Harriet Tubman — nurse, spy, scout
By Kate Clifford Larson
arriet Tubman was barely 5 feet tall and didn’t have a dime to her name.
What she did have was a deep faith and powerful passion for justice that was fueled by a network of Black and white abolitionists determined to end slavery in America.
“I had reasoned this out in my mind,” Tubman once told an interviewer. “There was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive.”
Though Tubman is most famous for her successes along the Underground Railroad, her activities as a Civil War spy are less well known.
As a biographer of Tubman, I think this is a shame. Her devotion to America and its promise of freedom endured despite suffering decades of enslavement and second-class citizenship.
It is only in modern times that her life is receiving the renown it deserves, most notably her likeness appearing on a US$20 bill in 2030. Announced in 2016 by U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, the Harriet Tubman $20 bill will replace the current one featuring a portrait of U.S. President Andrew Jackson.
In another recognition, Tubman was accepted in June 2021 to the United States Army Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. She is one
■ See H. TUBMAN on page 5
The art of finding lost ancestors
By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer
nders Genealogical
Services reconnects families with their ancestral stories. Using her skills as a genealogist, Mica Anders, its founder, finds lost family members and creates art that represents a family’s unique history.
Like most people, Anders started genealogy by researching her own family. When she moved to Minnesota to pursue a master’s degree in visual arts, she used genealogy as the basis for her thesis. She began by researching 11 families.
“[I] take different elements of family history and turn them into images of icons,” she says. Combining things like West African symbols or textiles such as Kente or Adire cloth, she tells the story of the family through art.
‘It doesn’t look just like a chart. It’s more visually appealing” than a basic family tree, she explains. “[It’s] something
that people would want to hang up on a wall and showcase.”
After completing her thesis based on the 11 families, some asked if she could continue researching their families. “There was something so special about being able to reintroduce people to their ancestors,” she says. “And give them back family stories that have either been lost over time or intentionally hidden from them.”
how far back in a family’s history she could go. “I was able to find…enslaved people and learned about who their enslavers were,” she shared.
“The first time I found somebody who was born in the 1820s, I was so excited.”
For Europeans, getting to the 1600s is much more likely because slavery is not a barrier.
For African Americans, slavery can pose one of the biggest challenges. “People were not
“There was something so special about being able to reintroduce people to their ancestors.”
She attended genealogy conferences in her 20s. Most of the attendees were white and 40 or more years older than her. “They didn’t quite know what to do with me,” she says. Anders was surprised at
documented as humans; they were documented as property,” she says.
“When we’re looking at early census records of maybe the 1850s or 1860s for example, they are not listed on the regular census with their name and their family structure,” she explains. They are listed as a line on slave schedules with a gender, approximate age, and either Black or mulatto.
Besides slave records, there are deeds, records of sale, or wills that show the transfer of people as property.
“The other thing that makes it difficult is that people don’t realize not everybody was a slave,” she says. “They don’t even think that they might find their family as free people of color. And so, they don’t even know to look for those types of records.”
The Freedmen’s Bureau lists people who had escaped enslavement. Anders traced the ancestors of a family back to the 1830s as free people in New Jersey.
Local professor and author defies book censors Her ‘Freedom’s Promise School’ champions Black history
By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer
n 2021, Texas Republican Rep. Matt Krause created a list of 850 books that might cause “discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress.” Among those banned were four books of Saint Paul’s Macalester College African American Studies Professor Duchess Harris. The four are titled “Protesting Police Violence in Modern America,” “Political Resistance in the Current Age,” “Race and Policing in Modern America,” and “Race and the Media in Modern America.”
“I did not know that the Texas Republican Rep. Matt Krause compiled a list of 850 books that might make students feel ‘discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress’ in 2021,” says Harris. “A colleague emailed me and told me that four of my books were banned. I was intrigued because my collection for 4th-12th graders includes 120 titles. I couldn’t imagine how they chose only four.”
Her books, which explore important societal issues, were among those targeted due to their focus on race and policing. “It seems that they targeted books with ‘policing’ in the title,” Harris states. She adds, “I have two books on George Floyd and neither of them were banned,” although other works addressing similar themes faced censure.
“We need to raise informed citizens who understand our nation’s history.”
This development highlights a growing trend of restricting access to literature that tackles sensitive topics like race and gender. Harris says, “These proposed new laws often state that a teacher cannot ‘require or make part of a course’ on the ideas that ‘one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex’ or that someone is ‘inherently
racist, sexist, or oppressive’ based on their race or sex.”
Despite facing these challenges, Harris is unwavering in her belief that students must have access to literature that explores these themes.
“My book, ‘Protesting Police Violence in Modern America,’ which I wrote in 2021 in response to the murder of George Floyd, does not suggest that one race is inherently superior, nor does it suggest that anyone is inherently oppressive,” she says.
In the face of increasing censorship, Harris is not backing down. Instead, she has taken matters into her own hands with the launch of “Freedom’s Promise School,” a new initiative designed to provide uncensored, inclusive educational content. “There is no need for us to rely on public or private schools. I’ve started my own school,” said Harris. “‘Freedom’s Promise School with Professor Duchess’ is growing every month. This school provides a space for students to engage deeply with ■ See DUCHESS on page 5
Map of Maryland with Dorchester County, Harriet Tubman’s place of birth, indicated in red
Moms and children gather at Freedom School.
By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer
MSR celebrated in local mosaic
Local artist Olivia Levins Holden is wrapping up her community-engaged mosaic project at the Hosmer Library in South Minneapolis. This project has involved extensive consultation with local garden programs, library patrons, and community members as Holden works to bring together themes of local history, ecology, and community connection.
As part of her tribute to the community, Holden has incorporated a reference to the Spokesman-Recorder newspaper within the mosaic. “I wanted to represent the community that exists in the neighborhood and also uplift some of the organizations and names, the people, the institutions that have been important in the formation of the place,” she says. “The Spokesman came to mind immediately. I grew up nearby, and I’ve always thought of it as kind of like a staple, an anchor of Central neighborhoods.” She continues, “Another reason for including the Spokesman in the mosaic is to honor the way that you all have centered and uplifted the stories and experiences of this community for so long.”
This reference to the Spokesman-Recorder is placed beside an image of a child reading and a stack of books, which honor other important local institutions such as Dreamland Café and Central High. As Holden explains the image, “The child is seated on the earth. The Dakota words
Mni Sota Makoce are woven through the indigenous soil. Each book and newspaper stacked beside the child honors important community institutions or movements core to the Central Neighborhood.” The mosaic’s design is not just a static tribute; it’s meant to serve as a living connection to the community. “I want it to be something that the community can take ownership of, feel reflected by, see themselves in, and also use it as a way to
teach each others about the history of the neighborhood and our own histories,” Holden says. “I hope that it can be kind of a point of community connection and storytelling and just something to be proud of in that space.”
For Holden, her work extends beyond just one piece of art. “I’ve done a lot of community-engaged art, and some of that comes through my work at Hope Community in Phillips where I’ve been working
in community art and community mural making since 2016.” Holden is known for her multidisciplinary approach, which has included live mural painting at events and community festivals.
“I do some graphic recording or live mural painting with a collective of three. We try to capture the essence of the conversation and give back to a community that’s doing organizing work or having a symposium or a gathering,” she says.
“It’s a piece that could stand the test of time. I want it to be something that the community feels connected to and proud of.”
Holden’s artistic journey has also led her to work with local organizations to ensure her designs are relevant to the people they aim to represent. “When we did a little engagement event at the library, people came and part of the questions were like, ‘What do you want to see represented here?’ And specifically around community history, that was one of the things that came up — community responses. I thought it was important,” she notes.
The overall theme of the mosaic reflects a deep respect for the history and diversity of the Central Neighborhood. The right pillar of the mosaic features an elder gardening, surrounded by native plants. Holden explains, “She is planting seeds for future harvest and pollination. This pillar honors the long history of foraging, cultivating, community gardening, and diversity in the Central neighborhood.”
As Holden reflects on the importance of her artwork, she shares her vision for the future: “Through this piece, I
hope it stays there for generations. It’s a piece that could stand the test of time. I want it to be something that the community feels connected to and proud of. For my work, I hope to continue making work that is reflective of any relationship with the community.”
Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.
The artwork, titled Seeding the Stars, aims to honor the past while looking to the future. “The title speaks of our continual power in cultivating our collective futures,” Holden says. “With gratitude to the many stories, ideas, and hands woven through the artwork.”
Left pillar of “Seeding the Stars” mosaic Courtesy photos
Health
Cultural representation improves addiction recovery
ymous, I felt like I was home. There, I saw people who looked like me, and that made all the difference,” Mims shares, echoing Nelson’s sentiments about the power of representation.
educating people on where trauma comes from in our community,” Nelson explains.
Sponsored
Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer
by
For 14 years, Ivan Nelson, executive director of African American Survivor Services, has dedicated his career to helping those grappling with addiction and recovery. As a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a certified peer recovery specialist with a forensic endorsement, Ivan provides critical support to individuals and families impacted by the justice system.
But his mission goes beyond conventional addiction services. Nelson’s initiative is aimed at addressing systemic disparities that disproportionately affect African Americans seeking recovery.
Nelson witnessed firsthand the ambiguities and disparities in systems, particularly for people of color, while working in clinical services for special populations. Despite his advocacy for clients, he was often met with minimal concern from agencies and organizations, his concerns falling on deaf ears as they moved up the chain of command.
With that in mind, Nelson, along with other colleagues, aimed to provide services specifically for survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, addiction and homelessness — communities that are frequently overlooked or inadequately served by traditional systems.
“People were just falling by the wayside, being further marginalized,” he recalls. “It wasn’t that they didn’t want to get better; the system wasn’t built for them.”
One of the biggest challenges in addiction recovery for African Americans is a lack of health care, especially for those coming from incarceration or experiencing homelessness.
“Lack of health insurance is one of the main barriers,” Nelson explains. “We take a hands-on approach to help people navigate the system, making sure applications and everything are filled out properly.”
Their approach is rooted in culturally competent care — recognizing the importance of shared experiences and historical contexts that resonate with Black clients. “Being aware or having those shared experiences...speaks volumes to whether or not a person is going to stay in the treatment continuum,” he says. This understanding led the organization to hire an elderly
Black woman to build trust with young Black women in the community, recognizing the cultural significance of respecting “mama” or “big mama.”
“We noticed that younger Black women were more comfortable when they saw someone who looked like them, who understood where they were coming from,” Nelson says. “It wasn’t just about providing services; it was about creating a space where they felt seen and respected.”
This reality is mirrored with individuals on the other side of addiction and treatment. Vivian Mims, local Rondo resident, has experienced similar challenges on the road to recovery. Mims recalls her childhood fondly, although the Rondo neighborhood, once a vibrant Black community, was dramatically disrupted in the 1960s by the construction of I-94.
“I remember playing on the concrete of what is now 94 when they were building the freeway. The community was split. It had a lasting effect on
me,” she explains.
Her battle with addiction started at a young age, long before she understood its implications. “I remember enjoying having whiskey and honey as my cough syrup as a child and wanting it even when I didn’t have a cough,” she says, reflecting on her early exposure to substances.
“In the ‘70s there was a lot of partying, house parties, and clubbing in Rondo. That’s when my addiction to drinking really took off,” she recalls. As drugs like cocaine and crack began to infiltrate communities, Mim’s addiction took many forms, and her life spiraled out of control.
Despite being a scholarship student at the University of Minnesota and even becoming the homecoming queen in 1979, Mims found herself alienated by the racial tensions she faced. “It was very racist and degrading, and I stuffed it with substances,” she admits.
Mim’s path to recovery was not only shaped by her personal struggles, but also by the systemic barriers she encountered within treatment programs. She recalls her experiences in various programs, explaining how her race and the lack of cultural inclusivity made the process even more challenging.
“We’re not just trying to help people get clean. We’re trying to help them heal.”
“The AA meetings were pretty white. I didn’t really feel at home there,” she reflects. However, at the time, she found a sense of belonging in Narcotics Anonymous (NA). “When I got introduced to Narcotics Anon-
Mim’s journey to recovery wasn’t easy, but it was lifechanging. She celebrated 21 years of sobriety in October 2024, a milestone that has shaped her current role as a caregiver and mentor. “I got clean on October 20, 2003, and that marks 21 years now,” she proudly states.
During her recovery, Mims has rebuilt her relationship with
“It’s about helping them understand that they’re not broken — they’re dealing with generational trauma that has never been addressed.” Nelson explains, “We’re known for creating these popup events in the community. We go where people are — on the streets, in hotspots, on light rails, wherever the need is.” This approach has been crucial in reaching individuals who might otherwise be overlooked by traditional services.
her family, including becoming a caregiver for her elderly mother, who now lives in the same home Mims grew up in — a home that, during her addiction, she was once locked out of by her own mother. “I was able to become the proud homeowner of a home I was once not even welcome in,” Mims says.
Identity is central to their work and in Mim’s case was integral to conquering her addiction. “Identity is a big part of what we do,” Nelson emphasizes. “People need to see themselves in the recovery process. They need to know that their experiences are valid and that they can heal.
“We go all the way back,
Their work is a testament to the power of culturally responsive care and community-driven solutions. As Nelson and his team continue to advocate for policy changes and expand their reach, they are not only helping individuals recover but also challenging the systemic barriers that have long hindered African American communities.
“We’re not just trying to help people get clean,” Nelson concludes. “We’re trying to help them heal. We’re trying to build a community where they feel seen, heard and valued.”
Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses at abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Equitable health care champions discuss heart health
By Clint Combs
Contributing Writer
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among African American women in the United States, at 47% according to the National Library of Medicine. Hypertension, a major risk factor for CVD, affects 56% of African American women, nearly 1.5 times higher than the rates in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women.
Rep. Ilhan Omar hosted a panel discussion on Black women’s heart health at the NorthPoint Conference Center in Minneapolis on February 19. The event, “Black Women’s Heart Health Panel and Resource Fair,” featured Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, director of clinical services of NorthPoint Wellness Center; Dr. Rahshana
Price-Isuk, founding director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Anti Racism Research in Health Equity; Dr. Rachel Hardeman; and Director of Hennepin County Public Health Sara Hollie.
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of mental health in cardiovascular recovery, particularly for Black women. Conley explained how a lack of adequate mental health support during her recovery process made her feel isolated, especially as a younger Black woman among older, predominantly white patients. “The connection between mental health and recovery from a cardiac event is huge,” Conley said.
“We need to continue these support groups so we can talk to other survivors about our experiences and hold each other accountable for self-
care,” she continues. “I had Black women talking to me about how they had a heart attack on their 40th birthday, or they lost a parent at 55 because of heart disease,” said Conley, recalling the jaw and neck pain she had before her heart attack in 2023.
Dr. Price-Isuk echoed Conley’s point on the importance of building social networks and support systems in addressing chronic disease. “During Covid, many of us worked a lot of hours, and that took a toll. But self-care is about making time for yourself and saying ‘no,’” Dr. Price-Isuk said. “Social connections are so important, and they go beyond screens — they’re about in-person connections with the people who care for you.”
Dr. Hardeman, who studies the role racism plays in the poor health for Black people,
published groundbreaking research that found that Black women are twice as likely to have preterm birth in neighborhoods under intense surveillance compared to those living in other areas. Another study by Harderman found that Black newborns are more likely to live longer when cared for by a Black physician.
Dr. Hardeman discussed the lack of culturally competent care and the historical mistrust that often keeps Black women from receiving proper treatment. “We need more providers who understand us,” Dr. Hardeman said. “There’s a critical need for therapy. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have a Black therapist.”
Dr. Price-Isuk wrote a research paper in eighth grade detailing aspirations of becoming a doctor. Originally from the North Side of Minneapolis, she points to a growing body of research that links mental health with cardiovascular health.
“We now know that stress and depression are independent risk factors for heart disease and cardiovascular problems,” Dr. Price-Isuk said.
Sara Hollie, addressing systemic barriers, pointed out the role of racism in shaping health outcomes. “We have to address racism embedded in our systems,” Hollie said.
“Funding and resource allocation need to be more reflective of the needs of Black and brown communities.”
Rep. Omar also spoke about the necessity of policy changes to ensure greater access to health services for underserved communities. “We must do better for Black women at the congressional level,” Omar said.
“Doing better means creating and enacting meaningful policy and providing funding for this work.” Omar and Rep. Joyce Beatty co-authored the Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act, which aims to expand access to cardiovascular screenings and health services for women with little or no insurance.
As the event concluded, the speakers underscored that systemic change, along with increased funding and cultur-
ally competent health care, is critical to improving the heart health and overall well-being of Black women. Rep. Omar warned members that “Under the current administration, both federal policy and funding are actively under attack.” In a space often dominated by traditional approaches to health care, the conversation at NorthPoint was a powerful reminder of the need for holistic, culturally relevant care that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of health, especially for Black women.
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses at combs0284@ gmail.com.
Ivan Nelson, executive director of African American Survivor Services Courtesy photo
Dr. Rahshana Price-Isuk (l) and Rep. Ilhan Omar
Photos by Kennedy Pierre-Toussaint
(l-r) Dr. Rachel Hardeman, Dr. Rahshana Price-Isuk, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley,, and Director of Hennepin County Public Health Sara Hollie
Vivian Mims with granddaughter
Photo by Jasmine McBride
By Kiara Williams Staff Writer
Meet Lavert Young, the visionary entrepreneur behind Youngest N Charge (YNC). For over a decade, Young has channeled his resilience and creativity into building a brand that resonates with rising above adversity and looking good while doing it.
In 2013, while pursuing his athletic dreams at Clark Atlanta University, Young’s trajectory took an unexpected turn due to a severe injury. This setback not only ended his aspirations for a professional football career, but also led him into a period of indulgence in nightlife and other distractions.
A candid conversation with a friend named Brittany served as a wake-up call, prompting Young to reassess his path. She would be the first among many to plant seeds that would help him manifest into the fashion guru he is today.
Drawing inspiration from his major in business administration, Young conceptualized an energy drink named “Youngest N Charge.” He designed a logo and, upon a friend’s suggestion,
printed it on a t-shirt. The apparel garnered attention, leading Young to pivot from beverages to fashion. Fast forward to 2015: Postgraduation, Young is now in Minnesota rocking his brand in different venues, attracting the attention of his peers. The demand was authentic, and as it grew, so did the brand. From 2015 to 2017, Young continued to press T-shirts until he evolved into a designer, playing with different fabrics and patterns.
However, it wasn’t until 2021 that he went full throttle introducing a diverse range of products, including shoes, sweatsuits, letterman jackets, denim jeans, socks, backpacks, cargos, and various hat styles.
“It’s difficult to get people to buy into your product when they’re not familiar with your brand.”
Young says though entrepreneurship is empowering, it has not been without its struggles. He says navigating the fashion industry presents unique challenges, particularly in establishing trust with potential clients. Young articulates this hurdle:
“It’s difficult to get people to buy into your product when
they’re not familiar with your brand. They’ll spend the same price on a pair of kicks from Nike with no questions asked, but when it comes to a new brand, they’re skeptical due to not knowing the quality of the product.”
Despite these obstacles, Young’s dedication has led to significant milestones. His journey into fashion shows began in 2019 with an invitation to the local Urban Loop showcase, validating his efforts. By 2022, he showcased his designs at “The Coldest Summer” annual local fashion show hosted by fashion designer Penash Jones, and saw his bomber jacket featured on the television series “The Chi.”
Young faced rejections from both LA and Atlanta fashion weeks in 2024. Undeterred, he applied to New York Fashion Week and was accepted. Reflecting on his September 2024 debut, he said: “At first, I was very nervous; I was the only designer from Minnesota. But as time went on, I realized that I did belong here. Out of 150 brands, I’m the only one with my own sneaker line.”
Since then, the brand’s reach has become international, with an upcoming debut at Paris Fashion Week [2025] and collaborations with showrooms in Miami and New York. Rumors suggest that Young may also introduce the origi-
nally envisioned energy drink, bringing his journey full circle. Young’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and adaptability. By transforming personal adversity into entrepreneurial success, he has established Youngest N Charge as a brand that inspires others to harness their potential and pursue their dreams.
For further information visit yncfashion.com.
Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@
YNC Model debuting YNC cargo set Courtesy photos “Nightmare on Vert St” sneakers
Young (middle right) and his models on stage after a successful runway show
New York Fashion Week Model wearing YNC denim jeans
Lavert Young (far right) and his models on stage after a successful runway show
H. TUBMAN
Continued from page 1
of 278 members, 17 of whom are women, honored for their special operations leadership and intelligence work.
Though traditional accolades escaped Tubman for most of her life, she did achieve an honor usually reserved for white officers on the Civil War battlefield. After she led a successful raid of a Confederate outpost in South Carolina that saw 750 Black people rescued from slavery, a white commanding officer fetched a pitcher of water for Tubman as she remained seated at a table.
A different education
Believed to have been born in March 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman was named Araminta by her enslaved parents, Rit and Ben Ross.
“Minty” was the fifth of nine Ross children. She was frequently separated from her family by her white enslaver, Edward Brodess, who started leasing her to white neighbors when she was just 6 years old. At their hands, she endured physical abuse, harsh labor, poor nutrition and intense loneliness.
As I learned during my research into Tubman’s life, her education did not happen in a traditional classroom, but instead was crafted from the dirt. She learned to read the natural world — forests and fields, rivers and marshes, the clouds and stars.
She learned to walk silently
ANDERS
Continued from page 1
in hospitals. Though we hold vital records as truths, Anders says they are often not factual.
In Minnesota, for instance, only the mother’s name must be recorded on a birth certificate. If the father is not at that birth, the mother must watch a video before the father’s name can be listed. This happens even when both parents are equally involved in the child’s life.
“That’s a thing we still run into today,” Anders says. “And I would say it disproportionately impacts one group over another.”
across fields and through the woods at night with no lights to guide her. She foraged for food and learned a botanist’s and chemist’s knowledge of edible and poisonous plants — and those most useful for ingredients in medical treatments.
She could not swim, and that forced her to learn the ways of rivers and streams, their depths, currents and traps. She studied people, learned their habits, watched their movements — all without being noticed. Most importantly, she also figured out how to distinguish character. Her survival depended on her ability to remember every detail.
After a brain injury left her with recurring seizures, she was still able to work at jobs often reserved for men. She toiled on the shipping docks and learned the secret communication and transportation networks of Black mariners.
Known as Black Jacks, these men traveled throughout the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic seaboard. With them, she studied the night sky and the placement and movement of the constellations. She used all those skills to navigate on the water and land.
“I prayed to God,” she told one friend, “to make me strong and able to fight, and that’s what I’ve always prayed for ever since.”
Tubman was clear on her mission. “I should fight for my liberty,” she told an admirer, “as long as my strength lasted.”
Battlefield soldier
While known for her underground railroad efforts, when the Civil War started in the
spring of 1861, Tubman put aside her fight against slavery to conduct combat as a soldier and spy for the United States Army. She offered her services to a powerful politician.
Known for his campaign to form the all-Black 54th and 55th regiments, Massachusetts Gov. John Andrew admired Tubman and thought she would be a great intelligence asset for the Union forces.
He arranged for her to go to Beaufort, South Carolina, to work with Army officers in charge of the recently captured Hilton Head District. There, she provided nursing care to soldiers and hundreds of newly liberated people who crowded Union camps. Tubman’s skill curing soldiers stricken by a variety of diseases became legendary.
But it was her military service of spying and scouting behind Confederate lines that earned her the highest praise. She recruited eight men and together they skillfully infiltrated enemy territory. Tubman made contact with local enslaved people who secretly shared their knowledge of Confederate movements and plans.
Wary of white Union soldiers, many local African Americans trusted and respected Tubman. According to George Garrison, a second lieutenant with the 55th Massachusetts Regiment, Tubman secured “more intelligence from them than anybody else.”
In early June 1863, she became the first woman in U.S. history to command an armed military raid when she guided Col. James Montgom-
ery and his 2nd South Carolina Colored Volunteers Regiment along the Combahee River.
While there, they routed Confederate outposts, destroyed stores of cotton, food and weapons — and liberated over 750 enslaved people.
The Union victory was widely celebrated. Newspapers from Boston to Wisconsin reported on the river assault by Montgomery and his Black regiment, noting Tubman’s important role as the “Black she
Moses…who led the raid, and under whose inspiration it was originated and conducted.”
Ten days after the successful attack, radical abolitionist and soldier Francis Jackson Merriam witnessed Maj. Gen. David Hunter, commander of the Hilton Head district, “go and fetch a pitcher of water and stand waiting with it in his hand while a black woman drank, as if he had been one of his own servants.” In that letter to Gov. Andrew, Merriam
added, “that woman was Harriet Tubman.”
Lifelong struggle
Despite earning commendations as a valuable scout and soldier, Tubman still faced the racism and sexism of America after the Civil War. When she sought payment for her service as a spy, the U.S. Congress denied her claim. It paid the eight Black male scouts, but not her.
Unlike the Union officers who knew her, the congressmen did not believe — they could not imagine — that she had served her country like the men under her command, because she was a woman.
Gen. Rufus Saxton wrote that he bore “witness to the value of her services… She was employed in the Hospitals and as a spy [and] made many a raid inside the enemy’s lines displaying remarkable courage, zeal and fidelity.”
Thirty years later, in 1899, Congress awarded her a pension for her service as a Civil War nurse, but not as a soldier spy.
When she died from pneumonia on March 10, 1913, she was believed to have been 91 years old and had been fighting for gender equality and the right to vote as a free Black woman for more than 50 years after her work during the Civil War.
Surrounded by friends and family, the deeply religious Tubman showed one last sign of leadership, telling them: “I go to prepare a place for you.”
Kate Clifford Larson is a professor of history at Brandeis University and a contributor to The Conversation US.
Continued from page 1
subjects like the Black National Anthem, as well as create their own anthems.” Harris concludes regarding her students, “I want them to understand that their voices matter.”
Newspapers can be helpful when paper records are lost or inaccurate. Anders recently used the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) to research a client’s case. Newspapers, “especially the Black newspapers, kept a pulse on the community in ways that sometimes even paper records didn’t do a good job of.”
around. Within two to three months, Anders can find the details of a person’s story.
Over the last few years, DNA analysis expanded the search. It may be one of the only ways in cases of adoption, lost family stories, or going back to the early-to-mid 1800s.
“I’ve seen some really cool cases where families are able
“There was something so special about being able to reintroduce people to their ancestors,”
Most cases, depending on what a family is looking for, have an eight-week turn-
to reconnect through DNA when they were separated through enslavement,” An-
ders says. “I see all records as ‘sort of accurate’ because I’ve learned so many times over that what’s on them is not true. But sometimes there’s some thread of truth to it,” she says. DNA doesn’t completely take the place of using historical libraries. “You still have to do some of that leg work and go to different historical societies and state libraries and even public libraries to try and get family information,” Anders says. “That [information] isn’t and never will be digitized and online.”
Anders offers a breakthrough session for $250. This is for those doing research but who get stuck and can’t move past one person in their family’s history. It includes a twohour, one-on-one session in person or on Zoom.
She also offers an ancestor package to find one lost relative. She finds out who they, their children, and their parents are. This service is $3,500. For this and other packages, she offers payment plans. The costs change depending on the complexity of the case.
Anders wants people to know that finding lost ancestors is possible even if challenging. Sometimes this is a result of ancestors intentionally putting obstacles in the way.
“I have another case where the great-grandpa put a different birth date and a different birth name on every single legal document,” she says. “He was a Pullman porter, a World War Two vet. He was just not trusting of the government. So being able to get past him was
definitely a longer process.” Ultimately, uncovering ancestral history can lead to a better understanding of a family. “I think there’s just a lot of power in uncovering those family stories,” Anders says. “Not just necessarily learning who lived when and filling out a family chart, but really understanding that family dynamic that helps us understand who we are to this day.” Go to www.andersgenealogicalservices.com for a complete listing of their services. Or contact them at mica@andersgenealogicalservices.com or 612567-1717.
Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader responses to vnash@ spokesman-recorder.com.
tiative. These women sought Harris’ help to teach their children about Black history and its relevance today.
“Hillbilly Elegy,” a book that addresses working-class struggles, has also been banned by the same administration that sought to restrict Harris’ books.
banned, it becomes evident that it’s more crucial than ever for educators and authors to step up. Harris, who has long advocated for inclusive and
in the face of book bans and her commitment to creating educational spaces where students can thrive reflects a growing movement against censorship.
As she looks forward, Harris is adamant about the importance of unfiltered education.
In addition to launching her school, Harris is making her presence known in the community by hosting regular events — like the passing “Anthem” theme gathering— where she gave a lecture on the Black National Anthem, followed by a session with T. Michael Rambo to teach children all three verses of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Professor Harris’ work addressing race and policing is not the only force behind the “Freedom’s Promise School.”
Desirae Butler, Rachelle McCord, and Acooa Ellis, three dedicated mothers and community leaders, have played an integral role in the development of this educational ini-
Desirae Butler, Rachelle McCord, and Acooa Ellis have made it their mission to empower their children and broaden the circle to include more parents. “We have met twice and it has been an honor and privilege,” says Harris. “We would like to broaden our circle to more moms.” This effort has resulted in the creation of a community-driven educational space that champions Black history and seeks to provide students with an understanding of both past and current injustices.
The banning of books isn’t just limited to Harris’ work. In a curious twist, JD Vance’s
Whether it’s George Floyd, Emmett Till, or the Civil Rights Movement, these are lessons that must be taught.”
The political climate surrounding education and censorship is shifting, and as more books are challenged and
uncensored education, is determined to lead the charge.
“I teach them and I continue to write,” she says. Her defiance
“We need to raise informed citizens who understand our nation’s history. Whether it’s George Floyd, Emmett Till, or the Civil Rights Movement, these are lessons that must be taught.” Through “Freedom’s Promise School,” Harris continues to provide a platform for young people to engage with the world, challenge injustice, and amplify their own voices.
Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses at abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com
Harriet Tubman portrait from between 1871 and 1876 Harvey B, photographer
Professor Duchess Harris courtesy
Arts & Culture
The power of music to bring us together was on full display
January 28, 2025 at Orchestra
Hall in Minneapolis when the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) with trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis performed in front of a full and enthusiastic audience.
For more than 90-minutes, the greatest big band in the land played music from their Cool School & Hard Bop and Bebop Revolution programs. From the start, one could tell a lot of thought and intent went into the selection of this music —10 songs total.
The world-renowned 15-member orchestra, composed of today’s finest soloists and ensemble players, sounded like a well-oiled machine. They presented masterfully arranged music, some with complex harmony and rhythms associated with Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie — all architects of the type of music known as bebop originating in the 1940s.
They ought to sound phenomenal with Marsalis lead-
ing the way. As Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni, Super Bowl LIX winner, said recently, “You cannot be great without the greatness of others.” Marsalis is the music director of the JLCO, as well as the managing and artistic director.
and ethnicities, “It’s always a pleasure to be here every time.”
Then the band launched into the opener, a Charlie Parker song, “Klact-Oveeseds-Tene,” beautifully arranged by multiinstrumentalist Sherman Irby. The muted trumpets on this uptempo tune, coupled with
The Gerald Wilson arrangement featured pianist Dan Nimmer and Obed Calvaire on the drums. The band sang well together in unison to top it off.
pianist Benny Green, sounded equally amazing with Dan Nimmer on the ivories and Carlos Henriquez on bass.
Chris Crenshaw’s trombone solo was also a highlight. I saw [Benny] Green play the song during an on-demand live stream concert of the band in New York City on January 19.
Marsalis was right when he said that it was fun to hear Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust” featuring lead trumpeter Ryan
Kisor playing cornet with Paul Nedzela on the baritone sax. They did not disappoint. Irby on alto sax during Wayne Shorter’s tune, “Backstage Sally,” the second set closer, capped off a joyful evening. And Calvaire’s press rolls would’ve made the revered drummer Art Blakey proud.
Robin James welcomes reader comments at jamesonjazz@ spokesman-recorder.com.
The PBS “Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise,” a documentary about Marsalis and New York’s Chautauqua Institution, aired on February 11, 2025. More at: wyntonmarsalis.org.
When Marsalis spoke, he spoke from the heart and told the diverse crowd of all ages
a great tenor saxophone solo by Chris Lewis, set the tone for what would follow — even more eloquence. It was only fitting to followup a Charlie Parker song with a Dizzy Gillespie song; the two were always together. The Afro-Cuban tune “Guarachi Guaro” was a first set standout.
“Ugly Beauty,” a ballad by Thelonious Monk, featured the outstanding saxophone section. Each band member — Abdias Armenteros on tenor sax, Sherman Irby on alto sax, Alexa Tarantino on alto sax, Chris Lewis on tenor, then members of the rhythm section, Carlos Henriquez, and Nimmer on piano — stacked their genius ways.
Next up was another “Dizzy tune,” “Things to Come.” The rhythm section was on fire, and Marsalis gave an out-ofthis-world trumpet solo, along with fine contributions from Armenteros on tenor sax.
“For Duke Pearson,” a commissioned composition by
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Orchestra Hall Courtesy photos
Education
Helping the traumatized grow past survival mode
By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer
In semi-retirement, Samuel Simmons lectures and holds men’s groups twice per week. He recently completed a book that details his path to therapy. Though many become therapists as a calling, he entered the field purely by accident and is now one of the leading voices in his field.
After being injured on the job while working as a truck driver for the University of Minnesota, he sought treatment at Abbott Northwestern Pain Clinic. He met a psychologist there who told him that past trauma influences how individuals deal with physical and mental pain. The explanation made sense to Simmons though he had never considered therapy.
Simmons volunteered at the pain clinic and the psychologist mentored him. As part of his workman’s compensation, his job paid for his education toward a business management degree, but they would not allow him to switch his major to counseling.
When a job in the mental health ward that only required a two-year degree opened, he applied and got the job. “[I] was actually a glorified bouncer,” says Simmons. “That’s how I got into the mental health
SOE
Continued from page 10
tronger, faster. So, I gotta work a little bit harder, more so than I did at UMass or ECU.”
Now wearing a Gopher uniform, Rose this season has proven to be a valuable asset off the bench. She logs
field. I kind of just took advantage of the situation.”
While working there he met a therapist intern who invited him to help out at a community mental health clinic. “In doing that work, I learned on the job,” Simmons explains. “How do physical pain, emotional pain, [and] spiritual pain connect?” were the questions he explored. “[And] how do you process the pain in your life, and how — if you connect those dots — does it get better?”
This exploration led him to use his life experiences to help other Black men. At the beginning of his career, his services didn’t require a license. That changed in the late 1980s. A colleague informed him that a person could get grandfathered into licensure if they completed certification.
This is the route Simmons took. He never received a degree in mental health or chemical dependency from college. He learned through life and work experience.
Simmons’ approach to therapy focuses on respect and honesty. He has difficult conversations with clients without shaming them.
“What I do is based on what I call compassionate accountability,” he explains. “I believe that everybody should be held accountable, but if you don’t add compassion to it, you’ll
just over 15 minutes a game, nearly three minutes under her career 18.5 average per game, and has appeared in every game thus far. She dropped a season-high 10 points against Nebraska in December, hitting all her three field goals and only missing a free throw in four tries. And despite her size, Rose has three blocks this season and seven for her career.
never be fair.”
Much of the negative behaviors attributed to the African American community were born of living in survival mode, Simmons says. It is then passed down through generations without knowing its origin. It is often defined as culture.
He makes this point by telling how his wife’s family cooks the Thanksgiving meal. His wife cuts the ham in half before putting it in the pan. He asked her why. “Well, mama
Rose hopes to go into college coaching. Her graduate degree that she plans to receive this spring will be from the school’s gifted and talented education program. She also was one of three Gophers with a 4.O GPA last semester.
“I just love the game,” continued the guard. “I thought coaching was my calling, just
did,” she answered. Simmons then asked his mother-in-law why she does it. “Well, Nana did that,” she said. He then asked his wife’s grandmother why she cuts the ham in half.
“And she looks at me and says, ‘Baby, because my pan was too small.’”
Trauma responses can dictate how African Americans see themselves in this country. “Why can’t we get along like the immigrants?” Simmons
because I want to stay around the game in any way I can.
“When you actually love something, it’s not really a job,” she points out.
Minnesota is in the final stretch of games before the regular season ends in a couple of weeks in favor of March Madness.
“I’m just looking forward to finishing the season out
As the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrates its 90th Anniversary year, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication.
As a “$90—for- 90” contributor (non-business), your name will be prominently displayed in our print and digital editions until the week of Aug. 10, 2025. The paper was founded on Aug. 10, 1934.
honoring 90 years of tradition and community service. For inquiries or to join as a “$90-for-90” supporter, call 612-827-4021, visit our website, or email admin@spokesman-recorder.com.
Anita Alexander
Torrion Amie
Holly Andersen
Nancy L. Beals
Jonathan Beck
Clara Boykin & Family
Gretchen Bratvold
Amanda Brinkman
Toweya Brown-Ochs
Benjamin F. Bryant
& Dr. Antusa S. Bryant
Deanna Callender
Shirlee L. Callender
Karl Cambronne
Liam Cavin
Janis Clay
Edward Coblentz
Coventry Cowens
Alvin E. Cunningham
Michael Davis
Victoria Davis
Marie Denholm
Michael Diehl
April A. Estes
George Ewing
Elizabeth Fealey
David Fettig
Readus Fletcher
Ken Foxworth
Michael Franks
Lee Friedman
Ella Gates-Mahmoud
Kimerlie Geraci
Erick Goodlow
Leota Goodney
Karlene Green
Pamela Hall-Clemens
Charles Hallman
Jeana Hamm
Hendon Group, Inc
Thomas Hill
Maxine & Kieran
Hughes
Ellen Guettler & Ben Pofahl
Colnese Hendon
Connie Hudson
Angelo Hughes
says is a common question.
His response: “[We] come to America with a different type of trauma. [We] didn’t come to America with a plan. Nobody comes to America as a slave with a plan other than ‘How do I survive?’ and earlier in the process, ‘How do I get back home?’”
Trauma responses, disguised as culture, affect everyday life. This includes how children are raised, how relationships are maintained, and interacting with spouses.
“One of the things I tell my female colleagues who are holding on to relationships for the good of the children, like my family did, [is] if every child has at least one healthy parent, you can raise a good human being,” says Simmons.
“The original trauma might not be our fault, but the healing is our responsibility.”
He never used to use the term trauma. “We don’t want to deal with that term trauma in our community, even though we are a traumatized community,” he explains. As for describing our experience as resilience, he says being resilient often involves starting over without recognizing the errors in our decisions.
“The original trauma might not be our fault, but the healing is our responsibility,” he says. “You can’t heal when you
strong, making it to the Big 10 Tournament, and then possibly making it to the NCAA Tournament,” said Rose. “I think these are our biggest goals right now, finishing the season out strong. I want to continue to keep going.”
If that happens, it will be Rose’s second trip to the NCAAs.
“We won our conference,
Andrew Issacson
Katie Izzo
Ms. Jewelean Jackson
& Sir Steven C. Davis
Nina Johnson
Clarence Jones
Debra Jones
Shirley R. Jones
Julie July
Cynthia Kelly & Murry Kelly Jr.
Nathaniel Khaliq
Zena Kocher
Jimmy Lewis
Lisa Lissimore
Michele Livingston
Harlan Luxenberg
MRPP and Associate
Communications
Melanie Manaen
Rose McGee
Peter McLaughlin
Jeffrey McVay
Kyle Meerkins
Deborah Montgomery
Debbie Morrison
Marcia Murray
Mary K. Murray Boyd
only want to tell half the truth.”
When it comes to therapy, Simmons says that any program can work with good, honest facilitators. “I have been able to be honest with myself. It allows me to be honest with my clients.” Simmons’ recently completed book was formed through previous lectures, videos, and TV shows. He says it was a challenging process. He has dyslexia, which makes it difficult to read.
His skill lies in developing his thoughts and theories through online research. He uses experiences from his family in the book to make it relatable.
When the young professionals ask him about his career goals as a youth, he says they often find his responses boring or disappointing. “I didn’t do it traditionally, and the fact that I’m good at it sometimes has a major effect on some of my young colleagues.
“They’ll often say, ‘I learned more from you than I did from my professor. I spent all this money on a degree.’
“My approach is basically respectful honesty,” says Simmons. “How do you talk about difficult things but not make people more ashamed? We’ve been conditioned to be ashamed of our trauma. [Our trauma] is not our fault and [our responses] are natural considering our circumstances.”
Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader responses to vnash@ spokesman-recorder.com.
got a ring, and we made it to the first round against Texas at EDU my last year,” she concluded. “I’m definitely trying to double back and share that moment with my teammates because it’s something that you will never forget.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Dan Ness
Sanda Noy
Amethyst O’Connell
The O’Neill Family
Minister Dr. Ni Ora Hokes
Liz Oppenheimer & Jeanne Burns
Tamara Pollard
Ray Seville Productions
Mary Quinn McCallum
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
Heidi Pemberton
Amy Pfankuch
Patty Ploetz
Catherine Pruszynski
Mark Ritchie
Lyn Rabinovitch & John Saxhaug
Augustus Ritemon
Carolyn Roberson
Winthrop & Barbara
Rockwell
M. Rebecca Ross
St. Paul Saints
Anura Si-Asar
Floyd Smaller
Chanda Smith Baker
South Hill Film
Ronald Spika
Stan Sandiford
Cyriaque Sukam
Timothy Sullivan
Heidi Swank
Gregory Tillman
Dotty Timmons
Nicholas Upton
Jason Walker
Dr. Betty Webb
Bill Wells
Tracy Wesley
Jeffery Young
Sam Simmons awarded Professional of the Year Award by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota in 2024 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) MN.
Opinion
Trump threatens to rewrite Black history
The Black Press is our last line of defense
By Stacy M. Brown
Donald Trump’s recent takeover of the National Archives marks yet another chilling step in his broader campaign to rewrite history, erasing the truths that challenge his authoritarian ambitions. With the forced resignation of Acting Archivist William Bosanko, Trump and his allies are moving swiftly to reshape how American history is recorded, preserved, and ultimately remembered.
This power grab, executed under the banner of Project 2025 and backed by figures like Elon Musk, is more than just an attack on government records. It is an existential threat to the preservation of Black history and the truth itself.
History under siege
For centuries, African Americans have fought for their place in the national narrative, often relying on the Black Press as the only means to document the realities of systemic racism, discrimination and resilience. From Ida B. Wells’ fearless reporting on lynching to the Chicago Defender’s pivotal role in the Great Migration, Black newspapers have long served as the voice of the silenced.
With Trump’s grip tightening over the agency responsible for safeguarding historical records, the need for an independent, unflinching Black Press has never been more urgent.
Trump’s purge at the National Archives follows a pattern of systematic erasure. His administration has already waged war on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, gutted Affirmative Action, and worked to
dismantle programs designed to level the playing field for marginalized communities. Now, by taking control of the Archives, he is moving to rewrite the nation’s past to justify the injustices of the present and future.
The forced removal of archivists and the potential installation of loyalists like Hugh Hewitt or John Solomon — farright operatives with no historical credentials — signal that the agency’s purpose is shifting from preservation to propaganda. Reports indicate that the Archive’s leadership under previous political influence had already begun censoring mentions of Indigenous land displacement, removing references to Japanese American internment, and even swapping out images of Martin Luther King Jr. for Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley in museum exhibits.
This power shift is part of a broader authoritarian trend, as seen in the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and Affirmative Action. The rollback of these initiatives disproportionately affects Black Americans and other marginalized communities, making the work of the Black Press more crucial than ever.
Black Press as corrective force
In a recent episode of the “Seizing Freedom” podcast, journalist Adam Serwer spoke about the historical role of the Black Press in countering misinformation. “There were whole newspapers that said the Klan did not exist,” Serwer explained. “You had people who were victims of the Klan who were literally testifying in Congress about seeing people be mur-
ads@spokesman-recorder.com
submissions@spokesman-recorder.com.
dered or being attacked or mutilated themselves. And you would have these Democraticaligned papers and some Republican papers as well saying, ‘Oh, you know, the Ku Klux Klan is like a fictional invention of fevered imaginations.’”
Similarly, Ida B. Wells was relentless in exposing racial terrorism. “She was one of the people who was primarily responsible for not only countering that propaganda that was justifying that campaign of terrorism,” Serwer noted, “but for laying down a historical record that historians would use to show that it was, in fact, a propaganda campaign.”
A dangerous precedent
Many argue that this is not just an assault on history; it is an assault on truth. In authoritarian regimes, controlling the historical record is a crucial strategy for maintaining power. As historian George Orwell warned, “He who controls the past controls the future.”
Trump’s latest move places America firmly on that trajectory, echoing tactics used by totalitarian states to whitewash history, from Stalin’s Soviet Union to China’s suppression of “historical nihilism.”
Onlookers have observed that Musk’s control over X (formerly Twitter) — and now the government — further illustrates the danger. Politicians, historians, and others have noted that, under Musk’s leadership, the platform has become a haven for misinformation, with accounts spreading white nationalist rhetoric and conspiracy theories while voices advocating for racial justice face suppression.
“The Black Press remains one of the last independent institutions able to challenge these narratives,” National Newspaper Publishers Association
President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. has often declared.
A call to action
Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett remains among the few unafraid to speak truth to power, particularly when her Republican colleagues show ignorance of Black history. She recently lit into the MAGA loyalists who claimed white men are oppressed in America.
Will the U.S. separation of powers hold? Here’s why it matters
By Vittorio Bufacchi
In the four weeks since he was inaugurated for his second term as U.S. president, Donald Trump has issued dozens of executive orders, many of which are now the subject of legal challenges on the grounds they exceed his authority under the U.S. constitution. As a result, some will inevitably end up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
What the court rules — and how the Trump administration responds to its judgments — will tell us a great deal about whether the separation of powers still works as the U.S. founding fathers intended when they drafted the Constitution.
The concept of separation of powers is incorporated into just about every democratic constitution. It rests on the principle of the separation of powers between the three fundamental branches of government: executive, legislative and judiciary.
It’s what enables the political ecosystem of checks and balances to create the conditions for democracy to exist and freedom to flourish. But if one of the three branches of government dominates the other two, the equilibrium is shattered and democracy collapses.
We owe this idea of constitutional democracy as a tripartite division of power to an 18th-century French political philosopher, Charles de Montesquieu. He was the author of one of the most influential books to come out of the Enlightenment period, “The Spirit of the Laws.”
Published in 1748, this work gradually reshaped every political system in Europe and had a powerful influence on America’s Founding Fathers. The 1787 U.S. Constitution was drafted in the spirit of Montesquieu’s recommendations.
Modern democracies are more complex than those of the 18th century, and new institutions have developed to keep up with the times. These include specialised tribunals, autonomous regulatory agencies, central banks, audit bodies, ombudsmen, electoral commissions and anti-corruption bodies.
What all these institutions have in common is that they operate with a considerable degree of independence from the three aforementioned arms of government. In other words, more checks and balances.
Notwithstanding his immense influence, the idea of a separation of powers at the heart of democracy predates
school textbooks. They want to keep American schoolchildren in the dark, she says, so they “can then misuse words like oppression” — just like her House colleagues were doing at that moment.
“There has been no oppression for the white man in this country,” she declared in a fiery, nearly two-minute speech. “You tell me which white men were dragged out of their homes. You tell me which one of them was dragged across an ocean and told they were going to work, have their wives stolen, and have their wives raped. That didn’t happen. That is oppression.”
Crockett pointed out that Republicans are constantly trying to erase Black history from
Montesquieu by many centuries. One of the earliest formulations of this idea can be found in Aristotle’s work, “The Politics.”
This includes the argument that “the best constitution is made up of all existing forms.” By this Aristotle meant a mixed government of monarchy, aristocracy and democracy.
But it was the Romans who developed a working model of checks and balances. The constitution of the Roman republic was characterised by the separation of powers between the tribune of the plebs, the senate of the patricians, and the elected consuls.
The consuls held the highest political office, akin to a president or prime minister. But since the Romans did not trust anyone to have too much power, they elected two consuls at a time, for a period of 12 months.
Each consul had veto power over the actions of the other consul. Checks and balances.
The greatest advocate of the Roman republic and its constitutional mechanisms was the Roman philosopher, lawyer and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. It was Cicero who inspired Montesquieu’s work — as well as influencing John Adams, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton in the U.S.
The Roman republic had lasted for approximately 500 years but came to an end following the violent death of Cicero in 43 BC. He had devoted his life to resisting authoritarian populists from undermining the Roman republic and establishing themselves as sole despots. His death (on top of the assassination of Julius Ceasar the previous year) are seen as key moments in Rome’s transition from republic to empire.
The use and abuse of presidential executive orders is an indication of this growing political cancer.
Today our democracies are facing the same predicament.
In many different parts of the world this simple institutional mechanism has come under increasing attack by individuals hell-bent on curbing the independent power of the judiciary and the legislative.
In Europe, following in the footsteps of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, the Italian far-right premier, Giorgia Meloni, has been pushing for
threads from the American tapestry will result in the entire fabric becoming undone. Just to make it plain; there is no American history without Black history.
“There is no American history without Black history.”
Writing in the Detroit Free Press, Keith Owens asserted, “You can’t erase Black history for the same reason you can’t erase air; because air simply exists whether you want it to or not. It’s not multiple-choice. Stop breathing, and you will find out. It’s science, and it’s also fact.” Owens further argued, “Any attempt to extricate Black
“That’s because there is a strong likelihood that America never would have evolved into the economic powerhouse that it became – and might not have evolved much at all – without Black Americans.”
constitutional reforms that reinforce the executive branch of government at the expense of the other two branches.
The assault on the system of checks and balances has also been identified in Washington. The use and abuse of presidential executive orders is an indication of this growing political cancer.
During his time as 46th U.S. president, from January 2021 to January 2025, Joe Biden signed 162 executive orders, an average of 41 executive orders per year. By comparison, during his first term Donald Trump’s annual average was 55 executive orders. Barack Obama before him was 35.
In his first 20 days since returning to the White House Donald Trump has already signed 60 executive orders. This has included pardoning some 1,500 people who were involved in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. capitol.
But of much greater concern is the Trump administration’s veiled threats to overturn the landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1803, Marbury v. Madison, the case that established the principle that the courts are the final arbiters of the law.
In recent weeks Trump has openly criticised federal judges who have tried to block some of his executive orders. He’s been supported by his vice-president, J.D. Vance, who has been quoted as saying that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power”.
Meanwhile the president’s senior advisor, Elon Musk, accused a judge’s order to temporarily block the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency from accessing confidential Treasury Department data of being “a corrupt judge protecting corruption.”
So democracy’s delicate balancing act is under serious pressure. If the separation of powers does not hold, and the checks and balances prove to be ineffective, democracy will be threatened.
The next few months and years will determine whether the rule of law will be displaced by the rule of the strongest. At the moment the odds don’t look good for Cicero, Montesquieu and Madison.
It takes a brave person to bet on democracy to win this contest, but we live in hope that America will remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Vittorio Bufacchi is a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at University College Cork.
it has done for centuries. “It must continue reporting on the realities that mainstream media overlooks, challenge disinformation, and preserve the voices of those history seeks to erase,” said self-described New York Amsterdam News loyalist and accountant Jonathan Ebanks. “Silence is complicity in statesponsored amnesia. The Black Press plays a vital role in resisting this erasure,” Ebanks insisted. “The truth will not preserve itself. The Black Press must continue its mission — not just to inform but to resist.”
Democracy under threat
4.
5.
6.
Dated: 1/31/2025
Employment & Legals
From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
PHONE: 612-827-4021
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS
PLEASE CONTACT
ACCOUNTING DEPT
BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM
SUMMONS 3 WEEK RUN FLAT RATE: $320
Please Note: New email address for all future ads is ads@spokesman-recorder.com
The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. MEGAN CURTIS LAW, PLLC
Jeremy L. Brantingham, MN #0299558 2200 E. Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder February 27 & March 6, 13, 2025
NETFLIX
Continued from page 10
of these players were Black, including the six plaintiffs, who supposedly came from disadvantaged backgrounds. They wound up at the junior college because they were dismissed from other schools for various reasons, EMCC essentially providing the players their last chance to get their act together and move on to larger schools. I hadn’t watched the football series (2016-2020) but did watch the “Last Chance U” basketball series during the pandemic lockdown. It had a similar premise as the show followed the players and coaches of the East Los Angeles Junior College basketball team. The players, for the most part, didn’t look good in the Netflix series. Their head coach Buddy Stephens, who often struggled with his anger and salty language,
Isaiah Wright, one of the six plaintiffs Courtesy of X
Dated: 11/26/2024
By: /s/Megan
W1610 Saint Paul, MN 55101 P: 612-750-4688 F: 651-412-5070
E: mc@megancurtislaw.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder February 20, 27 & March 6, 2025
also came off in a bad light. Season one ended with the EMCC team involved with their opponent in a game that was called off due to an onfield fight just before halftime. The team was disqualified from the state playoffs and a possible berth to the national championship game.
But if there was a heroine in “Last Chance U,” it was academic advisor Brittany Wagner, who was featured prominently in each episode.
Sadly, “Last Chance U” also showed just how flawed the American educational system can be when it comes
to Black student athletes.
Whether or not the six Black players are successful in their suit against Netflix is yet to be determined.
“Netflix themselves have been faced with a bunch of lawsuits already on their production of different films,” said Green. “I imagine they will likely file a motion to dismiss. We will battle out those initial stages and hopefully we can climb this uphill battle.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
PHONE: 612-827-4021
Multiple positions available. Position is open to telecommuting from anywhere in U.S. Req. Bachelors’ or foreign equiv. in Electronic Eng., Software Eng., Comp. Sci. or rel. eng. or tech. fld & 5 yrs prog. exp. as a software engr. in test or rel. occ.; OR Master’s & 2 yrs. exp. Apply at https://medtronic.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ MedtronicCareers, Req. #R22051. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder February 27, 2025 State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statues, Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME:
FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM
SUMMONS 3 WEEK RUN FLAT RATE: $320
Please Note: New email address for all ads is ads@spokesman-recorder.com The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a copy.
Inc., Minneapolis, MN.
VIEW
Continued from page 10
“I think Black girls in gymnastics is so important,” added Kennedy, a longtime UCLA season ticket holder.
“I’ve been following gymnastics ever since I was 12 or 13… I’ve been trying to get all my friends excited and bring them here,” said Kennedy. “I think it’s very, very important to support Black people in all arenas, whether it’s here in gymnastics or not.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
“It’s really great to be a part of something so special,” noted UCLA’s Chae Campbell. “I didn’t get to see a whole lot of Black gymnasts who looked like me at the highest level. So, to see so many of the Black gymnasts doing so well … It’s honestly very special, and I hope that we’re able to inspire the next generation coming up that they can do anything they put their mind to.”
There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the school year and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Minnesota graduate student Alexsia Rose
ccording to the NCAA officiating notebook, Rule 1, the number “0” is legal to wear in college sports. Gopher graduate guard Alexisa Rose wears the number 0 in her first and only season as a Gopher.
“I’ve worn this number for a long, long time,” said Rose after a recent home game. “This one spoke to me when I first
hanya Glover’s threepointer with three seconds left lifted Minneapolis North to a 63-60 Twin City girls basketball championship victory over St. Paul Como Park, giving them their first title in 20 years.
Glover, who finished with 13 points, calmly sank the game-winner from the righthand corner.
Game MVP Brooklyn Pettis led the victorious Polars with 22 points. Shanyce Glover added 17 and Jordyn Cooke chipped in 11.
Cecelia Davis put on a three-point shooting clinic to lead Como Park with 25 points, Makyia Kenney added 14, and Naijona Shaw chipped in 10.
The Cougars have been a Twin City championship game participant since 2015.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
hat better place to spend the first day of Black History Month 2025 than at a Big Ten women’s gymnastics meet in Los Angeles, where both squads had their share of Black gymnasts.
UCLA hosted Michigan State. The Bruins have six Black gymnasts — juniors Madisyn Anyimi and Jordan Chiles; freshmen Macy McGowan and Mika Webster-Longin; and graduate students Chae Campbell and Carissa Clay.
The Spartans boast four sistahs — juniors Nikki Smith and Olivia Zsarmani, soph Makayla Tucker, and senior Gabi Stephen. Both UCLA (No. 6) and MSU (No. 5) are
Sports
Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U’ doc draws players’ lawsuit
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
season
started playing basketball, when I just stuck with it.”
The 5’7” guard from Bloomfield, Conn. began her collegiate playing career at East Carolina (2020-23) then transferred to UMass for a season (2023-24), where Rose earned her communications decree.
Additionally, she is a twotime transfer portal participant.
“My first experience in the transfer portal, I was kind of hesitant just because the portal is scary,” recalled Rose. “My second time entering the portal, I just wanted to go somewhere where they valued winning, and just always wanted to play at the biggest level.”
Hence, Minnesota became Rose’s final stop in her playing career, and the Big 10 can’t
get any bigger as the coast-tocoast Power 4 conference.
“The biggest difference, I would say, is the physicality and the speed — everything is go, go, go, go, go,” said Rose smiling.
“Everyone’s much bigger, much
■ See SOE on page 7
ix former junior college football players are suing Netflix and their former school, among others, for at least $30 million over their onscreen portrayals.
The players who were part of the Netflix’s “Last Chance U” documentary series’ first two seasons are claiming that they weren’t compensated or given the chance to consult an attorney or fully read their contracts before agreeing to have their names and images included in the series that followed the East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) football team.
Along with Netflix are Conde Nast Entertainment, the series director and executive producer, EMCC, and the National Junior College Athletic Association sued “for the
Fab Five photos
wrongful misappropriation of their likeness and to ensure fair compensation for their work,” said the lawsuit filing.
The six plaintiffs are John Franklin III, Ronald Ollie, and C.J. Reevis, who all appeared in season one; DeAndre Johnson and Tim Bonner in season two; and Isaiah Wright, who appeared in both seasons of the series. The series then moved to another location for two seasons, and the final season at another college.
The MSR reached out to one of the plaintiffs who referred us to their attorney, Andrew Green, out of New York. “A lot of my clients were portrayed as these unethical, lazy, disrespectful, non-motivated individuals,” explained Green. “The worst manipulation was Isaiah Wright.”
“A lot of my clients were portrayed as these unethical, lazy, disrespectful, non-motivated individuals. The worst manipulation was Isaiah Wright.”
The
to present all aspects of the EMCC football program through the eyes of the players, coaches and staff. Most
Sistas shine at LA women’s gymnastics meet
ever as Big Ten opponents.
The 4’-11” Chiles electrified the near-capacity crowd at Pau-
“It’s Black History Month. I’m ready to see the Black girls shine.”
ley Pavilion when she posted a perfect 10 in her floor exercise in the last rotation that propelled the Bruins past the visitors to
win the meet. She performed to music by Prince. “I’ve done millions of different routines, [but] with Prince, I felt like it was something that would give people more of an energetic feeling, something that I felt like was really something I was connected with and I have fun with,” Chiles told the MSR during a post-game press conference.
As the only Minnesota media in the place, we asked her why she chose the late Purple one. “He was an icon and a legend,” said Chiles of Prince. “Not
a lot of people got to experience what he put out to the world in his music. So, if I was able to bring that back in and see it in gymnastics, then it’s something,” she pointed out.
The Feb. 1 gymnastics meet was my first since last summer’s USA gymnastics trials in downtown Minneapolis. It also was my first time seeing Chiles and Simone Biles perform in person — the two Black women gymnasts and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade all received medals for floor and was the first all-Black podium in Olympic gymnastics history.
Long considered an elite sport, gymnastics historically is one of the most watched Olympic sports, and is a non-revenue sport in colleges and universities.
An SEC official told me back in the 1990s that scoring in gymnastics is subjective. It still is.
An updated score caused Chiles to lose her bronze medal, which she and USA Gymnastics
have contested.
Blacks in recent years have become gymnastics stars, such as Biles. Chiles is among 13 honorees for 2025 Time’s Woman of the Year. She and MSU’s Smith earlier this month earned Big Ten’s Co-Gymnast of the Week, and Minnesota this season has five Black gymnasts on their roster.
“You got to be good first, but representation matters,” said
Michigan State AD Alan Haller.
“We’ve got a very diverse tram. They got to be good, and they’re really good.”
“It’s Feb. 1. It’s Black History Month. I’m ready to see the Black girls shine,” said Ashley Land of Chicago. “I’m rooting for everyone Black.” She and Kalee Kennedy of Delaware were among the Black fans at the UCLA-MSU meet.
■ See VIEW on page 9
“Last Chance U” premise was
Shanya Glover (Minneapolis North)
Brooklyn Pettis (Minneapolis North)
Makyia Kenney (St. Paul Como Park)
Celcelia Davis (St. Paul Como Park)
Shancye Glover (Minneapolis North)
Alexsia Rose on the court Minnesota Athletics
Two MSU gymnasts on podium: Chae Campbell (l) and Jordan Chiles Photos by Charles Hallman
Fans Ashley Land (l) and Kalee Kennedy