2 minute read
FEATURES
from Mankato Magazine
FEBRUARY 2023
Volume 18, Issue 2
The talented Mr. Berry
The Black experience, Mankato style
From a visit by Dr. Martin Luther King and racism to progress and perseverance, the black experience in Mankato mirrors the rest of America.
The right Path
The annual Pathfinder Awards have been a bright spot for highlighting individuals living out the spirit of MLK.
About The Cover
MAGAZINE EDITOR Robb Murray
DESIGNER Christina Sankey
PHOTOGRAPHER Pat Christman
COPY EDITOR Kathy Vos
CONTRIBUTORS Ann Rosenquist Fee
Dana Melius
Robb Murray
James Figy
Jean Lundquist
Leigh Pomeroy
Leticia Gonzalez
Pete Steiner
Nick Healy
Renee Berg
Jane Turpin Moore
Michael Lagerquist
ADVERTISING SALES Danny Creel
Jennifer Flowers
Jordan Greer-Friesz
Josh Zimmerman
Theresa Haefner
Tim Keech
From The Editor
By Robb Murray
This month in Mankato Magazine, we’re recognizing Black History Month.
To that end, we’re bringing you several stories that speak to Mankato’s past struggles with racial strife, an in-depth profile on Timothy Berry (a rising voice of diversity and artistic fortitude at Minnesota State University), and a look back at the history of the Pathfinder Awards.
For most of our nation’s history, small towns in the Midwest that aren’t large urban centers are going to be mostly, well, white.
A home-grown Minnesotan, Berry’s story is at once common and unique. Like many others, he attended high school in the Twin Cities and chose to pursue a degree at MSU.
But unlike most, he is a man who excelled on the football field, in the dance studio, in the writer’s room and in the realm of higher education administration. Writer Jane Turpin Moore captures his spirit and success beautifully. It is a must-read in this month’s issue.
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Christina Sankey
ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Barb Wass CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Justin Niles
PUBLISHER Steve Jameson
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Spear
In our deep dive this month by Michael Lagerquist, we go way back in The Free Press archives to find examples of times when the social climate wasn’t exactly welcoming or inviting to people of color. This piece also touches on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Mankato, as well as the progress the community has made since those darker times in the mid- to late 1800s.
We’re not naive enough to think things are perfect. They are not. But we’d like to think our community is evolving and changing for the better. A look at the annual Pathfinder Awards, which honor individuals and groups working in the spirit of MLK, reveals an impressive list that crosses demographic lines.
And while certain social media interactions might lead us to believe there are still people whose intellects and hearts are firmly rooted in old, racist ways, the Pathfinder Awards and other initiatives in southern Minnesota show that, while we’re not there yet, we’re on our way to being the inclusive, diverse, harmonious community we’d all want our children to grow up in.
It’s also important to highlight leaders of color in our community, such as Berry.
Elsewhere in Mankato Magazine, we bring you the story of John O’Sullivan, the Mankato East High School alumnus who is making quite a name for himself on the TikTok social media platform. O’Sullivan (a former Free Press intern) is using his skills as a tour guide to produce one-minute videos focused on Minnesota history. Several have garnered hundreds of thousands of views. His style is engaging, upbeat and very Minnesotan.
Our restaurant feature focuses on a favorite New Ulm spot called Lola: An American Bistro. New Ulm brings a lot to the table when it comes to eating and drinking. Lola is a unique part of that culinary menagerie.
And in our book feature this month, writer Nick Healy explores the memoir of John Hassler, one of the all-time great Minnesota authors. (“North of Hope” is on my reading list for 2023.) Hassler, who died in 2008, had many fans. This latest book, while not another work of fiction, gives us a peek into the man’s life, told in his own voice, which Healy rightfully calls “a gift.”
Enjoy!