Mayor, council clash over Mpls budget on page 3.
Reimagining policing: how Brooklyn Park is paving the way
By Margaret Sullivan Contributing Writer
n the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, elected officials across the state vowed to make changes to policies and practices that govern interactions with police. From a statewide ban on chokeholds to the removal of student resource officers (SROs) in St. Paul Public Schools, policies were implemented to reduce harm and instill trust within the Black community.
One Minneapolis suburb has found success by focusing on initiatives that cultivate relationships, trust, wellness and accessibility in unprecedented ways.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department (BPPD) launched
several initiatives aimed at improving interactions between police and community members. In 2023, BPPD launched an Alternative Response Team (ART), the first of its kind. This team, comprised of social workers and health care professionals, responds to 911 calls related to mental health crises. After the initial call, ART follows up to continue providing support and ongoing resources, setting this program apart from similar initiatives launched elsewhere throughout the state.
“They don’t just handle the situation at the moment,” says Elliot Faust, Brooklyn Park police precinct inspector and public information officer. Faust says this has resulted in a decrease in mental health-related calls as social workers and para-
medics show up on the scene, take more time to assess what’s needed, and continue providing care after the fact.
The wellness and mental health needs of Brooklyn Park officers are also of the utmost priority. Police officers are prohibited from working over-long hours that lead to burnout and are provided with proper mental health support. “If they’re not well, they’re not going to treat the citizens well,” Faust says.
The cultivation of relationships has proven beneficial. After the murder of Daunte Wright in neighboring Brooklyn Center, Faust states that there was a need to build police legitimacy and double down on community engagement. Instead of officers solely showing up when
Gun victim, nonprofit leader applauds Ellison lawsuit
By Cynthia Moothart Managing Editor
un violence victim and gun violence prevention leader Tommy McBrayer applauds the decision by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to sue gun manufacturer Glock Inc. Ellison filed against Glock and its Austrian parent company on Dec. 12 for manufacturing, marketing, and selling semiautomatic handguns that can easily be converted into illegal machine guns with a cheap device known as a “Glock switch.”
Tommy McBrayer
Justice Page
By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer
hannon Tenner, the principal of Justice Page Middle School in South Minneapolis, has dedicated her life to education and community empowerment. On a typical school day on Dec. 13, she walked into what she thought was a routine gathering — only to be surprised with a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Vikings as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change Change-
makers program.
“I came in here thinking it was for somebody else,” Tenner said, her voice filled with emotion. “You never think you’ll receive this much recognition for the work we do with students. I’m humbled, I’m honored, and I love, love, love working with students — that’s my passion.”
The $10,000 grant reflects Tenner’s unwavering commitment to her students and the broader South Minneapolis community. Half of the funds will directly support classroom
resources and much-needed upgrades to the school’s aging auditorium. The other half will go to Onika’s Angels, a nonprofit organization that distributes food and other essentials at the school.
“This year there was an additional crunch on the district, so every bit helps,” Tenner said. “I don’t have as much money as I normally would have to assist with things like that.”
In 2018, all NFL teams adopted a matching grant initiative to ■ See VIKINGS on page 5
■ See ELLISON on page 5
“As an organization that’s trying to prevent gun violence, here’s a system that wants to keep the violence going,” said McBrayer, founder and CEO of Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops. “Gun manufacturers don’t care about the violence from these switches. We need to go after them because once these things hit the streets it’s too late. I support Keith Ellison, appreciate him for what he’s doing.” Ellison said he is suing Glock for knowingly manufacturing and selling handguns that can easily be converted into machine guns. “Glock’s actions, and their inaction, violate Minnesota law and put kids, communities, and law enforcement in danger. This has to stop,” he said. “It is critically important that we continue to hold individuals who commit crimes criminally accountable for their actions. It’s also important that when corporations knowingly make, market, and sell products that put people’s lives in danger, we hold them civilly accountable. We can and must reduce gun violence and keep Minnesotans safe by pursuing justice using the tools of both
Robbinsdale School Board squabbles over personal attacks
By Clint Combs Contributing Writer
obbinsdale School Board voted to censure for a second time Board
Member Sharon Brooks on Dec. 16 following an investigative report stating she violated board rules against harassment. Brooks also was removed from all board committees and put on notice that further violations could lead to her removal from the board. Brooks had 10 committee posts, including MN School Board Director of Color and Student Advisory to the Board of Education.
According to school board documents, the report and investigation stemmed from an argument between Brooks and
board member Caroline Long. Long had described how her mother once called her an “Nword baby.” Brooks contested Long’s claim to be Black, repeatedly saying at an Aug. 26 meeting, “I identify as Black.” Supporters of Brooks argue that her statement merely repeated something Long had said.
Cynthia Wilson of the Minneapolis NAACP criticized the board’s actions, saying, “You’re going to vote to take $600 [board stipend] from an elected official to silence her when in fact you had a board member who dropped all kinds of F-bombs and was very disrespectful,” referring to board member John Vento, a white person who had used the F-word toward Brooks at a public policy meeting last July.
“She repeated what someone else said: ‘I identify as Black.’
Well, guess what? I identify as Black as well.” Vento was absent from the Dec. 16 meeting.
Brooks criticized the report as a double standard leveled at her.
“I am going to request that the chair ruled out of order, “Liz J. Vieira, attorney counsel at the board meeting, interjected.
“The investigative report has been concluded. The conclusions have been accepted.”
Brooks continued alleging that Board Chair ReNae Bowman, Vice Chair Kim Holmes, and Director Long were violating the board’s code of conduct. The investigative report has not been released to the public. “Read the report on them; it’s pretty heinous,” Brooks said.
“Personal attacks are out of order,” Chair Bowman said.
“No attacks. Facts,” Brooks responded.
Vieira said Brooks’ use of the word “heinous” was out of order.
Chair Bowman is responsible for adding items to the school board meeting agenda. Bowman was only available for comment after MSR’s publication deadline.
Board member Helen Bassett said the report should have been issued sooner but also argued that the board should delay its censure vote until a new director is in charge of the body.
Vice Chair Holmes disagreed, stating, “This is a very detailed resolution. I encourage everybody to read it, especially those that came for listening hour.” She explained that the resolution is necessary for establishing clear expectations for board members’ conduct, adding, “We are a self-policing body. It’s not a court of law. Nobody is claiming it is. These are the tools that have been provided to us.” Holmes stressed that delaying the resolution would
■ See BROOKS on page 5
The Brooklyn Park Police Department is seeing an increase in the number of BIPOC and women officers entering its ranks.
Courtesy photo
Shannon Tenner, along with Alan Page (seated), Brett Taber, and the Vikings mascot at Justice Page Middle School
Photo courtesy Onika Nicole Craven
Robbinsdale School Board Member Sharon Brooks
Metro
Principal comes full circle to address educational disparities
She now leads her own alma mater
By Tonya Jackman Hampton
For Cherise Ayers, principal of St. Paul Central High School, the persistence of educational disparities (see sidebar) is not just professional but deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences as a student.
“I first noticed these disparities when I was a high school student,” Ayers recalls. “I attended Central High School and was in accelerated classes, where I was often one of the few students of color. Many of my classmates either didn’t have access to these opportunities or didn’t take advantage of them.
I saw these disparities through the lens of a teenager.”
Ayers graduated from Central in 1997. She now holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College and a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Brown University.
It was when she attended Spelman College, an HBCU, that her perspective broadened.
“At Spelman, I saw how things could be different for Black people when they have access and opportunity. That juxtaposition was eye-opening.”
For her, educational equity means eliminating disparities entirely. “True equity leads to equal-
“People love Central and they stay, and I think that speaks to what an amazing place it is.”
ity. It’s about giving students what they need to thrive academically, whether that means more resources, funds or advisors,” she explains. “Every student is different. Some might need more support because of economic, racial or individual factors.”
Among the most significant gaps in K-12 education are reading, literacy, and numeracy skills.
“These gaps start early and often persist into high school,” she notes. “Students who struggle academically, socially or emotionally in grade school tend to continue struggling. For some, it’s easier to act out than to feel inadequate, leading to disciplinary issues.”
Certain groups, such as Black and Indigenous students, are particularly affected. “These disparities don’t exist in isolation,” she emphasizes. “They’re compounded by socioeconomic factors like poverty and lack of access to resources. The environment students live in impacts their readiness to learn and how they show up in school.”
Socioeconomic status often determines access to quality education. “Communities with more funding can afford better schools,” she explains. “In areas like St. Paul, we have a decent tax base, but many companies don’t pay property taxes or have tax subsidies, which impacts
funding for schools.”
Teacher quality also plays a critical role in perpetuating or addressing disparities. “If students with compounded struggles have an ineffective teacher, it can set them back significantly,” she says. “Two consecutive years of ineffective teaching can have a devastating impact.”
She also highlights the lack of Black teachers as a systemic issue rooted in historical injustices. “After Brown v. Board of Education, many Black educators lost their jobs. Today, only 2% of teachers nationwide are Black. Research shows that having Black teachers improves outcomes for all students, particularly Black students.”
She is a vocal critic of standardized testing. “I call it ‘Big Ed,’” she says with a wry smile. “Standardized tests often don’t measure what they’re supposed to. It’s one day of testing, but there are many other ways to assess students.”
She cites the work of Dr. Goldy Muhammad, who advocates for curricula that meet students where they are. As Muhammad suggests: “We wouldn’t give someone an outfit without measuring them first. The same goes for education. We need to assess students to ensure they’re getting what they need.” Ayers encourages students to take care of each other and to learn to advocate for themselves.
Looking ahead, she envisions a holistic approach to addressing disparities. “Programs like
Minnesota educational disparities
Educational disparities have long plagued the K-12 system in the United States, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
In 2022, Minnesota had 821,260 students enrolled in 2,014 schools across 331 school districts. Enrollment increased for Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Black, and Asian students, while enrollment decreased for white students.
In the 2023-2024 school year, fewer than half of tested students met state proficiency standards in reading and math, which was the same as the previous year. Minnesota dropped to 19th in the national education ranking due to low test scores.
Public school enrollment in Minnesota has declined for four years in a row. Nonpublic enrollment increased
the Harlem Children’s Zone show us what’s possible,” she says. “We need to address the whole child and their family. Adults who struggle were often kids who struggled, and no one intervened. I hope to see changes that provide families with the resources they need to thrive.”
The Harlem Children’s Zone offers a cradle-to-career pathway of comprehensive programs — offered at no cost — to empower students, families and communities with the opportunities needed to achieve social and economic mobility.
Despite the challenges, Ayers finds immense joy in her work. “Schools are fun places to be. I love being a principal because it allows me to see the world through the eyes of children. They’re bright, wise, and full of potential. It’s an honor to work with them.
“One thing that I want to make sure that happens is that we are serving all of our stu-
slightly for the 2023-2024 school year, and homeschool enrollment increased by 10%. The class of 2023 graduated at a rate of 83%, which was down slightly from 2022 and 2020.
E-12 public education is Minnesota’s biggest general fund expenditure, making up nearly 35% of all general fund dollars for the 20242025 biennium.
Some districts have low attendance rates, such as Minneapolis, where less than half of public school kids attend regularly. In the Red Lake public school district, only 12% of students regularly attend.
About 30% of high school graduates who enroll in college drop out before completing their degree. For students of color and Indigenous students, more than 40% drop out.
dents, that we are serving our most marginalized students just as well as we’re serving those who come from privilege,” Ayers says. “People love Central and they stay, and I think that speaks to what an amazing place it is.”
Back to school, for Ayers, is a new chapter that begins in familiar territory. “You know, I think I represent possibility. And I represent I hope, spirit,” she says. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter was part of Ayers’ 1997 graduating class. The new administrator says that the theme for this school year is “We’re in this together.”
Holding still today, her hope is clear: “I want schools to be places where every child feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.”
Tonya Jackman Hampton, a native Minnesotan, is an author with a doctor of education and an MBA.
Last in a six-part series
Principal Cherise Ayers
Courtesy St. Paul Public Schools
Among the most significant racial gaps in K-12 education are reading, literacy, and numeracy skills. Media Photos
Frey and City Council at odds over Mpls spending
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
The Minneapolis City Coun-
cil passed its 2025 budget after intense debate and a final override of Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto. The budget, which totals $1.9 billion, includes a 6.8% increase in the property tax levy and sets the course for how city funds will be allocated for the upcoming year.
The process began with significant tension between the mayor and the council. The override signals a contentious yet decisive moment in the budgetary process.
In August 2024, Frey introduced his proposed budget for 2025, outlining expenditures of $1.883 billion and revenues of $1.896 billion. The mayor’s budget included an 8.3% property tax increase, the highest in more than a decade, which drew immediate concerns from City Council members and residents. This proposed tax increase was seen as too steep, especially in light of the financial strains felt by many Minneapolis residents. The mayor’s budget also included no cuts to city departments, with a proposed $36.8 million increase in expenses from the previous year.
Frey’s proposal allocated substantial funds to redevelop the 4th Police Precinct. He also recommended cutting funding for the city’s Affordable Homeownership Preservation program, which helps low-income homeowners with repairs and stabilization services, and the Small Business High-Road La-
Veto and override
bor Standards Intervention Pilot Project that provides support services to BIPOC-owned small businesses to create equitable jobs. These proposals from the mayor were ultimately denied. In response to Frey’s proposal, council members voiced concerns about the proposed property tax increase and the overall allocation of funds.
The council’s
maintained
strong focus on public safety, with funds allocated for crime prevention, police reform, and support for communitybased safety initiatives.
Council members worked through a series of amendments aimed at addressing both financial concerns and the priorities of Minneapolis residents. Among the most significant changes was the reduction of the proposed property tax
vote mark historic moment
increase. Following diligent research and effort, the City Council was able to find opportunities for savings and reallocations that resulted in lowering by 1.5% the property tax levy from the mayor’s original 8.3% increase.
Through the council’s efforts, $7.12 million in cuts were made to expenses and revenues, and $3.875 million was pulled from the city’s current fund balance to offset new one-time spending.
Other amendments proposed by council members addressed various community needs, including public safety, affordable housing, and economic development. These initiatives included funding for a Latino Cultural Destination project and a new Community Safety Center in North Minneapolis.
The council-approved budget includes $1.880 billion in expenses and $1.893 billion in revenues, with the 6.8% property tax levy increase representing a compromise between the council’s reductions and the
creased funding for services that support aging in place, including transportation and housing stabilization programs.
Council members emphasized the importance of creating a budget that was both reflective of community needs and responsive to the economic realities of the city.
dents clamoring for a city that actually works. Being an actual ‘strong mayor’ is about more than a veto pen — it’s about connection, consensus, and compromise.”
mayor’s original proposal.
The final 2025 budget proposal prioritized several key areas, reflecting the council’s commitment to addressing
Despite the City Council’s resident-centered revisions, Frey vetoed the council’s budget, possibly marking himself as the first mayor in Minneapolis’ history to veto a city budget. It was his 16th veto since becoming mayor in 2018 — surpassing the number of vetoes by the last two mayors combined. Frey argued that the coun-
The council, however, was determined to move forward with the budget as amended. In a 9-4 vote, the council voted to override Mayor Frey’s veto. Nine votes were required to secure the override, which was supported by Council Members Robin Wonsley, Jeremiah Ellison, Jamal Osman, Katie Cashman, Jason Chavez, Emily Koski, Aurin Chowdhury, Council President Elliott Payne, and Council Vice President Aisha Chughtai. Council Members Michael
community concerns while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The council’s budget maintained a strong focus on public safety, with funds allocated for crime prevention, police reform, and support for community-based safety initiatives.
Additionally, the council’s budget focused on affordable housing and homelessness, with specific funding for emergency housing vouchers and stabilization of programs like Avivo Village, which helps unhoused individuals transition out of encampments. The council also addressed economic inclusion with investments in small businesses, particularly those with BIPOC ownership, through initiatives such as the Latino Cultural Destination and the Ownership and Opportunity Fund.
The budget also allocated resources for seniors with in-
cil’s decision to add $6.53 million in new spending, much of which was funded through cash reserves and transfers from the Downtown Assets Fund, was an unsustainable approach. Frey wrote off many of the City Council’s suggested initiatives as “ward-specific pet projects.”
Frey also objected to the council’s cuts to the police department, including a reduction of $1.8 million from police programs, and its redirection of funds toward short-term projects and outside organizations.
“Minneapolis residents amended our City Charter to create a ‘strong mayor’ system,” said Council Member Emily Koski, who is challenging Frey in the mayoral race. “It’s clear Mayor Frey interprets this to mean conflict at all costs, communication only through press releases and conferences, and abandoning Minneapolis resi-
Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Andrea Jenkins, and Linea Palmisano voted to sustain the mayor’s veto. Notably, Jenkins had voted in favor of the budget during the initial vote but opposed the veto override, providing a onevote difference from the initial 10-3 approval.
Despite the tension, the final budget aims to address key priorities in Minneapolis such as public safety, affordable housing, and economic inclusion for all residents.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend a meeting or to contact our office to share their thoughts with us,” said Council Member Katie Cashman. “I took your feedback seriously and did my very best to honor it.”
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses at ashobe@spokesman-recorder.com.
budget
a
Frey’s veto was his 16th since becoming mayor in 2018 — surpassing the number of vetoes by the last two mayors combined. ChainGang Pictures
Member Emily Koski
Mayor Jacob Frey
Andrea Jenkins offers encouraging words for ‘challenging times’
By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer
Since 2018, Council Mem-
ber Andrea Jenkins has helped to ensure that the diversity of Ward 8 is reflected in its changing landscape. While current constituents grapple with the results of the most recent elections, she is working to ensure opportunities for economic growth, healing, and wellness.
This includes expanding the building and services offered by Pillsbury House Theatre and changing its name to Pillsbury Community Commons (PCC). Its Chicago Avenue Project has served youth from the neighboring elementary, middle, and high schools for years. They learn playwriting and can see their work produced and performed.
In response to economic growth, PCC’s programming will now offer opportunities for young people to learn behindthe-scenes production of set design, sound, and lighting. It is “addressing the deep disparities in employment and resources in our arts and media industry, a field that today is 67% white males over 50,” according to their website.
KRSM radio station, currently housed at Waite House, will move to the new location.
“It’s going to be like a window to the world,” says Jenkins. “I think it’s going to be an amazing project. So, I’m excited about that.”
Founded by Mother Atum Az-
zahir, the Cultural Wellness Center is moving its headquarters from its 21st and Portland location to 38th and 3rd, kitty-corner from Sabathani Community Center. The new location will offer all their current services.
“They are also going to have an economic development component, which will be an incubator for small businesses,” says Jenkins. This will include a focus on food businesses, healthy foods, and addressing food insecurities.
The space between the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and Fire Station 17 will feature a newly landscaped pocket park with bench seating. “It will be kind of a little respite area for people to reflect but also contain some of the history of the community,” says Jenkins. “We want to focus on the history, but also inspire young people about the future.”
At the site of the George Floyd murder, the infrastructure for a memorial will soon be underway. “That’s a worldwide significant spot now,” says Jenkins. “We have to make sure we are treating it righteously, presenting the history, and building up the community for the residents that are there.” This includes an expansion of jobs and housing.
These positive initiatives may help insulate constituents experiencing concern due to the most recent national election. When asked to describe
the response of constituents in her ward, Jenkins says, “I would characterize it as maybe depressed.”
Many are fearful of what the new federal administration will bring. “I think people who are fighting climate change are concerned, and worried about the future administration and some of the people who have been selected to run some of these agencies,” says Jenkins. With talk of mass deportation, Jenkins says many in the community are frightened. Trump’s newly picked border czar, Tom Homan, has no
hesitancies about splitting up families in efforts to deport immigrants. “If you chose to give birth to a U.S. citizen child when you get removed, you can leave the child here or you can take him with you,” Homan said on NBC News. Delaware elected its first congressperson from the transgender community, Sarah McBride. “It’s historic that she got elected to the United States Congress,” says Jenkins, but a bill is being introduced to prevent her from using the women’s bathrooms in congressional hall.
“It’s cruel. It’s indifferent. It’s just disgusting to want to limit someone’s ability to do the basic human thing of going to the bathroom,” says Jenkins.
In September of this year, a Minneapolis man was found guilty of killing a transgender woman. Across the country and the state, there has been violence committed against transgender and gender-nonconforming communities.
“It sends fear throughout the country for trans youth,” Jenkins says. “I’m concerned about the young people who are out here and who are struggling with their gender identity and being attacked.”
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Jenkins made history in 2018 as the first Black openly transgender person elected to public office in the U.S. “I didn’t have a lot of people to look up to, but now we do, and that has to be an inspiration to these young people,” she says. With united allies in Minnesota, she says, “My message to these trans people is this struggle is not new. We have been here. We have made so much progress, and we are not going back.”
What can the community do for those afraid of what comes next? “We have to get out and vote for people who have our values in mind,” she says. After a failed vice presidential run, Jenkins says it is partly our Democratic governor that gives many Minnesotans a sense of resilience.
“The governor has vowed to make sure that we uphold the values that are near and dear to Minnesotans and protect the immigrant and other communities that are frightened.”
Her call to action for Minnesotans: “Stand up for human rights. Stand up for social justice. Stand up for equity and equality for all people. And I think that is going to get us through this challenging time.”
Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader responses to vnash@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Jenkins says that though the responses from the current administration are reminiscent of several generations ago, she says the country cannot go back: “We have to take the lessons from the Civil Rights Movement, the lessons for the GLBT movement, the lessons from the Women’s Rights Movement.”
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POLICING
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called upon, Brooklyn Park police have focused their efforts on showing up in the community to build trust and relationships with residents.
“So the same officer playing basketball with the kids during the day is the same officer responding in the middle of the night,” Faust says.
This has led to an increase in the reporting of crimes like domestic violence that often went unreported due to the community’s lack of trust in law enforcement. Community members are also encouraged to sign up for Tip411, a nonemergency service in which residents can anonymously report crime and receive alerts
ELLISON
Continued from page 1
criminal and civil law.”
The gun industry has enjoyed wide exemptions from liability since 2005 when President George W. Bush signed the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (“PLCAA”), a law shielding firearm and ammunition manufacturers, dealers, and other industry members from many kinds of lawsuits. These exemptions are not absolute, however.
“The PLCAA protects the ‘lawful design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, importation or sale to the public of firearms’ and shields firearm manufacturers from lawsuits regarding ‘the criminal or unlawful misuse’ of a firearm,” Ellison noted. “My office is not suing Glock simply because their firearms are used to commit crimes. My office is suing Glock because Glock deliberately and unlawfully designs firearms that can easily be modified to become fully automatic machine guns, all while
VIKINGS
Continued from page 1
support local social justice organizations. In the summer of 2020, $250 million was dedicated over 10 years to support community impact work, including the launch of the Inspire Change Changemakers award.
Justice Page Middle School, serving 1,050 students, has had its challenges. While 34% of its students come from lowincome families, the school does not qualify for Title I funding, which provides additional federal resources to schools with high percentages of low-income students.
Tenner’s journey as an educator spans more than 25 years, beginning as a daycare provider and culminating in her role as a principal. The St. Paul native credits much of her success to the mentorship she received during her time as a
ROBINSDALE
Continued from page 1
place an unnecessary burden on newly elected board members and reiterated that the resolution is about creating a lasting protocol for all future board members. “That is not the intent. … This is establishing protocol for all the board members after us, no matter who is sitting in these seats,” Holmes said.
Vieira addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding the investigative report, which forms the basis for the censure vote against Brooks. “The
regarding public safety incidents. Residents can choose their neighborhoods of interest to receive email or text messages from the Police Department when reports are made in those areas.
gun says. The city also offers in-house training to new cadets that Adesaogun credits as a major recruitment asset.
“We’ve seen a big increase in officers of color as well as in-
“The same officer playing basketball with the kids during the day is the same officer responding in the middle of the night.”
Adesaogun states other notable changes in how police conduct investigations have had a positive impact on the community, including BPPD’s shift in the use of its K9 units.
“They are no longer being used to pursue individuals but are being fully utilized for other kinds of detection,” Adesao-
creased [numbers of] women choosing to enter the law enforcement field because of this offering,” Adesaogun says.
BPPD also developed plans for a first-of-its-kind youth violence intervention initiative.
This Community Intervention Unit, led by City of Brooklyn Park Community Intervention Manager LaTreasure Dickson,
marketing the desirability of fully automatic handguns and emphasizing how easy it is to customize Glock handguns. Ellison said his lawsuit against Glock is permissible under PLCAA because Glock’s conduct violates Minnesota law. “I will not allow Glock to hide behind PLCAA while flooding Minnesota with deadly, fully automatic weapons that jeopardize the lives of the public and members of law enforcement,” he added.
Page Scholar through the Page Education Foundation.
The Page Education Foundation, named for its founder and former NFL player Alan Page, nominated Tenner for the award. Tenner’s school also is named in his honor.
“We’ve never had an award of this magnitude given to one of our former recipients, what we like to call our Page Scholar alums,” said Amanda Moua, the foundation’s executive director.
“Because Shannon is receiving it for her work as the principal of Justice Page Middle School, it’s like a two-for-one.”
The Page Education Foundation has provided scholarships for Minnesota students of color to pursue post-secondary education for 37 years. Scholarship recipients have one major requirement: Provide volunteer work in the community. And Tenner did just that.
“Shannon essentially began volunteering her college year
issue is not about the report as a whole,” Vieira said, noting that while the report included findings about other board members, those conclusions were not relevant to the current motion.
“How it concludes about other people isn’t germane to the motion we’re voting on,” Vieira stated, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the specific actions and conduct of Brooks, which are central to the censure vote, rather than the broader findings of the investigation.
Basset criticized Bowman, who is responsible for placing items on the agenda, for fail-
will focus on reducing juvenile crime by connecting at-risk youth with essential resources in areas of the city that are experiencing the highest crime rates. This nine-person unit will focus on building positive relationships with youth and providing alternatives to involvement with the justice system.
The unit is actively recruiting and is preparing to launch soon. Members of the Community Intervention Unit will function more like case workers than police officers to connect youth offenders to mental health services, sports programs, and other resources to address the root causes of juvenile crime.
“It is important for CIU to assess and refer programming to reduce the number of youth engaging in violent crime and minimize arrests and incarcer-
Jorge Leon, a Venezuelan inven
tor, also demonstrated how his invention converts a Glock semiautomatic into a machine gun. Glock could fix this problem by changing its so-called “simple” handgun design to prevent the conversion but has chosen not to do so while promoting the “fun” of shooting a fully automatic weapon. Glock dominates the market for handguns in the United States: 65% of all handguns sold in America are Glocks. Among the reasons Glocks are so popular are the switches that can be purchased online for as little as
ations, while also decreasing the number of people who become victims of violent crime,” Dickson said. “Our primary objective is to reduce violence in the city. This unit is intended to help strengthen the positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities it serves, which will benefit the community greatly.”
Although facing challenges as a smaller city with fewer resources, Brooklyn Park is taking a holistic approach to the health of families, engaging with other divisions within the city to develop programming. Among them: partnering with nonprofits like Good in the ’Hood to distribute food to low-income families.
Although such work isn’t traditionally seen as a public safety issue, the city considers
many bear Glock’s logo and the company knows they are commonly called “Glock switches.”
The proliferation of converted Glocks has contributed to a dramatic increase in automatic gunfire. Minneapolis ShotSpotter data shows that fully automatic gunfire increased in Minneapolis from 154 rounds fired in 2020 to 2,033 in 2021, 3,024 in 2022, and 2,595 in 2023. Similarly, incidents involving fully automatic firearms increased from 16 in 2020 to 194 in 2021, 283 in 2022, and 257 in 2023.
it part of the overall ecosystem needed for the community to thrive. The effort is led by Kevin Currington, a prevention and intervention specialist within the youth services division of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“About a year ago we started this partnership, and now we supply food to nearly 400 families each month,” Currington says. “I also engage in intervention work that offers community-based programs focused on advocacy, education, counseling and mentoring through referral services for youth and their families facing personal, family, school, legal, hunger, or substance-related issues.”
Margaret Sullivan welcomes reader responses to msullivan@ spokesman-recorder.com.
a Glock switch to easily convert a Glock into a machine gun, pay civil penalties, and disgorge profits it has made through its illegal conduct.
It has been illegal in Minnesota since the 1930s for the public to own fully automatic machine guns. In the complaint, filed in state court in Hennepin County, Ellison outlines that Glock has known for nearly 40 years that its semi-automatic handguns can be easily converted into illegal machine guns. In 1988, Glock founder Gaston Glock demonstrated a device that converted a Glock semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic machine gun.
as a recipient back in the ‘90s when she was a recipient of our scholarship at the University of Minnesota.” Moua said. “Her work in education has just continued from there and has gotten even better. That’s what our intention is: to create heroes through education and service, and then our heroes like Shannon, they go on to create more heroes in education.”
The Inspire Change program has supported more than 35 nonprofits while driving progress in education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. Tenner’s award marks the third Changemaker grant given to a Minnesotan. Previous recipients were All Square, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that invests in people impacted by mass incarceration, and Mark Graves, a branch director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.
“Think of how many handguns Glock has sold, knowing that they can be converted into machine guns. Shame on them.”
$10. One website selling Glock switches provides a “step-bystep guide” to the “relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes.” Glock switches can also be printed with a 3D printer. Although Glock does not manufacture switches itself,
In the complaint, Ellison alleges that Glock’s conduct violates Minnesota state laws against consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, false statements in advertising, negligence, and nuisance. Among other things, he seeks to compel Glock to make design changes that would inhibit the ability of
“Shannon came to our attention a while back as a recipient of a Page Scholar Award from the Page Education Foundation,” said Brett Taber, vice president of social impact for the Vikings. “We learned about how she has built relationships with students beyond the classroom, built trust, served as a mentor, and helped young people see a future for them-
ing to include the three other board members mentioned in the report.
“You’re going to vote to take $600 from an elected official to silence her when in fact you had a board member who dropped all kinds of F-bombs and was very disrespectful.”
The board previously censored Brooks on Aug. 26 after she raised concerns regarding voting procedures on resolutions involving potential con-
flicts of interest. Brooks specifically argued that a current board member, Vento, was allowed to vote on a resolution that conflicted with his personal interests in the past. Brooks contends that this practice sets a precedent and that she is being unfairly singled out for a similar situation.
The board’s legal counsel, Vieira, referenced “Robert’s Rules of Order,” the widely accepted guidelines for conducting meetings and decisionmaking. According to Robert’s Rule 45, members must abstain from voting on matters where they have a direct personal interest, ensuring
selves that they might not have seen otherwise. That is the power of education and is what makes Shannon so special and deserving.”
There are several documented incidents in Minnesota in which converted Glocks have injured or killed people, including the May 22, 2021 shootout at a Minneapolis nightclub that claimed two victims, including 21-year-old bystander Charlie Johnson. Johnson died hours before his graduation ceremony from the University of St. Thomas. The person convicted in the case was sentenced to more than 69 years in prison
“There are families like ours all over this country, and it’s not OK to do nothing; there are commonsense things that can be done,” said Greg Johnson, father of Charlie Johnson. “Think of how many handguns Glock has sold, knowing that they can be converted into machine guns. Shame on them. They should be held accountable.”
Cynthia Moothart welcomes reader responses to cmoothart@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Tenner was officially honored during a timeout at the Minnesota Vikings game on Dec. 16, where a video showcased the emotional surprise presentation at her school. In addition to the grant, Tenner also received an all-expensespaid trip to the Super Bowl.
Tenner had many people to thank for the award.
“From what I know, Alan Page had direct involvement. Many, many, gratitudes of thanks for his support and the support of the Page Education Foundation,” Tenner said. “Brett Taber, many thanks to him in bringing this together. There are a handful of people I know who were instrumental changemakers for me, going through the ranks of education. I continue to be humbled and honored.”
Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Her leadership at Justice Page extends beyond academics. She has worked tirelessly to provide students with access to the arts, world languages, and cultural activities.
transparency and impartiality. “I wasn’t here at that time, but Robert’s Rule 45 requires a member to abstain from any voting question in which they have a direct personal interest,” Vieira explained during the meeting.
Brooks argued that this rule had not been consistently enforced. “Since you’ve been here, that has happened, and for you to institute it back now… I don’t think that is fair,” Brooks said.
Brooks’ remarks suggest that the board has allowed other members to vote in situations where they may have had conflicts of interest, including
Vento, and that it is inconsistent for him to be held to a different standard. Vento’s absence from the meeting further complicated the matter, as Brooks’ critique seemed to highlight a perceived double standard regarding voting and the application of Robert’s Rules. The vote to censure Brooks, which led to her removal from her committees, reflects growing tensions within the board and underscores a significant shift in her involvement in district affairs.
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses at ccombs@spokesman-recorder.com.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison speaks about a lawsuit his office filed against the gun manufacturer Glock over a design he says makes it very easy to make their handguns fully automatic. Peter Cox of MPR News
Shannon Tenner with 6th-grader Cameron Adams holding an official NFL helmet Photo courtesy Onika Nicole Craven
New growth helps WE WIN — and Black youth — succeed Black Business SPOTLIGHT
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
For nearly three decades, the WE WIN Institute has been a cornerstone of educational empowerment for Black children in North Minneapolis. It offers a nurturing environment where youth are encouraged to excel academically while celebrating their cultural identity.
Founded by educator and activist Titilayo Bediako, WE WIN has grown from a small afterschool program to a nationally recognized community asset. Moving into 2025, the Institute is poised to expand its impact, providing more resources to youth and their families.
In 1996 Bediako was a sixth-grade teacher who saw the struggles Black children faced in the Minneapolis Public Schools system. While the school system was quick to focus on behavior, little attention was given to the academic success of Black students. Bediako was frustrated by the disproportionate suspensions and low academic expecta-
tions for Black children.
“The last time a white teacher asked me why so many Black children weren’t succeeding in school, I told myself that I would never answer that question again and that I would demonstrate Black student success,” Bediako said.
WE WIN Institute was created to provide Black youth with the tools they need to succeed academically, socially and creatively.
From that determination, WE WIN Institute was created to provide Black youth with the tools they need to succeed academically, socially and creatively. This organization offers programs focused on intellectual enrichment, ancestral wisdom, leadership development, and community engagement. The core belief of WE WIN is that children only need caring adults in their lives who believe in them and expect nothing but the best
from them to be successful.
In addition to its core programs, WE WIN Institute has life-changing initiatives like the Women of Distinction mentoring program. It’s operated by a peer guidance system that emphasizes academic and social success.
The initiative is designed to help young African American women build positive relationships and support one another in navigating the challenges of high school. Through shared experiences, including bonding activities like overnight retreats and college tours, participants create deep sisterhoods that have led to incredible outcomes. Nearly all the girls involved in the program graduate high school and pursue higher education.
The institute has been very successful in helping children improve their literacy skills. Through the We Win When We Read initiative, WE WIN focuses on literacy development as a gateway to academic success. Children are given access to books written by Black authors and are taught to recognize their own potential by seeing their stories reflected in the literature they read.
One of the many success stories from WE WIN’s pro-
WE WIN recently began renovating a 12,000-square-foot building that will
even more transformative programming.
Eleven months ago, many people set financial goals for the New Year. Maybe you planned to buy a new home, finance a new vehicle, or start a new business. Whether you made New Year’s resolutions, pasted images on a vision board, or crunched numbers on an official balance sheet, you had every intention of achieving those goals in 2024. As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look back on what worked — or where you may have gone wrong financially. Those lessons learned can help you set new goals and better manage your finances in 2025. Terry Austin, community manager for Chase in the Twin Cities, offers six dos and don’ts about financial planning and management that can help you achieve a fresh start in 2025 and get closer to reaching your goals.
DO create a budget
One common financial mistake is not having a budget at all. Remaining in the dark about your spending can limit your ability to save for impor-
grams is Regina, an 8-year-old who came to WE WIN struggling with reading and behavioral concerns. Before joining the program, she had been kicked out of two other afterschool programs. Regina was behind in reading and reluctant to participate in activities. Through acceptance, patience and kindness, WE WIN supported her greatness and motivated her to flourish. “In eight short months, Regina is laughing and has a group of friends in the program who she calls “sister,” Bediako said. “She also mentors a kindergartner with her reading.” Now that Regina is in an environment offering her access to literature that illustrates people just as Black and beautiful as she is, she has developed a newfound passion for books.
Beyond academics, WE WIN has several mentorship programs, community engagement opportunities, and cultural rituals that help children develop a strong sense of self-worth. Programs like the WE WIN Village emphasize the importance of collective responsibility, where children learn from their community and, in turn, give back.
New initiatives
The next chapter of WE WIN’s story is unfolding with the recent acquisition of a 12,000-square-foot building, funded by a $3.5 million grant. This new space will serve as a hub for even more transformative programming, allowing WE WIN to reach a greater number of children and expand its services.
The renovation will create a state-of-the-art facility featuring a Teaching Kitchen, where youth will learn how to prepare healthy, culturally relevant meals under the guidance of Black chefs.
There will also be a Teaching Garden, complementing
an acre garden at Zion Baptist Church, where children will grow food, learn about nutrition, and prepare meals to share with their families and communities. A Cultural Tech Center is being developed as well to teach children about technology and African American history simultaneously.
“I’m especially eager for our new Cultural Reading Room, which will be filled with books by Black authors and illustrators,” Bediako said. “The new building will afford us the opportunity to bring authors locally, nationally, and internationally together to help our children develop a love for reading.”
These initiatives aim to equip students with fundamental skills while reinforcing the importance of Black heritage and self-sufficiency.
“The new building reflects the vision for a WE WIN Village, which will bring together organizations that want to demonstrate excellence for Black children and the Black community,” Bediako said
Community support is vital to WE WIN’s and local youth’s continued success. The institute relies on donations and partnerships to fund its programs and expand its reach.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to WE WIN are taxdeductible, and financial contributions directly support the organization’s programs.
WE WIN is always seeking volunteers, especially those willing to mentor youth or contribute their expertise to enrich the student’s educational experience. The new building will provide a space for more community involvement, including opportunities for parents to engage in their children’s education through the Parents Make the Academic Difference (PMAD) program.
As Bediako says, “Working together, there is nothing that we will not be able to accomplish.”
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses at ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
tant goals like a car, a home or your retirement. If you don’t know what you’re spending, there’s a good chance you may be spending too much.
DON’T leave your budget up to chance Using guesswork when trying to allocate your monthly budget can lead to overestimating or underestimating
how much to allot toward each budgeting category. This may set you up for failure. Taking a month to assess and identify your spending patterns may help to establish a baseline as you’re setting your budget.
DO track your spending
Get to know your spending by creating a monthly budget tracker. You can then
review your spending and track it in a monthly budget worksheet. Over time, you can adjust which budgeting categories to cut back spending on. Expenses can fluctuate month to month, so be prepared to shift gears whenever necessary. Scan the code to go to the worksheet.
DON’T put wants and needs
in the same category
A common error beginner budgeters can make is mistaking “wants” for “needs.” Needs are essential items like utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, and groceries. These are things you need to live. Wants, on the other hand, are non-essential expenses like dining out or entertainment. It may still be possible to find room in your budget to accommodate a few luxuries, but being honest with yourself about what’s truly necessary may help you avoid this budgeting mishap.
DO keep it simple
The idea of listing every single expenditure for a month might seem daunting, but you don’t have to go that far. It can be helpful to create a budget that works for you, which includes making it manageable enough to take on in the first place. If you’re just starting out, create just a handful of budgeting categories to help keep things simple.
DON’T skip the emergency fund
Life is unpredictable, and having an emergency fund to pay for unplanned expenses may help you during that time.
Without it, you may have to dip into long-term savings or use a credit card if the unexpected arises. Creating an emergency fund doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you’re making your budget, include a monthly line item for emergency fund contributions. This can help build up your reserves over time. Many bank accounts even let you automate these emergency fund deposits. Scan the code for more information on developing an emergency fund.
The bottom line
Give yourself grace if you fell short of your financial goals this year. As you prepare for 2025, remember that budgeting can be a powerful tool to help you build better financial habits. Start tracking your spending now to set up your budget for next year and be aware of common budgeting mistakes. It’s never too early — or too late — to get back on the road to financial freedom.
Scan the code to learn more about budgeting.
Titilayo Bediako
T Mychael Rambo adds children’s book author to his resume
By Vickie Evans-Nash Contributing Writer
T Mychael Rambo is enjoying the fruits of a long and successful career. With 40 years of experience as an educator and theater professional, he currently does motivational speaking, works on staff development in schools, and helps organizations create conversations for mediation and conflict resolution.
When he was younger, the accolades were very important. But at this stage in his life, Rambo knows his worth and is not waiting for others to acknowledge his talents.
“I’m very clear that I am worthy and deserving,” he says. “What I have to offer is an asset, a benefit, and value additive to any organization, entity or collaboration.”
He has been a professor of theater and dance at the University of Minnesota for more than 20 years. He shares his learned and lived experiences on college campuses across the nation.
“I was at Georgetown University… helping them see the importance of using theater as a tool for social justice,” he says.
Rambo’s longtime acquaintance, Resmaa Menakem, wrote the New York Times best-seller “My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies.” He approached Rambo to collaborate with him to create a children’s version of the book.
Rambo had been writing for years, including stage writing and poetry. Menakem’s offer was “an invitation I gladly accepted,” he says.
The origin book focuses on racialized trauma and how African Americans use music and movement for healing. “Whether it be a time when our grandmothers would shuck peas and hum and rock back and forth, or [in] sanctified churches where people would shout or get captured by the holy ghost… We learned to deal with trauma and to deal with stress.”
The children’s book, “The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands,” contains a downloadable soundtrack that complements the text. The book is written by Rambo derived from conversations he had with Menakem.
Who’s in the Christmas spirit? It’s my favorite time of year, and to celebrate I’m recommending some items I’ve mentioned before and others I look forward to. But before we get to all that, there’s great news from the world of jazz to end the year on a high note.
World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a leading musician in contemporary jazz for more than four decades, has signed with iconic Blue Note Records. Marsalis’ debut release for Blue Note, “Belonging,” is due out in the spring and will feature members of his first-class quartet: bassist Eric Revis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, and drummer Justin Faulkner.
Coinciding with the new album, the Branford Marsalis Quartet will go on an extensive tour throughout the Unit-
“The music is basically soundscapes. So, you’ll hear the first couple of tracks that are just a group of women from our community,” he says. The sounds of humming and sometimes guttural utterances “harken back to the sound that our ancestors would have heard,” Rambo says.
“The great blessing of being in this stage in my life is that I have found out and discovered that doing me is a virtue.”
In the call-and-response tradition of African American music, repeated phrases serve the purpose of written
language. “An offshoot of the singer saying, ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.’
“People don’t realize that’s a 400-year-old Negro spiritual. And people don’t realize that the enslaved people created it,” says Rambo.
“[Repetitive phrasing] was done because we understood that we didn’t have a written language,” he continues. “So, you had to repeat things so [listeners] got the message.”
In the children’s book, each page celebrates how grandmothers soothe and heal us with words, music and touch. Each name for grandmother is in a different language or dialect.
Children may say things like, “Oh, abuela, that’s my grandmother… She’s Spanish, from Cuba,” Rambo says. This is to affirm each child’s origin and promote intergenerational learning.
For adults, each name for grandmother has a deeper meaning. “These words are those from the oppressors that oppressed Black bodies,” says Rambo. “We can be reminded that we still wear the visage of those people because of those languages that they put on us when they took ours away.”
With the book, the author intends to encourage families to provide human rather than electronic stimulation for children. It captures the experiences of the African ancestry of telling and reading stories.
“How do we intergenerationally ask
Enjoy a jazzy holiday
ed States and Europe. Marsalis and his quartet will be at the Dakota on April 29. For ticket information, visit www.dakotacooks.com. Stay updated on album details via www.branfordmarsalis.com.
Now, for your gift consideration, why not check out pianist and jazz legend George Cables as he celebrates his 80th birthday with the new High Note Records release, “I Hear Echoes.” According to the album press release, “This album does not just honor his storied past, but with tunes both old and new, it captures the essence of a musician who has not only shaped jazz history but continues to influence its evolution.”
Cables has played with the likes of Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon, and Freddie Hubbard, but his new release features jazz standards by legends like Horace Silver, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington. He also includes a tribute to Arcoiris Sandoval, an exciting female pianist making a splash on the jazz scene today. Appearing with Cables on the recording are bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Jerome Jennings. Suggested track listening includes “Echoes,” “Morning Song,” and “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To.”
As you’re thinking of music by jazz musicians to buy for loved ones on your Christmas list, I’d also recommend considering “Compassion” (ECM) released at the beginning of the year by pianist Vijay Iyer. He played songs from the album during his January concert at the Dakota, which was the best concert I saw all year. When it comes to holiday jazz, what’s on your playlist? Here are some of mine: Christian Sands, “Christmas Stories” (Mack Avenue Records).
Ramsey Lewis Trio, “More
and invite elders to not give a 2-yearold a tablet? Put a book in front of them and have the two of you have a relationship,” he says.
“[It’s] not to say that the tablet is not technology that we can use,” he continues. “But how do we use it with intention and sparingly as opposed to as our primary mode?”
The illustrations by Leroy Campbell are bright, brilliant and vibrant.” Interestingly, “they are all paintings.” Rambo says. “Everything that appears to be an illustration is an actual photo of a painting.
“The great blessing of being in this stage in my life is that I have found out and discovered that doing me is a virtue,” he says. “I’m at a space where I think I have done well, and I don’t have to celebrate that part of me. I have to celebrate what I call my greater yet-to-be.”
“The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands” is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble Books, and at local independent bookstores. Rambo makes himself available to do readings in schools and other organizations.
Besides the book, he will perform on Dec. 27 at Crooner’s Super Club in Fridley with Charmin Michelle, a Twin Cities-based jazz artist.
Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader responses to vnash@spokesman-recorder.com.
Sounds of Christmas” (Verve Records).
Warren Wolf, “Christmas Vibes” (Mack Avenue Records).
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, “Big Band Holidays II” (Jazz at Lincoln Center Inc).
Ray Brown Trio, “Christmas Songs with the Ray Brown Trio” (Telarc).
Bobby Timmons, “Holiday Soul” (Concord Music Group).
George Shearing, “Christmas with the George Shearing Quintet” (Telarc).
The Count Basie Orchestra, “A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas!” (Concord Music Group).
Tim Warfield, “Tim Warfield’s Jazzy Christmas” (Selfreleased)
Terry Gibbs, “Jazz Yule Love” (Mack Avenue Records).
Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie had a huge impact on the 20th Century by way of the beautiful, timeless music and tremendous artistry they created.
If it’s books that you want to give for Christmas this year, I’d suggest checking out one we mentioned earlier this year,
“The Jazz Men: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie Transformed America” by author Larry Tye. It’s available from Harper Collins.
The three famous jazzmen had a huge impact on the 20th Century by way of the beautiful, timeless music and tremendous artistry they created. Tye’s storytelling is captivating.
We can look into the future with great excitement as pianist Sullivan Fortner has a forthcoming trio release. That album, “Southern Nights,” will debut on Artwork Records on Valentine’s Day. It was recorded in 2023 during a midsummer engagement at the Village Vanguard, with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore. All of this is terrific news for the Grammywinning pianist.
As we remember loved ones this holiday season, let’s also remember those we lost. On Nov. 12, the great Roy Haynes died at age 99. He was one of the most important and innovative drummers of the 20th Century, representing all genres including jazz. My favorite song from Haynes is “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.” Happy holidays!
Robin James welcomes reader comments at jamesonjazz@ spokesman-recorder.com.
“The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands” is written by Resmaa Menakem and T Mychael Rambo with illustrations by Leroy Campbell.
T Mychael Rambo
Branford Marsalis
W Jarek
Opinion
Black lives mattered — and then America moved on
By Joseph Williams
It’s official: Black lives don’t matter any more, if they ever did.
The brutal killing of George Floyd turbocharged the Black Lives Matter movement, put the phrase “white privilege” into the national lexicon, and inspired philanthropists to throw bushels of money at social justice nonprofits.
The conviction of Derek Chauvin brought a rare instance of accountability and introspection in America’s long history of racist, systemic violence. The acquittal of a white man who fatally choked a “threatening” Black homeless man on a New York subway car brought us yet another reminder of how fleeting that reckoning truly was.
The acquittal of Daniel Penny — already a vigilante hero among the far right — comes just weeks after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris for the presidency in a racist campaign, Walmart became the biggest U.S. employer to shut down its DEI program, and social justice nonprofits realized philanthropists are closing their checkbooks to avoid Trump’s enemies list.
The Manhattan jury trying the second-degree murder case unanimously agreed with Penny: Jordan Neely, dealing with mental illness and substance abuse, was a threat to others on the subway car, and Penny, a former Marine with a lethal chokehold, should not be held criminally responsible for killing him. Never mind that the killing
happened in broad daylight.
That Neely hadn’t committed an actual crime or put hands on anyone. That Neely was unarmed and no lives were in danger. And as passengers pleaded for Penny to let go, he kept Neely in a chokehold for nearly five full minutes, long after he stopped struggling.
The jury saw and heard and processed all that evidence and — following roughly 17 hours of deliberation, including deadlocking over a lesser charge — collectively shrugged. They believed what Penny told detectives: “I wasn’t trying to injure him. I’m just trying to keep him from hurting anybody else. He was threatening people.”
Juries tell white men it is OK to use deadly force if they believe a young Black man is going to harm them.
With that, Penny essentially said the magic word, the 11-letter, three-syllable, getout-of-jail-free card that justifies the taking of a Black person’s life: threatening.
Neely had been hearing voices and raging in public for about 10 years; his symptoms surfaced not long after his mother was murdered by a jealous and controlling boyfriend when her son was just 14. That sent McNeely on a downward spiral: jail, sub-
Biden makes history with Black judicial appointments
By Stacy M. Brown
President Joe Biden’s commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary has culminated in a historic achievement: appointing 40 Black women to lifetime judgeships, the most of any president in U.S. history. Biden has appointed 62 Black judges, cementing his presidency as one focused on promoting equity and representation on the federal bench.
His record surpasses previous efforts by his predecessors. President Jimmy Carter appointed 37 Black judges, including seven Black women. In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s first term resulted in only two Black women appointed out of 234 lifetime judicial nominations.
emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Lena Zwarensteyn of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said that these district court judges
Biden’s record surpasses previous efforts by all his predecessors and stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump who appointed only two Black women out of 234 lifetime judicial nominations.
ence, pointed out that more than half of Biden’s Black female judicial appointees have backgrounds as civil rights attorneys and public defenders, experience that advocates consider essential for a balanced judiciary.
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stance use, stays at psychiatric hospitals.
It all ended after his encounter with Penny, an architecture student at New York City College of Technology. Penny faced up to four years in prison for a criminally negligent homicide conviction and up to 15 years for a manslaughter conviction.
The verdict slams the door on the George Floyd Era, all five metaphorical minutes of it. Examples abound: the Supreme Court’s dismantling of affirmative action in college admissions; state and local laws restricting the teaching of Black history; corporations turning their backs on diversity, equity and inclusion.
And let’s not forget Trump, who ran an explicitly racist campaign to defeat Harris, the first Black vice president and the first Black woman to run for president atop a major party’s ticket.
Neely’s death will become a footnote, more or less, in the oral history, and presumed demise, of the Black Lives Matter movement. When Floyd was murdered, it set off protests worldwide, and Chauvin’s trial drew international coverage. By contrast, the New York chapter of Black Lives Matter could barely scrape together more than a handful of protesters to demonstrate during Penny’s trial.
Ginia Bellafonte, a columnist for the New York Times, noted that 38 years ago, in the same Manhattan courthouse, subway vigilante Bernhard Goetz, a white man, was acquitted for shooting four young black men on the subway whom he thought were going to rob him; a Times poll found a majority of New Yorkers agreed with the verdict.
In 2013, a juror who voted to acquit George Zimmerman of murder charges for killing Trayvon Martin, a Black teenager, said she had no doubt Zimmerman, a self-styled vigilante, feared for his life. And study after study shows Black males are typically seen as larger and more threatening than they actually are.
In 1977 and 2013, juries told white men it is OK to use deadly force if they believe a young Black man is going to harm them. George Floyd’s murder was supposed to change all that.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Joseph Williams is a veteran journalist, political analyst, and essayist who has been published in a wide range of publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and The Atlantic.
The White House said Biden’s efforts show a broader commitment to racial equity and justice. Meanwhile, Trump has vowed to dismantle key civil rights protections, including the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“Having the Black woman’s experience on the federal bench is extremely important because there is a different kind of voice that can come from the Black female from the bench,” said Delores Jones-Brown, professor
are often the first and sometimes the final arbiters in cases affecting health care access, education equity, fair hiring practices, and voting rights.
“Those decisions are often the very final decisions because very few cases actually get heard by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Zwarensteyn explained.
Biden’s nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court further reflects his commitment to judicial diversity. Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Patrick McNeil, spokesperson for the Leadership Confer-
Meanwhile, Congress remains divided over the expansion of federal judgeships. Legislation to add 66 new judgeships — approved unanimously by the Senate in August — stalled in the GOPcontrolled House until after the election. House Republicans proposed distributing the new judgeships over the next decade, giving three administrations a say in appointments.
President Biden, however, signaled he would veto the bill if it reached his desk.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., argued the delay was a strategic move to benefit Trump’s return to office. “Donald Trump has made clear that he intends to expand the power of the presidency, and giving him 25 new judges to appoint gives him one more tool at his disposal,” Nadler said.
Stacy M. Brown is a senior writer for the Washington Informer and the senior national correspondent for the Black Press of America.
A love letter celebrating Black women
By Gwen McKinney
Sojourner Truth. Harriet Tubman. Ida B. Wells. Fannie Lou Hamer. Shirley Chisholm. Kamala Harris.
I celebrate you — Black women — by invoking these “she-roes” sisters who’ve made enduring freedom strides over the centuries. In that spirit, the November presidential election starkly shined light on our lineage: loyal, relentless overperformers who refuse to abandon the quest to shape our destiny.
The first Donald Trump presidential victory in 2016 left us in a state of shock. This time we’re raw and unvarnished. With an oozing wound, we face corrupt autocracy and unabated white nationalism. Dangerous times — but we will resist. Though you’re weary, the challenges will deepen our resolve to fight back, survive and thrive.
After Nov. 5, “radical selfcare” has become the call to arms. We draw from writer/ activist Audre Lorde who described it as “a radical act of political warfare and self-preservation.”
To sisters who are angry and dismayed — especially younger women — please don’t bail. Now is not the time to leave or give up. We must play the long game. Though horrific, this moment is another chapter in our unbroken march to freedom. Use history as a guiding light in these dark days.
From the Middle Passages forward, the onslaught endured by our ancestors has been formidable. Yet, they confronted each assault with courage because that’s all they knew. Audaciously unfettered, our clarity and sensibilities are gifts passed down over generations.
Through the ages, our contributions have been invisible but indelible. Stalwarts of the abolitionist movement. Militants in the women’s suffrage movement. Foot soldiers in the civil rights and Black Power movements.
Our toil and service exact a massive imprint in this nation’s demand for democratic rights. Despite marginalization, Black women have never wavered in our quest to be seen, heard and unerased.
Unlike white women, privileged and pedestaled, ours was never a relationship of compliance or reverence with the patriarchy. They were not our fathers or husbands. They were our enslavers. And our resistance to patriarchy remains rooted in a visceral rejection of bondage.
While other women who are not Black have also fought for race and gender equity, we unapologetically command the stage. Witness the cohesive response from our ranks over the last three presidential elections:
To sisters who are angry and dismayed, please don’t bail. Now is not the time to leave or give up.
94% for Hillary Clinton, 90% for Joe Biden, and 92% for Kamala Harris.
Our spillover influence illuminates why Black men — vilified early on as sexist and anti-Harris — constituted her secondlargest voting bloc, at 77%.
Equally instructive, the largest segment of the electorate — white women — are the most divided across class, education, marital status, and religion. It seems progressive women activists have some heavy lifting to do in their community.
Hence, many of us are wondering why a Women’s March on Washington, dubbed “Our Bodies. Our Futures,” is slated for Jan. 18 — two days before the Trump inauguration. What’s the goal? To demonstrate resistance to Trump? Or solidarity with the democratic values he eschews? Though hercu-
lean, would resources be better placed educating and organizing convertible white women?
The 53% of white women backing Trump speaks volumes about the reach of allies. At the very least they fall short in reaching their constituencies with an empowerment message. At worst, they give a pass to their MAGA counterparts who betray their own best interests on the altar of whiteness.
As we Black women approach the new year, we must redefine democracy through the prism of triumphs and tragedies that have made us stronger and battle-tested. Trust Black women must be more than a cliché. Let this mantra be a mirror and badge of honor to confront cliques and divisions among us, fomented by classism and ageism.
Let us create brave spaces in alliance with Black institutions including our media, businesses, and civic organizations. Let us unfurl frank conversations about sexism, elitism, colorism, and adverse power dynamics within our families and community, in dialogues with our men and our youth.
And finally, let us turn our ears to our beating heart of resistance, resilience and activism. It’s a resonant sound for daughters of the enslaved, descendants of warriors, mentors, teachers, patriots and democrats. We all have a voice in our democracy.
Then and now, we claim ownership of our bodies, voices and choices. We build on our truths by redefining democracy beyond the limited act of casting a ballot. For Black women, our narrative is rooted in unerasing our achievements of yesterday, realities of today, and possibilities for the future.
Black Women Speak.
Gwen McKinney, a Washington, DC-based communications strategist, is the creator and campaign director of Unerased|
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Employment & Legals
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Continued from page 10
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two are a small but growing number of Black female head coaches at the high school level in the Twin Cities.
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on her credentials as she coaches varsity girls basketball at Tartan High School in her second season.
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“I’m not one to brag about myself,” she admitted. “It’s not about me. I did what I needed to do in basketball.”
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To start off this season scheduling a non-conference contest against a fellow Black female head coach was intentional, stated Robinson after her team played visiting Minneapolis North, coached by Brianna Edwards, last month.
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“Brianna Edwards and I both have the same goal — to give back to these young ladies and bring the game back and teach it the right way,” added the Tartan girls HC. “Bri is like a little sister to me. I watched her college career and everything. I’m happy to see her giving back the way I am with the same passion.”
make it competitive,” continued the Tigers HC. “We have competitive young ladies that are going to the last minute, as we did.”
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As she reflected on the 81-43 Minnesota victory, Richards pointed out, “We could have folded because it was a large margin. But we didn’t. It was almost even in the 4th quarter.”
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Robinson is a special education teacher at St. Paul Johnson High School. Edwards is a development director at the Power of People Leadership Institute.
This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.
“This was on purpose,” Robinson said. “I think it’s a great thing.”
Robinson and Edwards, another former local prep star who played at North before going on to play college ball at Providence College. The
“They need us,” concluded Robinson of herself and Edwards.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Minnesota only outscored Jackson State 16-14 in the fourth quarter after the Gophers outscored the visitors in double figures in the first two quarters but only outscored them by nine (23-12) in the third quarter.
“I think the purpose of these games for us is to see a variety of styles of play,” Gopher Coach Dawn Plitzuweit said to the MSR before the season. Such teams as Jackson State and Prairie View, despite being snubbed by the PWM, deserve more than a passing mention.
“The teams that are coming in are competitive teams, and their intention is to come in and compete and be in the position at the end of the game. It’s our intention to do the same thing—two teams battling,” added Coach P, as she is commonly known.
The Tigers have won the SWAC regular season title the last five seasons and were tournament champions three of the last four years. Before coming to the Tigers, Richards guided Alabama A&M to nearly 100 wins in eight years and six SWAC tournament appearances.
chose to come to Jackson State. The 19-year collegiate coaching veteran who was hired in May, replacing Tomekia Reed, who was hired by Charlotte. Before her coaching career took off, Richards played at Nebraska (19992004) and earned her communication studies degree there in 2003.
“Number one, the administration is unbelievable,” said Richards. “I work for an AD that’s second to none,” she said of Ashley Robinson, who Richards called “a coach’s AD. He’s very supportive
“I think it’s the place where people win and you can win. I think this was God’s calling… and when God is calling, you gotta move.”
“It’s all been a learning curve for each and every one of us.”
Richards’ Tigers, off to a slow start thus far this season with only one victory to their credit, “is definitely still a work in progress,” she said.
“But I do think we have made progress each and every game. I’m staying positive.
I’m staying to the course.
“I am being disciplined myself as I’m telling and teaching my young ladies to do so as well each and every game,” said the coach. “It’s all been a learning curve for each and every one of us, but I’m excited to coach each and every day.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com. VIEW Continued from page 10
We asked her why she
Sports
Coaching While Black Veteran
This occasional series will highlight Black coaches at all levels of sport. This week: Iowa Assistant MBB Coach Sherman Dillard
arlier this year, Sherman Dillard was inducted into the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame class of 2024. A STEP UP in 2019 became the first to exclusively recognize NCAA men and women assistant basketball coaches.
Dillard has been in coaching for over four decades as both a head coach and assistant coach. “I was fortunate enough to play in high school and college,” said Dillard as we sat and chatted before an early season contest.
“I call myself a rescue cub because I got cut from my eighth grade team, and ninth grade. Then I transferred to this school that was a lot closer to my hometown, and I made the team with this coach.
“He took me on his wing, taught me how to play the game, and because of his guidance I became a decent
coach has witnessed ‘seismic shifts’ in college hoops
high school player,” continued Dillard. That coach introduced him to a college coach at James Madison, where he earned a scholarship.
“As I matured and decided what I wanted to be when I grew up, I basically said, ‘You know what? I want to be like Coach Nestor,” his old high school coach. “I want to be able to have some significance by giving back, and the way he touched my life, and the way he changed the trajectory of my life, and I wanted to be that type of coach to young men growing up.
“I think the thing that really got me headed in this direction and down this path was I had a phenomenal high school coach,” said Dillard.
Dillard is in his 15th year as an Iowa assistant men’s coach. His lengthy resume is chock full of players he tutored that later earned conference and/ or national individual honors.
“What a great vocation, what a way of giving back, what a way of helping people become, maybe seek their goals and aspirations. And that’s why I’ve
been a coach now almost 40 years,” said Dillard proudly. “I started coaching in 1979.” He
pointed out that he has seen the game evolve and change over the decades, good and
Former prep stars return to ‘give back’
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
oth Angel Robinson and Trevor Mbakwe are two former local prep stars who went on to play college and pro basketball. Now they are working together at Tartan High School.
Mbakwe sees participation rebound
Trevor Mbakwe had a stellar basketball playing career, including six years overseas in such countries as Italy, Germany, Israel and Russia. The St. Paul native then went on to pursue a career in both sports and education.
Since 2023, Mbakwe has been the activities director at Tartan High School. He held a similar position at Eden Prairie High School for two years previously.
“I think we’re getting back to a better place where kids are participating more, “said Mbakwe on high school sports four years after the COVID pandemic. “My goal is to support you in whatever sport [the student chooses to participate in].”
Before turning pro, the 6’8” Mbakwe played high school ball at Sibley and at St. Bernard’s High Schools. Unfortunately, his chronic knee injuries first emerged in college — Marquette (2008), MiamiDade College (2008-09), and the University of Minnesota (2010-2013), where he led the Big Ten in rebounding in his first year playing for thencoach Tubby Smith.
His career highlights also include a three-time pro champion (2015 German League, 2016 Israeli Cup, 2018 Italian Cup), and he was named the top center in the Italian League in 2018. Stateside, Mbakwe also has been assistant boys basketball coach (Benilde- St. Margaret) and JV head coach at Eden Prairie before going into athletic administration full time.
“The best part of my job is to give back,” said Mbakwe.
Robinson did what she needed to do
Angel Robinson’s playing resume speaks for itself: 2007 Minnesota Miss Basketball, undefeated state championship season at St. Paul Central, 4-time All-Big East, 2011 WNBA second-round pick, regular season champion during her overseas playing days. But Robinson refuses to harp
bad, at all levels.
“I think the game is a fasterpaced game,” noted Dillard. “In terms of, from a coach’s perspective, dramatic shifts in how we do business, I think the elephant in the living room is NIL. And the second thing is the transfer portal.
“With the way things have changed, I think one of the toughest challenges we have as coaches is basically roster management and retaining players in our program.”
“Those are the seismic shifts in how we do business. You typically recruit a young man, and you would think that that young man would be with you 2, 3, 4 years. You would bring kids into your program and then nurture them and hope by
the time they’re sophomores and juniors they can really be significant contributions to your basketball program.
“With the way things have changed, I think one of the toughest challenges we have as coaches is basically roster management and retaining players in our program,” stated Dillard. He also witnessed first-hand the evolution of Black coaches.
“One of the things that’s always been a mainstay with Black coaches is that people would see us on TV, particularly back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and [say], ‘He’s the recruiter,’” said Dillard. “I was labeled that for the longest time. I still think I’m pretty good at it, but somehow we got pigeonholed and painted into a box that all we can do is just recruit.
“Luckily, I do more than that. I wear so many different hats…a number of different things that I’m involved with and have a broad level of responsibility.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Jackson State coach stays positive after Gopher rout
he Minnesota Gopher women’s basketball team plays Prairie View A&M December 20, its second of two meetings this season against Black college teams. Jackson State played at The Barn December 11.
The Gopher men’s team hosts Morgan State on December 29, its second of two meetings with Black college teams. Minnesota defeated BethuneCookman at home December 1.
All these Black schools are Division I. But historically, the local mainstream PWM’s (primarily white media) have all but ignored the HBCUs, or basically dismissed them. This was lately the case when Jackson State came to town last
week, and most assuredly it will happen again.
“I would say maybe they’re not as educated, maybe not as aware. It’s a lack of awareness, that’s what I would say,” stated
Margaret Richards, in
year at JSU. She spoke to the MSR, the only local reporter there, after their game against the Gophers.
“We have young ladies that compete at this level, can
her first
Sherman Dillard Photo by Charles Hallman
Angel Robinson Photos by Charles Hallman
Dawn Plitzuweit
Photos by Charles Hallman
Margaret Richards
Photos by Charles Hallman
Trevor Mbakwe