November 21, 2024 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder - Edition 17
Find out more about the craft beers and great music at MetroNOME Brewery on page 6
Minnesota is celebrated as one of the best places to live in the United States. With its high-performing schools, strong social services, and reputation for inclusivity, Minnesota seems to embody the American ideal. And yet, research shows that Black Minnesotans are worse off here than in virtually every other state in the nation. This is the “Minnesota Paradox.”
Over the next five weeks, the MSR will highlight individuals working to end major disparity areas at the root of the Minnesota Paradox. This week we feature Chaz Sandifer, CEO of theNEWmpls, who has spent a decade promoting health equity. Once the series concludes, MSR will publish ongoing essays written by members of community groups working to build greater justice in the state.
Getting to root causes of health disparities
By Tonya Jackman Hampton Contributing Writer
tudies from earlier this year give Minnesota high marks in residents’ overall health and the state’s health care system. It has the highest health index score in the country and, for the second consecutive year, is ranked the best state in the nation based on 44 key indicators, including cost, access and outcomes.
And yet, Minnesota historically has seen significant differences in health outcomes between white residents and minority groups when it comes to higher rates of chronic disease, lower life expectancy, and poorer access to health care.
Despite progress in some areas, Minnesota continues to face significant health disparities, particularly concerning conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues among communities of color.
ties, quality housing, and transportation, all of which are rooted in historical and ongoing racial discrimination.
According to a Minnesota Department of Health report from earlier this year: “To be healthy, people need peace, shelter, education, food, income, and social justice. In short, health is created where people live, work, and play. Minnesota’s significant and long-lasting health inequities cannot be explained by biogenetic factors and personal choice. These health differences have, in part, resulted from structural racism. …
“Health care isn’t just about pills and shots. It’s about creating a sense of community, listening to people, and empowering them to make informed choices.”
Factors contributing to disparities are linked to systemic issues like unequal access to education, employment opportuni-
“Creating health equity requires a comprehensive solution that includes but goes beyond targeted grants and access to health care. Minnesota needs to address health disparities as part of a broad spectrum of public investments in housing, transportation, education, economic opportunity and criminal justice,” says the MDH report.
Among those on the frontline of change is Chaz Sandifer, CEO of theNEWmpls. She has spent more than a decade promoting racial health and equity through fitness, wellness and nutrition. In partnership with institutions like the Mayo Clinic, she is launching programs to bring a holistic approach to
■ See PARADOX on page 5
Trump administration could radically reshape Black America
By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor
Grassroots vision for George Floyd Square challenges city plan
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
esidents, activists, and community leaders gathered on Nov. 6 to discuss the future of George Floyd Square. The meeting, supported by the Community Visioning Council, took place amid an ongoing debate about the city’s redevelopment plans for the memorial site, which has become a focal point of both local and national movements for racial justice.
The town hall was a spirited occasion fueled by a commitment to ensure that the redevelopment of George Floyd Square reflects the community’s needs and values. The discussion went beyond physical infrastructure and street construction as residents addressed the profound legacy of trauma, economic injustice, and systemic racism that continues to shape the lives of people in this area.
Dr. Raj Sethuraju, a longtime activist and professor at Metro State University in St. Paul, opened the meeting with a moment of reflection, urging attendees to “check in with themselves” and “connect with the values that humanize our struggle.”
Elder Atum Azzahir, founder of the Cultural Wellness Center, asked attendees to call out and honor the names of those
ability, housing, economic justice, and health care.
About half of those demands still are unmet, including:
• Fire the following employees of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: Superintendent Drew Evans, Deputy Superintendent of Minnesota Justice Information Services Dana Gotz, Deputy Superintendent of Investigative Services Jeff Hansen, and Deputy Superintendent of Forensic Science Services Catherine Knutson.
• Establish an independent investigation and prosecution of Minneapolis law enforcement by Gov. Tim Walz.
• Require law enforcement officers to maintain private, professional liability insurance.
• Ban the indemnification of law enforcement officers.
• End qualified immunity.
• Adopt and implement the 2019 Livability and Safety Platform Proposal submitted by the South Minneapolis Public Safety Coalition to the City Council.
• Allocate funds for integrative health services to support residents of the George Floyd Square Zone through the ReCAST grant managed by the Division of Race & Equity.
• Establish a moratorium on property tax increases for residents of the George Floyd Square Zone for two years.
• Include a rent-to-own op-
rian Fullman, an organizer with Isaiah and its sister organization, Faith in Minnesota, convened a youth programming summit on Nov. 17 to discuss the groups’ coming initiatives. Tikki Brown, commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, was invited as an honored guest.
throwing an audible, where we stopped our agenda and said:
‘It looks like all of you aren’t that excited. What’s going on?’ That’s when people really started to give me the goods.”
to bring that hateful agenda to this state, I’m ready to stand up and fight,” said Walz.
“People were visibly frustrated. There was a hopelessness we heard. We ended up
At that moment, the gathering turned from information session to election catharsis.
“People expressed fear, weariness, hopelessness,” Fullman said. “There was an older woman there who said, ‘These are the same issues we were fighting for in the ’50s. I’m tired and frustrated.’”
Those in the room at Harvest Best Academy in North Minneapolis aren’t alone. The changeover of power in Washington come January has many in the Black community fearing what comes next.
Gov. Tim Walz, who ran alongside Vice President Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket, voiced those concerns in his first address after losing on Nov. 5: “I know a lot of folks are worried about the next four years. I’m with them,” he said.
“We know what’s going to happen. We know because they told us, and we have to be ready. The moment they try
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed that sentiment, saying at a news conference that he’s already preparing to take legal action if a second Trump administration infringes upon Minnesotans’ rights.
“I didn’t run for attorney general’s office twice so that I could sue Trump. That’s not what I’m here for,” Ellison said. “But if he violates the rights of people, we’re gonna sue. It’s simple as that.”
From the elimination of the Affordable Care Act to reduced civil rights enforcement, a second Trump administration could radically reshape the lives of Black Americans in coming years.
Some of the most profound changes could come in education, given candidate Trump talked at length about phasing out the U.S. Department of Education and its civil rights division, which enforces federal civil rights laws in schools, and eliminating Head Start for preschool children from low-
who have passed unjustly. She reminded all that the murder of George Floyd was not only an individual tragedy, but part of a historical fight for justice.
“The ancestors give us, you and I, the amazing capacity to remember. We must remember. We are remembering — and that remembering is giving us the capacity to do, to say, and be accountable. For that, we are grateful,” Azzahir said. Her invocation set the tone for the remainder of the meeting as one of reflection and determination.
Community vision
The community’s expectations were clear. Jeanelle Austin, lead organizer of the event, noted that the city’s plans to rebuild the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue haven’t aligned with the 24 demands that the community created in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. These demands focus not on physical infrastructure but on account-
by
tion in new housing construction.
• Gift 612-MASH a blood bank bus or a coach bus to continue to care for anyone who enters the memorial site during winter months.
• Open and complete an investigation of the murder of Dameon “Murphy Ranks” Chambers.
The city’s proposal
The conversation quickly turned to the city’s proposed development plan, which includes greening initiatives, wider sidewalks, lighting improvements, and traffic circle installations.
While city officials tout these plans as steps toward revitalizing the area, community members expressed concern that these changes are not enough to address the systemic issues that contributed to George Floyd’s death in the first place.
In one particularly poignant moment, Austin questioned why the city prioritized street
Second in a six-part series
Chaz Sandifer, CEO of theNEWmpls
Photo
Chris Juhn
Brian Fullman
Metro
Overcoming fears of homeownership
By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor
Toshiba Hill never thought homeownership would be in her future. Now, for the mother of four, it’s in reach.
“I always thought I could never own a home because I saw the process and people saying you need to have this, this, and this,” she said. “Taking the workshop class put me at ease and made me more confident.”
Homeownership is a big goal and one of the most complicated financial transactions most people will ever make. The enormity of buying a home, combined with the fear of making an uninformed or bad decision, often keeps people like Hill from taking the leap. Yet getting past those fears, especially for Black households, is crucial to long-term economic security.
Research from a few years back estimates that the median wealth of Black households would rise by more than 450% if they owned homes at the same rates as whites.
Nationally, only 44% of Black individuals own a home, compared to nearly 73% of white individuals. In Minnesota, the disparity is even greater. In a 2015-2020 study, the Prosperity Now Scorecard found that 77.5% of white households in Minnesota own their homes, compared to just 30.5% of Black households. That disparity is even greater in the Twin Cities.
So, what does this mean in dollars? The Federal Reserve reports that Black wealth grew, on average, from $27,970 to $44,890 between 2019 and 2022. Yet, Black Americans still lagged significantly behind other racial and ethnic groups. During the same timeframe, Latino households, on average, had $62,000 in 2022 in wealth, white households $285,000, and Asian American households $536,000.
Three major fears often are cited as reasons otherwise qualified Black homeowners fail to invest in owned housing.
Fear #1: My credit isn’t good enough.
Credit scores are not fixed and can rise and fall depending on an individual’s actions. Homeownership advisors are available across Minnesota to help prospective homebuyers clean up, repair or build their credit before applying for a loan.
The advisors are part of a network supported by state and federal grants, meaning their services are free. They take the mystery out of credit scores to put prospective homeowners on a successful path toward sustainable homeownership.
Fear #2: I need to make a 20% down payment.
You don’t need a big down payment to buy a home. Sometimes, the down payment can be less than a rental deposit. Many lenders offer products with low down payments (3.5% or less). Many Minnesotans also are eligible for downpayment or closing-cost assistance provided through state programs.
These programs have eligibility requirements, often in the form of education classes. It’s recommended that prospective homeowners understand and fulfill these requirements before going house shopping.
“Our goal is to make the process easy to understand but prepare homebuyers in a comprehensive way for sustainable homeownership.”
Fear #3: I don’t earn enough money.
Homeownership may be more affordable than paying rent depending on where you want to live. Compared to rent, owning provides an opportunity to build equity and wealth.
Path to homeownership
The path and time it takes to buy a home are different for everyone, but with the help of agencies like the Minnesota Homeownership Center (MNHOC), having a place to call your own is more likely a reality now than ever.
MNHOC, a U.S Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Intermediary, provides homebuyer education counseling services via a network of homeownership advisors embedded in community-based organizations across Minnesota. It also offers homebuyer education classes, called Home Stretch, that take prospective homebuyers through the process — from finding a realtor to picking up their keys.
MNHOC recommends that all first-time homebuyers take a homebuyer education course, noting that completion of such a course is a requirement of the loan approval process for first-time and first-generation homebuyer mortgage programs. The Center’s Home Stretch class curriculum is approved for this purpose.
If an in-person course isn’t possible, MNHOC also offers an online course (go to mnhoc.org), but lender acceptance can vary.
“The Home Stretch course is designed to teach those who want to
buy a home everything about the process in an engaging way, said Bill Gray, director of stakeholder relations with MNHOC. “We bring in realtors, lenders, home inspectors and others to share their knowledge on how the process works — and how to make the process work for you.
“The education class goes handin-hand with the one-on-one advisors our network provides,” he added. “Our goal is to make the process easy to understand but prepare homebuyers in a comprehensive way for sustainable homeownership.”
Last year, more than 2,700 people took one of 272 Home Stretch courses offered across the state. More than 95% of participants said it boosted their confidence in homebuying and readied them to purchase a home. Additionally, more than half of all people who engaged one-onone with a homeownership advisor went on to buy a home.
“I got a lot of information I didn’t know,” said Hill, who recommends the Home Stretch program to others looking to buy a home. “The instructors there gave me accurate information I was thinking about or wondering about.
Cynthia Moothart welcomes reader responses to cmoothart@spokesmanrecorder.com.
In the latest TRACEY’S KEEPIN’ IT REAL PODCAST, MSR Publisher and CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard talks homebuyer education programs with Theressa Ruiz, homeownership services program manager with PRG, and Melissa Pugh, financial coaching and homeownership manager with Project for Pride in Living (PPL).
To listen, go to www.spokesman-recorder.com and click on Podcasts.
“I didn’t need to ask any questions, because other people there were in the same place. We all benefited from the class. And I recently connected with a homeownership advisor, and I’m working with her to save money and buy a home sooner than later.”
Toshiba Hill
Three major fears often are cited as reasons otherwise qualified Black
fail to invest. Bernard Bodo
Child offenders need help, not incarceration, advocates say
By Clint Combs Contributing Writer
The Legal Rights Center and Minnesota Coalition for Youth Justice hosted a town hall at the Sabathani Community Center on Nov. 13, amid concerns that the county isn’t taking appropriate measures to prevent youth incarceration.
Among those to speak were youth activists increasingly at odds with Hennepin County officials who appear unwilling or unable to reform aspects of the juvenile justice system, and public defenders disillusioned by the lack of social service benefits available to families.
“I’ve seen child protection cases where children end up in foster care, and the county allows them to lose their [Supplemental Security Income],” said Tracy Reid, a Hennepin County Public Defender. “They don’t even keep a benefit that’s available.”
Youth activist Sydney Oundo, 17, said she’s done with county leaders who promised and then failed to expand social services to avoid sending teens to the Juvenile Detention Center. She is equally concerned that young people affected by the system don’t have a say in county policies — including as part of the working group Hennepin County launched to offer recommendations to state lawmakers next year.
“I’m tired,” Oundo said. “Right now, I’m feeling like there’s a rhetoric of ‘community responsibility.’”
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty recognized the slow rate of change and said she plans to speak with Hennepin County Administrator David
Hough about appointing youth advisors to the working group.
“I have been county attorney for almost two years, and we have been working over a year and a half to push the county on getting some of this done. The county is not unlike other systems: It moves like the Titanic.”
“The county is not unlike other systems: It moves like the Titanic.”
Such preventive services are needed, Reid said, given that minors face the same barriers that trap their parents.
“Every day I see moms who tell me that they have been asking for years for help and services for their kids. And they’re not getting anything in Hennepin County,” Reid said. “Right now, it will take six to 10 months minimum.”
Adesola Oni, a senior behavioral health department administrator in Hennepin County, said youth facilities are understaffed and under-resourced to meet demand. Boys Totem Town juvenile correction facility in St. Paul, Hennepin County Home School, and Family Services in Duluth all closed in 2019.
“What we’ve done is embed social workers into the detention center,” Oni said. “My sense is that for every young person coming into court, that requires a lot of resources, and potentially the delay is because the
capacity versus the means is just not where it should be.”
Minnesota is considering a law to raise the minimum age of juvenile delinquency from 10 to 13. This would keep the state from funneling children 12 years or younger into the juvenile justice system.
Mira Berndt, part of the Youth Network at the Legal Rights Center, is concerned that there are still opponents who support the conviction and sentencing of minors as young as 10 in Minnesota.
“I know there’s been a lot of pushback on the bill,” Berndt said, “so I was just wondering what is currently in the works or being imagined and what we can do as community members to support those efforts?”
Moriarty said her office supports the age change. “I think one of the things that can happen is pushing back on an attempt to repeal it, because I think that’s in the works now.”
Reid said she represented many defenders who could not stand trial due to their age or complex mental health needs.
She finds out through assessments that underlying health issues would prevent a child from comprehending the basics of court proceedings. When children are found incompetent because of their age, mental health status, or intellectual development disorder, they are released from juvenile detention — often just to be arrested again.
“The child could benefit from residential mental health care. And there is nothing of the sort,” she said. “So those kids just get sent home. They often have no other care. They commit some other act and even get brought back in the system. They’ll just collect pieces until eventually Hennepin County left them sitting illegally in a detention center.”
Said Moriarty: “When we prevent young people from being in the system, that’s public safety. When we prevent people from becoming harmed, that’s public safety. We are here to protect people’s rights.”
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses to ccombs@spokesman-recorder.com.
County OKs emergency crisis stabilization center
In late October, the Hennepin County Board unanimously approved emergency plans to create a Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center as pressure mounts to help kids with complex mental health needs avoid revolving through the juvenile justice system. When children are found incompetent through age, mental health status, or intellectual development disorder, they are released from juvenile jail, often just to be arrested again.
Such was the case when Minneapolis police arrested a 10-year-old boy for driving a stolen car through a playground on Sept. 20 outside Nellie Stone Johnson School. The boy has a criminal history dating back to May 2023, with around 30 police records.
Launching such a center was among the county’s goals, but the current lack of placement options forced leaders to act now. Funding will be provided through surplus dollars from six infrastructure projects that are already nearly complete.
The center is intended to fill a gap in services for kids who need short-term residential treatment to stabilize their behaviors while awaiting longer-term treatment plans. As of now, few options are available. Youths are placed in juvenile detention facilities, in emer-
gency rooms — or remain at home with family members ill-equipped to meet their needs.
Hennepin County Administrator David Hough said the county will spend $15 million to turn two floors of the Hennepin County Behavioral Health Center into the youth treatment facility. Up to $7 million more annually will go to Nexus Family Healing to operate the 10- to 15-bed crisis facility. Nexus Family Services operates a range of residential services, homebased therapy, and other treatment programs in Minnesota.
The building, at 1800 Chicago Ave. in Minneapolis, currently offers walk-in mental health and substance use disorder support for adults. The youth facility is projected to open in three to six months, with stays expected to max out between 30 and 45 days as longerterm solutions are sought.
The crisis stabilization center will offer three primary services:
• Assessing children’s needs to develop treatment plans.
• Providing short-term housing for children presenting intense behavioral challenges.
• Providing detox and recovery support for children with substance abuse disorder.
Medicare plans change every year, so can your health. Visit Medicare.gov to see all your options side by side and compare coverage, costs, and quality ratings.
New in 2025, all Medicare plans will include a $2,000 cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered prescription drugs.
The cap only applies to drugs that are covered by your plan, so it’s more important than ever to review your plan options to make sure your drugs are covered.
Get help with drug costs.
If you are struggling with your prescription drug costs, Extra Help is a Medicare program that can help pay for your drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs. If you make less than $23,000 a year, it’s worth it to apply. Visit ssa.gov/extrahelp to complete an application.
Mira Berndt (r) talks juvenile justice reform with Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. Clint Combs
Getting off the emotional roller coaster of opioid addiction
Sponsored by
By Jarrett Schaffer
The opioid crisis affects millions of people and their loved ones every day. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency, with opioids causing nearly 75% of all drug-related overdose deaths.
Though the conversation typically centers on the physical consequences of opioid abuse, it can also be an emotional roller coaster for these individuals and their families. This emotional roller coaster often starts quickly with euphoric highs but promptly crashes, causing hopelessness and despair for all involved.
According to Johns Hopkins, it’s unknown why some people get addicted to opioids while others do not. Opioid addiction typically starts because opioids reduce feelings of pain and create intense feelings of euphoria.
Opioids work by interacting with pain receptors and producing floods of dopamine, creating a euphoric feeling.
The dopamine relieves physical pain but also numbs the user to the emotional pain and stress they may be feeling. Someone experiencing addiction may then constantly seek to re-create that feeling again, causing the emotional spiral typically associated with drug abuse. Once the thrill subsides, a powerful feeling of nothingness floods in. This crash often causes users to get caught in a painful cycle that involves struggling to manage the physical and emotional withdrawal by themselves — or use again. If they use again, they’ll get temporary relief but risk an even more intense drop.
Loved ones may be caught in this emotional whiplash, too.
They may see the person with the addiction swing wildly between fleeting moments of happiness and long periods of emotional withdrawal.
This can be confusing for families, especially if they feel they cannot help their loved one change their behavior. As they watch the addiction worsen, they may experience feelings of anger and resentment, wishing the person with the addiction could see the harm they’re causing.
Here are some strategies to help people with an addiction start and manage
their sobriety journey:
Seek professional medical help.
The first step should be seeking help from medical professionals who specialize in addiction treatment. They can help a person with an addiction manage physical withdrawal symptoms while they seek therapy to address the emotional challenges they may be facing.
Build a good support network. Though addiction can often make users push loved ones away, a support network is crucial for recovery. This can be friends, family, or a special-
ized group of others experiencing addiction, such as Narcotics Anonymous, where they can share their struggles with those who understand.
Set boundaries. It’s essential for family and friends of the person experiencing addiction to take care of themselves, too. Setting strict boundaries is a good way to do that.
Get educated on addiction.
It’s unknown why some people get addicted to opioids while others do not.
Get drug therapy.
Going to therapy can help a person with a substance use disorder identify triggers that lead to drug use. With continued help, they can learn how to manage their triggers in healthier ways.
People with an addiction aren’t the only ones who need support through the challenges of addiction. Here are some tips for ways family members can take care of themselves while supporting a person with a substance use disorder on their recovery journey:
Seek support and consider seeing a therapist.
Loved ones can benefit from seeking out therapy or discussing challenges with a community of people who have faced similar issues.
Did you know beer, wine and spirits all contain ethanol?
Every alcohol drink contains ethanol and that’s what affects you, rather than the type of drink you choose.
All alcohol drinks contain ethanol, but the amount can vary.
Whether you drink beer, wine or spirits, they all contain the same type of alcohol called ethanol. This is created when either fruits or grains are fermented to produce alcohol drinks. It’s the ethanol in these drinks that affects your mood and reactions – and ethanol affects you in the same way, regardless of what type of drink you choose.
Of course, different drinks have different concentrations of alcohol. This is generally expressed as the percentage of alcohol by volume or ABV. You‘ve probably noticed that bottles and cans often include the strength of the drink as ABV on the label. It’s the ABV that can help you be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink.
• Spirits have the highest concentration of alcohol and most contain around 40% ABV. Strength can vary considerably, however. Some vodkas contain 30% ethanol, while some bourbons may be around 60% ABV.
• Liqueurs, which are also spirits-based, generally contain less alcohol and their ABV may be below 20%.
• Wine is less concentrated than spirits and generally contains between 12 and 15% ABV. However, some wines can be stronger, and fortified wines like port or sherry are usually around 20% ABV. The alcohol concentration in beer as a category is lowest, and most regular beer ranges between 4% and 10% ABV. Some craft beers may be comparable in strength to certain wines at around 12% ABV.
How drinking affects you depends on how quickly and how much you drink, and on how much alcohol is in your drink
Factors such as your body size and weight, biological sex, and age influence how you process alcohol and how drinking can therefore affect you. Most importantly, this also depends on how much you drink, which is determined by the concentration (ABV) of the drink you’ve chosen and how quickly you drink it. Whether this alcohol comes as beer, wine or spirits is less important. Knowing the ABV of your drink is very useful and can help you choose your beverage and anticipate its effect on you.
Some governments use the terms ‘unit’ or ‘standard drink’ to help measure drinking and provide health guidelines. A standard drink of any beverage – beer, wine or spirits – will always contain the same amount of ethanol in grams.
Working to understand addiction can help loved ones approach users with compassion instead of judgment, which helps create space for the person with an opioid addiction to ask for help.
Opioid addiction is an emotional roller coaster for all those involved. Having the right tools and resources to help you can make everything much easier. Learning to recognize and understand the dramatic emotional dynamics that come with addiction can ensure that both people with opioid addiction and their loved ones can work together to heal and move forward.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, you are not alone. Hennepin County offers resources designed to help you navigate the challenges of addiction, including treatment and recovery programs, harm reduction services, and more.
For more information about these resources, visit Hennepin County’s website (www.hennepin.us) or reach out to local health care services.
However, relating standard drinks to what you’re actually drinking can be complicated. For example, if someone tops your glass up before you’re finished, it may be hard to keep track of what you’ve consumed. Also, the size of your glass may not match up to the standard size for your drink. The best rule of thumb is to always be responsible, drink moderately, and avoid activities and situations in which drinking can put you at risk. There are tools available that can help you translate what you are drinking into standard drinks.
Opioid abuse creates an emotional roller coaster for users and their families. Jacob Wakerhausen
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health care through storytelling. In collaboration with organizations like the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Cancer Association, she is also helping raise awareness around prevention, wellness, and accessible nutrition.
Emerging from a journey that encompassed divorce, surviving domestic violence, and reshaping her lifestyle around fitness, wellness and nutrition, Sandifer began recognizing the gaps in access to health and wellbeing resources that others faced.
Raised with a strong foundation, she knew the privilege of access to health care, education and homeownership. This upbringing gave her a head start on a healthy life, yet she understood that many in her community, particularly in marginalized areas, lack this safety net.
“I was able to go home to a healthy house,” she says, “and a lot of people don’t have this available to them.”
With knowledge of fitness, nutrition and wellness, she
GFS
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construction over community needs: “What good is it to pour $5 million into new streets just for people to sleep on them?” she asked. Her words reflected the frustration many residents feel about the city’s approach, which they see as rushing forward with construction plans without taking enough time to address the more pressing needs of those living in the neighborhood.
Austin emphasized that the community is just beginning to heal, and rushing through the process risks losing sight of the deeper issues at play.
began sharing tools and resources to bridge these gaps. The journey wasn’t easy. “The hardest part of my job is the farmer’s market,” she says.
As a sponsor and manager of the Lakeview Terrace Farmers Market in partnership with the City of Robbinsdale, theNEWmpls creates a full wellness experience through meal prep courses and expanded opportunities to access nutritious foods. She notes that food deserts and limited budgets make healthy eating an unattainable ideal for some families.
“Health care isn’t just about pills and shots,” she says. “It’s about creating a sense of community, listening to people, and empowering them to make informed choices.” She envisions a system where people feel seen and heard by bringing health care providers closer to the community, fostering connections beyond clinical interactions.
Through her storytelling initiatives, she provides a platform for people to voice their struggles and triumphs.
Additionally, by offering fitness sessions and mental wellbeing resources, she hopes to make wellness accessible and
Minnesota historically has seen significant differences in health outcomes between white residents and minority groups when it comes to higher rates of chronic disease, lower life expectancy, and poorer access to health care.
sustainable for all.
The needs go beyond physical health, extending into mental resilience. In her work, she has encountered women carrying enormous emotional burdens — mothers, sisters and daughters who feel they must appear strong while enduring invisible struggles. “We’re not allowed to be okay, especially as Black women,” she says. “Society perceives us as ‘crazy’ if we show vulnerability, or ‘an-
gry’ if we show we’re upset.”
Her current work also includes tackling the root causes of health disparities — starting with youth. “Schools are cutting budgets for [such things as] fitness and arts programs,” she notes. “The domino effect is real. Kids need life coaches and mental health support.” Reflecting on the aftermath of the recent election, she talks of helping to organize a Black Women’s Brunch hosted
Light Field Studios
by Sheletta Brundidge. The intent was to create a safe, healing space that brought together therapists, life coaches, and support resources.
“We need more spaces where it’s okay not to be okay,” she says, explaining how important it is for communities of color to have resources without stigma or shame.
Her work extends into advocacy, speaking to policymakers, and pushing for changes to
make health care sustainable and affordable. “We can’t monopolize health care,” she says. We need to make it accessible, sustainable and affordable.”
She envisions a future where mental health support is universal, organizations fund sustainable community programs, and no one is left behind due to a lack of resources.
For her, advocating for health is not just about creating environments where individuals can thrive. She believes society can create a better, healthier world by addressing disparities and raising funds for initiatives that uplift underserved populations.
“When you cut funding, you keep communities down,” she says. “We need to continue funding, create sustainability, and close the gaps that keep us from healthy lives.” Through resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to equity, Sandifer continues to empower others, bridging gaps one story, one meal, and one program at a time.
Tonya Jackman Hampton is an author with a doctor of education and an MBA. She is a native Minnesotan.
income families. He also favors shifting tax dollars away from public schools to private and religious institutions through a national voucher program and diverting funds currently allocated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Among his other campaign policy proposals were canceling racial justice training for educators, withholding funding from schools that teach the true racial history of the United States, and banning books featuring LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters from school libraries. He also indicated a desire to provide “reparations” for white students, citing perceived discrimination due to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
“President-elect Donald Trump hasn’t announced his
Marcia Howard, a resident of the nearby Bryant neighborhood, echoed this sentiment.
“George Floyd Square is the epicenter of a global social justice movement,” Howard said, highlighting the square’s symbolic power for both local residents and people worldwide. “It is a memorial, and it symbolizes resistance, but first and foremost, it is a community.”
and the subsequent response by law enforcement — the National Guard rolling past her home in tanks — radicalized her. She concluded her remarks by engaging the audience in a fervent chant: “No justice, no streets!”
“What good is it to pour $5 million into new streets just for people to sleep on them?”
Delay implementation
Howard, a high school teacher, also reflected on how the killing of George Floyd
agenda for American schools, so we don’t know anything for sure, although the priorities he presented during the campaign and in the notorious Project 2025 blueprint for his administration are scary,” said Denise Specht, the president of Education Minnesota. “It’s a sweeping and destructive agenda.”
Among other potential changes:
Trump has consistently signaled a reduction in the Department of Justice’s civil rights oversight. His approach would limit the DOJ’s ability to investigate police misconduct and civil rights cases. Such changes would result in fewer investigations into racial discrimination in police departments, as happened after the murder of George Floyd, and allow jurisdictions to ignore potential discrimination cases. Trump promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act and
The meeting culminated in a powerful call for a comprehensive, people-centered plan for George Floyd Square. Austin declared, “Out of respect
scale back Medicaid. Cuts to these programs stand to have a significant impact on Black Americans, who suffer disproportionately from chronic health conditions and higher rates of uninsurance. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that Black adults are twice as likely as white adults to rely on Medicaid for their health care.
for our elders and those who continue to live without basic resources for safety and liveability, we propose…[that the city] halt implementation of the suggested vision for George Floyd Square to allow for the following:
The city of Minneapolis collaborate with Hennepin County and the state of Minnesota to create an intergovernmental agency approach to implement immediate solutions for housing and healing at the same level they created an intergovernmental agency approach to law enforcement during the trial of Derek Chauvin.
The city of Minneapolis explore options for supporting a racial justice and healing center at the intersection
ing to a report by the NAACP, Black Americans are 75% more likely to live in neighborhoods adjacent to polluting facilities, putting them at greater risk of asthma, respiratory illnesses, and other health issues.
Trump has proposed eliminating DEI policies across federal agencies, which he argues is needed to combat “reverse discrimination.” Civil rights
“Power is neutral. It’s available to anyone willing to organize for it.”
Under Trump’s previous administration, environmental protections were slashed, impacting air and water quality in areas where Black Americans are more likely to live. Accord-
groups raised concerns that ending DEI would weaken protections and opportunities for Black Americans. Additionally, with plans to limit the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, discrimi-
of 38th and 4th Avenue in honor of the work that Councilmember Andrea Jenkins has done to help revitalize the Black business district in South Minneapolis.
The community of George Floyd Square, residents, businesses, and extended community, the family of George Floyd, and the future owner of the People’s Way use the existing Community Visioning Council to create a comprehensive vision for George Floyd Square by October 2025 that is community-led and includes a permanent memorial to George Floyd, the People’s Way, and the right-of-way. This vision will be presented to the city council as a pathway forward in the fall of 2025. Before closing the meeting, attendees shared personal testimonies and reaffirmed their commitment to justice. Jay Webb, known as “the gardener,” offered admiration for attendees. “It’s good to see these seeds growing. You are the true flowers. You are the beings that have roots, flowers, and fruits. An apple tree doesn’t feed itself, but it is for those who pass by.” Webb then turned his attention to the city leaders. “They are trying to re-envision something they never understood.”
nation protections in housing, employment and education could be at risk.
Trump has advocated for limiting welfare and SNAP benefits. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to live below the poverty line, making federal assistance essential for many Black families. Minnesotans visited food shelves a record
7.5 million times in 2023. Once final numbers are in for 2024, food shelves expect this year to be the hungriest on record for the third year in a row.
Trump’s approach to technology policy could reduce funding for broadband expansion, which is essential for improving internet access in underserved Black communities. The digital divide remains a persistent issue, and policies that overlook digital equity will limit educational, employment, and health care
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
access, impacting Black communities that rely on affordable internet services for opportunities.
Although Fullman understands the pessimism, as a community organizer he remains steadfast in his work.
“Power is neutral. It’s available to anyone willing to organize for it. I have to believe that,” he said. “If I believe there’s no power capable of building, if all the power’s gone, what am I actually organizing for?
“That’s the antidote to this fear and weariness — recognizing that democracy is fluid, that all it takes is one person to say I’ve had enough, and it will shift the entire political climate.”
Cynthia Moothart welcomes reader responses to cmoothart@ spokesman-recorder.com. Additional reporting was provided by NNPA.
Black Business SPOTLIGHT
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
When Bill Eddins, a renowned conductor and prodigious musician, co-founded MetroNOME Brewery in 2020, he wasn’t just starting another craft beer business. He was embarking on a mission rooted in a vision of societal reform and youth advocacy.
Born in Buffalo, New York, and a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Eddins spent decades conducting some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony, and Berlin Staatskapelle. A lifelong advocate for the arts, Eddins’ deep belief in the transformative power of music was cemented through his own experiences as a young musician.
But it wasn’t until the summer of 2020 — after surviving uprisings in Miami, Los Angeles, and finally Minneapolis — that he felt compelled to establish a business dedicated to making that power more accessible.
“MetroNOME was partly born of sheer frustration with the state of this world and the need, not the desire, to enact
change,” Eddins said.
MetroNOME Brewery, located in downtown St. Paul, is a manifestation of Eddins’ belief that music and beer serve the same purpose. “They encourage us to just have a good time, enjoy company, learn new things, and have our parameters opened up. Whether you go out for a drink or a show, you’re going to have to rub shoulders with some people you don’t know,” he said.
“It’s about forging community. That’s why we bring the two together.”
Eddins’ affinity for music, love of good beer, and passion for making music education accessible blend seamlessly to fuel and sustain the brewery.
Many nonprofit music education programs end up on the chopping block due to financial instability. Eddins created a new funding model designed to facilitate the growth of MetroNOME and nurture the musical development of the local youth.
“We’re essentially trying to create the economic perpetual motion machine,” Eddins said. “We want to redefine capitalism.”
The brewery draws in beer lovers attracted to the great selection of craft brews, mu-
Good beer, great music, and a better world
sicians who respect Eddins’ artistry, and concertgoers attracted by the great line-up of performers. Every aspect of the space draws people in, encourages community-building, and supports the brewery’s mission.
MetroNOME Brewery’s unique approach to business is designed to offer high-quality craft beer and direct a portion of its proceeds to fund local music education programs through the MetroNOME Foundation. They partner with organizations that provide musical instruments, lessons and mentorship to underprivileged youth in the Twin Cities.
While MetroNOME Brew-
ery’s mission is deeply rooted in its commitment to music education, passion for the arts, social justice, and community building also drive the organization. As a selfdescribed “radical egalitarian,” Eddins sees MetroNOME as more than just a business — he sees it as a way to combat systemic inequalities in education and empower young people through music.
“It’s beholden to us as human beings to fight for a more equitable world based on the very simple concept of humanity,” Eddins said. “There’s an ability to touch the human soul with abstract sound, and I know I was put on this planet to do that. That’s my part in the fight.”
Eddin’s goal encompasses all the individual lives MetroNOME touches. He remembered a show held at the brewery called General Queer Chaos, a celebration of LGBTQ+ musicians. “The joy and the freedom
that was represented there was wonderful to see. We provided a space for them where they could feel comfortable and play for each other through music,” he recalled.
“That’s what music is for a lot of kids. Music is the refuge in their life where they can be themselves and express themselves safely.”
“There’s an ability to touch the human soul with abstract sound, and I know I was put on this planet to do that.”
MetroNOME Brewery’s taproom pulses with vibrant energy, echoing with the sounds of live performances and joyous music lovers coming together. Downstairs, nestled in the brewery’s intimate Fingal’s Cave performance space, musicians of all genres take the stage every night for an eager crowd.
“Sometime in the future, some kid is going to make it big, and I’ll know that kid’s name because they played MetroNOME,” Eddins said. “Sometime in the future someone will tell me about how music saved their sanity during the roughest patch of their life. And there will be some story somewhere between those two.” Go to www.metronomebrewery.com for more information and a schedule of events.
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Eddins, who has long been a champion of arts advocacy, isn’t just content with creating a brewery. He wants MetroNOME to be a beacon for cultural change, a space where people of all backgrounds can unite and find common ground through music and community. As it continues to grow, Eddins remains focused on changing the landscape of music education in the Twin Cities. Eddins is clear that the true measure of MetroNOME’s success won’t be in the size of its business, but in the lasting impact it has on the community.
Stay safe from holiday scams
The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, not falling victim to scams that can steal your cheer. Falling for a scam can lead to losing money and putting your account and personal information at risk, which can be both time consuming and costly. Here are some common seasonal scams and tips to help protect yourself:
Missed packages or problems with delivery: Expecting a package? Be cautious of phishing messages through email or text impersonating delivery services like UPS or FedEx with links to view “missed deliveries.” These links may lead to fake sign-in pages or malware-infected sites. Do not respond to messages requesting personal or financial information, including money or cryptocurrency. Be wary of unexpected packages and avoid scanning QR codes, as they may be attempts to steal your information.
Online deals that are too good to be true: When shopping online or on social media, buy only from trusted websites and vendors. If purchasing on a platform or marketplace, stay on the platform to complete transactions and communicate with sellers, as protections often only apply when you use the platform. Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, and never send money to strangers or use Zelle for purchases, especially when you can’t confirm the goods exist.
Phony charities preying on your generosity:
The Holidays is also a season of giving. Before you donate money, double-check contact and payment information for your charity of choice and watch for text, email or phone call solicitations. Like any other unsolicited message, don’t click on links or open attachments that may contain malware or attempt to steal your information.
“Scammers do not discriminate and can target anyone during this festive season. Don’t
let your guard down. Always remember that if something seems off, it likely is. By staying alert and informed, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim during this holiday season,” said Darius Kingsley, head of Consumer Banking Practices at Chase.
Tips to aoid scams:
• Don’t send money to unknown individuals or for goods or services that you can’t confirm exist.
• Be cautious of friendly messages from strangers on social apps. Scammers might try to build trust before asking for money.
• If a deal seems too good to
be true, it probably is. Watch out for deep discounts or low prices that may be scams.
• If you shop on social media marketplaces, never pay using Zelle—it is the same as cash and you may not get back if there is an issue.
For more information about ways to help protect yourself from scams, scan the code or visit chase.com/scamspotting —it’s a free resource that offers information in English and Spanish.
Bill Eddins
The brewery offers a great selection of craft brews.
Courtesy photo
MetroNOME Brewery opened in 2020.
Courtesy photo
Scammers do not discriminate and can target anyone.
Getty Images
Arts & Culture
great Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones, a revered arranger and composer whose work transcended musical genres, passed away on Nov. 3. He was 91.
Known for producing Michael Jackson’s landmark albums “Thriller” and “Bad,” Jones’ career far exceeded even those iconic works.
Jones transformed genres, introduced new styles, and championed Black artistry in a largely segregated industry.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Jones in 2013, calling him a “Jack of All Trades” while noting that he “excelled at every role he took on.” His presence shaped countless albums, film scores, and even social movements — making him a bridge between jazz, R&B, pop, and hip hop and between Black and white audiences.
Jones began as a jazz trumpeter, arranging for bands like
Count Basie’s and becoming a respected composer in his own right. His film and television scores displayed extraordinary range, mixing classical, jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban influences.
Gregory Porter Gregory Porter celebrated his 53rd birthday on Nov. 4.
The Grammy-winning jazz icon with a rich baritone voice continues to wow crowds worldwide. The former football player suffered a shoulder injury that eventually led him to jazz. His 2010 debut album, “Water,” and album “Liquid Spirit” continue to break streaming records, proving jazz is indeed alive and well.
Others from the world of jazz celebrating November birthdays include Frank Kimbrough, Kurt Elling, Phil Woods, Rudy Van Gelder, Herb Geller, Ernest Dawkins, and Lou Donaldson, who is 98.
Christian Sands
player Gregoire Maret.
Listeners can expect to hear everything from gospel and acoustic jazz-rock to mid-tempo swing and neo and alternative soul. Sands’ record label, Mack Avenue, describes the album “as a cinematic narration of healing and triumph, reflecting Sands’ personal experience while offering a guide for anyone who has experienced loss of any kind.” For more information, visit www.mackavenue.com.
Meshell Ndegeocello
Grammy winner Meshell Ndegeocello “Live at The Walker Art Center” on Dec. 7 will feature music from her latest album, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin.” This musical performance is the latest evolution of Ndegeocello’s study of writer and activist James Baldwin. For ticket information, visit www.dakotacooks.com.
Robin James welcomes reader responses to rjames@spokesman-recorder.
Jazz pianist Christian Sands has a new album out titled
“Embracing Dawn.”
album features collaborations with bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Ryan Sands, guitar-
Marvin Sewell, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, and harmonica
JOIN THE 90TH CELEBRATION!
As the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder approaches its 90th anniversary, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication.
As the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder begins its 90th Anniversary year, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication.
Your generous contribution will support our legacy of dedicated community empowerment through journalism and ensure our vital work continues into the future.
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.
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 — the date of our founding in 1934.
Please consider this unique opportunity to stand collectively with the MSR, honoring 90 years of tradition and community service. For inquiries or to join as a “$90-for-90” supporter, call 612-827-4021, visit our website, or email admin@spokesman-recorder.com.
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GOP chopping block threatens Obamacare
By Stacy M. Brown
This year, enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces reached historic highs, with more than 45 million nationwide now enrolled — a 46% increase since 2021 and more than three times the enrollment since the ACA’s early years in 2014. With a Republican trifecta in Washington and a conservative-majority Supreme Court, the ACA is on a path to repeal.
The program, known as Obamacare, has become an essential fixture in the U.S. health care system. “For decades, when it came to federal programs we could depend on to keep Americans covered, three were always top of mind — Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. But now it’s crystal clear that we need to add a fourth — the Affordable Care Act,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said earlier this year.
The record enrollment has primarily been driven by enhanced subsidies, which were first enacted under the Biden administration in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan. The subsidies limit insurance costs to no more than 8.5% of a household’s income for many middle-income Americans, making coverage accessible for those previously unable to afford it.
However, the enhanced subsidies are only guaranteed through the end of 2025, and with Republicans newly in control of the Senate and House, the potential loss of these financial aids could spell trouble for millions of Americans who depend on the ACA.
“These historic enrollment numbers are a testament to
the need for comprehensive, quality, affordable health insurance,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Not only is demand for Marketplace insurance coverage at an all-time high, but the Marketplaces are delivering on the Affordable Care Act’s promise to provide the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance to millions of Americans.”
The states with the highest ACA enrollment rates in 2024 were largely conservative strongholds supporting Trump, including Florida with 4.2 million enrollees, Texas with 3.5 million, and Georgia with 1.3 million. These five states — Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and North Carolina — accounted for 55% of
“These
ceed 20% of income, according to Kaiser Family Foundation.
If subsidies expire, middleincome enrollees would likely be hit the hardest, as many would be priced out of coverage entirely.
ACA enrollment has also surged in states like Texas and Mississippi, where growth rates have exceeded 200% since 2020. Notably, these states had some of the highest uninsured rates before introducing the enhanced subsidies. Without Medicaid expansion, the ACA marketplace has been the primary avenue for affordable insurance.
Enhanced subsidies, which reduce premiums for eligible enrollees by an average of 44%, or about $705 per year, have made health insurance more accessible than ever.
historic enrollment numbers are a testament to the need for comprehensive, quality, affordable health insurance.”
total ACA enrollment.
Each state uses the federal Healthcare.gov enrollment platform and has yet to expand Medicaid under the ACA, making the ACA subsidies particularly vital for affordable health care access.
The subsidies have also substantially impacted middle-income families, including those with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level, or approximately $103,280 for a family of four. For this group, enhanced subsidies have capped insurance premiums at 8.5% of income; without the subsidies, premiums could ex-
By Levi Perrin
Black philanthropy is rooted in resilience, vision, and a commitment to community. Long before the worth was quantified in dollars or outcomes, the contributions wove generations together through mutual aid. Black women forged traditions of giving that have altered the lived experience of our people.
Recognizing that wealth is not the only currency, these change agents share time, talent and resources to uplift humanity, especially those most in need.
From early mutual aid societies to the Black church, to Greek sororities, to donor-advised funds, Black women have defined philanthropy as more than charity. It is a vehicle for empowerment. As the abolitionist movement gained momentum, Black women stepped forward as fundraisers, organizers, and champions of freedom.
Figures like Mary Ellen Pleasant — one of the first Black female self-made millionaires — used her wealth to fund the escape of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Their work extended
beyond finances. Black women newspaper publishers and northern elites offered information, mentorship and resources to those in need.
Throughout history, Black women have defied convention to create lasting change.
However, if Congress fails to renew them, the Congressional Budget Office projects that ACA enrollment could fall from 22.8 million in 2025 to 15.4 million by 2030 as millions of Americans lose affordable options.
Without financial support, many of these individuals could be forced to go without insurance, leading to even higher rates of medical debt, which stood at $220 billion nationwide in 2021.
Health care policy experts and millions of Americans watch closely, hoping for a path forward that will secure affordable health care for all. The ACA continues to be a successful, popular and important federal program to millions of people and their families.
At least for now.
Stacy M. Brown is a senior writer for The Washington Informer and the senior national correspondent for the Black Press of America.
By Aswad Walker
If this crushing election loss has taught us anything, we must get busy planning not for next week, next month, or the next election, but rather for the next century — the next 100 years. As folk are scrambling to assign blame regarding why Kamala Harris won’t be enjoying a Jan. 20, 2025 inauguration for the ages, they’re looking in all the wrong places.
Some say the Harris campaign was too centrist, bending backward to appease and attract Republicans. Others say the Harris campaign went too far in seeking to expand the Democrats’ tent and should have gone hard in the paint to lock down the Democratic base.
Some believe a harder stance against the genocide in Gaza would have made a difference. Others point to President Biden and say he waited too long to drop out of the race, leaving Harris with only 100 days to mount a presidential campaign — unheard of in modern politics.
The Republicans were successful because they had been working, pushing and planning for this aim for years — actually, for decades.
Take, for example, “Project 2025: A Mandate for Leadership.” The Heritage Foundation, the white nationalist think tank that spearheaded
giving, we celebrate a few who epitomize the generosity, courage and dedication that define Black philanthropy.
From tithing at church to volunteerism, the generosity of Black women takes many forms beyond monetary donations. Witness the college student leading her sorority’s food drive; the grandmother who slips cash into the collection plate every Sunday; the mom who organizes a bake sale to ensure low-income children can participate in a class trip; and the civic leader who tirelessly devotes time and activism to social change.
Today, Black philanthropy
remains as varied as the givers. Two-thirds of Black households contribute to charitable causes, often at a rate of 25% more than other groups, despite systemic barriers to wealth accumulation. These contributions, totaling more than $11 billion annually, are emblematic of the power of collective giving.
At its heart, this giving spirit is a commitment to justice, equity, and shared responsibility for the future. In every era, Black women have carried this legacy forward, finding new ways to support their communities while honoring the sacrifices of those who came before them. Their gifts remind us that the greatest tribute is a future shaped by compassion, opportunity and progress.
Joshua Levi Perrin is a writer for Unerased | Black Women Speak. Learn More about Giving Black.
this blueprint for American apartheid, has been publishing their “Mandate for Leadership” since 1981. So, each year, for the past 43 years, they have been scheming, planning and organizing to put Black people and women “back in their place.”
Catholic immigrants (Irish and others, who at that time were not considered white) from invading the country and stealing white jobs. That was 174 years ago.
Make no mistake; their cause is whiteness, and they have laws and policies and institutional mandates to back it up and enforce it.
But before that, in 1964, amid the Civil Rights Movement, Barry Goldwater and crew conspired to make the Republican Party the official/ unofficial “white people’s party.” Please look it up yourself if you don’t believe me. And even if you do. That’s 60 years of cementing the GOP as a “whites only” political party. And Donald Trump’s right hand man, Stephen Miller, reiterated the point just this week.
Oh, they accept white-identifying Blacks, Asians and Latinos — anyone who will slave for their cause. But make no mistake; their cause is whiteness, and they have laws and policies and institutional mandates to back it up and enforce it.
Before that, in the 1850s, the Native American Party touted the slogan “America First” as a rallying cry for racist white Protestants to stop
My point: They have been on this anti-Black, anti-other kick for centuries, forever devising new ways to protect whiteness. And there’s a gazillion more examples I could share.
But they ’gon do what they ’gon do. The real question is, “What we ’gon do”?
The only acceptable answer is to plan not only for next week, next year, or next election, but to plan, strategize, organize, fundraise, work and build with the next 100 years in mind. I guarantee you, the folk who have always seen you and me as less than human have already drawn up their game plan for Project 2125 and beyond.
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.
Prepping Black kids for tomorrow’s
By Aziah Siid
If the American K-12 education system were graded on how well it prepares Black students for the jobs of the future, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math, it probably would fail.
Black people are currently underrepresented in highwage jobs but overrepresented in low-wage work and have a disproportionately high rate of unemployment compared to whites. By contrast, only around 1 in 10 workers in STEM fields, such as computer coding or biotechnology, are Black.
The 2024 Black Students and STEM Report, released in April, found that while tests show Black students in general have an aptitude for jobs in those fields, they lack interest, “likely in part due to a lack of Black individuals currently represented in these careers.”
That lack of interest originates in middle and high school, when students “explore coursework, engage with counselors and teachers, explore skills and trades, and imagine future careers,” according to the report. “Without proper tools and interventions, this time is precisely when students begin to opt out of STEM-related careers.”
Yet too often majorityBlack K-12 schools lack the resources and role models, while Black students in
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Twins diversity and new ownership
After last week’s announcement of the Minnesota Twins’ executive succession plan, the MSR asked both outgoing team president and CEO Dave St. Peter and his successor Derek Falvey on what effect, if any, this may have on the club’s ongoing diversity efforts on and off the field.
mostly-white schools don’t get the same opportunities as their white classmates to take advanced science and math classes — the gateways to jobs in the new economy. And research shows the lack of career readiness affects students’ life outcomes when it comes to securing long-term careers and financial security. However, there are nonprofit organizations designed to engage and encourage Black students to consider college and professional careers. These organizations offer mentorship and practical lessons on how to succeed in the future workplace. Here are four career readiness and mentorship organizations that help prepare Black students for the future.
100 Black Men of America
Billing itself as the nation’s top mentoring organization for young Black people, the organization began in New York City 61 years ago when a group of influential Black professional men — including Hall of Fame baseball player Jackie Robinson and David Dinkins, then the future mayor of New York — gathered to explore ways to help the Black community. Twenty years later, the organization received its charter and elected its leadership. Working with more than 125,000 Black youth across the country, The 100, as it is known, offers mentoring
at annual conferences and regional workshops, primarily centered on business and entrepreneurship, as well as preparing students for college, that are open to the public. They also provide financial literacy classes along with fiscal planning, investment management and career development.
Black Girls CODE
Only 20% of all engineering bachelor’s degree holders are women. The data is even
worse for women of color, who represent less than 4% of engineering bachelor’s degree holders. For Black American women specifically, that percentage is declining, according to the Society of Women Engineers.
Black Girls CODE supports girls of color by teaching them about computer coding, systems engineering, and other tech opportunities. The organization partners with schools, companies, local organizations, and volunteers to
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He also worked for many legendary coaches and sponged off each one in terms of knowledge. “I grabbed stuff when I was young,” stressed Turner.
“So many different coaches taught me different stuff. I had some great ones. I’ve been with some Hall of Fame coaches.
provide learning opportunities and build relationships to help Black girls thrive in STEM.
The Blue Heart Foundation
The Blue Heart Foundation focuses on underserved Black boys and young men, exposing them to various experiences, including college campus tours and community service activities.
Along with college prep classes and sessions on socioemotional development, the
“If I had to prep to be a coach all over again, I would have mastered in psychology. It’s about making players, as you know. It’s about getting players to read and move and do things that you need them to do,” explained the Wolves assistant coach, who is given credit for the team’s defensive improvement last season.
“No, I can’t take full credit for anything. We as a staff, we dig into each other’s minds
organization offers a STEM academy designed specifically to give Black boys educational experiences in the field as well as providing role models and mentorship.
It offers mentorships, personal and professional development, college campus tours, and community service activities each semester. The foundation’s goal is to help raise socially aware young men.
Black Girls Do STEM
Created to address the lack of Black women in science- and tech-related fields, Black Girls Do STEM provides “a culturally unique learning space where we place positive role models who look like them right in their path,” according to the organization’s website. “Our goal is to create a cradle-to-career pathway to strengthen and diversify the pipeline of skilled workers entering today’s dynamic labor market.”
Their programs include college prep such as preparing for standardized tests. They also offer a basic STEM academy for middle school girls and a more advanced one for high school girls. The latter includes tutoring in math and science and opportunities for internships.
Aziah Siid is a journalist with a background in K-12 teaching, aiding young individuals with disabilities, and improving underserved schools.
and throw ideas out there.
“I am the guy that implemented a lot of stuff on the defensive end. I’ve grown definitely — I’ve been at it a long time. You have to meet players where they are, because these guys come from all different backgrounds, and I’ve learned how to deal with them.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Added St. Peter, who will transition to a strategic advisory role, “We have work to do. I think we’ve made progress.”
The Twins currently are up for sale.
Falvey assured me that both Torii Hunter and LaTroy Hawkins are expected to return as special assistants in the baseball operations front office. “We have diverse leaders already at the V-P level and at the director level across the board,” the current baseball operations boss stressed.
“Hopefully the future owner would be equally committed as I’ve been and we’ve been in trying to make that progress,” concluded the outgoing president.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Dave St. Peter Derek Falvey
Photos by Charles Hallman
Employment & Legals
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Logan Michael Hedrick, SUMMONS Plaintiff, vs. Shannon Jay Gutzke, and Danielle Pogue, Defendants.
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3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
MEGAN CURTIS LAW, PLLC
Dated: 09/17/2024
By: /s/Megan M. Curtis Megan M. Curtis, MN #0393601 First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W1610 Saint Paul, MN 55101 P: 612-750-4688 F: 651-412-5070 E: mc@megancurtislaw.com
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 14, 21, 28, 2024
Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 10/4/2024 12:15 PM STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION Court File No. 27-PA-PR-24-1214 NOTICE AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re the Estate of: Rick Edward Hand, Decedent.
IT IS ORDERED AND NOTICE IS GIVEN that pursuant to Minnesota Supreme Court Order ADM20-8001 a hearing will be heard remotely on December 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. by this Court for the formal adjudication of intestacy and determination of heirs of the Decedent, and for the appointment of Jackson Hand, whose address is 3984 Colorado Ave S, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a SUPERVISED administration. If proper and if no objections are filed, the Personal Representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate.
If you wish to appear at the hearing, please contact the court by phone at (612) 348-6000 so that arrangements can be made for you to appear. If you object to the relief sought, you must file a written objection with the court by 4:30 p.m. on December 6, 2024. Written objections not filed by the ordered date and time will not be considered. Written objections may be filed with the required filing fee one of two ways: 1) Mailed to Hennepin County District Court – Probate/Mental Health Division, 300 South Sixth Street – C4 Govt. Ctr., Minneapolis, MN 55487-0340; or 2) Electronically filed using the electronic filing system
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice shall be given by: 1) publication once a week for two consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper in Hennepin County, the last publication of which is to be at least ten (10) days before the deadline for objections; and 2) mailing via U.S. Postal Service a copy of this Notice and Order postmarked at least fourteen (14) days prior to the deadline for objections to all interested persons as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 524.1-401 and persons who have filed a demand for notice pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 524.3-204. Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 501B.41, subdivision 5. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that (subject to Minnesota Statutes § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the
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3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
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4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
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I hereby acknowledge that sanctions may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. §549.211.
Dated: October 10, 2024 SWOR AND GATTO, P.A.
By: /s/John Paul J. Gatto John Paul J. Gatto (#0387730) Paul J. Gatto (#33741) ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 1177 West Seventh Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 651-454-3600 jpg@sworgatto.com paulg@sworgatto.com
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 14, 21, 28, 2024
STATE OF MINNESOTA
From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY COUNTY OF HENNEPIN DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 27-CV-24-16792
Master’s in Software Eng., Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Eng. or rel. eng. or tech field & 2 yrs. exp. as embedded software engr. or firmware engr.; or Bachelors & 5 yrs exp. Position is open to telecommuting from anywhere in the US. Apply: https://medtronic.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MedtronicCareers, Req. #R12555. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
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for Petitioner Jaspers, Moriarty & Wetherille, P.A. James P. Conway MN# 0391044 206 Scott Street Shakopee, MN 55379 Telephone: (952) 445-2817 Facsimile: (952) 445-0812 e-mail: jconway@jmwlaw.com Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 14, 21, 2024
Abduselam Ahmed Hirsi, SUMMONS Plaintiff, v.
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2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham Law Office 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404
The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
Dated: 10/3/2024
St. Paul champ Central, coached by Dan Brink, featured Stacy Robinson, Ricky Suggs, Jeff Conley, Billy Jo Watts, John Williams, Farron Henderson, Davey Givens and Brian Dungey. They would take on Minneapolis champ North, led by Coach Tony Queen, featuring Ben Coleman, Mike Esaw, Pat Burston and Damond Dickson
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My father also made it clear that the game would be played at Macalester College, not a high school gym. “I’m going to support Central,” he said. “I also want to see Big Ben [Coleman],” he said, referring to North’s 6’9” center and Minneapolis City Conference Player of the Year.
My curiosity got the best of me and I decided to go to the game. We walked into a packed house of 2,500 fans, and to my amazement both teams were all Black. This wasn’t something you often saw in Minnesota in those days. It seemed as if St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood showed up, as did Minneapolis’ North Side.
The game itself was something to remember.
Suggs’ 19 points, along with 12 from Williams, led Central to a 65-55 victory.
Coleman, one of the
state’s top prospects at the time, led North with 15 points. Esaw added 12, Burston 11, and Dickson 10. Afterwards I was hooked, as this was the first high school basketball game I ever attended. From then on, we followed Central all the way to their runner-up finish in the Class AA state boys basketball tournament. North was knocked out of the Region 5AA playoffs.
What was unknown at the time was that this was the beginning of a rivalry that would last until 1988 during a period in which both programs enjoyed a decade of success.
Central would win conference titles from 1980-’82 and ’84-’88, with third-place Class AA state finishes in ’81, ’84 and ’86.
North would do likewise from 1980-’82, and ’84-’88, with a Class AA state title in ’80 and runner-up finishes in ’84 and ’85.
Also unknown at the time was the impact that game had on me. After earning a journalism degree from Central State University (Ohio) in 1987, I came back home and have been covering high school sports ever since. My life changed forever.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
Experienced assistant coaches strengthen Tommies
iana Jones is in her first season as an St. Thomas assistant women’s basketball coach. Kenneth Lowe enters his third year in a similar position with the Tommies men’s team. The MSR talked to both Jones and Lowe in separate interviews before the season.
Jones feels she fits right in Armed with an MBA from Faulkner (Ala.) University in 2021 and a sports management degree from Drexel in 2018, Tiana Jones brings to the Tommies several seasons of basketball experience she
gained from a variety of experiences at her previous stops. These include Wagner, SUNYCanton, Faulkner, St. Joseph, and Drexel, where she got her initial basketball start as a team manager (2014-18).
UST Coach Ruth Sinn said of Jones, “We are extremely excited to have her on the bench. Tiana stood out for her extensive coaching experience along with certain characteristics and personality traits that we believe can bring our program to the next level.”
“You come into a program,” noted Jones, “that actually knows their direction and knows where they want to go, and you fit right in.
“Coaching was always in my plans,” she admitted. Her responsibilities over the years have included recruiting, player development, scouting, and academic, travel and referee liaison during her two seasons at Wagner College, as well as video specialist at St. Joseph’s (2022-23).
Lowe loves player development Kenneth Lowe joined the
innesota hosts Eastern Illinois in women’s basketball this week, Nov. 20. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Marqus McGlothan as he returns to The Barn for the first time since Dec. 2022, then as the Panthers assistant coach. This time he’s in charge, being named in May as interim head coach after a season as associ-
Tommies coaching staff in 2022 after similar roles as an assistant coach at Miami (Ohio) in 2017-22 and Purdue (2013-17), where he played and graduated.
As a college player, Lowe was a two-time All-Big Ten (2003, 2004) and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2003, 2004). But he also finished second all-time in free throw percentage (over 86 percent) and 46th in scoring (1,079).
After nine seasons playing overseas, Lowe moved into coaching. “I started off as as-
sistant video coordinator at Purdue,” he recalled. “I never played for [current] Coach [Matt] Painter, but he hired me fresh from playing overseas.”
At St. Thomas, Lowe’s three main areas of responsibilities are player development, recruiting coordinator, and defensive coordinator (which he shares with fellow assistant Cameron Rundles — the two are the only Black coaches on the staff). Asked his preference, he said, “Honestly, it doesn’t matter.”
But pressed, Lowe pointed
out, “I would say working the guys out. I love being around young men, helping them get better as basketball players and as men. That’s the main reason why I coach.
“I want to help these young guys be the best version of themselves,” concluded Lowe.
“I’m excited about being here.”
Yale coach on representing
The last time Minnesota and Yale played each other in men’s basketball was in 1980, before then in 1902 and 1957.
But their fourth ever meeting last Saturday was unlike the three previous contests—this time both teams had Black
head coaches.
“It’s not something you think about every day, but it’s something in the back of your mind,” Yale HC James Jones, now in his 26 years at the Ivy League school, told me after the Saturday afternoon game, which the hosts won 59-56. “To be able to show people who look like me that you can do a job like this and be successful at it. That’s one of the motivating factors for me to be as good as I possibly can be for others to come after me.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
ate coach.
This is McGlothan’s third season at EIU, having joined the staff in 2022-23. Before that, the 2015 St. Cloud State graduate was an assistant coach there (2019-20), where
he helped coach the women’s team to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament Championship. Before that, he was a local successful AAU coach (2019 Coach of the Year) and co-founder of a Mid-
west basketball training facility.
Since coming to EIU, McGlothan helped the Panthers to two second-place regular finishes in the OVC, a six-week stint ranked in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll last season, and consecutive semifinal appearances in the conference tournament as an assistant coach, then associate HC.
Now he has moved over one seat. This from the outset wasn’t a problem, even though it was unexpected after former coach Matt Bollant resigned to take another job at another school, McGlothan told us during a recent MSR phone interview.
Already being on staff “helped a lot,” he pointed out. “It helped me taking over already having a familiarity [with
Asst. Coach Turner improves Wolves’ defense
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
nce upon a time, seemingly eons ago, if you made it into “Sports Illustrated” in some form or fashion, you certainly were somebody. This happened to Elston Turner when he was a player at Mississippi in the late 1970s.
The magazine said, “Mississippi’s Elston Turner is trying to ‘deny the ball,’ which is one of the most difficult of defensive assignments… Turner must not only move right with him, but he must also keep an eye on the ball and extend a hand to discourage or deflect the pass” in defending Alabama’s Reggie King.
Turner, now a Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach, remembered the play action which “SI” captured in a photo: “It was a really very popular magazine back then, and even just to be in it, man, it made me feel a little special,” he recalled proudly.
Guarding King was a load assignment. “He was a big bully, man,” said Turner with a smile.
The then-6’5” Turner was a star at Ole Miss (1977-81) and
led the Rebels to the NCAAs for the first time his senior season. But that “SI” feature in December 1979 as part of the magazine’s annual college basketball preview issue got him somehow tagged as a defensive specialist.
Oh, that “SI” issue is framed and hangs in his home office, Turner points out.
“It’s about getting players to read and move and do things that you need them to do.”
That issue in many ways eventually helped Turner become a second-round pick by Dallas in 1981 (43rd overall), the same draft the then expansion Mavericks also picked Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman. As a result, Turner knew that if he was to make it in the league, defense would have to be his calling card.
“They drafted a bunch of scorers, so they said, ‘Hey we probably need you just to play some defense,” remembers Turner. “I’m trying to make the
team, so I basically did what the coach asked. I mean, who would not?
“They boxed me into this defense role, and it stuck. That’s how it all got started, which I accepted.”
Turner forged out an eightseason NBA career, then also played in the old CBA and professionally in Europe.
But late in his playing career, Turner was directed toward coaching, first in the CBA as a player-coach. “The coach would always ask me to get out there and demonstrate stuff,” explained Turner.
“I was still playing, but they would put me out there to show some of the younger players how to do different things. That’s how it all started.”
Turner’s coaching journey first started with Sacramento (six years), then Portland (four years), Houston, Phoenix, Memphis, back to Sacramento and Houston, before joining the Minnesota staff in 2021.
He also interviewed several times for NBA head coaching vacancies, including with the Timberwolves in 2009, but to no avail. But Turner has earned the reputation of being a valuable coach on anyone’s staff.
■ See TURNER on page 10
the players]. They already know how I am.”
He is looking forward to his first matchup against the Gophers as HC. Minnesota’s Dawn Plitzuweit “has been a mentor to me, helping me out with certain things” and he’s known her since her days at South Dakota, continued McGlothan.
home for consecutive contests vs. Loyola Chicago (Nov. 23) and IU Indy (Nov. 27).
The Minnesota-Eastern Illinois game falls under the “money game” category, when a smaller or mid-major team plays at a larger school for guaranteed financials. Yet McGlothan strongly believes his squad is looking for more — a victory — rather than being a sacrificial lamb.
The Eastern Illinois visiting coach believes this week’s scheduled meeting, his club’s second this season against a Big Ten opponent, “should be a good contest.” EIU returns
Teams like his have been inspired by Northern Illinois’ stunning victory at Notre Dame in football in September, led by Thomas Hammock, one of the few Black head football coaches at a non-HBCU school.
“I’m happy for him and his team,” said McGlothan. “We can coach, too.”
n Saturday, February 17, 1979, my whole life changed.
I was an eighth grader at Highland Park Junior High School in St. Paul. It was a cold winter Saturday in St. Paul, and as I enjoyed breakfast my father, Kwame McDonald, asked me a question he posed to me every Tuesday and Friday night.
To my amazement both teams were all Black. This wasn’t something you often saw in Minnesota in those days.
“You want to come with me to the [St. Paul] Central basketball game?” I responded with the same answer given since the season began. After every game, my fa-
ther would come home and my mother, Mary McDonald, would ask him the same question. “Who won?” she would ask.
“Central won,” he would respond.
It was an answer my father repeated 19 consecutive times, which was identical to the Minutemen’s 19-0 record up to that point.
During my father’s attempts to convince me to go with him, it soon became apparent that this was no ordinary game. This game was special. It was the Twin City game, the contest in which the St. Paul City Conference champion would take on the Minneapolis City Conference champion.
Tiana Jones Courtesy of UST Athletics
Cameron Rundles (l) and Kenneth Lowe Courtesy of UST Athletics
