Insight ::: 06.24.2024

EXPANDING HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPOR TUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES

Kicking off National Homeownership Month, Build Wealth MN announced it was awarded $3 million from JPMorgan Chase to support families throughout their homeownership journey and expand homeownership opportunities for underserved communities in the Twin Cities.

Build Wealth MN will use the funds to address the housing disparity gaps in Minnesota as part of the 9000 Equities initiative. This includes access to homebuyer education; affordable mortgage and down payment assistance; and a matched savings account for cost-burdened Black households in the Twin Cities, utilizing a special purpose credit program adopted pursuant to federal fair lending law.

“Barriers to homeownership have long created stark inequities in our local communities and this investment from JPMorgan Chase will enable Build Wealth MN to help more households make homeownership a reality,” said Dr. David McGee, Executive Director of Build Wealth MN. “In this time of high interest rates, low inventory, and higher home costs these funds are more critical than

ever to help the 9000 Equities partners as they continue to close the homeownership gap of Black families in Minnesota.”

The 9000 Equities initiative is a collaboration of sixteen financial coaching and housing counseling organizations, lenders, realtors, and other partners that are dedicated to closing the homeownership gap.

The goal is to help 9000 Black families in Minnesota become homeowners.

Maelene Rhodes, who is celebrating the milestone of being the 1000th homeowner to purchase via the 9000 Equities initiative, started her journey in June of 2018 and closed on her home this Spring. The Rhodes family engaged with the Build Wealth Family Stabilization Plan to restore their credit, reduce debt, and increase their savings to qualify for a home mortgage and special down payment assistance programs.

“I am beyond thrilled to be the 1000th person to help Build Wealth and its partners reach this milestone. My family has always wanted a place to call our own and to begin building generational wealth for our children and grandchildren. We worked

hard to stay on track with our workable budget, savings, and credit building. We are beyond grateful to Build Wealth MN!”

Homeownership is a proven source of wealth building; however, underserved communities face persistent challenges in obtaining and maintaining their homes. In nearly every state, including Minnesota, people of color are less likely to own homes compared to white households.

As part of JPMorgan Chase’s strategy to combat the housing affordability crisis, the firm is supporting organizations advancing innovative homeownership financing and wealth building models that can be successfully scaled throughout the country. By working with organizations on the local and national levels, the firm aims to help support underserved individuals throughout their homeownership journey, whether they be first time homebuyers or current homeowners.

“Affordable housing opportunities are vital to creating strong communities and building intergenerational wealth,” said Joanna Trotter, Executive Director, Corporate

Responsibility for JPMorgan Chase in Minnesota. “The private sector has an important role to play alongside nonprofit organizations and policymakers in advancing housing affordability, including increasing access to homeownership. Build Wealth has a proven model and we’re proud to help it expand.”

The 9000 Equities partners held it One Door to Homeownership (Homebuyer Expo) event on June 22nd at 1256 Penn Avenue N. The Expo addressed the latest housing market by featuring experts on lending, credit building, the pre-approval process and down payment assistance as well as the opportunity to form relationships with realtors and banks. For more information: www.9000Equities.com/events

Read more about the JPMorgan Chase commitment here: https://www. jpmorganchase.com/newsstories/20million-housingaffordability-commitment

Read more about 9000 Equities here: www.9000equities.com

Read more about Build Wealth MN here: www.BwealthE.org

Build Wealth MN awarded $3 million from JPMorgan Chase Investment expands homeownership opportunities for Black households in Twin Cities

Rebecca Roush Henn

Maelene Rhodes family Maelene Rhodes family.

Protecting our city’s growth: How financial legislation could affect Minneapolis

By Ericka Jones, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Professional

Over the years, Minneapolis has undergone a noticeable transformation. Despite skepticism that the city could not recover from the volatility and changes driven by the pandemic, community leadership has proven otherwise. They have focused the path to progress on diversity and inclusion, creating a dynamic city that is vibrant, thriving, and rejuvenated.

The diverse

communities in Minneapolis have been at the forefront of this transformation. They have brought cultural richness, innovative ideas, and a sense of unity that has greatly enhanced the city’s fabric. They have played a significant role in the local economy, helping to create a prosperous business environment that promotes entrepreneurship and opportunity for all. However, lawmakers in the Senate have repeatedly debated legislation such as the Credit Card Competition Act, which could potentially jeopardize the environment

Ericka Jones

we’ve fostered for progress in our city. This Act aims to regulate “interchange fees” -

the credit card transaction fees collected by banks and enforce the use of multiple networks for processing transactions. This could adversely affect local banking services, which have spurred discretionary spending and consequently stimulated local economies. Implementing this act would shift resources from local financial institutions and community use to the profit margins of billion-dollar retail corporations. It would force community banks and local credit unions to limit affordable and accessible credit, negatively impacting

community diversity and the fabric of our city. A reduction in essential financial resources would obstruct entrepreneurial ventures, limit financial growth, and worsen wealth disparities. But the negative impacts extend beyond credit access. Just like we saw with debit card rewards from similar legislation, this would threaten credit card rewards programs, which are often overlooked in financial policy discussions and play a substantial role in our local economy. These rewards stimulate our economies by supporting the travel and hospitality

industries, which help sustain our vibrant neighborhoods. These businesses help sustain the vibrant, lively neighborhoods that many visitors and residents enjoy. The revitalization of Minneapolis is a testament to what can be achieved when diversity, equity, and inclusion are prioritized. It’s essential that we do not undermine this progress by implementing policies that limit access to crucial financial resources. Our community leaders must continue to advocate for policies that promote economic prosperity for all.

Senator Tina Smith, D-MN: Leading co-sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act

By Senator Tina Smith

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in America. On June 19th, 1865, a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, which freed the last enslaved Americans. It’s never been more important to recognize our history and commemorate the end of the dark stain of slavery — especially as MAGA Republicans and school boards across the country are trying to erase the importance of the struggle for Black liberation. Try as they might, they will not wipe away the hard work and persistent fight for freedom. Now, we remember the countless Black activists who have fought for recognition of Juneteenth, but especially Ms. Opal Lee, known as the grandmother

of Juneteenth. In 2016, at 89 she walked from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, bringing with her a petition supporting the creation of a federal holiday in celebration of Juneteenth. I felt a duty to heed her call. I was the leading co-sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which President Biden signed into law in his first year in office and makes Juneteenth a nationally

recognized federal holiday. After this bill passed the Senate, I had the opportunity to call Ms. Lee. When I told her the good news, the sound of the joy in her voice is a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life. So while we celebrate Juneteenth, let this also be a moment of rededication to the cause of racial justice. Let us all work diligently toward the systemic change Black people deserve

and need — like protecting voting rights and safeguarding our democracy, passing meaningful policing and criminal justice reform, pursuing economic and environmental justice, and working towards a more just and equitable world.

I know that lately, the path to justice has felt impossibly long. But even in the darkest moments — let us draw inspiration and strength from the example of these heroes like Ms. Lee, and work together for a future of equity and justice for all.

A Juneteenth history lesson for Donald Trump

Biden-Harris Director of Black Media Jasmine Harris released the following statement:

“Juneteenth is about celebrating our history – yet Donald Trump thinks so little of Black voters that he thinks we’ll forget his. From embracing white supremacists to calling for the death penalty for the innocent Central Park 5 and promoting racist conspiracies about Barack Obama, racism is the single through line of Trump’s life and career.

“The best thing Donald Trump ever did for Black people was lose to Joe Biden four years ago.

“No amount of pandering erases the real harm he’s caused Black communities across the country – or the fact that he’ll

hurt more Black people if he wins a second term.

“After a lifetime of racism and in honor of the holiday, the least Trump could do is give Black America a day off from his campaign’s racist, empty pandering. Black voters have had enough – and they’re ready to put an end to Trump’s candidacy this November.”

A Juneteenth History Lesson for Donald Trump Donald Trump has spent his entire life denigrating Black Americans. He spent his entire presidency harming Black communities. And he’s spent his entire campaign this cycle engaged in empty, racist gimmicks instead of meaningful outreach.

Quick trip down memory lane:

Four years ago, Trump even denigrated Juneteenth itself, saying that “nobody had ever heard of it” before the backlash that came when he scheduled a rally on Juneteenth at the site of a historic massacre of Black Americans. Black leaders called his move a “slap in the face to Black people.” That won’t stop him and his campaign from “celebrating” Juneteenth today. If there are two things Trump loves (outside of himself), it’s irony and racism. Trump may have selective memory, but Black Americans haven’t forgotten his lifetime of racism. And – no matter how much his campaign tries to paper over it with tactless

stunts and hollow talk – neither should the media.

Just a few examples of Trump’s flagrant racism: Compared life in America’s Blackest cities –

from Milwaukee to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and Detroit – to “living in hell” Spent his life discriminating against Black tenants Insulted civil rights legends John Lewis and Elijah Cummings Reportedly (and according to multiple sources) called a Black Apprentice finalist the N-word Called for the death penalty for the innocent Central Park 5 Denigrated the memory of George Floyd

Blamed Rayshard Brooks – a Black man shot and killed by police – for his own death

Created and spread the

against Americans

racist because he has “many

friends” Defended his racism by saying “everybody’s called a racist now”

Biography Donald Trump

Frederick Douglass: Agitate!

By Christine Kinealy Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute, Quinnipiac University

Though Frederick Douglass remains the most wellknown abolitionist to visit Ireland in the decades prior to the American Civil War, he was not the only one.

As many as 30 Black abolitionists and activists also traveled to Ireland between 1790 and 1860. Olaudah Equiano was one of them. Born in Africa, Equiano was kidnapped when he was about 10 years old. But he later purchased his own freedom, wrote a bestselling autobiography and arrived in Ireland in 1791 as a guest of the United Irishmen, a group of radical nationalists.

Another was Sarah Parker Remond, who came to Ireland in 1859 and stayed with the same family who had hosted Douglass 14 years earlier. Having for the first time experienced equality, she could not bear to return to America.

Governor Tim Walz today announced over $12 million for job skills training, work readiness, internships, work experience, on-the-job training, and job placement for Minnesotans. This is the funding awarded under the Targeted Populations Workforce Competitive Grant Program, and will allow organizations to serve an estimated 2,100 Minnesotans.

“Anyone who has submitted a job application knows the difficulty and frustration that can come with finding work,” said Governor Walz. “For underserved communities, those challenges are compounded. Lack of opportunities for continued education, training, and work experience can hurt job prospects. These grants directly address those disparities to help Minnesotans find fulfilling careers and earn sustaining wages while ensuring businesses fill open positions with skilled workers – it’s a win for workers, businesses, and the economy.”

“Race, gender, and zip code should not be barriers to work. Yet, for many individuals this is a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor

Instead, she completed a degree at a college in London and moved to Italy, where she trained as a medical doctor. Both Equiano and Parker Remond worked closely with Irish abolitionists.

Even before Douglass arrived in Ireland in 1845, he was aware of the rich tradition of Irish men and women involved in the transatlantic movement to bring an end to the U.S. system of enslavement.

In particular, he was an admirer of the Irish nationalist leader Daniel O’Connell. A vocal critic of enslavement, O’Connell had played an important role in bringing it to an end in the British Empire in 1833.

The making of an abolitionist Born into enslavement in Maryland in 1818, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey met his enslaved mother only a handful of times before she died. It was generally assumed that his father was the white owner of the plantation.

At the age of 20, Frederick escaped to New

Flanagan.

“Historically marginalized communities continue to face disparities that prohibit workforce entry and career growth. These grants are a vital step in increasing accessibility for those who have consistently faced such barriers. This investment in job training, work readiness, and job placement is an investment in economic equity.”

“This is a strong group of grantees with specific experience reaching out to underserved communities across Minnesota,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “These organizations will provide technical and work-readiness skills training along with the support needed to help more Minnesotans secure in-demand jobs with opportunities for career growth and assist Minnesota employers in hiring the workers they need.”

The Minnesota Legislature passed $50 million during the 2023 session for the Targeted Populations Workforce Programs initiative, which focuses on populations of workers who have been historically overlooked and often face multiple barriers to employment.

York, where he changed his surname to Douglass.

Although he could have continued on to Canada, where he would have been safe, he chose to remain in the U.S. and become involved in abolitionist activities. Despite having received no formal education, Douglass proved to be a dazzling orator who had firsthand experience of enslavement.

Douglass’ primary motive for traveling to the United Kingdom in August 1845 was to avoid being returned to enslavement.

Seven years earlier, Douglass declared himself free. But under American law, he was still designated as a “fugitive slave” and, therefore, could be captured at any time.

By the age of 27, his fame had grown, thanks to his lectures for the American AntiSlavery Society and the success of his autobiography, which he had published in May 1845.

Clearly, he was a thorn in the side of slavery and those who supported the institution.

In the year before he

visited Ireland, Douglass wrote:

“The real, and onlyto-be-relied-on movement for the abolition of slavery in this country, and throughout the world, is a great moral and religious movement. The work of which is, the enlightenment of the public mind, the quickening and enlightening of the dead conscience of the nation into life, and to a sense of the gross injustice, fraud, wrong and inhumanity of enslaving their fellow-men.”

The struggle in Ireland Douglass left America reluctantly, as he was married and a father to four young children. Two days after arriving in the port of Liverpool, Douglass traveled to Ireland, where a leading Irish abolitionist, Richard Webb, had offered to reprint Douglass’ autobiography to provide him with some much-needed income. Douglass had intended to spend only a few days in Dublin but ended up staying

“Welcoming people from diverse backgrounds build stronger workplaces and will create a more equitable Minnesota economy,” said

DEED Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development Marc Majors. “Minnesota employers need trained and

By Liza Bondurant Associate professor of secondary math education, Mississippi State University

Bob Moses, who helped register Black residents to vote in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement, believed civil rights went beyond the ballot box. To Moses, who was a teacher as well as an activist, math literacy is a civil right: a requirement to earning a living wage in modern society. In 1982, he founded the Algebra Project to ensure that “students at the bottom get the math literacy they need.”

As a researcher who studies ways to improve the math experiences of students, I believe a new approach that expands access to algebra may help more students get the math literacy Moses, who died in 2021, viewed as so important. It’s a goal districts have long been struggling to meet.

Efforts to improve student achievement in algebra have been taking place for decades. Unfortunately, the math pipeline in the United States is fraught with persistent opportunity gaps. According to the Nation’s Report Card –a congressionally mandated project administered by the Department of Education –in 2022 only 29% of U.S. fourth graders and 20% of U.S. eighth graders were proficient in math. Low-income students, students of color and multilingual learners, who tend to have lower scores on math assessments, often do not have the same access as others to qualified teachers, high-quality curriculum and well-resourced classrooms.

A new approach

The Dallas Independent School District – or Dallas ISD – is gaining national attention for increasing opportunities to learn by raising expectations for all students. Following in the footsteps of more than 60 districts in the state of Washington, in 2019 the Dallas ISD implemented an innovative approach of having students be automatically enrolled rather than opt in to honors math in middle school.

Under an opt-in policy, students need a parent or teacher recommendation to take honors math in middle school and Algebra 1 in eighth grade. That policy led both to low enrollment and very little diversity in honors math. Some parents, especially those who are Black or Latino, were not aware how to enroll their students in advanced classes due to a lack of communication in many districts.

In addition, implicit bias, which exists in all demographic groups, may influence teachers’ perceptions of the behavior and academic potential of students, and therefore their subsequent recommendations. Public school teachers in the U.S. are far less racially and ethnically diverse than the students they serve. Dallas ISD’s policy overhaul aimed to foster inclusivity and bridge educational gaps among students. Through this initiative, every middle school student, regardless of background, was enrolled in honors math, the pathway that leads to

taking Algebra 1 in eighth grade, unless they opted out.

Flipping the switch from opt-in to opt-out led to a dramatic increase in the number of Black and Latino learners, who constitute the majority of Dallas students. And the district’s overall math scores remained steady. About 60% of Dallas ISD eighth graders are now taking Algebra 1, triple the prior level. Moreover, more than 90% are passing the state exam.

Efforts spread

Other cities are taking notice of the effects of Dallas ISD’s shifting policy. The San Francisco Unified School District, for example, announced plans in February 2024 to implement Algebra 1 in eighth grade in all schools by the 2026-27 school year. In fall 2024, the district will pilot three programs to offer Algebra 1 in eighth grade. The pilots range from an opt-out program for all eighth graders – with extra support for students who are not proficient –to a program that automatically enrolls proficient students in Algebra 1, offered as an extra math class during the school day. Students who are not proficient can choose to opt in. Nationwide, however, districts that enroll all students in Algebra 1 and allow them to opt out are still in the minority. And some stopped offering eighth grade Algebra 1 entirely, leaving students with only prealgebra classes. Cambridge, Massachusetts – the city in which Bob Moses founded the Algebra Project – is among them.

Equity concerns linger Between 2017 and 2019, district leaders in the Cambridge Public Schools phased out the practice of placing middle school students into “accelerated” or “gradelevel” math classes. Few middle schools in the district now offer Algebra 1 in eighth grade. The policy shift, designed to improve overall educational outcomes, was driven by concerns over significant racial disparities in advanced math enrollment in high school. Completion of Algebra 1 in eighth grade allows students to climb the math ladder to more difficult classes, like calculus, in high school. In Cambridge, the students who took eighth grade Algebra 1 were primarily white and Asian; Black and Latino students enrolled, for the most part, in grade-level math. Some families and educators contend that the district’s decision made access to advanced math classes even more inequitable. Now, advanced math in high school is more likely to be restricted to students whose parents can afford to help them prepare with private lessons, after-school programs or private schooling, they said. While the district

Tim Walz

Bettmann/Getty Images

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass became one of the leading abolitionists in America.

Court blocks grants to Black women entrepreneurs in case that could restrict DEI efforts by companies and charities

By Angela R. Logan Teaching Professor of

Management & Organization, Academic Director of the Master of Nonprofit Administration, University of Notre Dame

In a 2-1 vote on June 3, 2024, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit held that the Fearless Foundation

– the charitable arm of the Fearless Fund venture capital

firm – must suspend its Strivers Grant Contest. The contest is limited to Black women who are majority owners of businesses.

The Conversation asked Angela R. Logan, a scholar of nonprofit administration and diversity, equity and inclusion policies, to explain the significance of this case, American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund Management, and what’s at stake.

What is the Fearless Fund?

Ayana Parsons and Arian Simone, two experienced Black entrepreneurs, established the Fearless Fund in 2018 to provide financial and technical support to businesses led by other Black women.

The Fearless Fund also runs a charity, the Fearless Foundation. Among other things, it runs the Strivers Grant Contest, which provides four winners with US$20,000 and mentoring to help them grow their businesses.

The Fearless Foundation received $332,000 in revenue and had just $141,560 in net assets in 2022, the most recent year for which this information is available.

In other words, it’s very small. Large U.S. foundations have multibillion-dollar endowments.

What is the American Alliance for Equal Rights?

The American Alliance for Equal Rights says

it filed this lawsuit because it believes that denying non-Black people the opportunity to win a contract through the contest violates their civil rights.

The group, led by former stock broker and activist Edward Blum, is best known for its use of litigation to block affirmative action in higher education.

In June 2023, a majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled on two cases the alliance brought on behalf of Asian American students who wanted to attend Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The court found that race-conscious admissions in higher education were unconstitutional, effectively eliminating affirmative action for college and university admissions.

Unlike with their education cases, none of the plaintiffs whom Blum’s group is representing in this new case actually entered the Fearless Fund grant contest, because they believed they wouldn’t be awarded funding. They are also anonymous.

The American Alliance for Equal Rights responded to the ruling by saying it “is grateful” that the court has ruled in its favor, adding “our nation’s civil rights laws do not permit racial distinctions because some groups are overrepresented in various endeavors, while others are underrepresented.”

What does the ruling suggest about the status of DEI efforts?

This case is setting an important precedent by alleging that the Fearless Foundation’s contest violates a federal statute enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1866: 42 U.S.C. Section 1981. That statute prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in contracts.

That law, passed right after the Civil War, was specifically supposed to protect recently emancipated Black

people from discrimination.

In my view, shared by leading philanthropic organizations, the alliance is distorting U.S. racial history by using that statute to argue that it’s unconstitutional to help Black businesswomen overcome their lack of access to capital. This litigation also is problematic because it is at odds with the traditional role that nonprofits play in the United States. By providing services that for-profit enterprises and the government do not offer, nonprofits bridge gaps. They have a long and storied history of assisting those on the margins of society: immigrant communities, people with different physical and mental abilities, and those living in poverty.

And because this case could set the stage for larger, more aggressive actions to

dismantle corporate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, I believe this ruling has struck another blow against attempts to make the nation’s economy and society more equitable, just and inclusive.

Why does this matter? It is extremely hard for Black women with startups to build their businesses. Among all Blackled startups, financial support has declined steadily since it surged in the summer of 2020. Businesses owned by Black and Latino women get less than 1% of all venture capital funding. Not long ago, it seemed like this trend might turn around. Following the outrage that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020, the private

sector and nonprofits alike marshaled efforts to increase their giving and provide other kinds of support for Black people. Although the Fearless Fund was established before Floyd’s murder, it, too, saw increased interest and support – especially in 2021. But as the general public’s attention and interest in justice for Black Americans has waned, so, too, have these commitments.

Where do you think this case is heading?

I think this case will eventually be heard by the Supreme Court. If that happens, I hope the justices realize that opportunities for entrepreneurs of color remain limited. I believe they should recognize the need for efforts like the Fearless Fund and its Strivers Grant Contest that seek to level the playing field for Black women. Angela R. Logan is affiliated with the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

This diminished engagement has coincided with some states restricting or even banning DEI efforts altogether at public colleges and universities, including Florida and Texas. At least seven other states have passed similar laws restricting DEI programs and instruction tied to racial justice, and bills have been proposed in another 15 states. This ruling could now make foundations leery of contributing to nonprofits that assist women and people of color out of a fear that they will be sued.

Twin Cities Black Affinity Network Development Day (TCBANDD) leverages collective corporate experience

TC

campus, 7601 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. The event’s partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx, means the

first 100 in person registrants will be entered in a drawing for 5 sets of tickets for an upcoming Minnesota Lynx game.

TC BANDD was created as a way to leverage the scale of Black Affinity Networks across the Twin Cities to elevate the discussion regarding challenges specific to our community and to leverage our collective experiences to “Develop Through Collaboration”.

TC BANDD provides comprehensive leadership focused development to attendees across roles and career stages within the membership of Twin Cities Black/African American Affinity Networks at no cost to individual attendees. This summit is designed to empower attendees with knowledge, strategies, and inspiration to excel in their careers and personal lives. In conjunction with professional networking, prize giveaways, Trivia, and an exceptional lunch this event promises to be an inspirational, uplifting, and impactful experience that is free to attendees thanks to the generous support of our event host Best Buy, event speakers,

and our sponsor Bremer Bank. Corporate executives, business leaders, and subject matter experts share their knowledge on the topics of “Leveraging Your North Star to Drive Your Career”, “Bringing Your Whole Self to Work”, “Keys to Black Advancement”, “Demystifying AI and Leveraging AI to Advance Your Career”, and “Leading Through Adversity”! Sand ession speakers includes: Neo Thurston, ID&E Director, Best Buy; Kloė Mallard, Events Specialist, Best Buy; Craig Warren, CEO, Washburn Center for Children; Drinal Foster, Senior Vice President, Workforce Engagement Leader, Wealth & Investment Management Technology, Wells Fargo; Chris Thibodeaux, Owner/Founder, Career Fitness Center; Daniel Shannon, DEI Executive, Wells Fargo; LeBrent Speed, President, DiverseCityAp; Alex Merritt, Global Management Speaker; Sharon Kennedy Vickers, CEO, Software for Good; Eric Alexander, Founder and CEO, TC BANDD.

The Minnesota Promise Act, overseen by the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), aims to support local businesses statewide through targeted grant funding. Approved by Gov. Tim Walz and the State Legislature, this initiative has allocated over $80 million in grants across multiple rounds. These funds are intended to assist businesses in specific communities with essential expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, equipment, and other operational costs, ensuring continuity and growth in the face of economic challenges. Black Women’s

Wealth Alliance, (BWWA) announced it is seeking up to 7 individuals to join its MN Promise Act Center and Outreach Team to expand the program awareness and access to local Northside business owners. The organizations said it will hire 1 team leader, 2 Center members, and 4 outreach members whose primary responsibility will be distributing flyers and installing lawn signs in business corridors and residential areas throughout North Minneapolis. As part of the MN Promise Act Center Team, the new hires will assist businesses with completing

the promise grant application and connecting them with accountants for business tax preparation.

Candidates for the job need: Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Reliable and punctual with a strong commitment to the assigned tasks.

Familiarity with North Minneapolis neighborhoods and business corridors is preferred but is not required. Willingness to learn about

Must

Eric Alexander Founder and CEO, TC BANDD

Tom Brenner/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Fearless Fund CEO Arian Simone speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court in March 2024.

four months after receiving such a warm welcome. During this time, he gave almost 50 lectures throughout the country. Despite his arduous schedule, he referred to these months as the “happiest” period of his life:

“I live a new life. The warm and generous cooperation extended to me by the friends of my despised race … and the entire absence of everything that looked like prejudice against me, on account of the color of my skin – contrasted so strongly with my long and bitter experience in the United States,

From 3

work-ready candidates to meet hiring demands. These grantees will help Minnesotans overcome barriers to employment and provide them with the support needed to help ensure employment success. Targeted Populations grant-funded programs are one way DEED delivers for workers and employers, and we believe this focused approach utilizing trusted community organizations will be transformative.”

“It’s an exciting opportunity to engage underserved and underresourced communities and support and empower those communities to make the transition into the green economy – not just the skills training for people to move

that I look with wonder and amazement on the transition.”

Part of Douglass’ transition was based on Irish leader O’Connell’s political approach and belief in universal human rights:

“I am the friend of liberty in every clime, class and colour. My sympathy with distress is not confined within the narrow bounds of my own green island. No—it extends itself to every corner of the earth. My heart walks abroad, and wherever the miserable are to be succoured, or the slave to be set free, there my spirit is at home, and I delight to dwell.”

O’Connell had won political rights for Catholics, who were traditionally regarded by the British establishment as second-class citizens in Ireland. The comparison was

not lost on Douglass, who wrote in an 1846 letter to wellknown American abolitionist

William Lloyd Garrison:

“I see much here to remind me of my former condition, and I confess I should be ashamed to lift up my voice against American slavery, but that I know the cause of humanity is one the world over. He who really and truly feels for the American slave, cannot steel his heart to the woes of others; and he who thinks himself an abolitionist, yet cannot enter into the wrongs of others, has yet to find a true foundation for his anti-slavery.”

Return to America

In January 1846, Douglass left Ireland to lecture in Scotland and England. While there, he became homesick,

balance between top-down policy and bottom-up support will help schools across the U.S. realize the vision Moses dreamed of in 1982 when he founded the Algebra Project: “That in the 21st century

Perhaps striking a

into clean energy jobs but also to help communities adopt clean energy practices and make other green economy transitions,” said Robert Blake, Executive Director of Native Sun, about the Targeted Populations grant his organization is receiving.

Native Sun is a Native-led nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and an equitable energy transition through education and workforce training. Native Sun will introduce underserved communities across Minnesota to the many employment opportunities in clean energyrelated fields and help them earn initial certifications, as well as focus on preparing people to manufacture solar modules at a soon-to-be-built facility in Minnesota.

Targeted Populations grants are part of a slate of historic workforce development investments at DEED. The state is investing more than

longing to see his family again. A group of Irish and British women provided a solution. They raised the money and completed the legal process to purchase Douglass’ freedom. Douglass returned to America in April 1847 as a free man. But his newfound status did not protect him from experiencing prejudice and segregation.

Five years after his return home, Douglass delivered one of his most scathing attacks on American enslavement:

“What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham.”

every child has a civil right to secure math literacy –the ability to read, write and reason with the symbol systems of mathematics.” Liza Bondurant does not work for, consult, own shares

$216 million through June 30, 2025, including $50 million through Targeted Populations; $20 million for Drive for 5, which is focused on training for employment in the caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology, and the trades; and $2.7 million in Clean Economy Equitable Workforce grants to help prepare Minnesotans for good-paying union trade jobs in the high-demand fields of construction, clean energy, and energy efficiency. This significant investment will help Minnesota address its ongoing tight labor market as well as achieve a more equitable economy.

Targeted Populations Grantees include:

Asian American Business Resilience Network, serving the Twin Cities Metro –$600,000

Community Integration Center, serving the Wilmar area – $420,000

Community Resource

The long arc of history In the years following the end of the American Civil War, Douglass’ influence as an international champion of human rights continued to grow. He revisited Ireland in 1887, but this time as an American citizen who owned a passport and was allowed to cross the Atlantic in a first-class cabin.

Douglass explained that the reason for the trip was “to look on the faces of people who had been kind to me 40 years earlier.”

Sadly, most were dead.

During this visit, Douglass announced his support for Irish nationalists and their long struggle for independence.

Back home, Douglass continued to lead the battle against “the hidden

practices of people who have not yet, abandoned the idea of Mastery and dominion over their fellow man.” For Douglass, continued resistance was necessary, and he invoked three words that he had learned from O’Connell when in Dublin in 1845: “Agitate, agitate, agitate.” Christine Kinealy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This article is republished from The Conversation under

Center, serving the Twin Cities Metro – $600,000

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Moses

Remembering “Juneteenth”

By Chuck Hobbs

Not long after the bloody Battle of Antietam in September of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln, fearing an impossibly long war ahead, made a decision that he hoped would turn the tide in favor of the Union.

Earlier that year, in April of 1862 to be exact, Lincoln had signed an Emancipation Act that freed enslaved Blacks in Washington, D.C. (and compensated slave owners $300 per “lost” Black man, woman, or child). Such was the underpinning of his subsequent executive order forever known as the “Emancipation Proclamation,” one that purported to free enslaved

Blacks in all states then “in rebellion” as of January 1, 1863 with hopes that word would travel south and compel Blacks to leave plantations—thus causing a logistical nightmare for the Confederacy—and providing a potential source for new troops for the Union. I note “purported” in the above paragraph because the Proclamation had no real legal effect upon said rebellious states that did not recognize Lincoln›s authority—and it had absolutely NO immediate effect on slavery in Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri, each a slavery supporting state that remained loyal to the Union. After Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, slavery—in theory— was over in the South. Due to the snail’s pace of news and in some instances, the hard hearted nature of rebellious southerners,

fighting continued in some areas well into May (and even deeper into the summer of 1865 on the high seas as the CSS Shenandoah continued to wage war upon Union vessels). This slow pace held true for emancipation news also, thus the May 20th “Emancipation Day” commemoration in Florida that recognizes the date that enslaved Blacks in my native Sunshine State learned of their freedom. In Texas, news of

Black freedom did not become formalized until mid-June, which was over two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect— and over two months after Lee surrendered to Grant.

On June 19, 1865, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued a field order (depicted below) in Galveston, Texas which read:

“The people of Texas are informed

that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.”

In the years since 1866, Gen. Granger’s order has been observed as “Juneteenth” by Blacks in Texas. Over the succeeding decades, Juneteenth has been commemorated by formerly enslaved Blacks and their descendants across America who pay homage to the tears, toils, and tumult that our people experienced by being chained and dragged to America in the bellies of cramped ships; sold like livestock at auctions; beaten, raped, and killed with impunity while being worked from “can’t see to can’t see” planting and harvesting the

cotton, tobacco, sugar, and rice that made the U.S. economy one of the world’s strongest by the end of the 19th Century. Lest we forget the enslaved Black bodies that were broken from clearing the swamps and forests as new territory was ceded to the U.S. by Spain, France, and Mexico, and the Black backs that were broken from cutting the rocks and erecting the cornerstones while building monuments

How the ‘model minority’ myth harms Asian Americans

By Eddy Ng Smith Professor of Equity and Inclusion in Business, Queen’s University, Ontario

May is Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, a time when Americans celebrate the profound contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – a group that is commonly abbreviated as AAPI – to U.S. society. It’s also a time to acknowledge the complexity of AAPI experience.

And as a professor who studies equity and inclusion in business, I think the focus on AAPI communities this month provides an excellent occasion to push back against a stereotype that has long misrepresented and marginalized a diverse range of people: the myth of the “model minority.”

The term “model minority” first appeared in popular media in the 1960s to describe East Asians –primarily Japanese and Chinese Americans – as having high educational attainment, high family median income and low crime rates. That label has since been applied to all AAPIs. More than half of native-born Asian Americans have heard of the “model minority” description. Among those who are familiar with it, 4 in 10 feel it is harmful.

Racially visible, in practice

invisible

The narrative of the “model minority” portrays Asian Americans as uniformly successful and privileged. Yet the reality is far more complex. In reality, AAPIs encompass over 20 distinct ethnicities, yet are often lumped into a single category.

This obscures wealth and status disparities within the community. Income inequality among AAPIs is high, with more than 10 groups, including Burmese, Hmong and Mongolians, experiencing poverty at rates equal to or worse than the national average.

The myth of the model minority erases the struggles of these underserved communities. It also perpetuates the harmful notion that AAPIs don’t need support or advocacy to address systemic inequities.

The myth also undermines AAPIs in the workplace. Research shows that the depiction of AAPIs as diligent and hardworking has burdened them with additional responsibilities. Unfortunately, their efforts often go unnoticed.

Stereotypes portraying Asians as passive and unassertive also frequently lead to their talents being overlooked for managerial and leadership positions. Top executives in Fortune 500 companies of East Asian descent make less than their non-Asian counterparts.

AAPIs also often encounter unique barriers to upward mobility in the workplace — a phenomenon

known as the “bamboo ceiling.”

They may struggle to align with stereotypical Western models of leadership, which include assertiveness and extraversion, and are disproportionately passed over for promotions, particularly into upper-level management.

Forever foreign Alongside the myth of the model minority, another related narrative holds that AAPIs are perpetual foreigners – a manifestation of racism or xenophobia, where naturalized or even nativeborn Americans are viewed as outsiders because of their ethic or racial background.

This myth has persisted despite generations of assimilation. Asians have often been viewed as outsiders since their arrival on American shores in the mid-19th century, labeled under the broad umbrella of “Orientals” and subjected to a variety of stereotypes.

As a result, AAPIs often face intrusive questions about their origins, such as “Where are you really from?” and “Your English is really good.” These and similar microaggressions can lead AAPIs to grapple with a sense of otherness that undermines their sense of belonging at work and beyond.

The belief that AAPIs are America’s “other” — compounded by historical prejudices such as the “yellow peril” and contemporary

scapegoating during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic — fuels xenophobia and antiAsian violence. This poses a real and immediate threat to the safety and well-being of AAPI individuals and communities.

Time for a post-modelminority narrative

The model minority narrative not only implicitly denies remedies to systemic discrimination, but it also harms other marginalized and oppressed groups. It implicitly suggests that non-Asians and non-Asian Americans cannot be considered model minorities. Successful AAPIs are

often presented as examples of what’s possible through hard work and grit — which masks the systemic barriers they, like other people of color, must overcome to succeed. This, in effect, pits different racial groups against each other.

This Asian Heritage Month – and all year round –I hope people can embrace a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of AAPI experiences. A few ways to do this include amplifying the voices of underrepresented AAPI communities, challenging stereotypes and advocating for policies that address the systemic inequities faced

by all marginalized groups.

And instead of narrowly defining success in terms of elite credentials and earning power, Americans might want to consider celebrating more diverse forms of achievement, too. Eddy Ng does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

A family of Blacks harvesting cotton circa 1890

Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images Time for a new narrative.

Hobb servation Point

Remembering George Floyd

Promises, Promises?!

keep to each other:

By James Trice

After the tragic murder of George Floyd four years ago, many promises were made. But the real question is: what promises have we made to ourselves?

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, a horrifying act captured on video by Darnella Frazier, a young African American woman. Witnessing the life of a Black man being cruelly extinguished by a white police officer was and remains deeply traumatizing. No person with a conscience could watch this without being profoundly affected.

Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter, receiving a sentence of over 22 years in prison. Yet, George Floyd’s death is not an anomaly; it’s a glaring symptom of America’s long-standing history of antiBlack violence and hate. This systemic racism has claimed countless Black lives over the centuries and continues to do so.

The global protests following Floyd’s murder demanded an end to this pervasive pattern of violence. Elected officials, community leaders, business leaders, and corporations promised to invest in racial justice and equity. Billions of dollars were pledged to support Black causes, programs, and businesses. Corporations vowed to diversify their workforces through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. According to a 2021 Washington Post article, “Corporate America’s $50 billion promise,” America’s 50 largest public companies committed nearly $50 billion to address racial inequity since Floyd’s murder.

To answer these questions, consider the following reasons for skepticism:

In 2021, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 1280 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism and police brutality against Black and brown communities. However, the bill, not surprisingly is stalled in the Senate with no sign of moving beyond this point.

According to a 2024 NBC News report titled Map: “republican lawmakers in more than 30 states have introduced or passed more than 100 bills to either restrict or regulate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the current (2024) legislative session.”

Of the more than $50 billion promised by profitdriven corporate America in the 2021 Washington Post article mentioned above, “$45.2 billion is allocated as loans or investment they (corporate America) could stand to profit from.” And “$4.2 billion of the

Despite these promises, anti-Black police violence and racial disparities remain deeply entrenched in American society. These issues have persisted for centuries and are as American as apple pie. So, should we trust these promises? Why shouldn’t Black Americans be incredulous?

total pledges is in the form of outright grants.” “About $70 million went to organizations focused specifically on criminal justice reform.”

While we recognize the progress achieved, America still grapples with deepseated anti-Black sentiments, many of which have been internalized by members of the Black community. In light of this harsh reality, why should we trust the promises of those who perpetuate these damaging misconceptions about Blackness?

The more significant question is: what promises have we, as Black people, made to ourselves after witnessing yet another public execution of a Black man? What commitments will we make to support each other and stand together against a system that still views us as interlopers? We may not always agree, we are not a monolith, but being unified in treating each other with respect is essential. As Malcolm X said, “...we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, tactics, or strategies.”

Here are six promises I believe we should make and

Mutual Respect:

As Black people, we have endured immense hardships, from slavery and reconstruction to Jim Crow and ongoing racial disparities. We owe it to each other to listen deeply and understand how this historic trauma affects us individually and collectively. We are interconnected, and what happens to Black people anywhere impact us all.

Education: Commit to learning about our ancestral history, from Africa to U.S. Black history. With the wealth of information available, there’s no excuse for not knowing our history. We must also teach our children, so they understand the context of our present struggles. I encourage us to read more, think more, and do more.

Support Black Businesses: Promise to support Black-owned businesses without expecting special treatment and respect the effort it takes to run a business, especially in America. Black businesses should reciprocate by treating Black patrons with respect and providing excellent service, avoiding the negative stereotypes perpetuated by

white-owned businesses. Speak Out Against

Injustice: Make our voices heard about the injustices we face. Speak up whenever we hear about and witness wrongdoing, regardless of our relationship with those involved. Injustice must be confronted wherever it occurs and whomever is the victim. Furthermore, I firmly believe that to whom much is given, much is required. The rich, wealth, and powerful among us must use their social, economic, political and economic capitol to address these injustices vociferously.

Kindness: Commit to speaking kind words to other Black people, even strangers. Simple acts like saying hello or congratulating someone can have a profound impact. Kindness costs nothing but means everything.

Accountability: Hold ourselves and each other accountable for how we treat one another and how we present ourselves in shared spaces. We must reject the false

assumptions of an anti-Black system that sees us as inferior. These six promises are just a start. There are countless ways we can show kindness and support to each other. We cannot and should not rely on promises from those who sustain a system of white superiority and Black inferiority. We need each other now more than ever. Let’s make a vow and honor it: to take care of each other, always, as a Black family. James Baldwin said, “the American Negro is a unique creation; he has no counterpart anywhere, and no predecessors.” Let’s honor that uniqueness and promise to stand united and supporting one another. James Trice is the Founder and CEO of Public Policy Project LLC and Creator of Environmental Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) James can be reached at: James_ publicpolicyproject@msn.com

Photo by KingDemetrius Pendleton

Sports

Baseball legend Willie Mays dies at 93

By Stacy M. Brown

Newswire Senior

Willie Mays, the iconic Hall of Famer often hailed as the greatest player in baseball history has died at 93. The news broke during a Mets and Rangers game in Arlington, evoking emotional tributes from the baseball community.

“He was the greatest I had ever seen on the field,” said Keith Hernandez, a New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals legend, tearfully during the broadcast. Hernandez, who now serves as a color commentator for the Mets, reflected on Mays’ remarkable skills. “Willie would play a shallow centerfield, making it all the more amazing how he’d catch fly balls against the wall,” added Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen. “He was the greatest ever to play.”

Just a day prior, it was announced that Mays would not attend a special game honoring him and the Negro Leagues. Scheduled for Thursday, June 20, at Rickwood Field, the game features the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals. Mays, who began his career with the

Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, had shared his plans to enjoy the event from home. “I’m not able to get to Birmingham this year but will follow the game back here in the Bay Area,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle earlier in the week. “My heart will be with all of you who are honoring the Negro League ballplayers, who should always be remembered, including all my teammates on the Black Barons.” Mays’

career spanned from 1951 to 1972 with the Giants, where he won a World Series in 1954, was a 24-time All-Star, and was a two-time National League MVP. Among many other accomplishments, his 660 home runs and 12 Gold Gloves highlight his legendary status. The home run total came despite having taken a two-year hiatus from baseball to serve in the military and having played in the three toughest

stadiums to hit home runs —

The Polo Grounds, Candlestick Park, and Shea Stadium. Major League Baseball, the city of Birmingham, and the Friends of Rickwood nonprofit group have collaborated to renovate Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, to honor Mays and the Negro Leagues.

Despite his absence, Mays will be celebrated throughout the week’s festivities.

“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Mays’ son, Michael Mays, announced. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.” Mays was not only a baseball legend but also a cherished figure in San Francisco. His 9-foot bronze statue stands proudly at Oracle Park’s 24

Willie Mays Plaza. He was eager to see MLB’s tribute at Rickwood Field, where he began his career. Known for his exceptional five-tool abilities— hitting, power hitting, fielding, throwing, and baserunning— Mays also possessed an unmatched strategic acumen. In 2015, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama, who acknowledged Mays’ impact on sports and society. “It’s because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for president,” Obama remarked. Mays was dedicated to helping others throughout his life, notably through his Say Hey Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth.

“I do what I can for people, man,” Mays said in a 2021 interview. “When the kids ask me for something, I give it to them. Let them have it because they’re going to be here after I’m gone, and I want the kids to enjoy what they can enjoy.” Mays’ legacy is marked by a career batting average of .302, 3,283 hits, and numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The District’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development released a report outlining the actual and potential fiscal, economic, and community impacts of professional sports in the District. The study also analyzed the economic impact of sports and entertainment venues in the District to date, as well as the impact of potential relocations of existing major sports teams into the city.

“D.C. is the sports capital,” said Mayor Muriel

Bowser. “We know how important sports are in our city’s economy and culture. They create jobs, generate tax revenue, and spur economic development. But sports also create a lot of pride in our city, they bring people together, and we look forward to continuing to support our teams in ways that benefit our city and residents and help knock D.C.’s comeback out of the park.” Key findings of the report include: Major sports generated $5 billion in 2022 and attracted 7.4 million visitors in 2023 (with 88% being non-D.C. residents).

The District’s major sports teams and facilities have catalyzed neighborhood prosperity, with commercial real estate development near the District’s sports facilities outpacing District-wide developments in the years following each facility’s opening.

“Anchor” sports facilities generate greater localized benefits than “islands,” as anchors are well-integrated into urban environments, maximizing pedestrian and economic activity, while islands prioritize parking over creating a vibrant and productive economic ecosystem.

Hosting

Willie Mays

Abdullah J. Konte/The Washington Informer

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (right) shoots over Los Angeles forward Anthony Davis.

Can’t let her go

By W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor

CAN’T LET HER GO

By Kianna Alexander

The road to true love, inside and outside Romancelandia, isn’t always easy. It gets complicated when there is baggage from past and present, be it a male/female, female/female, male/male, or non-binary relationship. Communication is key in a relationship, and so is how to respond and act upon that communication. That being said, I am happy to bring to you my final review for Pride Month, Kianna Alexander’s Can’t Let Her Go.

Our story takes place in Austin, Texas. Patricia “Peaches” Monroe is the owner of a highly successful barbershop, so successful that she is considering opening a second location. In the lesbian vernacular, Peaches is known as a Stud. Two years ago, she lost her mother to heart disease, and between the constant dependence and neediness from her younger brother, her father, and her inability to say “No,” it is wearing her down. She has also been burned in the past by a woman who only wanted her for sex.

Jamie Hunt is an excellent nail stylist, who would be called a Femme. She has been looking seriously at returning to school to obtain her degree in chemistry, which will enhance her knowledge to improve beauty products from a health perspective. As the middle child between two

brothers, she has lived with being ignored and dismissed by her parents for her choices and professional aspirations, while her brothers are treated as golden children who can do no wrong. Coming out as lesbian didn’t help matters any with her parents, and she is holding her older brother Shelby’s bisexuality in confidence.

The women are part of the same friend squad, which also includes Taylor, who is non-binary, Aiko and her wife Summer, and Claudia, who identifies as queer and is the newest member. Peaches and Jamie’s friendship takes a new turn when Jamie boldly goes after Peaches and turns up the heat. However, will the baggage from their family history derail their budding romance? Should they fall out and break up, will it damage the fabric of their friend squad?

Alexander beautifully captures the dynamics of families of origin and found families, showing how found families can often be more

supportive and affirming. For Jamie and Peaches, there came an acceptance of not being able to change others; the work would come in changing themselves vs. seeking validation in persons who would never give it. Being taken for granted for so long, Peaches needed to take care of herself first. For Jamie, recognizing what she wanted for herself and listening when Peaches expressed her needs and her triggers was key. I loved her attention to detail when describing the respective fashion statements of the characters and the locales in Texas. In my mind, I could see them and the places. And of course, being a romance novel, there is a happily-ever-after.

Can’t Let Her Go is available through Black Garnet Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Montlake Publishing. Thank you, Kianna, for bringing more Black Love to Romancelandia and our readers. Happy Pride!

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Insight 2 Health

Summertime can be germy: A microbiologist explains how

By Bill Sullivan Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology,

University

As flowers bloom and temperatures climb, many are eager to get back outside. But while the Sun may be shining, there is a dark side that can make the great outdoors not so great.

Gangs of germs are lurking in the woods, in the soil, in the water and in your food, ready to rain on your summer parade.

I’m a professor of microbiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where I study and teach about infectious disease. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you and your loved ones stay free of illness while enjoying summer activities.

Germs in the backyard

There’s nothing like the smell of a good barbecue and fresh goodies from your own garden. To make sure people leave your party with only good memories, be aware of germs commonly linked

to food poisoning, which can result in diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Meats, including fish and poultry, often house harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli or Listeria. Raw meat can contaminate anything it touches, so be sure to wash your hands and disinfect surfaces and utensils. To avoid cross contamination, do not keep uncooked meat near prepared foods. Meat products must be cooked to proper temperatures to ensure harmful germs are destroyed before consuming.

In addition to bacteria, a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii can cause acute food poisoning.

Toxoplasma parasites are shed as microscopic oocysts in the feces of infected cats. Oocysts persist in the environment for a year or more, and other animals, including people, can inadvertently ingest them.

Upon infection, Toxoplasma forms tissue cysts in the flesh of food animals –another reason to cook your meats thoroughly. Pregnant people need to take special care in avoiding Toxoplasma since the parasite can cross

the placenta and cause miscarriage or birth defects.

To avoid getting toxoplasmosis from oocysts, people should wear gloves while gardening, wash fruits and vegetables, and make sure the sandbox is free of cat poop and covered when not in use.

Germs in the water

Recreational water facilities, such as pools, water parks and fountains, are a great way to beat the summer heat. The smell of chlorine is a good sign that the water is being treated to kill many types of germs.

Unfortunately, some germs can remain infectious in chlorine for several minutes or days, which is plenty of time to spread from one person to another. These include viruses such as norovirus, bacteria such as E. coli, and parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia

Accidental ingestion of these germs can cause stomach problems, including diarrhea, which can become serious if it leads to dehydration. To avoid becoming infected, swim in well-maintained facilities and avoid swallowing the water.

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To avoid infecting others, stay out of public water for at least a week if you have diarrhea. Bacteria in the water that get trapped in the ear can lead to a painful infection known as swimmer’s ear, which can be prevented by wearing earplugs in the water. Ponds, rivers and lakes can also be home to these diarrhea-causing germs. Warm fresh water may also contain Naegleria fowleri, the socalled “brain-eating amoeba.” While extremely rare, inhaling water containing Naegleria fowleri is almost always fatal. Wearing nose plugs can help prevent infection. If you’re going to reach for the beach, be sure to reach for waterproof bandages if you have an open wound, piercing or tattoo. Global warming has produced a rise in so-called “flesh-eating bacteria” that cause a dangerous condition called necrotizing fasciitis. These infections can be very difficult to treat and may result in surgical removal of affected tissue or limbs. Shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels filter ocean water as they eat,

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causing germs to get trapped inside their bodies. Consuming raw shellfish can lead to serious food poisoning due to infection with bacteria or Toxoplasma oocysts.

Germs on the trail

While hiking or camping, you may come across water that looks clean enough to drink, but don’t be tempted.

Be sure to boil or properly filter water you drink to avoid bacteria such as E. coli and parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium These intestinal pathogens will produce cramps, nausea and diarrhea – especially unpleasant symptoms when you don’t have access to indoor plumbing.

After a very mild winter, you can expect a lot of ticks and mosquitoes in the summer, both of which are carriers of serious diseases.

As they feed on blood, ticks can inject bacteria that cause Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also transmit a parasite that causes babesiosis.

Symptoms of illness following a tick bite should be promptly evaluated by a physician.

Mosquitoes can carry numerous viruses that are injected into the bloodstream while they take a blood meal.

Common mosquito-borne viruses in the U.S. include West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and Zika. In most cases, these viruses produce flu-like symptoms that typically resolve on their own. Infection with Zika virus during pregnancy, however, can lead to birth defects, and West Nile virus can cause acute fever and neurological effects in some people. To avoid tick and mosquito bites, wear insect repellent and keep your skin covered whenever possible. Wear light colors so the insects are more visible to you. Ticks like shade and high grass, so mow your lawn down to about 2 inches in height. Be sure to inspect your body and scalp for ticks after being outside. It is important to pay attention to local news reporting outbreaks of infectious agents in your area or travel destination. With these precautions in mind, you’re sure to have a terrific time, uninterrupted by the germs of summer. Bill Sullivan receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

who was grateful, regardless of the delay. We spoke to Mark after he waited 15 hours in the ED for a room. He was seen for congestive heart failure and asthmatic COPD.

“This is the only hospital I use. I love the people here. I love to be where people

Aesthetically It

sometimes, family can be more difficult to handle than clients.

The Williams family is known for throwing the biggest and most memorable parties in Chicago. From weddings to birthdays, they have created a name for themselves in the event planning business. But behind the scenes, things are not as picture-perfect as they seem. The Williams family’s own events are filled with drama, conflicts, and chaos, making them realize that

The all-new halfhour situation comedy, “Mind Your Business,” gives viewers a sneak peek into the Williams family’s hectic and hilarious life.

The show follows the Williams family as they navigate through various family events and try to keep their own family affairs under control. The series, set in Chicago, is produced by Harvest Studios and executive produced by Bentley Kyle Evans, the mastermind behind hit shows like “Martin” and

“The Jamie Foxx Show.”

The talented ensemble cast includes Columbus Short (“Scandal,” “Stomp the Yard”) as Alfonso, Drew Sidora (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “That’s So Raven”) as Aaliyah, Rolonda Watts (“Rolonda”) as Lucille, and award-winning singer and radio host Bebe Winans as Henry. Their chemistry and comedic timing bring these characters to life, making them relatable and lovable.

Like many small businesses, the Williams

family’s event space, “Lucille’s Place,” took a massive hit during the pandemic, forcing them to shut down. But thanks to Henry’s determination, he recruits his fraternal twins, Aaliyah and Alfonso, to keep the business in the family. With Aaliyah’s creativity and Alfonso’s business savvy, they turn “Lucille’s Place” into a safe space for planning and hosting events. But their familial ties and differing personalities often lead to hilarious mishaps and conflicts.

The team is also joined by Alfonso’s wife, Kimberly, and son, A.J., who add their own flair and chaos to the family business. And even Aaliyah’s chosen family member, Mia, joins the team, bringing her own set of skills and drama. But it’s not just the Williams family causing chaos at “Lucille’s.” The series also features the talented Caryn Ward Ross (“Fame,” “Monogamy,” “Patterns of Attraction”) as the sassy event planner, Brely Evans (“Ambitions,” “Being Mary Jane,” “The Man in 3B”) as Aaliyah’s best

friend, and newcomers Bryce Xavier and Chloe Elise Ellis.

The 10-episode first season of “Mind Your Business” will premiere this summer, leading up to the return of Bounce’s hit series “Johnson.” Viewers can tune in every Saturday, starting August 3rd at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, for new episodes of “Johnson.” Get ready for a summer filled with laughter, drama, and unforgettable moments with the Williams family in “Mind Your Business.”

The all-new half-hour situation comedy, “Mind Your Business,” gives viewers a sneak peek into the Williams family’s hectic and hilarious life.