May 24, 2018 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

May 24-30, 2018

Vol. 84 No. 42 www.spokesman-recorder.com

Poor People’s Campaign puts bodies on the line

MN protests focus on systemic racism, economic justice

Protesters at MN Poor People’s Campaign rally on May 14 Photo courtesy of Facebook/MN Poor People’s Campaign Campaign’s “Moral Agenda,” introduced in April by its national co-chairs, the Revs. William Barber II and Liz Theoharis. The agenda has called for 40 days he Poor People’s Campaign’s month-long of action to address such issues as systemic racism, “wave” of local nonviolent civil disobedipoverty and inequality; ecological devastation; war ence is now in its second week. An estimateconomy and militarism; and national morality. It ed 200 supporters participated in protests Monday expects to end with a mass rally in Washington, D.C. and Tuesday, May 14-15 at the State Capitol and at the Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul, respectively. ■ See cAmpAign on page 8 The protests were part of the Poor People’s By Charles Hallman Senior Staff Writer

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TEN YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, WHO CAN NOW BUY A HOUSE?

Alliance says 64,000 households of color can By Stephenetta Harmon Editor In Chief Homeow nersh ip has long been touted as a way to build wealth and community. But in the past 10 years, African Americans have seen a decline in homeownership rates, dropping from 29 percent to 23 percent. Even worse, African Americans in Minnesota face one of the largest homeowner-

Henry Rucker

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— See Mia art event on pg. 6

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934

ship gaps in the country as compared to 76 percent of White Minnesotans. With the goal of fostering collaborations that advance homeownership equity, the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance (HOA) has recently launched a new campaign, “Get Ready, Be Ready,” to better connect households of col- Trent Bowman or with information and resources to start their journeys toward owning a home. Part of the decline in African American homeownership is due to the 2007-2008 housing bubble that saddled many with subprime loans based on fudged numbers that, coupled with the lack of resources, ultimately led to foreclosures and lost homes. “If you had a pulse 10 years ago, before the crash, you could get a mortgage,” Henry Rucker, housing and fi-

Local artist aims to spark new conversations about Blackness By Stephenetta Harmon Editor In Chief Local emcee St. Paul Slim (aka Meyer Warren) has found a new voice through art, and he’s using it to challenge images and stereotypes often associated with African American culture. His latest body of work, “#HysterioTypes,” features a vibrant collection of graffiti collage paintings that reimagine watermelons, pay homage to artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and recreate Jaybo cartoons from the visuals to Jay Z’s song Story of O.J. (which were themselves inspired by the 19th century Sambo character). In his artist statement, Warren says, “#HysterioTypes is the redefining and redesigning of what it means to be Black in America. The show looks to manipulate the negative images and stereotypes…and flip all of those images on their collective heads.” The images are celebrations of Blackness: striking, abstract, bold, and in-yourface. And, if you take a deeper look, you’ll find phrases and symbols worked into the designs. “They are blessings and spells that I write in graffiti styles,” Warren told the MSR. “I bless the canvases with positivity so that I get that same energy in return.” The former Marine-

turned-rapper has always had a knack for art. Warren grew up doing graffiti and tagging buses and trains. “That’s the type of stuff I used to do as a kid,” he told the MSR at his exhibit at H. White Men’s Room in North Minneapolis. “But, I was always drawing. I was the one making the flyers for shows and drawing characters. But, when you grow up and get older, you

nancing coach coordinator at People for Pride in Living (PPL), told the MSR. Today, potential homebuyers have fewer options and less access to resources than before. The campaign launch, hosted May 17 at the Minnesota Housing’s St. Paul office, brought together industry partners to break down challenges and establish commitments and strategies to ■ See House on page 8

think you gotta put that stuff behind you.” Warren said he started painting again in 2013. “It’s been about five years, but I kinda kept it tucked [away]. You know, that whole Erykah Badu thing: I’m sensitive about my ‘ish’. I started doing this just to be creative.” Since then, he has held five solo art shows, been featured as an artist for the Made Here series #Represent and #Future, and was one of only 10 artists featured on the 2016 Summer Arts Discovery Series at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Last year, after watching and experiencing Jay-Z’s 4:44 album, he was inspired to join the conversation of reshaping Black history through artistic expression. “With the Jaybos, I said, ‘Let’s do it in a different light.’ I want to put them in gold chains. I want to put them in Dolce & Gabbana. I want to put them in all types of stuff and spark new conversations.” He started painting pieces from the collection last year in July. He said it was also a turning point in his artistic career. “I think for awhile, [after] I got out of the Marines, I was never in a place where I felt like I could ‘art’ how I wanted to do it. Once I got into a comfortable space, I realized I was really just standing in

Photos courtesy of Meyer Warren

■ See Art on page 8

North Side juice bar joins larger effort to ‘fix Black neighborhoods’ By Ivan Phifer Contributing Writer

Chris Webley

North Minneapolis was once known as “the food desert,” but over the years, it has slowly seen improvement in the local quality of life in terms of economics and social enterprise. Eateries and markets such as Kindred Kitchen, Green Garden Bakery and North Market have recently established themselves as valuable resources in the area. Got The Juice (GTJ) is the latest establishment to make a welcome addition to the North Side. The fresh juice and smoothie bar opened its doors last week on Lowry

Avenue. It is the brainchild of New Rules founder and President Chris Webley and The Zen Bin creator Sierra Carter. “The idea is to provide fresh options for the North Side, which there seems to be a lack of,” stated Carter. The shop’s menu features items such as fresh ginger and pineapple juice, green juice for detoxing, and vegetable juice, along with protein powders and protein. GTJ currently has bakery items as well, with plans to add soups, salads and sandwiches. “The fun part was being creators of the recipes,” said Carter. “We did some research and

they are very culture-based.” Viewing the menu reveals exactly how Carter and Webley were inspired. Juices such as “Jamakin’ Me Crazy” include carrot, ginger, lemon, pineapple and orange; and Wakanda North includes ginger, lemon, pineapple and mint. Smoothies such as “So Fresh and So Green Green” include pineapple, mango, spinach and apple. The favorites among customers, the owners said, seem to be “Green Tings” and “Jamakin’ Me Crazy.” The juice bar falls in line ■ See Juice on page 8

Tierra Armstrong and Sierra Carter

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May 24-30, 2018

Dirty pain, clean pain, and the necessity of healing

A monthly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change. By Vina Kay and Kevin Reese Kevin: When I began doing this work I was suffering from something, impacted by the collision of my brown skin and mass incarceration. I began community organizing because I needed a place to heal and a place to use my strength to heal others. I spent years in prison suffering in isolation, so I embarked on a journey of self discovery. I spent years reflecting, growing, and healing, knowing when I showed up in the community to do this work, all the pain and trauma I had been through needed to be metabolized so that it shows up as clean pain. Clean pain is a term that comes from Resmaa Menakem’s powerful book My

Grandmother’s Hands. Resmaa defines clean pain as choosing integrity over fear and standing in that fear with integrity and moving towards the unknown. The alternative path is responding from dirty pain. Dirty pain is when we respond to fear and conflict from our most wounded parts. Responding from dirty pain only creates more pain, both for ourselves and for other people.

believe that you having power or voice means that mine is silenced or that power is a zero-sum game, I think we are acting from dirty power. But, when we see that power can grow across communities, that it can be a source of community transformation and well-being, and that we are all stronger when we see, hear, and find solidarity with each other, I believe we are acting into clean power.

Vina: Our whole team has benefitted from Resmaa’s wisdom, both in person and through his writing. The

Kevin: Understanding the power of responding to trauma and conflict from a place of clean pain has been at the cen-

“Trauma always returns to the scene of the crime.” framing of clean pain and dirty pain has been important to understand because it helps us see that the root of so much that we see is not negative actions or words, but actual pain. Framing as pain, even though we know responses can come out as clean or dirty, allows me to be compassionate, even when feeling wronged or attacked. Building on Resmaa’s framing, I have been also thinking about power. It seems that power can show up as clean or dirty, as well. For example, when we

ter of my work. When traumatic changes occurred in my personal life, I was able to respond with clarity. When transitions occurred organizationally, I was able to respond from what is best for the work. And when tragedies occurred in the community, I was able respond with how can I be a part of the solution. Being able to respond from clean pain as a place of peace and clarity has helped me heal. Over the years, Vina and I have had many reflective strategic conversations

discussing both mishaps and victories. When things are not looking so good, our meetings will take place on our balancing rock, and the question is always, “How do we act our way through it?” Acting our way through conflict and uncertainty has been how we model responding from clean pain. As an organizer, it has given me great pride to work with an organization that is not focused on getting everything right the first time, but instead committed to serving the community as a place to heal and transform from the historical trauma that poor people and people of color have been living with on these shores for centuries. Through that work in building relationships and agency, we see that trauma transform into the energy to fight for racial justice. Vina:We have been on this journey together at Voices of seeing the necessity, as Kevin shares, of modeling and offering spaces for organizers to build together while healing from the ongoing trauma of structural racism. Necessity is a word I have come to in thinking about healing justice. When we first began using that phrase at Voices, it was easy to see it as an add-on to our work to train organizers, develop policy tools, and work for

change in our communities. But after having been in deep conversation and work to practice healing justice within our organization and in our communities through all of that training, convening, research, and policy advocacy, I see this as absolutely necessary. We know that hurt people hurt people. Or as our friend and mentor Ricardo Levins Morales says, “Trauma always returns to the scene of the crime.” Our communities are suffering from collective hurt and trauma from the systems of dominance and racism that permeate everything. Shifting from dirty pain to clean pain, from dirty power to clean power, is part of our healing, and is absolutely necessary for our survival. Vina Kay, executive director of Voices for Racial Justice, and Kevin Reese are participants in Voices for Racial Justice’s “BRIDGE Partnership.” Vina and Kevin plan to continue their dialogue monthly over the next year, culminating in Kevin’s release in February 2019. Reader responses are welcome to info@voicesforracialjustice.org. To learn more about the organization’s work, visit www. voicesforracialjustice.org.

New ‘Poor People’s Campaign’ revives Dr. King’s vision I must remind you that a starving child is violence. Suppressing a culture is violence. Neglecting school children is violence. Punishing a mother and her family is violence. Discrimination against a working man is violence. Ghetto housing is violence. Ignoring medical needs is violence. Contempt for poverty is violence. – Coretta Scott King Something is wrong that we have to feed so many. Why should

there be poverty with all of our science and technology? There is no deficit in human resources – it is a deficit in human will. – Coretta Scott King It was not my intent to retread some of the thematic ground I’ve covered over the past couple of months, but current events both locally and across the nation, cause me to do so. The two columns that were

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published here in April marked 50 years since Dr. King’s assassination, and subsequently, the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The discussion of the Fair Housing Act is particularly relevant today, as there have been numerous efforts in recent years, both underhanded and overt, to undermine and ultimately overturn this essential law (as ineffectual as it has sometimes been). Another 50-year milestone that has just passed is what history has come to know as “The Roads to Resurrection City.” It was on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1968, that Coretta Scott King led thousands of demonstrators from far and wide to Washington, D.C. demanding that the U.S. Congress pass an Economic Bill of Rights, an idea originally proposed by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944. The centerpiece of Dr. King’s “Poor People’s Campaign,” the Economic Bill of Rights called for, among other things, full employment and a living wage; sufficient and affordable housing; and the right to health care, social security, and quality education. Of the Poor Peoples Campaign, Dr. King said, “We believe the highest patriotism demands the ending of the [Vietnam] war and the opening of a bloodless war to final victory over racism and poverty.”

health care and health-related outcomes, human rights, and environmental justice. On Monday, May 14, thousands of protestors, including 13 near the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, were arrested as they engaged in a national groundswell of nonviolent civil disobedience. According to the Minnesota Poor People’s Campaign, this calls for “new initiatives to fight systematic poverty and racism, immediate attention to ecological devastation, and measures to curb militarism and the war economy.”

Why then, do we not have the will to end it? Why do we choose to hate instead? On a couple of occasions, I have used this space to reference insights from comedian W. Kamau Bell’s CNN documentary series “United Shades of America.” In the third season’s premier episode, which aired at the end of April, Bell visits the U.S.-Mexican border to engage locals about their thoughts on “illegal immigration” and “the wall.” He visits with a pair of Border Patrol officers who, above

The national Poor People’s Campaign, along with its state and local affiliates and supporting partners, will continue these demonstrations over the next several weeks before convening at the United States Capitol Building on Saturday, June 23. Dating back to the Women’s March on Washington in January of 2017 up to the student-led March for Our Lives this spring, this will be

all, view their principle responsibility as saving lives. They cite the hundreds of migrants, determined to make a better life for themselves and their families, who die every year from dehydration, heat stroke, and even hypothermia. It is very common for activists and even concerned citizens who live on the border to leave water out in the hope they might possibly save the life of a fellow human being. Yet, Bell contrasts this good will with images that have been captured of Border Patrol agents who think differently than the two he interviewed. Knowing full well why the water is there, one Border Patrol agent is shown on film casually kicking gallon after gallon of water down a steep desert hill. Another agent is shown simply dumping water into the sand while he smiles and speaks directly into the camera. Whatever he was muttering was unintelligible to me, but he was obviously quite proud of himself. Apparently, that was his idea of justice, or national security, or whatever. Let that sink in. And while we do, let us not forget that poverty is violence. Poverty kills. Hate kills.

“America can’t fix poverty until it stops hating poor people.” Of course, Dr. King was not around to witness the culmination of this campaign or the establishment of Resurrection City on the National Mall where he helped to lead the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom nearly five years earlier. In late June of 1968, six weeks after setting up camp in Resurrection City, demonstrators were violently evicted by the local police and National Guard. Nearly 300 of them, including Dr. King’s most trusted aide Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, were arrested. Today, history is repeating itself as a new movement (inspired by Dr. King’s original vision), The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, has emerged in communities throughout the United States. This campaign restates the demands of 50 years ago and adds several more. It highlights the rising social and racial inequities in employment, education, housing, economic security, access to

at least the 22nd major demonstration to take place in Washington, D.C. over the last yearand-a-half. I am curious to see how America reacts to the upcoming June march as well as to all of the related events leading up to it. Why? Well, let’s be frank for a minute. An enduring theme throughout the history of this nation is that people living in poverty are somehow to blame for their own plight. There are a number of journalists, scholars and activists, including John A. Powell and Arthur Brooks, who have recently declared that “America can’t fix poverty until it stops hating poor people.” Please indulge me for a moment while I shift gears to reinforce this point. I chose the two quotes above from Mrs. King specifically for their bold and straightforward assertions. Number one: Poverty is violence. And second, as her husband acutely noted, “Poverty has no justification in our age.”

Clarence Hightower is the executive director of Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties. Dr. Hightower holds a Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University. He welcomes reader responses to 450 Syndicate Street North, St. Paul, MN 55104

May 24-30, 2018

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Early detection of prostate cancer is a matter of life and death

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD This is an update of a previous column providing new information.

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rostate cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect men. In the U.S. this year over 160,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 26,000 men will die from prostate cancer. African American men are 65 percent more likely than Caucasian men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes. Additionally, African American men are 2½ times more likely to die from prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Prostate cancer tends to appear sooner in African American men, and the type of prostate cancer in African American men tends to be more aggressive, meaning it can spread beyond the prostate to other areas of the body. We are not sure why African American men fall victim to prostate cancer more so than others, but emerging research suggests factors including genetics, socio-economic status, nutritional status, lifestyle and social habits (including smoking), and access to medical care

make a big difference in the longterm survival of men with prostate cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) has made prostate cancer screening recommendations, starting at age 50. Unfortunately, these recommendations are controversial, and some physicians don’t believe they take into account the higher risks and death rates seen in African American men with prostate cancer. In fact, to some physicians, the recommendations were either confusing or simply not accepted. Some doctors feel that the decision to screen or not is very complex. The discussion revolves around a simple blood screening test for a protein called “prostate-specific antigen” (PSA).

New screening guidelines issued The USPSTF, an independent and distinguished panel of experts, recently issued new guidelines for screening for prostate cancer for the first time since 2012. At that time, they did not recommend a PSA screening test. For many physicians who serve patients of color with a higher rate of prostate cancer, this recommendation missed the mark. As an Afri-

elevated one-time number alone.

Location of the prostate gland can American physician, I feel those recommendations were simply atrocious. The new guidelines state that men ages 55 to 69 should “make a personal decision about prostate cancer screening with their doctor.” That is a significant update from the 2012 “no PSA test” statement. They still, however, recommend no routine PSA testing after age 70. The reason PSA testing is so controversial is that the test can give a false positive result leading to additional (expensive) testing and (potentially) unnecessary treatment, as well as high amounts of anxiety. There are reasons that the PSA test can be positive other than having prostate cancer. Additionally, some real forms of prostate cancer are so slow-growing that they do not need aggressive treatment, but, rather, only a careful, yet, watchful eye. Additionally, some physicians believe that the significance of a PSA test is not necessarily picking up a test with high levels of PSA, but rather detecting significant changes in the PSA number over time. Discovering a considerable increase in PSA numbers over time may be a better signal for prostate cancer than observing an

Five ways to fight fatigue and energize your life By Dr. Raj Gupta Contributing Writer Feeling tired is a common complaint people express. Sometimes, the self-description morphs into “I feel tired all the time,” and experts say that’s when extreme tiredness becomes better known as fatigue. Fatigue, when someone lacks energy and feels exhausted mentally or physically, can negatively impact performance at work, family life, and social relationships. Often it is not a medical issue, but one that can be reversed by a lifestyle change.

fatigue in some people. The stimulation wears off and more caffeine is needed to produce the feelings of energy and clear-headedness. I recommend cutting back on all things containing caffeine – including coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks. Also, water should be the preferred liquid. You can be dehydrated and not even know it. One is recommended to drink half their weight in ounces per day. Stop burning the candle on both ends Fatigue is often directly related to sleep deprivation. When you sleep is when most of your healing takes place. Without enough sleep, your immune system breaks down. It is recommended you get six to eight hours of sleep per night. Get regular exercise No matter how busy people are, they need to make time for exercise on a regular basis – ideal in 20- to 30-minute sessions, a minimum of four times per week. Regular exercise helps regulate your mood, makes you sleep more soundly, and erases the little mistakes in our diet.

Photo by Husna Miskandar on Unsplash People would be amazed at how much energy they would have and how much better they would feel if they treated themselves better. We all have busy lives, but there are simple ways to not let your schedule overwhelm you and make your health suffer as a consequence. Stress can lead to fatigue symptoms such as a craving for sweets and salty foods, difficulty sleeping and irritability. I suggest five ways to fight fatigue and regain energy: Run on the right fuel A busy lifestyle can lead to fast food or carry-out. Therefore, preparation is important. Your energy and production are directly proportional to how you fuel your body. Always think about what you will be eating later. Ideally, your diet should consist of eating approximately five times a day with a combination of complex carbohydrates – fruits and veggies – and lean protein. Cut caffeine, add water Research indicates too much caffeine causes

Body adjustments The body can come more alive with a chiropractic alignment that provides proper functioning. Chiropractic adjustments to the spinal column relieve the pressure of a choked or pinched nerve caused by the rotated vertebra. A chiropractic adjustment increases one’s vitality and turns up their energy. Living life with zest, vitality and complete health is easier than you think. By managing these five simple aspects, one can maintain a healthy, fulfilling life. Dr. Raj Gupta has more than 20 years’ experience as a chiropractor and is the founder of Soul Focus Wellness Center. He has a doctorate in chiropractic from Life University. For more information, visit www.drrajgupta.com.

What can men do right now? Have a discussion with your doctor at your next visit. If you are over the age of 30 and have not had a general medical examination in two years, make an appointment today. At all general medical examinations for men over the age of 30, a digital rectal exam should be performed. Be sure to specifically ask your doctor about getting a digital rectal exam. If an enlarged prostate is detected, additional testing or examinations may be done. Benign prostate hypertrophy (enlargement) is common with age, and not cancerous. If your prostate is enlarged, or if tests come back suspicious, and if you are African American with a positive family history of prostate cancer, your physician may recommend that blood test screenings start at age 40 to 45, rather than age 50.

Normally, the prostate gland is no bigger than a walnut.

Keep in mind that the PSA test can provide false positives. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor and have a plan on what to do if the test comes back positive. Prostate cancer can be successfully treated with either medicine

and/or surgery. The most important thing to know about prostate cancer is that when it is located in the prostate, the prognosis is excellent. If the prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body, the prognosis is much worse, so detecting prostate cancer early – especially in African American men – is most important. Unfortunately, the new guidelines are not clear-cut. Circumstances such as family history, ethnicity, and personal history have to be considered. Make sure you talk to and encourage all the African American men you know over the age of 40 to talk to their doctors and ask if prostate cancer screening is appropriate for them. You could very well save a life. 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 an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations, and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians.

February 16-22, 2017

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4 May 24-20, 2018

Fresh Finds: Your guide to farmers markets in the Twin Cities

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armers markets have come a long way in the past decade or so. At one point, you could only find a handful in the Twin Cities Metro area. Now, they are peppered all over the city, including the newly reopened outdoor Nicollet Mall location in downtown Minneapolis. It’s a good thing, too, because these area markets are goldmines for accessing locally grown produce and reducing your carbon footprint. You can score everything from fruits and vegetables at their seasonal peak to farm fresh eggs, meats and goodies like spices, honey, jams, and jellies. Some locations even have artisan vendors with such offerings as jewelry, paintings, pottery, clothing and other crafts. Farmers markets are not just a weekend thing, either, as many are open during the week, and a few are even open daily. Here, we have compiled a list of nearly 40 farmers markets in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and surrounding suburbs to visit this summer. Read on to see what locations are near you. Don’t see your city? Visit minnesotagrown.com for a complete listing of the nearly 200 markets thruout the state.

Brianna Laugher/MGN Online

MINNEAPOLIS Brooklyn Park Farmers Market, Zane Sports Park, 8717 Zane Ave. N., Brooklyn Park. Wednesdays, 2-6 pm, July 18- Oct. 3. brooklynpark.org. 763-493-8333. East Isles Farmers Market, The Mall, between Hennepin Ave. S. and Humboldt Ave. S. Thursdays, 4-8 pm, June 28-Oct. 4 (No Market on August 2). eastisles.org.

Minneapolis Farmers Market, 312 E. Lyndale Ave. N. Daily, 6 am — 1 pm thru November. mplsfarmersmarket.com. 612-333-1718. Minneapolis Farmers Market - Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St. Tuesdays, 9 am — 3 pm thru November. mplsfarmersmarket.com. 612-333-1718.

Fulton Farmers Market, 4901 Chowen Ave. S. Saturdays, 8:30 am — 1 pm. thru Oct. 27. neighborhoodrootsmn.org. 612-207-7893.

Minneapolis Farmers Market Nicollet Mall, between 5th and 10th streets. Thursdays, 6 am — 6 pm thru Oct. 25. mplsfarmersmarket.com. 612-333-1718.

Golden Valley Farmers Market, Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley. Sundays, 9 am — 1 pm, June 17 - Oct. 7. marketinthevalley.org. 612-440-2648.

Nokomis Farmers Market, corner of 52nd and Chicago Ave. S. Wednesdays, 4-8 pm from June 13-Sept. 26. neighborhoodrootsmn.org. 612-207-7893.

Kingfield Farmers Market, 4310 Nicollet Ave. S. Sundays, 8:30 am — 1 pm thru Oct. 28. neighborhoodrootsmn.org. 612-207-7893.

Northeast Farmers Market, St. Boniface Catholic Church, 629 NE. 2nd St. Saturdays, 9 am — 1 pm thru Oct. 20. northeastmarket.org.

Linden Hills Farmers Market, 2813 W. 43rd St. Sundays, 9 am — 1 pm thru Oct. 28. lindenhillsfarmersmarket.com. 612-867-0854.

Stevens Square Mini-Market, corner of Nicollet and Franklin avenues. Wednesdays, 2 pm-6:30 pm from July -mid-October. neighborhoodrootsmn.org. 612-207-7893.

Midtown Farmers Market. 2225 E. Lake St. Saturdays, 8 am — 1 pm and Tuesdays, 3-7pm thru Oct. 30. midtownfarmersmarket.org.612-724-7457. Mill City Farmers Market, 2nd St. and Chicago Ave. S. Saturdays, 8 am —1 pm thru Oct. 27. millcityfarmersmarket.org. 612-341-7580. Mill City Farmers Market - The Commons, 425 Portland Ave. S. Tuesdays, 4-8 pm, June 5-Sept. 25. millcityfarmersmarket.org. 612-341-7580.

ST. PAUL Andover Farmers Market, Grace Lutheran Church, 13655 Round Lake Blvd., Andover. Tuesdays, 2-6 pm thru Oct. 30. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Roseville Farmers Market at Corpus Christi Church, 2131 Fairview Ave. S. Tuesdays, 8 am — noon thru Oct. 30. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Apple Valley Farmers Market, Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 W. 147th St., Apple Valley. Saturdays, 8 am — 1 pm from June 9-Oct. 27. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

St. Paul Farmers Market, 290 E. 5th St. Saturdays, 6 am — 1 pm and Sundays, 8 am — 1 pm thru Nov. 18. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. 651-227-8101.

Burnsville Farmers Market, 200 W. Burnsville Pkwy., Burnsville. Saturdays, 8 am — 1 pm from June 16-Oct. 27. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. Burnsville Farmers Market - Mary, Mother Of The Church, 333 Cliff Road, Burnsville. Thursdays, noon -5 pm thru Oct. 25. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. Inver Grove Heights Farmers Veterans Memorial Community 8055 Barbara Ave. Sundays, 8 am from June 17-Oct. 14. Inver Grove stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Market, Center, — 1 pm Heights.

University of Minnesota Farmers Market, 200 SE. Oak. St. Wednesdays, 11 am — 2 pm from July 11-Sept. 26. umn.edu.

Lakeville Farmers Market - Market Plaza, 20851 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville. Wednesdays, noon-5 pm from June 13-Oct. 31. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

West Broadway Farmers Market, Freedom Square, 2034 W. Broadway, Fridays, 3-7 pm from June 15-Oct. 5. appetiteforchangemn.org. 612-353-5178.

Lakeville Farmers Market - Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville. Saturdays, 9 am — 1 pm thru June 23-Sept. 29.stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Whittier Farmers Market at Calvary Baptist Church, 2608 Blaisdell Ave. S. Saturdays, 8:30 am — 1 pm from June 30-Sept. 29. whittierfarmersmarket.com. 612-524-9850.

Maplewood Farmers Market, Aldrich Arena, 1850 White Bear Ave. N., Maplewood. Wednesdays, 8 am — noon thru Oct. 30. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

St. Paul Farmers Market - St. Thomas More Church, 1093 Summit Ave. Fridays, 1:15-5 pm thru Oct. 26. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. St. Paul Farmers Market - 7th Place Mall, 1 W. 7th. Pl. Tuesdays, 10 am — 1:30 pm and Thursdays, 10 am — 1:30 pm from June 12Oct. 11. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. South St. Paul Farmers Market, 1201 Southview Blvd. Wednesdays, 2-6 pm from June 20-Sept. 26. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. Savage Farmers Market, Savage Depot, 4800 W. 123rd St., Savage. Sundays, 8 am — 1 pm from June 3-Oct. 28. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. West St. Paul Farmers Market at Signal Hills Shopping Center, 1201 S. Robert St. Fridays, 8 am — noon from June 15-Oct. 26. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. Woodbury Farmers Market, 2175 Radio Dr., Woodbury. Sundays, 8 am — 1 pm from June 10-Oct. 28. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Rosemount Farmers Market, 13885 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount. Tuesdays, 1-5 pm from June 12-Sept. 25. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Minneapolis sets goal for 100 percent renewable electricity The City of Minneapolis has committed to powering the city with 100 percent renewable electricity by the year 2030. According to a resolution passed by the city council, the move is in response to the City’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and “increase electricity from local and directly purchased renewables.” The resolution responds to overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is a real and existential threat to human civilization and is caused primarily by the combustion of fossil fuels. In addition, the City opposes the roll-

back of climate policy at the federal level and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The City Coordinator’s Office has been charged with developing a blueprint by the first quarter of 2019 to reach the aggressive goal. The blueprint will identify such items as policies and programs needed to achieve the goal, and financial resources necessary to implement those policies and programs as well as proposed community outreach and engagement efforts. Minneapolis joins two other cities in the state,

Rochester and St. Louis Park, that have set 100 percent renewable energy commitments. Other cities across the country that have also committed to 100 percent renewable energy include Atlanta, Georgia; Boulder, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Madison, Wisconsin; Portland, Oregon; St. Louis, Missouri; San Francisco, California; San Diego, California; and Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information on the City’s action on climate change, visit http://bit.ly/ MplsClimateAction.

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The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.

Teachers are delivering some of their best lessons in current school fight Mellaneous By Mel Reeves Contributing Commentator As the old adage goes, “Sisters are doing it for themselves,” and now they are doing it for everyone else. The overwhelmingly women-led teacher strikes and protests that have recently taken place in a handful of states have given us regular folks something to which to aspire. They have reminded us that change is indeed possible. And, in doing so, they have exposed the hypocrisy of a country commonly thought of as the wealthiest in the history of the world; one which also brags about being the greatest in the world, but refuses to spend money and resources to take care of its youth. Underpaid teachers, underpaid non-teaching staff and support staff, lack of supplies, substandard infrastructure, substandard schools, substandard funding, and 25-yearold textbooks — issues which make up the gist of the teachers’ complaints — expose all the rhetoric as just that: empty words. Education is not a priority in the U.S. as the strikes so clearly expose. Clearly, the U.S. educational system has little to do with real education. If a similar model was instituted in North Korea or Russia, the rulers would tell us it is state indoctrination, brainwashing disguised as learning. But, the requirement that children learn the pledge of allegiance is a clear form of indoctrination. After all, what does it have to do with education? If it’s not indoctrination, why is U.S. education based on highlighting the glories of western civilization? In other words, U.S. education is the story of the accomplishments and achievements of White people. How else does one explain the average citizen’s lack of knowledge of the U.S.’s bloody and brutal labor history, women’s history, the history of immigration, the evolution of “Whiteness,” Native American extermination, the truth about slavery, the Reconstruction, the Terror (the epoch of public lynchings from 1870-1950) and the list goes on and on?

It is the educational system that teaches U.S. citizens the “self- correcting” theory of U.S. history. This view of history purports that conditions are sometimes bad, but enlightened rulers then work to change them from within. However, the truth is that practically all change is forced from without. In a sense, the teachers are working against this theory and their indoctrination, by working to correct the wrongs in public education by taking to the streets, which coincidentally is the way change has always been wrought and not through the voting booth. The action in the streets has always influenced the decisions in the suites (those making the decisions so to speak), and not the reverse. Ironically, the teachers are fighting back in the so-called Orwellian-sounding “right to work” states. The fact that the states use these laws to deny teachers and public employees the right to strike exposes the real reason for the laws. They are not there to protect workers from unions, but rather are in place to discourage workers from organizing. And, of course, being unionized is the best way to do that. Revealing what’s really at stake, North Carolina Republican legislator Mark Brody called the women “Teacher Union thugs.” Anyone who stands up for public education and demands children and teachers get their fair share while demanding an end to the siphoning of dollars and resources by the rich is indeed a thug in the eyes of the rich and powerful! Moreover, the strikes have proven to be didactic as the educators, through their demands and actions, are modeling empathy. The public education system, with its focus on competition, test-taking and the concerns of Western Civilization, does not teach children empathy – which explains the callous U.S. adult population. “Public education for most children is a 12-year exercise in ethical emaciation,” is how Jonathan Kozol, famous educator and public education critic, put it. In every state in which educators have fought for bet-

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

ter wages, better learning conditions and increased school funding – West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arizona and, now, North Carolina – the laborers have also insisted that the non-teaching staff, including support staff, be given raises and be treated fairly, as well. The teachers have demanded and fought for more and better books, school supplies, smaller classes, better and more buildings, and more support staff including counselors and medicals staff, as it has become apparent (especially in poorer districts) that the young people now come to school with more problems and needs than in earlier years. And in West Virginia and Arizona, the teachers even had the foresight to look after their charges, while school was out because of their strikes. Teachers and supporters set up makeshift feeding centers to help children who depend on the school lunch program for a meal. In some cases, the womenled movement had to end-run their elected union leadership because it had grown too cozy with the bureaucratic school apparatus and become too fearful and acquiescent. They have taken initiative, activating their own sense of agency to fight for what they see is right. In taking their case to the streets, teachers and their allies are reviving a sleeping labor movement and reminding us that, ‘yes, we are our sisters/brother’s keeper’ and we can indeed stand up and demand what we want. The North Carolina teachers began their fight last week and may not get all they demand. All of the educators’ struggles for better pay and a just, equitable and quality public education system, have not met complete success, but they are reminding us that, ‘if we fight we can win.’

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‘Separate and Unequal’

The Minneapolis Police Department has separate hiring lists By Ron Edwards Contributing Commentator “We conclude that…the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place...inherently unequal.” — The U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling, May 17, 1954 (64 years ago). “The times they are a-changin’” — Bob Dylan, 1964 (except when they aren’t). 54 years ago.

a plan to keep this department as lily-White as possible, while everyone else looks the other way. 3. Even the Police Federation is not comfortable with this doctrine, yet also looks the other way as the City moves further away from diversity by race. 4. How is it that the fire department embraces rules of diversity, and yet, here, the HR department is hindering the MPD’s efforts to improve and embrace diversity in the MPD? 5. Why was this clandestine meeting held when the MPD Chief and Deputy Chief were not in town? 6. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is eager to place the Minneapolis Police Department in federal receivership if it finds the integrity of the Democratic administration of the City of Minneapolis lacking (a serious unintended consequence if this isn’t worked out). 7. The discussion was led by HR’s number-one, a Black female, HR’s number-two, a White male, and HR’s number-three, an Asian female. The thinking of this troika seems to be that the DOJ will miss their conspiracy of separate but unequal. 8. There is an undercurrent regarding how to deal with the hypocrisy of the mayor’s “Minneapolis 2040’s” 14 goals, for who knows who will be in charge as “best practices” get kicked down

the road again for another 22 years, when, in 2040, Minneapolis is projected to be 43 percent people of color? Is this but another name for future gentrification? This flies in the face of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous reminder in his book: Why We Can’t Wait (it’s been 350 years). This has continued under the swamps of the past 10 presidents. We suggest that the public safety committee of the Minneapolis City Council convene a special hearing to ask HR and the MPD to certify all lists pertaining to recruitment, including hiring, and the pass or fail percentage of candidates. We first broke this story on National Public Radio (NPR) at the end of 2017 (a repeat of our reporting on similar HR actions a decade ago). We are still waiting. We have often warned of the serious threat to the City’s relationship with the federal government. Why is the HR department again embracing the old doctrine of separate and unequal? Separate and unequal is a dangerous policy not in the best interest of our city’s communities of color. We await Jeff Sessions and his Department of Justice to step up to end this separate and unequal “justice” whenever it appears. Stay tuned. Ron Edwards is an author and hosts radio and TV shows.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Rau needs to step down Trying My Best By Frank Erickson Contributing Commentator

READER SERVICE

The Minneapolis Story Continues

A little over a month ago, a very secretive meeting took place at Minneapolis City Hall. The initial purpose: to discuss a serious conflict been the Minneapolis Human Resources (HR) Department and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). We have consistently raised questions over the years in regards to the shrinking numbers of African American officers. Here is a list of key problems and questions needing to be dealt with: 1.The HR department indicated it knew how to block information pertaining to the hiring lists. This HR strategy acts in direct violation of the law by creating two separate lists to be used, depending on Justice, then peace. who they had to talk to: one with the actual numbers and Mel Reeves welcomes reader one with made up numbers responses to mellaneous19@ when applying for Federal yahoo.com. government funding. 2. The HR department embraces the doctrine of “separate and unequal” as part of

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Through My Eyes

U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven E. Rau refuses to allow “terror suspect” Tnuza Jamal Hassan to be released into the custody of her mother. Judge Rau needs to step down and not preside over this case if he is Islamophobic. He needs to step down if he doesn’t have a problem with 100 Muslims being

killed for every five Christians during this “war on terror.” He needs to step down if he views Iran’s meddling in Iraq as “terror” and U.S. meddling in Iraq as “democracy building.” He needs to step down if he sees Islam as more violent than Christianity. He needs to step down if he believes that Muslims in the Middle East do not have the right to “war” the same

way the U.S. “wars” – that is “war” with the freedom to kill civilians. He needs to step down if he views the U.S. attack on Iraq in 2003 as a legitimate invasion and not a murderous crime. He needs to step down if he believes “selfradicalization” comes out of thin air and is not revenge-driven violence from U.S. aggression upon Muslims. The U.S. attacking Iraq

and killing tens of thousands of defenseless Muslims is enough to “self-radicalize” a million Muslims. And, most importantly, he needs to step down if he is a Christian; the judge in this case needs to be an atheist. How is this young woman going to get a fair trial within such an anti-Muslim court system? Frank Erickson lives in Minneapolis.

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May 24-30, 2018

Philando Castile remembered in upcoming Mia art exhibit tion focuses on the shooting’s impact on artists and examines larger cultural issues of racial equity in America. “Art is an expression of our shared humanity, and we must protect, nurture, and celebrate the work of artists, even when what they show us is painful,” said Kay-

Mural by Xiaolu Wang, which traces the creation of a mural born out of resistance to the violence by 12 local artists; and Leon Wang’s poster “Long Live King Philando” (2016). “We would not have been able to organize this exhibition without the support of our communi-

“The work of these artists has made me feel like I’m not alone.”

Angie Renee, "Why," 2016. Ceramic.

P

hilando Castile will be honored in a new Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) exhibition entitled “Art and Healing: In the Moment” starting in June, nearly two years after his fatal shooting in 2016. The exhibit will feature 15 works — including paintings, sculpture, video, posters, and textiles — all by Twin Cities artists. “Art and Healing: In the Moment” is slated to run from June 17 to July 29, 2018. Special programs for the exhibition will include a talk by Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and founder of The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement

win Feldman, Nivin and Duncan MacMillan director and president at Mia. “I am grateful to the artists and community supporters who have enabled this exhibition to occur at Mia. Our hope is to be ‘the people’s museum,’ and as such, we must represent all of the people, through both joy and suffering.” Artworks in the exhibition include Sarah White’s video Raising Black Hope (2016), which embodies joy as representative of resilience; Angie Renee’s “Why” (2016), a ceramic broken heart; the video I.am.

Courtesy the artist to Mass Incarceration and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice; tours exploring objects that address healing; and workshops and discussions around issues of injustice and reconciliation. Castile, an African American man who grew up in Saint Paul, was fatally shot on July 6, 2016, by a Falcon Heights police officer after being pulled over in his car. He was 32 years old. In the months following Castile’s death, artists in the Twin Cities created artwork in response to the tragedy and some of the items were given to the Castile family. Moved by this generosity, the

ty,” said Nicole Soukup, assistant curator of contemporary art at Mia. “It truly was a collaborative effort as we worked closely with the Castile family and an advisory panel to organize an exhibition we hope engages audiences in a relevant and meaningful way, holds space for our community, and creates opportunities for dialogue.” The exhibit is free. For more, info call 612-870-3000. —Information provided by Mia.

family approached Mia with a desire to share these artworks with the public. “The work of these artists has made me feel like I’m not alone,” said Valerie Castile, mother of Philando. “There are times when I sit in my living room, grieving, but then I look around and see this art, and I know I’m not the only one affected by Philando’s death. That’s why I wanted this exhibition to happen — it’s about connecting, reaching out, having a conversation.” “Art and Healing” is a result of a collaboration with the Castile family, Mia, and an advisory group from the community. The exhibi-

MSR TOP FIVE A snapshot of events and happenings around town

Coutesy of Mia

BUSINESS OF BEAUTY JUNE 2, 2018 • 12-4

Black fashion, hair, big hats, music and more! HerSilincey Presents: Sip & Release

Soundset 2018

May 25 | 6-8 pm Enjoy sips of wine, food and enlightening discussion centered on healing and self-care. Free. Black Pearl, LLC, 1011 W Broadway Ave #105, Mpls. More info: Go to http://bit.ly/HerSilinceyRelease to RSVP.

May 27 | 11 am — 10 pm Featuring everyone from Erykah Badu and WuTang Clan to Tyler the Creator and Migos, this diverse outdoor music fest hosted by Sway Calloway and Heather B, to name a few, presents the perfect way to cap off Memorial Weekend. All ages. $99+. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N. St. Paul More info: https://soundsetfestival.com

Black Fashion Week MN Kickoff May 25 | 7-9 pm The Black Fashion Week MN kick off, organized by The Morrow Group, features Made in America Black Excellence Collection by HWMR and Akua Gabby by Jacqueline Addison. Black Fashion Week MN runs until June 2. $30-50. Moxy Minneapolis Uptown, 1121 W. Lake St., Mpls. More info: http://bit.ly/BlackFashionMN

It’s Your Affair: The Big Hat Luncheon May 26 | 11 am — 3 pm Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this colorful gathering features inspiring stories and stylish hats. The program also includes lunch, live music, raffles, prizes, and vendors. $60. Minneapolis Marriott West, 9960 Wayzata Blvd., Mpls. More info: www.itsyouraffairevents.com or Facebook/ItsYourAffair

I Am Not My Hair Fashion Show May 30 | 7:30 pm As part of Black Fashion Week MN, this showcase for Black hair promises the hottest looks from the finest shops in the Twin Cities. Whether it be natural, permed or an amazing beard of fade, you’re bound to be impressed. $10. Monkon Sushi & Bar, 394 University Ave. W. St. Paul More info: http://bit.ly/BlackHairShow Photo credits: Big Hat Luncheon 2017 photo by James L. Stroud, Jr. Soundset 2015 and Black Fashion Week MN 2017 photos by Chris Juhn

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Corporate backgrounds inform couple’s franchise venture

Justin and Desirae Butler MN Spokesman-Recorder

By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer

Y

ou don’t have to be Italian to love Italian ices. In fact, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t. Accordingly, Justin and Desirae Butler quite arguably have embarked on a can’t-miss enterprise investing in their Rita’s Italian Ice franchise. The overall company has enjoyed national success since 1984 and has partnered with the likes of Nabisco and Cadbury. Add to this auspicious beginning, their combined experience and the Butlers have handsomely hedged their bet. Justin, co-owner and general manager, held executive positions at Target, GE Capital and Bank of America, leaving the corporate world to better focus on and apply his energies to something considerably closer to home. “I come from a family full of entrepreneurs,” he

as a full-time director of risk and compliance. She has an accounting degree from the University of Delaware and graduated Wright State University as a master of accountancy.

explains. “My parents have had a lawn and snow business in Omaha the last 25 years. My grandparents ran a pest control service for over 40 years. My uncle had an art gallery in Atlanta. I was kind of the oddball in the house that went into corporate.” After attaining an accounting degree at Saint Louis University and graduating Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management as an MBA, the exec eventually assessed that his work in the corporate world wasn’t all that odd after all. “I took a look at all these sort of things [I’d been doing]. It’s always been consumer [related] – consumer banking, consumer products, etcetera. An opportunity came up, presented itself for me to step out and hang my own shingle. So, I did.” Desirae does double duty as co-owner and working at a private equity firm

their homework. Justin notes that when they lived in Charlotte, North Carolina there was a thriving Rita’s Italian Ice location that they frequently visited. “When we moved to the Twin Cities, we were going to build our own [store location] in Woodbury. But, there was one in Eagan which the owner decided to sell. We knew the area’s economics pretty well. We hopped on that so we could [start] quicker. That made the most sense, since it was already established instead of building from scratch.” Desirae adds, “I’ve known about Rita’s since my time at the University of Delaware as it is a staple on the East Coast. We loved the product and the community engagement model of the business as a whole.” “Rita’s also had a couple [of] business models”, said Justin. “The retail storefront itself plays very well in a suburban setting. In Philadelphia, for example, where they’re headquartered in a more urban environment, they have more kind of pop-up locations, more kind of

“We loved the product and the community engagement model of the business as a whole.” “We both have strong corporate backgrounds that we bring to the table in managing our own businesses,” she states. “I get to leverage the background and skill set I’ve developed over the course of my career to provide guidance and counsel to our business.” For good measure, Desirae is a certified public accountant and both are savvy marketing strategists who’ve done

satellite stands, and [aren’t] attached to a retail or commercial building.” Here’s where the Butlers add a twist, furnishing their own style of marketing to both consumer bases. Though anchored in Eagan at the Diffley Marketplace, they offer catering and are readily available to do mobile events like carnivals and parades. “One of the things we are working

on is how do we [better] engage the urban community. I’m working on how do I, in one way shape or another, hang my shingle in the City of Saint Paul. I’ve met with Parks and Recreation. I’ve met with Amy Brendmoen, who’s president of the city council.” He’s also gone to the very top brass. “I’ve spoken with [Mayor] Melvin Carter at the UNCF Gala. He said, ‘Look, you’re doing a couple things here, opening a couple of businesses, and I want one in Saint Paul.’ “We’re working on a couple different things. We can operate out of Eagan and still serve the urban [marketplace].” That includes laying groundwork for a Duck Donuts franchise, which the Butlers expect to have operational after the summer. Meanwhile, a target venue is Como Zoo, an excellent way to reach urban consumers without waiting for an event to materialize. Importantly, Como Zoo is pocket-friendly to those who want to have a nice outing at a nice price, something Rita’s Italian Ice can accommodate. “One of the reasons I was attracted to Rita’s is the price point itself. A family of four can come in and everyone can get a treat for less than $12.” All said, you have to like how the odds are stacked in favor of Justin and Desirae making a fine go of it with Rita’s Italian Ice and whatever other ventures may follow. Dwight Hobbes welcomes readers’ responses to P.O. Box 50357, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Green Minneapolis announces lineup for The Commons 2018 summer season Summer is right around the corner and for downtown Minneapolis that means the start of The Commons 2018 summer season. Now in its second year, more than 500,000 guests are expected to gather for free community events and programming at the 4.2 acre green space, which is managed and programmed by Green Minneapolis. The 2017 season featured 68 events, including Northern Spark, an overnight festival celebrating the Twin Cities’ thriving arts community, along with a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra, which drew an audience of more than 3,500 for an evening of food, music and fun. “In Minneapolis, we do summer better than anyone and The Commons park adds immensely to that status,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Whether it’s Northern Spark, a movie night, or just a place to hang out with a partner, The Commons is the perfect place to gather — a kitchen table of our downtown.” This year’s lineup will feature everything from live music, silent disco, and poetry in the park to yoga, kickboxing, and monthly beer and wine nights, as well as kid-friendly activities. New events have also been created via input from community members and partner organizations, including a monthly breakfast series for creatives, lawn game leagues, additional fitness classes, and pop-up hip hop performances with Sisco Omar.

Other area artists include Gretchen Marquette, The Commons’ 2018 Poet In Residence and author of May Day, who will host a series of outdoor poetry readings and lead writing workshops throughout the summer, and award-winning author and cartoonist Chris Monroe who will lead a children’s story time. The 2018 season will continue programs in partnership with Minnesota Orchestra Mill City Farmers Market, Northern Lights.mn, MacPhail Center for Music, and Fly Feet Running. In addition, Green Minneapolis has announced new partnerships with Minnesota Sinfonia, CreativeMornings/Minneapolis, and Mixed Blood Theatre. “Increasingly, people who live in the neighborhood, work downtown, or visit on the weekend are enjoying time in The Commons,” said Ward 3 Council Member Steve Fletcher. “I’m excited for all of the events and programs that the summer has in store and look forward to seeing so many people come together from across Minneapolis to enjoy them.” Don’t want to wait for a special event? The park is open now through September 30. You can visit The Commons park daily to check out food trucks and games carts, play table tennis, bring kids to play on a large building-block or just hang out under the umbrellas for shade. The park will also serve as the site for X Games and other stadium-related activations, festivals and private parties.

Visit commonsmpls.com/activities for a full schedule and activities lineup.

Information provided by Green Minneapolis. Photo courtesy of Facebook/The Commons, Minneapolis

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Rev. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor 2600 E. 38th Street. Mpls., MN 55408 612-827-7928 fax: 612-827-3587 www.greatfriend.org Sunday Morning Worship: 8 am Sunday School: 9 am Morning Worship: 10:40 am N.B.C.: 5:30 pm Evening Worship: 7pm (1st Sunday) www.greatfriend.org The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody

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May 24-30, 2018

“It is going better than we hoped… The power of the message is getting through.”

Protesters at MN Poor People’s Campaign rally on May 14 Photo courtesy of Facebook/MN Poor People’s Campaign

Campaign Continued from page 1

June 23. Minnesota is one of 30 states holding events in support of the national effort. “We are in direct communication with the national campaign,” said DeWayne Davis in an MSR phone interview. Davis is tri-chair of the Minnesota Poor People’s Campaign and senior pastor of All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church. “Every local area has its own unique approach to this,” Davis said. “They want

JuiCe Continued from page 1

with work Webley started with his New Rules organization, which was built on the idea of developing ecosystems and solutions for Black and Brown communities where structures of oppression – economic, health and wellness and educational – create dysfunction. New Rules also works with real estate in urban areas, taking unproductive buildings in overlooked communities and turning them into innovative spaces such as the building that now houses Got The Juice.

to know what we are doing here and [how to] amplify the issues that are specific to Minnesota. We have been very pleased with their support, too.” Thirteen protesters were arrested during the May 14 demonstration at State Rep. Pat Garofalo’s (R-Farmington) Saint Paul office. Garofalo is co-sponsor of a “pre-emption” bill (HF 600) that would prohibit city governments from passing their own minimum wage or paid leave laws. It passed the House 76-53 and is now in the Senate. A similar bill was vetoed last year by Gov. Mark Dayton, but according to Davis, there has been no word from the governor’s office if he will do the same if the bill is passed and reaches his desk. “The

governor is not putting out a sense of what he’s doing,” said Davis. “Our rally was about demanding dignity for women and working families,” Davis continued. “We’ve had more than 200 people come out and [give] personal testimonies on trying to make a living on less than a living wage. It gave us a lot of momentum going into the next few weeks of action.” Davis said that the arrests have galvanized his group. “If legislators think that this is going to stop people from making their voices heard, they are sorely mistaken,” he noted, adding that the number of people signing up for direct action training has almost doubled. He called the arrested protesters “brave, courageous, prophetic people to occupy the [State office] building and get arrested,” Davis said. “They put their bodies on the line.” He said the Minnesota Poor People’s Campaign is focusing on systemic racism and economic justice. “We are putting our focus on the unjust deportation of DREAMERS and immigrants, and separation of families,” Davis explained. “The work of I.C.E. [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] in Minnesota has been very aggressive and very relentless. Our rallies are focusing on a just immigration policy and call attention to how horrible the immigration enforcement agency has been treating families, and especially children.” Davis said that thus far the local pro-

nies for juice and a muffin.” This caused Webley to also start looking at what shops are needed on the North Side. “We have other spaces we are looking at to fulfill the food entities throughout the North Side area. “We know that health and wellness is only one part of this success,” said Webley. “For a lot of folks in the neighborhood, we want to try to get them out of survival mode. In order for that to happen, this component is needed. We can’t take from the community and not give back to it.” Got The Juice, located at 2015 Lowry Avenue in North Minneapolis, celebrated its soft launch opening last week. Visit their Facebook page, Northside Juice Bar, for more details on events hosted by Zen Bin and New Rules. Ivan Phifer welcomes reader responses to ivan.b.phifer@gmail.com. Photos by Ivan Phifer.

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ters arrested after blocking the Fort Snelling station on Minneapolis Light Rail’s Blue Line. The location, he said, was picked because of its proximity to I.C.E. field office. Protesters disrupted the traffic at both the light rail line and I.C.E. parking lot for about two hours until some were arrested, he said.

Charles Hallman welcomes reader responsEditor’s UpdatE es to challman@spokesman-recorder.com. The MN Poor People’s Campaign held another protest Wednesday, May 22 addressing immigration policies. PPC News Media Coordinator Dane Smith reported 18 protes-

“I want people to walk away with light, positivity, joy, understanding, inspiration and clarity.”

ley said. “The license requires a food component, and the community wanted healthy food alternatives.” He added that a lot of the work was inspired by community feedback. “Feedback is the number-one priority. We are not food experts, so we find folks who are already in that space to become supportive allies.” Webley also described a situation in which kids in the neighborhood are tempted to buy products such as Cheetos and Little Debbie snacks because they are often the cheapest and most convenient. “A few of the kids that hang out here will go right to the gas station across the street and grab a sugary drink. One of the kids literally came in with a whole bag full of pen-

art Continued from page 1

my own way – especially when people started buying pieces. Now, it’s like, damn, I should have been doing this a long time ago!” At the end of the day, Warren wants to uplift community. “I want people to walk away with light, positivity, joy, understanding, inspiration and clarity,” he said. “And an appreciation for abstract graffiti art and me as an artist.” He is now working on securing grants to further his craft and expand his presence in the

“For a lot of folks in the neighborhood, we want to try to get them out of survival mode.” “We want to give the community a transfer of power. If we can fix one Black neighborhood, we can fix all Black neighborhoods,” said a motivated Webley. Carter’s The Zen Bin was founded in January 2018 and hosts events for social and mental wellness, including yoga, dance, painting classes and parties for the children and teenagers, as well as adult game nights. It also hosts workshops on a number of issues such as healing trauma and financial intentionality. “I always was a go-getter,” said an elated Carter. “I created Zen Bin because being in Chicago and L.A. provided a different perspective. I wanted to provide tools for people in this area. You can find coffee in any corner store, [but] fruits and smoothies, not so much. Different markets give you different ideas.” Opening Got The Juice was not an overnight effort. “The juice bar took at least two years to be exact,” Web-

tests have mainly been at the State Capitol. “The day after Memorial Day we are going to have a rally for a peace economy,” he announced of the May 29 jointly planned event with Veterans for Peace and Women Against Military Madness. It is expected “to call attention to the increasing mobilization for war and how that detracts from a peace economy that supports working class families. “We have been very clear in where we are going” with the protests, Davis said. “We have people who are committed to direct action.” He also encouraged anyone interested in joining the Campaign or signing up for civil disobedience training to go to their Facebook page or visit MNPoorPeoplesCampaign.org. “This is going to be an exciting time of getting the attention of our lawmakers and our citizens,” Davis said. “It is going better than we hoped. We found out that the power of the message is getting through.”

House

around for new homebuyers.” Despite such challenges as the lack of income (anothContinued from page 1 er glaring disparity in Minnesota) and access, the alliance’s help families of color not on- research shows that there are ly to buy, but also to keep their more than 64,000 households of color that are in a position to homes. The alliance, comprised buy a home today. The alliance is combining of more than 20 government, nonprofit, banking and real their resources and outreach estate agencies, was formed efforts to raise awareness and shortly after the housing and reach these potential homebuyers, many of whom, Bowforeclosure crisis.

arts world. He also has a limited edition clothing line in partnership with HWMR. His next show, called #WarReady, is also in the works, set for an August debut. To view more of Warren’s works and for more information, visit stpaulslim.com. Stephenetta Harmon welcomes reader responses to sharmon@ spokesman-recorder.com.

that they…have the necessary information to be successful. And, to make sure that not only the community and the homebuyers have [access to resources], but even the lenders, the financial institutions… We want them to know everything about FHA, HomeReady, Home Possible — any product with a down-payment assistance program that is available,” he continued. The campaign will also

“The most important thing is to not get caught up in that ‘We can’t be a homeowner’ myth.” Member organizations include PPL, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis, the City of St. Paul, the African Development Center, Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Urban League, Minnesota Housing, KleinBank, and the Minnesota Homeownership Center. “After the industry crashed and the foreclosure crisis happened, a lot of people were kind of left outside the door trying to figure out what’s next,” said Trent Bowman, vice president and community development officer at KleinBank, who has been part of the alliance since its inception. “This whole group came together to have those answers — the ‘What next?’ answers — to make sure that we do a better job the second time

man said, have “self-selected” themselves out of ownership. “The most important thing is to not get caught up in that ‘We can’t be a homeowner’ myth. We’re here, the information is available for you,” said Bowman. “The good news is that we are connecting amazing people like Trent and Henry with government and with more resources so that we can make sure that people know that there are resources out there for them and [that] homeownership is possible,” said Megan Ryan, Minnesota Housing director of communications. “The [Get Ready, Be Ready] campaign is about more than having signage,” Bowman told the MSR. “The responsibility of the alliance to the homeowners is to make sure

help address such issues as credit building— something that is sorely needed in a market that demands high (if not, higher) credit scores for even a rental property. The alliance also aims to build viable relationships between potential homebuyers, banks and real estate agents without judgements. “This is not a business that you do over the phone,” said Bowman. “This is a sit-down with your loan officer, a sitdown with that individual, and talk about goals and get to know each other, so they know [we] have their best interest at heart.” That includes qualifying and finding homes for buyers that are not just based on their incomes, but their lifestyles. “A dream home is a home you can afford,” Bowman said, not

just one you qualify for. Rucker agreed, noting that loans are made based on buyers’ gross income. “But, you pay your bills on your net. So, if your gross is $50K, you don’t bring home $50k. Let’s say you bring home $38K… It’s my job as a financial advisor and coach navigator to put your [financial] puzzle together so when I send you to Trent, to KleinBank, Associated Bank, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Bremer or whoever, when they open your box, all the pieces of the puzzle are in there and you can get approved.” Rucker said that kind of success doesn’t happen overnight. “Just having this conversation is partial success. But, I think that once we start to see that number go the right direction, if it’s two percentage points, five, to me that’s success.” But, he added that moving the needle doesn’t mean stopping efforts. “Even if we reach our counterparts, you can’t stop there, either because you can say, ‘Oh, we made it, and now we’re going to stop.’ We don’t want to have that mentality.” Stephenetta Harmon welcomes reader responses at sharmon@spokesman-recorder. com. Photos by Stephenetta Harmon

May 24-30,2018

Legals State of Minnesota County of Hennepin With Real Estate In Re the Marriage of: Asmaham Mohamed Ghazal, Petitioner and Ahmed Hashim Sharif, Respondent

Employment Case Type: Dissolution Without Children District Court Fourth Judicial Court CASE NO: 27-FA-18-3041 SUMMONS WITHOUT REAL ESTATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: YOUR SPOUSE (HUSBAND OR WIFE) HAS FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU FOR DISSOLUTION OF YOUR MARRIAGE. A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK REGARDING THE LAWSUIT IS SERVED ON YOU WITH THIS SUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM THE COURT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE. 1. The Petitioner, (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the 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 or beneficiary designation. (4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the Court Administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider of a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota statutes, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the Court in later proceedings. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT. Date: 05/8/2018 Signed: Asmahan Mohamed Ghazal

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder May 24 & 31, June 7, 2018

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: July 16, 2010 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $40,000.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Ronald L. McNichols MORTGAGEE: SharePoint Credit Union DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded with the County Recorder in and for the County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, on September 13, 2010, as Document No. 9558503 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to Blackstone 1, LLC, recorded April 5, 2018, as Document No. 10542273 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 3, Block 5, Hickory Ridge First Addition PROPERTY ADDRESS: 6258 Meadowlark Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55369 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Hennepin AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $35,401.93 THAT there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure requirements; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; THAT pursuant to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of Hennepin County as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: July 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Room 30, 350 South Fifth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. The date on or before which the mortgagor must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property redeemed under section 580.23: January 11, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: April 20, 2018 Blackstone 1, LLC Assignee of Mortgagee HOELSCHER LAW FIRM, PLLC By: /s/ Brian G. Hoelscher Brian G. Hoelscher #0238752 Attorneys for Assignee of Mortgagee 13100 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 224-9551 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. FORECLOSURE DATA Minn. Stat. Sec. 580.025 (1) the physical street address, city, and zip code of the mortgaged premises is 6258 Meadowlark Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55369; (2) the name of the transaction agent, residential mortgage servicer, and the lender or broker, as defined in section 58.02, if the person holding the mortgage is a transaction agent as defined in section 58.02, subdivision 30 are as follows: – not applicable; or the name of the residential mortgage servicer and the lender or broker, as defined in section 58.02, if the person holding the mortgage is not a transaction agent as defined in section 58.02, subdivision 30 are as follows: residential mortgage servicer – Blackstone 1, LLC, lender or broker – Blackstone 1, LLC; (3) the tax parcel identification number of the mortgaged premises is: 35-119-22-34-0042; (4) if stated on the mortgage, the transaction agent’s mortgage identification number is: - not applicable; (5) if stated on the mortgage, the name of the residential mortgage originator as defined in section 58.02 is: SharePoint Credit Union Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, May 10,17,24,31 & June 7 & 14, 2018

GET NOTICED! • Employment • Rentals • For Sale • Divorce • Assumed Name • Bids • Public Notices... To place a classified ad, please call 612-827-4021

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State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 N LOVE PROMOTIONS

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Minneapolis MN 55414 USA NAMEHOLDER: Nicole M. Wess

317 3rd Ave SE Minneapolis MN 55414 USA

In whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Nicole M. Wess EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: maurae38@aol.com DATED: 5/07/2018 11:59 PM Minnesota Spokesman Recorder May 17 & 24, 2018

State of Minnesota County of Hennepin With Real Estate In Re the Marriage of: Steven Davis, Petitioner and Donnis Davis, Respondent

Req. Master’s/Biomedical, MEch. or related eng. field & 2 yrs. exp. with systems eng. or a Bachelor’s & 5 yrs. exp. Must possess 2 yrs. exp. with dev. systems utilizing 21 CFR 820.30 & ISO 13485 regs.; author system level req w/traceability for verification & validation testing; influencing prod. dev. teams to deploy systems eng. practices & interacting w/cross-functional teams; est. verification strategies to ensure testability of system requirements relative to use conditions; employing reliability, modeling, & risk mitigation techs. to meet design input requirements; & dev. and implementing approaches for complying w/int’l standards incl. ISO 14708-1 and ISO 14971. Must possess exp. drafting white papers & tech. reports for reg. submissions. To apply, visit www.medtronic.com/careers, select Req. #17000OW2. No agencies or phone calls please. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

Case Type: Dissolution Without Children District Court Fourth Judicial Court CASE NO: 27-FA-18-1047 SUMMONS WITHOUT REAL ESTATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: YOUR SPOUSE (HUSBAND OR WIFE) HAS FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU FOR DISSOLUTION OF YOUR MARRIAGE. A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK REGARDING THE LAWSUIT IS SERVED ON YOU WITH THIS SUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM THE COURT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE. 1. The Petitioner, (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the 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 or beneficiary designation. (4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the Court Administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider of a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota statutes, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the Court in later proceedings. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT. Date: 02/16/2018 Signed: Steven Davis

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder May 10 , 17 & 24, 2018

Fitz Continued from page 10 leagues and the individual teams. “I think everybody who owns a top-four professional sports team just basically saw the value of their team double at least,” said billionaire Dallas Mavericks NBA owner Mark Cuban. What I say is: What’s good for the goose is not good for the gander. The NFL said in a statement that it wants Congress to implement a “core regulatory framework” for sports betting. “The NFL’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute. Congress has long recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contest and the public confidence in these events.” I knew what was up last year when the NHL opened the door for Las Vegas and the Golden Knights to buy in as an expansion team at a $500,000,000 franchise fee. Like magic, the team put together by grabbing two unprotected players from each of the 30 NHL teams has reached the Stanley Cup Finals in its first season. Seriously, the first time ever. Now the NFL has cleared the way for the Oakland Raiders to move to Las Vegas. You know what happens in Las Vegas stays in Vegas? On the surface, it all looks like fun and games, but it’s a lot deeper than that. It’s about winning and losing on every game and every bet. Somebody gets paid

and somebody gets their head bashed in because they don’t have the ability to pay what they owe and tried to win. Gambling is fun as long as you win. Major League Baseball said the Court’s decision will have “profound effects” on its operation. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who has supported the legalization and regulation of sports betting, said in a statement, “We remain in favor of a federal framework that would provide a uniform approach to sports gambling in states that choose to permit it, but we will remain active in ongoing discussions with state legislatures. Regardless of the particulars of any future sports betting law, the integrity of our game remains our highest priority.” “We’ve opened up a real circus here, said author Arnie Wexler. “You’re going to have so many people addicted to gambling in the next couple of years it’s going to be crazy. We’re going to have a volcano of gambling addiction in America.” Get ready for the states’ new game, America, and the new frontier. 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 www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com

Charity Continued from page 10

Her league in recent years has taken a lead role in advocacy for various charity and social causes, which Borders described as, “We are not only leading, but leading by example. We want to make sure that it is not just talk, but we are walking the walk.” “I think that is a big step for us,” Lynx center Sylvia Fowles said of the new initiative. “We have a unique understanding that it is not [just] about us.” “I think the WNBA always has [done] a good job of pushing…or not shying away from discussions” on social issues, Los Angeles forward-center Candace Parker said last week during a WNBA start-of-season media conference call. She told reporters, including the MSR, that she appreciates the league’s support of inclusion. “Everybody’s different, but we have to work together,” Parker said. Minnesota forward Maya Moore, on the same media call, said, “I think we as the WNBA and WNBA players have to take advantage of using our platforms for change.” Moore and her Lynx teammates have been among the league leaders in this regard. “I feel our league backs you up on what

“I think we as the WNBA and WNBA players have to take advantage of using our platforms for change.” your passion is,” she continued. “I’m looking forward to continuing to use my platforms as an individual player, and I have teammates who feel the same way to make sure we take advantage to give other women opportunities that we were given. We like to be leaders.” Lynx-Sparks rivalry continues After opening their pre-rivalry play at 9-24, Minnesota and Los Angeles have gone five games in each of the past two WNBA Finals, with each team winning one title each, the Sparks in 2016 and the Lynx last year. It now has become the W’s standard of excellence that the other 10 teams are striving to reach, and many predict a historic third finals series between these two clubs in September. With Sunday’s one-point loss to the visiting 2017 runners-up, Minnesota’s post-rivalry record against Los Angeles is now 1719. (All-time results: Minnesota 26, LA 45.) “The margin of error for each team – a couple of stops, a possession – is so small that you just appreciate the talent that is on the court and what goes into it,” Moore told the MSR during last Thursday’s media call on the Lynx-Sparks rivalry. “Every game that we play, it feels like a playoff game. You have that championship game feeling every time you play. This is exactly what a rivalry feels like.” The two teams’ next meeting is June 3 in Los Angeles. “I think the rivalry really adds to our sport,” Parker said. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

9

10

May 24-30, 2018

Supreme Court says There in the beginning: ‘Bet on it’! recalling the Lynx’s first year

B

y a vote of 6-3, the Supreme Court’s “Ready, Set, Go” decision has pushed opened the door for sports betting to become legal. First of all, we should not be surprised; after all, it’s America, the Land of the Free. Oh, that’s right. We (Black people) have not always been free for 400 years. Somebody please educate Kanye West’s dumb *ss. Alcohol, liquor, beer, wine and spirits used to be illegal. Remember?

Hanging Black people in this country at one time was not a crime. Groups of Whites used to do it all the time and celebrate it. Can you say Klu Klux Klan? Until 1947, Black athletes could not play in the Major Leagues. The Supreme Court never got around to voting on that discrimination. Instead of dealing with the crooked NCAA, the Supreme Court decided to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that was passed in 1992, keeping Nevada as the only state to offer widespread, Statesanctioned sports betting. Now all states have the power to legalize sports betting. And they are ready; the states’ casinos and horse tracks were ready to offer sports betting, because it’s all about money for the sports

ANOTHER

VIEW charles hallMan

The Minnesota Lynx is celebrating its 20th year in the WNBA this season. In this 20-part occasional series we will take a year-by-year look back, featuring reflections from players, coaches, fans and others. This week: the year 1999

Minnesota at long last had a women’s pro basketball team in town in 1999 – and not another one-or-two (seasons)-and-done. Brian Agler was hired as coach and GM. Five “rookies” were drafted – Tonya Edwards, Sonya Tate, Andrea Lloyd Curry, Trisha Fallon and Angie Potthoff, all of whom played for Agler’s twotime American Basketball League (ABL) champions Columbus Quest that had folded months earlier. Charmin Smith was among six players the WNBA allocated to Minnesota. “We had a real veteran group, and I was a rookie on that team. [It was] my first year in the league,” Smith recalled in a recent MSR phone Photo courtesy MGN Online interview. She also played in the ABL (Portland, 1997-98) and was a former star player at Stanford (1993-97), where she helped the Cardinals to three NCAA Final Fours and three Pac-10 titles. Now California associate head coach, Charmin said, “It was a very special group of players, people like Katie ■ See Fitz on page 9 Smith, Andrea Lloyd, Tonya

“You’re going to have so many people addicted to gambling in the next couple of years it’s going to be crazy.”

Charmin Smith Courtesy of Cal Athletics

Edwards, that made me feel like my value was there.” The first-year Lynx won its first two games, both at home, and four of their first six contests, including road wins at Los Angeles and Utah (now Las Vegas). Although they played .500 or above ball for most of the summer, Minne-

“It was just cool playing at the highest level against the best players in the world night in and night out.” sota ran into a rough August, finishing 15-17 and out of the playoffs. “It was just cool playing at the highest level against the best players in the world night in and night out,” Smith continued. Playing in

Sports odds and ends

A changeless ‘dark cloud’ hangs over sports media Racial and gender diversity remain stuck on stupid

TIDES Director Richard Lapchick MSR file photo

By Charles Hallman Senior Staff Writer The 2018 Associated Press Sports Editors Racial and Gender Report Card sadly shows little progress for Blacks in key positions over the last three years. The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) earlier this month published its sixth report card for the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) to measure any changes in racial and gender hiring practices from the 2014 study. Over 75 newspapers and websites were evaluated — collectively earning a B for racial hiring and a fifth consecutive F for gender hiring. The combined D-plus is the lowest such grade of all the reports TIDES has issued. “While there has been improvement, there hasn’t been enough to measure the dark cloud over the sports media,” TIDES Director Richard Lapchick said in an MSR phone interview. The dark cloud definitely has hovered over

the two Twin Cities dailies, where the number of Black sportswriters combined can be counted on one hand. This legacy newspaper, the MSR, has for over three decades had far more columnists of color than the Star Tribune (zero) and the St. Paul Pioneer Press (also zero). Apparently both papers don’t subscribe to APSE past President John Cherwa’s contention that mainstream sports newsrooms need to be more diverse. “The numbers remain basically the same,” he said in the report. “Change seems to be glacial.” The editor is the person who assigns stories; the columnist’s opinions influence sports fans; and the reporters cover games and do interviews. However, “The vast majority of people holding key positions on the major newspapers and media websites…are White and male” — 85 percent of sports editors, 80 percent of columnists, and 82 percent of reporters. To be specific: Sports editors: four Black males and ze-

NBA arenas in L.A., Phoenix and Madison Square Garden among others was “really cool” as well, she remembered. “I remember KG (Kevin Garnett) and Bobby Jackson coming to our games,” she said. “KG had the team hook him up with a Lynx jer-

ro Black females (2017), compared to six Black men and four Black women in the same roles in 2014. Columnists: 27 Black men and four Black females (2017), whereas in 2014 there were 40 Black males and two Black females. Reporters: 44 Black men and four Black females in 2017, compared to 40 Black men and six Black females in 2014. “The survey statistics unfortunately remain alarming and continue to underscore APSE’s urgent need to improve in this area,” said APSE President Jeff Rosen in the report. “It really does start with each one of us already in the field. I’m challenging my fellow sports editors and managers and directors to broaden every search for job candidates…” “It remains important to have voices from different backgrounds in the media,” Lapchick added. He told me, “Increasing diversity and inclusion is going to make us a better-informed public because the stories will be broader and more accurate. If you are a woman interviewing a female athlete, the chances of that athlete opening up and going deeper or stronger, as well as an African American columnist interviewing an African American athlete, the chances of them being willing and…more authentic, the odds are certainly better. “People of color also come with a different perspective in terms of what questions to ask or portraying a situation,” Lapchick stressed. He still proposes a “Ralph Wiley Rule” named for the late Black writer, author and commentator. “The Wiley Rule would be like the Rooney Rule in the NFL and would ask for a diverse pool of candidates, including people of color and women, for each opening of these key positions,” he pointed out in the report’s executive summary. If it wasn’t for ESPN, especially “The Undefeated,” their website on race and sport, sports media diversity would be even worse, Lapchick reported. Next: More on ESPN’s diversity leadership and “The Undefeated.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.

sey, and I was number 21 and KG was 21. I remember sitting on the bench with Adia Barnes (now University of Arizona head coach) – we sat there and talked: ‘KG is wearing my jersey tonight.’ He’s sitting at courtside wearing a

20/20

Lynx A 20-Year Retrospective

By Charles Hallman

[number] 21 Lynx jersey. “One day after a game, I got to take a picture with him in my jersey. That was pretty cool for me. He was one of my favorite players in the [NBA],” Smith said proudly. She saw action in just 13 games, barely a third of the 34-game season, with eight of her 10 total points coming from the free throw line (810). “I think they [Lynx fans] were appreciative of my energy – I was always sprinting off the bench and giving people high fives. “I remember as the season went on, they were cheering my name when games got to the point they thought Brian should put me in. I’m sitting there trying to ignore it. I pretended like I [didn’t hear it]. It was really embarrassing, but it also was real appreciative. “The fans showed me some love… I love that they recognized my passion for the game and the team,” said Smith, who after the season was picked by Seattle in the 2000 league expansion draft. The guard played another season in Phoenix (2003), and played overseas before retiring and going into coaching since 2003 (Boston College, Stanford and Cal). Charmin Smith watches the present-day Lynx with pride, her name firmly in the franchise’s history books. “I’m happy to look back and say, ‘Oh, cool – you were there in the beginning,” she concluded. “I don’t claim to have any part of what’s happening now.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

WNBA ‘walks the walk’ with new charity initiative The WNBA just days before the start of the 2018 season announced a partnership with six national organizations that primarily work on behalf of girls and women. Its new “Take a Seat, Take a Stand” women and girls empowerment program began last weekend. With each ticket purchased this season, the WNBA will donate $5 to one of the following six groups of the fans’ choosing: Bright Pink (breast cancer), GLSEN (advocates safe schools for LGBTQ students), It’s On Us (sexual assault awareness), MENTOR (youth mentoring), The United State of Women (women and girls advocacy) , and Planned Parenthood.

WNBA President Lisa Borders

MSR file photo

Additionally, tickets will be donated for young women to attend games. Fans also can have tickets donated directly to one of the aforementioned organizations, or they can choose a local organization in their WNBA city. “Take a Seat, Take a Stand puts our money where our mouth is,” WNBA President Lisa Borders told the MSR after Sunday’s Minnesota-Los Angeles season opener with an announced sellout crowd of 13,022. ■ See Charity on page 9

PreP Scene by Mitchell Palmer McDonald PreP Scene

Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

will return next week.