September 3, 2020 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934

September 3-9, 2020 Vol. 87 No. 5

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“AS IT WAS SPOKEN ... LET US RECORD.”

Demand grows for plan to quell gun violence MPD chief says police can’t do it alone

hoods was the discussion topic of the panelists, which featured longtime local pastor Rev. Jerry McAfee, community activists Lisa Clemons and K.G. Wilson, hootings and homicides and retired St. Paul policeman are on a record pace in Melvin Carter. Wilson was especially disMinneapolis, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said mayed with the recent killing of during his appearance in the a 17-year-old teenager in North August 26 African American Minneapolis August 25, the Leadership Forum (AALF) vir- city’s 50th homicide of 2020, two tual town hall. “Crime has spiked more than the 48 total homicides since May 25, George Floyd’s in 2019. “I have seen less of a redeath. We have seen this in other sponse on what I see as Black-onBlack violence,” he stressed. parts of the country as well.” “I have seen innocent children The city’s first Black police By Charles Hallman Contributing writer

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“The emergency can’t wait for all of us to be in agreement. We will disagree.” chief pointed out that the majority of gunshot victims “are people who look like me.” Gun violence in many Minneapolis neighbor-

MSR file photo

MPD Chief Medaria Arradondo

shot and killed in our commu- seen when an individual is shot nity, and I may have seen 10 to 15 or killed by the police, thousands people show up for that innocent of people respond.” Clemons, a retired MPD serchild. But on the flip side, I have

geant, started A Mother’s Love Initiative in 2014. She said, “A lot of the gun violence is because we got people who believe [some-

Historic Black landmark in jeopardy Hiawatha Golf Course may be sacrificed to flood control

one] has to pay. People are coming out of the criminal justice system and back into the violence.” McAfee concurred that too often violence is retaliation from a previous incident, sometimes dating back years. Gangs and sub-groups have replaced families for too many young Blacks, he added. He said our communities are “disconnected” for various reasons, including a breakdown in families. “Wherever the gap is, how then we utilize city, county, federal and church things that is already there and get the family back together… A healthy and whole family will solve the [violence] issue in our community, “said the pastor.

Carter argued that a “state of emergency” is needed to address the gun violence issue. He compared the current violence to a horror movie: “It is a nightmare,” the retired St. Paul officer observed. “I believe police reform and community reform” both are needed, continued Clemons, who has been outspoken and critical of the Minneapolis City Council’s current plans to dismantle the MPD in favor of a new community safety operation. “My concern is saving lives in the community,” she said. “There will be no perfect plan, but we have to have some plan,” said Arradondo, who agreed ■See GUNS on page 5

Chadwick Boseman: The lasting impact of a life well-lived

Courtesy Disney/Marvel Studios By Tiffany Johnson Contributing writer “The King is dead. The King of Love is Dead.” —Nina Simone

Hiawatha Golf Course By Analise Pruni Contributing writer Charles Rogers has been golfing at the Hiawatha Golf Course for nearly 40 years. He remembers working there part time when he moved to South Minneapolis from Memphis in 1981, and he still volunteers his

services today, in between his countless tee times. Rodgers loves the golf course the way it is; however, the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board (MPRB) has been developing plans to alter the course since it flooded in June of 2014. “We started SaveHiawatha18 probably four-and-a-half years

ago when they first decided they wanted to close it,” Rodgers said. “They decided they wanted to restructure it, and we thought that was basically stupid.” The SaveHiawatha18 group has been actively pushing back against the Park Board’s plans, attending years of Community Advisory Committee meetings

Photo by Chris Juhn about the issues there and seeking to educate the community and the Park Board about the vibrant history of the Hiawatha Golf Course. The course opened in 1934 serving the eastern part of South Minneapolis between the Hiawatha and Northrop neighborhoods. When White-run golf

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the death of Chadwick Boseman who passed away on Friday, August 28, after enduring a four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman’s death hit the Black community especially hard—another heart-hitting tragedy in a list of catastrophic events that have happened just this year. Following the recent

March on Washington, the continued fight for civil rights, and just weeks before the presidential election, his life and death prove powerfully relevant. “I look at Chadwick Boseman as someone who lived as a king,” said Leonard Searcy, local television, and film actor. Praised for playing some of the most iconic roles in Black history including Jackie Robinson in the movie “42,” James Brown in the hit film “Get on Up” and of course, T'Challa in the 2018 Marvel film “Black Panther,” Boseman’s life was not only an

■See HIAWATHA on page 5

■See BOSEMAN on page 5

Exposing I-35W’s destructive impact on South Minneapolis In a ‘public history’ retrospective, the human costs loom large project about the construction of I-35W with a focus on South Minneapolis, is planning a public exhibit at the “A Public History of 35W,” Hennepin History Museum an extensive public history set for fall 2021. The community-engaged project is made up of a group of historians from the University of MinPRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

By Eric Hankin-Redmon Contributing writer

ing the Black community’s and the broader community’s help to tell this history to and enable the project. The effort will focus on the displacement of African Americans who lived in the freeway’s eventual path. The project is led by Dr. Greg Donofrio, professor

“We want people in positions of power to hear and see these stories, and to be held accountable for past and ongoing injustices.” nesota (UMN), along with a growing list of community partners. The group is seek-

and director of the Heritage Studies and Public History (HSPH) graduate program at UMN, and Denise Pike, pub-

lic historian and graduate of the HSPH program. Both view the project as a contribution to ongoing conversations about systemic racism in the Twin Cities, including the disparity in homeownership between Whites and Blacks, which Donofrio partly attributes to the arrival of 35W. The project helps recover “more context around race, racism, discrimination and displacement and how it connects to the rampant racial disparities we see in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, and Minnesota in the current day,” Pike said. Donofrio says that the project is the result of conversations with community members at the opening of the exhibition “Owning Up: ■See 35W on page 5

Courtesy Hennepin County Library

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September 3-9, 2020

Minnesota Justice New CenterPoint energy program helps Research Center recovering businesses save on energy costs names new director

Minneapolis area businesses and property owners recovering and rebuilding from The Minnesota Justice ity research, policy development, property damage that ocResearch Center announced and education. Its overarching curred during the civil unrest on Tuesday the appointment of goal is to facilitate the transfor- this year can apply to Centercriminal justice reform and de- mation of the justice system in Point Energy’s new program. The Rebuild program will offer CenterPoint Energy customers triple the standard rebate amount for the purchase and installation of qualifying natural gas equipment such as high-efficiency heating systems, water heaters and food service equipment. For example, a restaurant could receive a rebate up to $6,000 for an ENERGY STAR® combi oven or up to $3,000 for an ENERGY STAR® fryer. More than 50 total rebates are available. For customers who might need extra help identifying energy efficiency opportunities, CenterPoint Energy is also offering no-cost energy analysis and advisory services. Justin Terrell “We know that many of our Courtesy of the Minnesota Justice Research Center business customers suffered damage, and we want to be mocracy advocate Justin Terrell Minnesota so that it is effective, there for them as they rebuild,” humane, and operates with a said Brad Tutunjian, Centeras its next executive director. Point Energy’s vice president Terrell, who most recently high level of public trust. “The Minnesota Justice Re- of Minnesota regional operaserved as the executive director of the Council of Minnesotans of search Center is thrilled to have tions. “The Rebuild program African Heritage, is a community Justin take the helm as executive reflects CenterPoint Energy’s advocate at his core, with a track director,” noted Andy Martens, dedication to supporting our communities while helping our customers save money and maximize efficiency, both now and in the future.” Matt Kazinka, senior stra-

“I am excited to be taking on this role at this time in Minnesota’s arc towards justice for all.’”

record of leading successful issue campaigns centered on mobilizing community members to become advocates, organizers, and leaders on issues that directly impact them. “I am excited to be taking on this role at this time in Minnesota’s arc towards justice for all’” says Terrell. “Recent events in our state—indeed, the nation as a whole—lay bare the racial disparities in our society. There is an urgent need to wrestle with the reality we’re facing, put a human face on the data, and design reforms with impacted communities at the center.” The Minnesota Justice Research Center is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization established in 2017 to improve the justice system through high qual-

board chair. “His work with the Minnesota Legislature and governor, his skills at amplifying the voices of impacted communities, and his service on Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Board (now the Office of Police Misconduct) make him uniquely qualified to lead the Justice Research Center at this critical time. We need to bring the voice of the community to criminal justice reform. Justin will help us do just that.” Terrell, who has served on the MNJRC Board, will begin his executive director duties in mid-September. —Information provided by the Minnesota Justice Research Center.

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tegic initiatives manager with the Lake Street Council, said, “CenterPoint Energy’s Rebuild program will help our community at a very challenging time. As small businesses on Lake Street work to rebuild

area communities. It does not include St. Paul, which is not served by CenterPoint Energy. The Rebuild triple rebates are available for qualifying equipment purchased and installed between June 1, 2020,

more than 25 years, the utility has partnered with its residential and business customers to help them reduce their energy use and save money with energy efficiency programs. CenterPoint Energy is

Courtesy of MGN and reopen, they will benefit from every dollar they can save, both as they purchase new energy-efficient equipment and on an ongoing basis as they consume less energy.” Eligible participants include any CenterPoint Energy customer that suffered damage during this year’s civil unrest. This includes Minneapolis and other Twin Cities

and June 1, 2021. Enrollment deadline is December 31, 2020. CenterPoint Energy will consider special circumstances for more complex projects or purchases outside this timeframe, as long as the customer enrolls by December 31, 2020. The Rebuild program is part of CenterPoint Energy’s nation-leading Conservation Improvement Program. For

Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility, serving more than 860,000 residential and business customers. More information about the Rebuild program, including eligible equipment and rebate amounts, is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/REBUILD.

Walker Art Center realigns to focus on community engagement and impact The Walker Art Center is realigning the organization to center audience engagement and the impact of its programs on the communities it serves. A new department titled Public Engagement, Learning and Impact will be created and Nisa Mackie, currently the director of Education and Public Programs, has been promoted to lead this area of organizational focus at the senior leadership level. Mackie will report directly to Executive Director Mary Ceruti. Another new leadership position, Head of Content and Communications, will also be created as part of the re-alignment with responsibilities for refining and amplifying the public voice of the Walker through design and digital communications. That position has not yet been filled. The new structure centers and prioritizes audience and community engagement initiatives as well as

Courtesy of Walker Art Center design, digital and communication strategies—areas that had been identified for investment as part of the museum’s interim strategic plan last fall. “This is a step towards the next chapter at the Walker. This strategic realignment and re-focusing of resources will make the Walker better prepared to fulfill our potential of

connecting the most innovative artists and ideas with audiences here in the Twin Cities and around the world.” comments Mary Ceruti, Walker executive director. The realignment will result in nine new roles created, seven staff promotions, five eliminated positions, and three changes to existing roles.

Additionally, four contracted roles will become Walker staff members. The Walker Art Center is located at 725 Vineland Placewhere Hennepin meets Lyndale— one block off Highways I-94 and I-394, in Minneapolis. For public information, call 612-375-7600 or visit walkerart.org.

September 3-9, 2020

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There are big problems with our centralized healthcare system Direct Primary Care may be the solution

By Mark Holder, MD Guest contributor “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” — Albert Einstein In the midst of this global pandemic, there has been plenty of time to evaluate the limitations and shortcomings of the present dominant Third Party Payer (health insurance-based) healthcare system. Any alternatives? During much of this pandemic, most Americans have been weary to seek medical attention for fear of contracting COVID-19 at clinics and hospitals. This has led to a decrease in primary care and acute care during this time, and to a sicker population overall. For those having COVID-19 symptoms, testing continues to be a challenge.

Some have been able to get tested and then sent home awaiting lab results, without therapy. While everybody is waiting for results, the corona virus is replicating. When viruses replicate, they enter mucous secretions and are able to spread as those secretions are expelled. Common points of exposure of the virus include droplets from sneezing and coughing, hand shaking, communal keypads (ATM, phone, elevator, computers), and door handles. Stable patients with positive tests are frequently given an O2 saturation machine and a thermometer and advised by hospital staff to self-quarantine at home for two weeks. They are told to alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen every four hours to keep fever less than 100 F, with the warning, “By the way, if your O2 sat is less than 90%, come back fast!’ Many are receiving no prescribed therapy and are at home in physical misery and fear. And some are dying. A smaller group of people who are members of a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, Mperial Health, have received completely different experiences and outcomes during this challenging time. They have the ability to reach directly to their doctor through telemedicine at the first sign of disease, receive early therapy and close follow-up, and experience the reassurance of having a doctor on call. Some of these patients

have also contracted COVID virus but have stayed home and been managed by a Board Certified Family Physician through Telemedicine. These patients are being treated for a fatal disease in their homes. Prescriptions are verbally ordered to the pharmacy of choice or provided to the patient by Mperial Health. None of these patients have been hospitalized, and all are alive. Praises to Almighty God. Early recognition of COVID-19 infection and early therapy has a significant effect on the prognosis (course of disease) and mortality. Assess for COVID-19; clinically diagnose; treat immediately; test when available; treat close contacts. What is DPC? Direct Primary Care is a subscription medical practice that gives a patient direct access to their primary care physician through text messages, phone calls, emails, and in person visits. In Essence, the DPC model allows an individual to pay for their health care similar to a gym membership and use care anytime they wish/need. It leads to smaller patient panels, easy access to physician, longer patient visits, improved outcomes, and happier providers and patients, all for a lower cost. DPC is a paradigm shift from a centralized healthcare system that capitalizes on disease and treatments to direct

access to your doctor, who is further incentivized to keep you as well as possible. In

for the past five years, sec- Care as the solution for a ondary to the general rise of higher quality of care at a reahealthcare cost and the desire sonable price.

The ABCs of DPC • Prevention and Wellness focused • Unlimited Visits • Increased access to physician, including text, calls, and emails (same and next day appt) • Saving time and money, including labs and prescription medications

Mperial Health’s COVID prevention list • sleep 7-9 hours per night • quit smoking, no illicit drugs • wear mask in closed public areas • sanitize hands (or wash hands) after touching public keypads or handles • eat plenty of fruits and vegetables • consider the following supplements (especially if you have chronic condition): Zinc, L-lysine, Selenium, Multivitamin

the DPC model, patient care decisions are made between patients and physician; no insurance, no problems! Many DPC practices dispense prescription medications directly from clinics. There has been a national trend towards DPC practices

for a better way to provide health care. With the recent loss of life, jobs, and health insurance, there is an even greater need for thoughtful, cost-effective, patient-centered care. Many individuals, families and employers are looking to Direct Primary

Mark Holder, MD is a Board Certified Family Medicine Doctor in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. He is a graduate of University of MN-Physiology; Morehouse School of Medicine; and University of Miami Family Medicine Residency. He is naturally optimistic, creative, determined, and caring. Dr. Holder provides patient-centered care through customized medical services and health services memberships. Dr. Holder has practiced Medicine at Grady Health System in Atlanta, GA; Phebe Hospital in Gbanga, Liberia; JFK Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia; Jackson Memorial Health System in Miami, FL; AM/ PM Emergency House calls in Miami, FL; The Port of Miami Clinic; MD Now in West Palm Beach, Florida; Whittier Clinic (HCMC) in Minneapolis, MN; and Mperial Health in Edina, MN.

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September 3-9, 2020

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.

Police unions should not be confused with labor unions By Paul F. Clark

Democrats need bold agenda The 30 million people who have been forced onto unemployment—disproportionately In last week’s Democratic lower wage workers, disproporNational Convention, Joe Biden tionately Black and Hispanic— and Kamala Harris passed the need immediate assistance. Trump and the Republican character test. Now as Trump rolls out his Senate stood in the way of the virtual convention, they must needed rescue package objecting ace the agenda test. They need to to continuing the $600 a week enargue the case for the bold agen- hancement to unemployment inda that this country desperately surance, while denying aid to the needs and challenge Trump for U.S. Postal Service to manage the expected surge in voting by mail. his policy failures. He has denied aid to cities The Democratic National Convention focused on the char- and states facing massive layoffs acter test. Speaker after speaker of teachers, transit workers and By Jesse Jackson

It is now up to Biden and Harris to lay out their case—and contrast it with Trump’s failed administration. contrasted Joe Biden against what Trump’s own sister called the “phoniness” of Donald Trump, a man she said of “no principles, none.” The convention displayed the character of the party—its diversity, its inclusiveness, its concern for justice. That left little time to address the agenda. It’s not that it does not exist. The Democratic platform—largely a product of the task forces put together by Biden and Bernie Sanders—details a broad, progressive agenda for change. Biden’s own web page and speeches over the course of the nominating process have presented elements of his program. But no one but political junkies reads party platforms, and few probe candidate websites. It is now up to Biden and Harris to lay out their case—and contrast it with Trump’s failed administration. The priorities are clear. In the immediate short-term, Trump’s catastrophic mismanagement of the pandemic must be replaced by a comprehensive national strategy to get the pandemic under control so lives are saved and the economy can start up again.

others after their budgets were busted by the economic collapse and the costs of dealing with the pandemic. Already another round of layoffs is expected, and 20 to 30 million families are threatened with eviction or foreclosure in a pandemic. Schools are struggling with reopening without the resources needed to pay for the protections health officials say are necessary. Yet Trump and McConnell refused even to meet Democratic House leaders halfway to get a bill done. In the longer run, major changes are needed to make this economy work for working people. We need a bold initiative to rebuild America’s infrastructure and make it sustainable, a transition to renewable energy to fend off already costly climate change and create millions of good jobs. We need major investments in science and technology so America can regain its lead in innovation and job growth. We need a new trade strategy and industrial policy that rebuilds good jobs at home, ensures we make essential products here in the U.S., and demands a bal-

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anced playing field from China and other countries that trample trading rules. At the same time, we need to ensure that workers gain a fair share of the profits and productivity that they help generate. Biden has promised to lift the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. We need to empower workers to organize and crack down on labor rights abuses by corporate managers. The economic bill of rights for essential workers should be detailed and readied for passage. Paid family leave and sick leave is vital. Affordable, high-quality child care is essential for working parents and their children. The healthcare gap must be closed, with affordable health care for all guaranteed. The education gap must be closed, with resources for public schools from pre-K through college. Biden has promised tuition-free education for all students whose families earn less than $125,000 a year in contrast to Trump’s lack of concern for the burden-mounting student debt. The wealth gap must be addressed, with progressive taxes helping to reverse the extreme inequality that now threatens our democracy. We must address the constitutional right to vote. The right to vote should be protected, with restoration of the Voting Rights Act, automatic voter registration, expanded vote by mail and early voting, an end to partisan gerrymandering, and limits on big money in politics. Biden should support the constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to vote in America. The systemic racism built into our criminal justice system must be redressed. Equal pay for women should no longer be an issue. The priorities are many. Biden and Harris must be aggressive in putting forth their agenda, explaining its import and defending its elements. Trump has already made it clear that his campaign will be based on lies and libels about the Democratic agenda. He has already called Biden the “puppet of the radical left,” who wants to “defund the police “and “abolish the suburbs.” He’ll burlesque the Democratic agenda across the country. It is vital that Biden and Harris argue their case. If they do, there is no question that they will ace the agenda test that Trump has already failed. They have little more than two months to get that done. Jesse Jackson is the founder of Rainbow/PUSH.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, news reports have suggested that police unions bear some of the responsibility for the violence perpetrated against African Americans. Critics have assailed these unions for protecting officers who have abused their authority. Derek Chauvin, the former police officer facing second-degree murder charges for Floyd’s death, had nearly 20 complaints filed against him during his career but only received two letters of reprimand. Many people who support labor unions in principle, who view them as a countervailing force against the power of employers, have only recently come to view police unions as problematic—as entities that perpetuate a culture of racism and violence. But this sentiment reverberates through the history of the U.S. labor movement. As a labor scholar who has written about unions for decades, I think this viewpoint can be explained by the fact that police unions differ fundamentally from almost all trade unions in America. For many veterans of the labor movement, police have been on the wrong side of the centuries-old struggle between workers and employers. Rather than side with other members of the working class, police have used their legal authority to protect businesses and private property, enforcing laws viewed by many as anti-union. The strain between law enforcement and labor goes back to the origins of American unions in the mid-19th century. Workers formed unions to fight for wage increases, reduced working hours and humane working conditions. For employers, this was an attack on the existing societal power structure. They enlisted the government as the defender of capital and property rights, and police officers were the foot soldiers who defended the status quo. When workers managed to form unions, companies called on local police to disperse union gatherings, marches and picket lines, using violence and mass arrests to break the will of strikers.

Police work is a fundamentally conservative act. And police officers tend to be politically conservative and Republican. A poll of police conducted in September 2016 by POLICE Magazine found that 84% of officers intended to vote for Donald Trump that November. And law enforcement unions like the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Union of Police Associations and the National Border Patrol Council all endorsed Trump’s candidacy in 2016. This contrasts sharply with the 39% share of all union voters who voted for Trump and the fact that every other union which made an endorsement supported Hillary Clinton. Exclusively protecting the interests of their members, without consideration for other workers, also sets police unions apart from other labor groups. Yes, the first priority of any union is to fight for their members, but most other unions see that fight in the context of a larger movement that fights for all workers. Police unions do not see themselves as part of this movement. With one exception—the International Union of Police Associations, which represents just 2.7% of American police—law enforcement unions are not affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the U.S. labor body that unites all unions. A central concern with police unions is that they use collective bargaining to negotiate contracts that reduce police transparency and accountability. This allows officers who engage in excessive violence to avoid the consequences of their actions and remain on the job. In a way, some police unions have created an alternative justice system that prevents police departments and municipalities from disciplining or discharging officers who have committed crimes against the people they are sworn to serve. In Minneapolis, residents filed more than 2,600 misconduct complaints against police officers between 2012 and 2020. But only 12 of those grievances resulted in discipline. The most significant punishment any officer received was a 40-hour suspension. Besides collective bargaining, police have used the political process—including candidate endorsements and lobbying—to

secure local and state legislation that protects their members and quells efforts to provide greater police accountability. Police officers are a formidable political force because they represent the principle of law and order. Candidates endorsed by the police unions can claim they are the law and order candidate. Once these candidates win office, police unions have significant leverage to lobby for policies they support or block those they oppose. Because of this power, critics claim that police unions don’t feel accountable to the citizens they serve. An attorney who sued the Minneapolis Police Department on behalf of a Black resident who was severely beaten by police officers said that he is convinced that Minneapolis “officers think they don’t have to abide by their own training and rules when dealing with the public.” George Floyd’s death has raised serious concerns about the current role of police and police federations in our society. Several unions have demanded that the International Union of Police Associations be expelled from the U.S. labor federation. Other unions oppose expulsion. They argue that the labor movement can have a greater impact on a police union that is inside the “House of Labor.” In any case, there is a growing recognition that police unions differ significantly from other unions. And there is a growing acceptance that they are not part of the larger American labor movement but rather a narrowly focused group pursuing their own self-interests, often to the detriment of the nation at large. This commentary was originally published in theconversation.com. Paul F. Clark is the school director and professor of Labor and Employment Relations, Pennsylvania State University.

Letter to the Editor Upper Harbor Terminal: It’s not too late to change the process of the North” racist practices. Discriminatory housing policy, starting in the early 1900s via racial deed covenants, The evolution of the indus- drained resources and denied trial Mississippi riverfront to opportunities for Black resiresidential and recreational dents to build wealth through uses is a benefit to Minne- homeownership. Moreover, highway conapolis. The Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment in struction projects and racist North Minneapolis will be policies reinforced redlined especially welcomed as we segregation. Currently, Minsay goodbye to environmentally harmful industry and welcome citizens back to the riverfront. Unfortunately, the City has awarded this development to United Properties (owned by the Pohlad family) and First nesota has the largest racial Avenue. Northside residents, wealth gap in the nation. The common thread of this community activists, and environmental organizations do history is that in all these polinot support the project in its cies enacted, the government current form. The City’s ap- was complicit in creating the proach perpetuates structural racial wealth gap that persists to this day. racism. This project is a missed It’s important to acknowledge our racist history in the opportunity because the City context of this project. North- will be forgoing the possibilside residents endure the ity of reparations, perpetuatlegacy effects of “Jim Crow ing systemic racism in North By Alexis Pennie and Jen Antila

Minneapolis, and reinforcing White privilege and handing over more wealth to established elites. Even though it’s now the eleventh hour, a change can still be made. The Upper Harbor development could be a transformational project in the city of Minneapolis. Land development does not have to continue to be an extractive

Even though it’s now the eleventh hour, a change can still be made. wealth process. We urge you, City of Minneapolis, to take your blinders off, absorb what concerned residents have communicated to you, and adjust your actions accordingly. We can fundamentally change the process and the resulting outcomes from inequitable to equitable. It’s not too late.

September 3-9, 2020

BOSEMAN Continued from page 1 incredible Hollywood success, but a living example of Black excellence for the world to see on the silver screen. Natalie Morrow, founder of the Twin Cities Black Film Festival and Twin Cities Black Fashion week, has not only had the opportunity to both premiere and promote each one of Boseman’s films locally, but she also had a serendipitous encounter with Boseman himself at a VIP Hollywood premiere for the movie “Birth of a Nation.” “It was the true premiere in Hollywood and standing directly behind me in line was Chadwick Boseman. He was in a black tie; he looked exquisite,” she recalled. “He’s extremely humble…what people say about him, it really is true.” she said. Kory Laquess Pullam is a

HIAWATHA Continued from page 1 tournaments did not permit Black golfers to play, they began to host their own tournaments, including one at Hiawatha Golf Course. In 1939 African American golfer Jimmy Slemmons created, and for many years ran, what was originally called the Minnesota Negro Open Golf Tournament, later renamed the Upper Midwest Bronze Golf Tournament. “For African Americans, that was probably the only place they could play,” said Rodgers, who is Black. “If you look at all the history, Solomon [Hughes] and Bob Shelton and all those guys, that’s where they played. The Bronze tournament was there. Tiger Woods came there and he donated money for the driving range. “There’s just so much history there… The Park Board said they’ll give us a plaque.” The Park Board has drafted a Master Plan for the NokomisHiawatha Regional Park Area, which encompasses the 18-hole Hiawatha Golf Course. After it flooded in 2014, the Park Board began investigating water management at the site. Tyler Pederson, the MPRB design project manager, explains why the board believes they need to change the golf course from its current design. He said they wanted to be better prepared for water management of the site for future flooding. “We started to Master Plan in 2015, and then we put the master

35W Continued from page 1 Racism and Housing in Minneapolis” at the Hennepin History Museum, which Pike curated with classmate and public historian Kacie Lucchini Butcher in the fall of 2018. “Many in attendance wanted to have conversations about how the freeway changed South Minneapolis,” said Donofrio. The project’s leaders think of their history as a communityengaged endeavor, with existing and descendant communities at the forefront. This is unlike most traditional history, which tends to privilege historians’ voices over affected people and communities. Public history is inherently collaborative, and this has Pike excited about her work, which she believes has the ability to attract those otherwise not interested in history. “Traditional history can be so focused on the past,” said Pike. “Public history can bridge that gap between the past and the present, make history relevant to everyone, and engage non-historians with the past in meaningful ways.” One of these reasons, she said,

local actor who has worked with many theatres throughout the Twin Cities, including the Guthrie, Children’s Theater Company and Penumbra Theatre, to name a few. After acting in the Twin Cities for seven years, Pullam has recently returned to his roots in Corpus Christi, Texas. “Looking back on [Boseman’s] life and his contributions, so much of what I’m thinking about is not even about him in movies, so much as the speeches he would give at colleges, or things he would say in interviews. Just the joy and genuine nature that he had as a person.” said Pullam “In Hollywood…it’s easy to forget where you came from and who you are. And something that I always respected about Chadwick Boseman is that he never lost sense of who he was and what his purpose was.” Many were suprised to plan on hold when we found out that we were actually pumping ground water from Hiawatha Golf Course,” Pederson said. “That was a little concerning to us because the permit that we had was only to pump storm water, basically pump water for irrigation, not a permit to pump ground water.” Then they came up with several water management options for the site. “One of them was to basically keep pumping at the rates that we were, so keep pumping ground water and go with the status quo,” Pederson said. “The other option, which was eventually chosen by the Park Board and recommended by the Park Board staff and the City of Minneapolis and the Watershed District, was an alternative to reduce pumping and actually move the pumping nearer to the neighborhoods so that it still lowers ground water levels near the neighborhood and it basically helps to protect basements from ground water intrusion to the extent it does today.” This plan would eliminate the existing 18 holes of golf at Hiawatha Golf Course and potentially restructure nine new holes, a plan that has left some community members, like those in the SaveHiawatha18 group, asking why. Pederson responded: “If we just filled the golf course with soil and made the 18 holes completely dry, it would never flood. It would still flood, but it would push those flood waters toward the neighborhoods. So we can’t mess around with the flood plain. We can manipulate it a bit, but

learn upon his passing about his four-year battle with colon cancer, which he largely kept under wraps, “That’s what makes him a superhero in real life, you know. No one knew,” said Morrow. Despite his sickness, Boseman continued to represent Black culture with grace and integrity. And because of this, in his death, his life became an example of what it looks like to live with purpose. “It’s a significant loss to our community, but he wouldn’t want us to just sit and wallow,” said Pulluam. “He’s a true example of Black excellence in real life,” said Morrow.

GUNS Continued from page 1

“But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” –T’Challa in “Black Panther”

that his department needs change but added that he has been hamstrung by council restrictions along with resistance from police union higher-ups. Yet he reaffirmed that the police can’t do it alone. “We are sadly mistaken if it’s solely up to the police to curtail this violence. There are things we do well, and there are things that we need to do in responding to violent crime. But we are not going to get rid of housing and the homeless issue,” Arradondo continued. “People historically have wanted police to solve all societal problems, and we just can’t. “We should not be the only entity that responds to people with mental health issues. I don’t want to criminalize homelessness and addiction. It’s going to take faith

the volume of the flood plain has to remain the same, and that’s what we’re accomplishing with the nine-hole golf course. “The issue here is trying to deal with risk and how the golf course can bounce back after a flood. Whether it’s 18 holes or nine holes, the golf course is going to flood. With how we’ve got it at nine holes, it can bounce back a lot quicker and open up a lot faster in weeks instead of months,” Pederson said. There are detailed plans on the MPRB website regarding its water management plan. However, SaveHiawatha18 group member Kathryn Kelly, who grew up on the north side of the golf course

area if the golf course were to be changed. Each claims to have done their research, but there is still a lot of doubt and confusion surrounding this plan. “This course has been here for over 80 years,” Kelly added. “I’ve seen it flood three times over the course of my life; in 65’ when we were living on the north side [of the course], and in 87’ I was actually here the day it flooded, at my mom’s house. And then again in 2014. In 65’ and 87’ all they did was pump the water out and reseed the areas that got damaged and bring it back.” She is also concerned about where the money will come from for this project.

“As far as honoring the African American history of the site, that’s something that we want to really pursue. It’s kind of heartbreaking.” and has been playing there for 50 years, believes the plan does not make sense. “We have talked to a lot of researchers, a lot of public officials, agencies like the DNR and the City and everybody,” Kelly said. “Met the council and the Watershed district. Through all of that we found that there is no reason to close this 18-hole golf course other than [Park Board] Commissioner [Steffanie] Musich wants to.” Part of the disagreement between MPRB and SaveHiawatha18 has to do with the flood plains, DNR permits, and risk of flooding to homes in the

Pederson said that the approximate budget was around $43 million, which includes the regional water management plan, some of the park features, the golf course and the restaurant area, among other things. He said that the funding will not come from one source but many, including taxes, revenue from the golf course and restaurant, regional park dollars, philanthropy and grants, as well as money from renting park equipment. The executive summary of the Park Board’s plan states: “The Board of Commissioners wants to improve water man-

leaders, social workers, parents, teachers, private sector folk in order for us to really get this.” Arradondo reminded the panel that 90 percent of his department budget goes to salaries, health and retirement benefits, and the remainder for training and other administrative needs. “When you talk about defunding [the police], you are going to strip away basic responsibilities [of MPD,” he said. “I believe you have to look universally—all city budgets and enterprises should be looked into. We need to look at where our priorities are all over. “I do believe as chief we need to have funding to support all of these other areas that impact our communities, especially where it impact more communities than others,” said Arradondo. Carter said, “We need an emergency plan, not sound bytes, because of the complexity of the crisis. There is no perfect plan [to solve the violence problem], but

agement, preserve traditional golf in some form, and celebrate the welcoming history of Hiawatha Golf Course.” MPRB held several years of community advisory committees and focus groups based on the interests of general golfers, African American golfers, persons with environmental interests, neighbors living near the golf course, and Indigenous/Dakota community members. It also conducted surveys asking residents how they felt about eliminating the 18hole course completely, going down to nine holes, or leaving it as it is. “There’s the SaveHiawatha18 group,” Pederson said. “They’re a group of people that really just want to have 18 holes of golf there, and I don’t blame them. It’s a fantastic course and a fantastic place to play. It’s got a really rich history. “It’s not fun taking something away from people, and we’re trying to compromise with numerous things here, and keeping nine holes is really that compromise.” MPRB has the plan available to the public for a 45-day comment session that ends September 15. Pederson added, “As far as honoring the African American history of the site, that’s something that we want to really pursue and partner with the local African American community on. It’s kind of heartbreaking because of the struggles with segregation in the ‘60s and earlier, how

is because historical archives South Minneapolis disrupted fects of what occurred 50 years and understanding the needs of have “neglected to capture Black an African-American Neighbor- ago in an area where their ances- citizens impacted by such vast change may help to create more voices and other voices of color,” hood." It focused on the ways in tors once lived.”

35W Looking N from 50th St adding that historians often need more than the archives to help tell meaningful stories about communities. “We can’t rely on archives alone to contextualize the BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] experience in Minneapolis and how it is connected to our history,” said Pike. Dr. Ernest Lloyd, 35W community advisor and research advisor for the project, is particularly enthused about the work because it is a continuation of his dissertation, "How Routing an Interstate Highway through

Photo courtesy of 35 W project which 35W affected the African American Southside community. Lloyd sees the upcoming exhibit as a way to give community members a sense of power and pride, driving them to take action and make a difference in their community. “My hope is that the project…will better serve policyholders when considering disrupting citizens' lives through highway and local construction. It will also be a forum for the descendants of families to observe the exhibits, and perhaps gain a greater understanding of the ef-

The group is not only interested in telling this history along with community partners and members, but also in acting as stewards of this history. Using a reciprocal approach, the project acts as a means by which descendant communities can help historians and historians can help communities. This is crucial for building and preserving relationships among all groups involved and helping pave the way for meaningful policy changes. “A more collaborative process that creates spaces for listening

5

the emergency can’t wait for all of us to be in agreement. We will disagree.” Arradondo praised the work of McAfee, Clemons and Wilson in the community—the three have been helping his depart ment deescalate situations after a violent incident takes place. “It will require all of us to do this hard work,” he concluded. “We have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman recorder.com.

it was really difficult for not just Blacks, but minorities of all types to actually play the game and be good at it and be competitive in tournaments. “I think if there was a way to do 18 holes we would do that. That’s what we were originally pursuing back in 2015, but the ground water issue is something that is pushing us towards nine holes.” Rodgers considers the nine-hole compromise a joke. “What they want to do is break that berm in the back, and if you break that berm there is no golf course because that whole area would be a lake,” he said. “I talked to the mayor. He said he doesn’t know where they’re going to get $40 or $50 million to renovate that golf course. We’ve been looking at it for four and a half years, and it just doesn’t make sense. “They claimed that they want more amenities for the residents, but all the stuff that they are talking about putting at Hiawatha, it is all at Nokomis, so why are we duplicating what’s already there? We definitely don’t need another dog park.” Analise Pruni welcomes reader responses to apruni@spokesman-recorder.com.

current reconstruction offers a poignant reflection for people not in Minneapolis during the initial construction. Donofrio wants people who were not affected by 35W, but who were instrumental in its construction and use it today, to reflect on their own complicity. “We want people in positions of power to hear and see these stories, and to be held accountable for past and ongoing injustices,” he said, adding that motorists who use the freeway should have to wrestle with the cost of interstate freeway travel. Lloyd said that a project like this is long overdue. “Actions to engage the affected impacted groups after a public works project has begun is too late,” he says. “Communities and impacted citizens must be invited to the table in those early design and discussion stages.”

equitable opportunities for safe, clean, accessible and profitable places to live, work, educate and play,” explained Lloyd. According to Donofrio, the project is timely in many ways, including directly addressing Eric Hankin-Redmon welcomes Minneapolis’s 2040 Plan’s “free- reader responses to ehankin-redway remediation” section and the mon@spokesman-recorder.com. recent murder of George Floyd on the city’s South Side. Floyd’s death has forced many White people nationally to reckon with the insidious ways that structural racism works. Donofrio also points out that the freeway’s

6

Business

September 3-9, 2020

Brow expert carries on family’s entrepreneurial spirit Omari Brow Studio

Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Ashley Lauren Contributing writer

The ambiance in Syreeta Seve's Omari Brow Studio is peaceful, tranquil and adorned with plush decor—an ideal setting for a moment of self-care. Seve has worked hard to become an entrepreneur, educator and master brow artist. With over 10 years of experience, she has

mastered the art of arching and shaping well-defined eyebrows. “Self care is important; it has been my philosophy since day one,” said Seve. Her journey took her from her hometown of Detroit, Michigan, to the Twin Cities in 2008. “When I got to Minnesota, there weren’t a lot of brow specialty studios. I’ve been doing brows since I left Michigan.” As a result, she was inspired and compelled to fulfill

Owner Syreeta Seve works on a client.

a market niche. In an effort to master her craft, Seve graduated from Michigan College of Beauty and from St. Paul College. She recalled, “I am an alumnus of NDC. I went through their entrepreneur program. Utilizing their resources helped me grow my business.” As a result, years later in 2015, Seve created the Omari Brow Studio. The business has been operating in its current location on Selby Avenue in St. Paul since 2018. “I was driving down the street and this place was available. Since then, smooth sailing,” said Seve. There’s a special meaning behind the business name. “Omari is my father’s name. He passed away when I was six,” Seve explained. “He was an entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial spirit stayed with me.” Now she carries on his legacy as she serves in the capacity of a business owner. Seve possesses a strong work ethic and drive, and her mother serves as a source of inspiration. “As a child of a baby boomer, she lived through the Detroit riots,” said Seve. She said she is inspired by her mother’s drive to be successful. Also, “I’m a single mother of two beautiful brown boys. I’m called on to show up for my kids just like my business,” said Seve. Although Seve is busy operating the business, she makes sure to take time to achieve work-life balance. She has found one extracurricular activity, in particular, that she enjoys and enables her to take a break from the daily grind. “I roller skate,” she said. “I skate a couple times per week. [It's] a newfound thing for me. I revisited it. I have to build it into my schedule.” She shared advice for the youth. “One thing is to stay present because there are forces that

want to distract the youth. Be strong in your mindfulness to make decisions. Be present and love yourself." When asked about the most rewarding aspect of running a business, Seve said it "has to be seeing my team grow and step into their own. Seeing them realize their own gifts. Everyone works together to ensure customers have a pleasant experience. I want customers and youth to feel empowered.” Omari Brow Studio has a small team consisting of two talented professionals. Nia Ford is

But although unexpected challenges have transpired, she has been patient and optimistic and Omari Brow Studio re-opened for business. Now everyone is required to wear a mask and team members also work staggered shifts. In the future, individuals will have an opportunity to learn about the art of eyebrow threading technique. “I’m really excited about offering classes," said Seve. "The eyebrow threading classes are self-paced and will be available in digital format.” Upon completion of courses, individu-

Omari Brow Studio on Selby Avenue in St. Paul a threading artist/lash technician, and Arianna Newstrand is an esthetician/front desk receptionist. They are both focused on creating a positive and welcoming experience for clients. Like many small businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused its share of setbacks for the shop, causing the business to close for three months. “I lost out on revenue," Seve said.

als will receive certification. Out of all the services they have to offer, eyebrow threading is the most popular. “People love to get their eyebrows threaded because it doesn’t require any chemicals. We only use thread,” explained Seve. Threading is a non-invasive procedure geared toward removing hair without pain. The Omari Brow Studio offers

hair removal services and a line of its own products. Services include waxing, threading, makeup application, eyelash lifts, extensions and tinting. They also offer their own line of high quality, signature products. Clients can purchase “Omari Brow Studio” powder, pencils, brushes, tweezers and lash growth serums. Great products for self-care. “We’re here and we’re not going anywhere,” said Seve. She encourages individuals to book an appointment 24 hours a day, seven days a week on www.

Photos by Ashley Lauren omaribrowstudio.com.

The Omari Brow Studio is located at 1050 Selby Avenue in St. Paul. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am-8:30 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am-6:00 pm.

Ashley Lauren welcomes readers’ responses to alauren@spokesman-recorder.com.

September 3-9, 2020

7

Former rugby star follows her passion for fashion The work was physical and it was tough, but, she tells the MSR, “I enjoyed being with my father and riding on the orn and raised on a tractor.” A member of the United small farm in rural Irwinton, Georgia, States National Rugby Team legendary rugby player Pha- from 1999 to 2017, Knight reedra Knight discovered her tired from in 2017, and was love for hard work when she inducted into the sport’s Hall was only four years old. “It of Fame later that same year. Knight, who earned a law was produce mostly, but we had livestock, pigs, eventu- degree before deciding to embark on a career in rugby, exally a cow.”

By Nadine Matthews Contributing writer

B

Rugby Hall of Famer and founder of clothing line PSK Collective, Phaidra Knight Photos courtesy of Phaidra Knight

plained that her lifelong passions were a compass for the direction she decided to go after leaving rugby. “I have always loved fashion and social justice. They have been the two constants in my life besides rugby.” It makes perfect sense, then, that Knight’s first serious entrepreneurial endeavor would be a clothing line. Knight’s PSK Collective, launched this summer, is a functional, sizeinclusive activewear line intended to bring recognition, equity and unity to women's sports, fashion and lifestyles. The line is made for everyone, but with an eye on being inclusive of women with athletic body types, something that had caused frustration for Knight on many of her own shopping trips. “I struggled to fit into all clothes,” she recalled. “Not just activewear, and I had to constantly resort to custom or semi-custom options or wear things that were a little bigger, a little longer in certain places than they had to be.” Some of her entrepreneurial spirit came from her father, who quit teaching to run his own farm around the time she was born. “He had a vision of being independent and having his business so he dedicated his time working for himself. Obviously, that had an impact.” She counts her grandfather’s staunch belief and pride in her as a significant factor for her lifelong confidence in herself, a confidence she carries with her into this new venture. “He had so

A model wearing pieces from PSK Collective clothing line by Phaidra Knight much pride and integrity, and always told me and other people he would meet that I could do anything.” Ironically, Knight’s success on the rugby pitch did present a challenge in one area as she launched her new business. “At the end of the day, I think my feet are held to the fire more because I have already put myself out there. Because I’ve been successful in the past, there is a higher set of expectations.” Despite this, Knight has generally leveraged skills and lessons she picked up as an athlete to her advantage in launching PSK Collective. “Like in rugby, we come together for a common cause even if you’re working with people with differing personalities. You have to work to appreciate the things that connect you. It’s also essential to make sure everyone feels like

they are a part of the team and to cultivate an environment where people feel comfortable contributing.” Knight believes her background as an athlete inspires a certain level of confidence that is useful when she has to connect with people who can potentially invest in what she’s doing. “Playing sports, you have to tap into a level of confidence that I think is rooted in all of us in a much deeper way. That is an intangible but it’s felt when you walk into a room. There is that overall energy that I give off when I walk into a room or when I meet people, that I believe comes through.” The experience of literally falling and knowing she had to get back up to finish the game numerous times is another lesson Knight takes with her. “One of the biggest lessons in rugby is every

time you get tackled, you get back up. We’ve had so many successes already with the clothing line, but there have been areas where we need to improve, where I feel we’ve fallen, so to speak. And so I know we just need to get up, brush our pants off, and keep running, keep moving.” For more info on PSK Collective, go to pskcollective.com. Nadine Matthew welcomes readers responses to nmatthews@spokesman-recorder.com. Connect with her on Twitter at @ deeniemedia.

8 September 3-9, 2020

Legals

Employment

State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: NAMEHOLDER(S):

The Teaching Coach 1814 24th Ave N Minneapolis MN 55411 USA

Kendra Frances Shelby 1814 24th Ave N Minneapolis MN 55411 USA

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Kendra Shelby MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES:

Kendrafwalker@gmail.com

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder September 3 & 10, 2020

Oak Terrace 1171 Hadley Avenue North Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 730-6440 NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 & 2 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Seniors 62 years (+), rent based on income for qualified applicants. Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am August 28th, 2020 until 4pm September 30th, 2020 or picked up in the Management Office. Completed applications must be received by mail or hand delivered, on or before September 30th, 2020. All qualified Applicants will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity

Fitz Continued from page 10 there is no justification for the 8.46 seconds by Minneapolis police in the torture killing of George Floyd. On the basketball court at center court it says, "Black Lives Matter." On the backs of NBA players’ jerseys are social statements. After all, the players in Orlando had voted to return to play on the weekend. We know now that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers voted not to continue with the playoffs. Throughout history Black athletes have sacrificed for change in America, some their careers. Remember 1968 Olympics Gold Medal winner Tommie Smith

View Continued from page 10

and teammate Bronze winner John Carlos, their courageous Black glove salute? Curt Flood challenged MLB's reserve clause. Muhammad Ali refused to go to Vietnam. Colin Kaepernick, four years ago taking a knee; Jackie Robinson, 1947; Arthur Ashe. The great Bill Russell, 11time NBA Champion during his career, said, "I would give up NBA basketball without hesitation to assist the Civil Rights Movement in 1961." Russell was happy to see this 2020 generation of players in an election year take a stand. That's powerful Larry Fitzgerald is a longstanding contributing columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He 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. son: “I want them to grow up in a different world. It takes a lot to have so much hate in your heart. This is a learned behavior.” It was historic last week—not what the NBA did, but what the WNBA did to pause their season in the wake of Blake’s shooting. Their act of solidarity, unlike the NBAers’, could have had more ramifications in terms of sponsorships and television contracts or the league’s financial bottom line. Nonetheless, they and others had enough. “When we stand strong in numbers, our voice is echoed more loudly. To be in that group, with a group of women that we love and share the game with, I think it was a very powerful moment,” said Fowles. “You just try to stick together, believe in what we believe in, and make sure we don’t let each other down.”

“People watch sports. It brings more eyes and attention when athletes are doing it,” said Lynx forward and co-captain Napheesa Collier. “We came here to play basketball, but the last couple of days our minds have been on bigger issues, obviously a lot more important.” “We are two African American women, and things like this are happening too close to home,” Lynx co-captain Sylvia Fowles reaffirmed. But America’s racial pandemic within a global deadly coronavirus attack didn’t start this year. As Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve told reporters last week, “This is a centuries-long problem in our history.” When the MSR asked her to reflect on the latest act of indignity practiced on human beings that do not look like her, Reeve Charles Hallman welcomes emotionally referred to her young son and Minnesota guard reader responses to challman@ Odyssey Sims’ recently newborn spokesman.recorder.com.

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From Display Ad Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder PHONE: 612-827-4021 Whittier Community Housing FOR BILLING 2609 Blaisdell Ave INQUIRIES Minneapolis, MN 55408 & TEARSHEETS (612) 870-4493 PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING NOTICE: OPENINGDEPT THE 1 & 2 BEDROOM WAIT LIST

Residents of all ages are welcome to apply, rent based on income for qualified applicants. EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY SIZE: 2 COL X 5.25 INCHES = 10.5 Applications may beCOL. downloaded RATE $42.00 PER INCH at www.commonbond.org from 9am August 28th, 2020 until 4pm TOTAL: $441.00 September 30th, 2020 or picked up in the Management Office. Please proof, respond with confirmation to hand Completed applications must email be received by mail or display@spokesman-recorder.com. delivered, on or before September 30th, 2020. All qualified Applicants will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity

Completed applications must be received by mail only, on or before October 12, 2020. All qualified Applicants will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received.

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PreP Continued from page 10

Today everyone is playing again. This time there were no fines. In fact, there has been unlimited support and media coverage. What a difference four years can make. Never forget that the origins of this social justice movement can be traced to the players in the WNBA. They are the ones who have and will continue to sacrifice like no other professional league has. The senseless deaths of Black people and continued confrontations with social injustice were too much for WNBA players to ignore. Their efforts were and continue to be too much for me to ignore.

doesn’t seem to pose a problem today. The shirts violated WNBA protocol in relation to proper warm-up attire, and the players were fined by the team. The players didn’t flinch. It motivated them and they kept it moving. Protests spread throughout the league, the social justice platform was in full use, and the fines were rescinded after 10 days. After the NBA, MLB and other sports decided to protest in the aftermath of the shooting, the impact of the WNBA—as the leaders of such social jusDr. Mitchell Palmer McDontice expression—seems to be minimized and pushed into the ald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com. background.

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INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

September 3-9, 2020

BULLETIN 7th Annual Little Africa Fest Little Africa Fest is billed as the top event for African culture, music, dancing, and art. Last year, over 10,000 attendees joined in on the festivities and this year organizers are expecting even more for the virtual event September 20-24, 2020. All proceeds benefit local African immigrant business owners affected by COVID-19.

Minnesota receives approval of COVID-19 lost wages assistance Governor Tim Walz recently announced that Minnesota has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. LWA provides a temporary additional $300 per week benefit to Minnesotans receiving unemployment benefits. To be eligible, an applicant must

“This extra $300 per week will matter for Minnesotans and their families...”

To learn more about the festival and how to donate, go to bit.ly/littleafricafest.

Courtesy of MGN and other Americans need.” “With our application approved, we'll move quickly to get Minnesotans this assistance," said Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove. “We know how important these benefits are to so many workers who are unemployed due to the pandemic." Those currently receiving unemployment benefits do not need to reapply or do anything other than complete their weekly benefits request to receive the additional $300 a week. DEED Unemployment Insurance will review all payment requests made for the week of July 26 going forward and automatically pay applicants who are eligible for LWA.

have a weekly unemployment benefit amount of at least $100 and must be unemployed due to COVID-19. “I am glad that Minnesotans receiving unemployment benefits will receive an additional $300 a week to help make ends meet during this crisis,” said Governor Walz. “We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to help Minnesotans through this pandemic.” “This extra $300 per week will matter for Minnesotans and their families. I’m glad we took the steps to make this happen for Minnesotans,” said Lt. GovDEED anticipates the program will last ernor Peggy Flanagan. “But an extra $300 per week is not a reflection of the between five to eight weeks. Applicants can entirety of the burden this pandemic visit www.uimn.org/lwa for more informahas put on Minnesotans. We hope that tion. our federal partners will continue to work to provide relief for Minnesotans

Instrument Drive The Sabathanites Drum and Bugle corps was “founded in 1964 and is the oldest existing African American drum and bugle corps in Minnesota” as mentioned in the MNOPEDIA’s article. In 1996, the Sabathanites had a reunion with all the drum and bugle corps of the Twins Cities and began performing again in 1997. The Sabathanites would like to reorganize and keep their traditional drum and bugle corps. They are asking for donations of gently used marching instruments and equipment. For example: marching snares, tenors, and bass drums; baritones and soprano marching bugles; and/or baritone and soprano horns. Donations can be dropped off at Sabathani Community Center 310 E 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55409. Due to COVID19, please call Suluki Fardan, a Sabathanites member, before donation drop-off at 612-824-0400. Please leave a message and Suluki will get back to you as soon as possible. Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor

451 West Central

St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444

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

Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"

At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street

2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org

Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net

Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service

Sunday Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am

The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody

Sunday Worship 11:30 am

Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM

Thank you.

9

10

September 3-9, 2020

Athletes know it The day the sports world stopped well: no pain, no gain

Fitz Beat Larry

FitzgeraLd

A

fter 400-plus years, one thing you can say about resilient Black Americans is that they are patient. Yes, another unarmed Black man, Jacob Blake of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was shot seven times in the back a week ago Sunday by yes, another White policeman. Sound familiar? Again, thanks to a witness with video cell phone footage that was posted online, the world again saw what happened. As expected, emotional outrage and a demand for justice has led to unrest and protest in Wisconsin. A White 17-year-old boy and confirmed Donald Trump supporter from Illinois came to Kenosha armed with an automatic weapon, and police allowed him to kill two protestors. They did not attempt to stop him or arrest him. All of this while the Republican National Convention was taking place. The Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA's best team, refused to play game five of their playoff series

with Orlando. After other NBA players refused to play, the NBA announced that two other playoff games were postponed. It’s been a historic week in social justice with sports leading as NBA players take a stance over the shooting of Jacob Blake. Major League Baseball, with only 8% of its players Black, postponed several games. Even the Twins, for the first time in franchise history, joined the social justice awakening by not playing against Detroit Thursday. The WNBA also did not play for 48 hours—strong Black women. Tennis superstar and two-time Major Champion Naomio Osaka took a stance by not playing in her semi-final tennis match. "Before I am an athlete, I am a Black woman. I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand,” said Osaka The NHL and MLS also postponed games. White athletes like Tom Brady, Drew Brees and all the others, when another Black man or woman is killed by police, it doesn’t hit home with them. Black athletes, many of them born and raised in the inner city, have experienced the trauma of being pulled over by police and quietly sweating it out, praying they won't be overpowered or shot or kneed to death. Athletes love America. Playing games is not political. Black athletes really count. They know ■ See Fitz on page 8

First in a series It's been nearly 90 days since George Floyd's death, which sparked an unprecedented racial awakening in this country as the half-year global pandemic still rages all around us. Day and night, demands to finally address racial inequalities and social justice issues took over U.S. cities and towns for several weeks. What was then out front and under the spotlight seems now to have returned to the shadows. The MSR sat in on numerous virtual discussions during the summer of 2020 where the panelists talked race unfiltered, uninhibited and reflective, looking at current events as well as toward the future. This multi-part series will examine some of the topics discussed on these Zoom sessions. This week: The day Black players shook the world.

credit the NBA for last week’s action. The NBAers reportedly got very disagreeable before settling on deciding not to play, while the WNBAers—all 144 players, mostly Black women—unanimously locked arms on the court in a historic first. They used their two-day walk-off for reflection, recharging and reaffirming their season-long dedication to change. It wasn’t “a mere footnote of the NBA’s protest,” wrote Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs. “It ignores the groundbreaking activism

that the Black women in the WNBA have been organizing for years.” The WNBA still doesn’t get full credit for its pacesetting social activism among pro sports, first encouraged during Laurel Richie’s presidency (2011-15) as the league’s first Black chief executive. The Minnesota Lynx donned T-shirts in 2016 and talked about police brutality, systemic racism and senseless violence, followed by several other clubs. Now four years later, during the league’s season-long dedica-

“When we stand strong in numbers, our voice is echoed more loudly.”

tion to Black Lives Matter and the #SayHerName campaigns to raise awareness about police brutality and other injustices, the Washington Mystics last week made T-shirts that spelled Jacob Blake’s name on the front, with seven red dots on the back to represent the seven times he was shot by police days earlier in Wisconsin. The Blake shooting weighed emotionally on the W and N players, both playing and living in their respective summer wubble and bubble because of a deadly pandemic. What better place to get America’s attention than sports, this country’s reality distraction routine. ■ See View on page 8

S

top calling it a boycott; it’s not, because it wasn’t planned. Stop calling it a strike, because it wasn’t. It was August 26, 2020, the day Black players flexed their power, left their scheduled games without playing, and took a collective deep breath that spread throughout the sports world. The PWM (primarily Whitecontrolled media) wants to fully

Courtesy of WNBA

WNBA first to protest injustice Pro baseball appeals less than NFL, NBA to aspiring athletes

It’s a big reason for the continuing decline in Black players

Major League Baseball earned a B-plus in racial hiring in this year’s Racial and Gender Report Card by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES). MLB “is making strides in the right direction, but as always there needs to be added urgency in order to make Jackie’s vision a reality,” wrote study author Richard Lapchick in his August 28 executive summary. He referred to the late Hall of Famer’s dream of diversity at all levels. “He played for a future of baseball where all people can partici-

Richard Lapchick MSR file photo pate on and off the field.” Blacks make up 10.5 percent and people of color 37.5 percent of the MLB Central Office, including a Black woman (Michele Meyer-Shipp) who was recently hired as MLB chief people and culture officer to oversee the league’s human resources activities and off-field office operations. At the team front offices, Derek Jeter is the only person of color as an MLB majority owner (Miami) with two Black baseball operations presidents and 28 Black vice-presidents. Of the

team senior administration positions, 5.2 percent are Black, and 6.1 percent of team professional positions are Black.

tions were Black (2016); there were nine Black first-round selections (2015); and 20 Blacks were selected in the first round

“The league needs to develop the pipeline to higher management positons.” The Minnesota Twins, as earlier reported in the MSR, has two Black baseball operations special assistants, a Black senior scouting advisor, and a Black amateur scouting director. Lapchick last week told the MSR that he had mixed feelings regarding the 2020 MLB report card. “I was encouraged that the managers went up but discouraged that the general managers remained where they were [in 2019]. I think baseball’s central office is doing a real good job at hiring women and people of color and leading that path for clubs to follow.” The on-field diversity is as follows: There is one Black manager. Blacks hold 6.3 percent of coaching positions (the Minnesota Twins has one, First Base Coach Tommy Watkins). The percentage of Black players on opening day rosters was 7.5 percent, the lowest ever recorded by TIDES. Byron Buxton was the only U.S.-born Black player on the Twins roster, later joined by LaMonte Wade, Jr. Over the last nine years (201220) the MLB Draft has featured 51 Blacks drafted. This included two Blacks selected within the top six picks (2019); the first two picks in 2017 were Blacks (Royce Lewis was selected first by the Twins followed by Hunter Greene); 10 of the top 41 selec-

of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Drafts. In the five-round 2020 Draft, 16 of the first 73 selections were people of color. Asked why the numbers of Black major leaguers remain low, Lapchick said, “I think everybody is frustrated by the continuing decline of African American players in baseball. I think MLB has tried, but I think it’s particularly a problem that if you are a young Black aspiring athlete and you look around at pro sports—70 percent of the NFL players are Black, and nearly 80 percent of NBA players are Black. “You see your opportunity… You have a better opportunity [in those sports] and concentrate on helping your skills in these other sports. I think that’s a huge part of the problem.” MLB’s overall B grade shows progress, but the league “needs to continue to improve…to create an opportunity for change and develop the pipeline to higher management positons,” said Lapchick. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman.recorder.com.

PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

According the ESPN and countless media outlets, the WNBA followed the NBA in not playing last week after the Milwaukee Bucks chose to not participate in Game 5 of the NBA playoffs. The decision was a response to the shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. That’s true, technically. But make no mistake: The WNBA players were among the first athletes to outwardly recognize

the social injustice that continues to exist in this country. In fact, one might say that the movement can be traced back to this state on July 9, 2016. On that day, the Minnesota Lynx displayed a unified stance by wearing custom shirts that read “Change Starts with Us: Justice & Accountability.” But the front of the shirt was just the tip of the iceberg. Minnesota native Philando Castile and Louisiana native Alton Sterling, at the time the most

recently slain at the hands of police, were honored on the back of the shirts along with the Dallas Police Force crest honoring five officers who were killed in a shooting. There was one aspect of the protest existing in 2016 that doesn’t seem to pose a problem today. The shirts violated WNBA protocol in relation to proper warm-up attire, and the players were fined by the team. The players didn’t flinch. It ■ See Prep on page 8