November 15, 2018 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

November 15-21, 2018 Vol. 85 No. 15 www.spokesman-recorder.com

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After the Black wave celebrations… Now what?

Rashida Tlaib new midterm record for voter turnout. Nearly 48 percent of eligible voters hit the polls this midterm, with nearly ast week’s 2018 mid- two-thirds of eligible voters in term elections signaled Minnesota taking to the polls. an increase in diversity While politicians across and voter participation across the country aimed for blue the country. An estimat- and red to color the 2018 mided 113 million people across term elections, it was decidedthe country voted, setting a

By Stephenetta Harmon Editor-in-Chief

L

Photo by Anthony Lanzilote

ly Black and pink waves that impacted the landscape. And Black voters showed up and showed out across the country, even helping to push historically red states and seats closer towards the blue line. “It was really good to see our people be more excited about the process,” said Ani-

ka Robbins, founder of Black Votes Matter MN, a nonpartisan organization aimed at increasing civic participation and leadership development in the Black community. “We saw more participation. We saw people going in families, as a unit, to vote,” Robbins said. And the election was full of historic wins, especially right here in Minnesota. Ilhan Omar will be the first-ever Somali American to serve in Congress. Keith Ellison is the first African American elected to statewide office in Minnesota, and Mike Elliott will be the first Liberian American to serve as mayor of Brooklyn Center. There was also an increase in Black and Brown representation and wins across all levels, from city councils to school boards, as well as beyond just Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nationally, a record-breaking number of women also ran for office with more than 100 women set to become the ■ See Wave on page 5

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Aniki’s Ice Cream Bow Ties

Aniki Allen In celebration of small business month, we’ve re-launched our business profile series giving a brief snapshot of MN’s Blackowned businesses. MSR contributor Sheletta Brundidge’s son, Andrew, conducted this interview. Andrew is a 7th-grade student at St. Thomas Academy. He lives in Cottage Grove with his mom and dad, Shawn.

just 11 years old, and he owns his own company called Ice Cream Bow Ties. He uses Legos to build neckwear for both kids and adults. It’s really cool that Aniki took his love of building Legos and created a way to build his own business. It’s really unique to think you can wear a Lego creation around your neck, but they look good when you put one on. Aniki says it takes one hour to make each one — he charges $30 and each one is custom made. I bought one of his Star Wars bow ties to wear during my family pictures. He and his mom, Ms. Marsha Magdalene, came out to my house so Submitted Photo we could hang out to do this story. Aniki is really nice. We I’m 12 years old and I get an allowance every week played video games and had from my parents if I don’t a dance contest to see who get in trouble and I do all my could do the Orange Justice chores. When I don’t do what the best. (We both agreed that is expected, I don’t get the I won!) Then he gave me some money they owe me. I nev- tips on how to be a good busier thought that I could make ness person even when you money on my own — until are just a kid. I met Aniki Allen. Aniki is

MSR: What inspired you to launch/start your business? Aniki Allen: What inspired me was that I like fashion and now ties but that I could make money as well. MSR: How does your business impact the community? AA: There are three core values to my business: Creativity, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. I do workshops called “Yungpreneur Workshop with Aniki Allen.” It is only for kids ages 8-16. Kids are able to learn about my business and how they can use their own creativity to start a business of their own. I also donate a lot of my bow ties to charities for their fundraisers. MSR: What is your business’ hero service or product? AA: Grownups call me “The LEGO Bow Tie Kid.” My most requested bow tie is the Brick Bow Tie, and those are made out of LEGO pieces. ■ See SBS on page 5

Harvesting hope in South Minneapolis

Produce program turns no one away emptyhanded By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer Southside Community Health Services (SCHS) and Urban Ventures (UV) are literally harvesting hope. Since 2016, the two nonprofits have run Produce Share Program, a partnership to grow fresh produce for SCHS patients as well as provide health education and help improve life for everyday folk living in South

Photo by Jon Evans

Minneapolis. In addition to receiving a free box of fresh produce each week during the growing season, clients also receive targeted health education and nutrition tips. Patients are also invited to help in the garden and learn how to grow food. The program was the brainchild of Southside’s development and communications director, Autumn Chmielewski, who is also a certified urban gardener. She worked with Urban Ventures, which provides holistic programming for families, and additional in-kind support to transform an empty lot that SCHS owns on the corner of 4th Ave. S. and 43rd Street into a budding garden. “We’ve made a real ■ See Produce on page 5

Now that the elections are over, what are you looking forward to seeing worked on?

From campaign issues to community involvement, the community sounds off on what they’d like to see happen over the next two years. Interviews were conducted by MSR editors and contributors Stephenetta Harmon and Onika Nicole Craven. Brett Buckner, North Mpls., Managing Director, Onemn.org

Nelson Mandela once said, “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is manmade, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.” • According to the Met Council, if equity was achieved in the

metro area alone, we would experience a significant increase of: • Thousands of Minnesotans with diplomas, certificates and degrees; • More prepared workers and aspiring entrepreneurs; • Homeowners; and • Tens of billions of additional revenue earned for the state State leadership, in partnership with the people, must act with courage, intention and intensity to shift our current public policy and practice from a scarcity mindset toward a shared, sustainable prosperity model designed to eliminate poverty; inspire racial, gender, and regional equity; and create an open, welcoming and just society for all Minnesotans.

Anika Bowie, Mpls., Chair Criminal Justice Reform, NAACP Mpls I look forward to building about their agenda, [who] have and strengthening and sustain- a debt to the people who were ing relationships. You know the door knocking, who were talkquote, “Our people perish from ing to people in their homes, in a lack of knowledge.” Some- the church, at the polls, really times that knowledge is only in- telling them to get out the vote. stilled into our elected officials. Now we want to make sure that Sometimes, we don’t know how we get that return on our investto be involved politically be- ment. cause we don’t know the people who are the stakeholders of politics. We don’t know who are the stakeholders within our community. So, I think building that relationship with people who make the decisions — that’s what I look forward to. And there are so many people who now are going to be sitting comfortably in their seats and also thinking Ms. Flowers, 36, Bloomington, medical receptionist crappy. I would also like to see a change in how people with mental health issues are treated and dealt with. They are people, too! Police brutality— people of color are being treated unfairly, and there are too many people of color dying by the hands of law enforcement. Nothing is being done about this... An officer can kill someone of color and get paid leave while the family who just lost a loved one is hurtI am looking forward to ing. So while that officer is on seeing a change in health care. paid leave, the precinct should Some of it is affordable, premi- be covering medical expenses, um-wise, but the benefits are funeral costs, attorney fees, ETC. Nick Muhammad, Minneapolis, Founder, Black Civic Network The primary thing that I am whatever we decide it is, doesn’t looking forward to from the move, [then] that’s the measurcommunity is them actually ing stick as to whether or not partnering up with networks we’re going to support that perand organizations represent- son going forward. ing their interests and creating more accountability and measurable outcomes that we are going to hold all these elected officials accountable for. We need to identify some measurable goals so by the time the next election comes around, we [can] use that as our baseline of what was actually done and if they were effective for our community. So, if that metric,

Visit MSRNewsOnline.com for more community perspectives. Photos by Onika Nicole Craven and Stephenetta Harmon

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November 15-21, 2018

How to identify your child’s learning style speaks with their hands and with gestures, and may have difficulty sitting still. They also like to take things apart and put things together and often tend to find reasons to tinker or move around when bored. Tactile learners may be very well coordinated and have good athletic ability. Tactile learners can easily remember things that were done, but may have difficulty remembering what they saw or heard in the process. These learners often communicate by touching and appreciate physically expressed forms of encouragement, such as a pat on the back.

By Kimberly V. Porter, M. Ed. Contributing Writer

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ll children have a natural way of picking up information. How they do that, however, depends on their clear learning style. Your child may learn best either by looking, touching, listening or doing. Knowing what your child’s learning style is can help better inform your school choices and activities and can give you a better idea of how to help shape your child’s study habits and success in the classroom. It is important for your child to have experiences that call all learning styles into play so that they can succeed in kindergarten and beyond. When parents and teachers assist children in learning in the style that’s most natural for them, they are more likely to develop the self-confidence necessary to master every learning style. Read on to explore four learning types and see what best describes your child’s style. Auditory learner Auditory learners take in information by hearing, listening, understanding and remembering things they have heard. Your child, if an auditory learner, stores information by the way that it sounds, and they have an easier time understanding spoken instructions than written ones. Your child often learns by reading out loud because they have to hear it or speak it in order to know it. If your child is an auditory learner, he or she probably hums or talks to themselves or others if he or she becomes bored. As a teacher, I often thought children were not paying

Aural (auditory-musical) learner As an aural learner, your child prefers using sound and music as well as sensitivity to sounds from the environment, the human voice, and musical instruments. These learners tend to think in sounds and rhythmic patterns instead of words or pictures.

Photo courtesy of Getty

It is important to note that no child is exclusively one type of learner and may use multiple styles. I recommend you work with your child’s teacher to share valuable insights and identify your child’s primary learning style. Together you can learn to better understand their learning strengths, as well how you can enhance any weaknesses.

Work with your child’s teacher to share valuable insights and identify your child’s primary learning style. attention even though they may be hearing and understanding everything being said. Visual learner Visual learners learn best by reading or seeing pictures. These learners understand and remember things by sight. They can picture what they are learning in their head and learn best by using methods that are mainly visual.

This learning type likes to see what they are learning and may often close their eyes to visualize or remember something. If they become bored, they are likely to find something to watch. They may also have difficulty with spoken directions and may be easily distracted by sounds. Visual learners may also be attracted to color and to spoken language (like stories) with pictures.

Tactile learner Tactile learners are ”hands-on” and learn by touching and doing. This learning type understands and remembers things through physical movement. If your child is a tactile learner, they prefer to touch, move, build or draw what they learn and tend to learn better when some type of physical activity is involved. A tactile learner needs to be active and take frequent breaks, often

Kimberly V. Porter, M. Ed. is an early childhood development professional, author, and editor-in-chief for eLATION magazine. She welcomes reader responses to kporter@spokesman-recorder.com.

Voters increase taxes to raise school funding across Minnesota By MSR Editors Voters across Minnesota resoundingly approved property tax increases to boost school funding in their districts during the 2018 midterm elections. Among the schools up for vote were Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools as well as Robbinsdale, Forest Lake and Mahtomedi. The proposed levy referendums were in response to district complaints of state funding cuts which forced schools to cut essential programming and consider staff reductions and school closures.

Minneapolis public schools With record midterm voter turnout, 78 percent of voters approved a levy referendum to increase annual funding per student by $490. Another 72 percent approved a brand new levy to pay for existing technology, freeing up funds for other purposes. The approved levies will raise nearly $30 million per year in operating funds for the district and will increase taxes by about $8 a month for a homeowner with a $175K home. “This new revenue is just part of our work to remain a strong, sustainable school district,” said Ed Graff, superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, in a statement. “In the coming months, we will need you to continue to stand with us as we advocate for schools to receive the state and federal funding they deserve — especially for special education and English language services.” For more info, visit www.mpls. k12.mn.us.

st. paul public schools Two-thirds of voters approved St. Paul Public Schools’ proposed 10-year levy to increase annual funding by $475 per student. With a previous $705 levy, St. Paul property owners now will pay $1,180 per student each year in special funding for the city’s public schools. The tax increase will cost the average homeowner an average of $135 per year. The new levy raises more than $18 million per year for the school district to prevent cuts on existing programs and support implementation of the district’s

proposed Achieves Strategic Plan. For more info, visit www.spps. org. Robbinsdale aRea schools Robbinsdale Area Schools voters approved sn increase of funding by $515 per student for the district which includes all of Robbinsdale, Crystal and New Hope, as well as parts of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth and Golden Valley. With two-thirds approval, the new levy will generate an additional $6 million in funding per year for the next 10 years. “The outcome of this referendum — over 60 percent approval — just really shows us that the community is behind our district and supports the work we are doing,” said John Vento, Robbinsdale board chair. The additional funding will help the district maintain programming, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and arts programs

,along with providing professional development for staff. For more info, visit www. rdale.org. FoRest lake aRea schools More than half of voters in the Forest Lake Area Schools district approved a levy to boost annual per student spending by $825. The levy will add an additional $225 per year tax increase to a homeowner of a $200,000 home. The suburban district, which lies about 30 miles north of the Twin Cities, plans to reduce average class sizes, raise teaching salaries, increase support programs for struggling youth, expand gifted and accelerated learning, and restore access to after-school activities. The approval comes a year after voters failed to pass a previous levy increase of $750 last year. The district said if the new levy had not been approved, it would have considered combining and closing one or more elementary schools. For more info, visit www. flaschools.org. MahtoMedi Fifty-five percent of voters in Mahtomedi approved to raise their annual per student levy with a three-tiered increase. The first increase, in 2019, will raise the current levy by $276, going from $744 per student to $1,020. In 2022, the levy will increase to $1,295 and, from 2025-2028, it will increase to $1,570. The 2019 tax increase will cost a homeowner of a $350,000 home $159 per year in the first year, effectively splitting the overall $477 tax into three smaller tax impact changes. The increased levy will be used to help reduce class size and support academic programming. For more info, visit www. mahtomedi.k12.mn.us.

Information provided by Minneapolis, St. Paul, Robbinsdale, Forest Lake Area and Mahtomedi public school districts. Photo courtesy of Getty

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November 15-21, 2018

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Fathers, talk to your sons

Discuss relationships, respecting women, sex and consent

reality of these occurrences without any information that might help us understand why they happen and what can be done to prevent them. Rarely does the reporting media also provide guidance on how to avoid such misconduct before it occurs. That’s one reason why father-son talks such as this column recommends are so very important.

By Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD Dr. Crutchfield, do you have any advice on what a father should tell his son about relationships and sex in the age of the “#MeToo” movement? One of the most important steps is to realize that, in this day and age, it is essential that fathers talk with their sons about how to behave and interact appropriately with young women. Psychologists say that it is important for both mothers and fathers to talk to their sons about relationships and sex, but fathers may have an advantage. Most boys look up to their fathers, especially for guidance on how to act like a man and how to treat women. Don’t get me wrong — this is not easy. In fact, it may be one of the very hardest things a father (or any parent) can do. It is so hard that the majority of fathers don’t do it. And when they do it, it is often inadequate and misguided. Most fathers will father the way they were fathered when they grew up. That means, for the most part, when it comes to having a talk about being sexually responsible and respectful, it was inadequate if it happened at all. To make matters even more difficult, most fathers grew up in the era of AIDS, and the focus then was mostly on safe sex and condom use, not respectful and

Some facts: In 2017, a Harvard study of approximately 3,000 people, ages 18-25, elucidated some interesting facts. Nearly 90 percent of women had been treated (verbally or physically) in a sexually derogatory manner. • Nearly 80 percent of respondents never had a conversation with their parents on not treating women in a way that was sexually disrespectful. • More than 60 percent of respondents had never had a conversation with their parents about making sure their partner was comfortable having sex. • The majority of respondents said that, while growing up, having a talk with their parents about sexual relationships and engaging in appropriate behavior consensual sex. Most fathers feel terribly ill-prepared to approach this subject with their sons, so if you do, you are not alone. But there is help and there is hope. Reports of sexual misconduct regularly appear in the media. Such reports and accusations typically alert us to the reality of these occurrences without any information that might help us understand why they happen and what can be done to prevent them. Rarely does the reporting media also provide guidance on how to avoid such misconduct before it occurs. That’s one reason

why father-son talks such as this column recommends are so very important. For our sons, being a respectful and sensitive partner is a conversation that needs to occur. The discussion of sexual misconduct is now standard and out in the open. Having a discussion with our sons about how to behave appropriately with young women is probably more important today than it ever has been before. Reports of sexual misconduct regularly appear in the media. Such reports and accusations typically alert us to the

Here are 17 pointers: 1. Talk to your son as soon as he is curious. Talk early and talk often. Encourage him to talk, too. 2. Remember, this is not a one-time talk, not a “one and done.” It is setting up a line of communication with your son that can be used year after year, whenever needed. 3. If you think you feel awkward, your son feels three-times as awkward, so don’t force the conversation. Just let your son know it is something that needs to be talked about. Bring it up again shortly. Eventually, it will become much more comfortable. 4. Look for teaching points in the news or TV shows or movies. If the story contains a situation relating to sexual conduct, use that as a doorway for conversation. Ask your son, “What do you think about that?” 5. Acknowledge that as humans we are designed to want and have sex, but the focus of sex is to develop a meaningful and intimate relationship with a woman. Focus on the emotional rewards over the mechanical act. Teach him to be a friend first. 6. Talk about respect and consent. Ask your son if he wouldn’t want his reputation to be one of a man who is kind and respectful to women rather than that of a man who disrespects and mistreats

women? Let him know that nice guys usually win. Be polite; opening doors may be old-fashioned, but it will always work to win a heart. 7. Ask him how he would want men to treat his sister(s). Teach him to be polite. Never wait in the car and honk the horn. Go up and ring the bell, greet her parents with a warm and firm handshake, and let them know their daughter is in good hands. 8. Teach your son that no matter how a woman dresses, it does not mean she wants to have sex. 9. Specifically, discuss consent. Tell your son that to engage in sex both partners must verbally and enthusiastically acknowledge a desire to do so. 10. Consent for sex can change. It can change daily, and even hourly. Both parties must be completely willing. 11. If a woman says “no,” teach your son to respect the answer. 12. Silence is not a “yes.” Never pressure a partner to have sex if they are not ready. 13. Teach your son to never try to have sex with a girl if she is intoxicated or otherwise impaired. 14. Teach your son to talk about expectations with a partner. They should both be clear, up front, about what is and what is not expected and agree to avoid situations where uncertainty could arise. Try to leave the cell phone in the car during dates. Talk to each other — don’t stare blindly into a phone while ignoring each other. 15. It is alright for your son to say “no” to sex, too. Tell him to never feel pressured to have sex. ■ See Fathers on page 8

An Important Message from Medicare

“Paying less for my Medicare? I’m open to that.”

This is your time to see if you can find lower premiums and extra benefits. Look at all your Medicare health plan choices for 2019—including prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans from private insurers. Plans change every year—maybe your healthcare needs have changed, too.

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Like Medicare? ‘Like’ us on Facebook. Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

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November 15-21, 2018

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.

Trump’s unhinged attacks on the press are repulsive By Julianne Malveaux Guest Commentator

Amid pervasive voter suppression, the big winner was voting itself By Bobby Hoffman Guest Commentator

at what happened in these states and what it means for voters:

Voter suppression took center stage during the 2018 midterm election cycle, with states across the country failing to make voting easily accessible for everyone eligible to cast a ballot or — worse — actively making it hard. In Georgia’s heated gubernatorial race, for example, hundreds of voters who cast absentee ballots were nearly disenfranchised due to dubious judgments made by state officials that signatures on the ballots didn’t match those on file. North Dakota ran an election with a voter ID law that made it difficult for many Native Americans to vote, and in Kansas, polling stations used by voters of color were moved to distant, hard-to-reach locations. Partisan gerrymandering and the assault on voting rights continue to present a generation-

Florida In a marquee victory for voting rights and criminal justice reform, Florida voters passed Amendment 4 by a margin of nearly 2-1, ending blanket disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions in the state. The successful passing was the product of a years-long campaign by criminal justice and community rights advocates in the state, and it will restore the right to vote to as many as 1.4 million people with most felony convictions who’ve served their entire sentences, including parole and probation. In a single night, Floridians created the largest new group of voters since the 26th Amendment in 1971 by lowering the voting age to 18. The state’s felony disenfranchisement law was a shame-

tion is particularly consequential for voters of color, who make use of the option at high rates. Michigan Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved Proposal 3 which will implement sweeping changes to the state’s electoral process. It became the 17th state to allow voters to register on Election Day. In addition, the measure will expand access to absentee ballots, create automatic voter registration procedures that will likely bring large numbers of new voters onto the rolls, allow straightticket voting, and ensure that Michigan residents in the military get their ballots far enough in advance to ensure their vote is counted. The state will now also require post-election audits to ensure that votes were accurately counted and that voting equipment functioned appropriately.

Voter suppression continues to be an urgent national problem with severe implications for racial justice and the fairness of our elections al threat to American democracy. But, last week showed that when Americans are given the opportunity to weigh in on whether they want more of their neighbors at the polling booth, the answer is a loud and resounding “yes.” In four states, ballot initiatives to strengthen voting rights passed overwhelmingly — a clear sign that Americans want those rights to be expanded, not restricted. Three other states passed measures to create independent redistricting commissions, which will help keep politics out of the process of drawing up congressional maps. A similar initiative in Utah is currently up by a razorthin margin. There’s a long, hard road ahead to make voting easy and accessible, but these successful ballot initiatives show progress is within reach. Here’s a closer look

ful legacy of the Jim Crow era, preventing as many as one out of five Black voters in the state from having a say in who governs them. The impact of Amendment 4’s passage will reverberate throughout future elections in Florida, a swing state where elections are often won and lost by tiny margins. Maryland By passing Question 2, Maryland became the 16th state to allow Election Day registration, meaning that voters will no longer have to register weeks in advance in order to cast their ballot. In a 2-1 vote, Maryland voters have now made it possible for eligible state residents to appear in person at their polling station on Election Day, and — provided they have the right documents — vote right after registering. Data shows that Election Day registra-

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Nevada By a 60-40 margin, Nevada voters passed Question 5, which will establish automatic voter registration in the state. Now, anyone who receives certain services from the state Department of Motor Vehicles will be placed on voter rolls provided they are eligible. In the past, Nevada residents had to “opt-in” to be placed on the rolls, whereas now they will have to “opt-out” in order to stay off of them. This slight distinction can have a massive impact on how many people wind up registered to vote. Nevada is now the 15th state with automatic voter registration. Colorado, Michigan, Missouri and Utah In a major victory in the fight against partisan gerrymandering, Colorado, Michigan and Missouri passed ballot initiatives that will create independent redistricting commissions to determine congressional districts. This will take redistricting out of the hands of the state legislatures, which often create districts that marginalize large groups of voters in order to gain a partisan advantage. By passing these measures, these states take a large step towards removing the ability of legislators to choose their voters. In Utah, a similar initiative currently leads by a narrow margin of just over 4,000 votes — less than one percentage point. Voter suppression continues to be an urgent national problem with severe implications for racial justice and the fairness of our elections. But these reforms are real victories that deserve to be celebrated. Bobby Hoffman is Advocacy & Policy Counsel, Voting Rights for the American Civil Liberties Union.

A cursory look at the win-loss column after last week’s midterm elections suggests that nobody left the table empty-handed. Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives, Republicans expanded their control of the Senate, hundreds of state legislative seats flipped from Democratic to Republican, and Democrats gained gubernatorial, attorney general, and other key positions. But both democracy and truth took a hit during the midterms, when President Donald Trump obfuscated, prevaricated, and just plain lied every chance he got. He notably attacked Democratic opponents any way he could and then had the nerve to say he tells the truth “when he can,” which really means he tells the truth only when it serves him. African American political candidates — especially Stacey Abrams (GA) and Andrew Gillum (FL) — were the focus of those lies. While “45” said he counts the midterm election as a victory, he was so obnoxious in a press conference after the elections it was clear that he felt a loss. And when a bully is beaten, he lashes out. CNN’s Jim Acosta was one of many victims of his ire. Because he was persistent in asking a question, he was falsely accused of putting his hands on someone, and his White House press pass was revoked. At the same press conference, Trump also attacked PBS White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, describing a question she asked about the term “nationalist” as a “racist question.” Alcindor, who said she has interviewed several White supremacists that are “excited” by their leader, asked a perfectly legitimate question of the president who has been stoking racial fires since he announced his candidacy. In attacking both the questioner and the question, 45 again showed his biases and his hostility both to the press and to some of the individuals who cover him. The so-called leader of the free world was also rudely dismissive to American Urban Radio’s star reporter, April Ryan, repeatedly telling her to “sit down” at the press conference. Then, on November 9, he attacked Ryan, calling her a “loser,” saying that she “doesn’t know what the hell she is doing.” He said he might also consider yanking her

press credentials. The president is on a roll when it comes to Black women in the press. He told CNN’s Abby Phillip that she “always asks stupid questions” when she inquired whether he elevated Matt Whitaker to the acting attorney general because he would impede the Mueller investigation. Phillip, a consummate and smooth professional, surely understands that she is in good company. Trump loves to attack Black women, especially those who oppose him (like Rep. Maxine Waters) with their intellectual acuity. No president enjoys intense press scrutiny, especially when things are not going his way. But no president in modern American history has been more rude, dismissive and offensive toward the press than Trump. No press secretary has been more rude and obnoxious than Sarah Huckabee Sanders. And none has attempted to curtail press freedoms with the vitriol that Trump has. Trump says he will pull the press credential of any member of the press who is not “respectful” to him. In his tiny mind, disrespect is the same as merely asking difficult or uncomfortable questions. He and Huckabee Sanders would undoubtedly feel better if there were no press questions, just syncopated fawning. I don’t expect decency from the president, but I am concerned that the press corps has not been more strongly supportive of their colleagues like Ryan and Acosta. What if, for just one day, every member of the press began their question with, I’m asking this in the name of Jim Acosta? What if they started a question with, “Let me say that my colleague April Ryan is not a loser”? This administration would then get some sense of press solidarity. Trump attacks because he can attack and because few are willing to stand up to him. The president’s hostility toward the press is bad enough. His particular antipathy toward African Americans is even worse. Who will stand up for April Ryan, Abby Phillip and Yamiche Alcindor? Where, by the way, are the women of the #MeToo movement when Black women are being attacked? Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist and author of Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy. For more info, visit juliannemalveaux. com.

What if Black pro athletes championed Black economic equity? By Harry C. Alford & Kay DeBow Guest Commentators We, as a people, have over $1.3 trillion in annual spending. However, our Black-owned businesses account for just over $183 billion. Do you see the problem? Not even 20 percent of what we have stays within our own business infrastructure. We don’t recycle our money within our own communities. As Malcolm X once remarked, “The ‘eagle’ flies on Friday in Black communities and by noon Saturday it is one dead bird.” Nothing recycles, thus nothing is going to build or grow larger. We are consumer slaves. We live in a complex on the Virginia side of Washington, D.C. where a few of our neighbors are professional athletes. You can always tell when their crews are assembling. The parking area suddenly looks like a Maybach or Lamborghini car dealership with a million dollars’ worth of depreciating assets right before our eyes. They think it is so cool. We think it is depressing. However, if we look collectively there is an immense opportunity slipping right before our eyes. The percentage of Black professional football players exceeds 70 percent. The NBA approaches 90 percent. These gifted athletes control billions of dollars that could be directed to significant economic empowerment for the Black communities from which they come. Allow us to show you a few examples of what could be done. Basketball arenas and football stadiums are being built around our nation on an ongoing basis. There is usually no Black participa-

tion included during the construction and design of these stadiums. Levi Stadium in California had only 1.4 percent participation. Imagine if the player associations for these two sports would put this on the negotiating table before the owners: Thirty percent of all construction performed on the next stadiums must be by Black-owned and managed construction firms. That should include architecture and engineering followed by construction management and all prime and subcontracting, accounting, all legal services. The stadiums should be built in areas that will not gentrify Black neighborhoods and business communities. Thirty percent of all concessions, restaurants, etc. that are allowed within the stadiums and arenas must be Black-owned. Black advertising and public relations firms should be included. The NFL and NBA player associations also seem to have a great affinity to construction unions — assuming they are fair and equitable to Black labor. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Only two percent of Black-owned construction companies are union. Why? Because of the Jim Crow treatment by these construction unions. Additionally, where are these teams parking their money? Financial institutions and money management firms should have significant Black utilization. No more scandals such as Merrill Lynch bilking NBA players with the encouragement of their upper management (a Black CEO). The athletes should also participate in the selection of the Super Bowl city. There should be a rating sys-

tem which determines the likelihood of racially diverse people participating in the wealth that a Super Bowl brings. Which city will have the Blackest vendors? Who is printing the jerseys, the Tshirts, the souvenir books? Who is advertising the Super Bowl? And may we suggest that teams look for Blackowned hotels? These team owners are asleep at the wheel of diversity and inclusivity. They must feel pressure for diversity coming from the athletes. Just because these teams have been using select vendors for dozens of decades doesn’t mean they can’t change now. The sooner they do it the better off America will be. The player associations should also have formal memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the top Black professional organizations such as Black architecture and engineering associations, Black contractors, banks, accounting associations, attorneys, realtors, etc. . Now, this would change the world! After doing that, we could move to our entertainers who would only perform at venues that have documented proof of Black construction, architecture/ engineering participation. Again, God has blessed us with remarkable talent. Let’s leverage it. Oh, how badly we need a bigger share of that $1.3 trillion. We can’t think of a better way. Our destiny is in our own hands. Harry Alford is president/ CEO and co-founder of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). Kay DeBow is executive vice president and cofounder of NBCC. For more info, visit nationalbcc.org.

November 15-21, 2018

wAve Continued from page 1

largest female congressional class in history. Over 30 are first-time elects. It also marks the first time that more than 20 Black women will be among those ranks. Omar joins Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib as two of the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Connecticut’s Jahana Hayes and Massachusetts’ Ayanna Pressley are the first Black woman elected to represent their states in Congress. Sylvia Garcia and Veronica Escobar are the first Latina women to serve in Congress from Texas. Another Latina, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is now the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and Debra Haaland (New Mexico) and Sharice Davids (Kansas) will become the first Native American women to serve in Congress. These firsts come 50 years after Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress and 24 years after Sharon Sayles Belton became both the first Black and first woman elected to serve as mayor of Minneapolis. But, while the nation is set to experience its most diverse Congress, primarily in the House, in race, gender and even age — and even more representation among other political seats — voters must continue to work for change. “There is still a big equity issue in Minnesota — across several things: education, health, criminal justice reform,” said Robbins. “There’s an affordable housing crisis in Minneapolis. How do we make sure that people have access to basic things? We’re not even talking about anything luxurious. We’re talking about basic necessities: housing, food, safety, feeling like the police are really here to protect and serve us, too.”

and participation in Minnesota’s political, social, and economic resources. “When you understand what the issues are, who’s responsible for that issue area, then you know who to engage when you have issues,” said Robbins. “Just that basic information is the beginning of empowerment. “And, when any of your representatives say, ‘Hey, come up to the Capitol, we’re presenting this,’ you might want to show up because one of the things that representatives tell us is that ‘The community didn’t come out, so we didn’t think it was that important to them.’” For those doing the work, it means more than posting selfies with “I Voted” stickers or holding signs at a protest.

(l-r) Clarisse, Gary Ross and Autumn Chmielewski

Produce Continued from page 1

Anika Robbins

Submitted Photo

“What’d you do after the protests though?” Robbins asked. Noting that many may still be looking for the fun and “soul food” aspect of the movement, she warned the work can be mundane and slow moving. “People want immediate results, but a lot of the things that we see — you know, ban the box, even the Voting Rights Act — these things started years in advance and then they morph,” she said. “We have to resign ourselves to the fact that a lot of what we want may not be overnight successes. We have to commit to our cause and to the process of pushing an agenda all the way through to the finish line. “We think it’s going to be these grandiose actions, [but] it’s really not that. It’s consistent movement, consistent action. It’s volunteering, phone calling, writing letters to legislators, attending meetings, talking to your city council member, building power within your neighborhood through neighborhood organizations,” she said, adding those efforts require community leaders to work together outside of silos. But, she noted, the hard work has paid off Patrice Bailey and continues to do so. “Last year, with just a Photo by Stephenetta Harmon little bit of a spike in voter turnout, we flipped the city council in this [Fourth] ward right Robbins said changes come from not just here. voting for representation, but also learning “I’m proud of our work. I’m proud of seethe system and what elected and government ing more of us get involved. Now we just need officials are responsible for. more of us to run for office.” “We can’t vote and be like, ‘Well, I did my part.’ If you want to see movement with them, For more information on the Black Votes Matter it also helps to know who makes decisions MN, visit www.blackvotesmattermn.com about certain things,” she continued. “We For more information on the Council on have to be informed, we have to ask questions, Minnesotans of African Heritage, visit mn.gov/ we have to identify areas to serve, and just be- cmah. come more involved and commit to see it all the way through.” Stephenetta Harmon welcomes reader responses Patrice Bailey, outreach coordinator, Coun- to sharmon@spokesman-recorder.com. cil for Minnesotans of African Heritage (CMAH), agreed. “What you’re starting to see is people that are more informed about the issues, knowing how those issues impact them and their families,” he said. CMAH is a State council focused on increasing Black equity

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Aniki’s ice creAm Bow Ties Continued from page 1

MSR: What has been your biggest challenge in owning a business? AA: I’d like to just play video games all day, but I can’t waste my time like that. It’s hard to balance my time having fun and having a business, but I have a responsibility to my customers. When people buy my bow ties, I have to fill their orders. Since I make them all myself, I have to do that before I can have any fun. MSR: What has been the most rewarding part of owning your business?

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AA: The most rewarding part of my business is meeting people. I like it when they tell me that they have heard of my story. More than anything, I love seeing people wearing my bow ties. MSR: What’s your vision/ goals for your business? AA: I really want to develop a partnership with the Lego company. I use their products to make my bow ties, so I would like for them to work with me. MSR: What advice would you give to an aspiring

entrepreneur? AA: The only tip I have is to never give up! Aniki’s Ice Cream Bow Ties is offering MSR readers $5 off the purchase of a Brick Bow Tie. Just go the website www.icecreambowties.com and use code MSR. Aniki’s will be on display as part of #iamGREATNESS Kids Fashion Show on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 4 - 6 pm at Indigenous Roots Cultural Art, located at 788 East 7th Street in St. Paul. For more info,

difference,” said Chmielewski of the program, which has seen improved health outcomes and eating habits each year. Gary Ross, Urban Ventures farm operations manager, told the MSR, “I [was] one of these kids that I work with right now. I don’t want them to grow up eating how I did.” You can encourage students in school to eat well along with teaching them their ABCs, but nothing is as effective as learning from a hands-on role model who rolls up his sleeves and gets down in the dirt with them. Ross manages all aspects of produce planning, production, harvest and distribution at Urban Ventures, which operates an urban farm on a cluster of properties it owns centered around the intersection of 4th Ave. S. and Lake Street in Minneapolis. There is also a hoop house, hydroponics, and an orchard. Agriculture as an activity is a novel notion for urban youth more accustomed to hanging out on concrete and asphalt than to digging around in the dirt. It is, to say the least, a new and different experience — one Ross says that they’ve found rewarding. “I’m showing them how to grow veggies every summer out in the garden,” said Ross. He enjoys showing youngsters how food starts out as a seed planted in the soil and grows into what winds up on the plate. “They take veggies home every single day to cook with their parents. That’s important,” he said.

This is crucial because breaking the cycle of bad eating habits begins at home. Indeed, it’s happened that parents have improved their own diets by participating with their youngsters in the program. Ross attributes their involvement to Chmielewski. “She sends the parents to us with the kids,” he said. “Access to produce alone isn’t enough,” Chmielewski said. “[Parents] need the education.” She added, “And that has to be culturally competent.” “What we see with many minority populations is the perception of healthy food is rich [people’s] food — that it’s about power and privilege. Something it shouldn’t be,” Chmielewski told the MSR. “We have to get past that.” This involves tailoring recipes accordingly to Mexican American and African American households as well as, when called for, Hmong families. “There are going to be commonalities,” she said. “People [of a given] culture help design their part of the program to incorporate more fresh produce into what they already like. This makes it appealing.” The program first launched with 10 clients who were at risk for such maladies as obesity, diabetes or hypertension. Thirty patients participated this year. The program is currently in its evaluation phase — SCHI surveys clients to see how it impacted their health, via such measurable outcomes as weight, diet changes, and even BMI. Chmielewski told the MSR, “It’s about lifestyle. That is the hope. By providing something as simple as food, we can build

Photo by Jon Evans a culture where people can create healthy lives for themselves. Giving access to fresh produce, we’ve seen patients have wonderful success in their health outcomes, their engagement in community, and be more [involved] with their families in cooking.” Ross noted that the priority is providing service rather than restricting who receives it, and that presently there’s a break on the already affordable price. “We offer a 60 percent discount on produce to everyone from the neighborhood who walks in the door [at our] 29th St. and 5th Ave. store. We don’t check I.D. We trust if you say you live in the area. “I’d love to see more people come down to the garden and buy fresh veggies. It’s affordable, and we turn nobody away. No one goes home emptyhanded.” “We are hoping to expand and improve and eventually have a program that the whole neighborhood can benefit from,” said Chmielewski, as she begins preparations for next spring. This includes keeping the education running year-round. The program has also grown to include garden tours and a youth story time featuring local firefighters, police officers, teachers and small business owners. “I’m so thankful for the partners like Urban Ventures and Seward Co-op who invested in this idea and helped us improve and grow it,” said Chmielewski in a statement. “We’ve harvested hope.” Dwight Hobbes welcomes reader responses to dhobbes@spokesmanrecorder.com. Produce photo on front by Autumn Chmielewski

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November 15-21, 2018

Widows, a heist film that packs an emotional punch

Viola Davis (center) leads a superb ensemble cast

By Paige Elliott Digital Editor

Photos and poster courtesy of 20th Century Fox

W

idows is a taut, moody thriller featuring a stellar ensemble cast led by the formidable Viola Davis. Based on a 1983 British ITV series of the same name, the movie amounts to a rare heist thriller propelled more by emotion than fast-paced action sequences. The film opens with couple Veronica (Davis) and Harry Rawlings (Liam Neeson) sharing an intense moment of passion. “We’re in bed and we’re kissing, and it’s a sexualized kiss,” Davis said in a recent BBC News interview. “I’m dark. I’m 53. I’m in my natural hair. I’m in bed with [him] and he’s not my slave owner. I’m not a prostitute. We simply are a couple in love,” continued Davis, who noted the rarity of seeing a non-politicized or trauma-based interracial coupling on the big screen. Yet, as the story unfolds, Widows also reminds us that love can be full of surprises. After the opening introduction of the Raw-

Although Widows’ grittiness has more in common with 1997’s Set It Off than this year’s light-hearted Ocean’s 8, the multilayered subplots and characters set it apart from either film. Viola Davis lings, the action heats up with a botched robbery attempt and car chase that ends in a fiery blaze. The would-be robbers perish in the fire. We learn that Harry was one of them. From there, the real story begins and the pace of the movie slows considerably. Veronica is thrown into deep mourning over her husband’s death. A series of flashbacks offer a glimpse of their relationship. In one moving sequence, the late Nina Simone’s “Wild

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is the Wind” plays as Veronica imagines being swept up in her late husband’s embrace. The haunting song sets the perfect tone for her sense of loss. She is given little time to truly mourn, however. Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry), a dangerous man who is running for office, soon appears at her doorstep and chillingly informs her that Harry left behind a staggering debt that she now owes. (Veronica, you in danger, girl!) Veronica is not alone in her predicament. Two other widows, Linda and Alice (Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki), whose husbands perished in the failed robbery, are also on the hook for money. As Veronica goes about recruiting each woman, we learn more about their personal struggles, and in turn how the money could help them. They, along with a fourth woman, Belle (Cynthia Erivo), who agrees to be their driver, form a silent sisterhood, of sorts, to perform the heist and split the loot. “The best thing we have going for us is being who we are… No one thinks we have the balls to pull this off,” Veronica tells them. Sounds simple enough, but make no mistake, this is no ordinary heist film. Although Widows’ grittiness has more in common with 1997’s Set It Off than this year’s lighthearted Ocean’s 8, the multi-layered subplots and characters set it apart from either film. Set in 2008 with a gritty Chicago landscape, the movie uses the many characters to touch on everything from class, race, greed, and female empowerment to corruption in politics and religion. Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl). His direction keeps the viewer engaged. One poignant scene involved candidate Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell) riding in a car after giving a self-congratulatory stump speech in the inner city. The audience only sees the car from the outside, but hears the voices within. As he rides from the hood to his mansion, the façade of his life and candidacy is laid bare in striking fashion. Some of the standout performances from the cast include Robert Duvall, who plays Jack’s racist father desperately trying to ensure the family’s political dynasty continues. His scenes with Farrell are among the film’s best. Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya also shines, going against type as a brutal and sinister drug dealer doing whatever it takes to get his brother Jamal elected. If you’ve seen Davis as Annalise on the series How to Get Away with Murder, the charac-

ter of Veronica might feel a bit familiar. Like Annalise, Veronica is, at turns, stoic, dour and weepy, wearing her coldness as an armor. She is also effective as the heart and soul of the movie. The film doesn’t attempt to tie up every loose end and plot line, and sometimes that’s to its detriment. Fewer flashbacks with Veronica and Harry, and more scenes developing the rapport of the women planning the heist, would’ve made their bond more believable. Also, a quicker pace in the first half would’ve served the movie well. Much was made of singer Sade offering a new song, “The Big Unknown,” on the Widows soundtrack. That song, like Simone’s, fits the deliberate and moody vibe of many of the scenes. The movie isn’t without its flaws, but the direction, themes and, especially, the acting leave an overall impression that, to paraphrase another Sade song, hit you like a slow bullet.

Widows opens nationally on November 16. For more info, go to www.foxmovies.com/movies/widows. Check local listings for show times. Paige Elliott welcomes readers responses to pelliott@spokesman-recorder.com.

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November 15-21, 2018

7

THANKSGIVING ETIQUETTE TIPS Life Etiquette -according to Ms. J.

Life Etiquette, it’s all about respect for ourselves, respect for others and respect for the world around us.

T

hanksgiving day is one that many of us wait for with baited breath and appetite. I call it “The Big Eat Fest.” Statistically, in America, Thanksgiving and Christmas vie for the numberone spot as the favorite holiday, and Thanksgiving places a close second to Super Bowl Sunday as the day when people eat the most. As we gather with loved ones and relatives — some of whom we may not have seen in years — we should give major consideration to “proper behavior” during Thanksgiving dinner. To thank you for your readership and support this year, I offer these Thanksgiving Etiquette Tips. Tips for guests • Arrive at the designated time • Be prepared to take your shoes off in case it’s requested of you • If you bring a dish, it should be ready to serve or with minimal preparation • Do not taste (eat) directly from the prepared dish. That’s called “double-dipping,” which is considered rude and kind of disgusting

• Please be mindful to not call food “nasty.” The dish may not be something that you care for, but not “nasty.” If you don’t like it, just don’t take any. • If you venture out and try something new, try a small portion. Some people take a larger portion and then decide they don’t like it. You know where it goes — in the garbage. What a waste! That may have been someone’s favorite dish and now it’s all gone. • If you really like something, begin with a modest portion; leave enough for other guests. After everyone has been served, if there is some left, you may help yourself to seconds. • Speaking of seconds, it’s rude

and disrespectful to put aside something just for you to take home before other guests have been served. Now, if you have an IN with the host, the two of you can work that out behind the scenes. But don’t get an attitude if the host wants you to hold off to have enough for every guest. • If you stay until the end, especially with family and close friends, offer to help clean up. • Speaking of staying to the end, if the host sets a start time and an end time, say 4-7pm, be prepared to arrive at 4 pm (give or take 10 minutes) and leave by 7 pm.

Tips for the host • Be as prepared as possible; this minimizes stress and allows more time to spend with your guests. • Make sure you have enough food and enough serving supplies for all. You would not want to be washing dishes in the middle of your time together. • If your kitchen is small or you do not have space for dirty dishes, just get a tub of some sort (like Rubbermaid) and just stack those dirty dishes away; they will be there waiting for you after the last guest leaves.

To all of you, take time to express your gratitude and Thanksgiving. Say grace; allow time for each guest to share something they are grateful for. But most of all, enjoy your time together. If you want to be invited back to gatherings next year, keep in mind that manners are memorable — always put your best foot forward. Juliet Mitchell welcomes readers responses to jmitchell@spokesmanrecorder.com.

Johnnie Brown lights up Dakota stage with Pendergrass tribute By Nikki Love Contributing Writer

Johnnie Brown

Photo by Nikki Love

The sparkling shoes singer Johnnie Brown wore were not the only things that lit up the Dakota Club at his recent performance. The musicians, background singers and, most of all, Brown’s voice and showmanship gave the audience a true musical experience. Seeing live acts up close and personal at the Dakota is always a treat and Brown took advantage of the intimate setting. Not only did Brown’s baritone vocals dazzle at the Nov. 3 show, he danced and worked the stage to the classic songs of the late, great Teddy Pendergrass. At one point, he stopped singing and pointed the microphone to the crowd to help him finish a song — they knew the lyrics word for word. The late Pendergrass got his start as lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes back in the early ‘70s. He later embarked on a solo career, continuing to do what he did best — deliver smooth love songs with his sultry and raspy baritone voice.

Brown and his band, the JB Experience, gave the crowd all of Pendergrass’ soulful ballads and duets, from “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and “Love TKO” to “Close the Door,” to name just a few. Brown’s voice reminds you of Pendergrass,’ and he actually resembled him a bit, too, with his beard, swag and stage presence. Although Brown has mastered Pendergrass’ repertoire of hits, he also made a point of telling the crowd that he could sing other songs and appreciates the opportunity to share his talent with an audience who accepts him not just for sounding like Teddy, but for sounding like Johnny Brown. You can catch Johnnie Brown in action next on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 9 pm at Bunkers, 761 North Washington Ave. in Minneapolis and Nov. 23 at The Mudd Room, 1352 State Hwy 13 in Mendota. For more info and concert dates, go to www.jbrownqc.com. Nikki Love welcomes readers responses to nlove@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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November 15-21, 2018

this week Community Calendar Here are the MSR editors’ top picks of free (and low-cost) events, arts and activities to enjoy throughout the Twin Cities and greater metro area.

Poets of the City

NOVEMBER 16 - 29 November 17 Ballers Challenge Presents 100 Turkeys Giveaway 12 pm @ 38th & Chicago Ave., South, Minneapolis. Free Come get a free turkey while supplies last — first come, first served. Examining Injustice Series: Resilience During Tough Times 12:30-3 pm @ Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N, Kent St., St Paul. Free Join in a multigenerational conversation about the lessons of resiliency during tough times. Enjoy a video, community photos, and artifacts that reflect experiences of facing injustice during the 1960s and today. Info: mnhs.org/event/6256 November 18 Healthy Life Expo 10 am-5 pm @ Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave., S., Mpls. $6 Enjoy three stages of speakers, demonstra-

tions and nearly 200 exhibitors offering everything for maintaining health and success in all areas of life. Info: mediamaxevents.com ”How to Have Fun in a Civil War” Performance & Discussion 3-4:15 pm @ Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. $9-$14 In this autobiographical multimedia piece, Ifrah Mansour explores Somalia’s civil war through the eyes of a 7-year-old girl. Info: mnhs.org/event/6384 Rondo Family Reunion: Verse and Visions 4-6:30 pm @ Penumbra Theatre Company, 270 Kent St., St. Paul. Free Celebration of Black life in Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood through the photography of Rondo native Chris Scott and the poetry of fellow Saint Paul natives Hawona Sullivan Janzen and Clarence White. The event will also feature readings and performances Seitu Jones, T. Mychael Rambo, Robin Hickman, Lauren Williams, Anika Bowie and a special appearance by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III. Info: bit.ly/2T7f9Ax November 20 States of Incarceration: Carceral Colonialism Opening Reception 6:30 pm @ Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Free Enjoy the opening night of a traveling exhibit which explores mass incarceration, with the goal of fostering dialogue about next steps. Hear from activists, organizations, spoken word artists and incarceration survivors on the impact of mass incarceration in community. The exhibit runs until Feb. 8. Info: bit.ly/2Fm1SRG November 22 Thanksgiving Community Dinner 3:00-6:30 pm, Minnehaha Temple, 1614 Plymouth Ave., N, Minneapolis Grab friends, family or someone who could use a meal and enjoy a free community meal. Info: bit.ly/2zR7NIw

#iamGREATNESS Kids Fashion Show 4-6 pm @ Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 788 East 7th St., St. Paul. $5-$10 The fashion show will showcase youth fashion and entrepreneurship, including designs from Ice Cream Bow Ties, StudTies and Black Excellence. Additional clothing & accessories sponsored by Children’s Orchard. Info: icecreambowties.com

November 23 Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Northside Pop Ups 4-8 pm @ Various locations in North Mpls. Free The Northside Holiday Crawl kicks off with multiple community events, including popups featuring dozens of Northside vendors, makers and entrepreneurs at seven locations. Event repeats on Nov. 24 from 11 am-6pm. Info: northmpls.org/holidaycrawl

Tangible Thoughts Open Mic 7:30- 10 pm @ A-Mill Artist Lofts, 315 S.E. Main St., Mpls. Free Enjoy an open mic and visual art showcase for poets and performers celebrating millennial Black thought. Info: bit.ly/2RMY4Ko

Jack Friday Karaoke & Game Night 7pm-Midnight @ Brookview Golf Course, 316 Brookview Pkwy S., Golden Valley. $10 Thee Urbane Life hosts game night featuring spades, dominoes, poker, Monopoly — along with prizes for the winners. Info: theeurbanelife.com

November 29 Reconnect & Reboot 6-9 pm @ Glen Nelson Center 370 Wabasha Street North #500, St. Paul. Free Attend this post Bit-Con meetup to continue the conversations started at the conference and share your input on what you want to see from BIT Twin Cities locally. Info: blacksintechnology.net

Poets Of The City: Jazzville, USA Edition 8-11 pm @ Prime 6, 609 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. $12-$15 Acclaimed spoken word troupe Edupoetic Enterbrainment and slam poet Danny Solis headline the reboot of this Twin Cities performance-poetry series. Info: bit.ly/2QFNViG

Have an event you’d like to submit for consideration? Add it for free to our calendar at spokesman-recorder.com/calendar.

November 24 Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Northside Pop Ups 11 am-6 pm @ Various locations in North Mpls. Free The Northside Holiday Crawl kick-off with multiple community events, including popups featuring dozens ofNorthside vendors, makers and entrepreneurs at seven locations. Info: northmpls.org/holidaycrawl

Fathers

be surprised how easy and effective this can be. The bottom line is to talk to your son about relationships and sex. Talk to your son about being respectful and considerate to women. Talk to your son about the absolute necessity of mutual consent. It is more critical today than ever. If you don’t talk to your son about these issues, someone else will, and they may not have the same values and goals in mind that you do. Finally, be a role model for your son. Boys will learn an infinite amount about how to act in a relationship and how to treat women by modeling the behavior of their fathers. Teach by example.

Continued from page 3

16. Don’t assume too much. Your son’s level of sexual experience may be different from what you believe. 17. Let him know that chances are good his heart will be broken. He can talk to you and learn from the experience. Tell him it might seem like the end of the world, but life will get much better. Tell him it is OK to feel sad and even cry. If you tell him this before a heartbreak, like during your discussions, he will be much more likely to believe you if it happens. Also, remind him that relationships don’t always work out. If a relationship does not, be a gentleman. Tell him not to do or say anything that he would regret later, including posting messages or pictures on social media or making derogatory comments to friends. Part with respect and with his head held high.

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

An easy way to start Fathers will readily acknowledge how difficult it may be to start that talk, so I’ve got an idea to make it easy. Try this: Make a copy of the “17 pointers” above, show the list to your son, and say, “Let’s talk about these, maybe take a couple a week until we get through the list.” You might

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November 15-21, 2018

Legals

Employment

State of Minnesota Case Type: Dissolution Without Children County of Hennepin District Court Summons Without Real Estate Fourth Judicial Cour In the matter of: Case No: 27FA-18-7599 Kim Rena Calhoun, Petitioner and Roderick Lamont Calhoun, Respondent 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 Family Law Facilitator Program, Family Court Self Help Center located in the Family Justice Center, 110 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. 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: 11/5/2018

Signed: Kim Rena Calhoun

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, November 15,22 & 29, 2018

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY Abdisaak Mohamud, Plaintiff, v. Christian Madson and Jody Pye,

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN Donald Wade, Plaintiff, v. Sherif Abdelhafiz, Defendants

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT SUMMONS

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendants: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham & Curtis, PA 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: September 18, 2018 By:Megan M. Curtis BRANTINGHAM & CURTIS, P.A. Jeremy Brantingham, #0299558 Megan M. Curtis, #0393601 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF

SUMMONS Defendants

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendants: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham & Curtis, PA 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: October 8, 2018 By:Megan M. Curtis BRANTINGHAM & CURTIS, P.A. Jeremy Brantingham, #0299558 Megan M. Curtis, #0393601 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, November 15,22 & 29 2018

Gopher news Male practice players — “scout teams” — have been a regular fixture in women’s basketball as early as 2006. Abdihakim Ghedi, a junior transfer from Wayland (Texas) Baptist College, is on the Gophers women’s scout team this

season. He played college ball for two seasons and had hoped to walk on the U of M men’s team. “I was disappointed because I didn’t get a chance to try out. I got an email [asking] if I was interested to be on the scout team for the women Gophers. I thought that would be fun and a good experience,” the 6’-10” economics major from Edina pointed out. “I’m trying to make the girls better,” Ghedi stressed. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder. com.

Abdihakim Ghedi Photo by Charles Hallman

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STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY Contessa Lasch, Plaintiff, v. Betty Flater, Defendant

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT SUMMONS

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendants: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham & Curtis, PA 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

SOe Continued from page 10 “I’m in an environment where everyone is very good and performing real well,” Hart told me as she briefly explained how she worked on hitting angles and other volleyball skills that only a player would easily understand. “I worked this spring on my hitting a lot,” Hart continued. “My freshman and sophomore years I felt like I was very athletic, but being athletic can only take you so far. I felt this year, especially as I am an upperclassman, I was going to show the freshmen and other underclassmen how they can change from good athleticism to actually being athletic and adding skill and

Different Shade of Black Thought Every Black or White person has someone or knows someone who is depicted in one of the short story poems.

Dated: September 18, 2018 By:Megan M. Curtis BRANTINGHAM & CURTIS, P.A. Jeremy Brantingham, #0299558 Megan M. Curtis, #0393601 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF

The Street Poetry of Willie Grant Johnson

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, November 15,22 & 29 2018

Continued from page 10

We have more leads than we can handle and are looking for a sales star with a reputation for excellent customer service.

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, November 15,22 & 29 2018

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

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Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is looking to expand its Dynamic Sales Force

talent to that. That was a big thing I changed.” As one of three juniors on this year’s squad, Hart said she quickly realized that being a veteran can be ever-changing. “Day by day, it goes back and forth. I feel like a veteran, but maybe my role changes every day depending on the moment. “Tonight [for example] I was leading by example. Maybe another night I can lead by just talking to someone.” Hart’s maturity has extended off the court as well. She handles it much better now than in her first two years, she said. “I realize as I’m getting older…I had to manage my time well. Not having a social life, that’s OK. I signed up to be a stu-

To purchase colorful 11x17 posters the work of this innovative poet Go to: www.differentshadeofblackthought.com DifferentShadeofBlackThought

dent-athlete.” Minnesota (22-2, 16-0 Big Ten) finished its 2018 home schedule last weekend unbeaten (16-0). The Gophers close their regular season with road matches, Maryland and Ohio State this weekend and next weekend at Penn State and Rutgers. Hart says she and her teammates will miss their “seventh man” — the Maturi Pavilion crowd: “The crowd helps a lot…almost 6,000 fans, and they’re all here to watch us play volleyball,” she said. “It’s a blessing to have people paying money to see us. It’s really cool.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

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November 15-21, 2018

HBCUs back in town for ‘money games’

Jimmy Butler traded to Philadelphia

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hat’s done is done. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded All-Star Jimmy Butler and center Justin Patton to the Philadelphia 76ers, ending the latest chapter of the drama that has played out since October when Butler demanded to be sent elsewhere.

Traded: Jimmy Butler gets his wish. Photo by Steve Floyd

Last year when the marriage was happy, the Timberwolves, starring Butler and Karl Anthony Towns, both named AllStars, ended a woeful 13-year playoff drought by going 47-35 and grabbing the eighth spot in the West. The team signed 22-year-old forward Andrew Wiggins to a five-year $140 million max deal. In the summer, the Timberwolves offered Butler a fouryear $100 million contract extension. Butler was offended; he wanted a five-year $125 million deal. The Timberwolves then witnessed Butler trashing teammates Towns and Wiggins publicly as not being as valuable as he was and

highlighting the flaws in their games. In October, Towns, 22, signed a five-year $190 million extension. Butler’s demand hurt the team. They became disjointed and distracted and started losing. Case in point: The Wolves slipped to 4-9, including five consecutive losses and being 0-8 on the road. The biggest questions are who got the best of whom with this deal? Was Butler’s exit strategy effective? We’ll see — it takes time. Butler, 29, is one of the top 20 NBA players. But he had knee surgery last year. He missed 25 games, so the Timberwolves are no longer being held hostage. Good riddance! He had become a cancer in the locker room. In exchange for Butler, the Timberwolves received 6’10” forwards Robert Covington and Dario Saric, guard Jerry Bayless, and a 2022 secondround pick. Covington on a 50-win team led the 76ers and the NBA last year in made three-pointers, 189, and the Timberwolves clearly needed to improve their long-range shooting potential. Also, both Covington and Saric are big, and the Timberwolves are last in the league in defensive rebounding. Guard Derrick Rose is now a starter. He’s had 50-point and 31-point games this year. With 69 games remaining, can the Timberwolves win on the road and salvage what has become a nightmare? 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.

ANOTHER

VIEW charles hallMan

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istorically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) basketball teams more often than not have been schedule fodder for their Gopher hosts over the years: 0-19 for the men and 3-6 for women. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (APB) is one of two HBCUs playing the Gopher women this season at Williams Arena in what is commonly known in college athletics as “money games” — the visitors agree to play a Power 5 opponent on the road for a set monetary amount. A 2015 SB Nation article asked why a school would do this essentially “to get its butt kicked.” HBO’s Real Sports in 2017 called guarantee college football and basketball games important to HBCUs “struggling to keep their doors open…sent off with a needed paycheck,” often as much as five figures plus expenses. But Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach Nate Kilbert said in an MSR phone interview that scheduling such games serves other purposes as well. “When we play teams like Minnesota and Wichita State, they have big kids who are really good,” he explained. “The advantage of playing on their court is that there really is no pressure… Everybody in Minnesota expects Minnesota to win. We are the only ones who think we have a chance.” Playing the Gophers ultimately helps his players prepare for SWAC competition later this season, the head coach pointed out. But

Nate Kilbert

Danny Evans Courtesy of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Athletics

he added, “The disadvantage is you play these big schools and they can take your confidence away. Hopefully we will get more confidence because we played well.” Kilbert’s Golden Lions

year,” Evans said. But because APB lost both last year’s leading scorer and starting point guard, both to graduation, Harris “has got a lot of things on her shoulders,” he added.

“I think we will be competitive. We are not going to look at them and be wowed.” played Wichita State and Oregon State before its November 20 scheduled game at Minnesota in their November “money” tour. It is also APB Assistant Coach Danny Evans’ return to the Barn — his 25-yearsplus coaching experience includes three seasons at Minnesota as an assistant. Evans helped recruit Lindsay Whalen and coached her in her first season as a Gopher. She is now in her firstyear as Gopher coach. “I am so proud of her,” he said of Whalen in a phone interview. “Her career has been awesome.” The Golden Lions, members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), returns with 6’-0” junior guard Shawntayla Harris. “She was all-conference last

As a result, four junior college transfers were recruited to provide immediate help this season. “We thrive on the junior college [players] in our conference,” Evans stressed, “because they

PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

played at the [college] level after high school. We had to bring in some new kids and some veterans to come in and take over.” Asked what Gopher fans next week should expect to see from his squad, Kilbert responded, “We want the game to be fast and exciting. Hopefully we will give the Minnesota fans a chance to see how we like to play.” “They [Minnesota] will be bigger than we are,” Evans noted. “I think we will be competitive. We are not going to look at [them] and be wowed.” ■ See ViEw on page 9

‘Fab Five’ prep photos of the week In

Sports odds and ends

Seasoned volleyball veteran settles into leadership role

match, admitting to this reporter that she was unaware of her career feat after the five-set home win. “I didn’t know and wasn’t expecting it to come this soon. I’m really grateful and blessed.” Hart’s killing trek to 1,000 and counting began two seasons ago with a 14-kill performance in her first collegiate match. She later earned all-Big Ten freshman honors and had double-digit kills in three NCAA tournament matches. Last season Hart again made all-conference and finished second on the team in kills. She had 359 kills as a freshman,

Alexis Hart at the net

By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2018-19 school and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher junior outside hitter Alexis Hart Alexis Hart amassed about 1,300 kills as a high school volleyball player in Kansas City, Mo. She’s now in the

Photo courtesy of U of M 1,000-kills club as a Minnesota Golden Gopher with more than a season and a half left in her collegiate career. The six-foot outside hitter collected her thousandth kill Nov. 3 against Michigan State at Maturi Pavilion. Hart is the first Gopher junior to reach this milestone since Daly Santana in 2014 and the third U of M player since 2016. As Santana, now playing professionally, was intimidating with her kills, Hart often uses her athleticism to effectively power the ball over the net. “It was really great, awesome,” the junior said after the Michigan State

“The crowd helps a lot…almost 6,000 fans, and they’re all here to watch us play volleyball. It’s a blessing to have people paying money to see us.”

Alexis Hart

Junior guard Amir Coffey (Hopkins) scored 18 points to lead the University of Minnesota to a victory over University of Nebraska-Omaha in a non-conference men’s basketball contest last week.

J.T. Gibson (Champlain Park) scored 10 points for the University of Nebraska-Omaha in a season-opening men’s basketball game against the Gophers last week.

Senior Naomi Bunker helped the Concordia Academy-Roseville volleyball team place fourth in the Class AA state tournament last weekend.

Senior guard Kenisha Bell (Bloomington Kennedy) scored 17 points as the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team defeated New Hampshire.

Photo by Charles Hallman

446 last year, and over 200 thus far this season with four regular-season matches yet to play and an all-but-expected post-season to come. When you are in a top-10 program such as Minnesota, resting on one’s laurels might be a poor choice. Once a wide-eyed first-year player, Hart is now a veteran “killer” who used this past off-season to work on improving her already effective game, developing her technical knowledge of the game to keep up and not get left behind. ■ See SOE on page 9

Junior middle blocker Taylor Morgan (Blaine) helped the University of Minnesota women’s volleyball team to home victories over Michigan State (four blocks), Indiana (nine kills, four blocks, two assists), and Purdue.

Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.