in that story too and decide how you can take that first step today.

ISAIAH is a multi-racial, state-wide, nonpartisan coalition of faith communities, Black barber shops, childcare centers, and other community based constituencies fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. Brian Fullman is a lead organizer at ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota. He organizes the Barbershop and Black Congregation Cooperative, a coalition of Black congregations and barbershops in Minnesota who are advancing a more just Minnesota for their communities. For more information, visit isaiah@ isaiahmn.org.

(l-r) Brian Fullman, Senator Bobby Jo Champion, and Mearra Allen Photos courtesy of ISAIAH MN

Mearra Allen testifying in support of HF1660

Gabrielle Smith

Young scholar beams with confidence as she receives her makeup styling. Courtney White All photos courtesy of Kiara Williams/MSR

Finance

Renting versus ownership in today’s economy Is now the best time to buy a home?

Sponsored by

Homeownership has been long associated with the American Dream, yet the economic climate of recent years has left some potential homebuyers on edge. Many potential homeowners have put their dream of buying a home on pause — or even abandoned it altogether.

If you’re thinking of buying a home but aren’t sure if it makes sense for you right now, consider these pros and cons of renting versus buying:

Pros of renting

• Renting is a short-term commitment. You can sign a lease and have the flexibility to move somewhere else after the lease is over.

• Maintenance and repairs are typically handled by the landlord, saving you time and money. Additionally, taxes and other local expenses are also often covered by the landlord.

• If you live in a city with high property taxes, renting may be more affordable, helping to reduce the costs of your monthly payments.

• Move-in costs may be less, often including a security deposit and/or first and last month’s rent vs. saving for a down payment and closing costs.

Cons of renting

• Your landlord or management company may increase

the rent upon lease renewal.

• Renting may offer less stability. Besides the possibility of higher prices, your landlord could sell the property or change other lease terms during renewal.

• There’s an overall lack of control. For example, repairs are on someone else’s timeline and you can’t make major alterations without permission.

• Paying your monthly rent doesn’t contribute to building equity, which means it can’t be used as a long-term wealth building strategy or as a way to tap into your assets for a cash need.

Pros of buying

• You can build equity by making consistent payments

on your mortgage. Your equity may be a potentially valuable appreciating investment and can be used for a cash-out refinance or a HELOC, which lets you borrow against the equity you’ve built up. Homeowners often use this cash for home renovations or to pay off higher-interest debt.

• Fixed mortgage rate options provide more predictability and stability for monthly payments, unlike rent which may be increased with renewal.

• Qualifying homeowners might be eligible for mortgage tax benefits.

• Homeowners are free to alter, decorate and renovate without landlord approval.

• Your home value may ap-

preciate with time, offering a potential profit when you sell your home. You might also be able to rent out your property for extra cash flow.

• If you live in a city with low property taxes but high rent, buying might be more affordable in the long term.

Cons of buying

• Homebuying typically comes with significant upfront costs and fees, such as a down payment, closing costs, loan applications and more. You have to pay for all maintenance and repairs.

• Building equity takes time, requiring a longer commitment to see a potential for significant returns.

• Your home’s market value can fluctuate for reasons beyond your control, such as interest rates, economic factors, and other market conditions.

• Homeowners have to pay for property taxes and home insurance, adding to the costs of homeownership. Your property may also have condo or homeowners’ association fees.

Making your decision

There are many things to consider when deciding to rent or buy a home, including how much you can afford, the length of time you plan to live there, and how much responsibility you’re ready to take on. You’ll want to look into the current real estate prices and interest rates in your area to see if you can afford to buy a home now.

The bottom line is that the question of renting or owning is really a lifestyle choice. If you’re ready to stay in one location and have the financial stability to handle property ownership and home maintenance, consider setting a goal to buy a home. If you still crave flexibility or plan to move soon, renting may be your ideal solution.

There are also a variety of local resources that can help you assess what makes the most sense for your personal circumstances, such as meeting with a local mortgage professional that can help you navigate the market as well as make suggestions based on your financial picture.

Your unique financial situation, goals and aspirations can help you make the best decision – for you. Visit chase.com/afford to learn more about homeownership and what resources are available.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described on this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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Arts & Culture

Sister Spokesman fashion show celebrated culture, creativity and legacy

By Kiara Williams Staff Writer

The Wilder Foundation’s

James C. Hormel Hall transformed into a vibrant tapestry of culture and couture on May

3 as Sister Spokesman hosted its annual Threads of Impact fashion show. A celebration of Black beauty, creativity, and generational legacy, the evening drew a packed house of community members, supporters, and style enthusiasts.

Fashion show producer and international creative Richard Moody led the charge, curating a lineup of designers who each brought their own voice to the runway. Kathryn Rogers of House of KLynn opened the show with dramatic silhouettes and luxe fabric choices that reflected elegance and power.

Satiya Amporful of Uniquely Global offered bold, Afrocentric prints and regal designs that paid homage to diasporic

heritage. Rounding out the designer trio was Marques Armstrong of Renaissance, who delivered menswear pieces that fused streetwear with classic tailoring.

Armstrong, founder of the Renaissance brand, shared the powerful historical inspiration behind his work. “The name itself is an ode to the Harlem Renaissance,” he said.

“That was the 1920s — reconstruction, post-slavery. It was

an amazing time for African Americans in this country.

“It was about expression, politics, art and style,” Armstrong said. “It’s our way of rebelling against the narrative that we didn’t look good or couldn’t afford things. We tailored things to our liking, using colors and patterns to make our fashion stand out.”

The Renaissance logo, Armstrong explained, is the Sankofa bird — a symbol from the Gha-

naian Twi language that means “go back and get it.” The brand merges classic 1920s-inspired looks with a modern flair, aiming to elevate the past while remaining relevant today.

“The show was exceptional,” Armstrong added. “I appreciated Tracey and her team reaching out and including me as the only male clothing brand. That speaks to the recognition of my work and my brand. I’ve only been open for four years, and to be invited to events like this, it’s affirmation I’m on the right track.”

Models of all ages and body types strutted with confidence, transforming the stage into a living gallery of movement, identity and resistance. The garments reflected cultural influences spanning continents from West African Ankara and Ghanaian Kente to contemporary urban flair, underscoring the global roots and futureforward vision of Black design.

Attendees browsed an indoor market of local Blackowned vendors, who showcased handcrafted jewelry, natural beauty products, and custom fashion pieces. “It wasn’t just a fashion show, it was a full-circle experience,” said attendee Denise Loving. “We were shopping, networking, watching art in motion. It reminded me of the power of community coming together.”

While the fashion was captivating, the heart of the night belonged to Shirlee Callender, who was presented with an award for her lifetime of support and service. Soon to turn 93 on June 6, Callender has long been a quiet yet steadfast

presence in the community. Her recognition was especially emotional for Sister Spokesman leader Tracey Dillard-Williams, who shared that Callender was her late mother’s best friend.

“This was a deeply personal moment,” Dillard-Williams said. “More than a family friend, she’s been a spiritual guide and a supporter of Sister Spokesman since the beginning. Honoring her tonight was a way of honoring all the women who’ve held us up behind the scenes.”

Tears flowed freely as Callender accepted the award, offering a heartfelt smile and gracious nod that resonated throughout the room. The standing ovation she received was not just for her, but for every elder whose wisdom and presence have shaped the path forward.

The Threads of Impact fashion show served as a visual love letter to Black resilience, excellence, and intergenerational strength. As music played, lights dimmed, and models took their final walk, the message rang clear: This

community continues to show up for one another, weaving new stories into a legacy of style, purpose and power.

Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Dear Tracey, I cannot thank you enough for the privilege and honor of being recognized as the Modeling Grande Dame at the wonderful fashion show, and most of all, for receiving an award.

Tracey, congratulations to you and your staff for the wonderful job you are doing for the MSR. You are to be commended.

Your mom, Norma Jean Williams, Grandmother, Launa Newman, and Grandfather, Cecil E. Newman, would be so proud of you and the job you have continued to do for this wonderful, oldest Black newspaper in MN. You are my family.

Love, Shirlee Callendar

(l-r) Kimerlie Geraci, Ricard Moody, Shirlee Callender, Tracey Williams-Dillard and Sara Rogers at the Wilder Center, May 3

DeVonna Pittman of Nature’s Syrup engages with Sister Spokesman attendee.

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Designer Katherine Rogers of House of KLynn gives closing remarks Photos courtesy of Kennedy Pierre-Toussaint/MSR

Education

What borrowers need to know as Federal loan default collections resume

By Laura Onyeneho

After a five-year pause, the federal government is resuming debt collections for millions of borrowers who defaulted on their student loans.

The U.S. Department of Education began notifying borrowers in default that involuntary collections, such as wage garnishment, tax refund seizure and Social Security offsets, will resume. This is a wake-up call for borrowers, especially those who haven’t made any moves to get out of default.

“American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “The Biden Administration misled borrowers: The executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear.”

Student loan default doesn’t just hurt your credit score. It can also trigger snowballing debt from fees and even limit job opportunities or access to housing, challenges already deeply felt in Black communities.

According to the Trump administration, 42.7 million bor-

Houston consumer law attorney David Fernandez Photo courtesy of David Fernandez via/ Facebook

rowers owe more than $1.6 trillion in student debt, and over 5 million borrowers have not made a payment in over 360 days.

What should borrowers do now?

Consumer law attorney David Fernandez recommends borrowers take these immediate steps: “Verify the status of your loan[s] by contacting your loan servicer,” he said. “If the loans are in default, contact the Default Resolution Group at myeddebt.ed.gov.”

Borrowers can explore two main options to exit default: • Pay your debt off: It’s best to start immediately, but that’s unrealistic for 5 million people in default.

• Loan Rehabilitation: Make a series of nine on-time monthly payments. Once completed, your loan is pulled out of default and the default status is removed from your credit report.

• Loan Consolidation:

Merge multiple loans into a new one and enroll in an income-driven repayment plan.

• Apply for deferment: The Federal Student Aid site says these are available to students, cancer patients, those facing economic hardship, graduate fellowships, military service, Parent PLUS borrowers, rehabilitation training, and unemployed individuals.

Know your legal rights

Borrowers aren’t powerless when the government starts collection actions.

“If a borrower receives a notice of administrative wage garnishment, they typically have 30 days from the date on the notice to request an official hearing,” Fernandez said. “Filing this hearing request timely puts the garnishment on hold until the hearing.”

Borrowers may request a hearing on the administrative wage garnishment. Federal law

For Black students, college affordability now at risk

By Quintessa Williams

As delays, glitches and uncertainty continue to cloud their college plans, Black high school students across the country are facing a new financial aid crisis — one that could leave many Black, low-income students unsure if a bachelor’s degree is financially within reach.

Congress has advanced a bill which would raise the number of credit hours students must take to qualify for the maximum Pell Grant from 12 to 15 per semester. While officials describe it as just three additional credits, the increase could place a heavy burden on low-income students — many of whom are working or caring for family — slashing their Pell award by up to $1,479 if they can’t meet the new threshold.

“For many students we serve, that $1,479 isn’t a round-

ing error — it’s the difference between starting college and never setting foot on campus,” says Steve Colón, chief executive officer of Bottom Line, a national nonprofit that supports first-generation and lowincome students from high school through college.

“We’re not just advocating to preserve Pell Grant funding. We’re fighting to protect its flexibility, because that’s what allows our students to balance school, work and life.”

Stacked against Black students

Nearly 60% of Black college students rely on Pell Grants, according to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. At Bottom Line, where 46.2% of high school students are Black and 96% come from low-income households, Pell Grants are critical to paying for college, and the stakes are

especially high.

Colón says many of these students have duties outside of school; they deliberately enroll in 12 credit hours rather than the standard 15 hours in order “to balance jobs, academic demands, and family obligations.”

If the new policy passes, he says, these choices students make to survive could end up costing them everything.

“High schoolers frequently factor in employment when assessing how college could be financially possible,” he adds.

“The great thing about the Pell program is that it’s flexible. This eligibility shift would restrict the program in ways that would be detrimental to recipients who rely on it the most.”

At the same time, while seniors are completing aid applications at higher rates than last year, Black, low-income students are still falling behind.

limits the amount that can be garnished from your paycheck.

Watch for scams and misinformation

As collections restart, scammers target vulnerable borrowers with fake repayment plans or threats of arrest. Contact your loan servicer directly if you get a suspicious call or message. They can tell you

what’s real and what’s not. Never share your personal information unless you’re sure who you’re speaking to.

You can also check your loan status at studentaid.gov and compare that to any message you’ve received.

Need help? Contact your loan servicer at studentaid.gov. Call the Default Resolution Group:

According to the 2025 National College Attainment Network report, more than 40% of Black enrollment is showing slower progress compared to schools with fewer students of color. This shows that even with a smoother process, Black students and their families are still waiting now more than ever to see if college is still within reach.

Don’t let this break their hope

At Bottom Line, Colón says the concern isn’t just about money. It’s about motivation, too. If students and families lose trust in the system before graduation, they may walk away from higher education altogether. And with the Pell program under legislative threat and student aid chaos

continuing, that disillusionment is spreading fast.

“College affordability is the central concern for students and families as they plan what to do post high school,” he says.

“The historic stability of the Pell Grant has been a key factor in helping students believe that their dreams of a college degree are possible. If high school students can’t envision where their aid will come from, it’s harder for them to see college as an option.”

Colón believes the ripple effects could be long-lasting.

“Changing eligibility requirements will limit access to higher education and make it harder to pursue a degree and a career that leads to economic mobility,” he says.

“This will ultimately have a

1-800-621-3115. Learn more at myeddebt.ed.gov. If you believe your rights are being violated, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or contact a consumer attorney.

This piece was originally published in the Defender Network. For more information, visit www. defendernetwork.com.

direct impact on our communities and our economy because there will be fewer individuals entering our workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge required for high, in-demand jobs.”

What we owe Black students

What happens next will depend on how schools, communities and the public respond. While Congress weighs whether to restructure a program that serves millions, Colón says it’s now more important than ever for those working closest to students to stay grounded and vigilant. His message to educators, nonprofit leaders, and parents is to not disappear on their students. “Be a relentless ally,” he says.

“That means standing by students through every hurdle, being a consistent source of reassurance, knowledge, and support, checking in on their needs, and helping them think through all possible pathways to success.”

This piece was originally published in Word in Black. For more information, visit wordinblack.com.

Millions of borrowers face a significant financial shift due to paused payments and evolving forgiveness policies, which put renewed pressure on the federal government to manage a ballooning loan portfolio. Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Andrey Popov / gettyimages

The hidden game: Examining implicit bias in sports and beyond

By Lambers Fisher

The roar of the NFL Draft has faded, the hopeful cries of newly selected players echoing into the professional arena.

For approximately 250 college athletes, a lifelong dream has materialized — the chance to continue playing the game they love at the highest level. Among them, a select few, the perceived elite, are expected not just to be chosen, but to lead legions of seasoned professionals.

This year’s draft carried a particular undercurrent of scrutiny, largely focused on one player: Shedeur Sanders, son of the legendary Deion Sanders. A quarterback who revitalized a struggling college program, Sanders was undeniably worthy of attention. Yet, despite his exceptional collegiate performance, he was not a top pick. He was the 144th player chosen.

The reaction was immediate. Players, coaches, media pundits, and fans voiced bewilderment. Among various theories floated, one gained traction: racial bias. The suggestion that Sanders’ position was unjustly influenced by prejudice sparked a broader conversation.

While I’m not a sports analyst, the factors in Sanders’ experience resonate beyond football. I often field questions about tense cross-cultural dynamics in the workplace — issues fueled by unconscious bias.

Bias, in its simplest form, is a tendency, inclination, or par-

tiality based on factors other than merit. Implicit bias operates outside our awareness, shaped by experience and cultural conditioning. It’s crucial to acknowledge we all harbor biases. These often stem from comfort with the familiar and unease with the unfamiliar. Understanding and managing these tendencies is a responsibility we each bear.

“This year’s draft carried a particular undercurrent of scrutiny, largely focused on one player”

Consideration #1: Sometimes, it truly isn’t about you. The narrative of racial bias surrounding Sanders is compelling. Black quarterbacks have long faced scrutiny and unfair stereotypes. But team dynamics also matter. Many NFL teams already have quarterbacks around whom they’ve built offensive strategies. Drafting another may not align with practical needs. Even if bias influenced some decisions, others may have passed for reasons unrelated to race. Similarly, in life, when we’re overlooked, we might default to assuming bias. But not every rejection stems from injustice. Sometimes, we’re simply not what’s needed at that moment.

Consideration #2: Sometimes it is about you, but not

Caregiving:

By Ken Foxworth

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

On a freezing Friday in December, just days before Christmas, life shifted in the most unexpected way for me. A heart attack struck without warning, the body finally giving out after weeks of nonstop work — three jobs, running a city council campaign in Minneapolis’s Seventh Ward, and trying to take care of bills, responsibilities, and most importantly, a mother who was beginning to need more and more care.

been there for everyone. She opened her home and heart for neighbors and strangers alike. But now, in her elder years, the system meant to support her has let her down and is nowhere to be found.

She makes just a little too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to afford overnight care. One of the only options offered was to sell the home — the same home she built, loved and protected for decades.

the type of spirit she carries — unshakable, loving and fierce.

To all the caregivers out there

This message is for you, and every person waking up in the middle of the night to check on a parent. For those skipping meals, missing work, canceling plans — just to make sure someone else is okay.

You are not invisible. You are not weak. You are warriors of love.

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for the reasons you think.

Beyond race, other subtle factors may have played a role. Teams may have been wary of the pressures associated with Deion Sanders’ prominence or potential fan unrest. These concerns, while not necessarily rooted in animosity, reflect efforts to avoid complications.

In our own careers, we might be passed over for reasons that aren’t immediately visible — perhaps a colleague better demonstrated leadership or adaptability. These subjective factors can legitimately influence decisions.

Consideration #3: Sometimes, it is precisely the implicit bias it appears to be. Still, we must confront the possibility that implicit bias is exactly what it appears to be. Historically, Black quarterbacks have been subject to a different standard. Confidence in non-Black athletes is often celebrated, while in Black athletes, it’s perceived as arrogance. This double standard speaks to how implicit bias can manifest.

No athlete is entitled to be drafted. But neither should concerns of bias be dismissed for the sake of comfort. We must ask: are we committed to seeing only the best in others, or are we willing to consider hard truths?

In our daily lives, we must hold space for multiple truths. Sometimes bias is not the reason. Sometimes it is. The point is to explore each situation fully and honestly.

It’s also crucial not to conflate valuing merit with dismissing DEI initiatives. These efforts aim to dismantle barriers that prevent meritorious individuals from advancing. The flawed logic is assuming marginalized professionals inherently lack merit. If that’s a concern, I urge you to reflect on where that belief comes from.

Whether athletes or everyday individuals, we must examine our biases, resist kneejerk judgments, and commit to fostering a fairer system — one where merit, truly, dictates outcome.

Lambers is a licensed marriage & family therapist, awardwinning author, viral TEDx speaker, and host of The Diversity Dude Podcast. Disappointed by the lack of culturally competent mental health care, Lambers has spent over a decade providing positive and shamefree multicultural awareness and diversity training for helping professionals in a variety of fields as they work to meet the greatest variety of needs possible.

Lying in a hospital bed, the news was difficult to share, emergency surgery scheduled for the next morning for stents to be placed in my heart. A call went out to family members, and my mother, who had been staying with my brother in Washington, DC., came back home.

But this wasn’t just about one person being in the hospital. This moment opened the door to a deeper journey, one that so many families face but so few talk about. This was the beginning of “Full-Time Caregiving.”

Not a part-time role

This is not a job that ends after eight hours, but a 24/7 mission fueled by love, worries, faith, and the hope that every day will be better than the one before. Nights are often sleepless; pain, confusion and fear show up uninvited. There’s a constant checking to make sure everything is okay — and often, it’s not.

The mother in this story is a powerful woman who has given her life to her community and helped many others. She’s

This is the reality in the richest country in the world. Too many elders fall between the cracks because they are not rich enough for help, nor for comfort. And the caregivers — often sons, daughters, grandchildren, or loved ones — are left to carry the burden with very little support.

Four and a half months have passed with the caregiver fully devoted to being there. The physical toll is one thing, but the emotional weight is far greater. Watching someone who once stood so tall who now struggles to walk, to sleep, to smile — it’s heartbreaking as well as an experience filled with deep beauty.

There are moments of laughter, memories that are shared, silence filled with understanding. This is a chance to spend real time with the first person who you ever loved and they loved you.

This is the one who raised this caregiver to love others, to fight for what’s right, and to give everything you have, even when it hurts.

Even now, as her health declines, the mother still tries to care for the caregiver. That’s

But love should not come with so much suffering. America must do better.

Seniors should never have to sell their homes just to stay alive.

Caregivers should never be punished for doing what’s right. Help should be given before everything falls apart — not after.

This story is not just personal; it is a reflection of what so many are facing in silence.

There are families across this nation living this exact story, sons carrying their mothers, daughters holding up their fathers, grandchildren stepping in when no one else will.

Let this story be a light. Let it spark change. Let it be known that the greatest care doesn’t come from a paycheck, but from the heart.

But even the strongest hearts need support. This caregiver is still here! Still fighting! Still loving! And still believing that change will come — not just for one family, but for all.

Because no elder should be left behind.

Ken Foxworth is a contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Trump order would reshape school discipline

By F. Chris Curran

Trump’s new executive order sets the stage for further federal influence over discipline policy and practices. Here’s a breakdown of what it contains.

First, the executive order states that schools should no longer focus on differences in rates of discipline across subgroups. It contends that doing so has led to schools failing to report incidents and making decisions based on students’ race rather than objective facts.

Next, the executive order calls on the secretary of education to develop new school discipline guidance for states and schools. It also calls for the secretary of education and attorney general to work with state leaders to reshape how their states can prevent racial discrimination in discipline.

Finally, the executive order requires a report on “the status of discriminatory equity-ideology based school discipline, with an aim of preventing its use. The order does not explicitly say what such discipline is, but it presumably includes alternatives to suspension and approaches that focus on considering race in disciplinary decisions.

The report is to provide model policies that the order claims will uphold “American values and traditional virtues” and provide examples of discipline not based on “equity ideology.”

Part of the report will also

include an evaluation of past federal civil rights investigations and federal funding supporting organizations that promote discipline approaches deemed problematic under the new order. This addresses concerns that the threat of federal investigation over discipline disparities was used to influence schools’ discipline policies.

In short, the order suggests expanded federal involvement in school discipline. It does so despite noting that it is an “obvious conclusion” that “disciplinary decisions are best left in the hands of classroom teachers and administrators.”

Meaning of ‘discrimination’

The executive order claims to provide “protections against racial discrimination” in school discipline. Interestingly, the policies Trump is seeking to undo were similarly intended to reduce racial disparities. This seeming contradiction can be understood when the executive order is viewed against the backdrop of current education policy debates.

A wide set of policies grounded in efforts of diversity, equity and inclusion and related topics have been at the forefront of debates over schooling in the past five years.

From debates around “critical race theory” — the idea that racism is embedded in our social systems — to the content of school libraries, the “culture wars” are at the schoolhouse

door. It is no coincidence, then, that the executive order uses the term “discriminatory equity ideology” to describe discipline policies it prohibits. I argue this reframing of DEI from diversity, equity and inclusion to discrimination illustrates that the new executive order is not just about school discipline. It is part of a bigger debate on the value and impacts of DEI and politicized contention over public schooling.

What order means In the short term, I believe educators will face much uncertainty. The executive order is vague. It does not name specific discipline policies that should be avoided or used.

But in the coming months, the executive order promises increased federal influence over school discipline. The full scope or impact of this is not yet clear. However, it is reasonable to expect that, just like other contested issues in education, there will be legal challenges and pushback in some locales.

In short, the “common sense” discipline reforms called for in the executive order are unlikely to be seen as common sense for everyone.

F. Chris Curran is associate professor of educational leadership and policy, University of Florida. This article was originally published in The Conversation. For more information, visit www. theconversation.com.

“This is the reality in the richest country in the world. Too many elders fall between the cracks because they are not rich enough for help, nor for comfort.”

Employment & Legals

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION Court File No. 27-PA-PR-24-1661

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jerome Morris Sandvig also known as Jerome M. Sandvig Decedent

Notice is given that an application for informal probate of the Decedent’s will dated May 18, 2021, has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Linda E. Sullivan whose address is Linda E. Sullivan

14840 44th Place N. Plymouth, MN 55446

as personal representative (executor) of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Will or appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims

Administrator

Attorney for Applicant

James C. Lofstrom Lofstrom Law Office, P.A. 13560 Havelock Tr. Apple Valley, MN 55124 Att. License No: 0143431 651-454-2500 jim@lofstromlaw.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

WHAT:

WHO:

From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN Court File No. 27-FA-25-1646

SUMMONS WITHOUT REAL ESTATE

PHONE: 612-827-4021

In Re the Marriage of:

Billclinton Odada, Petitioner and Regina Kwamboka Nyariki Respondent

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT @ BILLING@SPOKEMAN-RECORDER.COM

RESPONDENT:

PROBATE FLAT FEE: $215

WARNING: Your sppuse has filed a lawsuit against you for dissolution of your marriage. A copy of the paperwork regarding the lawsuit is served on you with this summons. This summons is an official document from the court that affects your rights. Read this summons carefully. If you do not understand it, contact an attorney for legal advice.

Please proof, respond with email confirmation to display@spokesman-recorder.com

1. The Petitioner (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for a dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons.

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.

2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the Court Administrator’s office. You must serve your Answer upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

3. This proceeding does not involve real property.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS

Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements apply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the court or the proceeding is dismissed.

(1)Neither party may dispose of any assets except (a) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (b) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (c) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding.

(2) Neither party may harass the other party.

(3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation.

(4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota Statues, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the court in later proceedings.

IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT.

Dated: 03/20/25

Hennepin, MN

From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

PHONE: 612-827-4021

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS

PLEASE CONTACT

ACCOUNTING DEPT @ BILLING@SPOKEMAN-RECORDER.COM

SUMMONS FLAT FEE: $320

Please proof, respond with email confirmation to display@spokesman-recorder.com

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.

Name: Billclinton Odada

Address: 6800 63rd Ave N Apt 201

City/State/Zip: Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Telephone: 763-339-0768

Email address: billclintonodada001@gmail.com

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

MSR Multimedia presents:

An in-depth panel discussion with your local publication, steps away from where the monumental mark in history all took place.

Our panel, moderated by publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, consists of:

- Civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network, Nekima Levy-Armstrong

- Former Minneapolis Police Chief, Medaria Arradondo

- Hennepin County Attorney, Mary Moriarty

- University of St Thomas Professor and founder of the Racial Justice Initiative, Dr. Yohuru Williams, PhD

WHEN/WHERE:

For location and time, visit the event page on our website at www.spokesman-recorder.com.

WHY:

To examine the impact of the murder of George Floyd five years later through the perspective of key stakeholders in collaboration with community presence and voice.

For more information, please contact twilliams@spokesman-recorder.com

(45).

career

“It’s

You have to learn how to lose games and win games ”

“ You don’t wake up and be a champion. You have to learn how to lose games and win games.”

Employment & Legals

No. 26-033

INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS

PHONE: 612-827- 4021

Sealed proposals will be received by the Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul at 200 East Arch Street, St. Paul, MN 55130 for FLEET LEASING

MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, Contract No. 26033, until 4:00 PM on May 29, 2025. Proposals may be submitted electronically, in a PDF format, to Northstar Imaging, www.northstarplanroom.com, or may be deliver to address above.

A pre-proposal meeting will be held on May 20, 2025 at 10:30 AM via Teams App. All questions arising from this pre-proposal conference will be addressed by addendum, if necessary

A complete set of proposal documents is available through Northstar Imaging at 651-686-0477 or www.northstarplanroom.com, under FLEET LEASING

MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, Contract No. 26033. Digital downloads are available at no charge, contact Northstar for hard copy pricing.

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ads@spokesma n-recorder com

The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive any informalities in the bidding process.

AN EQUAL

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JIM LEARY

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OPPORTUNITY AGENCY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM MANAGER (651) 292-6073

JIM.LEARY@STPHA.ORG

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder May 15, 2025

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed copy.

ated in 2011. She began coaching at the high school level, then moved to college as a graduate assistant at Ohio Valley University in 2014, where she was later named interim head coach in 2015-16.

Coppin State hired Turner in 2017, where she held sev-

ACE Honor Roll Duke’s Kara Lawson and Anfernee Penny Hardaway were named to the Head of the Class on this year’s Achieving Coaching Excellence (ACE) Coaching Honor Roll.

ACE was conceived in adopted by the old Black Black Coaches & Administra-

Black coaches and coaches of color in leadership, community, and professional development programming.

Nearly 25 women s and 25 men’s college basketball

eral roles, including associate head coach (2017 to 2020), then as an assistant coach at Indiana State (2020-21). At Delaware State, Turner was interim HC in 2023-24manent coach for the season just passed.

Turner pointed out that

coaches made the 2025 ACE Honor Roll in March, with Lawson and Hardaway leading the way

“The College Basketball Coaching Honor Roll annually recognizes leaders in women’s and men’s college basketball that demonstrate tenets of coaching excel-

said ACE CEO Kennedy D Wells in a released statement.

“Coach Lawson is a tremendous role model, not only as a coach but also as a former student athlete [at Kenin the making,” said Wells in a recent MSR interview He -

she relied on one of her mentors for quick advice: “They said keep doing what you are doing. Do what you believe in,” the coach recalled.

Finally with a young squad a year older Turner is looking with the Hornets.

“We are a real young group,” concluded Turner This group really came together as a team [during the season]. I’m really proud of them ”

Transfer portal busy

Thousands of athletes went into the transfer portal this year nearly 2,300 men’s basketball players and

nitely think he needs to be applauded ”

Also, two HBCU assistant coaches were recognized: Cayla Obillo (Talladega College WBB) and Montego Hoskins

added to the ACE Excellence Program alumni list

“I’m really proud of the fact that we ve been able to spotlight the HBCU community but also those basketball programs, both on the women’s side and the men s side said Wells.

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder com

1,500 women’s basketball players. According to the NCAA, the total number of players that entered the portal, at least in MBB, was a record number for the fourth

Two recent studies were conducted on the transfer be explained in a future MSR

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder com

From Ads Depar t ment/MN Spokesma n-Recorder

PHONE: 612-827- 4021 FOR

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OPEN I N G

Continued from page 12

playing in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league this winter

“She actually played against players that she is going to be playing against all summer,” noted the broadcaster

working with WNBA legend Lisa Leslie “doing one-on-

Some local media types the Minnesota Lynx, who fell short in 2024, losing the championship to New York, that this season will be some for Minnesota to stop talking about last year,” warned Miller “It’s 2025, but I do think that this is a team that can

compete for a championship ” season return for the Lynx — Naphessa Collier, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Kayla McBride and Bridget Carlson They added Karlie Samuelson and Jessica Sheppard and hope that Diamond Miller (third year) and Alissa Pili (sec-edeman as reliable reserves Miller concluded that theent team when Jessica Sheppard is healthy because she’s so good. They’re just able to score so quickly They’re realthey were last year They’re good when they clamp down defensively ”

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder com

Coaching while Black is ‘not easy’ Sports

This occasional series will highlight Black coaches at all levels of sport. This week: WBB head coaches Delaware State’s Jazmone Turner and Maryland Eastern Shore’s Malikah Willis

Coach Willis sees bright future for her team

alikah Willis came to Maryland Eastern Shore last April with over 23 years of collegiate coaching experience. She has various roles, including lead recruiter at most of the 12 schools Willis has served as an assistant coach.

Before coaching, Willis played four years at Iowa, including on two Big Ten title squads, and graduated in 1998 with an art, media studies and African American world studies degree. Then she played overseas for three seasons before turning to coaching.

UMES is Willis’ first head coaching job. Her first season at “The Shore” ended with an 8-6 conference record, an 8-5 home record, and reached the MEAC tournament semifinals before losing to Howard and finishing 14-17 overall.

After that defeat that closed her first season, Willis told reporters including the MSR, “We got some tough players, and we have a tough coaching staff. There is no quit in them, and this is what you need at this time of year.”

Nine players from the UMES women’s team made all-MEAC All-Academic: ju-

niors Lainey Allen, Brianna Barnes, Jayla Butler, Dakieran Turner and Aleah James; seniors Kiarra Kennedy, Amiaya Morgan, and Lesley Thomas; and sophomore Amira Ofunniyin.

Graduate students Mahogany Lester and Zamara Haynes represented the Hawks in the first-ever women’s basketball HBCU All-Star Game. She joined the squad in 2019 and has been a regular starter, starting 102 of 120 games, including all 61 games the team played across the last two seasons, setting a career-high 27.4 minutes per game, and

■ See SOE on page 11

Looking ahead to WNBA 2025

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

Opening day for the 2025 WNBA season is Friday, May 16. “This year the talent has never been greater,” stressed Shimmy Miller on America’s longest running women’s pro basketball league and perhaps the hardest in pro sports for players to make a team roster. “Players are just coming in more ready; rookies are coming in older with more experience.”

After leaving Minnesota as associate head coach under former coach Lindsay Whalen in 2023, Miller has successfully transitioned into broadcasting doing college and WNBA games. Now in her third season as Chicago Sky broadcast-

er, she offered her thoughts on the upcoming season.

“I got a chance to watch the Indiana Fever,” continued Miller, “and I really like them, I really, really do. They’re balanced; they’ve got toughness. They can shoot it. Stephanie [White, the first-year HC] is going to make sure that they guard, that they defend at a higher rate than they did last year.

“I will be curious to see how much better Seattle can be with the moves that they made in the off season,” said Miller. “I like Minnesota. I like New York, and I really like the trajectory of the Sky.”

Other teams that made significant changes include Los Angeles, who added Kelsey Plum; Brittany Griner and Brianna Jones joined Atlanta; and

Dallas drafted Minnesotan Paige Bueckers.

Miller last week called the two Chicago-Minnesota preseason contests.

On the Sky, now coached by Tyler Marsh in his first year, “I really like that Tyler has brought in a defensive tenacity, and you could tell that what he’s trying to do is just disrupt your offense,” observed Miller. “Minnesota was having a hard time getting the flow of [their] offense.

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed about Chicago is they’re just a better team right now on both ends of the floor — the spacing and the pace offensively, the three-point [shooting], the perimeter threats and their defensive.”

Chicago surrounded their two “sophomore” talents — center Kamilla Cardoso and forward Angel Reese — with off-season additions Ariel Atkins, Kia Nurse, Rebecca Allen, and Courtney Vandersloot, and returning such veterans as Minnesotan Rachel Banham.

“Now it’s a lot harder to double Kamilla and Angel, but it also opens up driving lines,” explained Miller.

On the Sky’s 2024 two top draft picks, “Kamilla just looked a lot more confident in year two,” Miller said of Cardoso. “She wasn’t 100% last summer, and I think that going over to China was really good for her because it gave her confidence.”

On Reese, Miller pointed out that the second-year player greatly benefited from

azmone Turner’s first season as Delaware State WBB Coach was not without its ups and downs. It also can make a coach, even one as experienced as Turner, selfquestion what they are doing.

“I’ll be honest with you,” she told the MSR. “It’s not easy. You kind of question what you are doing. Am I doing the right thing? Are we running the right system? Are our practice plans good enough?”

The Hornets was one of the MEAC’s youngest squads — five freshmen, four sophomores, four juniors and one senior. Soph PG Kiarra Mcelrath led DSU in scoring (13.8 ppg). Fellow soph Mahogany Cottingham (12 points a game) was second in scoring. She was featured in an earlier MSR edition for receiving the USA Basketball Foundation Award in March.

Both Mcelrath and Cottingham earned all-league honors — third team All-MEAC for Mcelrath — and both she

and Cottingham were named Academic all-MEAC along with teammate Circe Rubio Remolar.

As a result, Delaware State finished 5-24 overall, 1-13 MEAC. The team suffered lopsided losses to Dayton,

“The season definitely has been up and down for us.”

he Minnesota Timberwolves took a 2-1 lead with a 102-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs with Anthony Edwards leading the way with 36 points last Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Julius Randle had 24 for the winners, Jaden McDaniels added 15, and Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert — along with 13

Cincinnati, Ole Miss and Pitt during non-conference play, and later lost to league tourney runners-up Howard in postseason play.

“The season definitely has been up and down for us,” admitted the HC. Turner played three seasons of college ball at Muskingum University (2008-11). A torn ACL suffered during her junior year forced her to forego her ■ See VIEW on page 11

rebounds — added nine each.

This week’s Significant Six photos feature images of the Warriors’ 99-88 Game 1 victory — led by Draymond

Steph Curry and Jimmy

— at Target Center last week. Curry left the game with a hamstring pull after scoring 13 points in 13 minutes of play.

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Malikah Willis

Photo by Charles Hallman

Malikah Willis Photo by Charles Hallman

Shimmy Miller, left, with former Gopher coach Lindsay Whalen Photo courtesy of Threads ■ See OPENING on page 11

Green,

Butler

All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards

Warriors guard Jimmy Butler

Warriors guard Steph Curry

Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert

Timberwolves forward Julius Randle

Warriors forward Draymond Green