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THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934 March 12 - 18, 2026

Vol. 92

No. 32

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Status of Women & Single mothers shine at Girls in Minnesota Jeremiah Program’s SummitX HIGHLIGHTS

By Anya Armentrout Contributing Writer

$1 million for Black, Latina, and Native American women. On Wednesday, March 4, omen in Min- the Women’s Foundation of nesota still face Minnesota (WFM) highlighted persistent pay these trends at a press cond i s p a r i t i e s , ference at the State Capitol with the average woman earning Building, unveiling the 2026 just 81 cents for every dollar “Status of Women & Girls in earned by a man, figures un- Minnesota” report. The bianchanged since 2016. The gap nual study, the most comprehensive of its kind since 2009, helps guide public policy and public/private partnerships across the state. Minnesota ranks as the second-best state in the nation for women’s representation in the workplace, with 51 percent of jobs held by women. But researchers warn that these numbers mask deeper inequalities. “Wages relate to the here and now, but if you aggregate over years and decades and generations, the disparities in wealth are massive,” Minnesota Department Long-time journalist and re- of Employment and Economic cently appointed Vice President Development Commissioner of Communications & Strategic Matt Varileck said. “It is a fact that women, Initiatives of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, Rox- when in power, will more often center the community, cenanne Battle. Anya Armentrout/MSR ter children, center our next generation and center what’s is even wider for women of best for the collective good,” color: Black women make 61 Senator Alice Mann (D-50) cents, Asian American women added. “Women are less likely 72 cents, Hmong women 59 to prioritize personal financial cents, and Somali women 58 gains or uphold unfair power cents for every dollar earned structures, and yet we are still by white men. Over a 40- fighting to be in the room.” Even when accounting for year career, these disparities can cost women hundreds of different career paths, there is ■ See WOMEN on page 5 thousands of dollars, and over

METRO:

Good riddance to Kristi Noem

Mothers create self-care items with local business Kobi Co. during the kickoff of the 2026 Jeremiah Program SummitX at the Minneapolis campus, fostering connection, creativity, and community. Photo courtesy of the Jeremiah Program, Minneapolis Campus By Jasmine McBride Editor n a chilly March morning, mothers fill the halls of the Minneapolis Jeremiah Program campus, a space where the hum of young children, laughter, and purposeful conversation signals more than just community. It is a place of transformation, where single mothers invest in themselves and their children, rewriting their family’s story. Raevhann Rush, Family Services Director at Jeremiah Program, describes the draw of the program in simple terms: “My personal values are social justice and mental health, and the ability for not only an individual

but a family unit to thrive and have generational well-being and healing,” she says. “I was really drawn to the Jeremiah Program because of that twogenerational focus, where both mother and children can thrive. Disrupting forms of poverty is a component of social justice. Women in this country have the highest rates of poverty, and women of color even higher. Being part of a vehicle that helps mitigate generational poverty and move toward thriving and transformation is what keeps me here.” The Minneapolis campus houses 39 fully furnished units across three floors, with communal spaces and a small gym. Twenty to 25 partici-

pants live off-campus but are invited to join campus activities and access resources, including the Child Development Center, which serves children from six weeks old through kindergarten. “Education is key,” Rush says. “You need housing to thrive, you need quality child care to feel freedom and the ability to concentrate on yourself as a mother. That’s what we provide, along with opportunities for personal growth and community.” To join the program, mothers participate in a 12-week Empowerment and Leadership course, available online and connecting participants across ■ See JEREMIAH on page 5

Nellie Stone Johnson’s vision lives on through unions, professors and scholarships By Damenica Ellis Staff Writer ellie Stone Johnson broke glass ceilings as a Black civil rights activist in Minnesota, fighting for labor workers and championing the power of education. Though she passed in 2002 at the age of 96, her vision continues to shape communities today. A friend and colleague, Tamrat Tademe, a professor at St. Cloud State University, said Johnson’s legacy lives on through labor unions, the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship, and individuals inspired by her work. “We all have a piece of Nellie in us … when I get up in the morning and I go and place money for the scholarship, go teach a class, what inspires me is what Nellie stood for,” Tademe said. “We internalize her vision and we try to do what is right within our limited capacity.” Tademe first met Johnson when she was appointed trustee of the Minnesota State University system, the Interim Higher Education Board, and

“She was very excited about Minnesota State Colleges and Universities by the governor. fusing labor with education,” Over time, Tademe came to Tademe said. “She built proview Johnson as a teacher, grams to take young brothers and the two spoke nearly ev- and sisters off the street and educate them with skills.” ery day. Johnson believed that eduJohnson’s father, Tademe said, instilled in her the value cation that ignored the value of labor and farmers’ rights. of labor or the power of workDuring the Great Depression, ing people was incomplete. “She wanted young people he helped feed those in need, demonstrating the impor- to have skills; she wanted tance of work and community. them to be educated,” Tademe “So here [Johnson] is in Min- said. Her 1995 commencenesota as a farmer, and we ment speech at St. Cloud don’t associate Black people State University reflected this with farming because of the philosophy: “The greatest tool you have stereotype of Black people bebeen given is vision…you have ing only urban,” Tademe said. Johnson became a key always had a vision. A vision founder of the Minnesota through education has been Democratic-Farmer-Labor honed, focused. This vision, however, means nothing un(DFL) Party in 1944. “The mark of the DFL vision less it is pursued, followed, is all over Minnesota, whether turned into action. Yes, your it’s commitment to education visions include economic seor a clean environment,” Ta- curity for family, success for deme said. “Nellie combined yourself. But this is hollow the best of farming, revolu- unless you strive to realize tionary politics of empower- a shared vision for the coming farmers and laborers, and munity in which we live. You she became an amazing labor cannot be an educated island of people. You must and will organizer.” Education was equally cen- interact with society and all its peoples.” tral to Johnson’s vision.

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Minnesota activists celebrated the firing of Kristi Noem but warned the fight for accountability continues and criticized her replacement, Markwayne Mullin.

METRO:

Sister Spokesman

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Black women write and publish their stories

BUSINESS:

Black Business Kobi Co.

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Kobi Gregory and her mother, Tasha Harris, founded Kobi Co., a Minneapolis candle and wellness brand born from Gregory’s self-care hobby.

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EDUCATION:

Examining lives of enslaved people

Historian Lissette Acosta Corniel spoke at Macalester College about her research uncovering overlooked stories of enslaved people in Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico.

Nellie Stone Johnson, Minnesota civil rights activist and labor organizer, whose legacy lives on through scholarships, unions, and community leaders. Public Domain Tademe said Johnson’s ability to collaborate across racial lines set her apart. “She was not sectarian,” he said. “Nellie did not say, ‘I’ll work with you only if you’re

Black.’ Nellie’s color was principle.” She also demanded to be heard in the face of gender and racial barriers. ■ See NELLIE on page 5

2 March 12 - 18, 2026

Metro

spokesman-recorder.com

Minnesota activists say good riddance to Kristi Noem, say the fight is still ongoing By Izzy Canizares Contributing Writer

for the job due to both his lack of qualifications and his behavior during Senate meetings. “There's a viral video about him where he, as a senator, calls out a witness and is telling him, ‘Let's square up in a fight,’” Hussein said. “This is someone who does not belong in a secretary role, especially at the level of protecting American citizens from harm.” Much like Noem, Mullin has no former military, law enforcement, or national security experience, which is rare for the position of DHS secretary. While Noem was formerly the governor of South Dakota, activists say the continued pattern of having unqualified people at the helm of DHS is Kristi Noem faces criticism from Minnesota activists following her removal from the Depart- a major issue. “The majority of previous ment of Homeland Security, a move they say came after months of public pressure. Douliery Olivier/Abaca/ZUMA DHS leaders do have some type of law enforcement Justice for her involvement eral Pam Bondi, who shared levied against people in the background or a military backin the Cities Church protest. an AI-generated photo of state of Minnesota. I am unde- ground or something that brate,” Armstrong said. “I know According to DOJ records, Armstrong only hours after terred by these childish antics.” qualifies them for the position, President Donald Trump an- not to mention an advanced that some people are wor- thirty-nine people have been she was arrested. Armstrong ried about the next appointee arrested in connection with called the behavior from DHS nounced Noem’s transfer to a degree or a law degree,” Armof the Trump administration the protest that called out and Kristi Noem “despicable newly created role as Special strong said. “Kristi Noem had Envoy for the Shield of the a bachelor's degree. Beyond to oversee the Department David Easterwood, the head and disgusting.” “It shows that she lacks cred- Americas on Truth Social, and that, she was not qualified for of Homeland Security, and pastor of the church who also there's good reason to be wor- acts as the Field Director of ibility, and it shows that she is nominated Oklahoma Sena- the position, which, on some ried about the next appointee, ICE in Minnesota. People tar- comfortable engaging in bully- tor and former MMA fighter level, is hilarious because of because many of us feel that geted in these arrests include ing when she thinks that she's Markwayne Mullin as her re- all the attacks against diverall of the cabinet members, or veteran William Kelly, activist more powerful,” Armstrong placement. He would take her sity, equity, and inclusion.” at least the vast majority, are Chauntyll Allen, and indepen- said. “What you've seen from place as head of the departme is continuing to stand tall ment at the end of the month. corrupt in one way or another.” dent journalist Georgia Fort. Izzy Canizares is a freelance Armstrong was one of the Armstrong was one of the and firm in the spirit of my However, activists remain on journalist and contributing writprotesters arrested and tar- people targeted by Noem’s ancestors and fighting back edge about this appointment, er for the Minnesota Spokesgeted by the Department of DHS and U.S. Attorney Gen- against the evil that has been calling Noem’s successor unfit man-Recorder.

der fire in Congress this week, where multiple senators and congressmen grilled her over The news of Kristi Noem her leadership of DHS and being fired from her position how authorities targeted and as Secretary of the Depart- harassed people while in Minment of Homeland Security nesota. Civil rights activists was, unsurprisingly, met with say that the straw that broke celebration from a majority the camel's back was both Noof people in the country. City em’s actions in Minnesota and activists, including Dr. Nekima the community response that Levy Armstrong held a press has called for her resignation conference March 6, where for the past four months. “That wouldn't have hapthey welcomed Noem’s firing as a victory for protesters in pened without the people of Minnesota and warned that Minnesota rising up. And so, yes, this is a moment to celethe fight is not over.

"She was not qualified for the position." “What we saw here in Minnesota was a tragedy,” Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR Minnesota, said during the press conference held at the Minneapolis federal courthouse. “That tragedy continues today because of the fact that the justice system in this country under this administration has failed to uphold any serious level of accountability for the officers who have targeted our community.” Noem recently came un-

“Her Story” encourages Black women to write and publish their stories By Damenica Ellis Staff Writer

games, food, vendors, and a panel discussion. During the panel, Reverend March 7, Andria Daniel’s Dr. Mary Whitney and Rekhet mom called her early in the Si-Asar spoke with Tracey morning and told her she Williams-Dillard, host of the should write a book, a sugges- event and CEO and publisher tion she had been making for of the Minnesota Spokesman10 years. Daniel said she finally Recorder. found the encouragement she needed to move forward with the idea at “Her Story,” Sister Spokesman’s March event. “Coming today gave me the motivation that I needed, just starting out,” Daniel said. Si-Asar, executive direcWith fresh snow on the ground, women trickled into tor of In Black Ink, discussed the Hallie Q. Brown Commu- the publishing arts company, nity Center. Her Story, created which helps people collect to uplift African American the stories of Black Minnesowomen authors in Minnesota tans alongside Black editors, and introduce community layout artists, writers, and ilmembers to ways to publish lustrators. “One of the things I think and tell their stories, featured

was really useful is for our community to see that Black people are actually collecting, archiving, telling their own stories and authoring it themselves because a lot of time we share our stories through others or tell it to someone else,” she said.

“Coming today gave me the motivation that I needed, just starting out.” The panel also highlighted the importance of writing itself. Writing needs to be a cultural practice, Si-Asar said, serving as an alternative form of expression. “Just living our lives is difficult and a lot of us don't have reflective processes… when I

(L–R) Rekhet Si-Asar, Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, and Reverend Dr. Mary Whitney speak during the Her Story panel on writing and publishing for Black women.

was a young girl writing was that for me,” she said. Writing can help you check in with yourself and express what you are feeling and seeing without saying it aloud. Part of making writing a ritual begins with parents, she added. It’s important for them to instill writing habits in their children. “They need to tell their own stories, tell our stories,” she said. Whitney, who has authored five books, offered advice on self-publishing. She began writing as a way to express her anger and lived experiences. “When you first start writAttendees at Her Story, hosted by Sister Spokesman, gather at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center to learn about writing, publishing, and sharing the stories of Black women in Minnesota. ing you're telling your story Photos courtesy of Emmanuel Duncan/MSR and telling too much,” she said.

Whitney also encouraged attendees to upload their work to the Library of Congress to protect it and to take advantage of new technology. Si-Asar added that even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you can record your thoughts or ask elders to share their stories. Daniel, attending her first Sister Spokesman event postCOVID, said it was inspiring to see so many positive Black women gathered in one space. “I am not a writer by any means,” she said, “but the programming has pushed me a step closer to the book I am working toward.” She said the tips about

recording herself and emailing ideas to start collecting events, feelings, and reflections were especially helpful. At the close of the event, Daniel encouraged everyone to take the next step in telling their story. “Now’s the time, tomorrow is not guaranteed,” she said. For April’s Sister Spokesman event, “The Earth Bounces Back and So Do I,” visit https:// spokesman-recorder.com/sister-spokesman/. The event will be conducted in collaboration with Bachman’s Floral. Damenica Ellis welcomes reader responses at dellis@ spokesman-recorder.com.

spokesman-recorder.com

March 12 - 18, 2026

Metro

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Minneapolis renters seek more time as council weighs eviction change By Clint Combs Contributing Writer Tenants behind on rent in Minneapolis are asking for more time to pay their landlords after a record deployment of federal immigration agents forced thousands of renters to shelter in place. On Thursday, March 5, the Minneapolis City Council voted 7–5 to pass an ordinance extending the Rental Pre-Eviction Notification Ordinance to 60 days. Council Members Aurin Chowdhury, Aisha Chughtai, Elliott Payne, Robin Wonsley, Jamal Osman, Soren Stevenson and Jason Chavez voted to extend the notification period. Council Members Michael Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Pearll Warren, Linea Palmisano and Elizabeth Shaffer voted against the measure. Council Member Jamison Whiting abstained. The current rule, which took effect last year, requires landlords to give renters 30 days’ written notice before filing an eviction complaint in housing court. Advocates say that window, once just 14 days, is no longer sufficient in the wake of Operation Metro Surge. Chavez and Osman expressed concern that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey may veto the measure. “It’s going to be very sad to see that our neighbors across the river are going to have protections in place,” Chavez said. “But right here, we’re barely able to pass this, and then we’re going to be facing the looming veto of the mayor.” The mayor has five days to sign or veto the ordinance. Osman said he has heard similar concerns. “I’m really hearing rumors

said receiving an eviction notice left her overwhelmed. “I was blindsided,” Alton said. “Reading it, the language was foreign. I didn’t understand it and suddenly I was faced with court.” Complicated by mental health challenges, she said she struggled to respond quickly. “I lay in bed for three days,” she said. When she began seeking help, she encountered delays. “You get answering machines, answering machines and answering machines,” AlSpeakers wait in line in an overflow room at City Hall to watch committee members debate ton said. “They say they’ll call extending the pre-eviction filing notice from 30 days to 60 days Clint Combs/MSR back in two or three days. That alone can take a week.” that he might veto it,” Osman said. The mayor’s office signaled skepticism about the measure but stopped short of saying whether Frey will sign it. “Mayor Frey believes the most effective solution is a targeted one, which is why we’re working to get the $1 million we recently approved out quickly to help our neighbors,” the mayor’s office said in a statement. “Eviction moratoriums or notice extensions are a blunt measure, and the mayor will be weighing information from experts over the next several days to decide whether it helps or hinders our city.” Some landlords opposed the ordinance. John Wall, a Minneapolis landlord and co-owner of apartments near the University of Minnesota, said delaying eviction filings would not solve underlying financial problems for tenants. “If tenants are unable to pay now, it is unlikely their situation will substantially improve in two months, making the moratorium a delay rather

than a solution,” Wall said. But dozens of renters and advocates urged council members to approve the extension. Kadirjah Warsama, a small business owner at Karmel Mall, the city’s largest East African shopping center, said many businesses are already 90 days behind on rent, have maxed out credit cards and tapped into children’s tuition funds to stay afloat. “We are asking you… 30 days is not enough time to apply for rental assistance,” Warsama said through a translator. “We need 60 days, and even that is a bare minimum.” She said fear of immigration enforcement has dramatically reduced the mall’s customer traffic. “There are over 700 businesses that are now not able to pay their rent because people are afraid to go and shop,” Warsama said. “Now Eid is coming, and a lot of those businesses are going to be locked out. This has been affecting the Somali American communities.”

Twin Cities Tenant Union organizer Mina Bravan said the group recently voted against authorizing a rent strike after determining organizers had not secured enough pledges to sustain one. “We have 621 strike pledges. This is far short of our goal,” Bravan said. “Attempting to reach 10,000 pledges in less than two weeks was ambitious, but we still felt it was worth it.” Even so, Bravan said the threat of a strike prompted action from officials. Gov. Tim Walz’s office contacted labor partners the day the campaign was announced, and Frey’s office reached out the following day. At the Legislature, a $50 million rental assistance proposal failed in a House committee, but a $75 million companion bill advanced out of the Senate Housing Committee. Minneapolis committed $1 million and St. Paul roughly $2.8 million in emergency rental assistance last month. Mary Alton, a longtime Minneapolis renter awaiting a Social Security determination,

“Even one eviction filing, regardless of the outcome, can follow a tenant for years and shut them out of future housing.”

demic. Researchers say the estimates may still undercount the impact because they do not include workers whose hours were reduced or whose workplaces closed. Eviction filings are already rising. Statewide, more than 4,300 cases were filed in the first two months of the year. Minneapolis recorded 435 filings in January and 413 in February as of Feb. 27. “Even one eviction filing, regardless of the outcome, can follow a tenant for years and shut them out of future housing,” Zarik said. Housing advocates say a longer notice period could help tenants gather rental assistance and avoid court altogether. “Expanding pre-eviction notices to at least 60 days will allow families time to gather the funds they need to pay rent and satisfy their landlords,” said Jessica Szuminski, a policy attorney at the Housing Justice Center. Not everyone agrees. In a joint letter, representatives from the Twin Cities Housing Alliance, Agate Housing and Catholic Charities warned that longer filing periods could push renters deeper into debt. “Our experience suggests that longer eviction filing periods often result in renters who have missed payments getting further behind,” said Ben Helvick Anderson, vice president of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. The St. Paul City Council is expected to consider a similar ordinance March 11, with a possible vote scheduled for March 18.

Jess Zarik, co-executive director of HOMELINE, which provides free legal advice to Minnesota renters, said the scale of need is unprecedented. “Families need money now, but relief funds, whether through mutual aid or city allocations, take time to move,” Zarik said. “The scale of need far exceeds what communities alone can cover.” Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs estimate that 30% to 50% of atrisk renters, defined as foreignborn households earning under $75,000 annually, are at least one month behind on rent. HOMELINE’s Spanish 211 hotline has seen a “15-fold” spike in calls, surpassing levClint Combs welcomes readels recorded during the early er responses at comjbs0284@ months of the COVID-19 pan- gmail.com.

Activists push to repeal Minnesota anti-boycott law, citing First Amendment concerns By Izzy Canizares Contributing Writer Activists gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 5 to call for the repeal of state “anti-boycott” laws they say violate residents’ First Amendment rights. Members of the Free Speech Coalition held a morning press conference while lobbying legislators to support two bills that would repeal the laws. The coalition, composed of more than 35 statewide organizations, is backing Senate File 3356 and House File 3258 with the support of Sen. Sandy Pappas and Rep. Kristi Purcell. The bills would repeal a 2017 Minnesota law that bars businesses earning more than $50,000 from boycotting Israeli products or companies if they want to contract with the state. “What we are pushing for is for these bills to go into law before the end of the current session. This is the first time in years we’ve had bills in both the House and Senate,” Free Speech Coalition member Bob Goonin said. “We’ve just seen broad crackdowns on protesters, all of which we believe are a violation of the Constitution. And, likewise,

these anti-boycott bills are a violation of people’s constitutional right to free speech.” Activists argue that boycotts have long played a role in American political expression. One well-known example was the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted more than a year and ended with a Supreme Court decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. More recently, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has called for boycotts of Israeli businesses and products in protest of Israeli government policies. “The Anti-Boycott laws punish those refusing to relinquish their constitutional right to boycott anyone, including Israel and companies doing business in Israel, by withholding state contracts,” the coalition said in a media release. “The Supreme Court has ruled that boycotts are constitutionally protected free speech. State legislators have condemned the federal trampling of Minnesotans’ constitutional rights, while at the same time refusing to exercise their authority to overturn state-level violations of our constitutional right to boycott.” The coalition also argues that the law’s origins raise

Rep. Kristi Purcell speaks at a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 5 in support of legislation to repeal Minnesota’s anti-boycott law. Activists and members of the Free Speech Coalition gathered to urge lawmakers to pass companion bills in the House and Senate. Izzy Canizares/MSR constitutional concerns. Activists say the legislation was written with the involvement of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a national conservative policy organization. Supporters of repeal point to the NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware Co. decision, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that political boycotts are protected under the First Amendment. “Why is this law, which I believe infringes on the free speech right in Minnesota, al-

lowed to stand? The Attorney General has told us the legislature has to request an opinion from his office on the constitutionality of the law,” Free Speech Coalition member Angel Dobrow said during the press conference. “Some have told us the special relationship between Israel and the United States is unbreakable.” Pappas originally introduced SF 3356 in 2025, along with Purcell’s companion bill, HF 3258. The legislation was introduced too late in the session to receive hearings, but

“The reason why I am so honored to be the co-author of this bill is that it would repeal something very undemocratic, scary, and unconstitutional.”

Pappas has said she is personally motivated to repeal the law after voting in favor of the original measure in 2017, a decision she has described as one she regrets. “The reason why I am so honored to be the co-author of this bill is that it would repeal something very undemocratic, scary, and unconstitutional,” Purcell said during the press conference. “For me, it was a no-brainer. The world landscape has changed, especially here in Minnesota. I see boycotts as a tool. We live in capitalism, and so sometimes how we boycott and how we spend our dollars is a way to spread our message.” Coalition members spent the day meeting with legislators at the Capitol in an effort to build support for the bills, describing the issue as one that goes beyond partisan politics. “Regardless of your thoughts or perspective on Israel, this isn’t about that,” Goonin said. “It’s about people’s ability to boycott whatever, whomever they want to, as their First Amendment right.”

Izzy Canizares is a freelance coalition members say they hope the bills will move for- journalist and contributing writward during the current legis- er for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. lative session.

4 March 12 - 18, 2026

Business A self-care ritual grows into a Kobi mother-daughter candle and wellness business Co..

spokesman-recorder.com

Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Damenica Ellis Staff Writer In 2020, a couple of months before the COVID-19 pandemic, high school junior Kobi Gregory began raising money to attend an annual HBCU college tour. She wanted to earn funds without working in fast food or retail, so she turned her self-care ritual into a business. Before quarantine began, Gregory was able to sell her homemade candles at a popup shop, where she received feedback from customers. Once quarantine halted daily life, and the college tour, the business continued to develop. Gregory and her mother, Tasha Harris, founded Kobi Co. Harris had recently stepped away from a 28-year career in corporate banking and finance. Now the candle and wellness brand, created by and for people who love self-care, Gregory said, has been operating for six years. The store opened in its cozy space in downtown Minneapolis three years ago.

Kobi Co. sells an array of soy candles, each coming with its own personalized playlist to set the tone, along with other self-care products. Also offering hands-on experiences, Kobi Co. hosts and facilitates candle-making and sugar scrub-making classes in its intimate space and offsite. Individuals, groups, and parties have the opportunity to create their own products with step-by-step instructions. Candle-making classes provide a holistic time to relax, with people deciding their scents, decorating their candle, creating their own playlist for the candle, and also taking time for journaling and reflective, fun card games.

“I feel like we really proved to ourselves that we can do this,” A portion of the business’ proceeds goes to a scholarship for BIPOC women seeking higher education and is donated to families impacted by police violence and gun violence.

ness. Kobi, she's the creative, she's production, she's storytelling and the best decisions that we've made usually happen when structure meets her good instinct.” “I feel like we really proved soon vocalized her passion for to ourselves that we can do creativity and how she saw this,” Gregory said. “We’re a the business evolving. strong team, especially to“I had to really have faith gether.” in what she was doing and It has also been an amazing give her the opportunities to experience as Harris sees she have her voice heard,” Harris can step back, she said. said. “Man, she contributes “She can do it by herself. I so many amazing ideas and don't have to be in the store… the way the business is set up So I can work from home and and how it runs and how we know that she's holding the present ourselves, she has so store down, and that's a great much input into it and all the feeling.” great ideas that I have to really Kobi Co. is open to the lean on her and respect where public Wednesday to Saturday she's coming from.” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Respecting each other's Sunday starting at 2 p.m. strengths has gotten the duo to this point, Gregory said. Learn more or book a candleHarris agrees. or sugar-scrub-making class at: “Data and intuition work https://www.lovekobico.com/. Tasha Harris and Kobi Gregory of Kobi Co. discuss their mother-daughter, Black-owned business and the values that guide together,” she said. “I natuDamenica Ellis welcomes their work. Courtesy photos rally lead because of my background in the operational and reader responses at dellis@ financial strategy for the busi- spokesman-recorder.com. Running the business has partners and family. come with lots of learning “In the beginning of things, for Gregory as she has grown we really tried to just be strictfrom a high school student ly business partners and try to with an idea into a co-owner. separate ourselves from the “There are so many facets to mother-daughter relationship owning a business that kind so we can get to the business,” of get into and learn some- Gregory said. “But I feel like thing new everyday,” Gregory our relationship and our busisaid. “We're always learning, ness partnership has flown we're always evolving. I feel and it's coming to harmony.” like we were blessed from the The mother of the pair is start because my mom had fired at least once a month, so much business experience Harris said jokingly, though it previously.” used to be more frequent. Running a business togethAt first Harris found herself er also meant learning how taking the lead because of her Tasha Harris leads Kobi Co. candlemaking class for bride-toto balance their roles as both work experience, but Gregory be and group.

New teen center ‘The Wood’ opens in Brooklyn Park

founded by former Minnesota reach their full potential by Vikings wide receiver Adam giving them resources and Thielen and his wife Caitlin, opportunities. And this space first became aware of the does exactly that, especially teen center project through now seeing it come to life,” Marcus Hill. The two previ- said Thielen. “Sometimes resources and ously attended Minnesota By Aamira Redd State University, Mankato, opportunities limit where a Contributing Writer where Hill played basketball kid can go and this creates while Thielen played football. those opportunities.” The Wood, the long-awaitThielen said their long-standed new teen center in Brooking connection and Hill’s paslyn Park, has officially opened “Sometimes sion for youth development its doors. On Monday, March played a major role in the resources and 2, city officials, community foundation’s involvement. opportunities limit leaders, and staff celebrated “Seeing the work (Marcus) where a kid can go the new space with a ribbondoes, the impact he makes in cutting ceremony, marking and this creates kids' lives, was what brought the beginning of a new hub us to this project. Obviously those opportunities.” designed to give teens and his passion and energy for the young adults opportunities to youth is exactly the type of build skills, explore their interpeople we want to align with,” The official grand opening ests, and create connections. said Thielen. for The Wood is set for April “Today we now stand in Founded in 2018, the Thiel- 2026. For more information, space that we can call our en Foundation aims to create visit www.brooklynpark.org/ own,” said Tashawna Williams, Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies J. Winston cuts the ribbon during a ceremony celebrating the opportunities for underserved legislative-priorities/teenthe arts and engagement spe- opening of the new teen center at the Zanewood Recreation Center. youth in the Upper Midwest, center-project/. cialist at Zanewood, during Photo courtesy of the Zanewood Recreation Center. according to the foundation’s Monday’s ceremony. website. Aamira Redd is a freelance For more than 20 years, the than 60% of the funding for to our fire to our police to our “(The Wood) was a vision journalist and contributing writThe Thielen Foundation youth of Brooklyn Park have The Wood came through part- newly named public works. gives back in a big way that was right in line with our er for the Minnesota Spokesrelied on the Zanewood Rec- nerships and grants, including Every department honestly The Thielen Foundation, foundation, helping youth man-Recorder. reation Center as a safe space. a Best Buy grant that helped had a hand in this project. It Described as a “home away fund a teen lab, as well as really is a true beacon of the from home” by parks and fa- support from the Minnesota collaboration that goes on From now until July 31, 2026, get cilities manager Marcus Hill, Department of Education and within our city staff,” said the space simply did not meet the Hennepin County Youth recreation and parks director $500 off of closing costs the demand for the number of Facilities Grant. Brad Tullberg. on your mortgage loan!* kids coming to the center. Brooklyn Park Mayor HolCreating a safe space for “The space was significantly Brooklyn Park youth lies J. Winston took a moment small, we didn't have a gym, The expansion adds several to acknowledge that the comwe didn't have dedicated pro- new amenities, including the munity surrounding the Zanegram spaces, and truly we just city’s first city-owned indoor wood Center has often gone outgrew the space,” said Hill. gym, a dedicated art space, a uncredited for its beauty, inHowever, in 2018, as part workforce development area, telligence, and strength. of a park bond referendum and a teen gaming lounge. “Brooklyn Park is incredibly that asked Brooklyn Park resi- The 27,000-square-foot addi- important as a city, but this dents where they would like tion will triple the size of the area where we are right now to see facility upgrades, the existing 9,000-square-foot has not always got the credit Zanewood Recreation Center Zanewood Center. that it deserves as an imporwas included on the list. The At Monday’s event, city tant neighborhood for what Talk to a mortgage lender today to get started: city council approved a $2 mil- leaders emphasized the col- we do in Brooklyn Park. And sunrisebanks.com/mortgage lion budget to add improve- laboration that went into so I want people to know that ments to the center, but the bringing The Wood to life. this isn't the first investment COVID-19 pandemic put a Brad Tullberg, Brooklyn Park’s that we're going to make in pause on those plans, as many recreation and parks director, this area. We're going to make funds were allocated else- said nearly every city depart- investments throughout. But I where instead of recreation ment played a role. *$500 off Closing Costs offer is valid for applications submitted for Conventional first lien want folks to know we're also centers. purchase money transactions. This offer excludes FHA and VA loans and Home Equity Lines of “Every department within going to continue focusing on Hill said the city had to get our city has been a part of this, this part of Brooklyn Park be- Credit transactions. The $500 off Closing Costs will be applied at the time of loan closing as a Lender Credit. Loan applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026. Loan must close within creative to secure additional making this project a reality, cause it's incredibly important,” Member FDIC 120 days of application date. All loans and lines of credit are subject to credit approval and NMLS# 640909 funding for the project. More all the way from our finance said Mayor Winston. compliance with underwriting standards.

March 12 - 18, 2026

5

spokesman-recorder.com

WOMEN

WFM, Gloria Perez, added that “23 percent of Minnesota’s corporate executives are now women, but at that current rate, it would still take 53 years to reach gender parity in those spaces.” She also noted that progress for some women does not mean progress for all women. Women of color often lag behind even as white women make strides. It’s not clear how to fix some of these decades-long trends. While some progress has been made, issues like the wage gap have persisted. Senator Mann finds hope in her work with the Young Women’s Cabinet, a group of young women and leaders

aged 16-24 appointed by the governor. “I know that our future is bright when young women lead,” she said. “This report shows that while women are leading in their families and in communities and in sectors of the workforce that do the most to care for our children, the sick and the elderly, our systems do not work for all of us.” Read the full report here: https://www.wfmn.org/research/status-of-women-andgirls-in-minnesota/.

showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of “mom-preneurs.” Continued from page 1 For Alexis, mother of a four-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son, Jeremiah all nine Jeremiah Program Program has provided an unexcampuses nationwide. After pected lifeline. “I heard about completing the course, moth- the Jeremiah Program through ers decide whether to pursue a friend who’s a JP mom,” she an associate or bachelor’s de- says. “I wanted to go back to gree with Jeremiah Program as school, but I didn’t know how a partner, supported by fam- I could do it as a single mom. ily coaches who guide them Here, I can focus on school through the process. Minneap- and get community resources olis currently has three family I didn’t even know were availcoaches, each supporting 20 able. It’s freeing to have time to 25 moms, with a total ca- to invest in myself and my kids.” Kendrianna, who has a pacity of 70 participants. Saturday marks the 2026 four-year-old daughter and one-year-old daughter, JP SummitX, a virtual half- a day event from 8 a.m. to echoes the sentiment. “Mothnoon Central Time, bringing erhood is a learning experitogether mothers from all ence every day,” she says. “I nine campuses. Minneapolis work to make sure my kids will host an in-person watch know they’re loved and safe. party, where local participants, Navigating the world together alumni, and community mem- teaches me about myself too.” Rosie, mother of a onebers can experience keynote addresses, workshops, and and-a-half-year-old son, adds, Spark Tank finalist pitches, “Being a mom is the best thing

break the generational curses I necessities: diapers, household experienced,” she says. “JP is a items, housing, along with guidmoral support system, helping ance in navigating county assisme navigate motherhood while tance, child care, and schooling. building a better life for my son.” “My goal is for moms to leave Mandi, mother of a four- here self-sufficient. I hold their year-old daughter, agrees. “JP hands and guide them, but they “The end goal helped me find myself again. do the work themselves. And for moms isn’t Going to school, taking care of the results are inspiring.” just a degree” Jeremiah Program has my health, and raising my child has made me the happiest and served families since 1998, rooted in the vision of founder healthiest I’ve ever been.” Family coach Dee Peah, Michael J. O’Connell, who recThe program also attracts mothers facing chronic health who has supported more ognized that women experichallenges. One mother, who than 23 moms on her casel- encing poverty face systemic requested anonymity, learned oad, sees the transformative barriers, from unstable housing about the Jeremiah Program impact every day. “One mom to lack of child care, that make through her therapist. “I was came in without a license and pursuing education nearly ima stay-at-home mom, over- was terrified,” she says. “Two possible. JP operates on five pilwhelmed and unsure of my years later, she has her license, lars: access to higher education, next steps,” she says. “JP a car, and a 4.0 GPA. These are affordable child care, affordable helped me start school again. some of the strongest women housing, empowerment and I’ve been here a year, and it’s I know. People think single leadership training, and career helped me focus on my future mothers rely on the system, development. Since its foundbut that’s a misconception. ing, the organization has helped and my kids’ future.” Shamierra, mother of a These moms are determined, more than 4,000 mothers and four-year-old son, reflects on resourceful, and committed to children across the U.S. “The end goal for our moms generational cycles. “Having a their children’s future.” Peah says the most com- isn’t just a degree,” Rush says. child has been eye-opening. I want to love my child fully and mon needs she sees are basic “It’s empowerment, transfor-

mation, and the confidence to pursue life on their own terms. Every mom has her own unique path, and we’re here to walk alongside them.” As the 2026 SummitX concludes, the Minneapolis campus will continue to buzz with the energy of mothers connecting with peers across the country, sharing stories of resilience, and finding joy in the simple act of showing up for themselves and their children. It’s a moment that captures the spirit of Women’s History Month: celebrating the strength, determination, and leadership of women who are shaping not only their own lives but the future of the next generation. “Community is a verb,” Rush says. “You participate, you move into it. These moms are creating that community every day, and it’s remarkable to witness.”

NELLIE

used our funds for under- but Nellie Stone never forgot historical figure,” he said. “But her graduate and graduate work. hers,” Ameyaw said. “If you work is ongoing. Bridge building is Programs live only when the have a mission you’re passionone legacy she gave us.” ate about, always return to your vision is alive.” Labor unions also face Scholarship recipient Rose- why. That keeps you grounded.” challenges today. Tademe continues to honor line Ameyaw said she discov“With the super-rich in ered Johnson while research- Johnson’s legacy by teaching Minnesota and in the White Minnesota history and ining the application. House, labor is under attack,” “It’s very important that cluding her biography, “Nellie Tademe said. “They want to the mission aligns with my Stone Johnson: The Life of an bust unions, depress wages. integrity and values,” she Activist,” in his curriculum. But her vision is still alive. Has “I tell my students that we said. Ameyaw founded the it suffered setbacks? Yes, but nonprofit Leading with Love are all standing on the shoulit’s still alive.” Foundation, which dismantles ders of people who fought for The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship supports students Roseline Ameyaw, recipient of financial stigma and inequities us,” he said. of color whose parents are in the Nellie Stone Johnson Schol- in education and housing. Damenica Ellis welcomes “I think a lot of people today unions. Tademe, who serves arship, poses for a portrait. on the scholarship board, said: Photo by Alana Briseno. believe talk is cheap. You see reader responses at dellis@ “So many students have Courtesy of Roseline Ameyaw politicians forgetting their why, spokesman-recorder.com.

Continued from page 1

still a wage gap due to illegal disparities within the same position. While the Minnesota legislature recently developed requirements for employers to post a salary range for positions, lead researcher Christina Ewing sees the state as far from a solution. Ewing noted the inaccessibility of affordable childcare as another major economic issue. “High quality childcare is out of reach for Minnesota families,” she explained. “Ninetythree percent of Minnesota’s two-parent families spend

significantly more than the federal guideline of spending just 7% of one’s income on childcare. … It doesn’t help that the federal government’s recent freeze on federal funding for childcare in the state impacts our lowest-wageearning women [the most] because … those are the women that can least afford to take a day off of work when they lack childcare.” Varileck noted that Minnesota is now the 13th state to have a paid family leave program. The program offers partial wages for those on family leave, whether maternal or paternal. “We’re in the ballpark of 20,000 Minnesotans that have been

JEREMIAH

Continued from page 1

“Once Nellie was in the union, gender domination and white supremacy were alive and well … Nellie would get to the table, not as a silent cosmetic attachment. She raised her voice and didn’t put up with scraps,” Tademe said. Johnson’s work remains relevant today. Issues she addressed: police abuse, economic inequities, disempowerment of people of color, and education gaps persist, Ta-

Tamrat Tademe, professor at St. Cloud State University and longtime friend of Nellie Stone Johnson. Courtesy deme said. “If these issues were settled, we could just celebrate Nellie as a

BCSR

approved for leave, and the tionately impacts women. The research also looked statistics show that 69% of those folks are women,” at women’s representation in leadership roles. Women are Varileck said. The program also incor- 37 percent of the state’s legporates safety leave, which islature, slightly down from supports victims of domestic 2023’s historic high of 39 perviolence. WFM’s research cent. Ewing noted that the showed that one in three Min- percentage of the legislature nesotan women have expe- made up of women of color rienced sexual violence, and has stabilized at slightly below one in five have experienced proportional to the population. According to WFM’s research, physical violence. Two-thirds of all Supple- “Women legislators outperform mental Nutrition Assistance men. At the federal level, conProgram recipients are wom- gresswomen secure about 9 peren. Recent months have seen cent more federal outlay money Minnesota’s hunger relief than congressmen.” Women are more likely to network uniquely strained by the federal shutdown, budget vote than men, both nationcuts, and Operation Metro ally and in Minnesota. President and CEO of Surge. This strain disproporthat ever happened to me. It’s not easy, but knowing you’re giving your child the best start makes it worth it.”

Anya Armentrout is a freelance journalist, a student at Macalester College, and a contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

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

gest group. But we were really balanced across the board.” Continued from page 10 According to USA Swimming, 1.5% of all U.S. swimas Howard took the early lead mers are Black, “and it’s even and never looked back. less than that at the NCAA “I think on the men’s side,” level,” noted Askew. “There continued their coach, “we have are probably seven head a really strong butterfly group, coaches in all of NCAA Diviand on the women’s side our sion I, II and III that are Black sprint group is really our stron- or African American.” He be-

lieves that his Howard team makes up almost a third of the Black collegiate swimmers and divers. “This sport is not easy: early morning grueling practices in the cold pool, and we don’t get the type of recognition that other sports do,” surmised Askew. “It’s more important than touching the

wall first, breaking records, winning conference championships – we love that, but it’s also about making a difference in our culture. “We really value the support from everyone as we go forward,” he concluded.

The SWAC this week is hosting its post-season basketball tournaments in Atlanta, which began March 9. Alabama A&M (women’s) and Bethune-Cookman (men) are the respective top seeds. Both the Howard women’s and men’s basketball squads are the MEAC Tournament’s No. 1 seeds. The tournament runs

March 11-14 in Norfolk, Va. Eight HBCU teams made the NAIA tournament field: Rust, Langston and Talladega (women); Arkansas Baptist, SUNO, Tougaloo, Xavier-Louisiana and Langston (men).

VIEW

impressive. There are nearly 50 women college commissioners in all three NCAA divisions, but Barnes is among a ban Edge Network, also was very short list of Black female conference leaders along with forged all under her watch. “I think in the last year they Sonja Stills (MEAC), Jacqie have signed seven or eight McWilliams (CIAA) and Sheriadditional NAIA conferences ka A. Montgomery (Big South). “It’s been real cool to be just on the strength of the work they did with us first,” a trailblazer,” said Madame Commissioner. “I believe that Barnes pointed out. Her energy and overall I have proven that I can build enthusiastic nature are most and win with very little, mini-

mal resources. That’s not being cocky… I am just great at people building, building collaboration. I am great at carrying a vision. I can get people to believe and buy in.” “I have a great team. I didn’t do it by myself,” reiterated Barnes. This was the third and final year Stillman College and the City of Tuscaloosa hosted the HBCUAC basketball tournament. The annual post-season tourney now will move

to Dallas, beginning in 2027 institutions. We are excited about the opportunity of bethrough 2029. “We looked at Memphis and ing there,” added Barnes. Finally, the commissioner Dallas, and Dallas wound up winning that bid,” explained and author remains passionBarnes of the Dallas Sports ate and committed to helpCommission, a division of Visit ing create a new wave of Dallas that will host the event Black female college leaders along with member school through her mentoring program among other efforts. Paul Quinn College. “I think we will see the im“Moving to Dallas gives us the opportunity to cultivate pact of this work in 15-20 years not only the student body, down the line,” surmised Barnes. but also the alumni of these “But I do feel that I got a nice lit-

tle group of young women that we can continue to grow and develop their skill set and be ready. I can help them get into the game and compete for one of those opportunities. “I feel I definitely am making a difference in what I am doing to help prepare them,” she concluded.

SOE

after two seasons as St. Olaf women’s volleyball coach to pursue other opportunities, the school announced. Jared Drake left St. Scholastica after one season as men’s bas-

ketball coach, but no official While Black” series. Coquese Washington also announcement of his departure from the school has yet was fired last week at Rutgers after four seasons, unbeen released. Both coaches were fea- less things change, the Big tured in MSR’s “Coaching Ten has ZERO Black head

coaches in men’s and women’s basketball.

Continued from page 10

Continued from page 10

in the gym probably now has respect for Millsaps,” she said.

Coaching changes close to home Last week the MIAC lost two Black head coaches. Alicia Wood stepped down

March tournament updates across HBCU hoops

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

6 March 12 - 18, 2026

Arts

spokesman-recorder.com

Trailblazing athlete Lusia Harris featured in Difference Makers series

circle to the place where her basketball dreams first began. Throughout her life, Harris remained humble about her accomplishments. She often said she never set out to break barriers, she simply followed In 1976, she was named the sissippi, Harris grew up with By Alex Nellis her passion for the game. 10 siblings on a cotton farm national tournament’s Most ValuAnalysis Seven months before her where the family worked long able Player as Delta State won the death, a documentary about More than 20 years before hours together. In her spare championship. By the time she her life premiered at the Tribethe creation of the Women’s time, she developed a love for graduated, the team had comca Film Festival on June 10, National Basketball Associa- basketball by watching games piled a remarkable 109–6 record 2021. The film, “The Queen tion, basketball star Lusia Har- on television and studying the during her college career. of Basketball,” tells the story Harris also gained interris made history as the first and strategies used by players. of Harris’ extraordinary career When she joined her high national recognition. In 1975, only woman ever drafted by the and legacy. The documentary National Basketball Association. school team, Harris quickly she competed in the Pan later won both an Academy Her groundbreaking career stood out. At 6-foot-3, she was American Games, where the Award and the Critics’ Choice is now highlighted in the Dif- often bullied by classmates for U.S. team finished undefeated. Documentary Award. The following year brought ference Makers book series, her height, but she refused to Harris’ achievements came which spotlights Black his- let that discourage her. Instead, another historic moment. The decades before the formation of torical figures whose achieve- she used her size and skill to 1976 Summer Olympics marked the WNBA, making her impact the first time women’s basketments helped shape American dominate on the court. on the sport even more signifihistory. One of the series’ feacant. Today, her story continues “In 1976, she was named the national tured titles, “Lusia Harris: Star to inspire generations of athtournament’s Most Valuable Player as Basketball Player” by Nancy letes, especially young women Loewen, introduces readers Delta State won the championship.” who dream of competing at the to Harris’ remarkable journey Harris became the team ball was included as an Olympic Lusia Harris pictured during her Delta State University playing highest levels of basketball. from a Mississippi cotton farm Readers interested in learnto the international stage of captain and led her school to a sport. Harris earned a spot on days in the 1970s. Public Domain ing more about Harris’ life and state championship. She was the U.S. roster and made hiswomen’s basketball. accomplishments can explore Harris is widely regarded as named the team’s most valu- tory by scoring the first basket E. Stewart, whom she had dat- team eventually disbanded. She later returned to Delta Loewen’s book, which introone of the most accomplished able player for three consecu- in Olympic women’s basketball ed since high school, and the players in women’s basketball tive years and once scored 46 competition. The team went on couple raised four children: State as an assistant basketball duces a new generation to one Crystal, Christopher, Christina coach and admissions coun- of the sport’s earliest pioneers. history. Over the course of points in a single game, set- to win the silver medal. After graduating from college, and Eddie. All four went on to selor. Harris also earned a masher career, she was inducted ting a school record. Alex Nellis is a recent comter’s degree in special educaHer success continued at Harris reached another mile- become athletes themselves. into five halls of fame, includAlthough family became tion and eventually returned to munication graduate who grew ing the Naismith Memorial Delta State University, where stone when she was drafted by Basketball Hall of Fame, the she played college basketball the NBA. Although she ultimate- her priority, Harris remained her alma mater, Amanda Elzy up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Women’s Basketball Hall of and was the only Black wom- ly declined the opportunity, the connected to the sport. She High School, where she taught He is passionate about social Fame and the International an on the team. Harris helped moment marked a historic break- played professionally for the special education and coached justice and has completed graduate certificates in gender studHouston Angels during the the basketball team. Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. transform the program into a through for women in sports. The position brought her full ies and cultural diversity. Harris later married George 1979–1980 season before the Born Feb. 10, 1955, in Mis- national powerhouse.

Panel explores feminist journalism from Ms. Magazine to Teen Vogue At a Women’s History Month event in St. Paul, Elaine Welteroth and Dr. Janell Hobson discussed the legacy of feminist journalism and the future of media. By Lizzy Nyoike Contributing Writer For more than 50 years, feminist journalism has helped shape conversations about gender, politics, and culture. Hosted by the Luann Dummer Center for Women, the event “Ms. Magazine to Teen Vogue: Essential Feminist Journalism” featured a conversation between journalist Elaine Welteroth, former editor-in-chief of “Teen Vogue,” and Dr. Janell Hobson, writer and contributing editor at “Ms. Magazine.” The discussion was moderated by Minnesota Public Radio journalist Nina Moini.

Vogue,” used the platform to expand the magazine’s coverage of politics, race, and gender issues. She emphasized that journalism has always played a role in shaping cultural agendas.

“It was my place to curate my own little magazine of my own making.” “As journalists, you have the power to shape the cultural agenda … so if you only have a certain type of people represented behind the scenes, you’re only going to continue to see the same types of messages being reinforced,” she said. The conversation also addressed a long-running debate

(L-R) Dr. Janell Hobson and Elaine Welteroth pose at their book-signing table following the Women’s History Month event in St. Paul. Lizzy Nyoike/MSR The evening explored the role of feminist media in highlighting how journalism can challenge dominant narratives while amplifying voices often left out of traditional media coverage. Welteroth, who made history as the youngest editor-inchief in Condé Nast’s history during her tenure at “Teen

within journalism about objectivity and advocacy. Hobson explained that feminist publications like “Ms. Magazine” have historically embraced advocacy journalism, reporting that openly acknowledges its perspective while maintaining rigorous standards. Founded in 1971 by journalist and feminist activist

Gloria Steinem and a” founding editorial team, “Ms. Magazine” was created to provide a platform for women’s voices and the women’s movement, which were largely absent from mainstream media at the time. Hobson noted that feminist media outlets have long worked to provide language and frameworks to help audiences understand political and social issues. Beyond the history of feminist journalism, the discussion focused on how media is changing in the digital age. Welteroth spoke about the role of social media in helping journalists build audiences and amplify their voices outside traditional newsroom settings. “It was my place to curate my own little magazine of my own making,” she said, reflecting on how social media helped her develop a voice in the early years of her career. She encouraged students in the audience who are aspiring journalists to explore new platforms for storytelling and to think beyond traditional newsroom paths. “If journalism is your passion, just know that there are so many different ways that you can exercise that muscle,” Welteroth said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to come through the traditional path.” At the same time, both speakers acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the journalism industry, including economic pressures and shrinking newsrooms. “It’s a tough business to be in journalism,” Welteroth said. The conversation also touched on representation in media leadership and the experiences of women, particularly Black women, working in journalism. Welteroth acknowledged the barriers but emphasized progress: “When you open a door, you build a name for yourself and you create a bigger, wider door for others,” she said.

The event was part of the Luann Dummer Center’s Women’s History Month Series. As the event concluded, Welteroth offered a message of encouragement to the next generation of journalists in the room:

“To be a journalist today, you have to be courageous… people respect that work,” she said. The conversation served as both a reflection on the legacy of feminist media and a reminder that the future of journalism will be shaped by

voices willing to challenge the status quo. Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

spokesman-recorder.com

March 12 - 18, 2026

Education

7

Professor studies lives of enslaved people in Spain, Santo Domingo and Puerto Rico By Anya Armentrout Contributing Writer On Thursday, March 5, Dr. Lissette Acosta Corniel, assistant professor at Borough of Manhattan Community College, delivered a lecture titled “Transatlantic Bondage: Slavery and Freedom in Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico” at the John B. Davis Lecture Hall at Macalester College. Corniel’s work focuses on the history of enslaved people in Santo Domingo, in what is now the Dominican Republic. Corniel’s book, sharing the same title as her lecture, is a collection of new and newly translated essays on the experiences and enslavement of Black Africans in Spain, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. She found that prior scholarship has been insufficient in the region, particularly when it comes to covering the stories of the enslaved people themselves. The research began as a database, but as Corniel realized the depth of the scholarship gap, she decided to develop the work into a book: “Transatlantic Bondage was born out of the need to fill a tremendous, and I cannot emphasize that enough, tremendous gap in U.S. scholarship. I specify U.S. scholarship because a lot has been written

industry dwindled in Santo “the Free Black Woman from Domingo after the 1560s,” she the Hospital.” A 1693 inquiry explained. “They decided to fo- from the King of Spain asked cus on the wealth that the en- an archbishop why he had slaved people were producing. heard that the first hospital of But what about the people? Santo Domingo was built by a What about how they were liv- Black woman. The archbishop ing every day? …. Sugar should responded that it was true: not have been the main focus “the first medical facility was of slavery from the beginning. built by a pious Black woman Dr. Lisette Acosta Corniel (center) with professors Olga GonIt should have been a focus to who cured and welcomed ev- zalez (left) and Erika Busse-Cárdenas (right). write and read and research eryone she could in her hut.” Anya Armentrout/MSR The document went on to about the people.” The lecture also honored Corniel’s work recovers sto- explain how white colonizers said, ‘You have to change your ries from colonial documents donated to the woman and testimony, or we’re going to scholar-activist and Macalester that reveal the everyday expe- trusted her with their health whip you.’ [So in court she says] History Professor Emeritus Jim and finances. “That got our at- ‘I think I’m 17,’ and then she says, Stewart (1940–2025). Stewart tention,” Corniel explained. “I ‘and they said that if I haven’t developed Macalester’s Latin said, ‘Wow. We need to know changed my testimony, they will American Studies Department, more about these women, and whip me.’ Now, [called to court a] and remarks from his colwe need to know more about third time, they say, ‘Juana, you leagues opened the night. Macalester Professor Paul these people.’” need to keep your mouth shut, The signage around the or we will burn you with hot wax.’ Dosh noted how Stewart’s historical site today does not Juana goes to court, and guess work centered on people immention the original founder. what happened?” pacted by settler colonialism, Corniel’s research also led Juana was eventually sold the same ones Corniel focuses her to Juana, an enslaved wom- across the island. Her story, on. Stewart’s historical work an who was called to testify in which adds texture and nu- was deeply tied to activism. court after her owners were ance to our understanding of “That’s how I think of Jim,” accused of murder. Her own- the lived experience in the re- Dosh described. “This fellow Dr. Lissette Acosta Corniel holds a sign protesting the lack of ers told her not to say anything gion, had not been told before with a sparkling eye, who was recognition for the Black woman who founded Santo Domin- and promised her clothes in re- Corniel’s work. excited about the intellectual Corniel highlights many per- activist project that is historigo’s first hospital, a story highlighted in her lecture on the lives turn. In court, Juana said, “My name is Juana Helofa Pelona. I sonal stories that have thus far cal study.” of enslaved people. think that I am 17 or 19 years been overlooked: an elderly riences of enslaved people in old, and they told me not to woman sent back to Africa, a themselves. Anya Armentrout is a freesay what I know, and that they woman described as defective lance journalist, a student at “Scholars of colonial slavery Santo Domingo. The first story Corniel un- were going to give me clothes.” for enjoying dancing, and an Macalester College, and a conand the Caribbean became She was called to testify again, enslaved woman sold in frac- tributing writer for the Minnemore interested in following covered, and the one that inthe sugar, because the sugar spired her to dive deeper, was as Corniel described: “So they tions to multiple owners. sota Spokesman-Recorder.

about slavery in Santo Domingo, by Dominican scholars, or by multilingual scholars.” In her lecture, Corniel discussed the specific historiographies of enslaved people based on information she found in colonial documents. Many of these documents required intense labor and effort to translate and make them legible. Corniel argued that many historians have traditionally focused on the economic systems of slavery rather than the lives of the enslaved people

Fostering growth at home: Q&A insights on mental health, wellness, and autism

FIRST EDUCATOR

First Educators, parents, guardians, and caregivers play a vital role in promoting the wellbeing and growth of children. It’s a demanding role, but one with immense rewards, as children develop life skills and soar in their learning journeys. Albertina Mella, Executive Director of Open Up Foundation and Mandela Washington Fellow, shares practical advice on balancing caregiving with health and wellness, particularly for families of children with autism. Q: Your work focuses on raising awareness about autism and supporting families. How do you define autism, and what is the connection to mental health? A: “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts socially. The term ‘spectrum’ reflects the wide variation in symptoms, behaviors, and severity among individuals. Children with ASD may behave, communicate, and learn differently from their peers. Mental health is crucial for everyone. Children with autism are at higher risk for conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or depression. This increased risk can stem from social isolation, bullying, and challenges with emotional regulation and communication.”

Q: What should parents know about ASD? A: “Parenting can be rewarding, but it comes with stress. Parents of children with ASD often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. A helpful example comes from the Netflix series “Atypical:” Elsa, a mother of a teenager with autism, devoted all her energy to caregiving and neglected her own needs. She reached a breaking point, then realized that to help her child thrive, she first needed to care for herself. Parents who prioritize their mental health are better equipped to support their children. They can recognize early signs of anxiety, overwhelm, or sensory distress before these escalate into meltdowns. When caregivers model emotional regulation and self-care, children with ASD feel safer, more grounded, and better able to learn.”

health. Many do face challenges such as anxiety or depression, which can intensify social tension and limit relationshipbuilding. Sensory overload from sound, light, or touch can also disrupt learning. When a child’s mental health is supported, learning outcomes improve. Emotionally regulated children pay better attention, engage more consistently, and experience fewer meltdowns. Strong emotional tools help children communicate needs, strengthen social interactions, and build confidence, which reinforces overall learning.”

Q: What strategies can First Educators use to support children with ASD? A: “1. Keep routines predictable. Use simple schedules and maintain consistent daily rhythms. 2. Help them name their feelings. Use visuals or simple phrases. Model calm behavior and offer breaks when needed. 3. Create a calm sensory Q: How does mental health corner. A quiet space with sensory tools and soft lightaffect a child with ASD? A: “ASD is not a mental ing helps regulate emotions. health disorder. Children with 4. Take care of yourself. You ASD, like all children, can expe- cannot pour from an empty rience good and poor mental cup. Rest, seek support, and join caregiver groups. Just like Elsa in “Atypical,” when caregivers prioritize their wellbeing, children have a stronger foundation to thrive.” As First Educators, we can build communities that nurture, engage, and uplift every child. For more information about autism and ways to support children, visit: CDC Information for Educators. Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive Albertina Mella, Executive leaders who will meet the pressDirector of Open Up Founda- ing needs of today and work totion and Mandela Washing- wards a better future where racial ton Fellow. Courtesy justice and economic justice reign

supreme. As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop

tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school. By building and leveraging

CARLA’S C O F F E E

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the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change.

8 March 12 - 18, 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. By Stephen Millies Offered Salary: $116,480.00 to $116,500.00/yr. Send resumes to: HRD, 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

The war against Black workers: FOR BILLING Fifty years of attacks INQUIRIES

The counter-attack against Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder 10, 2025 BlackJulyworkers accelerated in the mid-1970s, taking advantage of severe economic recessions. Wall Street demanded and got 50,000 New York City public workers, including 10,000 teachers, fired in 1975. Trump has fired hundreds of thousands of federal workers, many of whom are Black women. The Chrysler plants in the Detroit area were 70% Black. The U.S. Government’s bailout of Chrysler demanded their closures, a death sentence for Motown. The Midwest was the industrial heartland of the United States. The thousands of plant closings in the region were devastating to the working class. White families’ median income fell by 7.1% there between 1978 and 1982. That was a deep recession. Just as important, they But Black families’ median build community. Many of income in the same region fell our participants come from by 35.8%, five times as much. neighborhoods where access That’s a great depression. (U.S. to enrichment programs is Census historical income tables.) inconsistent. Yes Girls Create In 1982, Black median closes that gap by providing income in the Midwest acsafe, affirming spaces where tually became lower than in girls can explore their talents the South. Hundreds of thouwithout pressure or limitation.

When we invest in Black Girls, we strengthen entire communities By Therese L. Myers

early. We bring girls together with women leaders across Ten years ago, I made a industries for hands-on expedecision that quietly trans- riences that connect imaginaformed the way I lead, serve, tion to real-world opportunity. and show up for my community. As a working professional, “When girls are mother, and community adsupported, their vocate, I enrolled at Western Governors University to earn possibilities are my bachelor’s in business marlimitless.” keting, and later my master’s in leadership. That experience reshaped my understanding Creativity as confidence At Yes Girls Create, creativof access, mentorship, and what becomes possible when ity is a strategy for confidence education meets courage. It and connection. Each month, affirmed something I had long participants engage in collaborbelieved: when women are ative labs led by artists, entresupported, they build path- preneurs, engineers, wellness ways not just for themselves, practitioners, and educators. A session might involve designing but for the next generation. a product, creating a personal fragrance, building a smallAccess changes outcomes In many neighborhoods, business concept, or exploring girls are growing up with tal- STEM through tactile, engaging ent and ambition, but without projects. Whether the focus is ficonsistent access to spaces that nurture both. That belief, nancial literacy, leadership, that access changes outcomes, mental health, or technology, is the heartbeat behind Yes we infuse each experience Girls Create, the New York- with a creative component based nonprofit I founded to that helps girls process what empower girls ages 8 to 18 they are learning and see through creativity, mentorship, themselves reflected in possibility. When girls create with and wellness programming. Our mission is simple but their hands, they begin to urgent: to ensure girls have shape their identities, speak spaces where their voices are up more, and imagine futures heard, their ideas are nurtured, they may not have previously and their potential is affirmed seen modeled.

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com

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submissions@spokesman-recorder.com.

The ripple effect To date, we have served more than 500 youth. Families now gather at our annual Create Her Well Girls Conference, where girls and their parents engage in mentorship, wellness conversations, and career exploration. Parents also participate in a “Parent Academy” focused on legacy planning, financial literacy, and personal growth. We have watched mothers enroll in college after attending our sessions. Girls who were once shy step into leadership roles, present ideas, and mentor younger participants. These moments remind us that investing in one girl often uplifts an entire household, and sometimes more. Making STEM feel possible Through WISELY, Women in STEM and Engineering Leading Youth, girls meet women working in science, technology, engineering, and math. Seeing women who look like them in these fields narrows the distance between aspiration and achievement. Building what comes next We have seen increased confidence, stronger peer relationships, and a growing network of women committed to mentoring the next generation. Our girls leave sessions with tangible projects and a renewed sense of belonging in spaces that once felt out of reach. One decision, one “yes,” can ripple outward in ways we may never fully know. Yes Girls Create exists to ensure that ripple continues, reaching more girls, families, and communities. When girls are supported, their possibilities are limitless. And when a community invests in its girls, it invests in a brighter future for us all. This op-ed appeared first in Word in Black. It has been edited for style and length. For the original, visit https://wordinblack.com/2026/03/yes-girlscreate-investing-black-girls/.

In Re: Estate of

OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Deanne Marie Hild, FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-25-934 also known as, & aTEARSHEETS Deanne Marie and Deanne Marie Elmquist, sands began Bratton “reverse migra- plants in the Black-majority Deceased PLEASE CONTACT

city of Flint, Michigan. tion” there. ACCOU Nthe T IMidNG TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ANDDEPT CREDITORS: Instead of Black workers Many cities outside @also BILLI NG@SPOKESbeing hiredofinpersonal the represenbig factowest hit. for The Noticewere is given that anhard application informal appointment tative has of beenM filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. ries, many young BlackThe workA N-R ECOR DER .COM closing Bethlehem Steel’s application has been facility granted. just out- ers were railroaded to the Sparrows Point side Baltimore, which had been big prisons. Prisoners are Notice is hereby given that informal appointment of Michael Ryan Hild, whose adthe largest 40th U.S.Ave steel mill, and members of the working class, DISPLAY dress is 4034EMPLOYMENT S., Minneapolis, MN 55406 as personal representative of itstheshipyards cost too.made. (Even they’re SIZE 235,000 COLdecedent, Xjobs. 2 INCH estate of the above-named has been Anythough heir, devisee or other not interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or figures, may Over the decades, 200,000 counted in the jobless RATE: $44.60 PCI objectwere to the appointment of the personal representative and the personal represenjobs lost in New York which falsely lowers the unTOTAL: $178.40 tative is empowered to fully administer the estate including, after 30 days from the City’s Garment District. They employment rate.) date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate, were among the 900,000 Today, the largest private unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and manufacturing jobs lost in the employer of Black workers is the Court otherwise orders. with email Walmart. confirmation ad Big Apple. Please proof, respondanti-union It’s tobeNotice is further given that ALL CREDITORS havingWalmart claims against said estate are are so spokesman-recorder.com cause workers required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Probate Court poor that the Walton family is Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be The MSR handles billing digitally. filthy rich with a $513.4 billion Black workers barred. This means you will get e-tears e-mailed invoice fortune as and of December 2025. and immigrants unless you specifically request a hard Yet there arecopy. more Black Dated: Junelead 24, 2025 the Lindy Scanlon will workers than ever. They playedRegistrar a vital role in the victoentire working rious 2023 UAW strike against ProSe Sara Gonsalves class in defeating the Big automakers. DistrictThree Court Administrator They’re helping to lead the fascistMinnesota Trump and Spokesman-Recorder July 10, 17, 2025 way in union organizing drives overthrowing at Amazon and Starbucks. Black workers and imcapitalism. migrants will lead the entire working class in defeating fasHundreds of textile mills, cist Trump and overthrowing where Black workers had capitalism. struggled to get hired, were shut down from Virginia to This commentary first apthe Carolinas to Georgia. peared on Struggle La Lucha. It Black workers never re- has been cut for length. For the covered from these attacks. original, visit https://www.strugDeliberate deindustrialization gle-la-lucha.org/2026/03/02/ closed nine of the 10 GM the-war-against-black-workers/.

Selma was not just history, it was a warning Freddie Gray died from inju- ganizations built legal, politiries sustained in Baltimore po- cal, and grassroots strategies Sixty-one years ago, on lice custody, protests erupted strong enough to force fedMarch 7, 1965, 600 people nationwide. The response? eral change. That infrastructure matters. stepped onto the Edmund Five hundred state troopers In 1965, the Legal Defense Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala- and the Maryland National bama. They marched for the Guard deployed against large- Fund helped secure the right simple promise of democracy: ly young Black demonstrators. to march from Selma to MontThe lesson is consistent. gomery and provided legal dethe right to vote. What met them was not dialogue but When Black communities de- fense for those arrested. Toviolence: billy clubs, tear gas, mand dignity, the state escalates. day, LDF is once again in court We saw it when National defending civil rights protecmounted troopers. “Bloody Sunday” forced the nation to Guardsmen opened fire on tions, challenging unlawful confront two truths: the bru- students at Kent State in federal overreach, and suptality of racial discrimination 1970. We see it now as pro- porting organizers confrontand the power of coordinated testers opposing “Stop Cop ing aggressive immigration City” in Atlanta face sweep- enforcement and attacks on Black organizing. Selma was not only about ing felony charges for dis- protest rights. Mutual aid netballots. It was about state tributing flyers. Authoritarian works, legal observers, faith governance does not only si- leaders, and movement lawpower, and who it protects. The marchers were protest- lence the most radical voices; yers are coordinating across ing not just voter suppression, it criminalizes solidarity it- cities, not unlike the coalitions but the police killing of Jimmie self. Reverend James Reeb, a that made Selma possible. Lee Jackson, a 26-year-old white Unitarian minister who But we should be clearBlack man shot by an Alabama answered Dr. King’s call to eyed about the stakes. state trooper while protecting march in Selma, was beaten Authoritarianism does not his mother during a peaceful to death for standing along- always announce itself with protest. His death exposed side Black Southerners. State tanks in the streets. It arrives what Black communities al- violence does not stop at one through selective prosecuready knew: when democracy community. It expands to any- tion, expanded surveillance, threatens entrenched power, one who challenges it. the militarization of local pothe state responds with force. Today, we are again watch“Selma teaches us that bridges are ing the machinery of state viomore than structures. They are lence turn toward Black and Brown communities. battlegrounds between repression In Minneapolis this year, and possibility.” heavily armed federal agents carried out aggressive imSelma teaches us that bridges lice, and the normalization of migration raids, detaining residents and arresting pro- are more than structures. They cruelty against marginalized testers. For many, the images are battlegrounds between re- communities. It thrives when felt hauntingly familiar. This pression and possibility. dissent is framed as disorder The Brooklyn Bridge be- and when protest is treated as is the same city where, nearly six years ago, the murder of came a site of resistance af- criminality. George Floyd sparked one of ter Eric Garner’s killing. The Selma was both a moral the largest racial justice up- Hennepin Avenue Bridge in reckoning and a strategic risings in modern U.S. history. Minneapolis filled with tens of breakthrough. It reminds us But Minneapolis is not an ex- thousands days after George that repression is not eviception, it is part of a pattern. Floyd’s murder. These cross- dence of failure, it is often Before George Floyd, there ings symbolize something proof that movements are diswas Eric Garner, killed by deeper: the act of moving rupting entrenched power. police in New York City for from fear toward collective allegedly selling loose ciga- courage. This op-ed appeared first in The Voting Rights Act of The Root. It has been cut for rettes. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” echoed across the 1965 did not materialize be- length. For the original, please Brooklyn Bridge, where thou- cause power relented. It came visit https://www.theroot.com/ sands marched demanding because ordinary people selma-was-not-just-history-itaccountability. In 2015, when risked their bodies, and or- was-a-warning-2000092686. By Tre’ Murphy

Employment & Legals

March 12 - 18, 2026

9

spokesman-recorder.com

State of Minnesota County of Hennepin State of Minnesota

Fourth Judicial District FourthProbate JudicialDivision District Court File Number: Probate 27-PA-PR-26-79 County of Hennepin Division Estate of: Matthew Robert Lytwyn, a/k/a Court File Number: 27-PA-PR-26-79 Matt Decedent EstateLytwyn, of: Matthew Robert Lytwyn, a/k/a Matt Lytwyn, Decedent Notice and Order for Hearing on Petition for Formal Adjudication ofand Intestacy, Heirs, for andFormal Appointment of Notice Order Determination for Hearing on of Petition AdjudicaNoticeand to Creditors tion of Personal Intestacy,Representative Determinationand of Heirs, Appointment of

Personal Representative and Notice to Creditors It is Ordered: It is Ordered: A hearing will be held via Zoom at 10:30 AM on March 30, 2026 by this court formal adjudication intestacy and30, determiA hearing willforbethe held via Zoom at 10:30of AM on March 2026 nation heirs theformal Decedent, and for the appointment George by this of court forofthe adjudication of intestacy and of determiAndrew address and is 15225 – 47th Avenue N. nation ofLytwyn, heirs of whose the Decedent, for the appointment ofPlymGeorge outh, Minnesota Personal Representative of theN. Estate of Andrew Lytwyn, 55446 whoseas address is 15225 – 47th Avenue Plymthe Decedent in an UNSUPERVISED administration. If proper outh, Minnesota 55446 as Personal Representative of the Estate and of if noDecedent objections filed, the Personal Representative be and the inare an UNSUPERVISED administration.will If proper appointed with full to Personal administer the Estate including if no objections are power filed, the Representative will be the power to collect all assets, all legalthe debts, claims, taxes and appointed with full power to to pay administer Estate including the expenses, to sell real and personal andclaims, to do alltaxes and power to collect all assets, to pay allproperty, legal debts, necessary acts forreal theand Estate. expenses, to sell personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. To join the hearing log into https://zoomgov.com/join and enter the Meeting IDhearing 161 201log 2699 and Passcode 1234. If you doand notenter have the To join the into https://zoomgov.com/join ability to ID join161 by 201 internet, join by telephone by not calling Meeting 2699 you and may Passcode 1234. If you do havetollthe free 1-833-568-8864. Enteryou themay samejoin meeting ID and by passcode ability to join by internet, by telephone calling and tollpress *6 to unmute. Visit https://www.mncourts.gov/Remote-Hearfree 1-833-568-8864. Enter the same meeting ID and passcode and ings information and options for joining remote hearings. pressfor *6 more to unmute. Visit https://www.mncourts.gov/Remote-Hearings for more information and options for joining remote hearings. If you object to this petition, you must file a written objection with courttoby 4:30pm on March 27, file 2026. Writtenobjection objecIf youthe object this petition, you must a written tions maycourt be filed the on required fee theWritten following ways: with the by with 4:30pm Marchfiling 27, 2026. objec1) Mailed County District Court – Probate/Mental tions may to beHennepin filed with the required filing fee the following ways: Health Division, 300 South SixthDistrict Street –Court C4 Govt. Ctr., Minneap1) Mailed to Hennepin County – Probate/Mental olis, MN 55487-0340; or 2) Electronically filedGovt. usingCtr., theMinneapelectronic Health Division, 300 South Sixth Street – C4 filing system. olis, MN 55487-0340; or 2) Electronically filed using the electronic filing system. It is further ordered that notice shall be given by: 1) publication once a weekordered for two consecutive weeks a legal in It is further that notice shall bein given by:newspaper 1) publication Hennepin County, last publication to be at least once a week for twothe consecutive weeksof inwhich a legalisnewspaper in ten (10) days beforethe thelast deadline for objections; and Hennepin County, publication of which is to 2) bemailing at least via U.S. Postal Service copydeadline of this Notice and Order at ten (10) days beforea the for objections; andpostmarked 2) mailing via U.S. Postal Service a copy of this Notice and Order postmarked least fourteen (14) days prior to the deadline for objections to allat least fourteen (14) as days prior in to Minnesota the deadlineStatutes for objections to alland interested persons defined § 524.1-401 interested persons as defined in Minnesota and persons who have filed a demand for noticeStatutes pursuant§ 524.1-401 to Minnesota persons §who have filed a demand for notice pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 524.3-204. Statutes § 524.3-204. Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to theattorney general pursuant to Minnesota proceeding be givensubdivision to theattorney Statutes § 501B.41, 5. general pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 501B.41, subdivision 5. Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes § 524.3-801) Notice is alsohaving given claims that (subject Minnesota § 524.3-801) all creditors againsttothe Estate areStatutes required to present all creditors claims against Estateafter are the required tothis present the claims tohaving the court within fourthe months date of the claims to the court within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. Notice or the claims will be barred. Date: February 23, 2026 Judge Koch Date: February 23, 2026 JudgeCourt Koch Judge of District Judge of District Court Attorneys for Petitioner Attorneys for Petitioner Name: Gregory L. Singleton, MN 0395661 Name: Gregory L. Singleton, MN 0395661 Donna R. Whipple, MN 0506740 DonnaSignature R. Whipple, 0506740 Firm: Law,MN PLLC Firm: Signature Law, Oaks PLLCCenter Drive #903 Address: 901 Twelve Address: 901 Wayzata, MNTwelve 55391 Oaks Center Drive #903 Wayzata, MN428-4002 55391 Phone: (612) Phone: (612) 428-4002 Fax: (612) 428-4003 Fax: (612) 428-4003 Email: gregory@signaturelawpllc.com Email: gregory@signaturelawpllc.com donna@signaturelawpllc.com donna@signaturelawpllc.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 5 &12, 2026 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 5 &12, 2026

From Ads From Ads Department/MN Certificate of Assumed Name Department/MN Minnesota Statutes Chapter Spokesman-Recorder 333 ASSUMED NAME: Golden Eagle Golf Course Spokesman-Recorder State of Minnesota

State of Minnesota

Spokesman-Recorder Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

SIGNED BY: Alexander Hubbell MAILING ADDRESS: 4154 QUEEN AVE N MINNEAPOLIS MN 55412 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: hubbell.alex@unconditionalaccess.org

PROBATE USA NOTICE PROBATE NOTICE Point Properties Holdings, FLAT Anchor RATE: $215 LLC FLAT RATE: $215 2 WEEK RUN 1660 Highway 100 South 2 WEEK RUN Suite 330

NAMEHOLDER:

NAMEHOLDER:

USA

ASSUMED NAME

MN 55416 PleaseMINNEAPOLIS proof, respond with email comBy typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this Please proof, respond with email comUSA document as the person whose required, or as agent of FLATsignature RATE:is$215 firmation to ads@spokesman-recorder. the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized 2 WEEK RUN firmation to ads@spokesman-recorder. me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I furcom ther certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the inforBy typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this com proof, respond with email comfir mation in this document isPlease true and correct and in compliance with document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I under- stand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I under- stand that by tion to ads@spokesman-recorder.com

The MSR handles billing digitally. signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. The MSR handles billing digitally. The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and This means you will get e-tears and emailed This means you will get e-tears and emailed invoices unless you specifically invoices unless you specifically request a ha emailedainvoices unless you specifically request hard copy. SIGNED BY: Anna Kruse copy. request a hard copy. MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided

SIGNED BY: Brady Hatcher, Sole Member

EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: annakruse1219@gmail.com

Phone: 612-827-4021 Phone: 612-827-4021

MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 12 & 19, 2026

EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: krista.g@svn.com

FOR BILLING FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS A/1 INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS Contract No. 26-159 PLEASE CONTACT INVITATION TO BID PLEASE CONTACT From Ads ACCOUNTING DEPT State of Minnesota ACCOUNTING DEPT Department/MN BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDSealed bids will be received by the Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Certificate of Assumed Name Spokesman-Recorder BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDPaul at 200 Arch Street, St.Paul, MN 55130 for ROOF REPLACEMENT ER.COM Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 AT MCDONOUGH COMMUNITY CENTER, Contract No. 26-159, until ER.COM 2:00 PM, Local Time, on APRIL 1, 2026, at which time they will be publicly Phone: 612-827-4021 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 12 & 19, 2026

ASSUMED NAME:

Golden Eagle GC

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:

1660 Highway 100 South Suite 330 Minneapolis, MN 55416 USA Anchor Point Properties Holdings, LLC

NAMEHOLDER:

1660 Highway 100 South Suite 330 Minneapolis, MN 55416 USA By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I under- stand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

opened and read aloud via the Teams App. Bids may be submitted electronically, in a PDF format, to Northstar Imaging, www.northstarplanroom.com, or FOR above. BILLING may be delivered as sealed bid to the address

& TEARSHEETS A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on INQUIRIES THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026, at PLEASE CONTACT 11:00 AM, local time, at the MCDONOUGH COMMUNITY CENTER, 1544 Timberlake Rd, Saint Paul, MN 55117. ACCOUNTING DEPT

A complete set of bid documents is available by contacting Northstar Imaging BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECO at 651-686-0477 or www.northstarplanroom.com, under public plan room, for COM ROOF REPLACEMENT AT MCDONOUGH COMMUNITY CENTER, Contract No. 26-159. Digital downloads are no charge. Contact Northstar for hard copy pricing. ASSUMED NAME Bids must be accompanied by a 5% bid guarantee, non-collusive affidavit, EEO form and Minnesota ResponsibleFLAT Contractor Compliance RATE: $215Affidavit. The successful bidder will be required to furnish both a satisfactory performance bond and a separate payment bond. 2 WEEK RUN The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

Please proof, respond with email KA YANG tion to ads@spokesman-recorder PROJECT LEADER

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY

(651) 292-6089

KA.YANG@STPHA.ORG The MSR handles billing digitally. This means will get e-tears and Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Marchyou 12, 2026 invoices unless you specifically requ copy.

SIGNED BY: Brady Hatcher, Sole Member MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided

Hennepin County

EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: krista.g@svn.com

Tax-Forfeited Real Estate Sales

From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist Medtronic, Inc., Mounds View, MN.

LEGAL

Req. Master’s in Regulatory Affairs, Biomedical Engr., Chemistry, or closely related field & 3 years’ exp. as a RegASSUMED NAME ulatory Affairs Specialist, R&D Engineer or related occupation in Reg. Affairs/R&D Engr.; OR Bachelor’s FLAT RATE: $215 degree & 5 years’ exp. Salary: $110,200 - $138,000/yr. The position works WEEK as a hybrid model & 2 will be onsiteRUN at the Mounds View, MN location 4 days/wk. Apply at https://medtronic.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MedtronicCareers, Req. #R60552. No agencies Please respondemployer. with email comor phone calls. Medtronic is anproof, equal opportunity

View upcoming properties Phone: 612-827-4021 and sale details. FOR BILLING

INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS hennepin.us/tfl-sales

PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECO COM

firmation to ads@spokesman-recorder. com

All individuals are encouraged to apply.

EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY SIZE: 2 COL X 2.5 INCH RATE: $44.60 PER COL. INCH TOTAL: $223

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 12, 2026

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and SCAN HERE MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 60-200-05-25_Tax-forfeited_Property_Auction-AD_2_5x2_55in.indd 4/17/25 2 9:04 emailed invoices unless you specifically 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577 TO SUBSCRIBE request a hard copy. TRACEY WILLIAM S-D ILLARDPlease proof, respond with email CECIL E. NEWMAN

Founder- Publisher Phone: 612-827-4021 1934-1976

U

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I

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CEO/Publisher

L AUNA Q. NEWMA N CEO/Publisher 1976-2000

A

FOR BILLING Office Manager/Sales Executive Account Assistant Debbie Morrison INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS Rahquel Hooper PLEASE CONTACT Managing Editor Studio Manager Jasmine McBride ACCOUNTING DEPT Emmanuel Duncan Senior Editor BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDAccount Jerry Freeman ER.COM Representative

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MINNEAPOLIS MN 55419 FOR BILLING USA INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT NAHS LLC ACCOUNTING DEPT 4909 FREMONT AVE S BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER MINNEAPOLIS MN 55419 COM

MINNEAPOLIS MN 55416

M

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 5 &12, 2026

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Millsaps College represents in NCAA tournament Division III basketball tournament last Friday evening. The Majors (21–8) were paced by Tia Anderson, who scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Point guard Garin Freeman contributed 14 points and 12 assists, while Elyse Warren added 13 points and 13 rebounds. The Royals, advancing to the his week’s Top Three photos feature the Mill- second round after a victory saps College (Jackson, over Coe College (Cedar Rapids, Mississippi) Majors Women’s Iowa), were led by Emily Erickbasketball team during their son, who scored 31 points. 81–73 loss to the No. 13 All photos by Dr. Mitchell Bethel University Royals in the Palmer McDonald. first round of the 2026 NCAA

BY CHARLES HALLMAN

This occasional column brings fans of Black college sports updates and insights on teams, players and coaches, with a primary focus on the SWAC, MEAC and HBCU Athletic Conference. oward swim teams make NEC history Although March Madness is routinely associated with basketball, this month can be maddening for other sports as well when competing for championships. Last month in Geneva, Ohio, history was made when the Howard University men’s and women’s swimming teams achieved a doubledouble as both squads won the Northeast Conference championships Feb. 17-20. It was the first NEC title for the Bison women, and the second consecutive and third in four years for the Howard men. Howard is the only HBCU school with a Division I swim

Elyse Warren (Millsaps College)

Only one in the pool: Howard swim keeps HBCU legacy alive and diving program. “It is a sad story to be the only HBCU swimming and diving program, that wasn’t always the case,” head coach Nicholas Askew told MSR shortly after the two conference titles. “There were several HBCUs that had swimming and diving programs at the collegiate level that competed. It’s unfortunate that in this space we are still standing as the long-running (Black college). “We’re hopeful that what we are doing inspires everyone to ask the question of other HBCUs, why don’t they have a swimming program, or what does it take to bring the program back,” he reiterated.

The Howard women’s swim team makes history with their firstever NEC championship, showcasing the growing strength of HBCU swimming. All photos courtesy of Howard Athletics

“When I was actually going to school,” recalled Askew, “my ambition was to be a doctor. I wanted to go into medicine. But it was later after graduaAskew’s path from pre-med tion, I was preparing for medito coaching Askew is a Howard gradu- cal school, and I was working ate where he was a dual-sport full-time as aquatic director athlete in swimming and ten- at Howard and coaching fullnis – ironically, he also coach- time/part-time” at a local nonprofit tennis organization, he es Bison tennis. pointed out. “The Lord spoke to me … I wanted to promote healthy lifestyles and focus less on treating. From that moment on, I made the decision that I wanted to go into coaching full time,” said Askew, who has been the Bison head coach since 2014.

Winning in the pool and the classroom Under his leadership, the The Howard men’s swim team celebrates their NEC championship victory, marking their second consecutive title and third in four years. mostly Black swimmers and

D3 March Madness ends, but Millsaps leaves its mark whose 2025-26 season finhad only one. “We were a few plays away,” ished at 21-8, 9-5 in conferMillsaps Coach Jeff Wilber ence. They won their second said afterwards in his post- Southern Athletic Association Tournament title in three seagame comments. It was a closely contested sons and made their second game that was even until the NCAA Division III appearance Millsaps’ March run ends at decisive fourth quarter when in program history. Bethel Millsaps (Miss.) College is Bethel finally took control and an NCAA Division III school. outscored Millsaps 22-15. The A historic campus and resilIts women’s basketball team Majors (21-8) outrebounded ient team The small private liberal won the 2026 Southern Ath- the victors 44-41, had two letic Association Women’s more fast break points (9-7), arts college was founded in Basketball Championship and and were even in paint points 1890 and was the first in Mississippi to voluntarily desegresecured an automatic NCAA (42-42). “We were right there,” re- gate in 1965. Johnny Carson bid. Last Friday, the Majors lost to host Bethel in the iterated Wilber on Millsaps, once attended naval officer opening round, 81-73. Although we are a longtime MIAC reporter, No. 1 Bethel from Arden Hills was one of four conference teams in this year’s NCAA DIII tourney, the primary reason why MSR was there was that the No. 4 squad from Jackson, Miss. had the most Black players (11) among the four teams. Garin Freeman (left), Millsaps head coach Jeff Wilber, and Wisconsin-Platteville and Coe Elyse Warren after the Majors’ NCAA Division III tournament College had none, and Bethel matchup at Bethel University. nless you win it all, every team playing in March will lose its last game. It doesn’t really matter what level or division.

Tia Anderson (Millsaps College)

divers have competed for titles and set more than 200 school records. More importantly, Howard has helped dispel the false narrative that Blacks can’t swim or don’t like being in the water. “Not only do we swim, but we also swim really well,” boasted Askew. His swimmers also do it in the classroom. Howard during the 2025 fall semester was honored on the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association Fall Scholar AllAmerican Team. To qualify, teams must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA, the Howard men and women respectively posted 3.39 and 3.58 GPAs. The teams’ recent accomplishments in the water were virtually cemented from the start of the NEC championships ■ See BCSR on page 5

Garin Freeman (Millsaps College)

Barnes building a conference, future leaders

uscaloosa, Ala. – The 2020 pandemic first brought Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes to our attention. She hosted her “So You Want A Career in Athletics” workshop on Zoom . I don’t recall how, but I became the only media member who attended it as a silent observer. Barnes then was interim commissioner of the then Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, the NAIA’s only all-Black conference, named in 2019 while also serving as Dillard University athletic director, then named its permanent commissioner in 2022. After our first Zoom encounter, we spoke to Dr. Barnes on several occasions, but it wasn’t until last year at the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) basketball tournament here in Tuscaloosa that we finally met in person. During this year’s tournament two weeks ago, Madame Commissioner and I again sat down for an extended in-person interview. “I want to thank you for coming down and covering us, always keeping us in the forefront for your readers,” said Barnes. “I think that the chal-

lenge of building a league… When I talk to people about the conference, we are a startup. As I’m talking to partners … we’re looking for people who want to help us grow and build, that want to invest and help build something.” As the first Black female commissioner in the NAIA and the league, Barnes has successfully steered it when three schools left in 2019 and 2021, through expansion to its present 13-member set whose footprint stretches as far north as Ohio, as far west as Texas, across the Deep South and into a U.S. territory, the University of the Virgin Islands. Its current HBCUAC name was adopted in 2024 to fully reflect its heritage. The largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, a multimillion dollar deal with Ur■ See VIEW on page 5

HBCU Athletic Conference commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes speaks during the conference’s basketball tournament in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Barnes has overseen the league’s recent growth and expansion. Charles Hallman/MSR

Players stepping into new roles “I stepped into being the main ballhandler” after the team’s regular point guard went down with an injury, added Freeman, who had a game-high 12 assists along with 14 points against Bethel. According to the Royals coach, Bethel used a 1-2-2 trap to keep the ball out of Freeman’s hands, especially in the fourth quarter. “It changed my role Ciara Jackson (left), Millsaps College assistant women’s basket- even more.” ball coach, and Tia Anderson, the Majors’ junior forward and stuCiara Jackson of Shannon, dent body president, during the NCAA Division III tournament Miss., was the only Black game at Bethel University. All photos by Charles Hallman/MSR coach among the four-team field at Bethel last week. She training there in 1943, where Rock, Ark., and 5-9 junior for- was hired as a Millsaps asthe famed comedian and late ward Tia Anderson of Brusly, sistant coach in July 2025 night host entertained his La., were the only Black start- after a one-season stint in a classmates with a magic and ers on both squads that night. similar position at Ellsworth humor act. The 100-acre cam- Anderson led Millsaps with 24 Community College in Iowa pus has approximately 600 points and tied with Warren Falls, Iowa. Both she and Wilfor a team-high 13 boards. students and is 27% Black. ber, who was hired last April, “There was a lot of adver- completed their first season Elyse Warren put up a double-double against Bethel, 13 sity, whether losing one of coaching the Majors. points and 13 rebounds. The our top guards in the middle “I used to be a player, so 5-9 senior center from Mem- of the season or losing all of I know what the dedication phis, Tenn. said afterwards that our starters from last year and and the work it takes,” said the hostile Bethel crowd didn’t having to completely rebuild, Jackson, who also pointed out with everyone learning new that Millsaps left a lasting imbother her or her teammates. “It’s tough to go out there roles,” said Anderson, who pression on the home crowd and hear those things, but it also is Millsaps student body (reported attendance: 418). also takes a lot to not hear it president. “I am just proud “Regardless of winning or of what we did and building losing, they have to respect and just play,” she stressed. Warren, Garin Freeman, a a foundation to go into next what we can do. Everybody 5-6 junior guard from Little year and go further.” ■ See BCSR on page 5