November 7, 2024 -- Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder - Edition 15
Activists demand action, not apologies from police
By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor
ekima Levy Armstrong’s voice cracks with emotion as she recounts events leading up to and following the shooting of Davis Moturi, sparing no criticism of the two people she holds most responsible, outside the gunman himself: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
“They’re doing the bare minimum, and they’ll continue to do so unless or until there’s an uprising,” she told the MSR. “We’re still here; we’re not going anywhere.”
Levy Armstrong—founder of the nonprofit Racial Justice Network and former president of the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP—led a group of community activists who filled the chamber, antechamber and hallway during the Oct. 31 Minneapolis City Council meeting to demand that O’Hara be fired and that a fully independent third-party investigation be launched into the city’s actions in the case. The group also seeks compensation for Moturi given the police department’s failure to protect him.
apolis police chief.”
What happened
On Oct. 23, following a year of escalating threats, intimidation, and assaults, John Sawchak shot Moturi in the neck—fracturing his spine, breaking two ribs, and causing a concussion. Sawchak shot his firearm from a window on the second floor of his home next door while Moturi was doing yard work.
Sawchak, 54, is white; Moturi, 34, is Black.
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 for five days until community pressure forced the police to act, after which officers apprehended the shooter in the early hours of Oct. 28.
Sawchak was a known threat to the community long before.
Sawchak already faced three outstanding warrants in Hennepin County for ongoing threats to neighbors. Police said that they sought to detain Sawchak starting in April.
Instead, the council recessed, forcing activists to make their case before a diminished body without recording their demands in the official record of council business.
Taking the mic, Michelle Gross, founder of Communities United Against Police Brutality, said, “It didn’t need to happen because the Minneapolis police should have done their job. [Then] they took five days to arrest this man—and I don’t know how you justify that.”
The council approved a city auditor review of the case. Frey later released a statement saying he supports the council’s action but leaving no doubt about O’Hara’s fate: He “will continue to be the Minne-
Over the past year, Moturi and his wife, Caroline, reported at least 19 instances of vandalism, property destruction, theft, harassment, hate speech, verbal threats, and physical assault since moving into their home in the 3500 block of Grand Avenue in South Minneapolis. Several months before Sawchak’s arrest, Sheriff’s Department wanted posters went up around the neighborhood declaring him “armed and dangerous” and advising residents to call 911 should they see him.
But Sawchak was a known threat to the community long before that.
In August 2016, a Hennepin County judge ordered Sawchak committed to a mental health treatment facility after a doctor determined that he suffered from several psychological disorders and ■ See SHOOTING on page 5
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Shannan Paul, 51
In the story of our country, there are moments that are much bigger than partisan politics—they’re personal. Voting for Kamala Harris was one of those moments. Historic is a word I never imagined I’d get to use this way in my lifetime. I’ve been around for plenty of “firsts,” like when I was able to vote for Barack Obama. But a Black woman in the White House? I had started to think that was as likely as finding decent parking downtown.
For so long, Black women were only cast as side characters, the ones who save the day but don’t get the glory. The sassy Best Friend, but not the Effective Leader. Honestly, I’d lost faith in my country showing real support for one of Us as a leader. Yet here We are.
Kamala Harris is only a few years older than I am, so this also felt like casting my vote for my deserved older Sister. When I went to vote, I spent more time than ever filling in my ballot. I wanted every line to be distinct, every circle filled with intention. I wanted my vote for Kamala Harris to be unmistakably clear and to ensure nothing about my ballot could be questioned or dismissed.
This vote felt like a pledge to history, that the work being done by Black Women could be noticed.We asked other Black women how it felt to finally have this moment. We’re making it clear, circle by circle, that history has finally caught up to us.
Victoria Davis, 81
I voted for Shirley Chisholm in 1972, but she wasn’t endorsed by the Democratic Party. So Kamala isn’t the first Black woman I voted for who was running for president, but she’s gone the farthest.
I had the belief that someone else would come along. I always hoped for it. We always hope for it. We try to plan for it and step up. The fact that she’s come so far in so short a time—she will be a motivating force for so many young women.
Like Kamala, I went to an HBCU. Kamala went to Howard; I’m a Spelman graduate. It’s a
Sofie Holiday, 18
Being a young Black woman voting in this election is very exciting. This being my first election year and seeing a Black woman running is so inspiring. It’s amazing to see her fighting for the reproductive rights of women all around I will vote I know my counts will make difference everyone.
Cedereaka McHenry, 48
During the elections you hear all kinds of ads about everything and everyone. To be able to vote for a Black woman to be president has shown me how far we come; I feel we are truly ready for change. I want my granddaughter to say, “When I grow up I want to be president.”
As a Black woman born in the South at a time before voting was legal for us, having a Black female candidate is almost like a dream. I was born in the South. As a teenager I recall my parents attempting to vote and them having to take a test, which I later discovered were designed for them to fail.
I was skeptical because of the violence associated with Blacks voting, I always wanted to vote because we were taught this is how change is made. In 1959, during the Great Migration, we (my husband and children) moved to the North for a better life, as many Blacks did. Today, some of that same fear has resurfaced. I am 100% in support of Kamala Harris! Women tend to have genuine compassion for others and are inclined to help those in need, regardless of their political stance. I am confident that Kamala’s leadership will
Symone Morrison, 21
I am eager to be a part of some thing so important and impact ful. Especially as a young African American woman, I think it’s important to have my voice heard. I urged my friends and family to vote and let their voices be heard so we can do better for our future and our children’s future. I am so grateful to be a part of history!
City’s vision for George Floyd Square so far gets mixed reviews
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
he city of Minneapolis revealed its “vision document” for George Floyd Square at its final dinner dialogue with the community on Oct. 29. Following Floyd’s murder in 2020, the site became a memorial honoring victims of police brutality—offering reflection, healing, and mutual aid. Understanding that the community should lead efforts to renew that space, the city initiated an engagement process in 2021, leading to its development plans.
Alexander Kado, senior project manager with the Of-
fice of Public Service, said three values guided their efforts: “Repairing the collective harms experienced by the community; honoring George Floyd Square as an active memorial space; and centering the needs of the community.”
Community members came out to view the plans, including Willie Robinson, a South Minneapolis resident since 1979. “I always want the community, especially the young people, to have a voice,” he said. “We have to listen to each other if we’re going to change anything.”
The plans for George Floyd Square aim to tackle many community concerns. At a media briefing last week, Nathan
Coster, transportation planning and programming manager at Minneapolis Public Works, provided an overview of the development. “We’re going to be adding over half an acre of new greenspace within the right of way, and it will be managed by Public Works. It will be park space with a lot of tree canopy, but also will have a focus on stormwater management.”
The city also pledged to reestablish Metro Transit’s DLine bus and Route 5 transit service along Chicago Avenue, including new stops south of 38th Street. “This is the region’s highest ridership line, and along this line one in four people don’t have access to
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a vehicle. This line is one of the most diverse lines that has access to jobs and housing throughout the region,” Coster said.
Other additions include a raised traffic circle in the intersection, wider sidewalks, and more streetside lighting. City officials emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements to address safety and accessibility. The city’s plan to reconstruct the streets aims to replace crumbling water lines, ensure the streets are more easily used by buses and emergency vehicles, and maintain space to accommodate new bikeways.
“The street really needs to be reconstructed. It has se■ See VOTE
Photos by Chris Juhn
Hennepin County domestic violence resources
By Clint Combs Contributing Writer
A panel of social workers, community advocates, city attorneys and county attorneys celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) at a panel in Minneapolis on Oct. 29
For no cost, residents threatened with violence or experiencing abuse from a partner or former partner in Hennepin County can call 612348-5073 or head on site to LL06540 at the lower level of the Hennepin County Government Center.
DASC is a full-service resource for community advocacy, social services, and legal consultation to those experiencing violence from a partner or former partner. These service include:
Keeping your home or work address private in court filings;
Time off work to testify without your boss disciplining you;
Ending a rental lease without penalty if you experience domestic violence;
Confidentially requesting an offender HIV test if you are a victim of sexual violence;
A free sexual assault exam if you are a victim of sexual violence;
A safe waiting area from the defendant at court.
As a public defender Mary Moriarty represented many defendants on domestic violence cases. As Hennepin County Attorney, Moriarty has taken a reform-minded approach to cases involving relationship violence.
“One of the things I pay very close attention to are the D.V. homicides that we have,” Moriarty said. “And we unfortunately had a number of them.”
In Minnesota, more people in 2023 were killed by their current or former partner than at any time over three decades, according to a report by Violence Free Minnesota, an advocacy organization working to end relationship abuse. The same data reveals that 12 people died this year due to in-
Ciri Lokenscard, director at DASC, outlined options for those experiencing violence, harassment, or stalking from a current or former partner. Calling links victims with social workers who help guide them throughout the application process.
“What that looks like is, they get connected with an advocate at their appointment date and time. The advocate provides all of the services over the phone,” Lokenscard said. “If someone wants to file an Order for Protection the advocate is walking them through and filling out the paper with the individual.”
This is a good option for abuse victims who may have logistical issues that conflict with attending DASC in person. “Victim survivors no longer have to take time off of work, drive downtown, pay for parking, and find child care in order to access our services,” Lokenscard said.
If a victim goes to DASC in person, there are many additional services. “We do have a playroom. We never want child care to be a barrier to accessing our services, Lokenscard said. “It’s also a space as well if a victim survivor comes to our center with presenting injuries to avoid being around everyone in the lobby.”
Ceci Olson, a domestic violence community navigator at the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct, works as a resource for domestic violence victims with the MPD on the city’s North Side. After a 9-1-1 call is made regarding domestic violence, Olson is the first point of contact. She often acts as a liaison between victims and the police department.
Olsen described her job as “being a voice for victims in the department, trying to make sure that their cases are being investigated, looked at, and at least told what is happening with them. Whether a case is being charged or not, they’re at least being told what is happening,” Olsen said.
Olsen’s job isn’t limited to acting as an information buffer between victims and police. She also has legal experience. “If they are looking for protection orders, I’m equipped to file protection orders and go to court and assist victims through family court, civil court and criminal court.
Women’s Advocates a lifesaving resource for 50 years
Sponsored by
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
Fifty years ago, the nation’s first shelter dedicated to domestic violence survivors opened its doors in St. Paul. Women’s Advocates, founded in 1974, has been a haven for those escaping abusive relationships by providing life-changing resources, support and safety.
Women’s Advocates began as a grassroots initiative during a pivotal moment in women’s rights history. Co-founder Sharon Rice Vaughn emphasizes the organization’s foundational belief: “Survivors know what they want; they just can’t get the resources,” she says.
This ethos continues to guide its mission as the center strives to break the cycle of domestic violence and support individuals in reclaiming their lives.
Through radical hospitality, advocacy, and collective action, Women’s Advocates envisions a community free from violence where everyone can lead safe, productive and healthy lives. Their core values—respect, equity, authenticity, compassion and honesty—underpin every interaction and initiative.
According to data collected by Violence Free Minnesota, 29 adult victims of domestic violence were murdered last year by their current or former intimate partner. Many victims are caught in the trap: Attempting to leave, as much as staying, can be deadly.
Women’s Advocates staff operate with this knowledge. They provide resources and tools survivors need to move forward, but they don’t pressure people to act.
“The offer can sit there until they’re ready to talk about it and go through the processes. It’s their journey and their decision,” said Nisha Taylor, a housing stability manager.
welcome—serving all genders and sexualities. “Although this is a predominantly womanoperated space, this isn’t a space exclusively for women,” notes Associate Director Jake De Vera.
The LGBTQ+ community is experiencing domestic violence at alarming rates, according to a report by the Center on Women, Gender, and Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. And yet, many of these instances aren’t being reported.
Almost half (47%) of Minne-
in a toxic relationship,’ or we’ll say, ‘There’s so much drama over there.’” De Vera said.
“What those words actually do is substitute for something that is a lot more dangerous and insidious. What we’re actually talking about is something that we shouldn’t be tolerating in our relationships.”
Women’s Advocates operates a 24/7 crisis line and offers emergency shelter for up to 50 individuals and their children. Upon arrival, guests receive comprehensive support to address immediate crises, health concerns, legal
Many victims are caught in the trap: Attempting to leave, as much as staying, can be deadly.
sota LGBTQ+ survey respondents reported experiencing physical or emotional abuse in a relationship over their lifetime. Less than one-third (28%) told someone about the abuse, and only 3% reported the abuse to the police.
issues, and economic challenges.
periences. By hiring a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and offering resources like Narcan and safe-use supplies, Women’s Advocates is tackling the multifaceted nature of abuse.
Housing Stability Services further bolsters their support by providing former residents with a housing stability advocate to help them navigate legal and housing challenges for up to a year after leaving the shelter. This continuity of care is vital for ensuring long-term independence and safety. Women’s Advocates remains a crucial lifeline for those affected by domestic violence, working tirelessly toward a future free from harm. And as it celebrates 50 years, the organization reflects on a legacy of compassion and resilience.
timate partner violence.
“I think about how we could have prevented this,” Moriarty said. “How could we create an environment where women or men who are being harmed in a relationship can feel that they can come forward and get what they need?
“Because I know the criminal legal system has not always, and continues not to offer what people necessarily need,” Moriarty said.
Accomplishment liability and failure to protect laws often lure victims away from their abusers and behind bars.
For example, of 636 people surveyed, three out of four women in California prison were abused in the year before their offense, according to a report from the Marshall Project.
“I also help significantly with investigation and prosecution of these cases, especially with the city attorney’s office. I have access to all of the reports, and obviously, being embedded in the department, I have access to the investigators that are assigned to the cases.”
Community members gave Olsen feedback on the same law enforcement that Moriarty promised to reform after the murder of George Floyd. “It helps open their eyes to a different side of policing,” Olsen said. “They tell me all the time, ‘I’d never thought I’d walk into a precinct.’”
It’s not just protection orders that protect people from their abusers. Advocates for domestic violence victims have been calling for red flag laws.
With victims, sometimes there can be a family member.
The Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), or red flag law,
“When I meet a survivor, the first thing I say is, ‘I’m sorry that you’re here, but I’m glad that you’re here.’
“I don’t know how hard it was for them to pick up the phone and call us, or what it took for them to get here. I want to make sure that they know, regardless of whatever situation they endured, we’re happy that they’re here now, and we’re looking forward to helping them move forward in their journey.”
Women’s Advocates provides tailored support to ensure everyone feels safe and
went into effect in January that allowed family members, partners, and law enforcement to petition judges to temporarily seize guns from people considered dangerous. Susan Berkovitz threatened, stalked, and harassed her cousin, Shelly Joseph-Kordell, for a
“Queer folks have worked hard to form their identities around the right to love freely,” De Vera said. “Many have struggled to express their truth. After fighting for their relationships to be recognized, it’s difficult to critically assess if those relationships are harmful.
“It doesn’t help that many shelters are very binary. They often fail to acknowledge the violence faced by LGBTQ+ communities.”
Women’s Advocacy operates with a focus on empathy and education, regardless of how one may identify.
“We don’t have the vocabulary to talk about [domestic violence], because it hasn’t been granted to us. So, when we experience violence or control in our relationships, we’ll use words like, ‘They’re
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Their services extend beyond shelter: The organization recently launched a $14.25 million capital campaign aimed at doubling its shelter beds and expanding its offerings to meet the growing demand for safe housing.
In addition to the Sheila Wellstone Children’s Program, which supports children of victim-survivors, Women’s Advocates established an Alternative Shelter Program for those who may not feel comfortable in traditional shelters. Their innovative Pet Foster Program allows families to keep their pets with them, recognizing pets’ vital role in emotional well-being.
Monthly meetings with a survivor advisory council guide the organization in refining its programs and addressing gaps in service. The organization also actively addresses broader issues related to domestic violence, including substance abuse and financial control, which often intertwine with survivors’ ex-
“This expansion marks a new chapter in our fight to end domestic violence,” said Executive Director Holly Henning, “and with the community’s help, we will continue this vital work for years to come.”
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
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Breaking down homeownership barriers
By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor
Buying a home is one of the most consequential financial decisions most people will ever make, with repercussions that extend well beyond providing a roof over their heads.
Data from the Federal Reserve proves the point: The median net worth of U.S. homeowners is $255,000, while renters hover down around $6,300.
Surveys show that nearly 40% of Americans who don’t own their homes report a lack of savings for down payment as a primary reason.
To unlock homeownership and help Minnesotans build wealth, the state created a three-year $150 million fund in 2023 to provide down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. The fund is set aside for people who’ve never owned a home and whose parents never owned a home—or those who lost their home to foreclosure.
The program was designed to help close racial disparities in homeownership rates across the state. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the money runs out.
Nationally, only 44% of Black individuals own a home, compared to nearly 73% of white individuals—a vestige of discriminatory housing practices such as redlin-
ing and blockbusting. In Minnesota, the disparity is even greater.
Data from the Prosperity Now Scorecard—a comprehensive resource featuring data on family financial health and racial economic inequality—found 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 program was put together to have the greatest impact on reducing the racial homeownership gap in Minnesota.”
The downpayment assistance program has restrictions, but it is easy to navigate with help from groups like the Minnesota Homeownership Center.
“The focus on first-generation homebuyers was intentional, as this is the group least likely to have financial help from their parents or relatives in making that downpayment,” said Bill Gray, stakeholder relations director with the Minnesota Homeownership Center. “We keep it simple for consumers. Yes, you have to go through a specific set of hoops, but it’s designed to be
easy and reliable.”
Program basics
Before applying for funds, people must sign a First-Generation Homebuyer Affidavit, a legal document confirming their qualifications. If someone knowingly misrepresents their eligibility, they are committing mortgage fraud.
At least one buyer must be a First-Generation Homebuyer and a resident of Minnesota. All other buyers (coborrowers) must be first-time homebuyers, meaning they haven’t owned a home in the last three years. Non-occupant co-borrowers and cosigners are not allowed.
The total income of all buyers (everyone listed on the mortgage loan) must be at or below:
• $124,200 for buyers currently living in the 11-county Twin Cities Metro (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright counties);
• $117,200 for buyers living in Dodge or Olmsted counties;
• $111,800 for buyers living in any other Minnesota county.
First-generation buyers must have completed an approved homebuyer education workshop within the last year. Eligible recipients can receive up to 10% of a home’s
purchase price, capped at $32,000.
Down payment assistance is essentially a zero-interest loan, forgiven over five years (20% each year) as long as the first-generation buyer lives in the home as their primary residence.
Participants can purchase a one- or two-unit home anywhere in Minnesota, but the program sets limits for the maximum purchase price. In the 11-county metro, a one-unit home cannot cost more than $515,200, and a two-unit home cannot cost more than $659,550.
There are several things you need to do before applying to the program:
• You need to be pre-approved for a fixed-rate mortgage from the lender of your choice. Sharia Compliant and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) mortgages are accepted.
Courtesy photo
• While not required, you can enlist a Homebuyer Advisor to assess your mortgage readiness and create a personalized road map to securing a low mortgage interest rate. These services are free and available to anyone in Minnesota.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Being accepted into the program does not guarantee that you will receive funds. Once this process is complete, approved applicants will have funds reserved for 90 days. The First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund is different from Minnesota Housing’s First-Generation Homebuyer Loan Program. The programs cannot be used together. Both are funded by the state, and the goal of the programs is to help more
first-generation homebuyers access homeownership.
“The program was put together to have the greatest impact on reducing the racial homeownership gap in Minnesota,” Gray said. “We hope that the results speak for themselves —and will lead to continued investment in the program.”
For more on Minnesota’s First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund, go to www.firstgendpa.org.
Cynthia Moothart welcomes reader responses to cmoothart@spokesman-recorder.com.
In the latest TRACEY’S KEEPIN’ IT REAL PODCAST, MSR Publisher and CEO
Tracey Williams-Dillard takes a deep dive into Minnesota’s First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund with guests Julie Nelmark, president of the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corp., and Jason Peterson, CEO of NeighborWorks Home Partners. Go to www. spokesman-recorder.com and click on Podcasts to listen to their conversation.
Community leader Kevin Lindsey
By Vickie Evans-Nash
Contributing Writer
As CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, former MN Commissioner of Human Rights Kevin Lindsey also makes time to help bring attention to clean energy initiatives while supporting the next generation of Black attorneys.
The organization’s mission is to “shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies,” according to its website. Lindsey has only been on the board for a couple of months but is impressed by the organization’s efforts to educate people on the climate crisis and global warming.
“We need to bring a greater sense of urgency to the most significant issue that we face,” Lindsey says. Though corporations are incentivized to move to environmentally friendly practices, it’s “just not moving quickly enough,” he says.
Fresh Energy has identified two sector-wide approaches, agriculture and heavy industry, to move the dial on climate change. Lindsey hopes that the Minnesota Humanities Center can help educate people by creating platforms to engage them in dialogue.
In partnership with local community leaders, the Humanities Center created We Are Water, an exhibit that travels to cities, communities, and indigenous nations across the state.
“From a philosophical standpoint, [we are] trying to get people to understand that there is a connection, a throughline to everyone’s action,” he says.
Through science, personal narratives, and history, the exhibit examines the significance of water across the state and catalyzes constructive conversations. This
dialogue allows individuals to make and consider changes at a local level.
Dialogue also draws muchneeded attention to important issues: “When we talk about the instability of hurricanes, abnormal temperature change in parts of the country…if we don’t pay attention, I fear it might be too late for us to be able to do anything about it.”
Attention to the issues drives public policy. Minnesota’s political landscape doesn’t lend itself to much in the way of far right-wing climate change deniers, which Lindsey says makes dialogue on sustainable practices easier.
“But let’s not kid ourselves,” he says. “The congressional delegation in Minnesota is split half Republican, half
Democrat. It’s not as if everybody is all singing from the same hymnal.”
When Lindsey is not serving on the board of Fresh Energy or leading the Humanities Center, he serves as president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL). Over the last decade, they have not seen the gains they had hoped for toward efforts to increase the number of African Americans going to law school and becoming attorneys.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Bobby Joe Champion enabled MABL to provide financial support for college students seeking careers in law. With it, MABL helps lower the cost by paying for the LSAT and an LSAT preparatory course for students.
“Just getting your foot into the door can be very challenging before you start paying law school tuition,” Lindsey says. “This funding not only helps break the barrier of cost, it also increases the chances of youth seeing people they can relate to in the industry.
“My dad graduated with an accounting degree, but he did so after he retired,” Lindsey explains. “My mom worked her way up at Motorola and did very well there.”
Even coming from a middleclass upbringing, “It was a challenge to see or think of myself as an attorney,” he says. I had a false view of what it meant to be an attorney from what I saw on TV.” Exposing youth to what a law degree can do for them creates pathways to diversity in law professions.
“We feel very confident we will have some of the students that will be enrolled in law school within this first cohort,” thanks to the funding, says Lind-
sey. “I don’t want to jinx them by any means, but I feel fairly confident given what I saw over the summer from them.”
what are Black jobs,” says Lindsey.
“The congressional delegation in Minnesota is split half Republican, half Democrat. It’s not as if everybody is all singing from the same hymnal.”
On November 16, MABL will hold their Still I Rise gala at The Fillmore Minneapolis. It features Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson; Camille Davidson, Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s first African American woman to serve as dean; and Duchess Harris, chair of American studies at Macalester College.
The Still I Rise program was derived from a recent political discussion. “The idea was coined by one of the presidential candidates talking about
“We thought that this would be a good example of being able to showcase and highlight three individuals in their excellence, Black women as it relates to Black jobs that are held within those professions.” Lindsey says that when those in law do not include people from different economic, political, and social backgrounds, “[It] can be an agent which inhibits people from being seen full within the law.”
Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader responses to vnash@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Kevin Lindsey
Being a participant in this election makes me feel like I have more of a voice than ever. Every election year there’s more and more issues that arise that are personal to being a woman and a Black woman at that.
When it comes to the
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stated that Sawchak presented “a substantial likelihood of causing harm.”
thought of a Black woman becoming president , I believe Lizzo said it best: “It’s about damn time.” While it’s hard to
the Mall of America dressed as the first woman president of the United States. I won the contest, but I didn’t know
break it down into words. I’m
“Seeing a Black female candidate on the ballot is inspiring and empowering. It feels like a historic moment, a step towards true representation and equality.”
summarize how it feels to vote for Kamala Harris, the word that keeps coming to mind is “validation.” I hope this election shows Black girls everywhere there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Jayda Pounds, 27 When I was 12 years old, I entered a costume contest at
After Moturi was shot but before Sawchak was in custody, O’Hara told the community: “We failed this victim 100%. And to that victim, I say I am sorry that this happened to you.” Following Sawchak’s
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verely aging infrastructure and there are even lead pipes under them that we plan to address. It’s a very serious matter
centered selection process between November and spring 2025 to select the organization that will “take over the responsibility of honoring the site and moving it forward so that it continues to meet the community’s objectives.”
The city has pledged to
if I would ever see a woman president in my lifetime—let alone a woman of color. Now, I’m 27 years old, and I voted for Kamala Harris to become that historic woman.
Mia Holiday, 21 It’s very much an exciting and powerful moment for sure, but I don’t really know how to
arrest, O’Hara announced that the police department would conduct a “post-incident review” and again apologized to Moturi and his wife for “failing them.”
“This is not the first time where the community has raised concerns about [O’Hara’s] poor judgment, poor leadership, blaming the community, and excuses,” Levy Armstrong said in council chambers.
cess, a flexible street design to accommodate traffic and community gatherings, and dedicated spaces for art and memorials. The framework is intended to balance the need for functional urban infrastructure with the desire for a space that fosters
very enthusiastic about a Black female candidate for president and it just feels like we are making history.
Kelly Adams, 36 I am thrilled that I get to witness this moment in history
“It’s completely unacceptable for him to get away with it. How many Black people’s doors
“How many Black people’s doors have they kicked in for less?”
have they kicked in for less?” Activists vow to continue
they are eager to see outcomes rather than proposals.
“The process has been good as far as communication regarding their ideas, but it feels like it’s been just talk,” said Aaron Robinson, fondly known as “Coach ARob” in the community. “I hope the final plan re-
of public health in the area,” said Margaret Anderson, the city’s director of Public Works.
The city is taking the lead on reconstructing George Floyd Square and the surrounding area but aims to sell “People’s Way,” the property at 3744 Chicago Ave., to a communityowned nonprofit. Interested parties can apply by Nov. 22. The city will lead a community-
City officials have indicated plans to invest in surrounding communities, recognizing that the redevelopment of George Floyd Square must be part of a larger strategy to address disparities in the area.
preserve the memorials now gracing George Floyd Square.
“We haven’t begun the implementation plan for reintegrating the memorials into the street design or into the People’s Way, but that’s the next step for us,” said Mary Altman, public arts supervisor of the city’s Arts & Cultural Affairs Department. “We plan to continue to engage with the community, caretakers, artists, and Rise and Remember throughout that process.”
The nonprofit Rise & Remember led preservation efforts for the memorials—playing a crucial role in ensuring the “Say Their Names Cemetery” and the “Mourning Passage” remain available to the community.
The George Floyd Square Vision Framework includes multiple elements, including enhanced pedestrian ac-
community connection and remembrance. Residents expressed conflicted feelings about the plan thus far, with many saying
flects our needs.”
City officials have indicated plans to invest in surrounding communities, recognizing that the redevelopment of George
with so many women in my life. I feel this is what our elders fought so hard for. So that younger generations get to see a strong woman standing up, not just for women but our entire nation.
Arielle Morrison Lehr, 31 It’s empowering to know my voice counts and is being heard. Being marginalized for years based on my race, sexual identity and gender expression has made me feel like my voice doesn’t matter. This is what our fear-based system has sculpted us each to believe to hold us under the thumb of misogynistic binarynorms that pigeonhole us each. Humans first. Each of us matters. I matter. You matter. We all matter. And together we can make the change we’ve
applying pressure to Minneapolis leaders—at council meetings and elsewhere— until the city does more than admit fault and issue apologies. The Minneapolis Police Department faces court-sanctioned oversight by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice for civil rights violations in the brutal killing of
Floyd Square must be part of a larger strategy to address dis-
been desperately needing and trying to do for generations.
a Black female candidate on the ballot is inspiring and empowering. It feels like a historic moment, a step towards true representation and equality. My vote is my voice, and today, it feels louder than ever.
“The fact that the
the
as far as I’m
man who shot a
is part of the reason
a more hands-off approach in arresting him and bringing him to justice,” Levy Armstrong
expects to begin construction after the fifth anniversary of
“The process has been good as far as communication regarding their ideas, but it feels like it’s been just talk.”
parities in the area. More than $5 million has been allocated to this project, but specifics of how much funding will benefit local businesses and residents remain unclear.
One community member who asked to remain anonymous expressed concern that the plans do not sufficiently prioritize the needs of those living in poverty nearby. “The plan includes the People’s Way, but in the building next door to that space, there are Indigenous and Black families living in poverty. I want to see the city’s plans for uplifting people around here and helping us get out of poverty before moving on.”
The timeline for redevelopment is still in flux, but the city
George Floyd’s death in May 2025. Coster said that “it will take at least parts of two construction seasons,” but added that the city has not finalized construction plans.
Community members expressed concern about the potential disruptions to their day-to-day life during construction, and asked how the city plans to address transportation difficulties. City officials reiterated that access to George Floyd Square would remain a priority but lacked specific mitigation strategies.
The Minneapolis City Council will review the plan on Nov. 12.
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses at ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Anya Morrison, 23
Margaret Sullivan, 36
Edrissa Adams, 39 Voting this year, I feel a profound sense of pride and responsibility. Seeing
George Floyd in 2020. The activists are demanding structural change within the police department in keeping with those orders.
assailant,
suspect, the terrorist
concerned, is a white
Black man
police took
Nekima Levy Armstrong
Photos by Chris Juhn
By Jarrett Schaffer
Opioid overdose is an ongoing concern across the country, and Minnesota is no exception. In 2022, Hennepin County saw its highest number of opioid-related deaths to date, mirroring a disturbing nationwide trend. Unfortunately, today’s opioid users are especially susceptible to overdose deaths thanks to one factor: fentanyl.
While prescription opioids are addictive, they’re also pure and pre-dosed. Meanwhile, illegally obtained opioids—including heroin—can be particularly dangerous because users don’t know exactly what they’re consuming. Illegally manufactured fentanyl can be cut into other drugs (from heroin to cocaine) or packaged to look like prescription medication, and the illicit substance is extremely powerful.
Because of its intense effects, even tiny doses of illegal fentanyl can be extremely harmful. In 2022, the most recent year of available data, Hennepin County saw 377 opioid-related deaths, 358 of which also involved fentanyl.
Steps to prevent overdose
If you or someone you love is using non-prescription opioids, to prevent overdose use fentanyl test strips. The resource is legal in Minnesota and can quickly detect dangerous fentanyl in your product.
How to spot and respond to an opioid overdose
Additionally, Hennepin County and organizations throughout Minnesota have a robust and trustworthy network of opioid addiction and overdose prevention resources. Here’s where to seek help:
• Get free fentanyl test strips and overdose response training from the Steve Rummler HOPE Network.
• Get free test strips, sterile syringes, HIV testing, and more resources through NorthPoint Health & Wellness.
• Get free, remote opioid and naloxone education from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
How to recognize an opioid overdose
While not everyone experiencing an overdose will display all of these symptoms, these signs are a good indica-
tor that someone is overdosing: The person is unresponsive to loud noise or touch; their skin, lips or fingernails are discolored; their pupils are shrunken; their breathing or heart rate has dramatically slowed or stopped entirely; they’re making a gurgling or rattling sound.
If you can’t tell whether a person is experiencing an overdose, assume that they are—and act accordingly.
How to respond to an opioid overdose
When you realize someone is overdosing, there are several steps you can take to help them recover. But before we talk about that process, let’s talk about naloxone.
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a medication that can effectively reverse an over-
dose. A dose of Narcan stops an opioid from attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors, often helping people who have overdosed to begin breathing again and stop experiencing an opioid’s effects.
Narcan can be given as a shot, nasal spray or IV, but the nasal spray is the form created for public use. It’s completely legal to carry and administer naloxone in Minnesota, and it’s important to do so, since even fentanyl will respond to Narcan.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on opioids but are unsure, you can still administer Narcan. Your recipient won’t suffer any negative effects from a Narcan dose if they aren’t overdosing on opioids, and if they are, it could save their life.
If they’ve just overdosed, your recipient won’t feel great
after a Narcan dose revives them—they’ll be experiencing withdrawals and could respond with anything from anxiety to aggression. Narcan only lasts 30 to 45 minutes, so it’s critical that you call 911 for someone who has overdosed even if you manage to revive them.
Before you give someone Narcan, check them for responsiveness. Yell their name or loudly tell them you’re calling 911, then give them a firm sternum rub by making a fist and rubbing on their breastbone using your knuckles. The sternum rub will hurt and will elicit a response if the person is conscious.
To give rescue breathing:
• Put the person on their back, tilting their head back and supporting their neck.
• Pinch their nose shut.
• Put your mouth on theirs and create a seal.
• Give them one breath every five seconds, repeating this for 30 seconds.
If the person doesn’t respond, administer Narcan using the following steps:
• Take your Narcan out of its packaging and do not test it.
• Hold your Narcan with three fingers, placing your thumb against the bottom of the plunger and your index and middle fingers against the nozzle.
• Fully insert the nozzle into one nostril, then press up on the plunger with your thumb to administer a spray.
• Do not immediately administer a second dose. Wait two minutes to see if the person responds at all, and give another dose using the same steps if two minutes pass with no change.
If you are not getting a response after two doses, try to keep administering rescue breaths until emergency response gets there. If they begin to breathe, put the person in a safe position. Roll them on their side, then support them with their hand under their head and their top knee bent to prop them up.
An opioid overdose is scary, but a well-timed dose of Narcan can often keep the experience from turning fatal. Explore Hennepin County’s resources to learn more about preventing and treating opioid addiction and overdose in Minnesota.
If you’re still not getting a response, it’s time to call 911 and administer rescue breathing. Be sure to tell the dispatcher exactly where you are and what the overdosing person is experiencing, making it abundantly clear if they are not breathing.
Black Business SPOTLIGHT
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
Agape Oasis stands in the heart of North Minneapolis, anchored by five pillars: early childhood education, parent and youth empowerment, community engagement, crisis support, and healing.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Jori
Thibodeaux, the nonprofit works tirelessly to strengthen families and equip them with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Thibodeaux, inspired by her mother-in-law’s vision, continues the legacy of building a brighter future for those who need it most.
The name of this servicecentered foundation is inspired by Christian theology.
“Our organization is made up of two departments, Agape [pronounced “a-gah-peh,” meaning unconditional love], and Oasis” [meaning a wellwatered field]. We bring them together to provide wraparound supportive services for our community,” Thibodeaux said.
Agape Oasis was established in response to the pressing needs of women experiencing and escaping domestic violence. With a deep commitment to fostering safety and stability, Thibodeaux and her team have expanded their mission to create a supportive space for families.
This social enterprise was founded by Thibodeaux’s “mother-in-love,” Diane Thibodeaux, a visionary who recognized the urgent need for support within her community. After witnessing the
struggles of a friend affected by domestic violence, she sought to educate others on recognizing and addressing those challenges. Thus, Oasis was born—the first branch of today’s organization.
As Diane Thibodeaux and her team were helping families reestablish their lives in the wake of domestic violence, the women they assisted often took on multiple jobs.
The abuser typically holds and wields power financially as well, so many survivors had to work hard to support themselves after extracting themselves from the dangerous situation they had been in.
That often left survivors with few options for securing care for their children. A need for child care arose. Enter the second branch, Agape, Minnesota’s first 24-hour 7-daysa-week child care center.
Today, the nonprofit cares for 154 “young scholars” who benefit from an innovative curriculum centered on protection, education and wellness. “We keep them safe and healthy while ensuring they become brilliant,” Thibodeaux said, noting that her team embodies this mission daily.
Agape Oasis offers a curriculum and a nurturing environment, but they also have Oasis Kids Place, an education program that supports the healing process for children who’ve been witness to violence or victims themselves. The goal is to cultivate awareness and equip students with the tools they need to be leaders in ending relationship violence.
“We ensure that this is a
Agape Oasis offers unconditional love and liberation
nurturing environment for our young scholars by prioritizing a curriculum that teaches kids what safety looks like,” Thibodeaux said. “The key is infusing culture and education into the classroom.”
robust crisis-intervention program, the Oasis of Love, which offers essential support for families affected by domestic violence—providing everything from advocacy to housing assistance. “It’s not just about fleeing a situation; we want to help people stay free,” Thibodeaux said. Through programs that
“It’s not just about fleeing a situation; we want to help people stay free.”
Agape Oasis emphasizes community involvement and youth empowerment. Their initiatives include annual awareness walks, health fairs, and interactive workshops designed to engage youth in meaningful conversations about violence prevention. The organization recently hosted its second youth violence prevention summit, where young participants explored their voices and leadership potential.
Thibodeaux highlights the importance of family involvement in their child care initiatives. “We have a lot of initiatives wherein we meet throughout the year that parents are required to attend,” she said. This collaborative approach strengthens the connection between families and the services they receive.
Agape Oasis also runs a
span weeks, participants learn such vital skills as financial literacy, enabling them to secure stable housing and achieve independence. “We’ve been able to work with our partners to help people secure micro and macro loans to purchase
their first homes,” she said.
The impact is profound, not just for individuals but for the messages they send to their children about empowerment and self-sufficiency.
The grace extended doesn’t stop short at those who may be victims of domestic violence; perpetrators are encouraged to seek out help and education as well at their crisis center.
“Whether they were victims or perpetrators, we want to provide everyone with the tools to restore their family and transform their lives for the better. For example, the IN HIM program promotes accountability and healthy relationship development for men who may have been abusers,” Thibodeaux said.
She is working hard to establish a comprehensive environment wherein she can facilitate healing and advancement for those who may have been struggling alone.
Looking ahead, Agape Oasis is expanding to better serve the community. Plans for an infant center are in motion, ensuring that the youngest community members receive the care they need.
At the core of Agape Oasis’ mission is a profound message of liberation. “Freedom is a right!” Thibodeaux said. That certainty is what the nonprofit thrives on and is the message inspiring staff and families alike.
To sustain this vital work, Agape Oasis welcomes community support through donations, volunteers, and partnerships.
For more information, visit the website at www.agapeoasis. com or call 612-287-9775.
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Standing at left and seated at right, Agape Oasis President and CEO Jori Thibodeaux.
Photos by Alexzia Shobe
Arts & Culture
Sister Spokesman takes deep dive into hair care
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
Sister Spokesman hosted “Caring for Our Crowns,” a hair care event, on Nov. 2 featuring a panel of hair care gurus and vendors dedicated to uplifting Black women and promoting wellness.
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder, launched Sister Spokesman 20 years ago and hosts monthly events, with time off during the summer. Williams-Dillard opened the event with her signature call-and-response: “Hey, sisters!” to which participants responded with a resounding “Soul sisters!” She then asked attendees to “Think beyond the product— consider how we’re building wealth in our community and empowering each other.” Each Sister Spokesman event is structured to encourage connections and features activities to build community. Prizes are awarded during games and raffles, including subscriptions to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
evolution.
“Whatever is going on internally is going to be reflected in our hair and skin.”
This month’s panel session included local experts in hair care: De’Vonna Pittman of Nature’s Syrup, Tiffany Blackwell of VIP Salon, and Tranese Brown of Natural Hair Designs. Each panelist shared their journeys in the hair care business, discussed the science of hair, and answered specific questions on hair growth, textures and treatments. They also touched on hair care product solutions and dove deeper into product choices, community impact, and business
Pittman divulged how she decided to embrace her natural texture in 2012 after coming to terms with the fact that using relaxers was damaging her hair and impacting her hair texture. “It’s important for us to think about the chemicals that we put in our hair. Those chemicals don’t just sit on your head; they travel through your body,” she cautioned.
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health linked the use of chemical hair straighteners to an increased risk of uterine cancer. The study indicated that women who used hair straightening products more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not.
This information resonated with attendees, prompting discussions about product safety and the need for greater awareness of the ingredients in hair products.
When Pittman began her natural hair journey, none of the products she bought worked for her, so she began making her own hair butter with naturally derived, socially responsible, and bodysafe ingredients. Now, almost eight years later, she has a booming business. Pittman’s products, available at Macy’s and Walmart, aim to nourish and restore hair health.
Blackwell, celebrating more than 31 years in the industry, emphasized the importance of comprehensive care, saying, “Whatever is going on internally is going to be reflected in our hair and skin.”
She educated the audience on a variety of factors that could impact one’s hair texture such as hormonal changes, medications, aging, and the consistent use of chemical hair straightening products.
Brown added her voice to the conversation by highlighting the significance of respect and self-esteem in hair care. “I try to treat people equally and with respect. They come to me to feel beautiful, and everyone deserves to feel beautiful.”
After the Q&A, attendees continued exploring the
Black-woman-owned businesses showcased. There were diverse offerings available from Lynn Holman’s business Pink Pearl Bliss, Rosa Mensa’s clothing line Batakali Fashions, Betty Sanders’ shop
grams for individuals affected by both labor and sex trafficking, drawing from the insights of survivors to create effective outreach and support.
The event concluded with more networking opportuni-
Oriola’s community support surpasses skin care. A majority of the proceeds from EWA are donated to The Enitan Story (TES), a nonprofit Oriola founded in 2013.
TES focuses on training professionals and the public to recognize and support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. TES offers individualized services, advocacy, and skill-building pro-
ties, games and prizes. Lunch is served as part of the day.
Sister Spokesman’s next event will be held noon-3 p.m. on Dec. 7 above the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery in the NorthPoint building, 1256 Penn Ave. N., Suite 5100 in Minneapolis. The theme will be “Seasonal Wellness: Eating Smart for Mind, Body and Spirit.”
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
(L-R) Tiffany Blackwell, De’Vonna Pittman, Tracey WilliamsDillard and Tranese Brown
Each Sister Spokesman event is structured to encourage connections and features activities to build community.
Black men redefine what masculinity means
By Anissa Durham
“Man up.” “Boys don’t cry.”
“Be a real man.” When you’re a Black man in America these phrases aren’t just burdened by the weight of traditional gender expectations. They’re full of centuries of racial trauma and oppression.
And the stats tell the story.
Black men are dying younger and getting sicker earlier than their white peers, especially from preventable conditions like heart disease and cancer.
But while some may blame toxic masculinity, experts say the real villain is hiding in plain sight: racism.
“I know many people see masculinity and manhood as the biggest barrier to Black men’s physical and mental health,” says Derek Griffith, a health equity professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. “But I really see the biggest harm to Black men’s mental health is not these ideals of masculinity but the chronic stressors they experience because of structural racism.”
The way Black men experience the effects of racism is more of a predictor of their health outcomes than the way they think about manhood and masculinity. In general, Black folks have long had higher than average rates of chronic disease, for reasons that include disparities in income and education, less access to health insurance, and the weathering of racism-related stress.
But for Black men, it’s impossible to negate how the
notions of masculinity have played a role in their perceptions and experiences of physical and mental health.
between masculinity and poor health and mental health outcomes for Black men, there’s certainly a correlation.
Biden can still grant clemency for people on federal death row
By Tandy Lau
President Joe Biden could not spare Marcellus Williams from being executed by the state of Missouri last month despite potentially exonerating evidence. Nor can he halt the upcoming execution of Robert Roberson in Texas, stemming from a now-debunked criminal science, because non-federal sentences like those of Williams and Roberson remain in the hands of governors.
But Biden can grant clemency to prisoners on federal death row.
without a federal execution due to lethal injection drug protocol litigation. Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, ended that streak, putting 13 people to death starting in his last six months in office. Six of those occurred between Trump’s election loss and Biden’s inauguration, including that of Corey Johnson, whose low IQ came into question: Executing someone with an intellectual disability
verity in death penalty cases). Reforming the clemency process was proposed in the Biden-Sanders Unity Plan, an attempt to court otherwise ambivalent progressive voters. Yet Biden never followed through. Arguably, his biggest action was the simple marijuana conviction categorical pardon, which did not free a single person from prison. Meanwhile, people remain locked up for excessive drug sentences today.
Reforming the clemency process was proposed in the Biden-Sanders Unity Plan, yet Biden never followed through.
A new report by Pew Research Center sheds light on how Americans view men and masculinity. Researchers surveyed more than 6,000 U.S. adults about masculinity, acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, gender roles, and how Americans rate their own masculinity or femininity. Here’s what the data shows: Young men between the ages of 18-29 are less likely to rate themselves as highly masculine, yet more than 50% of men 50 and older rate themselves as highly masculine. Add race into the equation, and things become even more challenging.
In most parts of the world, expressing emotions is often seen as a feminine trait. But the opposite—overly self-reliant and unemotional behavior—is linked to men being less likely to seek help for mental health issues, having higher rates of death by suicide, and more frequently being the victims of homicide, according to the American Psychological Association.
Research shows boys and men are constantly bombarded with messages to be tough, don’t cry or do anything remotely “feminine.” Ideas around gender roles and masculinity often develop in grade school.
For years, entertainment,
“If you talk to Black men and ask them what ways they want to be seen, toxic masculinity does not usually factor into that.”
A 2022 study found that young Black males were “more likely than white male youths to feel greater pressure to be physically and emotionally strong, play sports, and to dominate or control others.”
That all contributes to men being generally less likely to use preventative health services, more likely to wait longer to seek care for symptoms, and make less use of health care services, according to a report published in the National Library of Medicine. Although research can’t definitively say there is a causation
media, and cultural spaces have contributed to the narrative of the angry or dangerous Black man. Those images have generally shaped how some people think about and interact with Black men.
We can’t talk about masculinity without talking about toxic masculinity, which includes violence, sexual entitlement, homophobia and emotional illiteracy. Sexual violence against women and femicide are two of the most egregious aspects of toxic masculinity. In 2022, according to the Violence Policy Center, men killed more than 2,400 women, and roughly 9 in 10 of those victims knew their killer.
Three-quarters of U.S. adults think it’s unacceptable for men to join in when other men are talking about women in a sexual way. And nearly 70% think it’s unacceptable for men to have many different sexual partners.
“If you talk to Black men and ask them what ways they want to be seen, toxic masculinity does not usually factor into that,” Griffith says.
The Black men he’s centered his research on tend to aspire to form better relationships and achieve success. “I think the disconnect and flattening of the ways men experience the world, see themselves, and define the ideals of who they’re trying to be, is a barrier to how we see men.”
Anissa Durham is a health data journalist who writes on health care inequities and mental health in the Black community.
Merrick Garland swiftly paused federal executions in 2021 after his appointment by Biden as U.S. attorney general. His famous prosecution of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh led to the domestic terrorist’s execution in 2001, but current disparities led him to halt the practice. People of color make up 55% of the entirely male 40-person federal death row, and 38% are Black—as opposed to just 13% of the American population, including Taylor.
While people of color are overrepresented on death row, the race of the victim— rather than the defendant—is a more consistent determinant in death-eligible cases: 75% of executions stem from a white person’s murder, even though more Black people are murdered each year.
After the first George W. Bush term, 17 years passed
violates the Constitution.
Six of the seven people of color executed in the roughly three-month span were Black, with the remaining person a member of the Navajo Nation.
Even with Garland halting executions, the next administration could easily resume capital punishment. Presidents have only commuted three death penalty sentences throughout history. Two came from President Barack Obama.
While commuting federal death row sentences remains exceedingly rare among all presidencies, Biden’s broad clemency record currently does not inspire confidence: Only 25 people have been pardoned (or granted complete forgiveness) since he took office in 2021. Another 131 sentences were commuted or reduced in length (or se-
The reforms by the BidenSanders Unity Plan proposed forming an independent board to review clemency applications, rather than channels like the Office of the Pardon Attorney, operated out of the U.S. Department of Justice, which also investigates and prosecutes all federal cases. The plan also recommended abolishing the federal death penalty. Before he leaves office in January, there’s still time for Biden to do something meaningful for people on federal death row. While he cannot pardon the likes of Marcellus Williams and Robert Roberson, the president can influence how states approach executions through federal action.
Tandy Lau is a member of Report for America Corps who writes about public safety.
Has Donnie Swaggart lost his mind? More important, have we?
By Aswad Walker
Here’s some free advice: If your public soliloquy starts off with the words, “The statement I’m about to make, I’m going to be called a racist, and I will be called every name under the sun, but…,” just shut the hell up.
But evangelist Donnie Swaggart, son of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, most certainly didn’t keep his racist thoughts to himself. Instead, he “self-whiteously” scolded the Black Church for, from his pasty perspective, not adhering to “biblical values.”
Here’s an excerpt from Swaggy-D’s recent sermon:
“The statement I’m about to make, I’m going to be called a racist, and I will be called every name under the sun, but somebody needs to stand up and speak to the Black Church. When the largest African American Pentecostal denomination, when that leader stood up and said I endorse that woman, he was saying, I endorse murder, I endorse homosexuality, I endorse lesbianism, I endorse transgenderism, I endorse every evil that Hell could prosper or bring up to [be] right.
is really saying something.
Little Swag conveniently ignored the history of white “Christians” using Christianity to justify slavery and attempt to pacify Blacks against working in their own best interests.
Donnie Swaggoo causally left out the legacy of white “Christians,” literally teaching and preaching that slave masters— white people who kidnapped, tortured, raped, and human trafficked human beings from Africa—were God’s representatives on earth. Or that they endorsed the white domestic terrorism that came via Reconstruction and Jim Crow and the “War on Drugs” and the boom of the prison industrial complex.
From Swaggart’s perspective, none of that was an endorsement of “every evil that Hell could prosper or bring up.”
Amazingly, some Black people take this misread of the gospel as gospel truth.
white definitions of good and evil, and white theology, even to their detriment and degradation. Like the Black man pointed out at Trump’s recent Madison Square Garden rally who was made the butt of a “watermelon joke” by a Trump rally “comedian.”
One of the most foundational spiritual teachings, one that can be found in many faith systems, is “Man/ Woman, know thyself.” This principle speaks not only of the critical importance of self-knowledge (knowing your people’s history, heritage, and culture) but also of self-love.
Swaggart exemplifies the nonsense and madness that comes with fully believing in the myth of white supremacy.
“That’s wrong, folks. And the Black Church votes predominantly for the party that is anti-God. What’s going on here? What’s going on?”
What’s going on is “caucasity” expressed at levels rarely known to humankind, which
However, the legendary political philosopher, the late Franz Fanon, would say of such sisters and brothers: “The colonial system nurtures the colonized people in such a way as to make them believe that salvation lies in their identification with the colonizer’s values.”
That’s a much kinder and gentler way of saying some Blacks and other people of color define their value by their proximity to whiteness, white people, white institutions, white perspectives,
For Blackfolk, a lack of self-love will have us believing Swaggart has the right to indict us for straying from a “Christian” path defined by those who have been antiBlack for the past 450-plus years. I’m far less concerned with what’s going on in Swaggart’s mind than what’s going on in ours. Swaggart exemplifies the nonsense and madness that comes with fully believing in the myth of white supremacy. But when we give credence to his perspective, we, Blackfolk, become Blackfaced white supremacists ourselves…or at the very least, servants thereof.
Neither is acceptable.
So, let’s work on getting our self-love up, in our spirits and in the spirits of those we hold dear. If we do that, Swaggart’s ill-informed view will have no sway over our lives and futures.
Aswad Walker is an associate pastor for the Shrine of Black Madonna in Houston, an adjunct professor in the University of Houston Main Campus’ African American Studies Department, and the author of five books.
As the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder continues to celebrate 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.
Deanna Callender
Coventry Cowens & Ben Pofahl
Nina Johnson
Nathaniel Khaliq
Deborah Montgomery
The O’Neill Family
Employment & Legals
SOE
Continued from page 12
people on the court with me,” explained Mitchell.
“I think I can play defense. I think I could shoot. I think I could pass—just knowing the people around me and helping them out as well as myself.”
As a young man growing up, “I was taught to kill or be killed when you step in between those lines, and you got to give it all out there, and I’m trying to win with my team and do as much as possible.”
As several former teammates left, Mitchell, Garcia, and sixth man Parker Fox all chose to return to Minnesota this season. “My
reason for coming back was just to keep the tradition here that we started last year,” said Mitchell. “Changing the culture and bringing Minnesota back.”
Betts is back too
Redshirt sophomore guard Kadyn Betts also returned to Minnesota this season. The 6’8” forward from Pueblo, Colo. debuted last season after being redshirted the 2022-23 season. He made his college debut against Bethune-Cookman and scored his first collegiate points against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Now Betts is among the five Gophers who returned from last season’s 19-15 club.
“I think 19 wins was great for us,” he told us, “because it’s a step up from the season prior. But then also it makes us more hungry, because we know we could do more than 19 wins.”
Now a seasoned veteran of sorts, Betts said, “I think I’m ready to be out here on the court and just contribute to the team and do whatever it’s needed to help us win.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
VIEW
Continued from page 12
After sitting out a year due to NCAA rules in 2022-23, Mitchell became a second-team all-conference, the only player in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference to average a double-double last season (12.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg).
Mitchell’s offensive rebounds (4.1) ranked sixth in the nation, and his de -
fensive boards (7.55) finished 14th in the nation. His 15 double-doubles tied for 21st nationally. Hitting the boards hard is what the Gophers are primarily looking to get from Mitchell this season. “I think it’s the physicality, and I think it’s really the eye coordination… I feel like rebounding is one of my best attributes.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
PREP
Continued from page 12
outstanding collegiate career at the University of Marquette. She is a member of the Hall of Fame at both schools.
Edwards back at North Minneapolis North alumnus and former basketball great Brianna Edwards is back this season to lead the girls basketball program. For those who have forgotten Ewards, she led a young Lady Polars team to a Class 2A runner-up finish in 2009. She went on to have an outstanding collegiate career at Provi-
dence College.
Great season for Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx had an incredible season, making it to the WNBA Finals when they were projected to have a rebuilding year. Napheesa Collier had a breakout season and is now mentioned in the same breath as the league’s elite players. However, it was point guard Courtney Williams’ clutch play that proved to be the most significant contribution to the Lynx’s championship chase.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
Kadyn Betts
Mitchell
comes back to bring the Gophers back
There are approximately 100 African American and other studentathletes 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: senior basketball player Mike Mitchell Jr.
Seniors Mike Mitchell Jr. and Dawson Garcia are the only returning starters from last year’s Gopher MBB squad. The two are among the probable starters for the 2024-25 home opener Wednesday, November 6.
The 6’2” San Jose, California native played his first two collegiate seasons at Pepperdine (2021-23) and started all
63 games he appeared in, but left after his coach Lorenzo Romar was let go.
Mitchell pointed out that Romar and Minnesota Coach Ben Johnson are similar in many ways besides being Black.
“I feel like [Johnson]’s a younger version of [Romar],” said Mitchell of the Gopher HC.
“He’s just almost like a fatherly figure when he talks to you and teaches you little stuff, and he gets on you when he has to. I’ve learned so much with Coach,” added the guard. Romar, now an assistant coach at Loyola Marymount, taught him well, said Mitchell.
“I was taught to kill or be killed when you step in between those lines.”
“I played point guard a lot, so he just taught me a lot of the ins and outs of the game, and thinking within the game like little nuances like time and score and that type of stuff.”
However, what neither Romar nor Johnson needed to teach him is how to fit in on the court. “I feel like I could fit with any of the four other
Sports New Gophers ready to show Minnesota what they can do
leven of the Minnesota men’s basketball team roster are newcomers.
The MSR chatted with three of them during the team’s media day at Williams Arena last month.
Through the fire
Lu’Cye Patterson comes home after playing at two other schools, most recently at Charlotte where he led the 49ers in scoring and made the all-conference second team and all-district. The 6’2” senior guard is the only Minneapolis native on this year’s team.
“I went through the fire a lot,” Patterson said of his athletic travels after he graduated from Minnesota Prep Academy in 2020. “I spent two years at Missouri State. I played as a true freshman. My sophomore year we went to the NIT.
“I felt like those two years at Missouri State and two years at Charlotte helped me get to the level that I am right now, and what I can show to these Minnesota fans now that I’m here,” he stressed.
Unlike his previous stops, Patterson isn’t being counted upon to carry his team. He started all 31 games for Char-
lotte last season and scored double figures 24 times, averaging nearly 15 points a game.
“I feel a lot more comfortable. You can’t game plan just for me,” he pointed out.
A bit aggressive
Femi Odukale (Brooklyn, NY) played in over 100 college games and 80 starts at his previous schools (New Mexico State, Seton Hall, Pitt). Like Patterson, he returns home to play in Minnesota.
“A lot of people don’t know
“I always liked Minnesota as a home place. I just always wanted a good chance to come back.”
Coaching while Black Denise King knew early that coaching was in her future
This occasional series will highlight Black coaches at all levels of sport. This week: UMass Lowell WBB Head Coach Denise King
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
Denise King enters her fourth season as UMass Lowell head women’s basketball coach. Her River Hawks, picked seventh in the America East preseason coaches’ poll, is scheduled to visit and play Minnesota Tuesday, Nov. 12. King was named HC in May 2021 after being on staff as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator since 2018. Moving over 12 inches on the bench sometimes can seem like a mile when the assistant coach is promoted to the top person in charge.
“I would probably say that
transition was pretty good because I’ve been here for so long,” she recalled during a recent MSR phone interview. “I definitely learned about myself and some of the boundaries that needed to change a little bit for moving over in that seat.”
Oftentimes the assistant coach is closer to the players, a sort of confidant for many of them. But the head coach is the one making the major decisions, including playing time.
“It’s different when you move over and you have to make those decisions, and you’re more authoritative and all of those types of things,” continued the coach. “But I had a pretty good support system with me..a lot of good friends that are head coaches, or some that were going through the process of moving over to that seat 12 inches over.”
After a stellar playing ca-
reer at Rhode Island, where King graduated cum laude with a business management degree in 2004, she finished as one of only 12 studentathletes to score at least 1,000 points at URI, good for 15th on the program’s all-time scoring list (1,023 points); she was also fourth in three-pointers, assists and free throw percentage.
King then moved into coaching, first at her alma mater as an assistant coach from 2005-09, then at Mount St. Mary’s in 2009 and at Hofstra (2012-18) before coming to UMass Lowell.
“Twenty-plus
years later, here I am still in the game.”
“I definitely saw myself working with kids in some capacity,” continued King. “My mom is in education. She was a gym teacher. So for me, right out of college, I did get into coaching. It was something that I love.”
Even before she quit playing, King said she saw coaching as a post-athletic career: “I started off at high school and AAU when I came home from school in the summer. I was working camps. I was around a lot of really good head coaches that allowed me to have a voice, that allowed me to give insight, develop players, maybe even coach a little bit here and there and get that experience.
“Twenty-plus years later, here I am still in the game,” she said proudly. King also is working on completing her M.Ed in
higher education administration.
Before they play the Gophers, UMass Lowell starts the 2024-25 season on the road at Colgate Nov. 4.
“We brought in seven new kids to the roster; five of them are freshmen,” King pointed out. “We have two redshirt juniors that are coming back from some injuries, and then three seniors.” Evelyn Thompson, a Black female, was hired this summer as a River Hawks assistant coach, the second Black female on her staff. A.G. Hall is the only Black male coach on the staff.
King is one of eight Black head coaches who will coach teams on Minnesota’s schedule this season.
Seeing more Black HCs is something that King believes is perhaps not talked about enough. “I think it’s always good to keep the conversation going,” she surmised.
“I don’t think we should ever rest on the fact that we are seeing more Black women, Black coaches, [Black] head coaches given the opportunity. There’s still a lot more that we can do to continue to grow in the profession.”
Finally…
Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers) last week became only one of three Black MLB managers to win a World Series title. It was his second championship (2020). Cito Gaston (Toronto) and Dusty Baker (Houston) are the others.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
that I grew up in St. Cloud for about four or five years,” noted the 6’6” guard. “I always liked Minnesota as a home place because I grew up here during my elementary years. I just always wanted a good chance to come back.”
Along with his New York toughness Odukale brings playing experience, as he earned all-league status at each school where he played. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in individualized study at New Mexico State and is working on a master’s in sports management at Minnesota.
“Sometimes people say about my demeanor if I don’t speak, I’m just aggressive,” he said smiling. “Sometimes when I speak, they find me a little aggressive. I think it’s just the way I talk now because New York is a little bit aggressive.”
Patterson and Odukale are two of three Gophers who have seen action in over 100 Division I games, while Odukale is one of two players on this year’s squad who have played at Power 5 conferences.
Hitting the boards hard
Growing up in his native Canada, Frank Mitchell naturally played his country’s national sport, hockey. “I just stopped playing hockey and focused on high school,” he said.
The 6’8” forward from Toronto started playing basketball full time “a year after graduating from high school. It happened during Covid,” said Mitchell, who became a quick learner.
Dixon helps Cretin-Derham
he Cretin-Derham Hall
football team has made it to the state playoffs, and one of the main reasons is senior wide receiver and tight end Monteff Dixon. Dixon has led the Raiders receiving corps all season with 49 receptions for 624 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 12.7 yards per catch. The guard and forward also has a nice game on the court, leading the bas-
ketball team to the Class 4A tournament last season.
Future bright for McCoy
The future is looking bright for Ma’Lan McCoy, a sophomore guard for St. Agnes High School, who averaged 11 points per game as a freshman last year. Her father, Marlon McCoy, led St. Agnes to the 1994 Class 1A boys basketball title. He was also a Mr. Basketball finalist the same year.
Robinson set for second season
Former St. Paul Central girls
basketball star Angel Robinson is about to start her second year as the head girls coach at Tartan High School. Robinson, who led her team to an undefeated 32-0 record while capturing the Class 4A state championship, went on to an
Mike Mitchell Jr.
Lu’Cye Patterson Femi Odukale
Frank Mitchell
All photos by Charles Hallman
Denise King Photos courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
