May 6, 2021 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 May 6-May 12, 2021, Vol. 87 No. 40

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Deluxe supports small Blackowned businesses through Hulu TV series The MSR is one of six selected for this season

By MSR News Services Deluxe Company has announced the six businesses that will be featured in season six of its acclaimed television series “Small Business Revolution,” available at www.sbr.org, on Hulu and Prime Video. The businesses selected for this season are all Black-owned and based in Minneapolis and St. Paul. All will receive business advice and financial guidance plus marketing and renovation updates from Deluxe.

Deluxe helps with websites, payment solutions, online reviews and anything needed to promote the actual business. They even help with packaging and branding. For more than 100 years, Deluxe has been a champion of small business. Over the past five years, Deluxe has chosen a community to spotlight through the Small Business Revolution program, helping the community succeed through its small businesses. This year, community leaders from Minneapolis and

St. Paul helped nominate nearly 100 small businesses from six distinct neighborhoods—Rondo, East St. Paul, Frogtown/Midway, South Minneapolis, Lake Street and West Broadway—to be part of the Small Business Revolution television program. “It’s a passion project we love doing this,” explained Amanda Brinkman, Deluxe chief brand and content officer and the creator and co-host of the series. “The message is look how vital these small businesses are to their communities. The more we

support small businesses the ripple effect is felt within the neighborhoods and the community. It’s really a celebration of how important small businesses are to our country to our economy and our neighborhoods” Business owners had two weeks to submit applications, answer questions about what inspired them to start their businesses, what they love most about their neighborhoods, and where they experience challenges running the business. ■ See DeLuxe on page 5

St. Paul mayor, city council clash over proposed development At issue is gentrification versus deeply affordable housing

By Mel Reeves Community editor Apparently St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is willing to risk his reputation and the well-being of his former Rondo neighborhood on the likelihood that the developers of a proposed 288unit $57 million primarily market-rate project will voluntary add deeply affordable housing. The city council voted April 7 to deny Alatus LLC its Lexington Station development proposal to be built on land adjacent to the Wilder Foundation headquarters at 451 Lexington Parkway. “The planning commission found that [the project] was inconsistent with our zoning plans,” said St. Paul City Council

Member Dai Thao at a press conference last week denouncing Carter’s decision to override the council’s vote. “Every political leader in this city has talked about the destruction of this community and how generations of poverty were created as a result,” said Thao. “We have an opportunity to change that, but we are doing exactly what they did in the 1960s. $1,100 for a studio is too much for this community.” According to housing experts, state law and the city zoning codes declare that the city council and not the mayor is empowered to make decisions about zoning and housing developments. The St. Paul City Council has asked the Minnesota Attorney General to

(l-r) Frances Murphy Draper, publisher of Baltimore’s AfroAmerican newspaper, with Tracey Williams Dillard, publisher of the MSR, standing before a portrait of late MSR publisher Launa Newman Photo by Julie Gordon

Pretext traffic stops under fire By Khalifa Uchiche Contributing writer

Artist rendering of proposed Lexington Station pletely with the zoning. Our goal is to always invest in our community and to make sure Mayor weighs in “I don’t think it’s an all- there is a place for families, or-nothing proposal,” said for the business leaders. Carter. “It’s consistent com■ See Clash on page 5

weigh in on the issue.

“It’s about saving lives,” said Minnesota Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL- 45A) calling for limitations on pretext police stops. “I think of whether Daunte [Wright] could still be here if the cops hadn’t engaged him on that day initially for an expired tab.” In a pretext traffic stop, a police officer stops someone for a minor traffic offense so that they can investigate them for a worse offense that they don't yet have evidence for. These stops allow police officers to conduct criminal investigations under the guise of low-level traffic code violations. With Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL42A) and Rep Jamie Becker-Finn

lence. In 1996, the United States Supreme Court unanimously decided that pretext stops were constitutional in Whren v. United States. The driver, James L. Brown, and the passenger, Michael Whren, were driving in a “high drug area” of Washington, D.C. After sitting at a stop sign for about 20 seconds, they sped off without signaling. The prolonged stop and speedy turn caught the attention of two plain-clothed police officers in an unmarked car, causing them to stop the vehicle. Once the officers approached the vehicle, they noticed two bags of crack cocaine in Whren’s hands, and there was also marijuana laced with PCP in plain sight. Whren and Brown were charged with intent to distribute

Protesters demand murder charges for Daunte Wright’s killer Prosecutor under pressure to reconsider his choice

By Mel Reeves Community editor “Indict, convict, send the killer cops to jail. The whole damn system is guilty as hell,” is just one of the chants that filled the air under overcast skies in Brooklyn Center on Sunday, May 2. Several hundred took to the streets led by family members of Daunte Wright demanding that his killer, former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter, be charged with second- and third-degree murder. “The day’s gonna come when I won’t march no more. The day’s gonna come when I won’t march no more,” the crowd sang along with local artist Jayanthi Kyle at the beginning of the march. “But while my sister ain’t equal and my brother can’t breathe, hand in hand with my family we will fill these streets.” The march began near the corner of 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive in Brooklyn Center where Wright was killed by Potter on April 11. It ended at the Brooklyn Center police station. “He had so much life ahead of him,” said Katie Wright, the victim’s mother. “We are at a loss, all because of a racist police

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

Katie Wright and family members are flanked by supporters as several hundred people marched Sunday demanding murder charges be brought against Kim Potter. Photo by King Demetrius Pendleton Until then we will continue to speak out. We will continue to say his name. We will continue to protest. We want one officer who wanted to take said to cheers from the crowd. hundred percent accountabil“She needs to be charged ity, and that means charging his life for a minor traffic stop. They are charging her with with second-degree murder, this case correctly.” Toshira Garraway of Famisecond-degree manslaughter. third-degree murder, and We are not OK with that,” she second-degree manslaughter. lies Supporting Families ■ See Protest on page 5

(DFL- 42B), Rep. Frazier created a proposal inside a nowapproved public safety bill calling for limiting pretext stops among several other policing changes in response to the death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright. The bill allows law enforcement to continue to pull people over for speeding or equipment violations that create dangerous driving conditions. However, it would limit pretext stops and the further investigation of a serious crime. The bill has received bipartisan support. Traffic stops are the most frequent interactions between police and citizens. In 2020, 120 people in the U.S. were killed during a routine traffic stop, according to Mapping Police Vio-

50 grams of crack cocaine, and because they were pulled over in a school zone, the federal charges were much harsher. This case went to the Supreme Court because the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens against unreasonable and unusually harmful search and seizures, was in question. The unanimous decision concluded that the subsequent investigation was reasonable even if the officers had other motivations for pulling the vehicle over because a traffic violation had occurred. “The temporary detention of a motorist upon probable cause to believe that he has violated the traffic laws ■ See Pretext on page 5

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Metropolis

May 6-May 12, 2021

Withheld video of police shooting leaves public in the dark law enforcement agencies to allow them to oppose the petition. In the Brown case, the sheriff and a media coalition petitioned for public release of the four videos, but the prosecutor, Andrew Womble, objected during a hearing before a judge. The judge agreed with Womble and decided that the videos will not be made public at this time, even though the sheriff, whose deputies shot Brown, and the governor called for their release. The judge went even further, saying that the media did not On April 21, 2021, sheriff’s coastal town of about 18,000. In North Carolina, police qualify as a “party” under the deputies in SWAT gear appeared at the home of Andrew bodycam video can only be re- statute. This claim, which is beBrown, Jr. in Elizabeth City, leased to the public with a court ing appealed, makes little sense North Carolina. Moments later order. When the law passed in because the statute does not exthey shot Mr. Brown, who was 2016, the intent was to remove empt media, and the very first in his car, five times, killing the politics from the decision- factor a judge must consider in him. Although four bodycam making process and to prevent making the determination is videos apparently recorded law enforcement from refusing whether “release is necessary both the actions of Mr. Brown to release the video. Under the to advance a compelling public and the deputies, they have not statute anyone can request the interest.” Womble argued at the hearbeen released to the public, as video, but notice must be given protests continue in the small to the prosecutor and various ing that releasing the videos

Midtown Farmers Market is open for business day evening markets will be from 3 pm-7 pm June-October. On hand will be Minnesota and Wisconsin small farmers, fresh artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and small and local businesses. This will be Midtown Farmers Market’s last year in the Moon Palace Books location before moving back to a redesigned market plaza at Lake and Hiawatha in 2022. This year, Midtown Farmers Market is re-launching its Try It! Program to better support historically marginalized communities and youth—prioritizing Twin Cities residents who identify as having low-income, Black, indigenous and/ or People of Color, women, trans, femme, or gender non-binary. The goal is to help emerging entrepreneurs explore whether or not becoming a market vendor is a good fit for them. The mission of the Midtown MSR file photo Farmers Market is to create a vibrant forum in South Minand letting them be in com- neapolis that connects commumunity, no matter the weather, nity residents and nearby rural a global pandemic, or civil un- food producers in a mutually beneficial economic and culrest.” Saturdays at the Midtown tural exchange. Farmers Market run from 8 am-1 pm May-October. Tues-

but still need people to mask up and stay safe until we know The Midtown Farmers Mar- we’re really out of the woods” What will be the same is the ket, a project of the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization, community spirit of the market. It will be a place to gather, to is open for its 18th season. Shoppers can expect more nourish, and to heal. “We only vendors than in 2020, but many closed one week last season” of the 2020 safety precautions says Molly Fleming, the Midtown Farmers Market assistant will still be in place. “We are trying to balance manager. “We are committed safety and community.” said to bringing people together MSR News Services

Keeya Allen, manager of the Midtown Farmers Market. “With more and more community members getting vaccinated, we know some people will want to jump in with both feet. We want people to have fun,

could taint the investigation, but then went on to advance his own narrative, which exonerated the police. According to Womble, multiple videos show that when deputies opened the door of Brown’s car, the car backed up making contact with an officer. The car moved forward, again contacting an officer, and that is when deputies opened fire on Brown. Womble also used the court hearing to criticize Brown’s family’s lawyer, Chantel Cherry-Lassiter. Before the hearing, the deceased’s family was only allowed to see what they described as 20 seconds of video, which they were not allowed to record. After watching that snippet, Cherry-Lassiter said that the video showed an “execution,” because Brown, 42, was sitting in his car with his hands on the wheel, driving away when the police shot him. At the hearing, Womble said that CherryLassiter’s remarks were “false” and “designed to prejudice a proceeding.” The sheriff, who wanted the video released, says that his deputies went to execute an ar-

rest warrant on Mr. Brown for felony drug charges. Deputies also obtained a search warrant authorizing them to look for crack cocaine, other controlled substances, and “evidence of criminal activity” in Brown’s two cars and his home, according to the warrant which was marked as not executed. One of his relatives says the family was told that law enforcement found no drugs or weapons in Brown’s car or in his house. The family obtained a private autopsy revealing that Brown had been shot four times in the right arm and once in the back of the head, which was the shot that killed him. The finding that Brown was shot in the back of the head was used by the family to support their contention that he was shot while trying to flee the scene. The investigation is now being conducted by the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation, although the FBI has announced that it is starting a civil rights investigation into the shooting. Seven deputies have been placed on administrative

leave, two others have resigned, and one retired. The governor has called for a special prosecutor to take over the case from the local prosecutor, Womble. In a tweet, the governor said that a special prosecutor would “help assure the community and Mr. Brown’s family that a decision on pursuing criminal charges is conducted without bias.” Without the release of all four videos, the public is left in the dark; a grieving family has only a 20-second clip of the incident; a prosecutor claims release of the videos might taint the investigation and creates his own narrative of the videos while criticizing the family; and increasingly angry protesters believe the video isn’t being released to protect the police. If ever there was a situation where release of video was necessary to advance a compelling public interest, this is it. Mary Moriarty was a public defender for 30 years, most recently for Hennepin County.

Campaign launched to ensure equity in recovery efforts MSR News Services The Lake Street Leadership Recovery Coalition last week unveiled its new campaign to support equitable recovery across the Twin Cities following the civil uprising caused by the murder of George Floyd last summer. The REACH (Racial Equity and Community Health) Twin Cities campaign will aid communities as they rebuild while also addressing the racial inequities that have long existed in the Twin Cities. “Putting equity at the center of our recovery efforts is an essential first step,” said Tabitha Montgomery, executive director of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and a member of the Lake Street Leadership Recovery Coalition. “It is the central way we can move forward meaningfully and start to heal and strengthen our community.”

The REACH campaign will focus on engaging with local communities across the Twin Cities to promote racial equity and community health while sharing key information about recovery efforts and programs, particularly ones that serve Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and those most impacted by the civil uprising. REACH Twin Cities will also collect community input on renewal plans and provide opportunities for people to get involved and help advocate for progress. Feedback will be collected through tools like the REACH issues poll. Specific results will be kept anonymous, but summary data will be shared publicly to help guide recovery efforts and ensure full accountability. “Several Twin Cities communities suffered damage during the civil uprising sparked by George Floyd’s

murder,” said Mihailo “Mike” Temali, founder and CEO at the Neighborhood Development Center and member of the Lake Street Leadership Recovery Coalition. “This campaign will be a resource for people across the metro to stay informed, share their input, and support actions that lead to greater community equity, health, and wellness.” The REACH campaign is led by the Lake Street Leadership Recovery Coalition, which formed following the civil uprising after the murder of George Floyd. This public-private partnership is made up of community leaders, organizations, businesses, and funders who are committed to working together to support the recovery, healing, and equitable development in and near South Minneapolis.

May 6 -May 12, 2021

Health & Wellness

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Helping children exposed to toxic stress

By Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo Guest contributor Ma’Khia Bryant, Adam Toledo, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Laquan McDonald. These are names that have become synonymous with the violence and trauma Black Americans face every day. They are the names of children. That their lives were cut so short is the irreversible result of systemic racism and oppression. But they aren’t the only children whose lives are changed by the trauma inflicted by racism. Dae’Anna Reynolds wasn’t shot and killed by an officer, but she was in the car as her mother’s boyfriend, Philando Castile, died before her eyes. Jordan Rogers was just trying to raise money for a trip to Disneyland for her family when police were called on her for selling water. And then there is Davianna Simmons.

Police raided her home in Chicago based on a false tip and proceeded to slam her handcuffed mother against the wall and point a loaded gun at her grandmother’s head. Like any three-year-old would do who doesn’t understand what is going on, she started screaming. So, an officer pointed a loaded gun at her just inches from her chest. These children have all experienced a form of trauma called toxic stress, in this case due to systemic racism. Over time, toxic stress can damage the body and lead to longterm impacts on health, so it is important we all recognize signs and symptoms and help get our children the support they need. Stress: positive, tolerable and toxic Stress is often seen as coming from situations like having too much work to do in too little a time, not having enough money, or dealing with struggles in family or personal relationships. For children, their stress generally comes from pressure to do well in school or sports and social situations at school or in the neighborhood. Some stress is good as it helps children develop the capacity to manage situations, navigate conflict, and build confidence. This “positive” stress, though, is by definition brief and mild, allowing for the body’s stress response to not overwhelm other functions. Tolerable stress results from situations that are more severe (like the death of a loved one), but children are able to navigate as long as they have a safe,

stable, nurturing relationship with an adult. Toxic stress, on the other hand, is an extreme or prolonged situation that activates the body’s stress response system and leads to harmful changes in the body, particularly in children who are still developing. Chronic situations like not having enough to eat, not knowing where you will be sleeping that night, or feeling unsafe due to police or community violence, create toxic stress. The stress is even more harmful if there are no safe, stable and nurturing adult re-

lationships in a child’s life. After a year of COVID-19, a month of the Chauvin trial, and weeks of the aftermath of Daunte Wright’s murder, we’ve all been exposed to toxic stress. As adults it has been impossible to escape the reality of how racism continues to impact our lives each and every day, and our children pick up on this, even from a very young age. As a parent or caregiver we should be talking with

our children about themes of injustice, structural racism, White Supremacy, and how these have played out in why police killings happen and what drives protests to take place. Framing the violence is important. Most of the violence is actually being carried out by the police. Most of the protests are peaceful. Instead of saying it’s horrible that a Black man has been murdered but the property damage needs to stop, we should be saying it’s horrible youngest children, talk about that there is property damage the emotions. Why what hapbut the murder of Black men pened makes Mom or Dad sad or angry. Why other people may be feeling and acting the way they are. School-age children benefit from talking about the history of institutions like slavery and Jim Crow laws and how that impacts the unfairness we see today. For teenagers, in-depth conversations about our country’s history of racism and White Supremacy are important, but it also is a conversation where you can highlight what allyship looks like and highlight the actions of allies. I refer families to the American Academy of Pediatric's Courtesy of istockphoto.com resources (see below). Finally, if you have concerns about your children’s and women needs to stop. emotional health or behavior, have them see their peAge is a consideration The conversation does need diatrician. We are seeing more to be different based on age. children have difficulty with We know children start to in- anxiety and depression. Your ternalize differences in people physician can help you and based on their skin color and your child create a plan to get how they’re treated as early as back to health. And if situations arise beage three. But how you talk to a three-year-old will be very fore you can get in to your doctor, there are a number of different than a 13-year-old. For toddlers and preschool- crisis hotlines you can call. I age children, I recommend recommend starting with eikeeping it concrete. For our ther the Minnesota crisis text

Courtesy of MGN line (text MN to 741741) or calling your local county crisis team (call **274747), both available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I especially highlight the county crisis teams; the last thing we want to do is call the police to respond to a mental health crisis, particularly one they may have caused in the first place. We don’t need to add any more of our children’s names to that list. For more on the American Academy of Pediatric's resources, visit www.healthychildren.org/ English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/ Pages/Talking-to-Childrenabout-Racism.aspx, EmbraceRace (www.embracerace.org) Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo is medical director for the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid/Medical Assistance & MinnesotaCare programs and practices as a general pediatrician in Brooklyn Center with Park Nicollet. He is a board member of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an adjunct assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and son.

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May 6-May 12, 2021

Opinion

Worse off: Financial impacts of the pandemic weigh heavily

What the Chauvin trial revealed about the U.S. ‘justice’ system By Marjaan Sirdar The Chauvin murder trial further exposed to the world the fragility of American democracy and the lie of American exceptionalism. In just three weeks the trial revealed many contradictions that Black people of Minneapolis have always known existed and have always had to navigate gracefully. If you’re Black in America, it doesn’t matter if you comply with police like Philando Castile did before being murdered. The idea of “blind justice” does not apply to you. The contradiction of being Black in America Nowhere in the entire trial was this contradiction exemplified greater than in the sobbing testimony of Charles McMillian, who walked a tightrope the night he witnessed Floyd’s murder. McMillian, a 61-year-old elderly Black man, was heard on the video, at first blaming Floyd for not “complying” with police. By the end of the incident, he was so disturbed by what he witnessed that he confronted officer Chauvin while he got into the squad car. “He was a sizable guy. He was probably on something,” Chauvin was heard on video justifying his actions against unarmed Floyd. The three guilty verdicts confirm what McMillan and all the other bystanders knew: that Chauvin’s actions were not justifiable. However, few African Americans believe the guilty verdicts will reconcile these contradictions. Activist and human rights attorney Derecka Purnell tweeted: “[C]onvictions are not justice. There is no justice in the court.”

with the Louisville police who murdered Breonna Taylor in her sleep. A similar investigation into MPD happened under former President Barack Obama, yet the experiences for Black people with police have not improved. Hence the murder of George Floyd. When the DOJ investigation into MPD finishes this time, MPD will get increased funding, according to several analysts. Instead of investigating MPD and telling us what we already know, the DOJ should investigate possible crimes against humanity committed by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County on its Black population. For more evidence on these claims against the City and County, see the 21st Century Jim Crow in the North Star City, my ongoing investigative series with Unicorn Riot exposing the public-private partnership between Target Corp. and local government, creating Jim Crow-like conditions for Black youth experiencing homelessness in downtown Minneapolis, and beyond. Despite the fact that Minneapolis has become demonstrably worse than it was four years ago, a clear mandate for change and The world is watching On the heels of a contested despite the police and the City’s 2020 election and a failed right- attempt to cover up the murder wing insurrection on January 6, of George Floyd by blaming it on the Chauvin murder trial further a “medical incident,” Minneapoexposed to the world the fragility lis Mayor Jacob Frey and 11 out of of American “democracy.” But 13 councilmembers are asking to be re-elected. this has always been America. Since the Chauvin trial began until now, Minnesota police Flowers for Darnella While Hollywood elites were have continued to kill people, including the high profile mur- celebrating the Oscars on Sunday, der of Daunte Wright by former filmmaker Michael Moore took Brooklyn Center officer Kim Pot- to social media to declare Darnella Frazier’s video “truly and ter. The Biden Department of unmistakably the most imporJustice (DOJ) has launched an tant film of the year.” “It was filmed by a 17-year-old investigation into the MPD along young woman under excruciating and courageous circumstances. She stood on a curb in Minneapolis, framed her camera perfectly, and held it steady as the murdering cop stared directly into her lens with the steely, frighteningly look of “YOU’RE NEXT.” But she wouldn’t stop. And because she didn’t, the whole world saw what Black America has witnessed for 400 years.” And now we know this is a daily occurrence. And not just the murdering of Black people with guns or knees (lynching), but with poverty, hunger, awful schools, crap jobs, mass incarceration, no health care—a daily killing of body and spirit and hope. Thank you Darnella Frazier for your gift, for creating a moment of justice.”

The system Floyd’s cousin, Angela Harrelson, said that if it had not been for 17-year-old Darnella Frazier recording the incident, MPD would have covered up the murder of her cousin. Harrelson believes there wouldn’t have been a trial at all without the viral video. For years, decades, and centuries, this fatal force by police officers and White vigilantes used against Black bodies has been sanctioned with a “wink and a nod” by the monied class, and legitimized in American courtrooms. Despite what Black people know to be true, that Derek Chauvin was no outlier, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the state’s prosecution successfully argued that Chauvin’s actions were an aberration and MPD does not condone them. They said policing was not on trial and MPD did not kill George Floyd. Derek Chauvin did, argued the State. And according to them, Chauvin was convicted for abandoning his duties as an officer. The trial proved the system worked.

Marjaan Sirdar is a freelance writer in South Minneapolis’ Bryant neighborhood. He is the host of the People Power Podcast.

“Across nearly all metrics, from physical health to personal finances, COVID-19 has disproportionately affected lower income Americans.” —Snezana Zlatar, senior managing director at TIAA Research regarding the longterm impact of the pandemic indicates it has been an especially challenging year for many. While results vary across demographics and survey, a common finding is that the negative impacts are being disproportionately felt by those with lower incomes and that the economic gaps are widening in our society. The United States still has over eight million fewer jobs than it did in February 2020, shortly before the coronavirus pandemic began. While the past couple weeks have shown a decrease in the weekly unemployment numbers and the government’s vaccine rollout efforts are giving some people hope that a return to normalcy may be possible in the coming months, plenty of people continue to struggle. Over a year into the coronavirus pandemic, recent polling finds that 15% of people sur-

veyed report they are financially worse off now than they were a year ago. The poll conducted by the Impact Genome and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found roughly 38 million Americans say they are worse off now than before the outbreak began. According to results, that situation is more pronounced at lower-income levels, with 29% of Americans living below the federal poverty level saying their condition has worsened and that they have struggled to pay bills in the past three months. Another recent poll—this one conducted by TIAA, a financial services provider—indicates that nearly a third of all Americans say they are financially worse off now than when the pandemic began. A key takeaway from the TIAA survey is that those who have taken a financial hit during the pandemic worry the downward trend will continue. Over 55% of those respondents expect that nothing will change or that their finances will continue to deteriorate over the next year. According to a new Pew Research Center survey, roughly half of all non-retired adults indicate that the coronavirus outbreak will make it harder for them to achieve their financial goals. Of respondents indicating their financial condition has worsened, 44% think it will take three or more years to get back to where they were a year ago and 10% don’t think their finances will ever recover. Many workers who lost wages during the pandemic are still earning less than they were before the coronavirus outbreak. Nearly half of these households

say they have taken on debt to help make ends meet. People with lower incomes report they worry about being able to pay their bills daily or almost daily. Older adults fear that the economic fallout may require them to delay retirement. As COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the economy, the government responded with three major relief bills which included direct economic relief payments to individuals. For those hardest hit, these relief payments have been a much-needed lifeline. Millions have fallen into poverty in the past year. Food insecurity is on the rise. Many economists believe that the situation would be far worse had the government not intervened. As we reached the one-year anniversary of the outbreak, many organizations worked to quantify its impact. In survey after survey, the bottom line is that people are struggling. The prolonged stresses of financial insecurity will have long-term physical and mental health consequences for our society. We need to continue to work to ensure those in need are helped throughout this crisis. Dr. Clarence Hightower is the current executive director of Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County. He welcomes reader responses at chightower@caphennepin.org.

Rebuilding Black-owned business after COVID 19 By Dedrick AsanteMuhammad, Joshua Devine With over half of American adults now at least partially vaccinated, many of us are beginning to imagine a future beyond the pandemic. But for the many small businesses that didn’t survive, there’s no “after.” Black-owned businesses have been especially hard-hit. That’s because even after three pandemic relief packages, there’s an

Here are a few of them. The business revenue pre-condition: Black entrepreneurship greatly increased between 1992 and 2012, from 3.6% of all firms to almost 10%. Yet even with Black entrepreneurship increasing almost threefold, the proportion of Black revenue decreased by half — from 1% to just 0.5%. The income inequality precondition: For the last 50 years, Black Americans have received only about 60% of the income of White Americans. Even tripling

“We must push Black entrepreneurship forward — so that it returns stronger after the pandemic and can weather whatever crisis comes next.” elephant in the room that every resource, policy, and program is failing to address: the preexisting conditions of Black entrepreneurs. Despite strong entrepreneurial traditions in Black America, the pre-COVID state of Black business—and indeed of Black economics generally—was itself in need of redress. In economic crises throughout our history, African Americans are impacted first and worst, yet they’re the last to recover. COVID-19 has been no exception. The severity with which COVID-19 continues to ravage Black businesses has everything to do with this preexisting condition. A stronger recovery for Black business requires policymakers and resource providers to address not just the economic results of the COVID recession, but also these deeper inequalities.

be gained by getting Black entrepreneurship back to the unstable, low-revenue normal that existed pre-COVID. Instead, we must push Black entrepreneurship forward—so that it returns stronger after the pandemic and can weather whatever crisis comes next. We need policies, programs, and resources that target Black entrepreneurs and boldly address their pre-existing conditions. A new paper for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition offers a few ideas. First, we advocate direct stimulus payments to spur revenue growth for Black businesses, as well as a new system of partners and resources to support Blackowned, Black-led banks and institutions that can deliver capital for these enterprises. We also support greater transparency in data collection for small business lending. We need to hold financial institutions accountable for historic discrimination in their lending and credit practices. Finally, we support making unemployment benefits permanently available to self-employed people who lose their income. And we urge a transition to universal health care that will benefit Black Americans, entrepreneurs, and the nation as a whole. In this crisis is an opportunity to address the racial economic inequality that consistently keeps too many Americans one crisis away from a disaster.

the share of Black-owned businesses did little to change this. This affects not just families, but entire businesses. Since most entrepreneurs use their social circles to begin growing their customer base, Black entrepreneurs are often forced to rely on a customer base with much less spending capital. The wealth inequality precondition: According to the Federal Reserve, the median wealth for White households is $188,000, while the median wealth for Black households is just $24,000. This lack of wealth steers Black entrepreneurs into industries that require less start-up capital— such as beauty, hair care, and social and health services. But these This commentary first apindustries also are lower revenue peared in the Institute for Policy businesses. Studies. Black businesses have suffered terribly during the pandemic. But there’s not much to

May 6 -May 12, 2021

DeLuxe

5

Esteem (Lake Street, Minneapolis), Minnesota communities, consistent with our purpose to Spokesman-Recorder (South Minneapolis), champion business so communities thrive,” Sammy’s Avenue Eatery (West Broadway said Barry McCarthy, Deluxe president and Continued from page 1 CEO. In addition to Deluxe experts, Baron Davis will join Brinkman as co-host. Davis is a “This was a difficult challenge to select from retired NBA star, TNT commentator and enso many outstanding nominations,” said Brinktrepreneur. Cheryl Mayberry-McKissick, Deman. “We are very pleased with the collection of luxe board chair and one of only a handful businesses to be highlighted this year representing of Black female chairs of a Fortune 1000 comthese unique neighborhoods.” “We’re always looking for how the impact car- video interviews, Deluxe selected the follow- Ave., Minneapolis), Taste of Rondo (Rondo, St. pany, will also join the program, providing seasoned business advice. Filming will begin Paul) ries beyond just the success of that business,” Brink- ing six businesses: “We are proud to bring our company’s later this month. Elsa’s House of Sleep (Midway/Frogtown, man said. “The program reaches millions of small businesses facing similar challenges across the St. Paul), Gentlemen Cuts (East St. Paul), Lip expertise to support small business and local country. In this way we can support not just a local community, but also have national impact.” After careful deliberation and a round of

“The program reaches millions of small businesses facing similar challenges across the country.”

Pretext

Mary Moriarty, former Hennepin County chief public defender. “Many times in these cases, the cops don’t have a legal right to search. If they do have a legal right to search, that’s fine. But if they don’t, they’ll ask a driver can we search your car or your person. Many people don’t know they have a right to say no. “There are some people who

vestigations on traffic violations when they’re not finding guns or drugs that often? It’s creating these huge racial disparities and a lot of anger in the community and trauma from just being pulled over.” While license tabs and vehicles should be kept up-to-date, there seems no need for armed police officers to handle such minor moving and equipment

violations. Minneapolis implemented a program called Lights On Minnesota that handed out vouchers for free repairs for broken headlights, taillights, or brake lights. Unfortunately, according to data, these vouchers were being handed out disproportionately to White drivers, and this program was suspended due to COVID-19. With the bill’s passing, it is essential to recognize that police officers’ conduct is not the only issue. “There’s a movement around the country to kind of find ways to scale back on what we’re asking our police officers to do. That’s one of the most important things,” said Rep. Frazier. “The way we should look at this is that this is something we can remove from putting our officers in situations that will escalate to another killing or some other bad interaction with community members.” Last week, Hennepin County public defenders rallied along with several dozen others in front of the Hennepin County Government Center to protest pretext stops. The public de-

should know that they have been heard by their mayorslash-neighbor,” said Carter. “I am going to be working very diligently with the developer to add more affordability there.” The mayor said it would be difficult to argue that the current use of the property is the best use, which is currently used to store snow and provide excess parking to the State Fair and sporting events. “If it’s not this project, it will be the next project,” said Carter. “My suggestion is let’s not throw the whole baby out with the bath water. The legal standard is the zoning code. We have a project that doesn’t need any city funding. “I have heard people say, ‘We don’t like the type of people that are going to move in here,’” said the mayor, insisting that a speaker at the press conference made this accusation explicitly. However, the MSR could not find any indication of hostility against the kind of people moving potentially moving in. Those in opposition have simply voiced concerns that the project

could lead to gentrification. The mayor acknowledged that he has concerns about gentrification. Carter said that those who oppose the project are saying, “People from outside our community will come into our community and move into those [units]. Those are the same concerns that were used to create the covenant against Black people moving into the neighborhood.” “That’s pretty silly, to say the least,” said Jack Cann, housing attorney for the St. Paul Housing Justice Center, when told about the mayor’s concern over a kind of reverse discrimination. Outside funding needed “The challenge of affordable housing is that it costs,” said Carter. We will have to find money within the city taxpayer budget, from the state and the federal government. They [Alatus] are willing to provide deeply affordable housing if we can help them find sources.” According to the mayor, the city attorney advised the

city council on the record that because the project “adheres to the underlying zoning, the City has limited ability to say you can’t build this here.” The mayor pointed out that the City has put “unprecedented money into affordable housing. Our values are very much in action,” he said. I think it’s incumbent on us to build housing at every level of the income spectrum,” Carter said. “People are moving into this neighborhood fast. If we don’t build new housing, that’s the quickest way for us to ensure that people will get displaced, because that will mean that every time somebody moves in somebody has to move out. We are saying wait a minute, somebody can move in without somebody having to move out because we are adding new housing.” Cann says that building affordable housing is a better way to prevent displacement. “The main issue with Lexington Station project is it is taking up space that ought to be used for affordable housing altogether. This project is tak-

ing up land that ought to be set aside for affordable housing because people who need affordable housing are often in need of public transportation. “It drives up rents and it drives up taxes for homeowners. It gets more and more dramatic as more and more housing is added,” said Cann. “I think our best strategy to keep people from getting displaced is to build new housing,” the mayor said. “I wake up every day concerned about that. If people come into our city faster than we build new housing, the highest bidder will always win. “I think this is an opportunity for a win-win. I think this is an opportunity to build this as a great project. It shows people that St. Paul is a great city to invest in and creates living opportunities for deeply affordable living opportunity for working families in our community, a project we can all be proud of,” said Carter. At the press conference, St. City Council Jane Prince said, “The mayor has made a mock-

they could have prevented Wright’s death. Some activists protested weeks ago outside the StillContinued from page 1 water home of Washington County Attorney Peter against Police Violence was Orput, who is prosecuting among several who spoke at the case. While most of his the event. She promised that neighbors greeted the profamilies who have lost loved testers politely, a few took isones to police violence will sue with their presence. Two provide the kind of support Stillwater correctional ofthat many of them did not ficers, Paul Gorder and Earl receive. Garraway reminded Shim, were filmed harassing the audience of all the lives protestors. Gorder’s wife stolen by police violence and was caught on tape using the families that are still suffer- N-word, and Shim had to be ing whose cases have yet to detained by Stillwater police to prevent him from attackbe re-opened. Garraway called out ing peaceful protesters. Orput has insisted that the the hypocrisy of legislators showing up to funerals second-degree manslaughter and pretending care when charges are sufficient and

defended his decision not to increase the charges to second- or third-degree murder. When confronted by the protestors at his home asking why he wouldn’t increase the charge to murder, he responded by saying, “I chose not to” and “I won’t give in to this.” He also told protesters that he had consulted with other trial attorneys across the nation, implying that they were primarily People of Color. Orput had come under fire in fall 2019 while serving on a panel on bail and bail reduction put on by the Minneapolis Foundation. He was accused of using offensive and stereotypical language when describing certain

kinds of inmates. When confronted by members of the audience, Orput took a defensive posture and later initiated a confrontation with former Hennepin County public defender Mary Moriarty outside of the meeting room after the panel ended. Orput got so upset that Minneapolis Foundation representatives had to ask him to either calm down or leave. Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison has refused to take the case, although though Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott, along with many others in the community, have urged Governor Tim Walz to have Ellison’s office intervene. El-

Continued from page 1 does not violate the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable seizures,” ruled Justice Anton Scalia. Scalia in his decision noted that because there was a traffic violation, the search and seizure did not violate constitutional rights: "Such stops could be made regardless of an officer's true intentions." A study conducted by the Hennepin County Public Defender’s office last year found that from June 2019 to May 2020, 78% of traffic stops were Black and East African drivers. With Black people making up only 19% of the Minneapolis population, this data speaks to the immense racial disparity of these stops. Pretext stops are the basis for police offers to investigate and search for contraband, yet less than half of one percent of the time is illegal contraband found in Minneapolis. White drivers are more likely to have

Clash Continued from page 1 “This project is a compliment to the neighborhood,” said the mayor, who noted that he is a part of the fifth generation of the historic Rondo neighborhood. “I am one of the concerned neighbors on this project.” Carter said he disagrees with those who say that the neighborhood shares a different opinion. The mayor pointed out that he and opponents of the project all agree that “we should put more affordable units in that project.” Danielle Swift, anti-displacement community organizer for the Frogtown Neighborhood Association, said that Carter’s decision to override the city council’s veto “approves the original site plan, which erases all of what they had promised while going through the process, so we are back to their original plan, which is zero affordability.” “The folks who said they want more affordability

Protest

contraband, according to the Public Defender’s study. New York University research found “Black drivers were searched [after being stopped] about 1.5 to 2 times as often as White drivers, while they were less likely to be carrying drugs, guns, or other illegal contraband compared to their White peer.” Other states have taken similar actions to eliminate pretext stops and reduce the likelihood of them resulting in unnecessary confrontations. Virginia passed a similar law intending to curb pretext stops in November 2020. This law downgraded to secondary offenses minor traffic violations including loud exhaust systems, tinted windows, and objects hanging from the rearview mirror. It also prohibits police officers from initiating searches based on the smell of marijuana. According to a USA Today report, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, now-retired police chief Harold Medlock shifted traffic stops to focus on speeding, stop sign/light violations, DWI, and reckless driving. These issues pose an imminent

danger to the public and other drivers. Medlock wanted nonmoving violations like expired license tabs and equipment failures to be minimized and avoided if possible. From 2013 to 2016, the investigative traffic stops decreased to zero, Black driver searches were reduced by 50%, and traffic fatalities declined, according to North Carolina State data. “I think consent searches need to be banned,” stated

know they have a right to say no, but they’re intimidated because a cop is asking them. A police officer asking for consent to search is inherently coercive, so I think that needs to stop,” said Moriarty. These stops are also a poor use of resources and time by police officers. “We’re way down on officers in Minneapolis,” Moriarty said. “We’re told they’re running from one call to another. Why are we allowing them to engage in criminal in-

“Black people are being disproportionately targeted and policed.”

fenders told the crowd that they see the result of the traffic stops and want to stand in solidarity with the community. "These people are being harassed, and they are being put through search and seizures," said Hennepin County Public Defender Tonya Bishop. Bishop, who is White, told the audience that she has never been stopped by police though her official work badge hangs from her rearview mirror. She added, however, that when her husband, who is Black, borrowed her car he was pulled over for having a windshield obstruction. "Black people are being disproportionately targeted and policed," Bishop said. "Living, breathing, and being Black is not a crime." Hennepin County Public Defender Jesse Dong explained that this isn't just a police problem. “This is a system being upheld by prosecutors and judges."

ery of the process. Now the developer will have no obligation to provide affordable housing.” “We agree with the community that there should be a deeper affordability,” said Amherst Wilder CEO Armando Camacho. “We at Wilder help people stay in their houses, so we understand. Right now it’s all privately financed. How do we get to the point where there are some public dollars? In order for that to happen, we need help from government. Camacho said that his organization is committed to doing all that it can to make sure affordable and deeply affordable housing is built at Lexington Station. At present neither Camacho nor Carter can offer no guarantees.

Khalifa Uchiche welcomes reader responses to kuchiche@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

(l-r) Nekima Levy Armstrong, Jaylani Hussein of CAIR Minnesota debate Pete Orput and his wife outside of his house in Stillwater. Photo by Chris Juhn lison has publicly voiced confidence in Orput’s ability to handle the case.

Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

6

May 6-May 12, 2021

Business

Housing gains could grow Black wealth more than $500 billion in a decade Incremental increases in homeownership rates and home values among Black households would help shrink the current $3 trillion racial wealth gap by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade, according to a new Zillow analysis. Today’s typical Black household has only about 23% of the wealth of a typical White household, down from 34.6% before the Great Recession. Housing factors— including lower home values and rates of homeownership—directly account for

said Zillow economist Treh Manhertz. “The issues caused by historic discrimination won’t be solved quickly, but addressing things like increasing access to credit, more-equitable lending standards and reducing exclusionary zoning could make buying more accessible and bring significant strides toward closing the wealth gap. In the most optimistic scenario, Black millennials could see housing equality in their retirement, and finally pass on some real wealth to the next generation.”

nearly 40% of that gap, with assets like investments in stocks and bonds and retirement accounts making up the rest. “Housing will be a prominent factor determining the course of the racial wealth gap over the next decade,”

About 42% of Black households own their home, compared to 72% of White households, and Black-owned homes are typically worth about 18% less than Whiteowned homes. Zillow estimates that if Black homeownership rates and home values

ent scenarios through 2031. In the most optimistic, Black wealth would grow by more than half a trillion dollars— from $931 billion to $1.46 trillion. In the most likely, it would increase to about $1.18 trillion. In that most likely scenario—which projects Black home values growing 5% faster than home values generally and Black homeownership growing at 0.5 percentage points per year— equality in housing wealth wouldn’t come until 2183. If Black home values grow 15% faster than home values genCourtesy of MGN erally and Black homeownerrose to match those of their ship grows at 1.5 percentage White counterparts, Black points per year— the most wealth would more than optimistic scenario explored double (from $931 billion to in the analysis—the timeline for housing wealth equality $2.1 trillion). Zillow analyzed home is moved up to 2066. Opposite of the disprovalue growth and homeownership rate changes for Black portionate hit taken during households under five differ- the Great Recession, Black

appreciation among Blackowned homes narrowed the overall home value gap from 16.7% to 15.9%. Further, the analysis shows that Black homeownership rates and home values contribute equally to the housing portion of the overall wealth gap. If the Black homeownership rate increased by five percentage points the wealth gap would decrease by $74 billion. If home values increased by five percentage points the reduction would be $31 billion. Combined, alleviating these two disparities could cut the wealth gap by about 40%, to $1.9 trillion. Lenders deny mortgages for Black applicants at a rate 80% higher than that of White applicants. The relationship between housing factors and the racial wealth gap underscores the urgency of efforts like expanding access to credit and other initiatives that break down color barriers to homeownership. “It’s abundantly clear that this issue won’t solve itself naturally or quickly. The problems run deep and perpetuate inequality,” said Manhertz. “Intentional, targeted and dedicated policy is necessary to repair this broken system.”

households saw modest progress in narrowing the wealth gap during and leading up to the pandemic, a small start toward reversing trends that helped widened the gap over the past decade. This was largely due to housing gains. For example, the Black homeownership rate grew about one percentage point between early 2019 and early 2020, while the White homeownership rate stayed flat. Black-owned home values have also grown just over one percentage point faster than White-owned home values each year for the last three years. In February 2020, Black-owned home values were up 4.6% from a year earlier, while White home values were up 3.6%. In February Story and photo provided by 2021, Black home values were NNPA Newswire. up 10.9% from the previous year, while White home values were up 9.7%. This faster

May 6 -May 12, 2021

Arts & Culture

7

New documentary links ‘The Way’ and Prince’s childhood years A new Prince documentary was unveiled recently to coincide with one of the most tumultuous times in Minnesota history. The timely release of the film “Mr. Nelson On the Northside,” aims to educate viewers about the violent demonstrations in North Minneapolis stemming from racial tensions in the sum-

The film also tells the story of how Spike Moss, a Golden Gloves boxer-turned community activist, co-founded The Way, which became a gathering place for disadvantaged Black youth, gave them a space to turn their anger into artistic expression, and nurtured Prince’s adolescent musical talent.

The Way closed in the mid’80s, but Moss hopes to launch “The New Way” and the film’s online marketing partner Environmenta.Li will be donating a large portion of its share of ticketing revenues to Minneapolis charities chosen by Moss: Stairstep Foundation and Hopewell Music Cooperative

The documentary features notable local and national figures like activist Spike Moss (above) and singer Chaka Khan (below). Submitted mer of 1967. This documentary also offers hope for the future and the cohesive community that can arise from the city’s ashes. Prince Rogers Nelson was one of the greatest musicians of all time, a generous but private philanthropist, and someone who stayed true to his Minnesota roots and was loyal to his home state until his passing on April 21, 2016. Now five years after his death, this documentary, which started filming in 2018, seeks to provide insight into Prince’s childhood with a focus on a North Minneapolis community center called The Way that was a direct response to the deep civil unrest in the 1960s.

North. This “unofficial” documentary is not authorized by the Prince estate and the producers were not able to license Prince’s music. Instead, the film features exclusive interviews that divulge little-known facts about Prince’s musical development, including how he needed to be pushed to develop his incredible stage persona, as well as neverbefore-told stories from Prince’s friendsand musical collaborators such as legendary vocalist Cha-

ka Khan; Public Enemy’s Chuck D;esteemed guitarist Orianthi; the original members of the band The Family who played

alongside Prince at The Way in the mid-1970s; and local icons and leaders like Walter “Q Bear” Banks and Sen. Bobbie Joe Champion. While telling unheard stories about Prince’s childhood is a treat for his fans, it is also an important story for Minneapolis and a community that has been hurting amidst the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and the recent murder of Daunte Wright. A virtual pre-launch event and panel discussion took place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021,

with many celebrity collaborators and community leaders in remembrance of Prince’s life and to honor his beloved community of North Minneapolis. The documentary, “Mr. Nelson On the Northside” premiered with an online live screening on April 24. For more information about the film, visit www.onthenorthside. com. —Information provided by environmenta.li.

8

May 6—May12, 2021

BULLETIN Hennepin County still offering free cloth masks Hennepin County continues to distribute free cloth masks to people and organizations in the county who need them most. The goal is to ensure that everyone in the community who needs a mask can get one. Wearing a cloth mask is a safe and effective way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the variant COVID-19 strains like B117.

Courtesy of MGN

Courtesy of MGN

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship

Cloth masks are still available—at no cost—to community-based organizations willing to help distribute them. If your organization would like to request masks to distribute, go to bit.ly/Hennmasks. As you know, there are now several approved COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It’s important to continue to wear a mask and practice other prevention actions like staying six feet apart in public if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, follow CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people. Learn more at takecarehennepin.org. Register for a vaccine appointment at hennepin.us/vaccineregistration. The vaccine is free and you do not need health insurance. You will not be asked about your legal status. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or need help registering for a vaccine appointment, call 612-348-8900. Help is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. More information about Hennepin County’s COVID-19 response is available at hennepin.us/covid-19.

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577

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cecil e. NeWmaN

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Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

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451 West Central

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Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:

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At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net

Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm

Children's Bible Class 7 pm

2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody

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Employment & Legals From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

State of Minnesota Ramsey County

District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-411 Case Type: Domestic Abuse In The Matter Of Natoya A Tramble Vs Corey Clevon Truvillion Notice of Hearing by Publication (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8) To Respondent named above:

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

You must contact the Ramsey County Court Administrator’s Office at 651266-5130for hearing location details. You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court from theRamsey County Court Administrator's Office. If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner's request may be granted as a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's Order. Court Administrator Ramsey Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder May 6, 2021

State ofRAMSEY Minnesota County: Dakota

COUNTY

1WEEK RUN

FLATof RATE $100.00 In the Matter the Application of: Jasmyne Janee Wilson On Behalf of: Eden Giselle

We are looking for a dynamic individual for the role of Driver/Personal Assistant. This is a unique position that requires exceptional interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to your duties and respect for personal boundaries. The ideal candidate must be willing to accommodate a high degree of flexibility in their work schedule and be available on short notice. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include a competitive salary and extended benefits package. Contact ( Davidklatzker99@gmail.com ) for more details. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 22 & 29, and May 6, 2021

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder Facility Improvements Coordinator PHONE: 612-827-4021 Ramsey County

District Court Judicial District: 1st Court File Number:19WS-CV-21-244 Case Type: Name Change

PREPAID

Turner

Notice of Hearing by Publication (Minor Name Change) Minn. Stat. § 259.10

Job Summary: Coordinate or perform assessments of deFOR BILLING partment-owned and leased facilities; analyze all relevant INQUIRIES data to & determine facilities' long-term needs; develop and TEARSHEETS implement long-range plans for capital improvement, prePLEASE CONTACT ventive maintenance and space development for department ACCOUNTING DEPT facilities; present oral and written recommendations for im@ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.CO provements/plans and funding requests; coordinate building improvement and space development projects; and perform related LEGAL duties as NOTICES assigned. SIZE: 2 COL X 4 = 8 Salary -RATE $24.24$15.53 - $35.93 hour PCIper (1ST RUN) Application deadline $124.24 – May 24, 2021 SUBTOTAL:

For a Change of Name to: Eden Giselle Wilson State of Minnesota Ramsey County

District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-428 Notice of Issuance of Emergency (Ex Parte) Order for Protection by Publication (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)

In the Matter of Pa Nhia Vu Her vs John Her To Respondent: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Order for Protection has been issued in this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator's office within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court administrator's office at the following address:

TO: Ashford TurnerClassified From Name of parent to be notified

Department/MN

501 W. Franklin Ave. #101, Minneapolis, MN 55405 Spokesman-Recorder An Application for Name Change has been filed by Jasmyne Janee Wison for a 612-827-4021 change ofPHONE: name for the minor child (ren) Eden Giselle Turner to Eden Giselle Wilson. A hearing on this Application will be held at Remotely via Zoom on June 1st, 2021, at 9:15 a.m. Meeting ID: 161 549 6681 Password: 046841. FORa copy BILLING You may obtain of the Application for Name Change from Northern Service Center, 1 W. Mendota Rd. #140, West St. Paul, MN 55118 . INQUIRIES If you do & not TEARSHEETS appear at the scheduled hearing the Petitioner’s Application for a Name Change for minor CONTACT child (ren) may be granted. PLEASE

ACCOUNTING DEPT Maria Jost @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM Court Administrator

Dated: April 20th, 2021

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 29 & May 6 & 13, 2021

RAMSEY COUNTY

Ramsey County District Court 25 West Seventh Street St Paul MN 55102 Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's order. Dated: April 23, 2021

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State of Minnesota County of Ramsey

Personal Injury District Court Second Judicial District 62-CV-21-751

Donald W. Harper Court Administrator

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder May 6, 2021

Susan Nelson and Stephen Herman Plaintiffs

SUMMONS

vs. Fenny Mayieka, Defendant State of Minnesota Hennepin

In Re the Marriage of Ivorine Balkaran Petitioner and

District Court Court File Number: 27FA05865 Case Type: Dissolution without Children

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: FENNY MAYIEKA.

From Classified Department/MN 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed Spokesman-Recorder with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons. 2.

Summons (Check One) X Without Real Estate With Real Estate

Kadar Bridgemohan Respondent THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: SIGNED BY: WARNING:Your spouse has filed a lawsuit against you for dissolution of your marriage. A copy off 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 a 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 involves, affects or brings into question the real property located at the following address: N/A 4. (For a second property) This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address: N/A OR X This proceeding does not involve real property

YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this sumPHONE: 612-827-4021 mons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: FOR BILLING

Swor & Gatto, P.A. INQUIRIES 1177 West Seventh Street & TEARSHEETS Saint Paul, MN 55102 PLEASE CONTACT 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your ACCOUNTING written response to DEPT the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Com@ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM

6.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

Dated: January 25, 2021

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS 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

SWOR AND GATTO, P.A. By: John Paul J. Gatto Marcus P. Gatto (#0391160) John Paul J. Gatto (#0387730) ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Pual, Minnesota 55102 651-454-3600

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 29, & May 6 & 13, 2021

2. Neither party may harass the other party. ued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation ternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration, and other processes as set forth in district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota 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. Dated: 10/16/20

Signed: Ivorine Balkaran 313 Portland Place Bloomington MN

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Wanted: A news reporter/journalist The MSR seeks a news reporter with extensive knowledge and experience in the African American community to cover news events, protests, and community meetings. The reporter will be expected to cover meetings and policy decisions at various levels of government in the Twin Cities and the greater metro area, including the state legislature. The reporter will also write news stories about housing, education, transportation, labor, health, the environment, police violence and more as they pertain to the African American community. The reporter must be comfortable reporting on issues surrounding equity, discrimination and social justice. This is a freelance position with pay commensurate with experience. There is potential for advancement. For more information, email Mel Reeves at mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

3. All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and contin4. Parties to a marrage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt al-

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Past and present meet Continued from page 10 The MSR handles billing digitally. The brief exchange between This means you will get e-tears and After his four-year collegiate Suggs (theyou present), one of the e-mailed invoices unless specifically career—includingrequest three as aa hard start- copy. best players to ever lace them up er—from 1999-2002, he served as in Minnesota, and Nuness (the plaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. an assistant at Hopkins, then as past), one of the top ballers ever 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRIThead coach at Park Center (2005- in state history, is a scene that TEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE 06) and Bloomington Kennedy will forever make Minnesotans SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you 3 WEEK willRUN lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the (2007-2010). proud. may$200.00 decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked FLAT Court RATE PREPAID In 2010, Nuness moved on to It was quite the scene if only for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then Baylor spending twos years as for a moment. be entered againstbilling you for the relief requested in the Complaint. The MSR handles digitally. the director of video operations, 5. means LEGALyou ASSISTANCE. may wish get legal helpinvoices from a lawyer. This will get You e-tears andto e-mailed unless you If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have informafive years as director of player Mitchell Palmer McDonald welspecifically request a hard copy. tion about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot personnel, and the last four as comes reader responses to mcdeezy@ get legal help, you must stil provide a written Answer to protect your special assistant and director of gmail.com. rights or you may lose the case.

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Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: Dante’s Dots PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 2616 DuPont Ave South Apartment 5 Minneapolis MN 55408 USA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: Henry Alex Dante 2616 DuPont ave south Apartment 5 Minneapolis MN 55408 USA If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is 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 thisdocument under oath. SIGNED BY: Henry Dante MAILING ADDRESS: 2616 DuPont Ave Aouth Apartment 5 Minneapolis MN 55408 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: dantesdots@gmail.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 29 & May 6, 2021

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10

Sports

May 6-May 12, 2021

TWolves’ Diversity VP hopes to work himself out of the job By Charles Hallman Contributing writer

T

he Minnesota Timberwolves players were in Sacramento preparing to play when they learned of the Derek Chauvin verdict back in Minneapolis. It brought a sense of relief since George Floyd’s death last May, which greatly impacted the Black players and other team members. Tru Pettigrew, since last summer, has helped the players through the tough aftermath. He founded his Tru Access organization several years ago. Pettigrew’s website calls him “the ultimate bridge builder” in helping organizations effectively build bridges across generations to close racial, cultural and relational divisions. He previously spent 20 years working in youth and multicultural marketing at ad-

White town. “I have had my own encounters with law enforcement growing up where I was on the receiving end of excessive force, thrown to the ground, gun to my head. None of these ever ended in fatalities for me. “I just figured I’d navigate life on my own, internalize [such situations], and process that like many other Black men in America,” he continued. “But then having a son was a game changer because now I’m responsible for another life.”

“It needs to start with dialogue.” Another police-related killing involving a Black man spurred him to act: “It was the Michael Brown incident [in August 2014], and I walked through the doors

Tru Pettigrew (second from left) in Houston when the team gifted the Floyd family with the game ball from the Sacramento win the day of the trial verdict Courtesy of Timberwolves vertising and marketing agencies. “When I first started this work,” he explained, “it was mostly out of concern for the safety and wellbeing of my son. My son [who will turn nine on May 17] was my source of inspiration.” Pettigrew hails from Cary, North Carolina, a predominately

familiarity with who he is. Can he get the same grace and privileges that his [White] counterparts would receive? “The officer I met with showed a level of empathy,” recalled Pettigrew. That initial conversation “really led me to do the work that I believe I’ve been called to do, building bridges of trust and understanding between law enforcement and the Black community. “I developed a diversity and inclusion training program” and held sessions at the local Black barbershops in Cary, where police officers and community folk could meet “on a human level to break down any biases and barriers that they have.” Pettigrew eventually brought his work to the Twin Cities in the aftermath of Floyd’s death last summer. His work was so impressive that the Timberwolves hired him last December as vice president of player programs, diversity and inclusion. Asked if he’d ever envisioned working for an NBA team, Pettigrew quickly admitted, “I had no idea it would lead to this. It was not my plan, not my intentions, was not my vision whatsoever. “To really, openly start action steps to what we’re going to do, to a place of clarity of purpose to what we’re doing—it needs to start with dialogue,” Pettigrew said. “I firmly believe that you can get a true understanding of where the true pain points are for the people that are being marginalized…the most vulnerable population of our community and the people that are being oppressed. “I would love to do that part of my job so well that there will be a day when there’s not even a need for me,” concluded Pettigrew. “I want to do my job so well that I put myself out of business.”

to have a conversation with the local PD, get a better understanding of where they stood on all these issues. “Do I need to be worried about Charles Hallman welcomes my son’s safety? If there were a chance encounter with my son… reader responses to challman@ at a bare minimum, I wanted [to spokesman-recorder.com. know] there would be a level of

Exchange after title game joined past and present

PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

When Baylor University Assistant Coach Jared Nuness and Gonzaga University guard Jalen Suggs exchanged congratulatory hugs after the Bears defeated the Zags 86-70 for the NCAA men’s national basketball championship last month, the nationwide audience saw it as a common Jared Nuness occurrence between members of opposing teams. However, the state of Minnesota saw history, since the exchange was between the past and the present of Minnesota’s finest. The present It has been quite the year for Suggs. After an outstanding high school career at Minnehaha Academy—including three Class 2A championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019—the 6’4” guard signed with Gonzaga University and led them to their best season in school history. Suggs averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in a season in which the Zags finished with a 31-1 record, entering the championship game

Jalen Suggs Courtesy Gonzaga U. with an undefeated record. He added to his superstar status with a game-winning shot at buzzer against UCLA in the Final Four semifinals and followed that with a 22-point performance

Courtesy Baylor U. in the championship final. Suggs is expected to be among the top three picks in the 2021 NBA draft. The past Nuness, a 5’11” guard, was among the top two high school players in Minnesota during his senior season at Hopkins in 1997, the other being former Minneapolis North and future UCONN All-American Khalid El-Amin. He was the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year, Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, two-time all-state performer, and runner-up for Minnesota Mr. Basketball before accepting a scholarship to play basketball at Valparaiso. ■ See Prep on page 9

St. Kate’s golfer makes the best of challenging first year

Jaycee Rhodes

St. Catherine’s Athletics

H

she recalled. “Then my coach calls, and everyone and everybody was just overjoyed about it. It was so amazing because sometimes [school] wasn’t my best friend.” Among the college classes she has taken are “a lot of womenbased classes…learning more about what women have done in history and things like that,” said Rhodes, “and a couple of religion classes.” “I’ve definitely learned a lot this year, and I’ve definitely grown with my study skills,” she added proudly. Rhodes also applied for and was accepted as a PGA intern this summer. “I have been playing with the Junior PGA since I was probably six years old,” she pointed out. “Since I was so young, I am definitely grateful for my dad to put me in all those tournaments, because I learned so many things from playing, learning different roles, learning how to become a confident player, learning wins. “I’m going to be running lots of tournaments on the course this summer, starting around the first or second week of June,” said Rhodes of her summer work. “Some of the tournaments [will be] all around the Twin Cities. It should be very exciting, and hopefully the weather will be decent enough all summer long.” Rhodes said she has learned from her teammates “and got to know the school, got to know the people that I live around [on campus]” in her first season in college. But just like high school, she still doesn’t see many golfers who look like her—Rhodes is St. Kate’s only Black golfer this season. “It’s just me.” The young lady last weekend was one of four St. Catherine’s golfers named to the 12-person All-MIAC Championship team, and she will be named All-American later this month. “I know she will have a great career with us and a bright future in the game of golf,” predicted Giorgi on Rhodes. “She is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.” “It’s been a great college experience,” said Rhodes.

“Jaycee has been a delight to have on our team this year,” said er first year in college hasn’t been what she Wildcats Coach Mary Giorgi had envisioned, espe- of Rhodes, an Eastview High cially not expecting a pandemic School grad. “Her energetic perto be part of it. But St. Catherine sonality and overall work ethic is first-year golfer Jaycee Rhodes something special.” has made the best of it. “I’m pretty much trying to keep my mind focused on what I can do and what I can’t,” said Because of Minnesota’s unthe St. Paul native last week, a few days before competing in predictable weather, the regular this past weekend’s MIAC Golf school golf season affected by Championship in Hastings. the pandemic, and school health Rhodes finished tied for fourth as protocols, Rhodes and her teamSt. Kate’s took a six-shot lead on mates often weren’t allowed the first day and won the three- outside to practice. No problem, day tourney with the second- however, for the young lady lowest 54-hole total in MIAC from St. Paul: “I have a putting mat in my dorm room that my history. It was the school’s second- dad got me that I will practice ever league championship and with every night before I go to automatic qualifier to the NCAA bed,” she admitted. Rhodes’ first collegiate year’s Division III golf championships. Rhodes spoke to the MSR last success also included being week after the MIAC announced named to the Dean’s List in her its women’s golf athlete of the February, something that totally week after she led St. Kate’s to its caught her by surprise. “I got Charles Hallman welcomes readthird-straight tournament win an email [saying] you’re on the er responses to challman@spokesat the Carleton/St. Olaf Spring Dean’s List. I personally didn’t man-recorder.com. Invitational. The freshman golfer even understand how awesome carded a career-low 155, and her that was, especially with COVID individual first-place finish is the and everything like that. “I called my dad and he was school’s second-ever such victory freaking out, calling everybody,” and first since April 2014.

“It’s just me.”