Vol 92 / Edition 22 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

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THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

January 1 - 7, 2026

Vol. 92

No. 22

Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com

Thousands gather at Capitol to Minnesota racism then and now demand ‘something radically better’ Published January 2, 2025

Published April 18, 2025

hope brought together by a over profit, care over punishcoalition of grassroots justice ment, justice over silence. “We’re not political people, organizations. Activists, artBy Aria Binns-Zager ists, elders, students, and we’re just people,” said Tonya Staff Writer everyday Minnesotans stood M., a home care worker from he front lawn of the shoulder to shoulder, united Brooklyn Park, balancing Minnesota State Capi- in their demand for a govern- her toddler on one hip and a tol pulsed with chants, ment that prioritizes people ■ See HANDS on page 5 banners, and unwavering resolve on April 5 as thousands assembled for the “HANDS OFF” rally — a powerful rebuke of rising police aggression, the tightening grip of surveillance, and the continued systemic neglect faced by Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. The cold didn’t stop them. Neither did the threat of rain. And though the sky hung heavy and gray, the message rang bright and clear: Hands off our bodies. Hands off our families. Hands off our communities. Hands off our future. More than a demonstration, the rally was a communal heartbeat — a convergence HANDS OFF protests are a series of ongoing anti-Trump admin of resistance, memory and demonstrations across the nation. Photo by Chris Juhn/MSR

By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer ince African Americans began migrating mainly from the South to Minnesota as newly freed slaves, they have been fighting to obtain equal rights. That fight continues today through everyday people addressing racism and discrimination in their jobs, sharing the history of the struggle, and community activism. Buster Cooper and Yousef Mgeni have been on the front “They are going to get evictlines for several years in St. ed; their car is getting reposCloud and St. Paul respec- sessed… [or] there is a wartively. Their work has made a rant out for them.” lasting impact on the commuThe NAACP does not have nities they served. lawyers or other professional service providers on staff. InMgeni and St. Paul stead, it refers callers to pro Yusef Mgeni answered St. bono legal, housing and eduPaul NAACP’s emails and cation services, among others. voicemails during his retire“[We] assist in navigating ment. “Generally, [residents] the system, either filing comcontact us when they are plaints with the EEOC, with at their wit’s end,” he says. the state or local human

DJ McCoy rights department, or obtaining legal counsel,” says Mgeni. In addition, the Minneapolis NAACP offers expungement workshops and St. Paul offers homeownership workshops. Mgeni’s connection with the organization began before his birth. It was established in Minnesota in 1911 by Fredrick Lamar McGhee, the first African American lawyer in Minnesota and Mgeni’s great-uncle. ■ See RACISM on page 5

Anti-2025 MAGA protest ‘Banking while Black’ incident MSR-hosted event honimplicates Edina branch joins others nationwide ored George Floyd’s legacy Published February 13, 2025

platforms to rally support. The movement aims to amplify the concerns of “regular AmeriBy Aria Binns-Zager cans” who oppose the governStaff Writer ment’s alignment with Project s icy wind cut through 2025. Protests have been the streets of down- scheduled at every state capitown Saint Paul Febru- tol, most beginning around ary 5, the Minnesota State Capi- noon or later local time. In response to skeptitol filled with echoes of chanting protesters: “What do we want? cism about its legitimacy, the Our rights! When do we want 50501 Movement addressed it? Right now!” Their voices car- concerns on social media, ried through the crisp February stating they have been enair as dozens of demonstrators tirely grassroots organized gathered in opposition to for- and have done their best to mer President Donald Trump’s provide structure. While lookcontroversial 2025 policy plan, ing for better options, they a sweeping agenda many fear soon partnered with Political could dismantle civil rights pro- Revolution, an organization tections, erase hard-fought so- inspired by Bernie Sanders cial justice gains, and target mar- that’s dedicated to activism and down-ballot progressive ginalized communities. candidates and causes. For many in attendance, the rally was a political statement “What do we and dire warning. Marquise, want? Our rights! 34, a longtime Saint Paul resiWhen do we want dent, gripped a sign reading it? Right now! “Protect Black Futures” as he spoke passionately about the plan’s implications…

Published June 21, 2025

referring to Commerce Bank operations assistant Michelle Johnson. “I was shocked, By Jasmine McBride confused — just completely Associate Editor caught off guard.” Coleman asked Johnson local man says he was accused of fraud to verify the check by calling while trying to cash the Fieldwork office. When a $182 paycheck at a Com- no one answered, he returned merce Bank branch in Edina upstairs and brought back last fall, prompting him to Emily Fulcher, the Fieldwork seek legal counsel and raising employee who had handed broader concerns about how Coleman the check. Despite

Panelists reflected on what comes next

Andre Locke (r), father of Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black American man who was fatally shot on February 2, 2022, by SWAT officer Mark Hanneman of the Minneapolis Police Department. Published May 28, 2025 Juan Coleman says he was falsely accused of attempting to cash a fraudulent check at this Commerce Bank branch. Photo courtesy of Juan Coleman

Black customers are treated that, Johnson refused to cash it, saying additional verificaat financial institutions. Juan Coleman said he re- tion was required. Coleman and Fullcher then ceived the check on the morning of Nov. 13 from Fieldwork asked Fieldwork’s president, Inc., the market research firm Natalie Renna, to intervene. where he worked as a con- This time, she and Coleman retractor. The company’s office turned to the bank, where Renis located on the seventh floor na spoke privately with Johnof a building that also houses son. After their conversation, a Commerce Bank branch. Johnson cashed the check. Though he walked away Around 10 a.m., Coleman walked downstairs to cash the with the funds, Coleman said check at the bank, which he the encounter left him deeply said holds Fieldwork’s busi- unsettled. “I wasn’t greeted or asked if I had an account,” he ness account. Hundreds gathered at the MN Capitol February 5. said. “I was just told the check Instead of a routine transChris Juhn / MSR action, Coleman said he was was fraudulent.” Coleman said he conimmediately met with suspiActivists call it a 900-page tacted Commerce Bank’s “Anti-2025 MAGA protest cion. playbook. “She looked at the check Chief Banking Officer Joshua The 50501 Movement joins others nationwide” was is leading the State Capitol published on February 13, and said, ‘This is fraudulent. I Burgess two days later. Acprotests nationwide, using 2025. To read the full story, visit see these types of checks go- cording to Coleman, Burgess ■ See EDINA on page 5 ■ See 2025 on page 5 ing around,’” Coleman recalled, its website and social media

By Jasmine McBride Editor ommunity members, advocates and local leaders gathered Wednesday evening at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and OutreachEngagement Center (UROC) to mark five years since the murder of George Floyd, reflecting on the past and asking a pointed question: Where do we go from here? The event, hosted by the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, featured musical and spoken-word performances, emotional testimony, and a panel discussion on justice and reform in the wake of Floyd’s death, which was captured on video and sparked global protests in 2020. “As a community, we cannot afford to look away or pretend the work is done,” said Tracey

Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, who moderated the forum. “This event is about truth, transparency, and imagining what justice and real accountability can look like — locally and nationally.” The evening began with a performance by Known MPLS, a local youth and young adult choir, whose soulful hymns included lyrics such as “I know there’s hope in these waters” and “go easy on me.” “I created this group to spread love,” said Courtland Pickens, the choir’s leader. Andre Locke, father of Amir Locke — a 22-year-old Black man shot and killed by Minneapolis police during a no-knock warrant in 2022 — delivered a powerful testimony during a special fireside chat. Locke spoke about the pain of losing his son and the family’s decision to produce a documentary ■ See MSR on page 5

2 January 1 - 7, 2026

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Minnesota makes history with Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Published April 17, 2025

dered Black Women and Girls Day on the Hill.”​ The event brought toBy Jasmine McBride gether hundreds of advocates, Editor lawmakers, and community In a historic move, Minnesota members to honor the lives officially launched the nation’s lost and to call for continued first “Missing and Murdered action. The creation of the Black Women and Girls Of- office follows years of advofice” during a ceremony at the cacy from families of victims State Capitol on April 9. The of- and grassroots organizations fice, which aims to address the working to shine a light on disproportionately high rates of the often-overlooked crisis of violence faced by Black women missing and murdered Black and girls, was celebrated with women and girls.​ Director Kaleena Burkes, the inaugural “Missing and Mur-

Minnesota’s first ever Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Day on the Hill Photos by Jasmine McBride/MSR

became the first in the nation to say this is an issue important enough to create an office dedicated to addressing it,” Burkes added.​ The office’s creation is a direct response to findings from the Missing and Murdered African American Women (MMAAW) Task Force, which reported that Black women in Minnesota are three times more likely to be murdered “When Black than their white counterparts. women and girls go Representative Ruth Richardmissing, society has son (DFL-Mendota Heights), historically shrugged a leading advocate for the ofits shoulders. Those fice’s creation, emphasized the importance of the initiative. days must end.” “This is just the beginning.,” She further highlighted the said Richardson. “Families like systemic issues contributing mine, like Lakeisha Lee’s, have to the crisis, noting that Black fought for justice for far too long. women and girls often face Now, we finally have an office a lack of urgency and media that will dedicate resources to coverage when they go miss- investigating these cases.”​ Lakeisha Lee, whose sister ing, attributing this to factors like adultification and dehu- Brittany Clardy was murdered in 2013, shared her perspecmanization. “Minnesota has done some- tive, saying, “This office is vithing remarkable. This state tal, but it is just one part of a

appointed in 2024, emphasized the significance of the office “guiding women and girls who deserve to be protected, women and girls whose names should have never become headlines or cold cases. We hold them in our hearts, and we carry their stories forward, not as statistics, but as lives that matter.”

Left to right front row, Dr. Yohuru Williams, Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobs, unidentified guest attendee, and Lakeisha Lee. Second row, far right, Kaleena Burkes, and next to her, Artika Roller. larger movement. We need to continue to raise our voices and ensure Black women and girls are never forgotten.”​ Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobs emphasized the importance of the office in coordinating efforts across agencies and communities to improve the response to these cases. “This office is about making sure we don’t just react after the fact,” Jacobs said. “It’s about prevention, it’s about education, and it’s about building trust with the communities we serve.”​ Attorney General Keith Ellison praised the creation of the office, calling it a critical step

toward ensuring that Black women and girls are treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else. “Your daughter’s life, your sister’s life, your mother’s life is of sacred importance,” Ellison said… “Minnesota makes history with Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls” was published April 17, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesmanrecorder.com/2025/04/17/minnesota-missing-murdered-blackwomen/. Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@ spokesman-recorder.com.

How Black Minnesotans are responding to ‘No Kings’ Published October 30, 2025

termination, and weary distance. While few denied that America’s political terrain By Scott Selmer has shifted, their responses Contributing Writer reflected a broader divide in On a gray fall Saturday how everyday people engage in October, the Twin Cities with power. At a Cub supermarket, Rastreets echoed with chants of demonstrators carrying heem White sighed at the signs that read “No Kings.” For mention of No Kings Day. “It’s some, the phrase is a rallying horrible,” he said. “We have a

mood among those who feel their political voice has been muzzled. For some, cynicism is less apathy than self-protection. “Before Covid, I used to be deep into politics,” White added. “Now I just try to be a good person and live my life.” At 24, Hope Diamond embodies a generation shaped by pandemic shutdowns, the mur-

Diamond and her friends marched from a rally in Minneapolis toward the State Capitol in St. Paul, but logistical hurdles, parking and crowds tempered the day’s impact. “We shouted, we made our voices heard,” she said. “But sometimes it feels like nobody’s listening.” Tamra Dalton, 48, had heard of No Kings Day but did not attend. She supports those who do. “I support anybody’s right to protest,” she said. “I don’t think Trump’s bright enough to think about being a king, but he likes popularity and control. The people around him are afraid to disagree, and that’s dangerous.”

“I’ve seen places with kings, no freedom of speech, no freedom of expression. I never want that here.”

Moses, 41, attended a No Kings rally with his teenage son. (He requested we use only his first name.) “I was there to support them,” he said. “This Photos courtesy of Emmanuel Duncan/MSR guy is using everything, the Justice Department, ICE, howcry against what they see as president trying to be a king. der of George Floyd, and poever he can. The Constitution the creeping authoritarianism But what can we do? He’s litical upheaval. She joined the Dalton’s concern extends says everyone has the right to of Donald Trump’s presidency. been elected twice. For every- first No Kings Day march but missed the second due to work. beyond politics to broader eq- due process. People shouldn’t For others, it blends into a day people, it’s like no hope.” “I’m terrified,” she said. “As a uity issues. “Diversity, Equity, be thrown out of the country His friend Boss Waite nodpolitical landscape that feels ded. “It doesn’t matter what the young Black woman, I feel like and Inclusion … those values without a hearing.” broken and exhausting. For Moses, the solution Recent interviews with people say anymore,” he said. nothing is set up for me. What affect everyone who isn’t a 10 Black Minnesotans from “It’s what Trump wants. Every little there was is being taken white man. People with dis- isn’t just protesting, it’s votMinneapolis, Brooklyn Park, day it’s something new, and you away. Everything feels like it’s abilities, women, people of col- ing. “Get out and vote,” he and Bloomington revealed can’t even be shocked anymore.” falling apart, and I have little or, everyone is impacted when urged. “The only thing we can those values get pushed aside.” do is vote so someone can say Their exhaustion mirrored a control over it.” a mix of disillusionment, de-

no to him rather than yes. No Kings Day is less spectacle than civic duty, a reminder that democracy only works when people participate…” “How Black Minnesotans are responding to ‘No Kings’” was published on October 30, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder. com/2025/10/30/how-blackminnesotans-respond-no-kings/. Scott Selmer is a contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

AG Ellison’s pushback pays off for Minnesotans But how long can he and other AGs resist Trump’s overreach? Published October 18, 2025 By Jasmine McBride Associate Editor In every corner of Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office has become a bulwark in what he casts as a constitutional struggle, one state-led lawsuit at a time. Across rural counties and in the halls of state agencies, his team is quietly but persistently pressing back against a federal administration he argues is attempting to override lawful norms. With more than 40 cases filed to date, Ellison says the stakes are not abstract — they are billions of dollars in funds Minnesota is entitled to, as well as the protections of civil rights he vows to defend.

“We’ve recovered money for allel fights over issues ranging law firms for representing the state…well ahead of $2 bil- from birthright citizenship to clients the administration dislion,” Ellison told me. He paused, education funding cuts. He likes. But powerful pushback then added, “We’re north of frames it as a clash over the has already emerged. In March, President Trump $2 billion right now.” That sum 14th Amendment and the comes from forcing the federal principle that no president is signed a series of executive orders aiming to punish law firms government to release with- above the law. by revoking attorneys’ security held funds without the sweepclearances, canceling their goving conditions the administra- “We’ve recovered ernment contracts, or barring tion attempted to impose. money for the them from federal buildings. Under conditions he calls Trump called one of those orunconstitutional overreach, state…well ahead ders “an absolute honor to sign.” Minnesota, he says, has been of $2 billion.” But judges responding to asked to convert local law enlawsuits have described the forcement into de facto immi“We’ve been fighting for the orders as chilling to speech gration agents, or lose emergency management money. 14th Amendment, birthright and legal advocacy. One He refused and says he is win- citizenship, which the Presi- federal judge permanently dent has attacked,” Ellison said. blocked the order against Perning in court. At times, the conflict turns kins Coie as “unconstitutional But the legal drama is not confined to dollars. Ellison de- personal. Ellison recounts ex- retaliation.” Another struck scribes being part of a broader ecutive orders that target di- down a punitive order targetcoalition with 23 other state versity, equity, and inclusion ing WilmerHale, warning that attorneys general waging par- programs, or retaliate against the coercive measures under-

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined with AGs across the country to challenge federal overreach. mined the independence of To read the full story, visit the bar. Those rulings have https://spokesman-recorder. served as legal shields for the com/2025/10/18/ag-ellisonattorneys general’s strategy, a minnesota-trump-overreachlawsuits-2b/. strategy Ellison embraces… Jasmine McBride welcomes “AG Ellison’s pushback pays off for Minnesotans” was reader responses at jmcbride@ published October 18, 2025. spokesman-recorder.com.

Best of 2025

Health Helping the traumatized grow past survival mode spokesman-recorder.com

Published 2/28/2025 By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer In semi-retirement, Samuel Simmons lectures and holds men’s groups twice per week. He recently completed a book that details his path to therapy. Though many become therapists as a calling, he entered the field purely by accident and is now one of the leading voices in his field. After being injured on the job while working as a truck driver for the University of Minnesota, he sought treatment at Abbott Northwestern Pain Clinic. He met a psychologist there who told him that past trauma influences how individuals deal with physical and mental pain. The explanation made sense to Simmons though he had never considered therapy. Simmons volunteered at the pain clinic and the psychologist mentored him. As part of his workman’s compensation, his job paid for his education toward a business management degree, but they would not allow him to switch his major to counseling. When a job in the mental health ward that only required a two-year degree opened, he applied and got the job. “[I] was actually a glorified bouncer,” says Simmons. “That’s how I got into the mental health field. I kind of just took advan-

“And she looks at me and says, ‘Baby, because my pan was too small.’” Trauma responses can dictate how African Americans see themselves in this country. “Why can’t we get along like the immigrants?” Simmons didn’t require a license. That says it is a common question. changed in the late 1980s. A His response: “[We] come colleague informed him that to America with a different a person could get grandfa- type of trauma. [We] didn’t thered into licensure if they come to America with a plan. completed certification. Nobody comes to America as This is the route Simmons a slave with a plan other than took. He never received a de- ‘How do I survive?’ and earlier gree in mental health or chem- in the process, ‘How do I get ical dependency from college. back home?’” He learned through life and work experience. “The original Simmons’ approach to therapy focuses on respect trauma might not and honesty. He has difficult be our fault, but conversations with clients without shaming them. the healing is our “What I do is based on what responsibility.” I call compassionate accountability,” he explains. “I believe that everybody should be Trauma responses, disheld accountable, but if you guised as culture, affect evdon’t add compassion to it, eryday life. This includes how you’ll never be fair.” children are raised, how relaMuch of the negative be- tionships are maintained, and haviors attributed to the Afri- interacting with spouses. can American community were “One of the things I tell my born of living in survival mode, female colleagues who are Simmons says. It is then passed holding on to relationships down through generations for the good of the children, without knowing its origin. It is like my family did, [is] if every often defined as culture. child has at least one healthy He makes this point by tell- parent, you can raise a good Sam Simmons awarded Professional of the Year Award by the ing how his wife’s family cooks human being,” says Simmons. National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota in 2024 the Thanksgiving meal. His He never used to use the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) MN. wife cuts the ham in half be- term trauma. “We don’t want tage of the situation.” were the questions he explored. fore putting it in the pan. He to deal with that term trauWhile working there he met “[And] how do you process the asked her why. “Well, Mama ma in our community, even though we are a traumatized a therapist intern who invited pain in your life, and how — if did,” she answered. Simmons then asked his community,” he explains. As him to help out at a community you connect those dots — does mother-in-law why she does for describing our experience mental health clinic. “In doing it get better?” that work, I learned on the job,” This exploration led him to it. “Well, Nana did that,” she as resilience, he says being reSimmons explains. “How do use his life experiences to help said. He then asked his wife’s silient often involves starting physical pain, emotional pain, other Black men. At the begin- grandmother why she cuts the over without recognizing the errors in our decisions. [and] spiritual pain connect?” ning of his career, his services ham in half.

January 1 - 7, 2026

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“The original trauma might not be our fault, but the healing is our responsibility,” he says. “You can’t heal when you only want to tell half the truth.” When it comes to therapy, Simmons says that any program can work with good, honest facilitators. “I have been able to be honest with myself. It allows me to be honest with my clients.” Simmons’ recently completed book was formed through previous lectures, videos, and TV shows. He says it was a challenging process. He has dyslexia, which makes it difficult to read. His skill lies in developing his thoughts and theories through online research. He uses experiences from his family in the book to make it relatable. When the young professionals ask him about his career goals as a youth, he says they often find his responses boring or disappointing. “I didn’t do it traditionally, and the fact that I’m good at it sometimes has a major effect on some of my young colleagues. “They’ll often say, ‘I learned more from you than I did from my professor. I spent all this money on a degree.’ “My approach is basically respectful honesty,” says Simmons. “How do you talk about difficult things but not make people more ashamed? We’ve been conditioned to be ashamed of our trauma. [Our trauma] is not our fault and [our responses] are natural considering our circumstances.” Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader responses to vnash@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Run Blk inspires ‘come as you are’ communal fitness Published 6/12/2025

competition. “I went to a few run clubs. They didn’t really feel incluBy Binta Kanteh sive to people who are not Contributing Writer extreme runners,” Black said. “And then after the run, everyRunning clubs in metrobody just kind of went home. politan areas like MinneapoI was craving community and lis have a long history in the connection with Black people.” United States, shaped over Inspired to fill that void, the decades by shifting fitness Black launched Run Blk in trends and growing popularity. June 2023. According to World Athletics, Founded with roots in a nonprofit governing body North Minneapolis, the club for the sport, running clubs quickly gained momentum as saw a significant surge durword spread about a space ing the height of the Covid-19 where Black runners and pandemic as people sought walkers of all levels were welways to combat isolation and come. Now in its second year, build connection. Run Blk kicked off its summer Running typically doesn’t season the evening of June 3 come with the same barriers to with a gathering outside The entry as other sports — it’s low cost, requires minimal equip- Founder Bria Black says the Get Down Coffee Co. Among the crowd was ment, and can be done almost lack of cultural reflection in anywhere. But for many, con- local Twin Cities run clubs in- Taelor Wright, a nurse and cerns about safety and social spired her to create Run BLK. avid runner, who brought her intimidation can make running Photo courtesy of Bria Black mother, Amy Wright, a retired nurse visiting from Wisconsin. outside feel inaccessible. In summer 2024, a run- with Black community mem- “I’m a runner, and she’s a walker,” Taelor said. “It’s hard for us ning club called Run Blk was bers in mind. formed to address that gap. Bria Black, originally from to find spaces like this where With the motto “Community Louisiana, moved to North some people are running and for anyone looking to get ac- Minneapolis seven years ago. some are walking.” “I think it’s important to tive,” the group offers some- She created Run Blk after recthing that feels new to many ognizing that most running know that there are people out across the Twin Cities: an clubs weren’t welcoming to here that can support you and accessible, inclusive running beginners or people looking will support you, and that are space intentionally created for connection rather than willing to go the extra mile for you,” Amy added. “With this group, we get that. I think it’s very important to have this.” Kahlil Permenter, a chiropractor based in Burnsville, attended the event to show support and celebrate what Run Blk means to the broader Black community in Minnesota. “It’s super important because of imagery. We need to see more of this on the news,” Permenter said. “There’s a lot of camaraFounder Bria Black says the lack of cultural reflection in local derie here, a lot of commuTwin Cities run clubs inspired her to create Run BLK. Photo courtesy of Bria Black nity. We’re building something

good. It’s nothing but positive vibes. More people need to see this. It’s also good for us — for our health, our mindset, our metabolic systems. It’s about our community, just showing that and representing it.” That emphasis on health and wellness is especially exciting to fitness professionals like Valerie Fleurantin, known as Coach Val, who founded VF Health Fitness Solutions Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, in a judgPhoto courtesy of Binta Kanteh/MSR to address health disparities ment free zone. among communities of color. Black, who ran her first 10K mountain biking, swimming “I’m a fitness instructor and this year, only began running and pickleball, emphasized last year. A product manager that Run Blk welcomes people “Hopefully people and storyteller by day, she en- at every fitness level. feel like it’s not owned visions Run Blk’s future evolv“There’s a little bit of eving into a community-led or- erybody here,” he said. “I ran by me, but it’s owned with a marathon runner today. by them as a community. ganization. “Hopefully people feel like She slowed her pace to let me I hope it becomes it’s not owned by me, but by keep up and motivated me something that belongs them — as a community,” she the whole time. It was great to to all of us.” said. “If I’m not able to host, have someone in better shape hopefully somebody feels to encourage me.” also work as a lifestyle coach connected enough to the The opportunity to meet for disease prevention,” Fleu- mission to host their own. I people and build friendships is rantin said. “Seeing all of us — hope it expands. More people. what keeps members coming this Black community — come More runs. More locations. back — and attracts new ones. out, enjoy the sunshine, walk More moments. I hope it be- “I came to almost every single together, build community, comes something that be- one last summer,” Taelor said. hype each other up, and sup- longs to all of us.” “I met people who are back Permenter, who also enjoys here today. I met people I’m port Black-owned businesses on the North Side is huge. We now friends with on Instagram. need this.” I’ve definitely made some As the group took off for deep connections here. Even their run or walk, cheers rang today, some of my friends out for Aaisha Abdullahi, who are back. They’re in the runran the entire time. After finning group; I’m walking today, ishing to applause and music but it’s still nice to say hi and outside The Get Down, she know someone here.” caught her breath and smiled. “I enjoy running. Being able Run Blk meets every first to do it with other people and third Tuesday of the month from a similar background is at 6:30 p.m. outside The Get something I really wanted to Down Coffee Co. To learn more, find community in,” Abdullahi follow @runblk on Instagram. said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to stay physically ac- Valerie Fleurantin (Coach Val), Bintah Kanteh is a contributtive. People have been so wel- founder of VF Health Fitness ing writer for MSR with interest coming — it’s been great to Solutions, leading a warm-up. in public policy and local immijust be here and participate.” Photo courtesy of Binta Kanteh/MSR grant communities.

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Vigilance is crucial to protect hard-won gains

Published February 21, 2025 By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer Minnesota, often recognized for its lakes and resilient winters, holds a lesser-known but equally vital distinction: its deep and equitable history of labor. Throughout the state’s evolution, the contribution of Black labor has been instrumental in building industries, communities, and advocating for civil rights. By understanding this legacy, we not only honor those who paved the way but also underscore the critical importance of remembering and amplifying these narratives. From the early days of Minnesota’s statehood in 1858, Black laborers worked to carve out spaces in industries that often resisted their presence. Whether in agriculture, railroads, domestic work, or emerging urban sectors, Black workers brought skill, determination, and innovation to the state’s rapidly changing economy. These contributions were not limited to economic growth; they also served as a foundation for building thriving Black communities in cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. The arrival of Black migrants during the Great Migration (1916-1970) further amplified this impact. Seeking better opportunities and escaping the violence of the Jim Crow South, many found jobs in Minnesota’s factories, mills, and service industries. Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, these workers forged paths for future generations, breaking barriers and establishing themselves as indispensable

the 1950s, it was fashionable for white liberals to go out to dinner with Black people. They’d take you to a restaurant like Charlie’s and people would think, ‘Isn’t this nice? This wouldn’t happen in some places.’ But I’d say, even then, what good does it do if we can go into nice restaurants, if we can’t afford to order in them.” Johnson’s work with unions like the Hotel and Restaurant Employees’ Union helped secure landmark victories for fair employment practices in MinMr. and Mrs. Lafayette Fields, owners of a drugstore on Dale and Rondo in 1950s St. Paul Photos courtesy Minnesota Historical Society nesota, setting a precedent for anti-discrimination policies — often excluded from union- nationwide. Her legacy reit, and we had to win.” to the state’s labor force. This perseverance is reflect- ized labor — led efforts in do- minds us of the indispensable Black labor in Minnesota did not exist in isolation. Alongside ed in the significant contribu- mestic work and caregiving, role Black laborers played in economic contributions, Black tions of Black workers to Min- industries that sustained fam- shaping industries and disworkers played a critical role nesota’s economy. According ilies and communities while mantling institutional barriers. in the development of cultural to the Minnesota Department often being undervalued. of Employment and Economic Their contributions to both and civic institutions. Organizations like the St. Development (DEED), in just economic and social spheres Paul chapter of the Brother- over a decade, the number were critical in ensuring the hood of Sleeping Car Porters, of Black workers in the state stability and growth of Black the first successful African surged from 126,000 in 2010 neighborhoods, particularly in American-led labor union, to nearly 192,000 in 2021 — the Rondo area of St. Paul, a were instrumental in advo- an increase of more than 50%. historically Black community cating for better wages and Remarkably, this growth ac- that survives despite systemic working conditions. This counted for over one-third of efforts to dismantle it. The labor movement in Minunion, founded by A. Philip Minnesota’s total labor force Randolph, laid the ground- expansion during that period. nesota, much like the rest of Constance Clementine FishMoreover, Black Minneso- the country, has been deeply er, social worker for St. Paul work for broader civil rights advancements by connecting tans were not only participat- intertwined with the struggle Family Service from 1936labor struggles with the fight ing in the workforce at high for civil rights. Black workers’ 1954 and at the Boy’s Farm rates, but also outpacing their demands for fair treatment, from 1954-1958 for racial equality. equal pay, and safe working In 2025, the contributions conditions mirrored larger calls “I don’t ever remember a single day of hopelessness. of Black labor in Minnesota for justice and equality. I knew from the history of the labor movement, Leaders like Nellie Stone remain as relevant as ever. Reespecially of the Black people, that, live or die, I had Johnson, a labor organizer and membering this history is not to stick with it, and we had to win.” the first Black person elected merely an act of acknowledgto a citywide office in Minne- ment; it is a call to action. In January, President Donald “I don’t ever remember a white counterparts. With a la- apolis, exemplify the powerful single day of hopelessness. I bor force participation rate of intersection of labor advocacy Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discriminaknew from the history of the 70.5%, Black workers in Min- and civil rights. “I’ve always been preach- tion and Restoring Merit-Based labor movement, especially of nesota rank third highest in the Black people, that it was the nation in 2021, exceeding ing a simple message, jobs, Opportunity,” which revoked an undertaking of great trial,” the state’s white labor partici- jobs, jobs,” Johnson stated in Executive Order 11246. Initially an interview with Doug Grow signed by President Lyndon Randolph once stated, “that, pation rate of 67.2%. Furthermore, Black women in the Star Tribune. “Back in B. Johnson in 1965, EO 11246 live or die, I had to stick with

prohibited employment discrimination by federal contractors and mandated affirmative action programs to promote equal opportunity. The revocation of this order eliminates requirements for federal contractors to maintain affirmative action programs and prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics argue that dismantling these DEI programs could disproportionately affect Black workers by removing safeguards against workplace discrimination and hindering efforts to promote diversity. The order also curtails the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which previously enforced affirmative action requirements, potentially reducing oversight of contractors’ employment practices. Furthermore, plans to reduce the federal workforce may have disparate impacts on Black employment, given the significant representation of Black workers in federal positions. These developments underscore the importance of remembering and honoring the legacy of Black labor in Minnesota and beyond. As the state reflects on its history, it is crucial to remain vigilant in protecting the rights and opportunities that have been hard-won through decades of advocacy and resilience. The contributions of Black workers have been foundational to Minnesota’s growth, and preserving their legacy requires an ongoing commitment to equitable labor practices and policies. Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.

National boycott brings Target ‘to its knees’

holiday sales will rescue them. We’re asking Minnesotans to stand firm.” Speakers also referenced national data showing how critical the holiday quarter is for Target’s bottom line: Nearly one-third of Target’s The coalition, led by the of the boycott, Target’s stock annual revenue is generated Published November 28, 2025 Racial Justice Network, CAIR- price fell sharply and traffic between mid-November and Minnesota, Unidos Minnesota, numbers declined nationwide. December, and the retailer By Jasmine McBride The company recently an- depends heavily on its loyal and original organizers of the Editor Target Boycott, reiterated their nounced thousands of corpo- Midwest consumer base. Civil rights leaders gath- call for shoppers to avoid Tar- rate layoffs and replaced its CEO In Minnesota alone, Target ered in Minneapolis on Nov. get through the holidays, say- amid continued pressure from still commands one of the 20, days before the busy holi- ing the company “capitulated” investors. Analysts say Target largest shares of household day shopping season, urging to former President Donald has leaned heavily into slashed spending, particularly among Americans to “hold the line” Trump by rolling back its diver- prices ahead of Black Friday to Black, immigrant, and workon a months-long nationwide sity, equity and inclusion initia- pull back customers, a strategy ing-class families, the very boycott of Target. Speakers tives and donating $1 million community leaders say under- communities organizers say emphasized that the timing to his inauguration committee. scores the boycott’s impact. have been “betrayed.” “Do not be fooled by the Target, which has long marof the press conference was Nekima Levy Armstrong, intentional, coming as Target keted itself as a Minnesota- sticker prices,” said CAIR- founder of the Racial Justice rolls out deep seasonal dis- based brand aligned with Minnesota executive director Network, reminded attendees counts and aggressive price community values, has experi- Jaylani Hussein. “Target is on that Target publicly pledged cuts in an effort to recover enced notable financial turbu- its knees. This is the moment $2.1 billion after the murder weakened sales and falling lence this year. In the months corporations go from red to of George Floyd, promising following the February launch black, and they’re hoping to improve the Black guest consumer sentiment. shopping experience, expand Black vendor partnerships, and strengthen internal equity practices. “They positioned themselves as a national leader when it was convenient,” Levy Armstrong said. “The moment they had a chance to roll back their commitments, they did.” Leaders also tied their demands to rising fear among immigrant communities following a series of recent ICE enforcement actions in Minnesota. Unidos Minnesota organizer Luis Argetta urged Target to “choose the people,” Target headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Scott Selmer/MSR condemning the corporation

Minnesotans urged to shop elsewhere

Local advocates credit the ongoing drop in Target’s stock price to the boycott, urging Americans to stay committed as holiday marketing schemes create enticements. Jasmine McBride/MSR civil rights work. “Rolling back DEI affirms that some people are not valued,” she said. “Target promised equity after George Floyd. Now they are walking it back. That’s why we’re here, and why we’re continuing the national boycott rooted right here in Minnesota.” Organizers say they will not lift the boycott unless Target reverses its DEI rollback and recommits to the pledges made in 2020. They also announced additional demands “Target promised related to Target’s history of equity after George influencing criminal justice practices in Hennepin County. Floyd. Now they are Target Headquarters failed walking it back.” to respond to MSR for comment, which local advocates Monique Cullars-Doty, co- say speaks to their lack of founder of Black Lives Mat- concern. ter Minnesota and one of the architects of the boycott, emJasmine McBride welcomes phasized that DEI is not ab- reader responses at jmcbride@ stract corporate language; it is spokesman-recorder.com.

for what he called “silence in the face of terror” as undocumented families experience workplace raids and arrests. “We’re not asking Target to be a political soldier,” Argetta said. “We’re asking them to stand with the people who power their profits, the workers stocking shelves at 4 a.m., the parents stretching every dollar, the immigrants who harvest the food that Target sells.”

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handmade sign on the other. “But when the decisions made in D.C. make it harder for me to feed my child, I show up.” From my chats with attendees, some of the concerns fueling attendance were: rent is sky-high, classrooms are

“Last November we elected someone who’s famous for firing people, bankrupting companies, and hoarding wealth.”

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Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com. Chris Juhn / MSR

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@ spokesman-recorder.com.

“When it all boiled down, I couldn’t teach my son how to survive while being asleep.” Spoken word artist Kennedy Pounds

“MSR-hosted event honored George Floyd’s legacy” was published on May 28, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder. com/2025/05/28/george-floyd5-year-anniversary-msr-panel/. Founder of the Racial Justice Network Nekima Levy Armstrong (l), and founder of the Racial Justice Initiative Dr. Yohuru Williams

Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader response at abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com

Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes “Minnesota racism then and reader responses to vnash@ now” was published on Janu- spokesman-recorder.com.

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“When Blacks were not allowed to eat at lunch counters, and department stores treated Black shoppers differently than whites, the NAACP marched outside the establishments.”

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of Education; it included their fight to gain equal pay for Black teachers. When “Birth of a Nation” was shown in the Twin Cities in 1915, the St. Paul and Minneapolis NAACP picketed in front of the theater. When Blacks were not al-

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titled “No Knock, No Charge? The Amir Locke Story.” “His name wasn’t in your warrant, but his name is going to be in your law book,” a line from the documentary trailer declares. “We wanted to document everything from the beginning so that we had our own story,” Locke said. “We weren’t prepared for what we were up against.” Reflecting on the night his son died, Locke said, “When it all boiled down, I couldn’t teach my son how to survive while being asleep.” Audience members offered a standing ovation following Locke’s remarks.

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“Thousands gather at change that narrative. One of the few elected offi- Capitol to demand ‘somecials to address the crowd was thing radically better’” was Senator Erin Murphy, whose published April 18, 2025. fiery speech cut through the To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder. wind with urgency and truth. “Last November we elected someone who’s famous for firing people, bankrupting companies, and hoarding wealth,” she said, referencing national All photos by Chris Juhn/MSR leadership. “And that’s what they’re doing to America. policed while counselors are That’s their plan. To make tax scarce, and neighborhoods cuts, trillions of tax cuts for are losing health clinics while the wealthiest among us.” Murphy reminded the crowd luxury condos rise. There were common themes surrounding that power doesn’t begin or knowing what it means to be end at the ballot box. History, unseen, unheard and under- she said, is shaped by the grit estimated — and they came to and grace of ordinary people…

At St. Peter Claver Catholic School where he attended, Mgeni says the NAACP was as taught there as the Ten Com- wasn’t limited to the NAACP’s relevant to the Black nuns who mandments. Student learning work on Brown vs. the Board

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“‘Banking while Black’incident implicates Edina branch” was published June 21, 2025. acknowledgedthesituationwas To read the full story, visit mishandled and asked how the https://spokesman-recorder. bank could make things right. com/2025/06/21/commerceDuring the phone call, Cole- bank-check-fraud-accusation/. man said he told Burgess he wanted to take time to think Jasmine McBride welcomes about it over the weekend reader responses at jmcbride@ and followed up by email, but spokesman-recorder.com.

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Jellybean Johnson leaves legacy of joy and genius Published 11/27/2025 By Scott Selmer Assigning Editor On stage, Jellybean Johnson was thunder and electricity. Behind the drum kit, behind the guitar, and behind the curtain of Minneapolis fame, he was a force so steady and full of joy that even those who played beside him for 50 years still struggle to believe he’s gone. But for his daughter, Bianca Rhodes, the first image that flashes is simpler: a towering man in a long coat stepping into her Northside daycare, arms outstretched. “‘Daddy’s big baby, how’s that baby?’” he would say, scooping her up. Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson (center) “I’ll never forget that,” she said. “His hugs, his kisses, his ous. His stage persona was supporting it. He lived and joy. That’s what comes first.” just an amplification of who breathed it.” Johnson — drummer, guitar- he already was.” Hines learned Harris credits Johnson with ist, producer, and an architect of his passing the same day altering the entire trajectory of of the Minneapolis Sound — the two traded their usual af- his career. “I brought my drums died suddenly Nov. 21, two fectionate texts. “We always to join Terry’s band (Terry Lewdays after his birthday, sending said, ‘I love you.’ I’m so glad we is of Flyte Tyme), and Terry said, shockwaves through a com- said it that day,” he said. “What ‘We already have a drummer… munity that has long regarded comes from the heart reaches Jellybean.’ So I became a keyhim as one of its brightest cul- the heart, and Bean’s heart boardist because of him. That tural pillars. His loss has left was enormous.” changed everything.” Minnesota’s musical elders He laughed remembering To many in Minneapolis, grieving, young musicians re- Johnson was the connective Johnson’s dual nature: the quiflective, and his family deter- tissue between musical gen- et, introspective drummer and mined to protect his legacy. erations. He could be at Flyte the fiery, spotlight-ready guiAcross the Twin Cities, the Tyme one night (the Minneap- tarist. “He was rock solid and stories pouring out reveal a olis funk band Harris and John- flamboyant at the same time,” man who lived his life tuned son were a part of), mentoring he said. “That was Bean.” to one frequency: connection. high-school players the next, At home, Rhodes said, her “Bean was the same person then dropping in at Minnesota father moved at a different wherever you saw him,” said Music Café later that evening. rhythm: three TVs playing at Gary Hines, bandleader of “He always showed up,” said once, blues humming in the Sounds of Blackness. James “Jimmy Jam” Harris. “He background, guitar riffs drift“Whether it was the Gram- might play drums at one club, ing through the house while he mys, Bunkers or on the street… guitar at another. Every night read the newspaper at lightpositive, encouraging, hilari- he was out making music or ning speed.

Time’s “Cool,” Janet Jackson’s for young artists, the space will “Black Cat,” Alexander O’Neal’s include rehearsal rooms, class“Criticize,” and Mint Condition’s rooms, a soundstage and comdebut album among them. But munity gathering areas. Rhodes, who serves as vice for those who worked with him, president of the board, said the his spirit mattered just as much. idea took root after the family “He didn’t just influence the lost a musician close to them Minneapolis Sound, he emto suicide. “We realized, ‘How bodied it,” Harris said. “He took does Minneapolis not have it international. He helped this?’” she said. “This is music shape the rock energy, the that changed the world.” funk backbone, the precision.” What she wants people to Hines agreed. “His drumremember, she said, is her faming was the heartbeat of the Minneapolis Sound. His guitar ther’s joy and his shredding. was fire. And his soul held it all “His solos are legendary,” she together.” said. “He could go until the anYounger musicians often cestors told him to stop.” describe Johnson as a lifeline. She hopes fans celebrate “He was a musicians’ musician,” rather than mourn: “Daddy Rhodes said. “He had neph- wouldn’t want us sad. He’d ews everywhere, musicians he want us dancing. Make a playPhoto courtesy of Bianca Rhodes loved, who called him Uncle list… The Time, Janet, Mint “Everybody knows Jellybean. Garry.” Hines recalled countless Condition, and enjoy yourself.” Hines echoed that message. Only a few of us know Garry,” moments of Johnson mentorshe said, referring to his legal ing in schools, community cen- “His love for this community was fierce,” he said. “His spirit name. “He was introverted, ters, clubs and rehearsal halls. is still here.” Harris summed it relaxed, listening to Parliaup simply: “He was just a good ment or Sly, playing guitar, and “He didn’t just guy. A great guy. And his influwatching basketball.” influence the ence will ripple out for generaHer childhood was filled tions.” with small, indelible memories: Minneapolis Sound, Rhodes believes her father forehead kisses she refused he embodied it.” prepared her for this moment, to wipe off; Timberwolves even if neither fully undergames at the old Flyte Tyme “He would sit in, advise, and stood it at the time. “The body suite; watching him on “Arsenio Hall” and “Saturday Night encourage. He made people stays, but the energy never Live”; listening to him critique better,” he said. Harris added dies,” she said. “Daddy did drummers who attempted to that Johnson also advocated what he needed to do. He left play “777-9311” correctly on fiercely behind the scenes. his legacy in place. And he’s YouTube. “As I got older, I un- “You always knew Bean had still with us.” And she knows exactly derstood music was his first your back.” In recent years, Johnson de- what he would say now: “He’d love. So I met him where he was,” she said. “If I wanted to voted himself to building what want you to dance, be happy, spend time with him, I’d go to he hoped would be a final, and shake your booty.” the clubs, go to rehearsals, be lasting contribution: the Minneapolis Sound Museum. ConScott Selmer welcomes reader part of his world.” ceived as both a cultural ar- responses at sselmer@spokesJohnson’s musical fingerprints are everywhere: The chive and a forward-facing hub man-recorder.com.

‘Nothing to prove, only to share’

Laurel says she’s seeing that emerged as a core piece of her legacy: “nothing to prove, only community carry one another to share.” Toni said it before now, as the company grieves. performances, and her stu- “Although Toni is no longer dents still repeat it years later earthbound, people will expe— in some cases passing it on rience the seeds she planted, later than most of her peers, and when to give you exactly reographic work, commission- to their own dancers. For Des- and plant their own, simply Published 12/11/2025 Destiny held the vulnerability one sentence that changed ev- ing him in 2017 and support- tiny, that phrase was a turning by coming into the space,” she ing him through its full-length point. of feeling behind. But watching erything.” By Jasmine McBride says. Anna remembers being 15 expansion five years later. Toni — powerful, poised, deeply Editor “I felt like I had everything to The dancers decided to rooted in her culture — revealed when Toni stopped her mid- Throughout the creative pro- prove,” she says. “But Toni re- move forward with their WinIn every story shared about a path she hadn’t imagined combination and asked if she cess, she stood beside him, minded me: You’re not here to ter Showcase because they Toni Pierce-Sands, who passed could belong to her. “She gave wanted to dance for Alvin Ailey helping both him and the danc- prove who you are. You’re here knew it’s what Toni would have away Nov. 26 at the wise age me the confidence to keep go- one day. When Anna said yes, ers articulate meaning with the to embody who you already are.” wanted: for dance to continue, of 63, there is a moment when ing,” Destiny says. “She made Toni told her to try the phrase smallest shifts of intention. That philosophy reveals the for the body to move grief “She could pinpoint the heart of her influence: Toni through instead of around it. a dancer describes feeling me believe I could expand my again “because that wasn’t it.” “seen.” Not just corrected or world and still return home to It wasn’t reprimand. It was rec- smallest detail — is that move- didn’t mold people into someAbdo remembers one final ment a period or a comma?” he thing else; she revealed them moment — one he and Laurel ognition. coached, but understood. For pour into my community.” Representation wasn’t many, that is the experience of have both held close. They viswalking into TU Dance for the a mission statement at TU ited Toni the night before she first time: an invisible shift, as if Dance, it was atmosphere. passed. “Her last words to us the room itself is leaning in to Destiny remembers seeing were about her feelings,” he portraits of Toni, Uri (Toni’s witness your becoming. says softly. “What was comhusband), Abdo (Toni’s longToni built that feeling. ing forward for her most was Though she was a towering time friend and colleague), and abundance and gratitude. That figure in Minnesota’s dance company dancers on the walls; is very, very Toni.” landscape — co-founder of diverse bodies rehearsing as If you never met Toni PierceTU Dance, internationally re- she entered the studio; teachSands, those who loved her nowned performer, and keeper ers from multiple traditions want you to understand this: of the Alvin Ailey lineage — guiding her. “It wasn’t perforShe cared. Constantly, fiercely, those who knew her describe mative,” she says. “You felt often beyond measure. She something more intimate whole in that space.” loved dance, she loved people, Abdo Sayegh Rodríguez, than prestige. They describe and she poured herself into a presence that wrapped itself who met Toni in 1999 and both with a generosity that exaround a room like a hug; an worked beside her for decades, ceeded logic and expectation. artistic standard rooted not in says that atmosphere was inShe created a place where posperfection but in honesty; a tentional. “She didn’t see artsibility feels alive. leadership style that felt ma- ists of color on stage, and she Though she is no longer here ternal, intuitive, and grounded. didn’t see audiences of color in in body, her dancers speak of Laurel Keen, Toni’s former the seats,” he explains. “She deher in the present tense — not student and later artistic as- cided to change that. TU Dance Toni Pierce-Sands TU Dance out of denial, but because her sociate, puts it simply: “She started as a platform to elevate presence still moves through “Now I hear myself giving recalls. “She understood what to themselves. had this beautiful gift of find- artists of color, and to welcome their teaching, their choreoging each person’s unique key — communities that had never that same tough love,” Anna I wanted before I even found Even now, dancers say the raphy, their leadership, their says. “I’m becoming that piece the words.” the key that could unlock their been welcomed before.” feeling of TU Dance remains breath before a performance. Some of Marcus’ most shaped by her spirit. Marcus In that quiet moment before One phrase surfaced again of her — in the best possible deepest, most authentic, most vivid memories weren’t from describes walking through the music begins, many still whisand again when dancers spoke way.” beautiful self.” For choreographer Marcus rehearsal at all but from the doors as feeling a “big hug” per what she taught them: Destiny Anderson remem- about Toni: “Everyone has a bers the first time she saw Toni lock, and you just have to find Willis, who first trained with quiet moments in Toni’s car wrap around him. There is “Nothing to prove, only to in rehearsal as a teenager new their key.” Anna Pinault, one of Toni as a teenager and later before entering the studio. expectation, rigor, discipline — share.” to formal dance training. “She the school’s earliest students, reconnected while dancing “Sometimes we talked about yes — but also safety, warmth, felt 100 feet tall,” she says. still carries that lesson into her with the Ailey company, the everything we wanted to build. and permission to be fully huTU Dance’s spring artist relationship became some- Sometimes we sat in silence,” man. “But she always found a way to own teaching. showcase will commemorate “She somehow intuitively thing like family. “She was less he says. “But I always felt she come down and meet you at “She is community,” he says. Toni Pierce-Sands with a celebraknew the exact key for each a mentor and more like a big was in my corner, and I was in “And that community is em- tion of life. For more information, your level.” hers.” As a young Black dancer person,” Anna explains. “She sister,” he says. bedded in everyone who ever visit www.tudance.org/compaAcross dancers, one mantra stepped foot into TU Dance.” She championed his chofrom St. Paul entering the field knew when to let you work ny/performances.

The legacy of Toni Pierce-Sands

“Her last words to us were about abundance and gratitude. That is very, very Toni.”

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Education

Historic change originates in the courage of ordinary people

Historical drama ‘Little Rock: 1942’ shows how

Published 3/8/2025 By Jasmine McBride Associate Editor

man-Recorder’s involvement during the civil rights era when the publication was split into two separate publications, the Minneapolis Spokesman and the St. Paul Recorder. Former St. Paul Recorder reporter Rev. Clarence T.R. Nelson, who passed away in 1977, was among the first to document the case, and his coverage helped ensure that this critical chapter in civil rights history was not forgotten. “I didn’t know that Susie Morris’ efforts to address

The Landmark Center in St. Paul revived its powerful production “Little Rock: 1942” for a one-day performance this year on February 28 .The story, co-written by Terrance C. Newby and James Lundy Susie Morris and Dunbar High School Arkansas Times and directed by Chad Snyder, At the time, equal pay for 1940s... But the more I got honors the true, compelling, and lesser-known story of he- Black teachers was not a com- into it, the more I felt like I roic school teacher Susie Mor- mon practice, and the sys- was channeling Susie. And I ris and the civil rights lawsuit tems in place actively worked don’t mean that as appropriathat brought Thurgood Mar- against the advancement of tion or anything like that, but I African Americans in many just felt like on a human level, shall to Saint Paul. Morris, a Black teacher professional fields. Morris’ I could kind of understand her from Little Rock, Arkansas, case would eventually attract through this exercise of writsued her school district in the the attention of the NAACP ing a play.” While the history of civil 1940s for equal pay, and in and Thurgood Marshall, who doing so became an integral would go on to play a key role rights activism is often focused part of the fight for civil rights in representing her in court. on well-known figures like Morris’ story illustrates the Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, in education. This historical drama not ripple effect of women who and Martin Luther King Jr., this only highlights Morris’ coura- fought for their rights and the story offers a fresh perspective of the value in the underdogs — geous stand against systemic rights of future generations. “I’m a white man and I’m underscoring the essential role inequality, but also marks an important moment in the living in the early part of the of ordinary people in driving broader Civil Rights Move- 21st century,” said co-author social change. In addition to recognizing ment, one that deserves rec- James Lundy, “and here’s a ognition — especially during story about a Black woman Morris, “Little Rock: 1942” also who was in the South in the honors the Minnesota Spokes- Thurgood Marshall, circa 1955. Women’s History Month.

Saint Paul’s new superintendent says Rondo lives on in her soul Published 5/24/2025

What resonated most with Henderson was Stanley’s authenticity and courage. “She referred to herself a couple of times as a courageous leader, and I think that really comes through,” she said. “You could see the different ways in which she interacted with everyone in the space — students, educators, principals — with a level of intentionality that we were really looking for.” Stanley, whose mother was raised on Rondo Avenue, describes herself as a product of Rondo’s lasting spirit. “Even though I was born after Rondo was taken away, I always felt like I grew up in Rondo,” she said. “It lives in your soul.” In regards to the superintendent selection process, Stanley described the selection as an intensive, all-day process involving interviews with parents, community members, staff, and business partners. “There were multiple interviews and then I toured schools. Just walking through, they’re able to get a feel for how I’m going to interact within this community,” she said. According to Henderson, the board deliberated with intention. “Dr. Stanley was SPPS Superintendent Stanley visits Mississippi Creative Arts not just the person who had School. Photos courtesy of Saint Paul Public Schools the votes, but the person that we could see ourselves deeply leadership style, and a clear community made her stand working with and rallying out. “An opportunity to have around.” vision for change. Stanley made it clear she Dr. Stanley brings more someone who came through than two decades of experi- our school system felt like intends to be visible and enence in public education, but such a wonderful gift to high- gaged. “I believe in present more than that, she brings light and to bring up,” she said. leadership, connecting with heart. From classrooms to “We need someone who un- family groups, student groups, central offices in Minnesota derstands our city and is ready and being out in our schools,” and Ohio, she’s spent her ca- to show up and be an on-the- she said. “People need to know that you care about and value reer uplifting students, chal- ground leader with us.” Henderson added, “It was their work. When they know lenging systems, and building pathways for kids who often equally important to see how that, that impacts morale.” As part of her approach, she understood the future go unheard. Her journey hasn’t been direction and the work ahead she plans to launch a Superabout climbing ranks, but to really continue on some intendent-Student Leadership rather about making space for wonderful investments in Team this fall and continue others to rise. And as super- Saint Paul, but also to think community outreach with intendent and her philosophy about and ask critical ques- groups and relationships with of “paying it forward,” she says tions about where we could media such as KMOJ. First big test she will make sure our local be, where we could do better.”

youth will always have the resources to do just that — rise. “Our mission is to inspire By Aria Binns-Zager students to think creatively Staff Writer and pursue their dreams and Saint Paul Public Schools change the world,” said Stan(SPPS) has a new leader ef- ley. “I’m from St. Paul. I went fective May 10, and for many to Saint Paul Public Schools it feels like a homecoming. K–12. They believed in me. On December 19, the SPPS They made sure I received a Board unanimously selected good education.” Board Chair Halla HenderDr. Stacie Stanley as superintendent, citing her deep ties son emphasized that Stanley’s to the city, her courageous intimate connection to the

If Dr. Stanley’s leadership will be tested anywhere first, it’s the budget. SPPS is staring down a $107.7 million shortfall, caused in part by the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and longstanding structural deficits. For 2024– 25, the district has approved a $1 billion budget, but that includes a steep $114.6 million drop in general fund spending compared to the previous year. “We have been underfunded in education for many, many years,” Stanley said. “If funding had kept up with inflation, we’d be getting nearly $50 million more a year than we are now.” Despite budget stress, she remains hopeful with morale at the top of mind. “We have to keep our eye on the prize and let our folks know that we’re going to take care of them. When a system goes through major reductions, it’s going to impact morale. We have to let our folks know that we care for them, that we value them, even through all of this.” But for Stanley, she isn’t entering crisis mode — she’s steering toward recovery. Her eyes are on two key performance pillars: graduation and literacy. “Our graduation rates are back to pre-pandemic levels and every student group showed significant increases,” she said. “Literacy is the currency of public education in the United States.” Stanley knows and recognizes what her appointment means for young people, especially those that come from underrepresented communities. When she visited her former elementary and middle school recently, a Black girl sat up straight, wide-eyed, and asked, “Wait, you’re in charge of the whole thing? You’re the boss of the whole thing?” Stanley recalled smiling and responding, “Yeah. That’s a big responsibility.” The young girl immediately turned to her

equal pay for teachers was a direct connection to Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP in breaking down ‘separate but equal,” said Landmark Center Executive Director Amy Mino. “I mean, who knew that?... We all know about Brown v. Board of Education, but we don’t know what led up to that.” As the production draws from the historical research conducted by Mino and her team, it also honors the importance of local journalism in preserving the legacy of ordinary people who became part of the larger fight for equality. The Landmark Center’s production of “Little Rock: 1942” is a collaboration that brings together historians, legal professionals, artists and actors. Although their roots

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are typically, as lawyer and cast member Dennis Gerhardstein says, “Doing plays about bootlegging in the 1930s and 19-teens,” reviving “Little Rock: 1942,” is not just sharing an important piece of history; but creating an opportunity for younger generations to engage with the ongoing relevance of civil rights and the legal system. As Newby points out, “Civil rights doesn’t happen without everyday regular people taking big risks.” Morris’ story is a powerful reminder of how one person, especially a woman in

“Civil rights doesn’t happen without everyday regular people taking big risks.” a time of pervasive inequality, can help change the course of history. While the live performance has passed, there is a video version provided by Saint Paul’s SPNN of “Little Rock: 1942” on Youtube. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jnnD_sOq6CY. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org.

Photograph by Bettmann.Corbis

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@ spokesman-recorder.com.

classmates, full of pride and awe, saying, “Look, y’all, she’s the boss.” “That has been the experience that I’ve had, honestly,” Stanley said. “Representation matters. When scholars can see someone that looks like them, that’s melanated like them, and in my case that’s also a female — that’s a really big difference.” She added that growing up, she didn’t even know who

said. “Then I present that to the board along with my goals for moving forward.” Known for her strong advocacy of equity, literacy, and student-centered leadership, Stanley has built a career around reforming academic outcomes and strengthening school-community relationships. Whether she was leading literacy reform or walking school hallways alongside students, Stanley built a legacy

Stanley intends to be visible and engaged. the superintendent was. Now, she wants every child to know who leads their district, and to see what’s possible. As for the future, Stanley will spend her first 100 days listening and learning. “I listen, listen, listen and learn. Then I analyze it and synthesize it to come out with our strengths, our weaknesses, our opportunities and our threats,” she

rooted in care, courage and community as she sets her eyes on a bold future: “Four or five years from now, Saint Paul Public Schools is going to be seen as one of the premier urban districts in the Upper Midwest.” Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses at abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.

8 January 1 - 7, 2026

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Notice is hereby given that informal appointment of Michael Ryan Hild, whose address is 4034 40th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55406 as personal representative of the estate of the above-named decedent, has been made. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative and the personal representative is empowered to fully administer the estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders.

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PHONE: 612-827-4021 IT Company seeks DevSecOps Engineer to integrate security pracNOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT PROBATE In Re: Estate of tices into DevOps workflows, automate security checks, and ensure OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND 2 WEEK RU N NOTICE TO CREDITORS the safety of cloud infrastructure. Work closely with development and R ATE $215.00posture PREPA ID security teamsFLAT to enhance the security of applications and sysFOR BILLING tems. Build and Configure delivery environments by using CD/CI, AgDeanne Marie Hild, FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-25-934 INQUIRIES ile delivery methodologies. assist in performing various ads isalso known as, Please Note:Create New and email address for all future with kings instead of the opgest they are still connected By Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II &Bratton TEARSHEETS types of tests.ads@spokesman-recorder.com Perform troubleshooting. Generate customized reports. Deanne Marie and Deanne Marie Elmquist, toDeceased “common people” requires pressed. Judas reminds us that Offered Salary: $116,480.00 to $116,500.00/yr. Send resumes to: HRD, PLEASE CONTACT When Nicki Minaj VITS Consulting Corp., 14264 23rd Ave N, Plymouth, MN took 55447.the either willful ignorance or de- betrayal often comes wrapped

Minaj’s sellout exposes out-of-touch Black celebrities

ACCOUPERSONS N T I NG The MSR handles billing digitally. TO ALL INTERESTED ANDDEPT CREDITORS: stage at Turning Point USA’s liberate dishonesty. in familiarity and applause. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices @ BILLI NG@SPOKESMinnesota Spokesman-Recorder July 10, 2025 Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal plantation represenThe setting matters too. AmericaFest on Sunday, Dec. From the unless you specifically request a hard copy. tative has beenM filed with the Registrar.DER No will.COM has been presented for probate. The A N-R ECOR 21, and lavished praise on Minaj made these comments preacher to the Jim Crow apolapplication has been granted. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are President Donald Trump and at Turning Point USA, an or- ogist to the modern celebrity required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Probate Court by CharVice President JD Vance, she ganization pundit, history shows Notice is herebyfounded given that informal appointment of Michael Ryan Hild, whoseus ad-that Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be DISPLAY is 4034 40th Avewith S., Minneapolis, MN 55406have as personal representative of Kirk, a EMPLOYMENT figure a docudidn’t just embarrass herself — liedress there always been those barred. SIZE 2ofCOL X 2 INCH the estate of the above-named decedent, has willing been made.to Any heir,out devisee other history anti-Black she exposed how dangerously mented sell theorcommuinterested person may be entitled PCI appointment as personal representative or may RATE: $44.60 and contempt fortocivil out of touch some Black ce- rhetoric nity for access, affirmation, or object to the appointment of the personal representative and the personal represenTOTAL: $178.40 Standing on that stage lebrities have become. Minaj rights. a seat near power. Dated: June 24, 2025 Lindy Scanlon tative is empowered to fully administer the estate including, after 30 days from the Registrar not neutral. It the was alignclaimed that Trump and Vance was My faith unapologetically date of issuance of letters, power to sell, encumber, lease orisdistribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed withsysthe Court (pursuant Section 524.3-607) and4 is And alignment with have not “lost touch” with ev- ment. rooted intoliberation. Luke ProSe Sara Gonsalves the Court orders. is never not symbolic rhetoric, it is a ofotherwise oppression eryday people. That statement tems District Court Administrator Please proof, respond with email confirmation to ad is not just false; it is insulting accidental. mandate: good news to the Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are spokesman-recorder.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder July 10, 17, 2025 to the lived reality of Black poor, release to the captives, required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Probate Court people and marginalized com- Administrator freedom for the oppressed. within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be To suggest The MSR handles billing barred. munities in this country. Anydigitally. praise for leaders actively the current This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoice These are the same men harming those very people unless you specifically request a hard copy. administration whose administration has stands in direct contradiction Dated: June 24, 2025 Lindy Scanlon is still connected overseen mass deportations to theRegistrar gospel. increase in new faces at net- that tear families apart, rolled situation. By Laura Onyeneho to”common This moment calls for The Trump administration’s working events, longer lines back voting rights protections ProSe Sara Gonsalves vigilance. Celebrity does not people” requires District Court Administrator PlatAt the end of each year, travel ban affects several at Black-owned brunch spots, that Black people bled and equal consciousness. either willful we look back and try to make countries, including Haiti and and heightened competition died for, attacked DEI efforts formJuly does not2025 equal prophetic Minnesota 10, 17, ignorance orSpokesman-Recorder sense of where we’re headed. Iran, both of which qualified for housing. This migration is meant to counter generations truth. And silence in the face deliberate It’s not easy to connect the for the tournament. While suitable for our community’s of discrimination, and supof betrayal is complicity. We dishonesty. dots between what’s hap- there are exemptions for ath- economic growth, but we ported the erasure of Black owe it to our ancestors, our pening in boardrooms, what’s letes and immediate family, need to ensure that longtime history from classrooms. children, and our faith to call trending on social media, regular fans from these coun- residents aren’t displaced in Scripture prepares us for this hypocrisy out plainly, no This is an administration what’s changing in our neigh- tries face restrictions. Andrew the process. that criminalizes protest, em- moments like this. Jesus matter who the celebrity is. borhoods, and what it all Giuliani, who leads the White powers white nationalist rhet- warned about hired hands House World Cup Task Force, Increase in portfolio resumes oric, and governs almost ex- who abandon the flock when means for how we live. This commentary first apBig companies, especially clusively for the wealthy while danger comes. The prophets peared in The Root. For more inSo I spent the last few hasn’t ruled out ICE raids at in tech, health care, and en- abandoning the poor. To sug- condemned those who sided formation, visit www.theroot.com. weeks catching up on trends, World Cup venues. Many of whom have lived ergy sectors, are dropping talking to people, and asking myself one question: What here for years are already wor- degree requirements for roles will 2026 actually look like? ried about attending games that don’t truly need them. featuring Mexico or other They’re looking for individuHere’s what I see coming. Latin American teams. When als who can demonstrate they Mexico played in California possess the necessary skills to Breakout year for AI this summer at the Gold Cup, perform the job. productivity This is particularly sigCompanies that invest in AI Mexican President Claudia between 2024 and 2025 will see Sheinbaum had to publicly ask nificant for individuals who By Djibo Sobukwe duced key anti-racist mea- in the 2024 Alliance of Sahel real productivity gains. Those U.S. authorities to leave fans possess technical skills, certisures, including a Presidential States anti-imperialist confergains are being invested in ex- alone. If people are scared to fications, or real-world experiWhile we are all aware that Commission for the Preven- ence in Niger. panding AI capabilities, strength- come out and celebrate, it af- ence but lack a four-year de- the U.S. government has inten- tion and Elimination of Racial In 2010, Chávez announced ening cybersecurity, and upskill- fects businesses that rely on gree. Digital skills combined sified its hybrid war on its do- Discrimination in Education, a that Venezuela would forgive with industry knowledge, mestic population through ICE liaison office for Afro-descen- Haiti’s $295 million PetroCariWorld Cup traffic. ing existing employees. If your company offers AI repression, National Guard de- dant communities within the be debt, stating that Venezuela training or certification proI spent the last few weeks catching ployments, and cuts to SNAP Ministry of Culture, and a Vice owed Haiti a historic debt datgrams in 2026, take them. benefits, we must also recog- Ministry for Foreign Relations ing back to 1815, when Haiti up on trends, talking to people, The people who learn to work supported Simón Bolívar’s libnize that the U.S. has escalated with Africa. with AI tools will be the ones Venezuela opened 18 eration efforts on the condiits war internationally. Here, and asking myself one question: who advance. The people we highlight the escalation embassies across Africa and tion that slavery be abolished. What will 2026 actually look like? who ignore them will be the of the U.S. hybrid war against designated May as Afro- Only the Bolivarian Revolution ones left behind. Venezuela and offer key rea- Venezuelan Month, with May took concrete steps toward relike understanding both data sons why Black/African people 10 recognized as Afro-Ven- paying this debt through PetMore Blacks move to the analysis and oil and gas, or should stand in strong, stead- ezuelan Day, honoring free- roCaribe, reducing Caribbean South Immigration impacts World Houston ranked fourth both coding and health care fast solidarity with the Bolivar- dom fighters such as maroon dependence on U.S. corporate Cup Houston is hosting seven nationally in Apartment List’s systems, will be the new gold ian Revolution of Venezuela. leader José Leonardo Chirino. interests. FIFA World Cup matches at 2025 Best Cities for Black Pro- standard. U.S. attacks, regime-change Afro-Venezuelans have overVenezuela has also been a Bootcamps, online courses, efforts, and destabilization whelmingly supported the Bo- lifeline to revolutionary Cuba, NRG Stadium in June and July fessionals report, with 21% of certifications, campaigns against Venezu- livarian Revolution because which has endured decades 2026, and on paper, it should local businesses being Black- professional be the economic windfall owned and a median Black in- and apprenticeship programs ela have been ongoing since it delivered recognition, edu- of blockade. Cuba, in turn, has of the decade. But there’s a come several thousand dollars will be a high priority. If you’ve the democratically elected cation, health care, and im- provided unparalleled solidarproblem. Trump’s immigra- above the national average. In been putting off that Google Bolivarian government was proved housing. ity to Africa through medical tion policies are threatening 2026, expect this trend to ac- Analytics certification or AWS founded in 1999. Solidarity training because you thought from progressive left formato turn what should be a cel- celerate. What you’ll notice is an you needed a traditional de- tions and governments has ebration into a complicated gree, 2026 is your year. also existed since the begin-

Some predictions for 2026

Reasons for Black solidarity with Venezuela

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ning of the revolution and continues today under President Nicolás Maduro and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), who have upheld the Bolivarian project despite devastating conditions imposed by illegal sanctions and extrajudicial violence carried out by U.S. forces at sea. Venezuela has a significant African-descended population. While official figures recorded Afro-descendants as only 0.7% in 2010, recent interviews with Venezuelan professor Manuel Salcedo indicate that, due to consciousness-raising and cultural work by the Afro-Venezuelan Network of organizations, including cimarrón (maroon) communities, nearly 49% of the population now self-identifies as Afro-descendant. This work has been made possible by the Bolivarian Revolution and by Hugo This commentary first ap- Chávez himself, who identipeared in the Houston Defender. fied as Afro-descendant. For more information, visit www. Beginning in 2005, the defendernetwork.com. Bolivarian government intro-

Influencer landscape shifting After years of influencer saturation and algorithm fatigue, a cultural shift is underway toward prioritizing real-life experiences over digital ones. You’ll see more dinner parties with phone-free rules, more people meeting up at coffee shops without documenting it for the ‘gram, and more emphasis on actual faceto-face networking. For Black professionals and creatives, this means the networking events that matter, the ones where genuine relationships and business deals happen, will be the ones that aren’t being live-tweeted. Don’t get it twisted, though. This doesn’t mean abandoning social media for business. It means being more intentional. Quality over quantity. Real connections over viral moments.

It is never too late to refuse to serve imperialism or participate in hybrid warfare against the Global South.

Between 2005 and 2013, Venezuela also provided free and discounted heating oil to approximately 1.7 million low-income U.S. households, including families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, through PDVSA and its subsidiary CITGO. The Bolivarian Revolution has consistently demonstrated internationalist solidarity, particularly with revolutionary Pan-African movements. Under Chávez, Venezuela forged strong ties with Libya under Muammar Qaddafi. Chávez repeatedly called for African unity and defended Libya during NATO’s assault. This Pan-African internationalism continues under President Maduro, as shown by Bolivarian participation

brigades, educators, engineers and soldiers who fought apartheid in Angola and Namibia. When Venezuela aids Cuba, it also aids Africa. In conclusion, if reports are true that a Black U.S. Admiral recently resigned rather than participate in the murder of innocent fishermen, we encourage such refusal. As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, the U.S. remains the greatest purveyor of violence in the world. It is never too late to refuse to serve imperialism or participate in hybrid warfare against the Global South. This commentary first appeared in the Black Agenda Report. It has been edited for length. For more information, visit www. blackagendareport.com.

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transfer portal and NIL, is another thing altogether, stressed Ward. “There are a lot of moving parts. I was coaching in high school for a long time. When you’re in high school, you have parents.” Now, in college, “You have alumni, you have fundraising, you have all the different components of building your team,” he pointed out. “Now you’re responsible for these guys, and so putting procedures and different things in place to make sure that they have what [the players] need,” continued the FAMU coach. “Having to deal with just all the different things that you

have to go through. That’s been the biggest difference.” Florida A&M starts conference play January 3 at Bethune-Cookman. “Our goal is to make sure we give ourselves a chance to win by going out and competing at a high level,” said Ward before the season began. “I don’t know how many wins we’ll have this year, but one thing we can say is we’ll compete. “We’ll grow from each experience, and the goal is to see how we can become better from game one to the end.”

to really pull from … I picked up a lot of different X’s and Continued from page 10 O’s. I think with my collegiate stops … I was able to take on a lot of responsibilities, which I think everything has May 2025 after her recent really built me up and helped stint at Houston (2016-25), me prepare for this position first as assistant coach and that I’m in right now.” Even more so as a Black recruiting coordinator, then promoted to associate head female head coach: “It’s just not recruiting really good coach in 2022. At each stop, Dillard said players. When we get the she gained valuable experi- players, we are trying to ence both as a player and as a mold them into productive coach that uniquely prepared people,” stressed Dillard. her for her current position. “I’ve started a mentoring pro“Each coach that I’ve gram, and I’m trying to link played under, I’ve been able all of our players up with

mentors that are not basketball players … That’s part of our overall development with our young ladies.” The Panthers begin SWAC play Jan. 1 at Southern University. Dillard said she wants her players to create “an identity for ourselves on the court and off the court. The biggest thing is creating that identity and competing. I do want to come in and get some success this year.”

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Houston. Then he took an assistant basketball coaching and head football coaching position at Westbury Christian School in Houston. Ward later returned to Florida when Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Fla. named him head football coach. Then he moved to Florida High School, where as HC he led the school to its first state football championship since 1963. But college basketball, especially in this age of the

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“Fans are fed up. What used to be simple, turning Continued from page 10 on the TV to watch the game with family, is now a maze of expensive streaming subscriptions and login screens,” “I got a solid team,” sur- said NAB President and CEO mised the MPA coach. “May- Curtis LeGeyt in a December be we’re going to win some, 18 press release The release announced its we’re going to lose some, but it’s going to be a learning Game On web site (https:// experience. We’re going to w w w. n a b . o rg /g a m e o n / ) , which highlights “how local have fun doing it.” stations deliver live sports coverage that is universally Fans fed up Sports accounted for accessible without a sub182 of the top 200 shows scription, internet connecof 2024, says the National tion or login.” A national survey revealed Association of Broadcasters (NAB), who recently that over 80% of responlaunched an effort to make dents want games on broadlive sports on free local tele- cast TV, while just 17% favor streaming. vision more available.

Finally… At Minnesota Timberwolves games these days it’s becoming unbearable to sit and watch in person because of the nonstop music, sound effects, and other carnival-like noise starting with player introductions and ending at the final buzzer. Add to this the experience of late sitting in the media section with a bunch of chatty folk seemingly keeping pace with the surrounding noise. Too bad there isn’t a human mute button that works similar to the one I use on my television remote when watching games at home.

gan first as a Western Kentucky graduate assistant (2007-08), then at his college alma mater as an assistant coach (2008-10), TCU (2010-11), Loyola Chicago (2011-13), Northwestern (2013-18), Nebraska (201922), Oregon (2022-23), and Oklahoma (2023-25). Now in his 19th year as a college coach, Gates returns to the Big Ten for the fourth time in his career and his first season on the home team bench at Williams Arena. He said the offer to come to Minnesota was too much to pass up because it gives him another opportunity to grow and learn as he strives to be a college head coach one day. “That was one of my prerequisites to joining the new staff,” declared Gates. “I wanted [Gopher Coach Niko

Nedved] to understand that I wasn’t interested in just coming to recruit. That’s something that I bring to the table for sure, but [also] coaching the game of basketball and mentoring young men and impacting lives. That’s what I’m about. “That’s my goal,” to become a head coach. The only thing I could do is continue to move straight … because I do look at myself as a head coach. The decisions I make daily I think are from a head coach’s perspective. “So, any advice I try to give, or suggestions I may give to the coach or anybody else on staff, or even talk to the players, I try to think from a lens of a head coach.”

Continued from page 10

doing and seeing.” After graduating with a leisure studies degree (2005) and later a master’s in sports administration (2007), both from Kent State, Armon eventually followed his brother’s coaching footsteps. Older brother Dennis, who went to the NBA after his college playing career concluded, helped his younger brother get a summer internship with the L.A. Clippers when Armon was a college sophomore. “My mind started thinking a little bit like, ‘Man, I could do something with this when I’m done. And that’s what I did,” Armon pointed out. His coaching journey be-

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Introducing a new occasional column that will bring fans of Black college sports updates and insights on teams, players and coaches with a primary focus on the SWAC, MEAC and HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC).”

BY CHARLES HALLMAN

Prairie View’s first-year women’s BB Florida A&M’s new men’s head BB coach has storied past coach aims to create team’s identity when I played,” he said smilith over 15 years harlie Ward’s parents ing. “They have Google and of coaching experimet as undergrads at YouTube and all those things ence, Tai Dillard is in FAMU — his father where you can go back and her first season in the SWAC, Charlie, Sr. was a standout look, so they understand and in her first head coaching pofootball player. Charlie’s older know the history of my career.” sition at Prairie View A&M. sister also is a FAMU alumnus. Dillard was a four-year Charlie Ward, Jr. attended letterwinner at Texas (1998Florida State, where he be“A lot of my players 2003), playing for legendary came the school’s first Heisweren’t alive when HOF coach Jody Conradt, man Trophy winner (1993), avI played.” making four consecutive eraged a college career-high NCAAs, including a 2003 Fiof 10.5 points and 4.9 assists Former AD Angela Suggs nal Four run, and a two-time as the basketball team’s point “reached out to me,” explained All-Big-12 academic team guard after his stellar senior Ward on his first college HC member. football season concluded. position when he was hired Then she played pro ball, Ward also became the second this past April. “I wasn’t look- first in the WNBA (2003-06), Tai Dillard college football player to win Charlie Ward, Jr. the Sullivan Award as the naCourtesy of Prairie View A&M Photo by Charles Hallman ing for this job. The opportu- then overseas in Israel and in nity came … FAMU chose me,” the National Women’s Bastion’s top amateur athlete. After retiring as a player, ketball League. MSR earlier this fall asked endary exploits, including a after playing. “Honestly, when Speaking to the Panthers I got to college, I didn’t think I Ward, now in his first season 12-year NBA playing career Ward began coaching in the as FAMU’s men’s head bas- after going undrafted by the NBA as an assistant under Jeff HC before the season, Dillard wanted to coach,” she recalled. Van Gundy for two seasons in admitted she didn’t envision “I did kind of get the inkling ketball coach, on whether his NFL. players know about his leg“A lot of them weren’t alive ■ See BCSR - WARD on page 9 herself going into coaching to want to coach, and when

Prep Academy gets new coach, top prospect uincy Caldwell — aka “Coach Q” — is Minnesota Prep Academy’s (MPA) new head basketball coach. The St. Paul native is renowned for his training of local basketball players, several of whom are now in the NBA. “It’s a challenge for me to really see where I’m at in coaching,” Caldwell told MSR. His team is now on holiday break but soon will be back on the court as a 14-man roster — eight hailing from outside of the U.S. — in its 30-plus game schedule. (l-r) MPA Assistant Coach Eric Coleman, MPA Ex-Director Donnell Bratton, MPA Coach Quincy Caldwell “It’s an opportunity for Photos courtesy of Minnesota Prep Academy ketball operations, and MPA … building character and trust Co-Founder Donnell Bratton, and helping these young men “It’s an opportunity for a lot who hired the coach ear- look forward to something of these kids to get the feel lier this year, will become the that is beyond basketball.” Another addition is for the college life,” continued school’s executive director as 16-year-old Canadian Tito Caldwell. “The process that part of its leadership changes. “To see him when I’m deal- Onyemachi, a 6’7” power forit takes to be a college ball player … the pressure and the ing with him on a day-to-day ward. “I am very excited to endurance you gotta have. For basis for several hours a day come to Minnesota and join a lot of these kids, it is going … super exciting,” Bratton MPA,” said Onyemachi in a said. “I believe that’s helping press release. to be new.” He averaged 21 points, 5 Earlier this month Caldwell these young men develop into rebounds, 3 assists and 2 was named president of bas- men, going from boys to men

This occasional series will highlight Black coaches at all levels of sport. This week: Minnesota MBB Assistant Coach Armon Gates t’s been more than a minute since two brothers sat on opposite benches as their respective teams faced each other. The most recent such occurrence took place in Columbia, Missouri when Missouri hosted Minnesota Nov. 12 in men’s basketball. Dennis Gates’ Tigers defeated his younger brother Armon’s Gophers 83-60. The former has been Missouri HC since 2022, and the latter is in his first season as Minnesota assistant coach who was hired in March 2025.

Dillard’s coaching resume includes assistant positions at Ole Miss (2013-14), USC (2012-13), and UTSA (200712). Prairie View hired her in ■ See BCSR - DILLARD on page 9

ple Valley in 2013 and 2015. Sims, a 6’10” center, finished as Cristo Rey Jesuit’s all-time leading scorer in 2018.

his week’s column features former metro area players competing against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and four outstanding prep basketball players, including one who is at a new school this season.

Holmgren plays against Timberwolves While Edwards, a 6’4” guard, was scoring 26 points leading the Timberwolves to a 112-107 victory over defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder Friday, December 19 at Target Center, third-year player and former Minnehaha Academy standout Chet Holmgren, a 7’0” center, was on the opponent side, scoring 14 points and grabbing five rebounds. Holmgren, who went on

Tito Onyemachi Caldwell helped develop two former prep players who later became first-round NBA draft picks. Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren. ■ See SOE on page 9

Gopher assistant coach has head coaching in his sights

Coaching While Black

“When we get the players, we are trying to mold them into productive people.”

Former and current metro area players representing

steals last season in Canada, and is being seen as a top prospect here in the States. “I was drawn to the program by the coach and the ability to become a better basketball player,” he added. “Their track record speaks for itself when it comes to developing talent.”

a lot of these kids to get the feel for the college life.”

I played professionally after college, I guess you can say it was a natural progression. “I had an opportunity to go to my high school alma mater, which gave me a great start and a great foundation,” she continued. Dillard added that she quickly learned that coaching “was more than just X’s and O’s and putting a team together.”

brother around all the time. It is what really generated my interest in coaching and also the game of basketball. “Watching my older brother, he led the way,” stressed Armon. “He always set the tone for everything that we’re done.” Armon played high school basketball, then attended Kent State where he played on four consecutive 20-win teams and three postseason appearances, finishing his college playing career second in school history with 200 3-point field goals.

Jericho Sims

Coffey, Trent, Sims playing for the Bucks When guard Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 103-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks with 24 points on Sunday, December 21 at Target Center in NBA action last week, he and his teammates were facing a team with three former outstanding prep players from the Twin Cities metro area. Amir Coffey (Hopkins), Gary Trent Jr. (Apple Valley, Prolific Prep), and Jericho Sims (Cristo Rey Jesuit) all play for the Milwaukee Bucks. Coffey went on to star at “The decisions I the University of Minnesota, make daily I think Sims played for the University are from a head of Texas, and Trent moved on coach’s perspective.” Armon Gates Photo by Charles Hallman to Duke University. The trio had unforgettable But did his parents envi“We come from a family of “I wasn’t the best player at prep careers. two blue collar parents,” said sion their two sons becoming Kent State University, but my Coffey, a 6’8” guard, led Armon when we first met in coaches? teammates saw value in me Hopkins to the Class 4A state The younger Gates pointed … I would be watching [and] his office shortly after his hirchampionship in 2016. Trent, ing this past spring. “My dad out, “I’m being honest with learning from the older guys a 6’5” guard, was on two Class was a truck driver. My mom you, being that stubborn little … That’s how I learned from 4A championship teams at Apbrother that followed his older was a registered nurse.” ■ See VIEW on page 9

Courtesy nba.com

to an outstanding career at Gonzaga University, was the state’s Mr. Basketball as a senior in 2021. Four boys basketball players to watch Christian Wiggins (Tartan, 6’5” guard), one the state’s best; Jermaine Thomas-Curtis (St. Paul Johnson, 6’3” guard), one of the best kept secrets in the state…for now; J’Marion Sanders (Minneapolis North, 5’9” guard) leading the Polars in scoring; and Jumair Wright (Minneapolis South, 6’0” guard), a great three-point shooter. Marshall at Maranatha Marcus Marshall Jr., the guard who transferred to Maranatha Christian Academy after two outstanding seasons at Minneapolis North, is one of the Mustang’s leading scorers. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.