September 27, 2018 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 See more Calendar on pg 7

September 27 — October 3, 2018 Vol. 85 No. 8 www.spokesman-recorder.com

The farm bill is not just for farmers

Walking in two different worlds By Stephenetta Harmon MSR Editor-in-Chief

First of a two-part story Behind the newsroom scene with Hall-of-Fame inductee Robyne Robinson

R A lot is also at stake for city residents NEWS ANALYSIS By I. Angela Rae Contributing Writer The U.S. farm bill is set for renewal this year, and while it has the potential to impact millions, most of us seem to know little about it – or why we should even care. The bill renews every five or so years, and it covers more than just farms and farmers; it impacts jobs, nutrition (including food stamps), research and energy. It also enables Americans – from producers to consumers – to enjoy a variety of food at reasonable prices at the grocery store, and it determines what can be on the menu in our communities’ schools. This year’s $430 billion proposed bill includes changes to the work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP) recipients. Currently, SNAP recipients, ages 18-49, are required to work or participate in job training programs for 20 hours per week. The proposed bill would raise the age limit to 18-59. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 1.2 million people would lose SNAP benefits by 2028 based on these new work requirements. And, with inner city communities bearing the weight of food-related illnesses like obesity, diabetes and heart disease, you can bet the stakes are high for African Americans. Small and Black farmers disenfranchised Today, we rely on a relatively small number of people to produce what most of us eat. In fact, 2.1 million farmers feed 327 million people. Unfortunately, a large part of the farm

■ See FaRm bill on page 8

obyne Robinson has long been a pioneer in Twin Cities’ media. Apart from scoring exclusive interviews with the likes of such legends as the late Prince, she also made history in her own right as the first Black woman to anchor a local primetime newscast. Now she’s making history again as the first person of color to be inducted into the MN Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2018 on September 22, honoring her 25+ years of broadcast experience, including 20 years as a reporter and then anchor at KMSP/Fox 9. Robinson went on to run for Lt. Gov. in 2010, launch her own handmade fine jewelry line and upped her championship of the arts as art director at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. She’s now running her own consulting firm

Robyne Robinson Credit: Tracy Walsh Photography / Art by Drew Peterson focused on celebrating the rich arts culture in Twin Cities. We asked the Emmy Award-winning broadcaster to reflect on her experiences during her broadcast days and her commitment to community.

MSR: What were your first thoughts when you learned that you would be inducted? I was really kind of stunned. I asked who else has gotten this. Has anybody else that

■ See Robinson on page 8

Children’s book series Celebrates spirit of rondo By Dwight Hobbes Contributing Writer The spirit of Rondo is sustained for youngsters with the launch of a new book series celebrating St. Paul’s historic African American community. Dr. Artika Tyner’s Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo and Ericka Dennis’ Mr. Rondo’s Spirit: A Story of a Man & His Community are the first offerings of an eight-part children’s literature series from publisher In Black Ink committed to celebrating Rondo and preserving culture. The Rondo Book Children’s Book Series is the result of a partnership between In Black Ink, Rondo Avenue Inc. and the Minnesota Humanities Center with funding from the Minnesota Historical Society. At our request, In Black Ink Executive Director Rekhet Si-Asar reflected on what inspired the partners to produce the series. “Kimberley Nightingale from the

Saint Paul Almanac introduced me to [Rondo Avenue Inc. and Rondo Days Parade co-founder] Marvin R. Anderson,” said Si-Asar, who is also co-owner of Papyrus Publishing, Inc. “Elder Marvin shared that he felt there was a

edge about the historical events and the community prior to recent years,” she continued. “[He asked] us to help identify writers and artists from the community to make this vision possible.” She added, “The publication fea-

experience growing up in the Rondo community. The construction of Interstate-94 may have destroyed the economic engine of Rondo entrepreneurship and small businesses, but the book series

“It empowers them to see themselves as the architects of our community by building business enterprises and investing in the community.”

void in the information that was available for youth about the Rondo community and the experience during and after the installation of I-94. “He felt youth knew about the Rondo Days celebration and even participate in it, but had very little knowl-

tures two local writers and artists, all from the Rondo community. The editors, layout folks, proof readers are all of African descent.” Its concepts came from Anderson’s “eight core values of Rondo,” which he developed based on his and others’

shows it did not destroy such values as economic independence, education and hope. The value of entrepreneurship is explored in Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo. The story follows Joey as he grows up in a thriving 1940s Ron-

do community, the African American neighborhood booming with doctors, lawyers, dentists, restaurants and retail shops. During his weekly Saturday adventures with his grandfather, Joey learns about the rich cultural heritage of his community and the power of entrepreneurship. An excerpt reads, “It means creating business opportunities in your community. I want to be an entrepreneur one day just like you, Grandpa. I will open my own restaurant and bookstore. I can create jobs in the community and help others learn.” The author, Dr. Tyner, shares, “My books focus on inspiring young people to become change makers and leaders. This book provides inspiration for young people to explore entrepreneurship. It empowers them to see themselves as the architects of our community by building business enterprises and investing in the community.”

■ See Rondo on page 8

Runway Africa

Black Fashion Week MN Fall 2018 hosted an evening of fashion on Saturday, Sept. 22 celebrating African designers in the Twin Cities. Featured designers included Jummy’s Corner, Ruva Africa, Te La Vie Kollection and Thea Couture. See more images from the runway online at msrnewsonline.com. Photos by Stephenetta Harmon


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