Insight ::: 06.10.2024

IN THE LINE OF DUTY

City mourns death of mourns death of officer Jamal Mitc hell of cer Mitchell

Renée Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via

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cer Jamal Mitchell, is presented with a Lifesaving Awar d by Chief Brian O’Hara in Minneapolis, Minn.,

cer Jamal Mitchell, is presented with

Oct 4, 2023 in Minneapolis Mitchell, who was

Oct. 2023 in Minneapolis. who was

The Minneapolis police officer shot and killed last week was an outgoing person who loved his job, his family said.

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fficer Jamal Mitchell, 36, died in the shooting on Thursday. Police said the man who shot him was 35-year-old Mustafa Mohamed. Responding officers killed Mohamed, and a state agency identified the officers on Sunday.

Another shooting victim, 32-year-old Osman Said Jimale, was later found dead at an apartment. Four others, including one of the responding officers and a firefighter, were injured. Here are some things to know.

WHO WERE THE OFFICERS

INVOLVED IN THE

SHOOTING?

The officers who fired on Mohamed were Nick Kapinos, who has 10 years of law enforcement experience, and Luke Kittock, who has nine years, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or BCA. Kapinos fired his service handgun, and Kittock fired his service rifle, it said. Both officers were put on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard policy in officer-involved shootings.

WHAT HAPPENED?

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fficers responded to a call of a double shooting at an apartment complex. Mitchell was the first to arrive, BCA said. As he neared the complex,

he said over the police radio that he saw two injured men — Mohamed and a bystander — in the street.

Mitchell got out of his car and approached Mohamed, who was sitting next to a parked vehicle, BCA said. Mitchell asked Mohamed if he was hurt and needed help.

“Without warning, Mohamed pulled out a handgun and shot Mitchell at close range,” BCA said. “Mitchell fell to the ground, incapacitated.”

Additional officers arrived and saw Mohamed continuing to shoot Mitchell, BCA said. As those officers approached, Mohamed starting shooting at them, according to the agency.

Kapinos and Kittock returned fire, striking Mohamed multiple times, BCA said. He

died at the scene. Mitchell died at a hospital. Kittock was injured in the exchange of gunfire and treated at a hospital. A Minneapolis firefighter was also treated for injuries. The bystander who was shot is in critical but stable condition. Investigators recovered a handgun with an extended magazine and several cartridge casings at the scene, BCA said. Agents are reviewing bodyworn and squad car camera video.

When other officers went to the apartment, they found two people inside who had been shot. Jimale was dead and the other person was critically wounded. WHO

By Michael Goldberg Associated Press

Nyra Fields-Miller was making breakfast for her family last weekend when the county attorney’s office called with an urgent request to speak with her in person. Hours later, officials told her that prosecutors were dismissing murder and manslaughter charges against the Minnesota state trooper who shot and killed her son last summer.

On Tuesday, a day after Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty defended her initial decision to charge the trooper who killed Ricky Cobb II and to later drop the charges, Cobb’s family said officials

By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer

George Floyd Square continues to symbolize a national reckoning on racial justice. It recently hosted a deeply emotional gathering, broadcast live on Radio KFAI 90.3 FM during “The Conversation with Al McFarlane” program. This special episode, set against the backdrop of the Square, echoed the community’s ongoing

By Stacy M. Brown

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) will host its annual national convention from June 19 to 22 at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. The NNPA is the trade association of the more than 250 African Americanowned newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America.

This year’s event, themed “Empowering Black Press, Communities, Families, and Voter Turnout,” marks the Black Press’s 197th anniversary, just three years shy of its bicentennial.

The Black Press was founded in 1827, before slavery ended in America, with the publication of Freedom’s Journal in New York, published by John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish. The conglomerate has long championed the cause of African Americans and have been counted on for decades to rally the Black community around speci

c political candidates. “We wish to plead our own cause, for too long others have spoken for us,” declared Russwurm and Cornish in their inaugural issue. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have received formal invitations to attend the convention, and their participation is highly

anticipated by the over 250 Black-owned newspaper and media company owners and their team of editors and journalists who are expected in Baltimore. With the 2024

What happens when you combine a multi-hyphenate Black woman from Mississippi who is also a Jack of all trades?

struggles and familial grief following the tragic police shooting of Ricky Cobb II. Insight News has meticulously covered this case, reporting that the state trooper responsible was charged for Cobbs’ death. However, last Sunday night, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, announced the county was dropping all charges against the officer, Ryan Londregan, who has been on leave from the

“Black of All Trades,” a onewoman show by three-time Writers Guild Awards nominee – Comedian Rita Brent1 “I moved to New York from Mississippi in 2019. It was easily the most challenging and exhilarating period of my life. I was performing 10-20 times a week, hitting stages in every borough, learning how to use the subway and getting lost along the way! I performed at Caroline’s on Broadway, and the pandemic literally hit the next day! I went back to New York for a brief stint after quarantining, but eventually moved back to the south. When I thought about a place to debut my onewoman show, “Black of All Trades,” New York instantly

Comedian

AP

Photo/Michael Goldberg Bakari Sellers, an attorney for the family of Ricky Cobb

Cities provide

The Metropolitan Council has awarded a total of $1.1 million in grants to 41 cities in the seven-county metro region to support changes that reduce the amount of water being pumped from underground aquifers and surface waters as the region grows.

“Minnesotans rely on water for our health, our economic prosperity, and for recreation—and we cannot take it for granted,” said Peter Lindstrom, chair of the Met Council’s Environment

Committee. “These grants help residents do their part to protect our water, our health, and our outdoor traditions.”

Cities apply for funding to reduce costs for residents, and some commercial and government properties, that purchase and install replacement water-efficient products. Eligible purchases include toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, smart irrigation controllers, and more. Each city can design their own grant program and choose

which products to help fund. This is the fourth round of Met Council water efficiency grants since the program’s inception in 2015. As of the end of 2023, the grants have helped fund the replacement of more than 15,000 devices with WaterSense- and Energy Star-labeled devices, and audits of 174 irrigation systems. Participation grew from 37 municipalities in the 2022-2024 program to 41 for 2024-2026.

The Minnesota

Legislature allocated the grant funds through the Clean Water, Land & Legacy amendment. Cities are required to make a 20% match to funding they receive. Grant activities will begin on July 1. The Met Council also set aside $400,000 of the $1.5 million state allocation for a water equity grant program that it will codesign with interested cities later this year.

EPA announces settlement with Smith Foundry to cease furnace and casting operations, pay $80,000 penalty

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Smith Foundry to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its iron foundry in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Within the next 12 months, the company will shut down its furnace and casting processes and convert to a metal finishing facility, which will drastically reduce emissions. The foundry will also pay an $80,000 penalty.

“Shutting down the furnace and casting operations is a win for this community, which has been historically disenfranchised and overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore.

“East Phillips residents deserve to breathe clean air and to live in a healthy, thriving community.”

“The Minnesota

Pollution Control Agency remains committed to ensuring clean air for all Minnesotans and working collaboratively with the EPA toward that goal,” said MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “This settlement is an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of residents in the East Phillips community. The MPCA remains invested in the community and will monitor, in partnership with the EPA, ongoing emissions from Smith Foundry and air quality in the East Phillips neighborhood to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. We will continue to engage with and communicate frequently with residents.”

After an unannounced inspection in May 2023, EPA alleged Smith Foundry failed to properly operate its pollution

control equipment and maintain required records. EPA also alleged the foundry exceeded particulate matter emission

limits for its industrial process equipment and violated airborne particulate matter rules. Under the terms of the

settlement, Smith Foundry will: Immediately shut down two of the foundry’s pouring and cooling lines.

Limit the total amount of liquid metal poured at the remaining lines to 2884 tons before they are shut down.

Permanently shut down the furnace, all remaining pouring/cooling lines, all mullers, and the shakeout system within the next 12 months.

EPA has worked closely with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to improve air quality in the East Phillips community and ensure Smith Foundry’s compliance with the Clean Air Act. EPA will continue to work with MPCA to monitor the foundry and address other air quality concerns in Minneapolis.

For more information about the EPA’s enforcement program, visit the Agency’s website.

For more information on inspections and enforcement actions in your area, visit ECHO.

To report a suspected violation, visit ECHO.

Smith Foundry will also take measures to ensure its baghouses are properly monitored and operated, including installing continuous pressure drop monitors, recording equipment and a bag leak detection system on the main baghouse for the facility’s finishing operations. The foundry will develop and implement an updated operations and maintenance plan.

ran inside and got the couple out before the home was fully engulfed in flames.

Police have provided little information about Mohamed or Jimale.

Mitchell was a father who was engaged to be married. He had been with the department about 18 months. The police department posted on Facebook last year that Mitchell and another officer had rescued an elderly couple from a house fire on Feb. 7, 2023, Mitchell’s third day on the job. The post said Mitchell and Officer Zachery Randall

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accountable.

“Black folks in this country oftentimes do not get to feel what justice looks like,” said Bakari Sellers, an attorney for the family. “And so when we go down this path, and we’re given a semblance of hope that

“I told him, ‘You’re one of the good guys, Jamal,’” close friend Allison Seed told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “They really needed him.” Mitchell was outgoing, with a big smile and a penchant for trying to uplift

this will be just, we gravitate towards that, only to be let down again.”

Sellers and Cobb’s family criticized Moriarty and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz — who sparred publicly with the prosecutor over the case. They also said the family plans to ask the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to investigate the shooting.

Cobb, a 33-year-old Black man, died after Trooper Ryan Londregan, who is white, shot him as he tried to pull away from a traffic stop. Troopers pulled Cobb over on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis on July 31 because the lights were out on his car. They then found that the Spring Lake Park man was wanted for violating a domestic no-contact order in neighboring Ramsey County. Londregan shot Cobb twice as Cobb tried

those around him, his family said.

“If he saw somebody on the corner with a pan, he’s going to dig in his pocket and he’s going to give,” Janet Raper-Edwards, Mitchell’s mother, told Minnesota Public Radio. “He just loved people.”

Raper-Edwards said Mitchell had six siblings, including a twin.

to drive away after troopers ordered him to get out of his car. The shooting added to the political turmoil surrounding law enforcement in a city still reeling from the police murder of George Floyd four years ago. Voters elected Moriarty, a former chief public defender for the county, in 2022 on a police reform platform.

On Monday, Walz told reporters he would have used his power to take the case from Moriarty and hand it to the state attorney general’s office if she had not dropped the charges. She accused Walz of interfering with the case — a claim he denied.

Moriarty said a newly raised defense claim that Londregan believed Cobb was reaching for Londregan’s gun, along with new statements from State Patrol officials

This historical context adds weight to the expectations placed on Biden, as Bogle and Jiles have expressed a similar resolve this year.

election looming, Biden’s engagement with the Black Press is critical to his bid for re-election, underscoring the importance of the Black vote.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment from the 1992 NNPA convention in Baltimore, Bob Bogle of the Philadelphia Tribune and Sonny Messiah Jiles of the Houston Defender recalled the fallout when Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton backed out of his scheduled appearance. Black publishers were furious with Clinton’s decision. Bogle, at the time, called it “an affront to the Black Press, and it’s an affront to African Americans everywhere.”

Clinton later realized the gravity of his mistake and made amends by addressing the Black Press collectively.

NNPA Chair Bobby Henry emphasized the significance of this year’s theme: “Our theme, ‘Empowering the Black Press, Communities, Families, and Voter Turnout,’ is of paramount importance. This conference is a critical platform for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for political parties to share their messages with the media that serves the population and can make or break elections.”

The convention will feature several high-profile presentations and panels, including a keynote address by Damon Todd Hewitt, President & Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, titled “What is at Stake for African Americans: the 2024 Vote.” Rev. Mark Thompson of NNPA Global will moderate the “Generation Z Voter Issues” panel, featuring current

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Exactly what led up to the shooting and the shooter’s motivations are still unknown. The connection between the two shooting locations remains unclear. Police have said that the people in the apartment “had some level of acquaintance with each other.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has said authorities are still investigating and asked people to “be patient with us as we do not know all of the facts yet. We want to make sure that the investigation is completed and we’re doing it the right way.”

backing claims that the trooper was following his training, made the case impossible to prove. On Tuesday, Sellers said body camera video of the episode should have revealed to prosecutors long ago what Londregan might claim in defense.

Cobb’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in April, alleging that the stop and the shooting were unjustified. That lawsuit is ongoing.

Holding officers accountable is still a tall order, even in the county where Derek Chauvin was convicted of Floyd’s 2020 murder, said Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality.

“Even after becoming the epicenter of an international movement against police violence, our community still

and former HBCU students.

A panel discussion on “From NNPA Intern to Full-Time: How the Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected Program is Fueling the Workforce of the Future,” hosted by General Motors, and a Pfizer-sponsored breakfast on “Using AI Technology to Extend Audience Reach and Ensure Inclusive Voices” are two additional highlights. The Google News Initiative will present “News Consumer Insights” with Chrissey Towle, Google’s Director of News Partnerships. Rahn Bailey, MD, of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Elliott T. Boyce, Sr., retired Director of the New York State Police, and Major Neil Franklin, former Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, will be on a panel Reynolds will host to discuss “The Importance of the 2024 Black Vote and Public Policy.” NNPA Partners and sponsors Reynolds, Pfizer Rare Disease, Google News Initiative, General

cannot get justice against cops who engage in excessive force, including deadly force,” Gross said. “Once again, because it’s a cop and there’s politics about this, families can not have their shot at justice.”

Londregan, who was free on his own recognizance, remains on paid leave while the State Patrol reviews the shooting. His attorney, Chris Madel, said the trooper acted heroically and plans to return to law enforcement.

Standing before reporters Tuesday, Cobb’s family and supporters said he should still be alive.

“My son was an excellent son to me. He was fully grown, and he had aspirations. He was a father, and he was a human being, a working human being,” Fields-Miller said. “Make it make sense.”

Motors, American Petroleum Institute, Comcast NBC Universal, Nissan, and AARP. The NNPA Fund’s annual Merit Awards and gala will occur on Thursday, June 20. On Friday, June 21, the NNPA’s annual black-tie gala will include a tribute to Frankie Beverly. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Cabinet Secretary Michael Regan, and Maryland Governor Wesley Moore are scheduled to participate. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. highlighted the critical nature of this year’s convention. “The NNPA welcomes the upcoming opportunity to convene our 2024 annual national convention in the great city of Baltimore,” Chavis declared. “This marks the 197th anniversary of the Black Press of America. Baltimore is one of the historic cities where the Black Press continues to triumph in transformational ways. Because democracy and freedom are on the ballot

EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore

Peter Lindstrom, chair of the Met Council’s Environment Committee

MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler

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this year, we will also issue a national call to action to get out the vote across America.”

As the Black Press nears its bicentennial, the NNPA is celebrating its rich

II

department since the incident.

Londregan, the white state trooper accused of killing Ricky Cobb II, 33,was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, firstdegree assault and seconddegree manslaughter. He had pleaded not guilty.

During the broadcast, Al McFarlane and community leader Spike Moss discussed systemic issues and the unofficial capital punishment meted out to Black individuals by law enforcement. “We’re

legacy and charting a course for its future impact on civic engagement and social justice. “Strengthening voter turnout, supporting families, and enhancing the financial

stability of Black businesses are essential steps toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable society,” Henry added. “This conference underscores the vital role of informing, educating, and mobilizing communities.”

contributions of the

championing the cause for freedom and resisting oppression in all forms,” Moss stated, emphasizing the long history of such incidents in Minnesota.

The family of Ricky Cobb II—his mother Nyra Miller-Fields, sister Octavia, and twin brother Rashad Cobb—shared their harrowing journey through grief and their relentless pursuit of justice. “It hurts that this is even continuing to go on,” Octavia expressed, grateful yet overwhelmed by the community support. Her voice quivered as she spoke of the nights filled with solitude and sorrow, yet also of a community united in their quest for justice. Rashad Cobb detailed the events leading up to his

brother’s fatal encounter with the police. After a family celebration, Ricky was stopped by the police and tragically never made it home. “Just six minutes,” Rashad recalled, the pain evident in his voice as he described rushing to the scene, only to find it barricaded and his brother unjustly taken from them.

Nyra MillerFields spoke with a mother’s unbearable pain, reflecting on the daily struggle of coping with her son’s absence. “I hurt daily... And he’s going to have to be brought to justice, period,” she declared, her voice a mixture of sorrow and determination.

plague communities of color. The legal developments in Ricky’s case have been a focal point of community attention and advocacy. McFarlane had previously hosted the Cobb family on his KFAI radio show last November to discuss the impact of the incident and the progress of the case. Spike Moss highlighted the significance of the legal actions taken in charging the state trooper, as milestones in the fight for accountability.

The family’s fight reflects a broader battle against systemic injustices that continue to

“This is a story about not just a community’s grief but its resilience and demand for systemic change,” McFarlane emphasized during the broadcast. The episode served not only to mourn Ricky

The NNPA has continued to call for increased advertising support from businesses and governmental agencies to ensure fair and equitable spending with Blackowned media, emphasizing the ongoing economic and

Cobb II but also to amplify the calls for justice and reform, resonating deeply with listeners across Minnesota and beyond. Moss also addressed the broader implications of these struggles, relating them to the historic mistreatment of Black communities in Minnesota.

“The progress here to my people is getting charged,” he explained, acknowledging the rare occurrence of such accountability. His words underscored the systemic racism deeply embedded in the state’s institutions, which often shield law enforcement from facing consequences.

Press to American society.

community’s solidarity and the Cobb family’s courage serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action. This gathering, poignant and powerful, reiterated the urgent need for systemic change—a change that would honor the memories of those lost and protect future generations from similar fates. In this moment of collective mourning and mobilization, the words of Spike Moss resonated profoundly: “Never give up. Stand up right now, until this is over with.” This sentiment captures the spirit of George Floyd Square, a place not only of remembrance but of relentless pursuit of justice. GF Cobb

As the conversation at George Floyd Square unfolded, it was clear that the fight for justice was far from over. The

came to mind! I have some unfinished business to handle, and it’s happening— Thursday, June 20, at Caveat NYC,” said Comedian Rita Brent.

Brent’s one-woman show takes place during the historic Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest, where she is also a headliner!

Brent weaves in and out of traditional standup comedy, storytelling, and perform her original music (“Can You Rock Me Like a Pothole” and “The B6 Anthem”) in a dazzling showcase of all her talents!

— Rita Brent

An award-winning comedia and musician, Brent is also a military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and singer-pianist, Dr. Angela Weathersby. She credits her mother for singlehandedly cultivating her talents and preparing her for the entertainment business. By 18, she joined the Army National Guard where she served as a drummer in the 41st Army

Band, ending her time in service as a sergeant. She began her radio broadcasting career at WJSU 88.5 FM as a student at THEE I LOVE

How we can make our roads safer for Black teens this summer

By Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations, National Road Safety Foundation and Candace Lightner, Founder, We Save Lives

Cookouts. Beach trips. Baseball games. Summer is almost here, a season everyone loves. But in a town in Connecticut, this July will be a solemn time for the family and friends of a 15-yearold girl who was killed one year ago when the young driver of a car she was in was distracted. She was a gifted, beautiful student. Most importantly, she is more than a statistic and our hearts go out to her family and friends. But sadly, her death adds to the tragic consequences of distracted driving that affects everyone. Her death, as a young Black teen, highlights a disturbing truth: Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled are systematically higher for Black and Hispanic Americans for all modes of transportation. Federal data shows that 225 teens (ages 15 to 19) were killed in distractionaffected crashes in 2021. We also know that distracted driving (including texting while driving) is blamed for 58% of crashes involving teen drivers. We can prevent more deaths by making the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day the “100 Safest Days of Summer.” This is our time to remain vigilant and provide teens with every safety tip that we know will keep them alive. Sometimes,

it takes a little extra courage to remind our independenceseeking teens that too many passengers are dangerous, that their cell phones should be turned off while driving and that other distractions can be just as deadly. We need to explain that impaired driving is not only dangerous but also a crime that can result in truly life-altering consequences.

Parents should remember these tips to give teens the best chance at staying alive:

Never serve alcohol or other drugs at parties. Not only is it dangerous, but in some states, parents can be held liable for underage drinking if a partygoer crashes on the way home.

Lead by example by eliminating distractions behind the wheel and always driving soberly. According to the National Safety Council, a recent survey reported that 91% of parents who use their cell phones do it in front of their teens knowing that

they are “one of their teens’ primary driving teachers.”

Urge your teens to call you if they are ever in a potentially bad driving situation. Let them know you will pick them up without repercussions, no questions asked. If your child is afraid, they’ll “get in trouble” if you see them under the influence, wouldn’t they be more likely to drive impaired or get in a car with someone who is?

If your teen is

going, and with whom and to call you if their plans change; it can save a lot of grief and worry.

Empower them to show courage and decline a ride from a friend who has been drinking, taking drugs, speeding, or tends to drive distracted. Saying “no thanks” may make the difference between life and death. Encourage them to take care of their passengers and promise to keep them safe. Encourage them to sign the Courage to Intervene Unfortunately, there exists the commonly misguided notion that someone else will do the right thing, that someone else will speak up, that someone else will have the Courage to Intervene. Teens can also help ensure that they and their friends stay alive to enjoy summer by pledging to practice responsible and safe driving habits, whether they’re the driver or passenger, with the “I PROMise Pledge.” And, of course,

learning to drive, practice with them frequently, be patient and positive, and always demonstrate safe driving habits when you drive. They will follow your example. Consider employing a professional for this often high-stress rite of passage. Ask them to add #BUTNOTWHILEDRIVINGto their mobile device signature and teach them how to use “Focus” or “Do Not Disturb.”

Ask them to keep you informed of where they’re

Our role in perpetuating the downfall of democracy: A call to action

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Publisher of the Westside Gazette Newspaper

As citizens of a democracy, our role in shaping its course cannot be overstated. Whether we cast our vote for President Joe Biden and the strides he has made for inclusion or Donald Trump for all that he has done and is doing to discredit this country as a democracy as a whole, our actions affect what happens in our country’s history. We better believe that our responsibility for our rights extends way beyond the ballot box; it includes the values we uphold, the causes we champion, and the ideals

we strive and will fight for.

No one man, woman or other should stand in the way of our freedom for equal rights and our will to be FREEcome hell or high water!

The actions of those who lead speak volumes about the direction in which we are headed. Whether we stand for women’s rights, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), affirmative action, or combatting white supremacy, our choices shape the landscape of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

Supporting candidates who champion values essential for equity, it is not enough. We have to hold leaders accountable, demanding

transparency, integrity, and loyalty to the principles upon which our democracy stands. We cannot afford to be passive observers, content with merely casting our votes and hoping for the best. We must actively engage in our communities, standing up for the voices least heard, demanding change, and standing up against injustice wherever it may intrude.

The continuation of democracy depends on us and rests squarely on our shoulders. It is a collective endeavor, requiring the participation and dedication of every citizen who is willing not to fall for the bovine excretions. We must refuse complacency and apathy, recognizing that the fight for democracy is ongoing and

Traffic Collison

Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Publisher of the Westside Gazette Newspaper and Chairman of the Board of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Remembering George Floyd

Racial injustice and the power of community: Remembering George Floyd in North Minneapolis

Guest commentary by Phyllis Wheatley Community Center

As we mark the anniversary of George Floyd’s tragic death, the reverberations of that fateful day continue to be felt deeply within our North Minneapolis community. At Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, the echoes of his name and the cause for which he unintentionally became a martyr resonate with vigor and resolve. This anniversary is not just a moment for somber reflection, but a call for sustained action and unity.

A Day That Changed the World May 25, 2020, is etched in the collective memory of our community, our country, and the world. The brutal and senseless murder of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer is a

stark reminder of the systemic racism and violence that has plagued our society and our city for generations. For North Minneapolis, a Black neighborhood already grappling with decades of socio-economic challenges and oppression, the pain was particularly acute.

In remembering George Floyd North Minneapolis, we remember the days of protests that followed –days filled with both grief and hope, anger and determination. Our streets, once the backdrop for everyday life, became the frontline for a global movement demanding justice and equality. It was a time when our community stood together, not just to mourn, but to assert our right to exist without fear of violence and discrimination.

Progress and Challenges It’s important to recognize the progress that has been made — the conviction of Derek Chauvin, Floyd’s murderer was a significant

moment of accountability. However, the work is far from over. Systemic change requires sustained effort, and our community continues to face many of the same challenges that existed before May 25, 2020.

Economic disparities, inadequate access to quality education and healthcare, under-investment and lack of resources, and ongoing issues with law enforcement remain pressing concerns.

But the spirit of resilience in North Minneapolis is unyielding. The unity and solidarity that have always been hallmarks of the community reemerged in the wake of George Floyd’s death and have fortified our resolve to fight for a better future.

At Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, we work to provide resources that heighten quality of life, bring equity to the oppressed, and offer opportunity to those most in need. For a century, our organization has

worked alongside the people of the Northside to find reasons to hope — for a better tomorrow, a better future for the next generation, a city where all people have access to the tools they need to thrive, and to foster a safe, equitable, and just community.

Moving Forward Together As we reflect on the tragic death of George Floyd, we also look to the future with determination. Our community center remains committed to being a pillar of support and a catalyst for change. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collective action. It reminds us that while George Floyd’s life was taken in a moment of profound injustice, his legacy has sparked a movement that continues to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change. We invite all members of our community, and those beyond, to join us in this ongoing

Minneapolis choir inspires healing in George Floyd week tribute

By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer

In Minneapolis, a city forever marked by the tragic loss of George Floyd, the vibrant voice of Courtland Pickens resonates with a message of resilience and communal healing. As George Floyd Week unfolded, Pickens, a Northside native and a beacon of hope, stands at the forefront, channelling his passion for music into a powerful force for change. Broadcasting live from George Floyd Square, Al McFarlane’s radio show, “The Conversation with Al McFarlane,” hosted on KFAI 90.3FM, becomes a platform for voices like Pickens’. McFarlane, whose program last week aimed

to honor the memory of Floyd while fostering discussions on recovery and overcoming, finds in Pickens a poignant symbol of the vibrant, resilient spirit that defines the African American community in times of adversity.

Pickens, who leads a choir of young talents known as Known Minneapolis, shares his journey and the transformative power of music. “I’m a Northside native, graduated from Patrick Henry High School, and thought to myself it’d be a cool idea to go back and to teach youth,” Pickens explains. His dedication reflects a deeper commitment to nurturing a new generation of singers and songwriters who not only embrace their art but also the community values that bolster them against societal

challenges. This initiative took flight with a simple Facebook post, which quickly garnered significant attention, culminating in auditions by 160 hopeful youths. “I narrowed it down to 60 youth and young adults. We hit the ground running right away,” Pickens recalls, his voice filled with the excitement of those early days. The choir’s journey is not just about music; it’s a lifeline, a means of instilling discipline, pride, and a sense of belonging among the participants. The involvement of these young people in community events, especially during the pandemic, highlights an essential truth articulated by Pickens: “We need to meet back in person so that we can build our community and give

the youth something productive to do.” His words underline the choir’s role far beyond performance—serving as a community cornerstone that provides structure, support, and

a positive outlet for the energies of Minneapolis’ youth.

The George Floyd Week events offered a particularly poignant venue for Known Minneapolis to shine, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the city’s African American community to remembrance and positive action. As McFarlane puts it, “Today’s theme is focusing on remembering and planning for a future, building a future with the knowledge of the cost, the suffering, and the energy that comes out of reimagining what a future can be based on the painful incident of the murder of George Floyd.”

During the broadcast, Pickens’ spontaneous singing of the hymn “It is Well With My Soul” sends chills through the studio and beyond,

encapsulating the profound emotional and spiritual journey the community continues to navigate. His performance, though brief, is a testament to the healing power of art and faith, echoing through the hearts of those present and listening.

The choir performed at the May 25th Minnesota Soul Festival at U.S. Bank Stadium, described by community activist and McFarlane’s co-host for the day, Alfred Babington-Johnson, as a day uplifting the spirit of community and resilience. “Our Village, Our Song,” the event’s tagline, aimed to celebrate the soul and spirit of Minnesota—a fitting tribute to a community’s capacity to rise from pain and forge a path forward.

Minnesota’s Reckoning: Spike Moss on George Floyd and systemic racism

By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer

During a poignant conversation on Radio KFAI’s 90.3 FM during George Floyd week, community leaders and activists gathered on the popular show “The Conversation with Al McFarlane” to reflect on systemic injustices and the long history of racial strife in Minnesota. Broadcasting live from George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis, the discussion brought together influential voices, including Spike Moss, a stalwart freedom fighter and a vocal advocate for the Black community. Moss, whose activism dates to the 1960s, shed light on the persistent issues of police brutality and systemic racism exacerbated by George Floyd’s tragic death.

“Minnesota has been out of order for so many years,” Moss began, his voice heavy with the weight of decades of struggle. He recounted the harrowing incident from 1966 when a young Black girl was brutally beaten by police, sparking the state’s first rebellion. “George Floyd was not just a man; in his death, he became a symbol, a sacrificial lamb that forced the world to look at the ongoing atrocities here,” he explained.

Moss detailed the historical backdrop of Minnesota’s racial tensions, pointing out that despite being a northern state, it has harbored deep-seated racial bias. “We have had more rebellions than any other state, but nobody knew because the local media,

owned by the powers that be, never let the truth out,” he asserted.

The conversation turned to the numerous cases Moss has handled over his 42year career, fighting against the injustices imposed on African American and Native American communities. “There was no justice for Minnesota,” he said. “We have far too many police with extensive records of misconduct that have never been brought to trial.”

Moss highlighted the systemic barriers that have prevented accountability, including the lack of action from city councils, mayors, and other state officials. He lamented the consistent failures to charge or convict white police officers despite clear evidence of wrongdoing. “I won 90-some

percent of all the lawsuits, and lost 100% of all charges against white officers,” he stated, reflecting a grim reality of racial disparity in legal outcomes.

The discussion also touched on the economic disparities that have plagued the Black community in Minnesota.

“To live in a state where white people own the majority of mortgages and businesses, and we own less than half of 1%... it’s not just racism, it’s a conspiracy,” Moss argued, painting a picture of systemic exclusion and economic oppression.

Moss also brought attention to recent incidents, like the tragic case of Ricky Cobb II, who was fatally shot by a Highway Patrol officer during a traffic stop. “Ricky didn’t make it home because of

an unnecessary and aggressive police action, which is a symptom of the broader disease of racial injustice in our state,” he pointed out.

As the community grapples with these deep-rooted issues, Moss’ words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. He called on listeners to acknowledge the systemic nature of racism and to actively work towards meaningful change. “Our community will stand up because enough is enough. It’s time for action, for change, and for justice,” Moss concluded, his message resonating with urgency and resolve.

This conversation, set against the backdrop of George Floyd Square and aired during George Floyd week, not only honored Floyd’s memory but

Courtland Pickens

George Floyd Memorial

also amplified the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in Minnesota. It served as a powerful call to action, urging the community and the nation to face and address the systemic issues that have long plagued society.

Spike Moss

George Floyd

Sports

Caitlin Clark and the WNBA race hype

By Chuck Hobbs

Let me begin by saying that while Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star and first pick of the recent WNBA draft, is a very talented basketball player and has drawn many fans to women’s basketball, she is a rookie and FAR from dominating the pro game the way many of her supporters expected her to coming out of college.

No, Clark didn’t ask for those expectations, but they were affixed by some within the media (and on social media) after her record setting collegiate career. Such is the reason why each and every

By Dave Campbell

AP Pro Football Writer

The wide receiver position in the NFL has been home over the years to some of the most dynamic yet moody superstars in the sport.

Justin Jefferson was voted a team captain for his age-24 season by his Minnesota Vikings teammates.

For all the accomplishments on the field that earned him the league’s richest non-quarterback contract, Jefferson has made his mark with the Vikings as a leader.

“He means the world to that locker room,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He’s a culture-changer.”

basket, assist, steal, rebound, and turnover that Clark creates will be analyzed over and over again for many years to come. And while the jury is still out as to how great Clark will be as a professional, I submit that I wholly disagree with ALL notions that I keep seeing on social media that she is the modern day version of Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, Jesse Owens, or Wilma Rudolph— Black athletes who experienced the WORST of American racism and still DOMINATED their sports during the era of legal segregation! These comparisons stem from the fact that Clark is a white woman playing a game dominated by Black women, the latter of whom have been branded as “haters” and “jealous” by many white sportscasters and enthusiasts, and even by some Black sports personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Charles

That reputation was cemented last year after Jefferson suffered a hamstring strain that ultimately kept him out for seven games.

“The way he handled it and the work he put in and then ultimately the way he hit the field and immediately produced and led when he was able to come back,” O’Connell said, “I think served a huge message to the rest of his teammates: He’s a guy that we can not only really count on, but he’s a guy that sets the tone of this entire organization.”

The Vikings over time have experienced as much internal disruption around the frustration of standout receivers as any team, from Randy Moss to Percy Harvin to Stefon Diggs. After finishing his college career with a national championship at

LSU, Jefferson has yet to win a playoff game in the NFL, but there hasn’t been a public hint of discontent from him with the direction of the team or his role on it.

“I love every single thing about it. From the fan base to the coaches, to the teammates, to the owners that support this organization, everything has been phenomenal,” Jefferson said on Tuesday at a news conference at Vikings headquarters to discuss his new deal.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recalled a message Jefferson sent him after he was hired in 2022, lobbying for the retention of wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell from the previous staff

“He said, ‘Hey man,

Barkley, and LeBron James! Case in point: Folks have been clutching pearls this week about Clark being fouled pretty hard during her recent game against the Chicago Sky, one in which she renewed on court acquaintances with Angel Reese, the LSU star who mocked her “you can’t see me” hand over the face gesture repeatedly during LSU’s 2023 National Championship game win over Iowa. Such commenters conveniently forget that those Jim Crow era Black trailblazers had to deal with FAR worse disrespect from opponents, fans, and even their own government leaders—not to mention the occasional death threats from assorted KKK and affiliated degenerates! In fairness, I don’t think that Clark even sees herself in that kind of racial pioneering light, and I am certain that

those who are making her out to be some type of “reverse racism” martyr do so not based on objective facts, but on their opinion based agenda to elevate right wing anti-Black backlash to some level of respectability, which it NEVER will be in

I’m not that type of guy. I don’t ask for anything. But I’d really like to work with coach McCardell. He pushes me to be great,’” Adofo-Mensah said. “I think that says a lot about not just his coach but about Justin and the types of things he wants for his career.”

The leadership role for Jefferson has only begun, now that Kirk Cousins — who threw the ball on all but two of his 31 career touchdown receptions — has departed and J.J. McCarthy has been drafted as the potential next franchise quarterback. McCarthy also came to the NFL fresh off a national championship, with Michigan.

“I’m going to be that main person of being in his ear and try to teach him and try to prepare him for what we’re about to go through,” Jefferson said. “I love his confidence, I love his attitude and of course, him coming off a championship, you can’t have any more confidence than that.”

The Vikings were delighted to have this deal done before the mandatory minicamp, with a couple of weeks left in the offseason program to give McCarthy — and new quarterback Sam Darnold — some time to throw to and mesh with Jefferson.

“The pitch and catch factor will always be part of playing our game. You can have a bunch of lines on a sheet of paper, run it against every coverage known to man, feel good about the what and the why, but you’ve still got to have that how and that feel between player to player,” O’Connell said.

Jefferson was joined

worth as much as $140 million, with more than

on Tuesday by his parents, John and Elaine, and one of his older brothers, Jordan, in a living example of the environment that shaped his competitiveness, determination and integrity while growing up in Louisiana.

As Jefferson discussed the point in his career path when he was an undersized and overlooked recruit out of high school, he recalled complaining to his parents about not being big or strong enough. His mother smiled and nodded in corroboration of the story.

For all the highlightreel plays Jefferson has made

due

over his first four years in the league, the one that stood out to Adofo-Mensah wasn’t even among the highlight clips. It was a fumble recovery that kept a last-ditch drive alive in the game against Detroit last season, one play before his leaping third-and-27 catch converted a long-shot first down.

“He sprints back to the other side of the field and desperately recovers the ball so that we have the chance to snap the ball,” Adofo-Mensah said. “That’s the one that I’ll tell my kids that I got to see.” AP NFL: https:// apnews.com/hub/NFL

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark

AP Photo/Abbie Parr Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson talks to the media during an NFL football press conference in Eagan, Minn., Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The Vikings and Jefferson agreed to a four-year extension that’s the richest contract in the NFL for a non-quarterback. Jefferson will get $110 million guaranteed in the deal that’s

$88 million

at signing.

Hobb servation Point

The Darkest Shade of Green

By W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor

ENVY

The Darkest Shade of Green

By Kevin E. Taylor

There has been a myth going around that samesex relationships/marriages don’t last, and sadly, some in the LGBT community have believed that myth. The reality, however, is somewhat different. Those long-term relationships have always been out there— their love stories simply weren’t getting the attention or the energy. I appreciate a good love story, and for my next installment for Black Love and Pride Month, Kevin E. Taylor delivers it in his sequel to Jaded--Envy: The Darkest Shade of Green.

The story takes place five years later in New York, in the lives of now happily married Joshua and Elijah KnightMonroe. They are deeply in love. Each is successful in their own right, and they are surrounded by a circle of loving parents and friends. Eli’s career as an out, proud performing artist is poised to take off to new heights, and Josh is there to support him. Tragedy strikes when Josh’s father dies from a sudden heart attack, and Josh is plagued by nightmares, feeling he in some way was responsible. And Eli is there for him as a supportive husband.

Josh’s best friend Carlton and his partner Donovan are having their own problems, due to Donovan’s infidelity and self-esteem issues, which are compounded by guilt and his strained relationship with his parents. Carlton is committed

to making things work, but is Donovan able to let go and love himself as well as forgive himself?

Meanwhile, Eli’s gift for music and song is taking him to new heights with a youhad-to-be-there extravaganza that becomes the talk of New York. His love for Josh is stronger than ever. However, lurking in the wings is Kamal Asante, a 24-year-old graduate of the Eve Harrington School of Ruthless Ambition, waiting for the right moment to strike and remove everyone standing in his way to fame…

As a Baby Boomer, I was impressed and touched by Taylor’s illustration of music, especially the greats like Natalie Cole, Nina Simone, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Valerie Simpson, Vanessa Williams, and the like. Having Eli on stage with B. Slade and Billy Porter knocked it out of

the park. As a couple, Eli and Josh set a powerful example of a love story, one that someone as jaded as Kamal couldn’t fathom; then again, Kamal had his own demons. People in the story had secrets and they had demons. Some were able to conquer them; others, like Donovan’s mother, could not. At the end of the day, love wins out with a stirring message: “Protect what you profess.”

Envy: The Darkest Shade of Green is available through Amazon and Taylor’s website, www.kevinetaylor. com.

Thank you, Kevin, for bringing us Joshua KnightMonroe and Elijah KnightMonroe as an inspiration of what a loving same-sex relationship/marriage looks like, and what must be planted in order for it to blossom and last (and withstand the weeds). Representation and visibility matter.

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LAND THE BIG ONE

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