Vol 92/ Edition 2 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

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THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934 August 13 - 19, 2026

Vol. 93

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

No. 2

Dr. Josie Johnson reflects on Cecil Newman, the Black press and a life of advocacy By Jasmine McBride Editor s the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrates its 92nd anniversary, few living voices carry the memory of its founding era like Dr. Josie Johnson. Johnson, widely known as the “first lady of Minnesota civil rights,” was born in Texas and raised in Houston before moving to Minnesota in 1956. She said she has known the Newman family, including MSR founder Cecil Newman, for most of her life in the state. “We all grew up knowing Cecil and his whole family, and every step of the way of the newspaper, and being a part of it,” Johnson said. “It was a good feeling of being a part of such an institution that wrote stories and told history and published those histories and stories in a newspaper. We could see that and feel that the newspaper gave us the sense that we were all together.” Johnson recalled that when she arrived, Minnesota’s Black community was small but close-knit.

Dr. Josie Johnson “We weren’t that many people in Minnesota in the first place,” she said. “There were people who didn’t know anything about African Americans, even though they were African American, and many did not know the history of African American people in this part of the world. So it was a learning for us all. Here in Minnesota, Black Americans

Jasmine McBride/MSR seemed to have taken a great sense of pride in being here and developing a community, and I think we did.” Johnson said her friendship with Newman began through her early civil rights work, including fights over school desegregation, at a time when the two were close in age and equally embedded in the community.

City employees, protesters clash as St. Paul begins clearing Pig’s Eye encampment By Clint Combs Contributing Writer tate Rep. Leigh Finke, DFL-District 66A, and St. Paul Ward 5 Council Member Hwa Jeong Kim, along with outreach workers from African American Survivor Services (AASS), went tent to tent early Wednesday offering unhoused residents rides out of Pig’s Eye encampment during phase one of Mayor Kaohly Her’s sweep. Most residents are moving to the Randolph Avenue encampment. The city plans to sweep that site and the L’Orient Street encampment next. Volunteer Vanessa Rojas rode shotgun as African American Survivor Services (AASS) Executive Director Ivan Nelson drove a bus to 81 N. Fish Hatchery Road on Aug. 5. They arrived at Pig’s Eye to find protest marshals behind a

barricade of pallets and skids. At first, St. Paul police declined to let volunteers transport residents and their belongings out of Pig’s Eye until Rep. Finke confronted officers. Kim said she struck a deal with Assistant Mayor Erica Schumacher to allow volunteers to queue residents through the parking lot rather than have the city bring in heavy equipment, with an exception for emergency vehicles. Tensions escalated when Minneapolis officials in safety vests arrived unannounced, sparking fears they were there to clear the way for bulldozers. “Leave our neighbors alone,” said Derek Torstenson. One woman began a chant, “Who keeps us safe?” and protesters answered, “We keep us safe.” “You are just barging over us,” another said. A city employee then pushed a protester. ■ See PIGS EYE on page 5

Pig’s Eye encampment residents evacuate with their things, Aug. 5. Photo courtesy of Chris Juhn/MSR

Dr. Josie Johnson with two other Minnesota delegates at the 1963 March on Washington, D.C. Marty Nordstrom “We’d been friends forever because we were around the same age, geographically, emotionally, mentally, and involved in the community,” she said. “It was a feeling that you had some right and authority to talk to the paper person, and that you were being heard and listened to. For me it was a growing-up feeling, that

people you knew were people who ran important things like a newspaper.” She said the SpokesmanRecorder played a central role in her decades of advocacy by giving the Black community control over its own narrative. “The paper was critical and very important to what the community was doing in get-

ting a sense of control over what was going on in our community, telling the story, making sure the story was told correctly, and that we, as a Black community, got the proper acknowledgement and recognition of things that were going on,” she said. Asked what she has learned ■ See JOSIE on page 5

Minnesota Black Business Hall of Fame By Tony Kiene Contributing Writer onderful,” declared Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard when asked how she felt walking into the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 gala, “Renaissance Reimagined: Where Culture Meets Commerce.” “I’m so blessed to be here with all these beautiful, smiling people. Everyone dressed to the nines. Just so happy. Good times.” “Plus,” added Michael Diehl, whom WilliamsDillard would later shout out from the stage as her “rock,” “being here with Tracey means I’m with the most beautiful woman in the room. A supreme queen.” For Williams-Dillard, one of the honorees inducted into the inaugural class of the MBCC’s Minnesota Black Business Hall of Fame last Saturday night, Aug. 8, it had already been quite a day. In late 2019, the city of Minneapolis adopted a resolution honoring two South Minneapolis icons, Clarissa Rogers Walker and Launa Q. Newman, by renaming streets after each of them along the city’s 38th Street corridor. But the COVID-19 pandemic prevented any official ceremony from taking place. So earlier that Saturday, at Sabathani Community Center’s 60th anniversary block party, Williams-Dillard helped the community dedicate a six-block stretch of 4th Avenue South after her grandmother and MSR royalty as “Launa Q. Newman Way.” The same distance along 3rd Avenue South was celebrated as “Clarissa Rogers Walker Way.”

Tracey Williams Dillard at the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 gala, “Renaissance Reimagined: Where Culture Meets Commerce,” Aug. 8. Photo courtesy of Leticia Alvarez/MSR

the role at the start of 2026. Pierson said many have asked her, “Why A night to remember this? Why now,” regarding her decision to esThe Saint Paul InterContinental Riverfront’s tablish the Hall of Fame. Great River Ballroom hosted the MBCC gala, the first under CEO Yolanda Pierson, who took ■ See HOF on page 5

2 August 13 - 19, 2026

Metro

Sabathani Community Center's block party celebrates 60 years of service High School, where Sabathani have streets named in their eryone else, is so important." Many in attendance grew is now located. He said he honor in South Minneapolis. up near Sabathani, and the misses the sense of commu- Newman's granddaughter, curOn Saturday, South Minne- organization formed a part of nity he felt growing up and rent MSR CEO and Publisher hopes events like the block Tracey Williams-Dillard, reflectapolis' Sabathani Community their childhoods. "It was everything," Neva party can help him return to ed on her grandmother's legacy Center rang in its 60th anniverduring remarks at the event. sary with a block party full of Walker said of the organization. what he's used to. community members eager to "I played basketball. I went on celebrate an organization that field trips. I tutored adults here, has served them and their fam- and children. ... I got grounded ilies. Attendees reflected on in the building a lot, and so my the role Sabathani has played friends had to come up here to in their lives, through the pro- see me. "This is the community that gramming it provides and the definitely supported me, cared community space it creates. "My mom used to call it the for me, loved me, let me make basic supports that people mistakes, corrected me when need to survive," said Neva needed," she continued. "But it Walker, whose mother, Claris- was just love." The theme of the block parsa Walker, worked at Sabathani for decades. "Now, Sabathani ty was "Coming Back Home," is continuing that and growing which rang true for many atit to make sure that the needs tendees. Several said they Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis with Sounds of Blackness at the were there to give back to Sabathani Block Party, Aug. 8. of today are being met." Courtesy The organization offers a Sabathani because it has been "When I look back at my "There are so many of us wide variety of programs, in- there for them throughout that grew up around Sabathani journey with the Minnesota cluding a food shelf, employ- their lives. Fayette Hayes was born and don't live in the neighbor- Spokesman-Recorder, my mind ment center, after-school programs, open gym time and and raised in Minneapolis, as hood anymore," Neva Walker goes back to being 8 years old, senior care. Sabathani's cur- were younger generations of said. "Sabathani is still ours. sitting beside my grandmother, rent president and CEO, Scott her family. Hayes went to Sa- To remember that, we actually Launa Q. Newman, running Redd, describes the organiza- bathani when she was younger, have to feed it, to support it, to the old addressograph mation as being unapologetically brought her grandkids there see it. ... It raised us. But if you chine under her watchful eye," Black while providing services for school when they were lit- don't come back and curate it, Williams-Dillard said. "Back then, I thought I was just helpto everyone, according to tle, and now attends the orga- it will go away." The celebration also hon- ing out. I didn't realize she was nization's senior program. She Neva Walker. "This was a predominantly said she would not miss the ored Neva Walker's mother, instilling in me the foundation Clarissa Walker, alongside Lau- for my work ethic and the deep Black neighborhood growing celebration for the world. Kenneth Holt attended Sa- na Q. Newman, the longtime love for our community." up," Neva Walker said. "For us Williams-Dillard described Spokesman-Reto know that it's still centering bathani as a kid, and his older Minnesota Blackness, whilst serving ev- siblings attended Bryant Junior corder publisher, both of whom her grandmother as more than

By Ella Stern Contributing Writer

Following policing and surveillance concerns, Minneapolis to receive audit of ShotSpotter technology

spokesman-recorder.com "And congratulations on this a publisher. "My grandmother wasn't just tremendous honor, Launa Q. a publisher; she was a pillar," Newman Way." she said. "When she stepped The organization is continuup to lead the paper, there were ing to develop its offerings to some that didn't think this was best serve community needs. a job for a woman. She proved For instance, it is raising money them wrong. And in doing so, for a youth housing program. she carried a vital mantle: to enSabathani was founded in sure the voice of Black Minne- 1966 by community members sota was heard, respected and at Sabathani Baptist Church, recorded with total integrity." now Greater Friendship MisWilliams-Dillard said her sionary Baptist Church. The grandmother taught her that church and the community the paper is more than a pub- center were located across the lication. street from each other until "She showed me what it 2007 and still work collabmeans to lead with strength oratively, according to Greater and resilience, teaching me Friendship Senior Pastor B. that this paper is far more Charvez Russell. than ink on newsprint," WilAt the block party, parliams-Dillard said. "It is a life- ticipants browsed tables from line, a historical record of our organizations such as MN achievements, and a voice for POC PRIDE and the Council our community when no one for Minnesotans of African else was listening." Heritage, and shopped at Newman died in 2009, but booths from vendors such as Williams-Dillard said her influ- Just Shea and Lion's Historian ence remains present in MSR's Press. They lined up outside daily work. food trucks and gathered to "Though she is no longer with listen to music from DJs and us, her spirit remains in every- bands. The three-time Gramthing we do," Williams-Dillard my-winning band Sounds of said. "Whenever we hit a dead- Blackness, which started at line, launch a community effort, Macalester College in the Twin or uplift Black stories across Cities, headlined the event. Minnesota, I feel her presence. The block party also featured a I am forever grateful for her back-to-school backpack givewisdom, love and legacy." away, as well as giveaways for Williams-Dillard closed her State Fair tickets. remarks by addressing her grandmother directly. Ella Stern is a contributing "Thank you, Grandma, for writer for the Minnesota Spokesshowing me the way forward man-Recorder. She welcomes and teaching me what it means reader responses at erstern10@ to serve with heart," she said. gmail.com.

dispatch data found that in voices near its sensors, though about 70% of 4,100 police re- the risk of targeted voice sursponses to ShotSpotter activa- veillance was “extremely low”; tions, officers found no physi- SoundThinking adopted nearly all of the audit’s privacy reccal evidence of a shooting. Critics have also raised sur- ommendations. “MPD has not used surveilveillance concerns. ShotSpotconstantly monitor for gun- have used the technology to By Ella Stern ter records constantly, accord- lance in a way that was ethishot-like noises and use GPS identify weapon types, inContributing Writer ing to a 2015 ACLU interview cal. That’s why they’re under to pinpoint locations; when cluding automatic weapons with ShotSpotter CEO Ralph a consent decree for violating Minneapolis is the only lo- triggered, they send audio to with switches, and to locate Clark. A February New York the human rights of Black, cality in Minnesota that uses a review center, where work- shooting hotspots. Police Department report brown and Indigenous resi“Gun violence is an issue ShotSpotter, microphones ers alert police if they believe found human voices can’t trig- dents,” Wonsley said. that aim to detect gunshots the sound was a gunshot. that we’re dealing with, and Asked whether ShotSpotger an alert on their own, but and reduce gun violence. SoundThinking says the mi- ShotSpotter is a tool in helpvoice snippets have appeared ter surveils residents, an Critics have raised concerns crophones can detect a gun- ing us to deal with that,” Vetaw in recordings used in court MPD spokesperson said, about discriminatory policing shot in as little as one minute. said. “The area I represent cases just after gunshots, per “ShotSpotter does not record Black and Native residents doesn’t see ShotSpotter as disand surveillance, and have the same ACLU interview. A voices or video.” questioned the technology’s of Minneapolis are 3.3 times criminatory... in Ward 4, people The city council hasn’t re2019 privacy audit by the effectiveness. Next month, more likely to live in areas see it as a proactive measure.” NYU Policing Project found ceived a cumulative report Council Member Robin the Minneapolis city auditor with ShotSpotter technology the technology could capture on Minneapolis’ ShotSpotter will release an independent than white residents, accord- Wonsley questioned whether analysis of ShotSpotter, ex- ing to research by Alexander the technology has actually imamining how well it actually Lindenfelser, a University of proved conditions in the comMinnesota Law School gradu- munities it’s meant to serve. keeps the city safe. “MPD’s own data has shown that they have not effectively reduced gun violence in those communities [while contracting with SoundThinking],” Wonsley said, noting Minneapolis has had among the country’s worst case closure rates for homicides and nonfatal shootings over the past 12 years. “We spent millions of dollars in a decades-long partnership with this company. It’s clear it warrants reinvestigation of whether we could be spending our money elsewhere.” St. Paul, which doesn’t use SoundThinking ShotSpotter, recently reported 100% case closure on non-faIn anticipation of the audit, ate and law clerk. “When responding to a tal shootings after launching a the Minneapolis City Council unanimously extended the ShotSpotter activation, police non-fatal shooting task force; city’s contract with ShotSpot- are more likely to believe they when the city considered ter’s parent company, Sound- are entering a dangerous situ- ShotSpotter in 2019, thenThinking, for one year rather ation in a dangerous neigh- Mayor Melvin Carter rejected than the proposed three. The borhood,” Lindenfelser said, it as a “toy.” Wonsley said Mincouncil also denied a pro- presenting his research to the neapolis’ own non-fatal shootposed expansion into Wards 9 city council’s Administration ing task force increased case and 10, siding 8-4 with Ward & Enterprise Oversight Com- closures by 30% in its first 9 Council Member Jason mittee in March 2024. “Police three months. “The city will say that we Chavez and Ward 10 Council interactions... have the potenMember Aisha Chughtai, who tial to escalate in ways that need ShotSpotter to accompany our non-fatal task force,” opposed it. Both votes took damage community trust.” City Council Member La- Wonsley said. “St. Paul shows place June 25. Minneapolis has used Trisha Vetaw, who repre- otherwise.” Other cities that have ShotSpotter for around two sents Ward 4, said the areas decades. The microphones, in North Minneapolis with dropped ShotSpotter cite high whose exact locations aren’t ShotSpotter are the ones that false positive and false negapublic, are stationed in North have struggled most with tive rates. A Star Tribune analyand South Minneapolis. They gun violence. She said police sis of Minneapolis’ 2022 911

“The area I represent doesn’t see ShotSpotter as discriminatory.”

spending, according to Wonsley; past contracts posted on the council’s website put the total above $3 million since 2014. “It’s time for us to get a handle on MPD’s overspending, because it’s quite frankly bankrupting our city,” Wonsley said. “ShotSpotter, in my opinion, is not a need.” For more information on ShotSpotter, visit www. soundthinking.com/law-enforcement/leading-gunshotdetection-system/. Ella Stern is a contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. She welcomes reader responses at erstern10@ gmail.com.

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Health

August 13 - 19, 2026

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Clare Northeast Apartments unveils $7 million renovation as Clare Housing marks nearly 40 years By Alaysia Lane Contributing Writer

state’s longest-standing supportive housing communities for people living with For Kendall, finding a home HIV. The celebration included at Clare Housing meant more a resident-led town hall, a than securing an apartment. ribbon-cutting ceremony and After experiencing homeless- tours of the renovated buildness and couch surfing, it ing. Founded during the AIDS meant finally closing the door epidemic of the 1980s, Clare to a place of his own. “When I was able to lock Housing has evolved alongthe door, I was just like, ‘I’m side advances in HIV treatgoing to hold on to this,’” said ment. What began as volKendall, a Clare Housing resi- unteer-run care homes for dent and member of the orga- people with AIDS has grown nization’s Resident Advisory into a nonprofit that serves Council, Thursday. “I’m not about 500 residents annugoing to let anything jeopar- ally through four supportive housing properties, adult fosdize it.” Kendall’s story was one of ter care homes, scattered-site many shared July 30 as Clare housing and housing assisHousing celebrated nearly 40 tance programs. Executive Director Phoebe years of providing supportive housing for Minnesotans liv- Trepp said the organization’s ing with HIV and unveiled a mission has remained con$7 million renovation of Clare sistent even as the needs of Northeast Apartments, the residents have changed. “Housing is health care,” nonprofit’s flagship building Trepp said. in northeast Minneapolis. She noted that many resiThe renovation modernized all 32 apartments and dents arrive after experiencupdated common spaces ing homelessness while also while preserving one of the managing chronic health

He said residents’ voices should remain central to decisions affecting the community. “Who else would know better than a resident?” he said. He also hopes elected officials and community leaders leave with a better understanding of the barriers many people living with HIV continue to face. “I think resources are there,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know they’re there until they’re in crisis.” The renovation was funded through a partnership that included Minnesota Housing, Hennepin County, the city of From left: Sen. Doron Clark; Abdi Warsame, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority executive di- Minneapolis, Cinnaire, Greatrector and CEO; Jennifer Ho, Minnesota housing commissioner; Kendall, resident of the renovated er Minnesota Housing Fund, apartment; Irene Fernando, Hennepin County commissioner and board chair; and Phoebe Trepp, the Federal Home Loan Bank Clare Housing executive director, at ribbon cutting, July 30. Photos courtesy of Alaysia Lane/MSR of Des Moines and the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation. services. conditions, mental health with HIV. Looking ahead, Trepp said However, for residents like Clare Housing remains foAccording to the Minnechallenges, disabilities or substance use disorders. Stable sota Department of Health, Kendall, the conversation ex- cused on expanding housing housing, she said, creates the about 9,600 Minnesotans tends beyond statistics. opportunities while preservHe said Clare Housing ing existing properties and refoundation for people to ac- are currently living with HIV, cess medical care and remain while new HIV diagnoses de- gave him stability at a time sponding to emerging needs, clined in 2025 compared with when he needed it most. Af- particularly among older healthy. ter graduating from college, adults, people experiencing Clare Housing reports that previous years. he found himself couch surf- homelessness and residents approximately 89% of its ing before learning about in Greater Minnesota. residents maintain viral supthe organization through a pression, meaning the virus is The renovated building friend. He eventually secured represents more than updatreduced to undetectable levan apartment after returning ed apartments for Kendall. It els through treatment, while to Minnesota from New York symbolizes dignity, stability more than 90% remain conthe same day he signed his and the opportunity to build nected to medical care. lease. The organization is also a future. “They make you feel wantpreparing for a changing HIV “Home, to me, means comed, and they make you feel fort,” he said. “It means apprepopulation. Trepp said an inneeded, and they make you ciation and gratitude.” creasing share of people livfeel important,” he said. “I ing with HIV are aging, with For more information on Black and Hispanic Min- feel like, as a human being, Clare Housing, visit www. projections indicating that roughly 70% of Minneso- nesotans continue to expe- we should have that experi- clarehousing.org/. disproportionately ence.” tans living with HIV will be rience As a member of the Resiolder than 50 by 2030. Clare higher rates of new HIV diagAlaysia Lane is a contributHousing is seeking funding noses than their share of the dent Advisory Council, Kend- ing writer for the Minnesota for a new supportive housing state’s population, illustrating all now helps shape program- Spokesman-Recorder. She weldevelopment designed spe- ongoing inequities in access ming and provides feedback comes reader responses at cifically for older adults living to health care and prevention to Clare Housing leadership. aal7008@nyu.edu.

"They make you feel wanted, and they make you feel needed, and they make you feel important.”

Clare House apartments located at 929 Central Avenue NE.

Restriction of medical care among incarcerated people keeps treatment from those who need it By Izzy Canizares Contributing Writer One aspect often overlooked in the pretrial detention process is how difficult it becomes to access medical care. For Black, low-income or disabled individuals, this disruption in care can be debilitating. Medical treatment and programs do exist for incarcerated individuals, but people held in county jails don’t have as many resources. “Local jails are built for people who are inside for a short period of time,” said Wanda Bertram of the Prison Policy Initiative. “There’s a lot of people who stay in jails for several months or even over a year. So as such, they’re not equipped to serve people’s health care needs in the same way that communities are, Klaus Nielsen but not even in the same way that prisons are.” That language became HF 1, requiring facilities to proThe gap in jail medical care 264, the Larry R. Hill Medi- vide the same medications inbecame a matter of state cal Reform Act, which Gov. mates were prescribed before law after Larry R. Hill died Tim Walz signed in May 2025. confinement, with exceptions in the Hennepin County Jail Before it could take effect, if a health care professional on Sept. 26, 2023. Hill, who the Minnesota Sheriffs’ As- determines otherwise. had a serious mental illness sociation and Advanced Cor“This law ensures that requiring medication, did not rectional Healthcare sued people who are incarcerated receive that medication while the state to block it, arguing in county jails receive the in custody, according to his the law could force staff to medications they need and mother, Christine Denise Hill. administer medications that rely upon to stay alive and She worked with advocates could be harmful to some healthy,” said Rep. Jessica to draft language requiring inmates. The lawsuit paused Hanson, the bill’s lead aujails to continue providing implementation for months. thor. “No one who goes to jail medications people were pre- An amended version passed should have to worry if they scribed before arrest. this year and takes effect Aug. are going to become perma-

nently disabled or die without access to the medication their doctor prescribed them.” Health services in Minnesota prisons are run through the Department of Corrections and, since 1998, have combined a private health care vendor with state employees. Each DOC facility operates outpatient clinics Monday through Friday and has nursing staff on-site daily. “The Minnesota Department of Corrections operates the state’s 11 correctional facilities, housing individuals who have been convicted of a felony with sentences of one year or more,” said Shannon Loehrke, director of communications for the Minnesota DOC. “Individuals who are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of lesser offenses are generally held in county jails, which are operated by county sheriffs.” County jails rely on local providers instead, and each county handles its own sickcall forms, copays and grievance processes. “Because of that, health care in jails is often quite patchy, and I mean that in the worst possible way,” Bertram said. “It’s inconsistent in terms of how people could expect to get their medications, if they get them at all.” “While the DOC’s Office of Inspector General inspects

and licenses all Minnesota rious health issues, including jails, the department does mental health and addiction not oversee the day-to-day issues that jails simply do medical or behavioral health not feel it is their responsibiloperations,” Loehrke said. “All ity to take care of,” Bertram jails are required to provide said. “You have an increasing access to necessary medical number of unhoused people care, typically through a ser- who have a mental illness or vice contract.” a substance problem. These Josh McMillen, a member problems often exacerbate of the End Slavery Minne- each other.” sota Coalition, was held in Black and Native Minnethe Ramsey County jail and sotans also report the state’s said he and others often went highest asthma rates, with weeks without treatment. 13% of recently jailed and

“It’s all systemic. It boils down to the discrimination of minority communities when you look at it, because prison is an industrial complex.” “I had a tooth infection, and 17% of recently imprisoned I filed a sick call. They’re sup- Black people affected, acposed to get you there the cording to 2025 data. Comnext day, but it got to about bined with long wait times two and a half weeks, and I for care, McMillen said, that still wasn’t seen,” McMillen leaves Black prisoners facing said. “I was getting to the even greater barriers. point where I was almost run“It’s all systemic. It boils ning a 101 fever. I was beg- down to the discrimination of ging the nurse to see a doctor, minority communities when and she ordered me to take you look at it, because prison antibiotics.” is an industrial complex,” McAccess to medication takes Millen said. “When you are in even longer for those with a box 23 hours a day, that does mental health conditions, nothing but bad for your menwhich affect a large share of tal health. When you’re not incarcerated people. Data getting your medication on top from the Minnesota Electron- of it, that makes it worse.” ic Health Record Consortium in 2025 showed 17% of MinIzzy Canizares is a freenesota adults experienced lance journalist and contributdepression, compared to 31% ing writer for the Minnesota of jailed Minnesotans. Spokesman-Recorder. He wel“There are more people comes reader responses at isaentering jails today with se- bellacani0102@gmail.com.

4 August 13 - 19, 2026

Business

spokesman-recorder.com

Get Marking nearly 20 years of beauty Gorgeous in the Rondo community

Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Lizzy Nyoike Contributing Writer On the corner of Selby Avenue and Victoria Street in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, Get Gorgeous Salon & Spa has continued to serve as a gathering space where clients return year after year, often bringing children, grandchildren and friends through the same doors. Owner Ilka Bird celebrated the salon’s 19th anniversary in June, marking a milestone in the longevity of her business and her continued commitment to clients. “I love my community, I love being here and seeing the generations grow up and come back. It makes me feel fulfilled

to see the generations,” Bird said. “People have made me part of their family, and that’s what keeps me connected.” Bird first established her business on Grand Avenue before relocating to Selby Avenue in 2007. When given the opportunity to move into the Rondo neighborhood, she expanded from a 550-square-foot salon to approximately 1,000 square feet, allowing room for additional stylists and services. Although the address changed, many of her clients remained. Bird said she began her career working at Rita Amborn’s salon before opening her own business. Through every move, customers continued following her, while new families discovered the

Ilka Bird, stylist and owner of Get Gorgeous Salon located off Selby and Victoria in St. Paul’s Rondo community. Photos courtesy of Lizzy Nyoike/MSR salon through word of mouth. “Most of the clients have come to me or continue to come to me, generations after,” Bird said. “Of course, I’ve lost clients. Either they moved or they’ve passed on.” Today, Bird describes Get Gorgeous as a multicultural salon where everyone is welcome. She credits much of that welcoming atmosphere to life experiences beyond the salon. As a mother, Sunday school teacher and longtime community member, Bird said she’s learned how to connect with people from all walks of life and every generation. “I would call myself multicultural because I have everyone that sits in my chair,” she said. “There’s not a shade, color or sex that doesn’t sit in my chair.” That ability to connect with clients has helped her business evolve along with chang-

ing beauty trends. After nearly 30 years as a licensed cosmetologist, Bird offers a wide range of services, including haircuts, relaxers, natural hair care, loc maintenance, coloring and styling. “I do re-twists, naturals. I’m really comfortable with chemicals. I do a lot of colors even

on natural locks,” Bird said. As demand for beauty services continues to grow, Bird is looking to expand the salon’s team. She is currently seeking experienced hairstylists, braiders, nail technicians and an esthetician to serve clients’ needs. “This community is changing, growing, and all ethnicities want a little something new,” Bird said. “Let’s keep everybody beautiful. Let’s get them gorgeous.” Beyond salon services, Bird has also begun offering beauty products, jewelry and snacks inside her business. She hopes to continue expanding those retail offerings while supporting other entrepreneurs. “If anybody’s out there that has natural oils, butters, I would love to support them as well,” she said. “I’m a small business, and I like to support small businesses. That’s my motto.”

Looking ahead to the next five years, Bird said she hopes to continue growing within St. Paul. Her long-term vision includes adding a barbering division, expanding retail offerings and eventually purchasing a building that would allow the business to serve more clients. “I would love to grow even more square footage than I already have,” she said. “I would like to stay in St. Paul.” As Rondo continues to experience new investment and development, Bird said she wants Get Gorgeous to remain part of the neighborhood’s future. Located at 878 Selby Ave., the full-service salon and spa continues to welcome new clients while preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Bird said she hopes to mark the occasion with a community celebration that reflects the neighborhood that has supported her for nearly two decades. Get Gorgeous is seeking seasoned estheticians, hair braiders, nail technicians and lash technicians. For more information, reach out to getgorgeousmn@gmail.com or call 651-291-8997. Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. She welcomes reader responses at lnyoike@spokesman-recorder.com.

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August 13 - 19, 2026

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JOSIE

Atlanta, said she was in Minneapolis visiting her daughter and grandchildren, and that the area remains home in every sense, even as the community around her continues to change. “Everything I did as an activist in the area came from this area,” she said. “The active ones out there, gathering stories, writing stories, modeling what it’s like to be a young African American in a community like ours, that is an example of the history that we have known and read about

and written about our people. It is observing your engagement in the community and your reporting through the media you have access to, and the responsibility of telling the story, keeping us informed.” Johnson said she still looks forward to reading the paper every week, and hopes the young journalists who staff it keep telling the community’s story for generations to come.

Mike, who said his wallet tion believes that their main role we’re dealing with. So splitting was stolen five times and had is enforcement,” she said. “Cur- them up is almost impossible.” Mayor Her stayed inside to reorder his ID, has called rently, based on so many reasons, there are not enough beds.” a mobile command center Pig’s Eye home for two years. Rojas, who does peer across the tracks from the “GRH [Group Residential Houssupport work at AASS, said camp’s west exit. Assistant ing] is very hard to get,” he said. He grew emotional dethe 28-day notice to vacate Mayor Cedrick Baker walked should have been extended. the encampment but wasn’t scribing the difficulty of keep“The beds are full. The beds are initially available to reporters. ing a mailing address, with no full,” she said. “If the encamp- “As of right now, we have a lot transportation to charities ment’s a problem, then give of space available,” Baker said that let residents list one. The Assistant Mayor Cedrick Bak- people time so we can culti- at a press conference moved post office said it would take er speaks to Pig’s Eye resi- vate and work as a community off-site. “I just want people 14 business days for a new dents and supports during to develop resources. There to understand that we can’t state ID, his fifth. “I couldn’t was no plan in place, and 28 make people say yes, but believe it,” he said. “You know encampment sweep, Aug. 5. those that are saying yes, we what I long for? The days days is not sufficient.” Photo courtesy of Chris Juhn/MSR when I can get back to work. Rojas and Nelson bused have the space for you.” Ramsey County said more Missing identification comfour couples out the previous precaution, the employee was than 1,400 single adults are on pounds the problem, Rojas Monday. Unhoused couples removed from the site” and “is a priority waiting list for persaid: without an ID, Social Seface a catch-22, she said, since being incorrectly identified as manent housing. Kim said she curity card or birth certificate, shelters rarely accept partners an employee of the Saint Paul hopes the clearing pushes the residents lose out on free govtogether or people with pets. Fire Department.” The city “is recouncil toward new legislation. ernment-issued cellphones, “If you were told to leave your viewing the incident and gather“We’re decimating people’s food stamps and Medicaid. spouse or your significant other ing all available information.” belongings. We’re decimating “Now you just displace them,” and separate from them, that Kim said the city lacks a concrete plan to house everyone would be tough for any of us,” Ro- Rojas said. “So any casework- their identities that are tied being displaced. “My under- jas said. “But then you have this ers that they had, you’ve just to this place,” Kim said. “There can’t be evictions on stolen standing is that the administra- deep trauma bond as well that quashed all that work.”

land, and our humanity is greater than this action. After everything that we went through with Operation Metro Surge, it is unconscionable that this is the actions of the city.” Finke said she wanted to coordinate a safe way for residents to take their belongings before police cleared the camp. “There’s nothing good coming out of this,” she said. John Tolo, executive director of SafeCity Community Outreach Program, disagreed with a majority of marshals and protesters when he moved to clear the barricade for city employees. Tensions boiled again when Tolo started pulling skids from the barrier. He was escorted off the encampment.

The crowd cheered again nesota Spokesman-Recorder promoting their homecoming concert, visited MSR as Jam and Lewis exited danc- began when I was just 8 years Continued from page 1 headquarters that Friday for ing “The Bird” while the house old, standing behind an old Williams-Dillard’s “Tracey’s band covered The Time’s addressgraph machine under the watchful eye of my grandKeepin’ It Real” podcast, dis- 1985 hit of the same name. mother, Launa Q. Newman,” cussing their Twin Cities roots, she said. “That machine not “It’s because history can’t the Prince-and-The Time ri“Your history is not only taught me responsibility wait,” she recently told MSR. valry, and their legacy with a weight to carry; and the concept of work ethic; “The legacies that have been Flyte Tyme Productions and it introduced me to the heartbuilt by pioneers like these Perspective Records. it is the launchpad beat of the Black press.” have gone unnoticed for far too Powell later invited the duo for your future.” She also honored her long. We wanted to give them to the gala stage, where they acgrandfather, Cecil E. Newtheir flowers while they’re still knowledged the MBCC’s comhere, and make sure their sto- “Tracey! Where are you, girl?” munity role and shouted out “The launchpad for your future” man, whose vision “started ries are remembered.” The night’s main event the MSR,” and her late mother, Minneapolis-based Kelz their “sister” Williams-Dillard. In Emmy Award-winning KSTP Music provided entertain- one of the night’s most amusing came at the end. Alongside Norma Jean Williams, who news anchor Brandi Powell ment, and Karen Sorbo hosted moments, Lewis searched the Williams-Dillard, the inaugural instilled in her “an entrepreserved as mistress of ceremo- a live auction featuring a Min- dimly lit room for her. Hall of Fame class included neurial spirit and the impornies for the nearly four-hour nesota Lynx VIP experience, a “Tracey, where are you, girl? Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, Glo- tance of empowering women program, attended by offi- world traveler excursion, and Stand up,” he said. Lewis even- ria Freeman, Lea Harget, Fred- and girls,” inspiring programs cials including Attorney Gen- a Minnesota State Fair con- tually spotted her dazzling erick Blockton, Frank Brown, like Sister Spokesman. She eral Keith Ellison, Minneapolis cert package tied to the Aug. ensemble as she waved from Frederic Estes, Ezell Jones and thanked Diehl and her daughCouncil Member LaTrisha Vetaw, 29 “Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis the middle of the room, draw- Prince Wallace, with Candice ter, Leticia Alvarez, telling her, and state Rep. Cedrick Frazier. Homecoming: A Celebration ing laughs and cheers, before Ellis and Richard Copeland in- “You are my pride and joy.” Williams-Dillard closed with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Min- of the Minneapolis Sound,” Jam, a Washburn High School ducted posthumously. nesota’s senior U.S. senator part of the “It’s Iconic” sum- classmate of Williams-Dillard’s, A little after 10 p.m., Wil- a message to the next generaand a 2026 gubernatorial can- mer tour featuring En Vogue, added, “We had so much fun liams-Dillard took the stage to tion of business leaders. “Your history is not a weight to didate, shared a video mes- Salt-N-Pepa and TLC. on your podcast yesterday, accept her award. sage praising the MBCC, add“My journey with the Min- carry; it is the launchpad for your Jam and Lewis, in town Tracey. Thank you so much.”

future,” she said. “Embrace every detour in your journey because no experience is ever wasted. Lead with unwavering integrity, honor the roots of the community that built you, and don’t be afraid to fail. I once heard someone define success as building something that outlasts you. And legacy is making sure people are better because you built it.”

Continued from page 1

about the power of advocacy and speaking up fearlessly for the underserved, Johnson pointed back to that same sense of closeness. “I’ve had the privilege of being involved in my community forever, so it’s not like being introduced to the community, or the community being introduced to me. It is a closeness,” she said. “I knew Cecil

PIGS EYE

Continued from page 1

“Whoa, why are you pushing me? Sir, why are you pushing me?” the protester said. An officer laughed: “Oh, that’s great... tell them to keep hands off.” “You just shoved somebody,” a marshal said. “We are not going to tolerate anybody forcing their way into this space right now,” one woman said. “We are keeping ourselves and the residents safe.” St. Paul spokesperson Lisa Hiebert later said the city’s goal “has been to approach everyone, including residents, volunteers, members of the media and protesters, with respect, dignity and compassion.” A video captured by the Spokesman-Recorder shows the incident at the encampment site. Hiebert added that “as an immediate safety

TRACEY

and his family forever. That day, is to have people hear us, is that spirit of togetherness our community, know what and respect for the struggle we’re talking about, what our of our people in the commu- values are,” she said. “I don’t nity.” Asked what stood out think that will ever go away. most from that reflection, she The Black press knows what’s agreed it came down to rela- going on in our community tionships. “Relationships, ab- and how it can be useful and helpful, and reports the propsolutely,” she said. Asked how the importance er things: what the commuof the Black press has carried nity, the children, the people into today, Johnson pointed are actually doing, rather than to those same personal rela- making up stories.” On the current political clitionships as what sets it apart mate and what she described from mainstream media. “The important thing for us as attacks on Black voices, back in those days, and yet to- Johnson said she has come to

ing that “nobody embodies that strength more than this inaugural class.” The MBCC also presented three other awards: the Economic Impact Award to Huntington National Bank, accepted by Vice President Marcio Thompson; the 10,000 Black Business Program honor to Timothy Floyd; and the Black Business Excellence Award to Elizer Darris.

tity, a policy that the federal government claims MinneContinued from page 10 sota is in violation of Title IX. However, transphobia still runs rampant, creating an and less than 0.002% of U.S. environment of fear, false alcollege athletes, and even legations and discrimination, fewer in the Olympics (0.001) let alone subject to abuse. Then WNBA player Sowho identify as trans Trans people make up less phie Cunningham, the selfthan a percent of mass shoot- appointed Joan of Arc of savers but are much more likely ing women’s sports, said last to be victims of violence than month that biological men do not belong in women’s sports. perpetrators. Sadly, trans people are The player later told ESPN, “I convenient scapegoats for never once said that. I want to protect young girls in a politicians and others. “No Men in Women’s Sports” locker room, or young girls in executive order was signed sports who shouldn’t have to on February 5, 2025 at the go against biological men.” There have been staged White House, and 27 states have passed laws that restrict rallies wherever the Fever are transgender girls from playing playing, both pro-Cunningham and anti-Cunningham in school and college sports. But the Minnesota State outside arenas ever since, inHigh School League allows cluding here before the Aug. transgender students to par- 2 game against the Lynx. And ticipate in high school sports Cunningham has acted like that match their gender iden- Fred Astaire in dancing away

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rely less on mainstream coverage and more on Black-owned media. “I’m at a point where I hardly pay attention to what the majority white press says,” she said. “It is not a bigger worry than it once was in my younger years, because I feel that our community has built its own spokesperson, its own method of telling our story, and it is still there. It hasn’t disappeared. Still there, still writing, still telling, and that’s important.” Johnson, who now lives in

from her comments. Journalist-author Howard Bryant wrote in The Guardian August 2, “Sophie Cunningham is not a rebel. She’s a sentry. In an attention economy, where being noticed is the currency, Cunningham is using the attention not to further a cause, but to further herself.” Yet there never has been a transgender player in the league’s 30-year history, and the new seven-year CBA prohibits it as well: Article XIII of the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement says, “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA” but does not define “women” or have any policy on transgender eligibility. However, Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams said last week, “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team.” The Women’s National Basketball Players Association

last week released a statement, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, stressing that the organization “will not be used as political pawns.” After that, the WNBA, which hadn’t made any public comments on the issue, sent a memo by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to teams that the transgender issue will be discussed at a previously scheduled meeting with team presidents and GMs this week. Retired Ithaca College professor Ellen Staurowsky, a longtime advocate for race and equity in college sports, told me last week, “Why is one of the most vulnerable groups in the United States that clearly is being targeted; why is that American citizens as a whole are not only comfortable with this but jumping on the bandwagon?” For many, they’ve never met a trans person but I have known many trans people for

years, even some during their transition from one gender to another. To a person, they’re only human. I was in Williams Arena on November 13, 2010 when Kye Allums made his public debut as the first openly transgender NCAA Division I athlete when George Washington played University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in the Gophers’ then annual WBB non-conference tournament. Allums, now a transgender advocate and mentor to LGBT youth, graduated from Centennial High School as a female and played three seasons as a guard on GW’s women’s basketball team. In the weeks before the 2010 game in Minneapolis, Allums announced that he changed his name to Kye and was taking hormones to transition to being a male. Finally, Minnesota GOP U.S. Senate candidate Royce

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

Clint Combs is a freelance journalist and contributing writer for the Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder. He welcomes reader responses at combs0284@gmail.com.

Presented by Wells Fargo, community sponsors of the MBCC gala are Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, Cargill, Huntington Bank and the Rae Mackenzie Group. Entrepreneur sponsors include Andersen Windows & Doors, Children’s Minnesota, Cummins, First Independence Bank, Ramsey County, U.S. Bank and Xcel Energy. Tony Kiene is the executive assistant and contributing writer for the Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder. He welcomes reader responses at tkiene@spokesmanrecorder.com.

White last week told Fox News that he intends to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. “I’m transgender … I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purposes of … professional basketball,” stated White, who briefly played in the NBA. This is nothing but a distraction, surmised Staurowsky. “Any discussion about transgender athletes was logically going to extend into an undermining of women’s rights in general, and that’s exactly and precisely what is happening,” she reaffirmed. Our discussion with Prof. Ellen Staurowsky continues next week. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses at challman@ spokesma-recorder.com. Copyright © Charles Hallman

6 August 13 - 19, 2026

Arts & Culture

spokesman-recorder.com

Local artist weaves community connection through Rondo library art project By Ella Stern Contributing Writer Local artist Briauna Williams is working with children, parents and elders to create an art installation for the Rondo Community Library. Her project, part of Springboard for the Arts' Artists Respond: Weaving Social Connection cohort, will compile community members' artwork into a unified whole. Williams, a self-described visual creative, is a painter, a published illustrator and a teaching artist. She often hosts workshops around storytelling and pain, offering prompts to help participants bring together art and healing. Throughout her artistic practice, connection is a cornerstone. "I genuinely love connect- Briauna Williams ing with community," Williams said. "I feel like that's where ing artists to do small projects I thrive as an artist. That's around a pressing social issue." where I get my inspiration. Springboard for the Arts, an That's where I feel that [de- organization aimed at supportsire] to create." ing artists, has hosted Artists The Artists Respond proj- Respond cohorts in response ect centers connection as well. to the pandemic, George Specifically, "the reciprocal re- Floyd's murder and Operation lationship between artists and Metro Surge. Williams' cohort, the communities that they're "Weaving Social Connection," coming from and part of," said responds to U.S. Surgeon GenSam Buffington, community or- eral Dr. Vivek Murthy's 2023 ganizer for Springboard for the report on the country's loneArts. "It is our way of engag- liness epidemic. The report

our livelihood." For her Weaving Social Connection project, Williams is hosting monthly events in which community members paint on polytab in response to prompts like, "What would the best day look like?" At the events, participants connect with their own emotions and talk with Williams and each other about the art they are creating. "It's a therapeutic activity," said Krya Christopherson, who participated in Williams' July 11 art event. "Seeing different people's [artistic] expressions and weaving it together is a really beautiful opportunity to embrace community." "It's weaving connections visually, but also, when we are within the space, we're conSpringboard for the Arts necting with each other," Williams added. In those connections, Wilfound that about half of Americans experience measurable liams is bringing together peoloneliness, putting them at ple of different generations. "It's something very valuincreased risk for mental and able, being around young physical health issues. "[Connection is] our lifeline," people and elders," Williams Williams said. "Some of us re- said. "[They hold] the pieces ally know how hard isolation of our being that remind us is. When you are isolated, it's what matters." Williams said she draws on easier for fear, hate, things moments like that … to manifest, or to intergenerational just get lonely or sad. There's for inspiration in her own art. something about human con- She sometimes needs to play nection that's necessary for chalk with kids to remember

Building inclusive bookshelves: why neurodiverse representation matters in children’s literature By Divya Thamman

mond writes that “without a single spoken word, this picture book honors the many ways people express themselves, connect, and belong. Rooted in lived experience, it’s a celebration of autistic joy, identity, and voice.” The book immediately became a success. It was published May 9, 2023, and made the New York Times #1 bestseller list by late May 2023. Since then, the story has also been awarded many additional honors, such as the 2023 Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Books, 2024 Dolly Gray Picture Book Award winner and the 2024 CLEL Bell Award for Talk. At a recent Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) Leaders are Readers event, Hammond read from the book, shared her story and answered questions from the group about writing it and her plans for the future. Everyone in the audience was captivated by the powerful and beautiful story, as young audience members took in the lively illustrations. Members of the audience also went on to share personal stories and connect over the topics discussed in Hammond’s book. After finishing the powerful story, one audience member asked whether Hammond planned to release future books. To this, she told us about her upcoming book, “How Do You Spell Belong?,” a story set to release Jan. 26, 2027, that is currently available for preorder. The story will follow Aidan on a rainy day trip to the museum, as sensory overload from lines and loud sounds causes him to shout and slap his chest to express his feelings. The book will explain the story of how another child reaches out with kindness and curiosity, instead of judgment. The narrative also Tiffany Hammond with her children’s book, “A Day With No plans to highlight the special Words,” inspired by her son Aidan. Courtesy bond that exists between Aid-

vibrant and diverse representation, so every kid can see In the United States today, themselves in main characters 1 in 31, or about 3.2%, of chil- who reflect and celebrate who dren have autism. Across the they truly are. This is where board, about 16.7% of kids award-winning author Tiffany have any developmental dis- Hammond comes in. Tiffany Hammond is a mothability. Despite this fact, there is a large discrepancy when er, advocate and storyteller it comes to diverse represen- who uses her personal experitation in children’s books. In ences with autism and parentthe U.S. today, only 3.4% of ing two children with autism children’s literature has a main diagnoses to guide others on character with any sort of dis- their journey. She is seeking to ability. This includes physical, honor our humanity and uplift mental or developmental dis- values of respect and love. Recently, Hammond wrote abilities. Representation of autism specifically is a sliver “A Day With No Words,” a story of that already low percent- featuring a normal day with her age. Additionally, a report ex- son Aidan. Aidan is nonverbal amining 100 books with au- and uses an Augmentative tistic main characters found and Alternative Communicathat fewer than 10% featured tion (AAC) tablet to express his non-white protagonists. When feelings, thoughts and needs. autistic children have little rep- In the story, Aidan and Hamresentation in the stories they mond visit the park and then read each night before bed or head to a restaurant. The book each day after school, it can moves through Aidan’s senses seem easy to feel alone. This as he twirls in the grass or is why it’s so essential to have tastes his favorite soda. Ham-

an and his dad. When Hammond was asked about her upcoming book, she remarked, “I just wanted to highlight that all communication is valid. And that, everybody belongs. We’re all worthy, and no mat-

how often the world tries to divide us." After the final community art event, Williams will arrange the paintings participants have made, along with her own art, into a mural or other large art piece. The final product will be permanently showcased at the Rondo Community Library when its main location reopens following renovations. Community members have two more chances to contribute to Williams' project: Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 from 3-5 p.m. at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, the library's “I genuinely love temporary location. connecting with Soon after the Sept. 12 community. I feel like event, "I'm gonna start puzzling and tinkering and painting and that's where I thrive creating [the final art piece]," as an artist.” Williams said. She said there will be a community celebraOne of Williams' favorite tion for the artwork at the end contributions to the project of September or in October. so far was a young girl's paintFor more information, visit ing of the planets, on which https://springboardforthearts. she wrote, "You are here. We org/stories/artists-respondall are here." meet-the-cohort-of-weaving"It made my heart really social-connection/. warm … [and] made me really reflect on a lot," Williams Ella Stern is a contributing said of the message in the writer for the Minnesota Spokesgirl's painting. "It makes you man-Recorder. She welcomes reflect on how small we are reader responses at erstern10@ and it makes me think about gmail.com.

the simplicity of life, or spend time with elders to hear the stories they tell. Williams' July 11 art event was mostly made up of kids and parents. Some art aimed to convey a message. Christopherson's creation said, “You are worthy,” while other participants drew scenes, used colors that made them happy or illustrated the food or animals that would be part of their favorite day. Some kids said their favorite day would include talking to a turtle or hanging out with stingrays.

ter how we communicate, no and stories like Hammond’s help matter how we are, no matter illustrate why sharing vibrant, diwhat our bodies can do, we all verse stories matters in building the next generation of leaders matter.” and readers. For more informaPPGJLI is dedicated to pro- tion, you can visit www.ppgjli. moting diverse books for readers, org/ or email info@ppgj.org.

spokesman-recorder.com

Education

August 13 - 19, 2026

7

How one teacher’s locs changed her classroom sional, beautiful or acceptable. ing told natural hair looked “unThose experiences spoke kempt” or “unprofessional.” Famto Rita Barrera, a seventh- and For years, Eghosa Obaiza- ily, media, schools or workplaces eighth-grade science teacher momwan Hamilton believed often deliver the same message, in Stockton, California. she knew what a teacher was that natural hair is unacceptable supposed to look like. She and must be changed. ‘You won’t get a job’ Hamilton argues these storegularly straightened her hair As a teenager, Barrera adto blend into an educational ries shape far more than apmired successful Black womsystem in which professional pearance. en who wore locs and wanted “They shape how Black womstandards mirrored Eurocento wear them herself. Her tric norms, and taught the en move through educational mother discouraged the decistandard curriculum, careful spaces,” she said. “How do stusion. dents’ views of their hair impact not to stray from the norm. “Don’t do that. You won’t be Then the COVID-19 pan- their experience of school?” able to get a job,” Barrera reTiffany Herndon, an educademic forced schools online. called being told. Away from the classroom tion consultant and founder of She wore them anyway, but and the daily scrutiny of insti- the nonprofit College Engine repeatedly faced questions tutional expectations, Hamil- Inc., said Hamilton’s discussion about whether they were ton began growing her locs. As captured a tension Black educlean or if she had washed her they grew, she found herself cators commonly navigate: mohair. Later, as she experienced centering more Black voices tivating students to accept their hair loss, Barrera worried in her classroom and became identity while preparing them whether a shaved head would more willing to challenge tra- to succeed in systems that have be acceptable. not always embraced them. ditional teaching methods. “I was afraid to show up at “How much do I ask you to Most importantly, Hamilton my job without any hair,” she said, she became more herself. assimilate for advancement?” “As I started wearing protec- Herndon said. “And how much of Eghosa Obaizamomwan Hamilton, author of “Articulations, said. “Those who wanted to tive styles and eventually got that means losing your identity?” a Radical Methodology for Black Pedagogy: Redefining Edu- say something negative stayed cation Through Black Women’s Hair Experiences,” at Under- silent. Those who said, ‘Oh, my my locs, I realized my pedaground books on June 18. Neenma Ebeledike gosh, I love it,’ helped lift me up.” gogy was changing with my ‘Blackness is greatness’ Barrera said she’s seen progFor Herndon, the challenge hair,” Hamilton told attendees during an author talk centered is helping Black students un- you have to instill cultural hairstyles are acceptable, de- ress since California passed the on her new book, “Articula- derstand they don’t have to pride. My thing is that Black- spite growing legal protections CROWN Act in 2019, but besuch as California’s CROWN lieves schools still have work to tions, A Radical Methodology sacrifice who they are to suc- ness is greatness.” Hair, she explained, is con- Act, which prohibits discrimi- do. Many campuses now have for Black Pedagogy: Redefin- ceed. “It’s that negotiation be- nected with race, identity, his- nation based on natural hair- “care closets” stocked with hying Education Through Black giene products for low-income Women’s Hair Experiences,” tween self-love and survival,” tory and belonging. Before the styles associated with race. Hamilton described hair students, she said, but few intransatlantic slave trade, Afrilast month in Sacramento, Cal- she said. As a former high school can hairstyles communicated as a “racial marker” that still clude combs or products for ifornia. “When I got my locs, I felt like I was fully loaded with teacher and Black Student family lineage, status and influences how Black women Black hair. “Even if a Black child did need having a very Black-centered Union adviser, Herndon said community. Enslaved Africans are perceived in classrooms educators need to intentionally often had their heads shaved and workplaces. Her research help with their hair, they have approach to teaching.” build spaces where Black stu- upon capture, stripping away explores “post-traumatic hair nowhere to go,” Barrera said. subversion,” the phenomenon Hamilton said authentic dents feel seen and appreciated. those cultural markers. Appearance and acceptance Centuries later, Hamilton of Black women regaining change begins with shifting “You have to walk the walk,” For Hamilton, every Black woman carries a hair story: the she said. “You have to have argues, Black women still ne- agency after years of hearing the messages children resting of chemical relaxers, be- honest conversations, and gotiate messages about which their natural hair is less profes- ceive about themselves. She By Neenma Ebeledike

Young Hearts Open Minds names Arielle Handevidt as CEO, plans to expand early childhood equity work By Alaysia Lane Contributing Writer Young Hearts Open Minds has named Arielle Handevidt as its new chief executive officer, selecting a longtime early childhood educator and advocate to lead the organization’s next phase of growth. Handevidt will join the Minneapolis-based nonprofit in late July. She previously served as senior director of early education and innovation and director of collective impact for early childhood at Northside Achievement Zone. Her background also includes leadership roles with the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health and the Center for Inclusive Childcare. Founded in 2020, Young Hearts Open Minds (YHOM) works with early childhood educators and families to help children ages 1 to 5 recognize, embrace and appreciate differences. The organization trains educators and partners with childcare centers and preschools to support children’s social-emotional development while addressing bias at an early age. According to the organization, it is currently integrated into more than 35 childcare and preschool programs, with more than 400 teachers trained and nearly 3,000 children impacted daily. Handevidt said her interest in early childhood development began long before her professional career. As the oldest of five children, she grew up helping care for younger siblings while her mother operated a family childcare program from their home. That experience sparked a lifelong interest in how children learn and develop through relation-

ships with parents, caregivers, teachers and peers. Throughout her career, Handevidt has focused on strengthening the systems that support young children, including childcare programs, educators and families. She said those experiences reinforced the importance of ensuring all children have access to high-quality learning opportunities, particularly as Minnesota continues to face racial disparities in education and child development outcomes. “We know that young children start to identify differences early on, and how adults respond to those conversations really sets the foundation for how children think about the world and see the world,” Handevidt said. YHOM Board Chair Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge said the organization’s search committee sought a leader who understood both early childhood education and the broader systems that shape children’s experience. While nonprofit leadership experience and educational expertise were important qualifications, she said the board prioritized candidates who demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion. Williams Ridge said Handevidt’s work in early childhood mental health, workforce development and communitybased education stood out during the search process. She also pointed to Handevidt’s ability to articulate a vision for expanding the organization’s reach while remaining focused on its mission. YHOM founder and outgoing leader Bill Svrluga said the organization was looking for a candidate who combined leadership experience, a deep un-

ing racial equity in early childhood settings to a garden. Just as different plants contribute unique qualities to a healthy ecosystem, she said children, families and educators bring derstanding of early childhood different strengths, experieducation and a commitment ences and perspectives into a to addressing bias through sysclassroom community. Recogtemic change. He said Handevnizing and valuing those difidt’s experience in workforce ferences, she said, helps create development, early childhood a stronger and more inclusive mental health and racial equity environment for everyone. work made her a strong fit to The organization’s proguide the organization’s next gramming is delivered through stage of growth. a cohort model in which “She’s got a passion for the groups of educators particiwork,” Svrluga said. “The inpate in a 10-week series of tersection of early childhood learning modules and discuseducation and anti-bias work sions. Rather than focusing on is central to who she is, and Arielle Handevidt Courtesy individual teachers, the model that aligned strongly with is designed to help entire prowhat we were looking for in a learning to recognize and ap- grams examine their practices preciate the experiences of and build cultures that supleader.” Under Handevidt’s leader- others. By introducing those port inclusion and belonging. ship, YHOM plans to increase ideas early, educators can help Looking ahead, both its partnerships with childcare create environments where Handevidt and Williams Ridge centers and family childcare differences are viewed as see opportunities for YHOM providers while exploring op- something positive rather than to expand its impact across portunities to collaborate with something to fear or avoid. Minnesota. Handevidt said Williams Ridge offered a she hopes more educators, colleges and universities that prepare future educators. The similar perspective, compar- families and children will gain organization also hopes to play a larger role in workforce development by supporting and advancing a more diverse early childhood workforce across Minnesota. A key part of the organization’s work involves helping educators discuss race, identity and differences in ageappropriate ways. Handevidt described one approach as the concept of “windows and mirrors.” In practice, children are encouraged to explore their own identities through activities such as self-portraits, in which they observe characteristics like skin tone, hair color and eye color. At the same time, classrooms expose children to books, images and experiences that reflect cultures and backgrounds different from their own. The goal, Handevidt said, is to help children see themselves represented while also

recalled one research participant who intentionally wore cornrows to a job interview. “If they have a problem with my hair,” Hamilton recalled the woman saying, “I don’t want to work there.” Hairstyle as self-determination For Hamilton, it was as much an act of self-definition as a hairstyle. She challenged families, educators and communities to think carefully about the messages children receive about their hair. “If you’re altering your appearance because of outside pressure,” she said, “there’s danger there.” Instead, she hopes young people learn to make choices rooted in confidence rather than conformity, a lesson that’s become deeply personal. Hamilton, now the mother of a young daughter, said she’s constantly aware of the words she uses while doing her daughter’s hair. Every night, she gives her daughter the same affirmation: “I love my hair.” For Hamilton, those four words are part of a broader vision of liberation, one in which Black children enter classrooms already believing the parts of themselves that institutions have often questioned are worthy, beautiful and enough. This article appeared first in the Sacramento Observer. It has been cut for length. For the original, visit www.theobserver. media/education/black-haireducation-agency. access to the organization’s resources, while Williams Ridge believes the nonprofit can help create spaces where conversations about bias, identity and belonging become more open and productive. Svrluga said the organization was founded on research showing that attitudes and biases begin forming during the earliest years of childhood. By working with educators, families and childcare providers, he said YHOM aims to help children develop a sense of belonging and respect for others before harmful stereotypes take root. “We really want children to see themselves and see others as important, valuable, worthy and lovable,” Handevidt said. For more information on Young Hearts Open Minds, visit www.youngheartsopenminds.org/. Alaysia Lane is a contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. She welcomes reader responses at aal7008@nyu.edu.

8 August 13 - 19, 2026

Opinion

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Engineer: From Ads YOUR VOICE MATTERS — send your opinionDevSecOps (400-600 words) to submissions@spokesman-recorder.com! COUNTY OF HENNEPIN DISTRICT COURT Plymouth, MN STATE OF MINNESOTA

IT Company seeks DevSecOps Engineer to integrate security practices into DevOps workflows, automate security checks, and ensure the safety of cloud infrastructure. Work closely with development and security teams to enhance the security posture of applications and systems. Build and Configure delivery environments by using CD/CI, Agile delivery methodologies. Create and assist in performing various types of tests. Perform troubleshooting. Generate customized reports. Offered Salary: $116,480.00 to $116,500.00/yr. SendSeawright resumes to: HRD, By Antjuan VITS Consulting Corp., 14264 23rd Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447.

FOURTH JUDICIAL

Department/MN PROBATESpokesman-Recorder MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION PHONE: 612-827-4021 NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT

While Trump says the economy FOR BILLING is booming, the reality points INQUIRIES to a Black recession & TEARSHEETS

​From Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder July 10,spiking 2025

inflation to skyrocketing insurance premiums, there is no doubt that our nation is in the grips of an affordability crisis. The layoffs are coming fast and furious, and even folks bringing home six-figure salaries are being forced to take out loans to pay for their groceries. It’s bad out there, no doubt about it. ​But let’s be honest. While the talking points and talking heads are all pointing out the recession fears and indicators, for Black America, it’s not about a future recession prediction. As National Urban League President Marc H. nessed in Los Angeles is the recruit, train and support em- Morial said just the other day, “For Black America, the recesexception. It made me think of ployees. What I witnessed during sion has already arrived.” comments Alex Karp, CEO of You want to talk about ​ Palantir, made earlier this year. the World Cup wasn’t charity Karp, who has spoken publicly or a public relations exercise. 4.2% unemployment? The about being neurodivergent, It was professionalism, ac- Black unemployment rate was said neurodivergent people countability, teamwork and 6.6% in June, while President will disproportionately shape exceptional customer service, Trump says he’s “Doing very a group of young adults rising well with the Black jobs.” America’s future. The truth is that Trump’s ​ I don’t agree with Karp on to high expectations because many issues. As a civil rights someone finally gave them war on DEI cost 300,000 Black lawyer, I have serious concerns the opportunity to meet them. women their jobs in one threeThat is the vision behind month span last year, and more about Palantir’s work and questions involving privacy LA Inclusive, our workforce than half a million Black men and surveillance. But disagree- initiative connecting neuro- lost their jobs between Noment should never prevent us divergent adults with careers vember and February. 600,000 from recognizing a good idea, in technology, hospitality Black women are out of work and on this point, I believe he’s and other industries shaping right now, so “very well” is right. Neurodivergent minds Southern California’s future. more than a little optimistic. ​Of course, it’s all heightened represent one of America’s The FIFA World Cup gave us greatest untapped competi- an extraordinary opportunity by the fact that 59% of Black tive advantages. The problem to demonstrate what’s pos- Americans don’t have the savis that recognition hasn’t yet sible, and the 2027 Super ings to get them through a layBowl and 2028 Olympic and off (compared to 40% of white translated into opportunity. Americans), and with rising prices at the gas pump, grocery “I have spent my career challenging store and more, that’s probably

The AI industry is overlooking its greatest untapped workforce By Areva Martin For nearly two decades, I have fought to change the way our society sees neurodivergent people. As a civil rights attorney, founder of Special Needs Network, business owner and mother of a son on the autism spectrum, I have spent my career challenging assumptions about what neurodivergent people cannot do. Too often, the conversation begins with deficits and ends with accommodations. I have always believed we should begin somewhere else: with talent, potential and opportunity. This summer, I watched that belief come to life. While millions focused on the FIFA World Cup, another story unfolded across Los Angeles. Through our LA Inclusive partnership with LA Metro, neurodivergent young adults staffed World Cup fan activations throughout the city, welcoming visitors, preparing meals and serving customers through our Special Flavors food truck and Sip & Scoop mobile cafe. These were not training exercises or sheltered programs. They were real jobs serving real customers during one of the world’s largest sporting events. I watched young adults remain calm under pressure, adapt when challenges arose and take genuine pride in representing their city. They weren’t asking for an opportunity to prove themselves; they were proving themselves. Unfortunately, what I wit-

assumptions about what neurodivergent people cannot do.”

Depending on the study, unemployment among autistic adults ranges from roughly 40% to as high as 85%. Black autistic adults often face even greater barriers to employment while receiving far less attention from researchers and policymakers. Employers across the country say they can’t find enough dependable, skilled workers, yet hundreds of thousands of neurodivergent adults remain excluded from meaningful careers, not because they lack talent, but because too few employers are willing to rethink how they

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Paralympic Games give us the chance to prove this model at an even greater scale. So let me end with an invitation. Alex Karp, we may continue to disagree on important issues involving civil rights, privacy and the role of powerful technology companies in our society. But that doesn’t prevent us from recognizing that we share a belief in the extraordinary potential of neurodivergent people. I invite you to visit Los Angeles, meet the young adults working through LA Inclusive, and spend time with the families who have fought not for sympathy, but for opportunity. And my invitation extends well beyond Palantir. To every technology company investing billions to shape the future of work: invest in the people who will help build it. The young adults I watched this summer don’t need to fight to be seen anymore. They’ve already won that fight. What they need now are employers with the vision to recognize what I saw, and the commitment to act on it. This op-ed appeared first in Black Press USA. It has been edited for length. For the original, visit www.blackpressusa.com/ op-ed-the-ai-industry-is-overlooking-its-greatest-untappedworkforce/. Areva Martin is a civil rights attorney, founder and president of Special Needs Network Inc., a regular legal and political commentator, and author of “The Everyday Advocate.” She is the mother of a son on the autism spectrum.

In Re: Estate of

OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Deanne Marie Hild, FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-25-934 also known as, Deanne Marie Bratton and Deanne Marie Elmquist, Deceased PLEASE CONTACT

18%. Black homeownership a whole lot worse. ACCOU N T I NG DEPT rate fell to 43.9% in the first A ​ nd that’s just to start beTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: cause when America smells half of 2025. Americans are @that BILLI NG@SPOKESNotice is given an application for informal appointment of personal represensmoke, Black America is on facing $1.25 trillion in The credit tative has beenM filed with the Registrar.DER No will.COM has been presented for probate. A N-R ECOR application been granted. fire. WhenhasAmerica has a cold, card debt, and 40% of cardBlack America has pneumonia. holders can’t pay off their debt Notice is hereby given that informal appointment of Michael Ryan Hild, whose adWhen America sees rain, Black each month. People are using DISPLAY dress is 4034EMPLOYMENT 40th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55406 as personal representative of America is running from a flood. their credit cards to pay for SIZE 2 COLdecedent, X 2 INCH the estate of the above-named has been made. Any heir, devisee or other We’ve been the canary in the the asbasic necessities interested person may be entitled PCI to appointment personal representative they or maycan RATE: $44.60 coal mine long, weofcan’t sing representative object to theso appointment the personal and the personalBut represenno longer afford. Kevin TOTAL: $178.40 tative is empowered fully administer the estate including, afterDirector 30 days fromofthethe through the blacktolung. Hassett, the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate, National Economic Council unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and and Trump’s buddy, isn’t worthe Court otherwise orders. “​Foreclosures ried all because the credit Please proof, respond withatemail confirmation to ad Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are a card companies are having spokesman-recorder.com just spiked required to present the same to said personalgreat representative year. or to the Probate Court Administrator withinBlack four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be to 18%. G ​ rocery The MSR handles billing digitally. prices soared barred. higher in April theyinvoice have This means you will get e-tears and than e-mailed homeownership in four years, and a pound of unless you specifically request a hard copy. Dated: June 24, 2025 Lindy Scanlon ground beef is more expenrate fell to 43.9% Registrar sive than the minimum wage. in the first half Oh, and while we’re at it, ​ ProSe Sara Gonsalves the Trump White House is of 2025.” District Court Administrator working to make sure the bigMinnesota Spokesman-Recorder July 10, 17, 2025 gest institutions supporting Thanks to Trump’s refusal Black businesses, the Com​ to extend the ACA healthcare munity Development Finansubsidies, insurance premi- cial Institution (CDFI) Fund ums shot through the roof, and the Minority Business Deand now nearly 57% of Black velopment Agency (MBDA), Americans can’t afford health- are things of the past. care. The Big Ugly Bill cut over ​So, let’s be honest. Recent $500 billion from hospitals headlines have white folks and other essential care fa- smelling the smoke of the cilities, along with the biggest economic crisis. But Black cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in America has been on fire for American history. Guess who more than a year. that hurts most? ​So let’s do something about it. ​Since Trump attacked Iran just two months ago, AmeriThis op-ed appeared first cans have paid a combined in The Root. For the original, $40 billion in increased gas visit https://www.theroot.com/ costs. That hurts for everyone, while-trump-says-the-econbut when the Black communi- omy-is-booming-the-realityty was already so underserved, po-2000114931. underpaid and downright ignored, it hurts even more. Antjuan Seawright is a con​Foreclosures just spiked to tributing writer for The Root.

The hidden cost of convenience By Al Riddick

considering. At the same time, I’ve While walking through worked with many individuals an airport recently, I needed and couples whose checking some cash, so I stopped at accounts routinely see tens an ATM. The person ahead of thousands of dollars flow of me had accidentally left through them each month, yet their receipt behind. Normally they’re still living paycheck to I wouldn’t give it a second paycheck. A healthy bank balthought, but one detail imme- ance on any given day doesn’t necessarily tell the whole finandiately caught my attention. cial story. Cash flow, spending They had withdrawn $60. The ATM charged them a habits, debt obligations, and savings behavior matter far $4 terminal fee. That means they paid more than a single snapshot of 6.67% just to access their own an account balance. money. As a financial wellness edu“The next time cator, I couldn’t help but think about how often we accept you encounter small fees without considera convenience ing what they’re really costing us. Four dollars may not seem fee, pause for a like much in isolation, but financial wellness is rarely won moment." or lost because of one transaction. It’s built on hundreds Another commenter made of small decisions that either strengthen or weaken our fi- a different observation. If you’re going to pay an ATM nancial position over time. Interestingly, I didn’t notice fee anyway, why not withanother detail until the fol- draw more cash? A $4 fee on a lowing day. The receipt also $500 withdrawal amounts to showed an available balance less than one percent, while the same fee on a $60 withof $19,828.27. When I shared this experi- drawal equals 6.67%. That comment reminded ence on LinkedIn, the conversation became even more in- me of a concept I once read teresting. One person pointed about called denominator out that nearly $20,000 sitting blindness. We often react in a checking account might to numbers without putting represent another missed fi- them into context. Seeing a nancial opportunity. Unless $4 fee may not seem alarmthat account earns a competi- ing until you compare it to tive interest rate, some of that the amount being withdrawn. money could potentially be Suddenly, that seemingly working harder in a high-yield small charge becomes much savings account or another more significant. Of course, the best soluappropriate investment vetion is to avoid unnecessary hicle. That observation is worth ATM fees altogether whenev-

er possible. Many banks reimburse ATM fees or belong to networks that offer fee-free withdrawals. Planning ahead by withdrawing cash before traveling can also eliminate these charges entirely. The larger lesson, however, extends well beyond ATM fees. Every day we pay for convenience. Food delivery charges. Rush shipping. Subscription services we forgot to cancel. Credit card interest because we wanted something today instead of saving for it tomorrow. None of these expenses seem devastating on their own, but together they quietly chip away at our financial progress. Financial wellness isn’t determined by how much money passes through your hands. It’s determined by how much you intentionally keep, grow, and direct toward your goals. The next time you encounter a convenience fee, pause for a moment and ask yourself one simple question: Is this convenience worth the price I’m paying? Sometimes the answer will be yes. But making that decision consciously, rather than automatically, is one of the habits that separates people who simply earn money from those who build wealth. Al Riddick is President of Game Time Budgeting, an award-winning financial fitness firm that helps employees develop simple and easy to duplicate systems for making their money behave.

FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Employment & Legals

August 13 - 19, 2026

PROBATE MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

9

spokesman-recorder.com STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Court File No: 27 – PA – PR – 26 – 910 Estate of PAMELA JOAN RESCH, A/K/A PAMELA RESCH, DECEDENT.

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (TESTATE)

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an application for the informal probate of the Decedent’s will dated March 22, 2026, has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Sydney Kjorness whose address is: 1505 – 5th Street North, Apt. #306, Hopkins, MN 55305 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. 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. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of the issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Any objections to the probate of the will or appointment of the personal representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statues section 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred Dated: July 13, 2026

Yvette M. Andrade 07/13/2026 Registrar Date

Attorney for Personal Representative: Sara Gonsalves 07/13/2026 Name: Bradley R. Janzen District Court Administrator Date Firm: Bradley R. Janzen, P.A. Street: 5419 Butternut Circle City, State, Zip: Minnetonka, MN 55343 Attorney License No.: 0049715 Telephone: 612 – 817 – 2481 Fax: 612 – 488 – 9274 Email: mnlawyer@gmail.com

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, August 6, 13, 2026

SOE

Continued from page 10

concluded its summer season last week as YHIC defeated Strictly 104-96 for the championship. The three-week league (July 11-

Aug. 5) was played three nights a week at DeLaSalle High School. “First of all, shout out to the Twin Cities program for allowing us to play and have our Park Center alums on our team. It just means a lot,” said YHIC Coach James Ware, a former Park Center

2 Columns x 9.25” High

SUMMONS

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF ANOKA Diyana B. Green,

02-CV-26-5131

PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Plaintiff,

vs.

SUMMONS

Faisal Abdulahi,

Defendant.

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Swor & Gatto, P.A. 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. I hereby acknowledge that sanctions may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. §549.211. Dated: June 22, 2026 SWOR AND GATTO, P.A. By: /s/John Paul J. Gatto John Paul J. Gatto (#0387730) Paul J. Gatto (#33741) ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 651-454-3600 jpg@sworgatto.com paulg@sworgatto.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, August 6, 13, 20, 2026

STATE OF MINNESOTA

DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

2 Columns x 12” H

Case Type: Personal Injury Court File No.: 27-CV-26-12499

Essence Michaela Bell, Plaintiff, vs.

SUMMONS

Michael Thomas Christoph, Defendants.

TO: DEFENDANT MICHAEL THOMAS CHRISTOPH: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this Summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at: 3900 Northwoods Drive, Suite 250, Arden Hills, MN 55112. 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. AARON FERGUSON LAW, PLLC

Date: June 10, 2026

By:______________________ C. Jeremy Lagasse (#396834) Attorney for Plaintiff 3900 Northwoods Drive Suite 250 Arden Hills, MN 55112 651-493-0426 jeremy@aaronfergusonlaw.com

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, July 30, August 6, 13, 2026

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

TRACEY WILLIAM S-D ILLARD CEO/Publisher

YHIC team photo with James Ware on the right Photo by Charles Hallman/MSR

WRESTLING Continued from page 10

from the mound: “I was an outfielder. I’ll put myself on the back, one of the best centerfielders in my hometown’s history,” he bragged. He quit college baseball because “a lot of the college experience ruined my love of playing the game. It kind of felt like I was playing more for this coach who wanted a winning record as opposed to me playing.” “I wanted something to do creatively and athletically. My other passion was pro wrestling,” said Bowens, who ran into a pro wrestler at a gym and asked him whether he ever thought about professional wrestling and went

on to train for his new career. He turned pro in 2016. AEW and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) are competing pro wrestling operations. The latter held its Summer Slam two weekends ago at the Vikings downtown stadium. “We consider AEW the alternative to WWE,” explained Bowens, who has been with AEW since 2020. “WWE is very much blending as much pop culture and entertainment, and there happens to be some wrestling.” However, AEW matches are hybrid style, mixing strong style, Lucha libre and technical wrestling. “If you love pro wrestling, and you love the variety of it, if you like technical wrestling,” AEW is for you, urged Bowens.

boys’ basketball coach. “I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears to these guys when they were 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 years old to move them to college (and) do their thing at Division I, Division II whatever, and then to be able to coach them. “It’s nothing more gratifying than seeing their success,” said

To the criticism that pro wrestling is mostly fake, Bowens responded, “Yes, it’s entertainment ... but at the same time, it’s very hard to do this at a very high level and not be an athlete. You have to be in intense cardiovascular shape. You have to be able to have coordination. “The physicality is very real. I don’t have an MCL. The right side of my meniscus is torn. I had to clean up my other meniscus. I’ve had multiple diagnosed concussions. Bruised nerves in my lower back. I have chronic neck pain. After a match, I feel like I’m an older gentleman who’s been through it all, and I can’t get out of bed,” Bowens pointed out. Lastly, is he a good guy or the bad guy when he wres-

Ware, who becomes Hopkins boys’ coach this season. He coached at Park Center for a decade and won the 2022 Class 4A championship. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses at challman@ spokesma-recorder.com. Copyright © Charles Hallman

tles? “I’ve been both,” said Bowens proudly. “There’s been times where I’ve been a bad guy, which I enjoy because I can pretty much do and say whatever I want. And then I’ve been a good guy, one of the biggest good guys in the company, and that’s equally as fun too. “I’m a guy who brings a lot of energy. I’m also a guy that can bring that very physical, aggressive energy, hop out of the ring, look you in the face, give you a smile, give you a hug and thank you for coming,” concluded Bowens. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses at challman@ spokesma-recorder.com.

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From Sweet Syl to Coach Syl: Fowles begins new chapter with the Fire here are nearly 20 former WNBA players now serving as assistant coaches this season. This includes multi-time Hall of Famer Sylvia Fowles in her first season with the expansion Portland Fire. “It’s been everything I could have expected,” said Sweet Syl, now Coach Syl on her first time on the sidelines. After a 14-year storied W career, including two championships during her seven seasons at Minnesota (2015-22), Fowles recently spoke to reporters prior to the July 15th Portland-Lynx contest -- we briefly joked beforehand that I should have kept the tapes where she repeatedly said no to coaching after her playing career concluded. Fowles smiled as she told us what drew her to the Pacific Northwest: “My general manager Vanja Cernivec spoke some really good things to me … on the things that we were trying to do in Portland,

what my legacy should be,” reaffirmed Fowles, whose postplaying career was to become a mortician and own her own funeral home. “This is home at heart forever, and I’m just happy to have the Hall of Fame and my jersey hanging up in these rafters alongside with a lot of great players up there already.”

“Minnesota is definitely that stepping stool of what I needed to put a stamp on what my legacy should be.” The first-year assistant coach stressed that she doesn’t have time to reminisce of her greatness to the Fire players. “It’s all day-to-day basketball stuff,” she continued, “but it’s just a different approach of how we do that and being Bruce Smith Photos by Charles Hallman/MSR Sylvia Fowles very intentional. I think we and how we wanted to treat bigs in pro basketball, who trade to Minnesota halfway have a good group of young our young women that come ruled the paint like own- through the 2015 season. women that’s eager to learn, through the organization, and ing a Picasso. First drafted She then cemented her place that want to learn, suck up a I was in for it,” recalled the W by Chicago in 2008, Fowles in W history with the Lynx. lot of information. So, I think “Minnesota is definitely I’m in the right place.” legend. later made headlines by not The 6-6 Fowles perhaps re-signing with the Sky and that stepping stool of what It’s now chapter two for is the last of the true great sat out to force a three-team I needed to put a stamp on Sweet Syl, whose reputation

AEW’s Anthony Bowens on diversity, physicality and his path to wrestling

ANOTHER

VIEW Charles Hallman

By Charles Hallman Sports columnist

Sports Columnist

nthony Bowens is among All Elite Wrestling (AEW) leading stars. He was on the five-match card on the July 10 first-ever “Brawl in the Ballpark” after the Twins-Los Angeles Angels game. It also was my first-ever baseball-wrestling doubleheader. Bowens also is my first-ever pro wrestler interview. We talked at the Twins ballpark after he threw the ceremonial first pitch before the July 9 Twins-Cleveland game, the day before his scheduled match with Hook (Tyler Senerchia) and Action Andretti (Tyler Reber) vs. Komander & Top Flight (brothers Darius and Dante Martin of Minneapolis, and manager Leila Grey, the first Dominican woman to sign with AEW). AEW is very diverse, says Bowens. He and Anthony Bowens at “Brawl in the Ballpark” at Target Field. the Martin brothers are Black. “I think AEW has one of the most diverse or most elite and diverse rosters in the world,” stressed Bowens. “We have the first Black world heavyweight champion, Swerve Shane Strickland, won two years ago. He’s won it twice. “The roster from all types of nationalities from Black to Japanese to Islander. I’m also part of the LGBTQ plus community. The first trans woman to win a women’s title, Sonny Kiss. A melting pot of wrestling styles, and it’s very inclusive. It’s an environment where I’ve never had to worry about anybody.” The New Jersey-born Bowens first played baseball for 11 years, including two college seasons each at Montclair State and Seton Hall. The 5-10 Bowens was a natural when he threw Anthony Bowens Photos by Charles Hallman/MSR ■ See WRESTLING on page 9

for giving to her teammates and the community is continuing in the Pacific Northwest, and she loves it. “I think the love for the game, and also feeling like you want to contribute,” surmised Fowles. “I really did do some good things, and so hopefully I can sit back once it’s all set and done, and be like, ‘Dang, I really was a good coach.’” Twin Cities summer basketball leagues crown their 2026 champions Two local summer leagues are now in the books. The YWCA Women’s Summer Basketball League: College/A League is one of the few in the Twin Cities just for women. It ran on Wednesday night from June 2 through July 22 at the Minneapolis Sports Center on Lake Street on the South Side. “I feel proud because this is the most teams that we’ve had in the past few years,” said Director Bruce Smith. “This summer we had, I think roughly 25, 26 teams. Next year our goal is to get around 30. My goal is to do two nights a week and actually have a championship game at the Target Center.” Across town, the Twin Cities Pro-Am Summer League ■ See SOE on page 9

Fear strikes again: the manufactured panic over transgender athletes

First in a series lease turn off the alarms. Chicken Little is crowing like a crazy rooster that transgender athletes will take over the women’s sports world. The latest fearmongering and spreading misinformation from the White House through sports media, social media vultures and others high and low lately is at a fever pitch. “Transgender” is an umbrella term popularized over the past three decades that encompasses people who, for one reason or another, don’t identify with the gender they were born with or the one they were assigned at birth. It doesn’t necessarily mean the person has had surgery or taken hormones.

Threads An IOC 2024 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that transgender women athletes may actually have several physical disadvantages when competing. Some of the study’s key findings include: 1. Transgender women performed worse than cisgender women in tests measuring lower-body strength 2. Transgender women performed worse than cisgender women in tests measuring lung function Furthermore: Trans people make up 1-2% of the U.S. population,

Ellen Staurowsky

Courtesy

■ See VIEW on page 5

Fab Five Photos - Twin Cities Pro Am championship

Sports Columnist

his week’s Fab Five photos features images from the Twin Cities Pro Am championship game in which YHIC defeated Strictly 104100 before a capacity crowd at

Quinton Hooker Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

DeLaSalle High School. Photos include: (1) James Ware – former Hopkins player and head boys basketball coach who led YHIC; (2) Quinton

Lu’Cye Patterson

Hooker -- former Park Center, University of North Dakota star and YHIC player; (3) Joshua Brown -- former Park Center and University of Minnesota Duluth standout who also played

Joshua Ola-Joseph

for YHIC; (4) Lu’Cye Patterson -former Minnesota Prep and University of Minnesota point guard who led Strictly; and (5) Joshua Ola-Joseph – former Osseo, University of Minnesota and most

Joshua Brow

recently Loyola University Chicago player who also led Strictly. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

James War