October 31, 2024 - MN Spokesman-Recorder - Edition 14

Police negligent in reign of terror

By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer

fficers new to the Minneapolis Police Department recite an oath—swearing to “protect my community from those who would seek to cause harm.”

The department now admits failure in upholding that oath in the aftermath of the shooting of 34-year-old Davis Moturi by neighbor and known risk John Sawchuk.

Following a year of escalating threats, intimidation, and assaults, Sawchuk shot Moturi once in the neck—fracturing his spine, breaking two ribs, and causing a concussion.

incident, the termination of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and the resignation of Mayor Jacob Frey.

“The conduct of Chief O’Hara and Mayor Frey is unconscionable. They have shown throughout this affair that they are both unwilling and incapable of keeping the community safe,” reads the statement, issued through Communities United Against Police Brutality.

From redlining to resource deserts

Marginalized neighborhoods suffer the most

Three previous warrants were issued in Hennepin County for Sawchuk’s arrest in connection with threats to Moturi and other neighbors dating back more than a year.

On Oct. 24—one day after the shooting—Sawchak was charged in Hennepin County District Court with seconddegree attempted murder, first-degree assault, stalking, and harassment. He remained at large until Oct. 28, when Minneapolis police finally apprehended Sawchuk, who was taken into custody and held on $1 million bail.

A coalition of Twin Citiesbased police accountability organizations has issued a statement calling for an independent investigation of the

“The Minneapolis Police Department cannot be reformed under their leadership. We also call for a thorough investigation to determine why the city allowed an individual to menace his neighbors for a decade and why the Moturis’ pleas for help went unanswered.”

The Moturis reported at least 19 instances of vandalism, property destruction, theft, harassment, hate speech, verbal threats, and physical assault since the couple moved next door in the 3500 block of Grand Avenue last September. Despite multiple pending warrants for his arrest, Sawchak remained at large. Wanted flyers went up around the neighborhood several months before, declaring Sawchak “armed and dangerous” and advising residents to call 911 should they see him.

In an online fundraiser, Caroline Moturi detailed how the harassment began when the ■ See SHOOT on page 2

By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer

innesota is one of the richest states in the country, yet many of its communities find themselves in resource deserts. These areas, known as critical sources of urban social inequality, are characterized by limited access to food, green space and health care. They reflect deeprooted systemic inequalities exacerbated by historical injustices like redlining.

The Social Vulnerability Index developed by the Centers for Disease Control classifies areas into levels of vulnerability—“least,” “some,” “significant,” and “most”—based on socioeconomic factors, including poverty, unemployment, access to transportation, and crowded housing. Ramsey and Hennepin counties rank high in vulnerability due to economic and historical barriers that disproportionately impact Black, Latino, and Native American communities.

For example, out of 43 ZIP codes in Hennepin County, 17 are classified as “most” vulnerable, and 12 ZIP codes in Ramsey County share that highest ranking.

tions, leading to systemic disinvestment and exclusion from essential resources.

Historical redlining has gone unremedied and is the root cause of many disparities in the state. As Professor Samuel Myers Jr. noted in his research essay “The Minnesota Paradox,” “racist policies were ‘baked in.’”

The legacy of redlining has left enduring impacts, particularly in urban neighborhoods. Communities that once were categorized as undesirable continue to struggle with higher poverty rates and lower access to grocery stores and heath care facilities, including pharmacies.

“When people can’t afford to eat or maintain a healthy lifestyle, something drastic needs to happen on the policy level.”

In Minnesota, the history of redlining plays a crucial role in understanding the current landscape of resource deserts and social vulnerability.

The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) was created in 1933 as part of the New Deal to provide relief to homeowners at risk of foreclosure. HOLC created “residential security” maps of major American cities. These maps later were used by loan officers, appraisers, and real estate agents to evaluate lending risk.

Neighborhoods considered high risk or “hazardous” were “redlined,” denying them access to investment that could improve the housing and economic opportunity of residents. These areas were predominantly inhabited by Black and immigrant popula-

Universal free school meals a Minnesota success

But hunger demand in the state continues to rise

By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor

or hundreds of thousands of Minnesota school kids, a nutritious breakfast is now a staple as they head to class each morning. In its first full year, Minnesota’s universal free meals program served more than 150 million breakfasts and lunches—representing a sharp increase over previous years when students were required to pay for food at school.

“I am proud to be celebrating the first year of our free school meals program,” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said on Oct. 23 while serving breakfast to students at Oak View Elementary in Maple Grove. “When our kids are fed, they are better able to focus, learn, and tackle their

busy days. By providing free breakfast and lunch at school, we’re nurturing our children, saving families thousands of dollars, investing in the longterm future of Minnesota, and creating the best state in the country for kids.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the number of school lunches served during the 2023-24 school year increased by 13.6 million meals—15%—compared to the same period in 2022–2023. School breakfasts increased by 13.8 million meals over the previous school year, a 40% increase. The program is estimated to save Minnesota families about $1,000 annually per student.

Gov. Tim Walz signed Free School Meals for Kids into law

■ See LUNCH on page 5

For instance, research shows that neighborhoods with historical redlining patterns lack supermarkets, forcing residents to rely on convenience stores that often sell unhealthy options at inflated prices. (On page 7, meet a local entrepreneur who is helping to reverse food access inequalities.)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 in 7 households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with this issue disproportionately affecting low-income, Black, and Hispanic families. In Minnesota, these disparities are stark as many communities, particularly those with a higher concentration of racially marginalized groups, face challenges in accessing both nutritious food and quality health care.

Food access in Minnesota is particularly evident in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where gentrification and ongoing socioeconomic inequalities further complicate the landscape. The term “food desert” increasingly is criticized for suggesting that the lack of food access is a natural occurrence, neglecting the structural forces that created these disparities. A more accurate term, researchers say, is “food apartheid,” reflecting intentional policies and practices that historically marginalized certain communities.

Many low-income neighborhoods in Minnesota still experience significant barriers to ac-

■ See DESERT on page 5

Black patients prescribed more opioids

By Stacy M. Brown

y an overwhelming margin (almost 75%),

Black patients were more likely to be prescribed oral opioids in combination with intravenous (IV) opioids compared to white patients, despite the known risks of opioid addiction, according to research presented Oct. 18 at the Anesthesiology 2024 annual meeting in Philadelphia.

Black patients also are about 30% less likely than their white counterparts to receive multimodal analgesia, which uses various medications to improve pain control while reducing opioid use. Experts note that this approach has been particularly effective after complex surgeries, such as lung or abdominal cancer

procedures and hernia repairs.

“We know that multimodal analgesia provides more effective pain management with less need for opioids, which are highly addictive. It should be standard practice, especially in high-risk surgical patients,” said Dr. Niloufar Masoudi, lead author of the study and an anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins University.

The study examined the pain management of 2,460 white patients and 482 Black patients during the first 24 hours following high-risk surgeries between 2016 and 2021. Researchers ruled out variables such as insurance, health conditions, and age— identifying significant racial disparities in pain treatment. While most patients received

Is your wardrobe worth our planet? Find out on page 8.

The legacy of redlining has left enduring impacts. Communities that once were categorized as undesirable continue to struggle with higher poverty rates and lower access to grocery stores and heath care facilities.

Jenny Matthews

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan visits with students at Oak View Elementary in Maple Grove.

John Sawchuk in custody

Expanded Black homeownership key to closing racial wealth gap

By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor

Monique Moseley picked up the keys to her first house on Oct. 21, fulfilling her dream of someday owning a home.

The mother of 12-year-old Elijah purchased a three-bedroom stucco in North Minneapolis.

“I was so excited—and my son is happy to have his own space again,” she says. “While in the process of buying, we stayed with family.”

Moseley hasn’t just purchased a home—she’s taken a giant leap forward in lifetime economic security. Homeownership is a vital factor in the accumulation of wealth for Black Americans, just as the lack of homeownership is a significant driver in the racial wealth gap.

The Brooking Institution, a nonprofit public policy organization, released a report in January titled “Black wealth is increasing, but so is the racial wealth gap.” Authors Andre Perry, Hannah Stephens, and Manann Donoghoe arrived at that conclusion after looking at data collected by the Federal Reserve between 2019 and 2022.

Among their findings: Total wealth increased for all racial and ethnic groups over the study period, with Black

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couple moved into their home.

“We bought our first home in September of 2023. What should have been the start of a wonderful chapter with my husband became a living nightmare. Shortly after moving in our neighbor began harassing us, threatening us, and stalking us. Despite multiple calls to the police for help, we were consistently informed nothing could be done. At one point an officer who responded to our distress told us to ‘just move out.’

“In addition, Davis did manage once to physically restrain John [Sawchuk] when he was outside with other neighbors and witnesses present. 911 was called and officers arrived to the scene only for the officers to LET HIM GO despite there being an active warrant out for his arrest,” she wrote on a GoFundMe page.

Authorities had identified Sawchuk as a threat long before.

In August 2016, a Hennepin County judge ordered Sawchak committed to a mental health treatment facility after a doctor determined he was suffering from several psychological illnesses and that Sawchak posed “a substantial likelihood of causing harm.”

Police also said that they had been attempting to detain Sawchak since April. Given the presence of firearms, O’Hara dismissed carrying out a highrisk warrant for fear that it could lead to a violent confrontation where officers “may have to use deadly force.”

“What’s appalling is the lack

wealth growing, on average, from $27,970 to $44,890. Yet, Black Americans overwhelmingly lagged behind other racial and ethnic groups. Latino households on average had $62,000 in 2022, white households $285,000, and Asian American households $536,000.

“The growing disparity means that in 2022, for every $100 in wealth held by white households, Black households held only $15,” the authors note.

of action by police,” Michelle Gross with Communities United Against Police Brutality told the MSR. “They said they wouldn’t take action for ‘officer safety.’ That’s your job! You expected this family to deal with this outrageous harassment but don’t feel safe to approach.

“Police Chief O’Hara doesn’t have the leadership skills or cultural understanding to lead the MPD. He has to go. They were scared to take action but expected that family to live under [Sawchuk’s] tyranny.

“Mayor Jacob Frey was silent. When he finally did speak, he defended the police,” Gross continued. “He said they left him at large for five days because the police ‘had other things to do.’”

Two days after the shooting, five city council members sent a letter to Frey and O’Hara expressing their “utter horror at [the Police Department’s] failure to protect a Minneapolis resident from a clear, persistent, and amply reported threat posed by his neighbor.”

The council members—Andrea Jenkins, Elliott Payne, Aisha Chughtai, Jason Chavez, and Robin Wonsley—wrote that the Police Department told the County Attorney’s Office that “officer safety” was the reason police did not execute the warrant.

“I still haven’t received an adequate response to the questions we raised in our letter to Frey and O’Hara,” said Jenkins, who represents Ward 8 in south central Minneapolis. “The immediate arrest of Sawchak was delivered on. In terms of why it didn’t happen sooner, I haven’t received answers about that. The chief admitted that they failed this

parity is even greater.

Data from the Prosperity Now Scorecard—a comprehensive resource featuring data on family financial health, racial economic inequality, and policy—found in a 2015-2020 study that 77.5% of white households in Minnesota own their homes, compared to just 30.5% of Black households. That disparity is even more pronounced in the Twin Cities metro area.

The Minnesota Homeownership Center has assembled a network of 30 communitybased organizations to help residents achieve sustainable homeownership. Each group offers free sessions with homeownership advisors to:

• evaluate mortgage readiness;

• determine homebuyers’ purchasing power;

offer expert, unbiased education and advice to help Minnesotans navigate the complex home-buying process. They are certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and their services are paid for through a combination of federal, state and local grants, allowing the network to provide assistance for free.

Before purchasing her home, Moseley met several times with a homeownership advisor at PPL, who helped her find programs that defrayed downpayment costs. “I learned a lot of information about the home-buying process, questions to ask, different mortgage rates, different types of rates and what they mean,” Moseley says of the program.

buying a home is not for you, that’s a success as well,” says Bill Gray, stakeholder relations director with the Minnesota Homeownership Center. “The advisors don’t have a financial stake in outcomes; they’re here only to help.”

Cynthia Moothart welcomes reader responses to cmoothart@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Since the first Survey of Consumer Finances in 1983, the smallest difference between Black and white family wealth was $123,910 in 1992— and has steadily climbed since, peaking in 2022. Housing equity is a top factor driving this trend.

Nationally, only 44% of Black individuals own a home, compared to nearly 73% of white individuals—a vestige of discriminatory housing practices such as redlining and blockbusting. In Minnesota, the dis-

• identify applicable down payment assistance;

• prepare consumers for successful closings.

“When people go to the doctor they get their height, their weight,” says Henry Rucker, associate director of homeownership and financial coaching with Project for Pride in Living (PPL). “That’s what we do for homeownership. It’s a chance for someone to get a real look at their finances without being judged. Knowledge is power.”

Homeownership advisors

Minneapolis Police Oath of Office

“I, [name], do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Minneapolis;

That I shall, in recognition of my service as a peace keeper, first do no harm, that I will upload and safeguard the sanctity of life, and that I will shield and protect my community from those who would seek to cause harm; That I shall intervene in protest, both verbally and physically, if I witness anyone violating another’s rights;

That I recognize those I serve are members of the human family worthy of dignity and respect, and my term in office shall be guided by my love of service to the community and the grace of humanity.”

—Adopted June 2020

resident, and they are making some policy changes to ensure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.

“We’re short-staffed here at the city of Minneapolis,” said Jenkins. “We’re down about 300 police officers. It is deeply unfortunate that Davis got shot, but the opportunities to arrest this person were slim. Certainly, the cops could have worked faster.”

Minneapolis police officials laid out plans in late October

for the department’s proposed $230 million budget for 2025, a 6% increase over current funding levels. Applications to Minneapolis police also are up 45% compared to last year, with 1,014 applications; there were a total of 697 in 2023. The incident comes just weeks before the city is set to release development plans for George Floyd Square. The brutal murder of Floyd by police in May 2020 remains an open wound for the community.

“I thought it was very valuable. And because I attended the class, I met my realtor Denise. She was amazing. I think I would have given up if I didn’t have her. She was very supportive of my decisions and considered my situation. She wasn’t just trying to stick me in a house.”

Although Moseley met her goal of homeownership with the help of PPL, not all participants end up with a new address.

“If you go through the process, get educated, and decide

“It is not enough for our city or police force to admit fault. People need to be held accountable,” said Trahern Crews, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota. “So many Black men have been murdered by the police, and none of them have been given the same compassion or grace that has been offered to known armed and dangerous white residents. Davis Moturi, George Floyd, Travis Jordan and so many others deserved better.

“With everything that has happened here,” Crews continued, “we thought that these sort of things wouldn’t continue to happen. We thought the state of Minnesota, especially the city of Minneapolis, had learned its lesson. Now, it seems Minnesota is going backward socially, politically, and economically.”

Following a comprehensive investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice announced in June 2023 that the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis engaged in a pattern or practice of conduct in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

Specifically, the Justice Department found that Minneapolis police: Uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and unreasonable use of tasers; Discriminates against Black and Native American people in its enforcement activities, including the use of force following stops; Violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech; and Along with the city, discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities when responding to calls for

In the latest TRACEY’S KEEPIN’ IT REAL PODCAST, MSR Publisher and CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard takes a deep dive into Homebuying Advising with guests Henry Rucker of PPL and LaShelle Smith, homeownership advisor with PGR in South Minneapolis. Go to the MSR website and click on Podcasts to listen to their conversation.

assistance.

The Department concluded that persistent deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to Minneapolis police’s unlawful conduct.

“The disparities in how our police department treats Black residents are impossible to ignore,” said Monique CullarsDoty, who’s been a prominent activist since her nephew was shot and killed by Minneapolis police in 2015.

“With everything that has happened here, we thought that these sort of things wouldn’t continue to happen. We thought the state of Minnesota, especially the city of Minneapolis, had learned its lesson.”

“In 2022, when Tekle Sundberg, a man battling severe mental illness, was reported to the police, they detailed a plan they had to utilize rubber bullets and gas to apprehend him. But after six hours, snipers shot him while he was taking a selfie in the window. They do have the resources and the know-how to immediately act, and in a non-lethal matter, but they don’t value Black lives. That’s the problem.”

Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Monique Moseley and her son Elijah Courtesy photo

WHEN WE VOTE, WE WIN.

When our rights are on the line we fight and when they’re on the ballot we vote, because we’re not going back.

The economy is on the ballot.

Health care is on the ballot.

Criminal justice reform is on the ballot.

Reproductive freedom is on the ballot.

Environmental justice is on the ballot.

The right to vote is on the ballot.

If we do our part and show up to the polls, we will make history (again)!

Let’s vote for progress and the future we deserve. Vote for the leader who’s been fighting for us for years.

Election Day is November 5th. Vote for Kamala Harris.

By Jarrett Schaffer

Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, is an ongoing public health epidemic that affects millions of people and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent decades. From 19992021, nearly 645,000 people in the U.S. died from prescription and illicit opioids, according to the CDC.

Given the magnitude of the crisis, addiction to opioids also impacts people in families and communities in the North Star State. In 2022 alone, 377 Hennepin County residents died from opioid-related deaths. That same year, 1,002 Minnesota residents died statewide, according to Minnesota Department of Health data.

These alarming numbers offer stark evidence opioid misuse is lethal. This guide from Hennepin County aims to raise awareness and understanding of the deadly issue and answer questions like: What are opioids? What is opioid addiction? What are opioid addiction signs?

What are opioids?

Opioids are pain-relieving medicines that travel through the bloodstream and attach to

opioid receptors in brain cells to block pain messages and boost feelings of pleasure, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When used safely, prescription opioids can help someone effectively manage severe pain from an injury, post-surgery, or a chronic condition.

Common opioids include morphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxybond), oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet), methadone and heroin.

What is opioid addiction?

Drug addiction (aka substance use disorder) occurs when a person feels like they must repeatedly use a medicine or drug, even if it causes harm. Opioid addiction can start when someone takes the drugs as a prescription or uses someone else’s medicine.

Opioids release endorphins that lessen feelings of pain and boost feelings of pleasure, and the effects are short-lasting.

That’s why many people with an opioid addiction take desperate measures to get those good feelings back as fast as possible.

Repeatedly using opioids decreases endorphin release as the body builds up a tolerance to the drug. This tolerance can drive opioid users to satisfy a need and desire for higher doses to maintain those good feelings. As the addiction intensifies, a person may even get more opioids illegally or start using heroin.

In 2022, 358 opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl in Hennepin County, and 73,654 people died from a fentanyl overdose nationwide. When considering the most addictive opioids, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and

up to 100 times stronger than morphine. This potent drug is causing increases in opioid overdose fatalities.

Plus, drug dealers lace fake pills and other street drugs, including heroin, with fentanyl, and people unknowingly take it. This is extremely dangerous because even small quantities of fentanyl can be addictive and have fatal consequences.

How did opioid addiction grow into an epidemic?

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies assured medical professionals that “patients would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers, and heath care providers began to prescribe them at greater rates,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, increased opioid prescriptions spawned wide-

spread misuse of prescription and non-prescription opioid medications before anyone realized they were highly addictive. In 2010, overdose deaths involving heroin rapidly increased. In 2013, another spike in overdose deaths occurred involving synthetic opioids containing illegally made fentanyl, according to the CDC.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, and overdose deaths continued to rise.

In 2020, almost 75% of drug overdose fatalities involved an opioid.

A 2022 Stanford-Lancet report projected that the opioid epidemic deaths will total 1.22 million in the decade from 2020-2029 without immediate action. And in 2023, 8.9 million people misused opioids.

What are opioid addiction signs?

Recognizing if someone is battling opioid addiction (opioid use disorder) is vital for treatment and recovery.

Common signs of addiction include feeling compelled to use the drug daily or several times a day and needing more over time to get the same effect; taking larger amounts of a drug for longer than intended, and spending money on drugs, despite the inability to afford it; neglecting obligations and work responsibilities, creating problems at work or school, and curbing or avoiding social activities.

Those addicted to opioids often have physical health issues, like a lack of energy, weight loss or gain, and red eyes. They often also suffer from behavior or mood changes.

Extensive research across multiple decades shows that changes in the brain drive addiction. Many health professionals now recognize substance use disorder as a chronic illness instead of a “moral failing or character flaw,” according to a Surgeon General report.

Mental health also impacts opioid addiction, with a greater risk for people who:

• Have severe depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

• Have a history of problems with work, family and friends.

• Have a history of physical or sexual abuse.

• Are living with stress, including poverty or unemployment.

• Have a personal or family history of substance misuse. To use opioids safely, take for three days or less to treat severe pain and work with a heath care provider to take the lowest possible dose. Ask for pain-management alternatives. Providing widespread access to mental health treatment and medicine for opioid use disorder, such as Naloxone (or Narcan), is also essential for recovery.

Hennepin County residents struggling with addiction can find resources and treatment services online or call the Hennepin County Behavioral Health Center at 612-348-4111 for help.

Ariawan Armoko

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cessing fresh produce and nutritious foods. The Covid-19 pandemic only heightened these disparities, leading to increased financial strain on already vulnerable populations.

In Hennepin County, 7.7% of residents rely on SNAP benefits to help meet their basic food needs, while in Ramsey County 11.1% rely on SNAP.

Angela Conley, the Hennepin county commissioner of District Four, said, “When people can’t afford to eat or maintain a healthy lifestyle, something drastic needs to happen on the policy level.”

In addition to food access, heath care disparities further exacerbate the challenges faced by residents. Researchers have defined medical deserts as “areas where population health care needs are unmet partially or totally due to lack of adequate access or improper quality of heath care services caused by insufficient human resources in health or facilities, long waiting times, disproportionate high costs of services, or other socio-cultural barriers.”

Access to quality health care often is limited in neighborhoods historically affected by redlining, which have fewer hospitals and heath care facili-

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in March 2023 to ensure no student goes hungry, to lower family costs, and to remove the stigma from the cafeteria for kids who couldn’t afford to eat. The legislation allows students to get breakfast and lunch at no cost at schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program.

All public school districts in Minnesota participate in the program, as do 167 charter schools and 163 private schools or residential childcare institutions. Paired with this summer’s inaugural Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, Minnesota kids are nourished year-round at no cost. Despite the program’s success, food shelves across the state still are stretched to their limits to meet the demand of hungry Minnesotans.

“Overall, hunger rates continue to rise,” says Zach Rod-

ties. Studies have shown that these areas not only experience higher rates of chronic diseases but also suffer from higher mortality rates due to preventable illnesses.

Across the Twin Cities, around 276,659 people, or roughly 15% of the combined population, have incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level—the threshold for Medicaid eligibility. Despite eligibility, 9.3% of this low-income population remains uninsured.

The employment landscape doesn’t necessarily improve heath care access; 4.8% of fulltime, year-round workers in the region are uninsured despite having stable employment.

reflecting structural barriers even for those with steady employment.

The combination of food insecurity and inadequate heath care access creates a vicious cycle in which poor nutrition exacerbates health problems,

“I urge everyone to take the initiative to connect with your local leaders,”

In Hennepin County, where 81.8% of residents are employed, a significant percentage remains uninsured—5.5% among employed residents and a staggering 16.5% among the unemployed. Ramsey County shows similar issues, with 6.4% of employed residents uninsured and 15.6% of unemployed residents without coverage.

These gaps indicate that hard work alone does not ensure access to health care,

vold, director of public affairs with Second Harvest Heartland, one of the nation’s largest food banks that distributes more than 100 million pounds of food to community food shelves, meal distribution sites, and emergency grocery popups across 57 Minnesota and Western Wisconsin counties.

“Once we get the final numbers for 2024, it will once again be the hungriest year on record, for the third year in a row,” he adds. “Programs like universal school meals is how we address this—and it yields benefits. But it isn’t enough to

further limiting individuals’ ability to obtain necessary care.

More than 10% of residents in Ramsey County don’t have access to a vehicle, and 8.9% of residents in Hennepin County reported not having a vehicle.

A lack of transportation options compounds these issues, as many residents without reliable vehicles struggle to get to grocery stores, heath care facilities, and pharmacies.

Addressing the disparities in

in 2023. The number of food shelf visits has hit new highs in each of the past three years. With inflation, the nonprofit Feeding America estimates the average cost of a single meal in Minnesota is now $4.23.

“The need is great and will continue to be great until we find a solution,” says Sherri Green, director of programs with Sabathani Community Center, which opened its food distribution center in 1976 and now serves about 55,000 annually, or about 120 people a day. “Back then is nothing to where we are now.”

“Once we get the final numbers for 2024, it will once again be the hungriest year on record, for the third year in a row.”

visited food shelves a record 7.5 million times

A coalition of hunger-relief organizations, community food shelves, businesses and policymakers announced in

food and heath care access in Minnesota requires a multifaceted approach. In 2020, Commissioner Conley and District Two Board Chair Irene Fernando authored a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Hennepin County.

That resolution resulted in Hennepin County pledging to address health disparities and advance racial equity within the county’s services and operations. Hennepin outlined a comprehensive strategy for disparity reduction, focusing on social determinants of health such as education, employment and housing.

Community-driven solutions, including urban farming and local food cooperatives, are increasingly being considered to empower residents and help build resilient food systems—with a caveat. Proponents note that it’s crucial to implement these initiatives in a way that does not lead to green gentrification, where

improved amenities displace long-term residents.

“Hennepin County, as the public health agency, is actively working towards food security,” Conley said. “We have expanded our urban farming, which brings food to communities utilizing vacant land, and we’ll be expanding more next year. This is a huge example of how we can contribute to communities so we can aid in their growth and development of self-sufficiency.”

Disparities in food and heath care access in Minnesota’s resource deserts reflect a legacy of systemic racism and disinvestment that continues to impact marginalized communities.

Understanding the historical context of redlining and other racist policies is vital to addressing these inequalities.

By implementing targeted policies and fostering community engagement, Minnesota can move toward a future where all residents have equitable access to the resources they need to thrive.

County data reflects the harsh reality many of us face: Resource deserts exist in Minnesota, impacting our access to food and health care. However, the responsibility is not solely on officials’ shoulders— it is a shared duty between local leaders and residents.

One way communities can do this is by knowing their

Volunteers help out at the Food Group.

January “Make Hunger History,” an initiative to cut hunger in half by 2030.

Food Group Executive

Director Sophia Lenarz-Coy notes that ending food insecurity in Minnesota will require a patchwork of policy changes and on-the-ground services.

Food Group, a Minneapolisbased nonprofit, has worked for food justice and equity for more than 45 years.

“Answers don’t come quick-

ly. And one answer isn’t the total solution,” Lenarz-Coy says. “We have to keep working. We have to keep chipping away and keep finding the next possible solution.”

Universal free school meals were a decade in the making, with community organizations like Food Group leading the way for policy changes to address Minnesota’s persistent food insecurity problem.

“There is tremendous pres-

elected officials and ensuring they vote for candidates who care about such issues. These representatives have the greatest power to answer the needs of communities, Conley said.

“I want everyone to know that the County Board is the second largest level of government in this state. We have a budget of $3 billion, and we impact every aspect of their lives—whether it’s the roads they drive down, the heath care benefits they’re trying to access, the food they want to grow, where their trash goes, everything,” Conley said. “Being informed is essential and this information should be easily accessible.

“I urge everyone to take the initiative to connect with your local leaders,” she added. “City council members and county commissioners are accessible and eager to hear from you.” If you or those you care about are impacted by a lack of access to resources, Conley advises emailing your local officials, attending local meetings, and voicing your concerns. Identify the issues that demand urgent attention and identify who to call regarding them. Your engagement can help shape the policies that directly affect our lives.

Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.

sure on the food shelf system in Minnesota. The goal is always to find ways to relieve that pressure,” Lenarz-Coy says. “We have seen less dramatic increases than last year. The trends aren’t going in the right direction yet, but we’re not seeing such dramatic increases as in years past.

“The thing that keeps me in this work is that there are ways to make incremental changes,” she adds. “There’s a tangible way people who show up to volunteer really do make a difference.”

Cynthia Moothart welcomes reader responses to cmoothart@ spokesman-recorder.com.

If you or your family are in need of food assistance, the nonprofit Hunger Solutions offers a list of community food shelves on its website. Go to: hungersolutions.org and click on FIND HELP to locate community resources near you.

Continued from page 1

IV opioids, Black patients were significantly more likely to receive additional oral opioids.

“Pain specialists need to understand the benefits of multimodal analgesia, recognize the existence of disparities in its use, and develop standardized protocols to ensure all patients receive this preferred form of pain management when medically appropriate,” Dr. Masoudi said.

As the medical community continues to address these disparities and challenges, she stressed: “We must do more to ensure equitable treatment for all patients. Every patient deserves the highest standard of care, regardless of race.”

Combating disparities

“We must do more to ensure equitable treatment for all patients. Every patient deserves the highest standard of care, regardless of race.”

The Department of Health and Human Services established a task force on Black and minority health in 1983—the first time the U.S. government formed a group of experts to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of race on health care. In 1985, release of the “Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health” significantly raised awareness of racial disparities within the industry.

Extensive reports like the Harvard Medical Practice Study followed, documenting a connection between substandard care and healthcare centers treating substantial numbers of poor and racially marginalized patients. Despite decades of recognition and documentation of

health disparities, many persist and, in some cases, have widened. Analysis across a broad range of measures finds that Black Americans remain far worse off than their white counterparts across half or more of the measures, including infant mortality, pregnancy-related mortality, diabetes

mortality, and cancer mortality.

According to KFF, an independent health policy research organization, Black people register higher uninsured rates and worse health status. They also are more likely to go without care due to cost.

Among KFF’s findings: Black life expectancy is nearly five years shorter than white life expectancy; Black infants are more than twice as likely to die than white infants; and Black women are nearly three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related causes.

Minnesota launches office

The Minnesota Department of Health launched the Office of African American Health earlier this year to combat racial disparities in healthcare.

The office focuses on identifying and addressing health disparities affecting Black communities “stemming from historical and cumulative discrimination and disadvantages across various sectors such as

housing, education, employment and health care.”

The office promotes health in Black communities through partnerships, targeted initiatives, and policy and strategic change efforts.

Legislation authorizing the office passed in 2023. It also established the African American Health State Advisory Council and the African American Health Special Emphasis Grants for communitybased organizations to plan and develop programs to improve Black health outcomes.

Passage of the law followed a 2021 Minnesota Health Access Survey, which found that 39% of Black Minnesotans reported unfair treatment by healthcare providers.

This piece originally ran in The Washington Informer, with additional reporting by MSR staff.

Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent.

Wendell and Carolyn

reverse the trend line of families facing food insecurity.”

Minnesotans

The Minnesota Department of Health launched the statewide Office of African American Health this year to combat racial disparities in health care. Rattankun Thongbun

Health Health insurance helps keep you, your family, and your community healthy

Did you know Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare cover immunizations, prescription medications, annual physicals, dental care and emergency care. And that’s only a few of the benefits you can get if you sign up.

Other benefits include pregnancy care (including doula care), well child visits, behavioral health services, individualized education plans (IEPs) in schools, Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services, family planning and substance use care.

Transportation assistance is also available to help you get to your appointments. Sign up today! You can sign up online at https://www.mnsure.org/.

On that same page you can connect with navigators in your community who can help you get or renew health insurance. There’s no charge for their services, and they can help you cut through the paperwork and get what you need.

Having health insurance can help you and your family get health care. Getting routine health care and preventive health care can help prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions. For children, access to preventive health care

can have a lifelong effect on their health.

What is Medical Assistance? It’s Medicaid health insurance in Minnesota for people who have low incomes. Sometimes you might hear people call it “MA.”

What is MinnesotaCare? It’s health insurance for people who don’t qualify for

Medical Assistance and don’t have access to affordable health insurance. Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare are not the same as Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and people with disabilities.

What are renewals? Once you sign up for Medical Assistance or Min-

nesotaCare, you will have an insurance “renewal” once a year. That’s when we review your income and other information to see if you and your family members still qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. Renewals happen every year. If you have Medical Assistance, your renewal will be in the same month that you first signed up. If you have Min-

nesotaCare, your renewal will happen in the fall. For more information about renewals, and to look up your renewal date, go to https://mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/.

The importance of health insurance

In addition to helping you and your family access the care and services you need, having health insurance can also give

you peace of mind, the peace of knowing that you can access care when you need it and that you’re protected from unexpected costs. It’s much harder to get health care if you don’t have health insurance. You might go to the pharmacy and not be able to get your prescriptions. You or your kids might miss out on regular check-ups. You might end up going to the emergency room for medical care and later get a big bill. A health crisis can turn into a financial crisis.

Did you know that Medical Assistance doesn’t have copays or monthly premiums? MinnesotaCare is a premium-based program, with low monthly premiums for some people and no premiums for some. Some people 21 years or older have copays for MinnesotaCare.

You can apply for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare at any time. Enrollment is always open. We encourage anyone who needs heath care coverage to apply to see if you qualify. Go to https://www. mnsure.org/ to sign up and/ or to find a navigator in your community.

Having health insurance can keep you, your family and your community healthy.

For more information about Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, visit https://mn.gov/ dhs/health-care-coverage/.

Business SPOTLIGHT

By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer

In a city as culturally rich as Minneapolis, food serves many purposes: It’s sustenance for our families, a way to celebrate diversity, share traditions, and build connections. When an Aldi closed its doors near the Powderhorn Neighborhood of Minneapolis five years ago, it left behind a significant gap in food accessibility in an already vulnerable community. Sensing the urgency of this issue, entrepreneur Daniel Hernandez stepped up with a solution: launching his own supermarket chain, Colonial Market and Restaurant.

For Hernandez, founding this supermarket goes beyond launching a business venture; it’s an opportunity to address the needs of underserved communities while fostering cultural pride. Colonial Market quickly became known for its authentic offerings—everything from fresh plantains to handmade tortillas—and a

welcoming atmosphere that reflected the warmth of his culture. But the goal wasn’t just to cater to a niche market. Hernandez saw the bigger picture. His community was facing more than just a lack of familiar foods. They faced food insecurity and lacked adequate access to fresh, affordable groceries.

“I saw my people in need of a larger local supermarket where they could find everything they need,” he said. “Late last year, I decided to expand and become the biggest Hispanic-owned supermarket chain in Minnesota.”

Hernandez grew up humble in Acapulco, Mexico, in a multiracial Black and Mexican family. His unique background informs his approach to operating his supermarkets.

“I’m a minority in my own community. I have 30% African heritage, and I’m very proud to identify as an Afro-Mexican,” Hernandez said. One of the most striking qualities of Colonial Market is its ability to

Mitigating food insecurity in Minnesota

nurture a diverse network of people. He doesn’t shy away from providing to those who need it.

“Many people got freaked out by my idea to open a location in North Minneapolis because it’s a predominately African American area,” Hernandez said, wryly. His response to that was simple, “Don’t you see me?” As a mixed minority, he developed an unwavering commitment to fostering solidarity between Latinx and Black communities. He views their shared struggles as an opportunity for unity.

“I believe Latinx and Black people should support each other’s ventures. We’re all interconnected,” he said. “We shaped America into the country it is today together.”

Beyond increasing food access, Hernandez hopes to stimulate growth in disadvantaged neighborhoods by creating job opportunities. With more than 85 employees already, he sees his business as a vehicle for empowering people. He plans to hire an additional 30 to 40 workers for the North Minneapolis store, supplying jobs in areas where

people need them most.

“One of my goals is to make sure that we can create local jobs in the community and grow as a local Latin- and Black-owned business in Minnesota,” Hernandez said. “We’re strong enough to liberate each other. We don’t have to look outside of ourselves for help.”

He is determined to aid in the progressive development within minority-dominant areas.

“This is how we can empower a community to be vibrant and growing. We’re growing and making sure our kids are healthier and aren’t experiencing the hardships of our ancestors,” he said.

Hernandez’s vision is rapidly expanding. Since opening his initial location at 2750 Nicollet Ave., he is developing two additional locations, one in North Minneapolis and the other in East Bloomington.

“My mission is to be in neighborhoods where food deserts are on the rise. Where there’s a high demand but limited options. I’m focused on trying to serve those with the most need,” he said.

Hernandez envisions his Colonial Markets as “one-stop shops,” offering a combination of fresh produce, cultural foods, and prepared meals. He also aims to provide a safe space where neighbors can connect and feel seen.

Hernandez’s aspirations aren’t uncomplicated. Food

deserts—areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food—present a challenge. Hernandez recognizes that the root of the problem goes beyond the presence of grocery stores. It’s a complex, multifaceted issue.

“One of the biggest problems contributing to food deserts is transportation,” Hernandez noted. “Even if people have cars, they might not be able to afford the added cost of gas when driving to a store. When you have a tight budget, even a few dollars is a lot of money.”

He is doing his part to combat this by focusing on making Colonial Market as accessible as possible. Soon, he will be offering discount cards to residents within a three-mile radius of any of his store locations. Anyone under age 55 gets 10% off, and elders receive 15% off. They’ll receive one discount card that’s good for life.

Additionally, Hernandez plans to partner with local nonprofits and churches, offering his stores and parking lot for events. His vision extends far beyond simply running a successful business. He is eager to create lasting change and inspire others to do the same.

Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Colonial Market offers the neighborhood a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Daniel Hernandez at his Colonial Market in Minneapolis

Photos by Alexzia Shobe

Arts & Culture Is your wardrobe worth our planet?

Whitney Houston’s iconic South Africa concert set for release

Whitney Houston fans around the world are in for a rare treat as Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, brings “Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)” to audiences on Nov.

8. The release marks the first time that fans can own a live album and concert film of the music icon, showcasing Houston’s historic performance in postapartheid South Africa.

Houston’s estate said the 1994 South Africa concerts were more than a musical tour— they were a powerful symbol of hope, freedom and resilience in a country emerging from decades of racial oppression.

Houston became the first major Western artist to perform in South Africa following Nelson Mandela’s election, delivering powerhouse renditions of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I Will Always Love You” to over 200,000 adoring fans. Her performance in Durban, captured on the new release, helped solidify her place as a music legend and a cultural ambassador of unity.

“This album will remind not just her core fans but music lovers worldwide of Whitney’s virtuosity as a recording artist,” said Pat Houston, the executor of her estate. “The fans have been waiting on this project for over a decade, and they have certainly expressed and made their sentiments known.”

Houston’s career is defined by remarkable achievements that redefined what it meant to be a pop and R&B superstar. She remains the only artist with seven consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first female artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, Houston set standards in music that few can match, and she was the first Black artist to earn three Diamond-certified albums.

Born into a musical family, Houston was destined for fame. The daughter of gospel legend Cissy Houston and cousin to Dionne Warwick, her official biography proclaimed that she possessed a voice that could move mountains. Her rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” remains the best-selling single by a female artist, and

her impact on film with “The Bodyguard” soundtrack created a cultural phenomenon that endures today.

2 Live Crew wins rights to music in landmark case on artistic ownership

The pioneering rap group 2 Live Crew, known for pushing the boundaries of free speech, has successfully regained control of their iconic music catalog after a decisive court victory.

Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, the group’s frontman, celebrated in a video posted to social media. “We got all of our [stuff] back from Lil’ Joe Weinberger,” Campbell exclaimed. “All of it.” The decision marks the end of a years-long battle over rights to some of the most controversial and influential music in hip hop history, including albums such as As Nasty As They Wanna Be.

The legal journey began four years ago when Campbell and the heirs of former members Christopher Wong Won (aka Fresh Kid Ice) and Mark Ross (aka Brother Marquis) served a notice of termination to Lil’ Joe Records. Under copyright law, creators can reclaim ownership of their work 35 years after its release. With the backing of the heirs, Campbell sought to regain rights to the group’s groundbreaking albums, The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are, Move Somethin’, and As Nasty As They Wanna Be, which were initially released in the late 1980s. Lil’ Joe Records, owned by Joseph Weinberger, acquired the group’s catalog in 1996 as part of Campbell’s bankruptcy proceedings. Weinberger contended that 2 Live Crew’s music was produced as “works for hire,” which would legally assign ownership to the label rather than the artists. Campbell and the heirs argued that the members were independent creators, not employees, and retained rights to their music.

In a critical ruling, Judge Darrin P. Gayles found that copyright termination rights are personal and cannot be assigned to a third party—even in a bankruptcy sale. The judge cited the Copyright Act, underscoring that Congress intended to protect authors’ rights against lopsided agreements. The decision paved the way for Campbell and the heirs to reclaim their catalog.

—Stacy M. Brown

By Brenda C. Siler

There is an environmental crisis caused by “fast fashion,” a term referring to clothes produced for bringing to market quickly. Buying clothes from some discount online sites may appear to be a good deal, but that purchase may adversely impact quality of life.

“BE HEARD,” the Black Public Media (BPM) series, has launched a social awareness campaign called “#Shop Like Nana” to encourage re-thinking excellent clothing deals beyond the low purchase price. One aspect of this campaign reintroduces consumers to time-honored, culturally sustainable practices like seeing what is in grandma’s closet, evaluating one’s wardrobe, or browsing through local thrift stores.

The campaign also promotes the advantages of upstyling used and vintage clothing, a process taught in fashion design classes.

“Fast fashion is the mass production of clothing as quickly as possible to keep up with ever-changing trends,” said comedian Katrina Davis in a video for the “BE HEARD: #ShopLikeNana” campaign. ”The process sometimes relies on slave labor and goes down in countries lacking environmental legislation.”

Davis, whose credits include Comedy Central and “America’s Got Talent,” introduces this environmental issue in a satirical late-night talk show called “Unraveled: An Unserious Serious Segment,” which can be seen on YouTube and TikTok.

This media video’s emphasis for the “BE HEARD: #Shop Like Nana” campaign shows that the fashion industry, the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply, is already producing 10% of global carbon emissions and polluting our oceans with microplastics. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, left unchecked, the explosion of clothing production could see the fashion industry accounting for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“We look forward to working with Big Couch Entertainment to elevate the voices of those working to combat climate change through creative and sustainable fashion choices,” said Denise A. Greene, BPM director of programs.

BPM, the Harlem-based national media arts nonprofit, commissioned Big Couch Entertainment to focus on this environmental crisis. This is BPM’s third entry in its awardwinning series.

The campaign and accompanying video launched last month during Fashion Week in partnership with Paramount+. “BE HEARD: #ShopLikeNana” is designed to activate millennial and Gen Z shoppers, who are more engaged than

older generations in addressing climate change. Big Couch Entertainment’s Sophia Clark, a New York Emmy-nominated content creator, directs the “BE HEARD: #ShopLikeNana” campaign.

“Low-price retail therapy is not without its consequences.”

Inuka Bacote-Capiga is producing original content featuring comedian Davis, who emphasizes some of the adverse impacts of fast fashion on the community.

“Low-price retail therapy is not without its consequences,” continued Davis in the video.

“Many Black communities are located near industrial areas where waste from fast fashion is often disposed. This leads to higher exposure to pollutants

and

Katrina Davis hosts a satirical late-night talk show on YouTube for the Black Public Media series “BE HEARD: #ShopLikeNana,” a social awareness campaign about the adverse impact on the environment by low-priced clothes.

Courtesy of Andrew Max Levy

Vladimir Dyavhkov

Our imperfect union is still worth fighting for

By Nolan Williams, Jr.

The framers of our Constitution understood that their work was imperfect. I believe this because of eight critical words embedded in that historic document: “in order to form a more perfect union.” The nation’s founders aimed to establish a new form of democracy distinct from theirs in Europe. They aimed to build a government that would empower people and guarantee their inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Yet, they understood that their efforts could not encompass every nuance of what it would take to make their great democratic experiment work. So, they infused their founding document with revisionary measures so that those coming after them could readily assume the responsibility of perfecting it. And in every generation since, essential figures—both well-known and little-known—have taken up this work.

Sixty years ago, more than 700 courageous individuals embarked on a “nation-perfecting” mission in Mississippi.

These civil rights volunteers, driven by a deep sense of justice and equality, ventured into rural communities to register Black voters who were disenfranchised from our democracy. They also established Freedom Schools in places such as Philadelphia and Meridien, Mississippi, to offer alternative learning opportunities for Black children who were mar-

ginalized by the state’s segregated public school system.

Their actions enraged the Ku Klux Klan, who sought to make an example of three of these Freedom Summer workers: James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. The KKK abducted and murdered these young men in an attempt to stop progress.

The sacrifices of Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner are reminders of the fierce resistance many have faced in the fight for equality. Yet, they also remind us of what is possible when we build diverse coalitions to achieve progress. They empower us to claim and demand our full rights of citizenship even though our enslaved ancestors were not considered when the framers were developing our Constitution.

has changed.

How could so many years have passed away but the issues stay the same?

Not just in Mississippi, but as we travel far and wide,

We hear distressing news and we see a great divide between the left and the right, between the truth and the lies, between the black and the white.

It just really blows our minds because…

We’ve come too far to just resign.

Too many folks gave up their lives.

Today’s the day, now is the time to rise and fight for what is right.”

“Rise Up & Fight” was composed because now, more than ever, we must bravely use our voices to fight for our democracy. The path to these changes begins at the ballot box. That’s why we must par-

The Black American vote has a rich and powerful legacy, beginning in the Reconstruction era and continuing to the present day.

As an African American creative, I am driven to explore unsung histories through my art. I draw inspiration from the courage of these young men. This inspiration has led me to create a new civic anthem titled “Rise Up & Fight.” Consider these lyrics written in the voices of our three martyrs:

“Traveling back to Mississippi, we’re all caught in a daze.

Thought we’d see a world of progress, come to find not much

Why the Black Panthers’ vision for education still matters

By Sharif El-Mekki

The Black Panther Party for Self Defense turned 58 this October. Its Ten-Point Platform and Program, written by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, is as vital as ever.

As a Black man who grew up as one of the Children of the Struggle—with parents and cousins in the Black Panther Party (BPP), attended schools founded by our people, and was raised by Panthers—I feel deeply the connection to each of the demands in the list of 10.

As a Black male educator, however, I naturally gravitate to #5:

“We want education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society. We want education that teaches us our true history and our role in present-day society. We believe in an educational system that will give to our people a knowledge of self. If you do not have knowledge of yourself and your position in society and the world, then you will have little chance to know anything else.”

This demand for truth in

Why

education and knowledge of self directly informs my work at the Center for Black Educator Development. It is foundational as my team, and I work not just to get more Black folks into teaching, but also to equip them with the skills and abilities they need to build a positive racial identity.

Breakfast for School Children Program, which first attracted my mother to join the BPP.

We continue to live in a nation of radical failure, epic injustice, and stubborn disparity for Black and brown people.

We continue to live in a nation of radical failure, epic injustice, and stubborn disparity for Black and brown people.

But we cannot let that slow us down or dissuade us from our continued pursuit of educational opportunity, the TenPoint Platform articulates.

Through history, we have seen how authentic grassroots solutions can be co-opted and toxified when they are “taken to scale”—or, more accurately, when the powers that be pull them from the hands of those who created them. Take for example, the Black Panthers’ remarkably successful Free

So let us reflect on all that is right, all that is left to make right, and all that cannot be left as it is for Black people here in the U.S. and beyond. Our forebears knew the transformative power of an education that affirms the racial identity of Black children and tells the truth about the world around them. As a Black man and as a Black educator, that remains my North Star. We will continue to do the work, emboldened and empowered. The BPP gave us much to learn from and build on.

Sharif El-Mekki is the founder and chief executive officer of the Center for Black Educator Development, a nationally recognized principal and U.S. Department of Education Principal Ambassador Fellow.

Black kids need the U.S. Education Department

By Aziah Siid

Donald Trump, the once and perhaps future president, talks about it frequently. Project 2025, the radical conservative blueprint for dismantling the federal government, puts it high on the next president’s to-do list. They both call for the Department of Education to be demolished.

ticipate in national and local elections—to ensure our communities are represented, and our voices are heard.

As history proves, progress is possible and must be fought for and protected. Every time we vote, guided by our convictions and aspirations for ourselves, our families, neighborhoods, towns, cities, states, and nations, we perfect the work the founders initiated…beyond what they could envision.

The Black American vote has a rich and powerful legacy, beginning in the Reconstruction era and continuing to the present day. Our vote is more than a right; it is a powerful tool of transformation and direct action that honors the sacrifices of those who fought and died to gain that right to vote.

While it’s become one of Trump’s favorite talking points, he’s not the first president to come up with the idea. He’s the latest in a long line of powerful, right-wing conservatives dating back to President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, who want to abolish the 157-yearold department.

The DOE sets the nation’s education policy through initiatives like the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Higher Education Act. It also helps guarantee all students have access to a fair and equitable education for all children. But it also protects the civil rights of minority or disadvantaged children, and has helped countless Black students pay for college.

What’s less obvious is why far-right Republicans want to blow it up in the first place.

biggest K-12 programs, by dollar amount, go to high-poverty schools, as well as providing Pell grants for college and money for students with disabilities. That’s why Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic Party opponent, has vowed to protect the DOE. Here are three facts you should know about why the DOE is important to Black students and why it should stay.

3. The DOE protects the rights of all children.

The Ed Department’s biggest K-12 programs, by dollar amount, go to high-poverty schools.

1. States already have the power to set education policy.

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com submissions@spokesman-recorder.com

submissions@spokesman-recorder.com.

While it is true that we face barriers to voting, from voter suppression to lack of access to polling stations, these challenges and those who strategize to implement them only serve to underscore how powerful our vote truly is. We must persevere in our civic engagement despite these obstacles. Our collective acts of voting can bring about the change we seek, and our shared responsibility is to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts.

This and every election is about what this nation can and should be. It’s about our future and our responsibility to each other. And that must be the undying commitment of those like me who still believe in the

Trump has repeatedly said he plans to “close the Department of Education, move education back to the states.” Like Trump, the Republican Party’s 2024 campaign platform argues that the DOE is a “woke” bureaucracy that wastes taxpayer money and interferes in local decisions. They don’t like the department’s push for racial equity, or its achievement incentives, or its protection of gay and transgendered kids.

But the Ed Department’s

promise of this nation. Our union is imperfect, but great strides have been made because of unsung heroes like our “Freedom Summer 3.” And greater strides will come as more of us commit to using our platforms and

The DOE does a lot of different tasks, including monitoring school performance and promoting evidence-based practices. Its highest-profile work is protecting and enforcing students’ civil rights. But while it does have a policy agenda, sometimes sets education goals, and often uses financial incentives to implement education policy, like the Every Student Succeeds Act and No Child Left Behind, it does not directly dictate what states can and can’t teach. State education departments have the freedom to set their own standards.

2. The DOE encourages diversity, which helps all kids.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the DOE took on the mission of equal access to education for all students, regardless of race. That meant enforcement of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, among others, which prohibited discrimination in education based on race, sex and disability.

In recent years, the DOE’s role on that front has shifted, depending on which party holds the White House. The Obama administration, for example, used the department to try and disrupt the schools-toprison pipeline: DOE officials told schools that data showing a disproportionate suspension of Black students could indicate civil rights violations. The DOE under Trump, however, rolled back those rules. The Biden White House has made protection of LGBTQ students the new civil rights frontier. It issued new Title IX rules that guard against discrimination. But conservative states are pushing back.

Aziah Siid is the education reporter for Word In Black. She graduated from Morgan State University with a B.S in multimedia journalism.

Research shows that Black representation in both majority white and predominantly Black schools helps boost the learning experience of all students. As a result, the DOE encourages schools to prioritize diversity—and calls on its Office of Civil Rights Enforcement to ensure minority students’ rights to an education are protected.

influence to make our nation a more just, equitable and inclusive society. Perfecting our union is still a principle worth fighting for.

Vote!

Nolan Williams, Jr. is an award-

and

Classroom discipline of Black K-12 girls most harsh

The troubling disparity raises questions about

By Quintessa Williams

It’s no longer a surprising revelation that Black girls are disciplined at disproportionately high rates compared to their peers of other racial backgrounds.

However, new data from two women’s advocacy organizations and the federal government shed further light on this persistent trend. Black girls, who make up just 15% of public school students, are far more likely than white girls to be suspended for behavior issues—and face exclusionary expulsion and corporal punishment as early as preschool.

A 2024 report from the National Black Women’s Justice Institute found that Black K-12 girls represented more than three times their enrollment share in transfers and corporal punishment and more than double their share in expulsions. This data is bolstered by a new report from the Government Accountability Office, which found that in the 2017-2018 school year, Black girls accounted for nearly half of all exclusionary discipline cases — including 45% of outof-school suspensions, 37% of in-school suspensions, and 43% of expulsions.

This disparity also echoes findings from the National Women’s Law Journal and Ed Trust, which reported that in the 2015-2016 school year, Black girls were five times more likely than their white peers to be suspended. In addition the report found that as early as preschool, Black girls made up 20% of the female enrollment but accounted for 53% of outof-school suspensions.

Bayliss Fiddiman, senior director of educational equity at NWLC, says the new findings illustrate Black girls’ uphill battle in school.

“These disparities have existed for years, but the GAO report is a stark reminder that little has changed,” she said. “The data reinforced what we already knew as a problem—Black girls are subject to harsher disciplinary actions

for behaviors that are often perceived through the lens of bias, such as defiance or disruption.”

Adultification and colorism contribute

The GAO revealed that the disproportionate discipline of Black girls is due to a range of factors, including poverty levels, disabilities, and the presence of school resource officers. However, racial bias — particularly via adultification and colorism — plays the most significant role.

“Teachers and school staff often perceive Black girls as older and more mature than they are, which means they are seen as more ‘responsible’ for their actions and are punished more severely than their peers,” says Dr. Sydney McKinney, executive director of the National Black Women’s Justice Institute. “This bias manifests in labeling typical teenage behavior as ‘disrespect’ or ‘disruption,’ and Black girls often bear the brunt of these stereotypes.”

Fiddiman elaborated on the colorism factor: “Black girls with darker skin are undoubtedly more likely to be punished than those with lighter skin,” she says. “It’s an unfortunate extension of the racial

bias that permeates school discipline systems.”

Discipline is a national crisis

The discipline crisis among Black K-12 girls spans every state in the U.S. McKinney pointed to the long-standing trends in exclusionary discipline data from the 2024 NBWJI report. “Our data from 2011 to 2018 shows consistent overrepresentation of Black girls in nearly every category of discipline—whether it’s suspensions, expulsions or referrals to law enforcement,” she says. “This consistency over time is perhaps the most alarming aspect. It’s clear that little progress has been made despite awareness of the issue.”

The over-punishment of

“This

Black girls in schools is not a recent phenomenon but part of a broader historical trend of excessive discipline rooted in racial and gender biases. That includes corporal punishment in the classroom.

In Arkansas, for example, an 8-year-old Black girl was paddled for refusing to do her schoolwork. The administrator involved later acknowledged the harm caused by such punishment, especially when disproportionately applied to Black students A 2019 report by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the UCLA Center for Civil Rights Remedies later found that Black girls like the 8-year-old are paddled at three times the rate of white girls.

Nowhere is the corporal

punishment issue more pronounced than in states like Mississippi. During the 201314 school year, nearly 44% of all Black girls in the U.S. who faced corporal punishment were from the state.

Moreover, schools in Southern states such as Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama and Texas exhibited some of the largest disparities, with Black girls being struck significantly more than their white peers.

Additionally, zero-tolerance policies have long targeted Black girls for minor infractions, such as dress code violations or minor behavioral issues, leading to suspensions, expulsions and even arrests. These policies are part of what researchers call the “schoolto-prison pipeline,” where disciplinary measures contribute to long-term academic and legal consequences for Black students

Long-term educational impact

The long-term effects of exclusionary discipline are profound, including academic disengagement, lower self-esteem and higher dropout rates. In the GAO report, school counselors and psychologists emphasized the damaging effects these biases have on Black girls’ academic performance and emotional wellbeing, noting that they “often feel unsafe or unsupported in school environments” — emotions that can have lasting consequences on their selfesteem and educational outcomes.

“Black girls are five times more likely than their white peers to be suspended at least once, which means they are missing critical learning time,” Fiddiman said. “This contributes to a growing disconnect between them and their school environment, creating a cycle where they are less likely to feel supported or able to succeed.”

While Fiddiman and Dr. McKinney noted that some school districts acknowledge the problem, they often fail

to take substantial action or lack financial and structural resources to implement necessary policy and practice changes.

A call for reform

The GAO report’s findings have reignited calls for policy reform, urging schools to move away from exclusionary discipline and adopt more culturally responsive practices that address the root causes of behavior rather than simply punishing students. Fiddiman and Dr. McKinney emphasize the need for data-driven solutions and trauma-informed policies to create a positive school climate for Black girls.

“The discipline gap between Black girls and White girls is largely due to how they’re disciplined within the same schools,” says Fiddiman. “This information is crucial because it highlights the bias within the school system. While looking at state-level data is useful, examining specific schools where Black girls are disproportionately disciplined makes it easier to pinpoint solutions.”

Dr. McKinney agrees: “Without this level of specificity, schools can too easily ignore the problem.”

Fiddiman also stresses the importance of traumainformed policies and interventions that consider the life experiences of Black girls.

“It’s about creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.”

Dr. McKinney echoes this sentiment, pointing to the deep awareness of the unequal treatment they face. “What I consistently find is how clear Black girls are about the changes needed to help them thrive. They’re not shy about identifying what they need. We just have to listen and follow their lead.”

This story was produced by Word in Black, a collaboration of 10 legendary Black news publishers.

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Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder October 31, 2024

players, including Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and Keita Bates-Diap. BatesDiap later was waived.

“I think that they made a move that will have impact in the short term and the long term,” said Grady “We know Randle is a quality player, a dog out there, and DiVincenzo provides threepoint shooting,” he added.

Randle is a three-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All NBAer. DiVincenzo hit a career-high 15.5 PPG and 40% from deep (283 three pointers), a career high last season.

Randle is expected to replace Towns in the Wolves’ starting five—Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley are the other probable starters.

Most of us are still waiting for the 6’9” McDaniels to be the consistent player he’s capable of being, but mostly he has been both inconspicuously good and bad, sometimes in the same game.

“I just think Jaden is full of untapped potential on this roster where you have so many offensive weapons,” said Grady. “He has so much to bring to the table offensively with his efficiency.”

DiVincenzo is expected to join Naz Reid as first players off the bench. Last season, the 6’9” Reid scored the second most points (843) off the bench in a single season in franchise history, and won NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

“I think Naz is going to continue to be confident,” noted Grady “He has so

much in his arsenal as a basketball player. He can put it on the floor, can finish with the best of them. I just think he is building on that consistency and being a guy that the team can really rely on game in and game out, because he is undoubtedly an X factor for this group,” stated Grady on Reid.

Terrance Shannon, Jr. and Rob Dillingham are two rookies Minnesota are looking for a year of learning and growing. “I think the raw talent is tremendous, and I think it’s a breath of fresh air for this group, and it creates a lot of excitement to see these guys grow,” said the veteran broadcaster.

Grady will join ESPN’s NBA coverage as one of the network’s play-by- play voices this season. He will continue alongside Jim Petersen on Wolves telecasts this season as well.

“That’s an opportunity for a larger audience to get used to what a Michael Grady broadcast sounds like,” he said. “In this field, where you set the tone in terms of what your broadcasts are going to be all about, people will tune in to you for the first time. They’ll find something that they appreciate. It brings them coming back and coming back and coming back.”

Finally, Grady sees the 2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves season to be another exciting one. “They learned some valuable lessons last season. Hopefully they can stay healthy, but they have the commitment, leadership and hard work,” concluded Grady.

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

PREP

Continued from page 14

provided the extra-point conversions for each score.

Frey’s 35-yard touchdown provided the only points in the third quarter, making it a 28-21 ballgame.

After Jackson’s 7-yard touchdown run and Murray Pezzella’s extra point conversion put the Polars up 35-21, a victory seemed all but assured.

The Crusader, however, refused to quit.

Senior running back Matthew Beekman scored on a 4-yard run and provided the last of his extra-point kicks

VIEW

Continued from page 14

sophomore JuJu Watkins, whose stellar freshman year was overshadowed by Caitlin Clark last season.

“She doesn’t want to be the next Caitlin Clark,” admitted Miller. “She does not care about the hype. She is not interested in being the face of this league or women’s basketball. She just wants to play.

“She wants to get better. She wants to win,” said Miller of Watkins. “I hope our network isn’t trying to hype her up and put her in the spotlight, because that’s not necessarily what she wants. She reminded me a lot of the

to make it 35-28.

Senior lineman Jack Malovrh’s 11-yard run cut the lead to one point, but the Crusader went for an unsuccessful two-point conversion, preserving the victory for North. North is hoping to add to the eight playoff appearances made in 2014 (Class 1A Semifinals), 2015 (Class 1A Final), 2016 (Class 1A Championship), 2017 (Class 2A Quarterfinals), 2018 (Class 2A Quarterfinals), 2019 (Class 2A Final), 2021 Class 2A Quarterfinals), and 2023 (3A Quarterfinals).

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

WNBA players that I covered. She just was about her business.”

What about Minnesota, the last school Miller coached? She told us how happy she was spending time with juniors Amaya Battle and Mara Braun at media day last month.

“I saw Amaya and Mara. It just made me so happy. I missed those guys,” she recalled.

Miller is happy right where she is. “The analyst that I am is because every day I look at it through a coaching lens. I think I kind of have the best of both worlds.”

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

‘Super-determined’

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist

ollege sport, especially football and basketball, is now knee deep in the transfer portal era. Players leave after one season for a variety of reasons, including coaching firings, without any loss of eligibility.

Amaya Battle, Niamya Holloway, Mara Braun and Mallory Heyer all signed with then-coach Lindsay Whalen as incoming freshmen for 202122. These Minnesota four were classified as the school’s best freshman class ever.

But after their first season, Whalen was let go. And the four Minnesotans, former prep stars, stayed even though the transfer portal was fully operational at that time.

“We said we wanted to come here to turn the program around,” admitted Battle, now a junior. “We can’t back out of our word. We’re super close. We all roomed together for two years. We’re all from Minnesota, so we have a certain pride when it comes to our university.

“I think those three things, but I think it really just comes down to…that we really, really wanted to do it. So, we can’t just leave because things got hard or whatever the case might be,” she stressed.

This kind of loyalty, especially these days in athletics, to keeping one’s word and not jumping ship at the first sign of trouble should be recognized more as opposed to the blind loyalty we

too often see today for presidential candidates or gangsters.

“We’ve definitely been through a lot together, but I think the fact that we all stayed here and stayed together makes it more worth it and makes it easier.”

“We went through a lot,” recalled Battle “First year had a lot of ups and downs. Then we lost our coaching staff, and then second year we get a whole new coaching staff [and] you have to learn a whole new system.

North one game from state playoffs

he Minneapolis North Polars football team, playing on their own turf on a cool Sunday afternoon, took another step toward a state football playoff appearance with a 35-34 Class 3A, Section 4 semifinal victory over the St. Croix Lutheran Crusader.

The Polars, led by Head Coach Charles Adams, seemingly had the game in control in the fourth period before a furious comeback from the

Crusader ensued. With the victory, North is in a position to earn a state playoff berth for the ninth time in 11 seasons.

In the first quarter, after junior quarterback Logan Lachermeier connected to junior wide receiver Anthony Deline for 49 yards and the first of his four touchdown passes for the Polars, the Crusader responded with back-to-back scores from junior quarterback and wide receiver Colin Avery (45yard touchdown and 19-yard pass reception from senior running back Elijah Frey) to take a 14-7 lead.

The second period was all North, who led 28-14 at halftime behind Lachermeier’s three touchdown passes to senior running back Stephan Jackson (64 yards), and junior wide receiver Jmarion Sanders (45 and 41 yards). Senior place kicker Rocco Murray Pezzella

matter was named to the conference preseason list.

“I’m just excited for this season,” reaffirmed Battle. “I’m just excited to play with my teammates. I’m just more focused on us and what we can do, and just super excited.

“We might not be the most talented team, [but] we want to be the team that’s super determined and does the little things well, and it’s always working really hard, and we’re just like relentless and tough in every aspect.”

After a historic Big Ten tournament performance in downtown Minneapolis last spring— a school record 32 points in a first round win—Battle showed that she could take over a game when needed. She also is ready to do so this season in each game she plays.

Grady talks Wolves

he most-asked question is can the Minnesota Timberwolves move one step forward? If so, the 2024-25 Wolves will join their arena stablemates, the Minnesota Lynx, as championship participants.

A quick look back at the 2023-24 Western Conference runners up: • 26 road wins, tied for third-most in the NBA; 16 road wins by 10+ points, a franchise best.

• Outscored opponents in the fourth quarter by 10+ points 19 times, an NBA high.

• Led the league in holding opponents’ effective field goal percentage (51.5%).

“Everything that I have seen— guys got in early, they’ve been

in the weight room, they’ve been working on their game— these guys have the belief that they can take it a step further,” noted Wolves Play-by-Play Michael Grady.

“These guys have the belief that they can take it a step further.”

The current voice of the Timberwolves talked to us earlier this month just after the Wolves completed a surprising trade October 2 by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for three

■ See SOE on page 13

“I like this year. Our third year together is really the first year of stability, because nothing’s new,” said Battle. “We’ve definitely been through a lot together, but I think the fact that we all stayed here and stayed together makes it more worth it and makes it easier.”

The 5’11” guard from Hopkins was named all-Big Ten honorable mention and Academic All-District honors after her sophomore season in which she finished second in points, points per game and rebounds, as well as led the Gophers in assists, steals, field goals and field goal attempts.

Yet neither Battle nor Braun or any other Gopher for that

“I have the ability to do it,” she pointed out. “Just wanted to keep building on that.”

Battle says that besides winning this season, “I want to break the assist record. That’s my goal for the team. I think any team’s goal is to make the tournament comments… I just think we just want to make really big strides this year in the Big Ten.”

Minnesota opens its 202425 season Monday, November 4 at The Barn against Central Connecticut State.

“I know it’ll be a challenge,” said the junior guard, “but also it will be fun with four new teams coming in.”

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

Sports analyst views games through coaching lens

himmy Miller has settled quite nicely into her second career as a college basketball analyst. She is one of three Black females on BTN’s women basketball cadre of game and studio analysts this season.

“Last year, I was just on a seasonal [contract from] October to May,” Miller told me after she worked the Big Ten media days in Chicago. We both were there doing interviews, but unlike me, she virtually spoke to every player and coach.

“So, they didn’t have to bring me back and they did, so I’m really grateful,” she said proudly. After over two decades as a basketball coach, Miller loves her second life so to speak.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss the daily interactions with the young women,” she explained. “I missed practices, being on the practice court, but I still get to be around basketball every day.

“I’m just so grateful. I try very hard to live life with an attitude of gratitude,” said Miller, who also worked Chicago Sky broadcasts this season. “I think it helped me become a better broadcaster because I just got more reps,” she continued.

“I just watch a lot of games.

There’s a big difference between a player and a coach. We see things differently. I have 24 years of coaching experience, which has really helped me watch the game through a different lens.”

The Big Ten this season is a coast-to-coast league with 18 teams for the first time ever.

“I don’t think any team is going to go undefeated in this league,” predicted Miller. Miller advises to look out for such teams as Maryland, a perennial contender, and

“There’s a big difference between a player and a coach. We see things differently.”

Indiana. “I know that Indiana was picked fifth, but don’t be surprised if they end up having a better season than what people think,” she noted.

“[Also] keep your eye on Wisconsin. I’m not saying Wisconsin is ready to be [an] NCAA Tournament team, but what I’m saying is that [junior forward] Serah Williams is a star. [Head Coach] Marisa Moseley has done a great job.

“Somebody asked me if I thought Marisa Moseley was on the hot seat, and I thought that was the most ridiculous question that I’ve ever been asked,” said Miller of the Badgers HC. “She is going into year four, and each year she has gotten better and better.

“Trying to rebuild a program in this league is hard—ask [former Minnesota coach] Lindsey Whalen. It is hard,” stressed Miller.

Miller also had an excellent sit-down interview with USC

Michael Grady (l) and Jim Petersen Photo courtesy of X

Amaya Battle

Photo by Charles Hallman

North Head Coach Charles Adams

Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Shimmy Miller Photos courtesy of

JuJu Watkins