April 6, 2022 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

April 7-13, 2022

Vol. 88

PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

Inside this Edition...

Read more about HYPE shoe store on page 4.

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No. 34

Graff’s 6-year MPS tenure ends in discord

By Cole Miska Contributing Writer On March 30, Minneapolis

superintendent for six years.

While the school board had already approved a vote to negotiate a new contract for

parents and community members who want our students to succeed, and I am confident they will continue to join

Screenshot of MPS Special Business meeting on March 29 that was interrupted by a student protest.

Courtesy of MPS Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Ed Graff announced his intention to resign effective at the end of the school year, June 30.

Graff has been the MPS

Graff’s third term, he declined, stating in his letter of resignation that he believed it was time for new MPS leadership.

“MPS has a team of committed and dedicated educators,

hands with you to make that happen,” Graff stated in the letter.

MPS School Board Chair Kim Ellison expressed support for Graff in an MPS press

Hallman recognized for outstanding achievement in sports journalism

release: “Always with students as the focus, Superintendent Graff has brought systemic and transformational change to MPS during an extremely challenging time in our history,” Ellison stated.

“He has repeatedly delivered on the School Board’s values, implemented equity-driven structural changes, and kept students and staff safe and learning through a pandemic.

I am grateful for his service and all he has done for Minneapolis Public Schools,” Ellison’s statement read .

While Graff has had a fair amount of support from inside the district offices of MPS, support has not been unanimous.

The offer to extend Graff’s contract was passed with a 5-4 vote, with board members Adriana Cerrillo, Josh Pauly, Sharon El-Amin, and Siad Ali voting against extending Graff’s tenure.

Colleen Lindström, a local radio host on myTalk 107.1 and a parent, was not happy with the job Graff had done ■ See GRAFF on page 5

By Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald Contributing Writer

last Friday into the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USWBA) Hall of Fame as his family, MSR staff members, media colleagues, and other he big moment finally arrived for Charles Hall- award-winners looked on.

The 1977 Michigan State man last week during the NCAA Women’s University (MSU) journalism Final Four at the Target Center grad—Hallman earned his as he was doubly honored for master’s degree from MSU his sportswriting legacy. in 1982—was in good comAn esteemed sports colum- pany during the USWBA cernist for the Minnesota Spokes- emony. Before Hallman was man-Recorder (MSR) since recognized for his outstanding 1990, Hallman was inducted ■ See HALLMAN on page 5

T

Charles Hallman

Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

White people cared less about COVID after learning Blacks were most impacted Fewer precautions taken when virus seen as ’not a White people problem’

By Stacy M. Brown Contributing Writer White people were more likely to ignore safety precautions like wearing masks and social distancing during the pandemic when they realized the various and dispropor-

tionate ways COVID-19 affected African Americans.

Psychologists at the University of Georgia’s Department of Social Science & Medicine reached those conclusions following an in-depth study of racial disparities during the pandemic.

“When White people in the U.S. were more aware of racial disparities in COVID-19, they were less fearful of COVID-19,” said Allison SkinnerDorkenoo, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Georgia and co-author of the study.

“We found evidence of less empa-

“When people compare themselves to others who are less well off, they feel more satisfied with their current situation.”

Courtesy of NNPA

thy for people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, and we also found evidence of reduced support for safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Skinner-Dorkenoo noted that the study revealed that White people mostly showed less concern about COVID and its impact when they believe it is “not a White people problem.”

According to an earlier study by the Black Coalition Against COVID, the Yale School of Medicine, and the Morehouse School of Medicine, African Americans struggled more than most during the pandemic. In the first three months, the study authors found that the average weekly case rate per 100,000 Black Americans was 36.2, compared with 12.5 for White Americans.

In addition, the Black hospitalization rate was 12.6 per 100,000 people, compared with four per 100,000 for White people, and the death rate was also higher: 3.6 per 100,000 com-

pared with 1.8 per 100,000.

“The severity of COVID-19 among Black Americans was the predictable result of structural and societal realities, not differences in genetic predisposition,” the authors stated.

When the University of Georgia report authors looked at social comparisons and construal level theory, they reached additional conclusions.

Although the elevated rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality among people of color in the U.S. do not objectively reduce the risks of infection among White people, they may reduce perceptions of risk by serving as a source of downward comparison, the authors said.

“When people compare themselves to others who are less well off, they feel more satisfied with their current situation,” the authors asserted.

“When confronted with threatening health concerns, people often spontaneously engage in downward ■ See COVID on page 5

Lake Street travelers brace for big changes Major plans underway to calm Hennepin County’s most dangerous street

By Henry Pan Contributing Writer Big changes are coming to Lake Street in the next two years. Metro Transit will upgrade Route 21 to an arterial bus rapid transit line, similar to the A Line that runs on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul and the C Line that runs on Penn Avenue in North Minneapolis.

Some of the stations for the route have been built, including near and under I-35W and at Hiawatha in the eastbound direction. The buses for the route will be delivered later this year.

But this project will be different.

A report by Metro Transit found that even with upgrading the route, transit travel times could be slower than they are today if more people drive.

That’s why the agency is working with the City and County to implement transit lanes, in addition to ensuring buses get more green lights.

“Providing the space [for transit lanes] and really getting transit out of traffic with that signal priority makes a real difference in how buses travel,”

said Move Minnesota Executive Director Sam Rockwell, whose organization supports Lake Street improvements.

This comes at a time when the road is due for a mill and overlay, where the existing pavement is ground up, removed, and replaced

with a new layer. The County is also using this as an opportunity to make the street safer for those who walk, bike, drive and take transit, owing to its reputation for being the most dangerous street in the city and county. Between September 2011

and September 2021, Lake Street had over 1,500 crashes, with 200 of them at Lake and Lyndale alone.

Louis Hunter, who owns Trio PlantBased at Lake and Lyndale, has happened upon crashes while running errands near his restaurant. “They

Between September 2011 and September 2021, Lake St. had over 1,500 crashes, 200 of them at Lake and Lyndale alone.

Photo by Henry Pan

get scary, hell yeah,” said Hunter. “I walked to the store one day and there was an accident, and I was on the corner on Lake and Lyndale—I mean, on the corner… I had to jump back ‘cause it was a big crash,” Hunter recalled.

In addition to transit lanes, the City and County plan to reduce the amount of through-travel lanes from two to one in each direction. With one lane being converted to a transit lane, another lane will be converted into a left turn lane. The city will retime signals so people driving can make left turns without having to wait for a gap in traffic to do so.

They will also ensure the crosswalks are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which includes installing bollards with buttons that people may have to push in order to cross the street.

Will changes go far enough?

Some transit advocates and business owners, however, question how much the plan does to make the ■ See LAKE ST on page 5

2 April 7-13, 2022

Metro Neighbors unite to save elder’s home

By Cole Miska Contributing Writer Community members gathered on East 36th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues South on Friday, April 1 to rally support for 70-year-old resident Linda Taylor to stay in her home.

Taylor was informed by her landlord in January that she would have to vacate her Powderhorn home where she has lived for 18 years. Neighbors organized and were able to get Taylor’s landlord Gregory Berendt to rescind the notice to vacate and agree to sell the house to Taylor.

Taylor says she loves the area and does not want to leave.

“Since I’ve been in this house, I had four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren,” Taylor said. “I even had the sorrow of losing my oldest daughter.”

“I’m a big part of this neighborhood, I want to [continue to] be a big part of this neighborhood,” she added.

Taylor originally purchased the house in 2004 but went into foreclosure the following year. Taylor says the man she purchased it from in 2004, Todd Cushman, convinced her to sign a contract that he claimed would have her pay rent to him but maintain ownership of the home.

Taylor alleges Cushman

ple know her as the “soup lady” from working at the soup kitchen. She first asked her neighbor Andrew Fahlstrom for help and said the word about her situation snowballed from there.

“Miss Linda has been an institution in this neighborhood,” Fahlstrom said. “She knows everyone, she is the friendliest person in a five-block radius, and everyone knows who she is, so I really couldn’t let it happen.”

Fahlstrom talked with others in the neighborhood and came up with several ideas.

The group circulated a letter Crowd gathered in front of Linda Taylor’s house (Taylor’s in the middle behind the purple sign) with 430 signatures asking to let Taylor stay and sent it to Berendt.

They started a webthing I knew, Greg was the misrepresented his verlord. He’s never done anything site savelindashome.wordbal claims, and by signing owner.” for me in this home.”

Taylor says she held her the contract, she unknowTaylor is well known in her press.com describing Taylor’s ingly signed ownership of ground when Berendt first neighborhood—she says peo- situation, as well as a fundraisher home over to Cushman. asked her to move out. She Cushman pleaded guilty to used to work as a drywaller four counts of swindling in and has done many repairs to 2008, and Taylor says her the house herself, including uphouse was one of the proper- grades such as weatherization.

Berendt originally gave ties listed in that case.

The property went back to Taylor a move-out date of the bank after Cushman’s con- April 1. Taylor was willing to victions and was purchased by negotiate to try to keep her Berendt. Taylor said she never home but noted that her and had a chance to buy back the Berendt’s relationship was strictly a business relationship, house.

“Greg came underneath and so he probably would not be said, ‘I’m your new landlord; giving her any favors.

“I’ve never been his friend; I bought the house,’” Taylor said. “I never went to court for he’s never been my friend,” foreclosure or anything. Next Taylor said. “He’s just my land- Linda Taylor dancing with neighbors Photos by Cole Miska

er givebutter.com/VMySZz .

In the end, their efforts paid off—Berendt agreed to rescind the notice to vacate the property and agreed to give Taylor priority in buying the property, granted she could raise the funds by the end of June.

The organization of the block party was not only a celebration for Taylor and her neighbors, but also intended to create awareness of the funds they hope to raise.

As a press release for the party stated, “The goals of these upcoming events are two-fold, first out the campaign to save the home for Miss Linda to continue to reside in.”

Through it all, Taylor says one of the most important things she has learned is how valuable neighborhood relations can be. “It’s good to know your neighbors,” Taylor said. “And that’s a sign of what’s happening today—that we need to reach out to each other, and talk to each other, and support each other when we need it.”

For more info and to donate to Taylor’s cause to keep her house, go to givebutter.com/VMySZz. Cole Miska welcomes reader responses to cmiska@spokesman-recorder.com.

State triples energy crisis benefits Funding now available for thousands more Minnesotans to apply

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has raised the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program crisis benefit per household. Income-qualified homeowners or renters can now receive up to $3,000 to pay past-due energy bills, to prevent energy disconnections, and to cover costs for emergency fuel deliveries.

The crisis benefit had been $1,200. This grant is for nearly an additional $2,000 in noncrisis benefits for qualified households.

“We increased the crisis benefit to make energy costs more affordable for Minnesotans who have seen their energy bills rise significantly this winter,” said Michael Schmitz, director for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program. The program is administered by the Department of Commerce through a network of local community service providers.

“If you are behind on your energy bill, you may qualify for up to $3,000 in help.

“The crisis benefits will be especially important for households heated by propane or heating oils, who have seen their heating costs increase on average from $1,500 to $2,500 per household,” Schmitz added. “Minnesotans who use propane or heating oils can apply for the Energy Assistance Program to refill their tanks.”

Energy Assistance funding is available for thousands more Minnesotans and is open for applications through May 31, 2022. Minnesota received more than $167 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in 2021 for the Energy Assistance Program, which more than doubled the annual amount.

With one application to the Energy Assistance Program, households may also qualify for water bill assistance and for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which can permanently reduce household energy costs.

Commerce is asking the Minnesota Legislature to fund up to 15,000 more Minnesotans for the Weatherization Assistance Program, to reduce energy costs long-term for those homes and reduce the

state’s overall energy infrastructure needs.

Minnesotans who have already qualified for Energy Assistance Program grants this year may be eligible for this additional amount of crisis money and should contact their local service provider about additional crisis benefits.

The Energy Assistance Program helps people who own or rent their homes to pay for current and past-due bills for electricity, gas, oil, biofuel and propane, emergency fuel delivery, and repair/replacement of homeowners’ broken heating systems, and could also cover water and sewer bills.

To Protect Yourself and Others from Covid-19 If you feel sick...

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS

START WEARING A MASK

GET TESTED

STAY HOME IF YOU TEST POSITIVE

To apply, go to gov/energyassistance or call 800-657-3710 and press 1.

Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce

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Scan this QR code for more vaccine information

April 7-13, 2022

Health & Wellness

3

Screening is the best preventative for colorectal cancer

By Sharon Luster Dykes, MD, FACS, FASCRS Guest Contributor March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a perfect time to heighten our understanding of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer as well as the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and in Minnesota. It is preventable.

Signs and symptoms of CRC include change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stools lasting several days); incomplete emptying; rectal bleeding or blood within the stool (bright red blood or maroon or dark stool); abdominal cramping or pain; weakness or fatigue (anemia); and weight loss.

CRC develops slowly over the course of years, and 95% begin as precancerous polyps inside the colon or rectum. Polyps can grow from the inside of the colon or rectal wall, through the layers of the colon, and eventually to nearby lymph nodes and other organs.

CRC is staged based on the TNM classification: T (depth of tumor penetration through the colon wall), N (lymph node involvement), and M (metastasis or distant spread of cancer outside of the colon).

CRC diagnosis is made by biopsy, and its subsequent staging is determined after obtaining a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Overall five-year survival is excellent for early CRC (90% for Stage 1, 80% for Stage 2, 70% for Stage 3, and 14% for Stage 4). Risk factors include: 1) age (risk increases with age, as 90% of CRC is diagnosed among people 50 years or older); 2) male gender (CRC incidence is greater for men than women); 3) personal history of colon polyps or cancer; 4) family history of colon cancer and genetic syndromes (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or Lynch Syndrome); and 5) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and diet high in red and processed meats have also been linked to CRC risk.

There is strong evidence that the most effective prevention of CRC in average risk individuals is screening. Historically, guidelines have recommended screening begin at age 50 in the average risk population, likely contributing to decreasing rates of colorectal cancer since 2006.

In contrast and for unknown reasons, CRC incidence and mortality have been increasing in individuals aged 20-49, especially in the African American population. In addition, African Americans are more likely to die from CRC when compared to other races/ethnicities.

Courtesy of Pexels In Minnesota, incidence and mortality are highest for American Indians (63%), followed by African Americans (40%), then Hispanics and Caucasians (39% each).

Screening guidelines for the average risk population have been published by several organizations, as outlined below: Direct visualization Colonoscopy every 10 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years* Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*

Stool tests* Fecal immunohistochemical test (FIT) yearly Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) yearly Multi-targeted stool DNA test (Cologuard) every 3 years

*Any abnormal test should be followed with colonoscopy For those at increased or high risk, referring to the factors discussed above, screening guidelines generally recommend: 1) If family history of CRC, begin screening at age 45 or 10 years earlier than family member diagnosed with CRC. 2) If family history of familial or genetic syndrome, begin screening in teenage years or early 20s, with surveillance colonoscopy recommended every two years after initial examination.

3) If polyps found on initial colonoscopy, surveillance examination should be scheduled in one, three or five years depending on size, type and number of polyps.

4) If personal history of IBD, initial colonoscopy is recommended eight years after IBD diagnosis with surveillance examination every one to two years, depending on risk factors and findings on prior colonoscopy.

Screening tests are divided into two types: USPSTF1 (2020) ASCRS2 (2018) ACS3 (2018) USMSTF4 (2017)

Start (age) 45 45 45-50 50 45 for Afr. Americans

Stop (age) 75 75 75 75

Individualize (age) 76-85 * 76-85 * 76-85 * 76-85 if no prior screening

1USPSTF

(US Preventive Services Task Force); 2ASCRS (American Society Colon Rectal Surgeons); 3ACS (American College Surgeons); 4USMSTF (US Multi-Society Task Force) *criteria for screening in this age group individualized based on patient preference, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history If you have any questions regarding your risk of CRC, please talk with a healthcare provider to discuss your best screening option. Please remember and always keep in mind that the best screening test is the one that gets done.

Sharon Luster Dykes, MD, FACS, FASCRS is a dual board-certified colon and rectal surgeon. She owns her independent surgical practice, Minnesota Colon and Rectal Surgical Specialists. She earned her Bachelor’s and Medical Degrees from Brown University and completed General Surgery Residency and Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. She currently serves as a Senior Oral Examiner and a Written Examination Committee member for the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

MN program helps underserved patients keep ‘silent killer’ at bay

By Mike Moen Minnesota is often credited for having an overall healthy population, but disparities exist for certain racial groups. A prevention effort now taking shape gives patients the tools to keep tabs on a crucial part of their health: blood pressure.

Through the American Heart Association (AHA), the Native American Community Clinic in Minneapolis recently secured 220 self-monitoring blood pressure cuffs to give to at-risk patients. Moriah Johnson, community health manager for the clinic, said the rollout of the program, along with an emphasis on telehealth, coincides with recent improvements in patients’ hypertension management levels, including those who

are diabetic.

“Coupling both of those together could be a factor in why we actually did see some pretty marked improvement in hypertension control,” Johnson explained. There is a general lack of engagement because blood pressure is not considered a visible health threat, and following up with some patients, especially if they lose track of their devices, can be a barrier.

Johnson hopes the emergence of another component of the program, which is a web-based Bluetooth platform, will bolster the effectiveness of the effort. It allows the clinic to get a closer look at levels being taken from a patient outside the facility.

“From a care perspective, it’s concrete data, which is

really nice,” Johnson acknowledged. “We can log onto those patients that do engage in it and see where their readings are at home. “ The AHA hopes to ramp up the monitoring program so it can reach other populations.

It recently partnered with two other community sites, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the Cultural Wellness Center in Minneapolis, to help with educating patients.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension. Left untreated it can lead to poor health outcomes and is a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Mike Moen is a writer for Minnesota News Connection.

Source: Minnesota Connection

News

Courtesy of Pexels

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4 April 7-13, 2022

Hype Black Business SPOTLIGHT

Business Social entrepreneurs launch upscale Uptown shoe store

By Ashley Lauren Contributing Writer The owners of the new HYPE shoe store in Uptown Minneapolis hosted a grand opening on Saturday, March 26. The shop is located at 2835 Hennepin Avenue.

The business is owned by Arif Mohamed, Abdulkarim “AK” Abdulle, Sir Curtis Kirby, and Yassir Mohamed. There’s a special meaning behind the business name: HYPE means “Help Your People Eat,” Abdulle said.

Initially, “We were going back and forth with designs, and as we were doing that we recognized HYPE,” said Yassir Mohamed.

Arif Mohamed emphasized, “We all came from humble beginnings, so we know the importance of helping people who are on the come up; we’ve all been there. We’ve all been at the bottom, and we know what it feels like.” The owners are grateful to be opening a store in the neighborhood.

“All of us love sneakers.”

He added, “We want to use our platform to help local artists and give them exposure they need.” The store showcases local clothing designers and upscale shoes.

The business is fairly new.

Arif Mohamed said it started online a year and a half ago.

They chose to work as a collective to bring the dream to

(l-r) Arif Mohamed, Sir Curtis Kirby, Yassir Mohamed, and Abdulkarim Abdulle Photos by Ashley Lauren fruition. “We all have different roles and different expectations, so it all blends in really well,” Yassir Mohamed said.

“Honestly, we could’ve outsourced a lot of stuff. We thought it would be a good idea to do it ourselves so it can look a particular way,” Arif Mohamed said.

Abdulle added, “As soon as we signed the lease, we wanted to bond over it. We know that this might go somewhere bigger than we imagined, and we started this by painting and doing the groundwork by ourselves.”

The entrepreneurs aspire to make a change in the community through their business. “We really want to build the block and really own it,” said Kirby. He added, “In order to do this right here, it takes a special team effort.”

Starting the business wasn’t an easy task. The owners ex-

plained that it took a lot of patience to launch their business.

Kirby noted, “I think it’s good to pray, manifest, dream of different things you want.”

Abdulle said, “Right now we’re all aligned, and we have the same goal.” He added, “Getting a brick-and-mortar was a big ordeal. There’s a lot of things that went behind this— there’s a lot of ups and downs that came with it.”

When asked what inspired them to start this business, Yassir Mohamed said, “I was always into fashion since I was young, but I was raised by my mom, a single mother. I couldn’t afford getting four, five pairs of shoes.”

He continued, “As I grew older and got a job, I started buying more pairs. Then this reselling game started where you buy the shoe and the shoe sells out, you can make a little

bit of money off it.” As a result, he was able to generate a profit from selling shoes.

Yassir Mohamed elaborated, “I got introduced to AK [Abdulkarim Abdulle], I knew Kirby—then we just meshed in.”

Arif Mohamed, his cousin, became a business partner later.

He added, “All of us love sneakers, all of us love fashion— we all love doing it,” The owners exude optimism and are excited to have an opportunity to live their dream together.

Before they opened the HYPE storefront, Abdulle said, “We were selling shoes out of Kirby’s house for the longest.” But “we outgrew the crib,” Kirby said.

He added, “I think there’s been a lot of gatekeepers in the sneaker game—so we’re culture shifters. I want someone to come in here that has zero knowledge about shoes and

feel like they can ask me anything—or someone that knows about shoes and can put me on game,” he said.

The social entrepreneurs shared advice for the youth and aspiring entrepreneurs: “Always dream, because you can do it. If you really put the passion and sweat equity behind it, anything’s possible,” Abdulle said.

Kirby shared, “Expand your network, expand your circle, don’t be afraid to try different things and jump outside of your circle, because that’s our community’s biggest problem.”

Yassir said, “Just being open

to taking advice from other people—open your mindset a little bit more. When you keep that mindset I feel like you’ll always stay fresh and always have room to grow.”

Arif Mohamed added, “My advice for the youth is do what you love. It’s very important because when you do what you love, you do it very well.”

For more information, visit www.instagram.com/thehypempls.

Ashley Lauren welcomes reader responses to alauren@psokesman-recorder.com.

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11/8/21 9:44 AM

April 7-13, 2022

Graff Continued from page 1

An MPS teacher, who also asked not to be identified, said Graff has been very unpopular among students. Last January students went as far as to create an Instagram page called “Ed Graff hate club” in response to MPS’s decision to continue in-person classes despite a high caseload of COVID-19 in the metro area.

The page, which posts edited memes involving Graff, has nearly 1,500 followers and received over 750 likes in 12 hours on its most recent post about Graff resigning.

His announcement coincides with the settling of a several-weeks-long strike by the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT).

Tuesday after MFT members voted over the weekend to approve the tentative agreement forged by MPS and MFT negotiators. As Minneapolis schools were closed for the duration of the strike, a special business meeting was held last

about ignoring the statute, and Amy Moore, a general counsel to Superintendent Graff, explained the consequences of bypassing the statute.

“If we do not comply with the mandated requirement in the statute, there are fiscal

over his tenure. “This man was never equipped to usher the Minneapolis Public Schools “I wonder if he’d have cared more if anywhere,” Lindström said.

“He was too big for his he’d have believed in his own own britches, and then when leadership enough to send his kids the emperor no longer had to a Minneapolis Public School.” britches, and we all saw it, he retreated. I wonder if he’d Tuesday night to vote on approv- ramifications that can happen have cared more if he’d have al of extending the school year as well as criminal,” Moore believed in his own leadership out to June 24 to make up for said. “They’re looking at a enough to send his kids to a willful noncompliance, which missed days during the strike.

Minneapolis Public School,” A point of discussion in the at this stage it would be, and Lindström added. meeting was Minnesota Stat- those criminal penalties can A ninth grader in the MPS ute 120A.41, which dictates the be applied to administration, school system, who asked not number of hours of instruction but also to other staff, teachto have her name or school that Minnesota schools must ers are referenced in that statidentified, was also unsupport- Tumultuous vote Teachers and students have in a school year. Board ute as well.” ive. “Not surprising and good Director Kimberly Caprini returned to the classroom this members explored options riddance,” the student said.

Hallman Continued from page 1

achievement, several other honors were conferred.

Debbie Jennings won the Mary Jo Haverbeck Award for her service to the USBWA; Mel Greenberg was named the Gowdy Award winner for outstanding service in journalism; Charlotte Caroll received the Rising Star Award as a distinguished USBWA under 30; and the Pat Summit Most Courageous Award was given to Northeastern University junior guard Kendall Currence.

It proved to be a busy weekend for Hallman who, the night before, received the Women’s Basketball

Coaches Association (WBCA) Mel Greenberg Media Award with veteran ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. He is the first Black man to receive the award and the third Black man to be inducted into the USBWA Hall of Fame.

“It’s been a humbling experience,” Hallman said. “I was shocked when I found out about the induction and award.”

After hearing the stories and triumphs of the other award winners, Hallman, a tireless advocate of women’s sports throughout his entire career, had some stories of his own to share as he gave thanks to those who had a profound influence on his life.

He gave honor to his mother, Ethel Hallman, whose early guidance planted the seeds that would allow him to grow and mature into the writer he is today. “She’s the one who taught me how to read and

Covid

and endorsement of safety precautions.”

They added that awareness of COVID-19 racial dispariContinued from page 1 ties could also influence how psychologically distant White U.S. residents feel from COVcomparisons as a means of coping, which has been shown ID-19. “According to construal to reduce engagement in level theory, when people and health-protective behaviors. things are more psychologically “Therefore, news stories about distant from us socially, in time, COVID-19 racial disparities or in space, they seem more may facilitate downward abstract and less concerning,” comparison among White the authors concluded.

The authors conceded that U.S. residents, reducing the perceived threat of the virus information about COVID-19

Lake St Continued from page 1

street safe for everyone and make transit an option more viable than driving. Wider sidewalks are not being considered, because the street was already rebuilt between 2006 and 2008, and the County thinks it’s good for 40 more years.

The limited scope is disappointing for Hunter, who wants to see wider sidewalks: “I want to be able to see a kid walk the street, cross the street—it’s dangerous for a kid to walk the street, cross the street right down here.”

Advocates also criticized the installation of buttons that people may have to push in order to cross the street, calling it dehumanizing. The county says the buttons help those with limited mobility know when it is safe to cross. The county also says that the City traffic engineer will decide whether or not people who walk and bike will have to push those buttons in order to cross the street when they are installed.

Other advocates question the lack of centerrunning transit lanes, which have been adopted in cities like San Francisco, Eugene, Oregon, Cleveland, Ohio, and Boston over the last two decades. Such lanes have been touted by advocates, engineers and planners as being better than transit lanes that run next to sidewalks and parking lanes, in part because drivers who need to park or make right turns may make it hard for a bus to run fast.

The County decided not to pursue centerrunning transit lanes because they wanted to use the space for the left turn lane in order to make it safe and speed up traffic.

“Given the width available to be re-striped, there is not enough space for a center left-turn lane, bus lanes in each direction, and a traffic lane in each direction,” said Hennepin County

write before I got into kindergarten,” Hallman remembered fondly. “She bought me my first tape recorder, radio and typewriter.”

He thanked his father Charles

“It’s been a very good year.”

Hallman, Sr. for helping develop a love for storytelling, which in turn helped him with his writing. “My father was an outstanding storyteller,” Hallman recalled with laughter. “His friends always said that he could talk Jesus off the cross. He taught me to craft a story.”

Hallman made sure to mention the influence his Uncle Addus Hines had not only on his career, but on his life as well. “He always told me, whenev-

racial disparities might not have the same effect on all White U.S. residents. They noted that previous research had revealed that U.S. residents who are more knowledgeable about past racial injustices tend to be more aware of and concerned about systemic inequalities and racism in the present.

“These findings suggest that White U.S. residents who are more knowledgeable about the systemic and structural inequalities that led people of

Engineer Chad Elios. “Additionally, when we assumed bus lanes in each direction in the transit and traffic analysis, severe congestion was observed due to left-turns and through traffic sharing the only travel lane.”

The County decided not to ban left-turning traffic, in part because they were worried about impacts on side streets. Said Elios, “While banning left turns can have advantages, a lot of other factors also need to be considered, making it a complex topic including impact to local business access, increased traffic on nearby streets, presence of a street grid, [and] enforcement of prohibited movements.”

Center transit lanes do have their drawbacks, which include challenges in ensuring people feel safe waiting for the bus in the middle of the street. “The details matter,” said Rockwell.

“You’d need to be able to safely get to and from those stations as a pedestrian or a cyclist.”

Construction on the B Line, which will cost about $65 million and be funded by a mix of federal, state and regional partners,

“It’s dangerous for a kid to walk the street, cross the street right down here.” will begin in 2023. The B Line is slated to open in 2024.

When the B Line opens, service on the 21 will be reduced to run every 30 minutes, and will only run between Uptown Transit Station and Minnehaha. Preliminary plans call for a new route to run on Selby Ave. between Snelling and University and Downtown St. Paul, making the same stops the 21 does today.

Henry Pan welcomes reader responses to hpan@ spokesman-recorder.com.

voiced her support for extending the school year. “We owe [students] the opportunity to finish high school,” Caprini said.

“The thought that we would actually be having a conversation about not following the law, the statute, is ridiculous.”

Caprini’s speech had members from the audience interrupting to express displeasure.

An attempt to take the vote was held directly after Caprini finished talking, but as members began to vote yes, a group of four MPS students interrupted the meeting with a megaphone.

Superintendent Graff left the meeting as the students spoke, citing their use of the word “bullsh-t” as his reason for his exit.

“Just to be clear, I’m leaving because I’m not going to be a part of any organization that

er I was frustrated with a problem, to always use my imagination,” he said.

“He was a second father to me.”

Hallman also recognized his two sons, Johnell Hallman and Charles James Hallman, and ex-wife Rev. Marchelle Hallman while highlighting the family traits of each that he says makes him proud.

“C.J. [Charles James] is a writer of spoken word and coached football and basketball,” Hallman said with pride. “Johnell loves working with the kids and has coached basketball,” he continued. “Marchelle has a love and patience for people.”

Hallman, ever the true journalist, acknowledged that, while appreciative of the awards and recognition, the timing of the awards ceremony interfered with his usual newsgathering activity.

color to be harder hit by COVID-19, may also be more concerned about COVID-19 racial disparities,” the authors wrote.

“This line of thinking sug-

5

allows people to use profanity,” Graff said before being drowned out by the students.

“You can’t talk to our students because of a curse word?” students called after Graff as he left the room. “Shame!”

Superintendent Graff did not return for the rest of the meeting.

His resignation was announced the following morning. The vote on the motion continued again despite student protest.

The vote passed 5-2. Superintendent Graff was not present to vote and Director El-Amin abstained, saying she refused to vote without Graff present.

El-Amin and Cerrillo walked out of the meeting and joined the student protesters in support.

Cole Miska welcomes reader responses to cmiksa@ spokesman-recorder.com.

“I missed some real big story opportunities,” Hallman said smiling.

“I’m honored to be inducted into the [USWBA] Hall of Fame, but I would have still liked to have had a chance to interview and write those stories.”

For Hallman it has been a noteworthy year not only from a professional standpoint but personally as well. He put all this in perspective while being interviewed after the ceremony.

“My twin grandsons were born this year. We had our best season of B-squad boys’ basketball at [Minneapolis] South [where Hallman coaches], and I’ve been inducted into two Halls of Fame. It’s been a very good year.”

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

gests that systemic knowledge of contributors to COVID-19 racial disparities would be associated with greater concern about COVID-19 and increased

support for safety precautions.”

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

Open House Your Way Virtual: Wednesday, April 13 • 5-6pm On Campus: Thursday, April 14 • 4:30-6pm

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A member of Minnesota State

6 April 7-13, 2022

Arts & Culture Local author encourages austistic kids to overcome fears and explore

By MSR News Service Just in time for Autism Awareness Month in April, Minnesota media personality Sheletta Brundidge is releasing a new picture book. “Brandon Spots His Sign” is the third in her series of stories taken from real-life challenges experienced by her family; three of Brundidge’s four children are on the autism spectrum.

Published by Beaver’s Pond Press, the book focuses on nine-year-old Brandon, the second of Brundidge’s four children, a thoughtful elementary school student who lives

with social anxiety as well as autism. Using his imagination and an unlikely source of inspiration, Brandon finds a way to overcome his fears and hesitations.

Beyond its simple story and warm illustrations of the Brundidge family, “Brandon Spots His Sign” has an uplifting message that tells readers, young and old, that the world is a friendly place if that’s how you choose to see it.

Adults know that “Let’s Go Brandon” has become code for those who are, to put it mildly, displeased with President Joe Biden.

Courtesy of Sheletta Brundidge

But when Brandon reads that slogan, which he spots on signs, flags, T-shirts, and baseball caps, he sees it as evidence of support.

He interprets “Let’s Go Brandon” as a cheer from people who are rooting for him. That encourages him to try what feels new and scary to him. Brandon breaks and reinterprets the code to find his own personal message of strength and confidence.

The book concludes with an autism resource page with information about social anxiety in children on the autism spectrum. It offers parents,

teachers, and other caring adults practical ways to boost self-esteem in boys and girls who struggle with anxiety.

Brundidge told the MSR that she hopes families “learn new ways to encourage children who have autism to try new and different things— whether that’s new foods or taking the training wheels off of a bicycle or saying a scripture at church in front of the congregation.”

She added, “Our kids with autism oftentimes have undiagnosed social anxiety that causes them to be afraid to do things. By learning new

and creative ways to encourage them, they can advance in their learning, social and emotional growth, and communication skills.”

Brundidge became an author after her daughter Cameron was frustrated when she could not find a book featuring a Black girl like her with autism. Her picture book “Cameron Goes to School” was a best-seller and was quickly followed by “Daniel Finds His Voice,” a book featuring Brundidge’s youngest child, who was non-verbal until music showed him how to communicate. It also was a

huge success.

In addition to writing children’s books Sheletta Brundidge is an award-winning radio and television personality and the founder of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, a podcast platform that amplifies Black subject experts.

She was recently selected as USA Today’s Woman of the Year and won an Anthem Award for her advocacy work building community and promoting social justice.

Find books by Sheletta Brundidge at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh. com.

‘Parks: Portrait of a Young Artist’ A vision of power, purpose, possibilities

By TerryAnn Nash Contributing Writer A production of “Parks: Portrait of a Young Artist” is currently running at History Theatre through April 10, 2022. The show visually conveys to those in attendance the greatness of a young Gordon Parks and his tenacity for life.

Parks came to Minnesota as a young man, leaving Fort Scott, Kansas to settle in St. Paul’s Rondo community. His early writing career included contributions to the Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder newspapers (now Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder). He became the first African American to write and direct a major Hollywood feature film and a world-re-

nowned 20th-century photographer.

“A vision of peace, power, purpose and possibilities” is how Robin Hickman-Winfield describes this visual celebration of her great uncle’s young life. “Parks: A Portrait of a Young Artist” is a biographical musical comprised of drama, poetry, heartbreak, discrimination, and the self-determination of a young Black man’s rise to greatness.

A Minnesota icon, Parks received many awards for photography, writing, filmmaking and humanitarianism.

He was also the recipient of honorary degrees in literature, fine arts, and humane letters from colleges and universities across the country, among them the NAACP’s esteemed Spingarn Medal.

Parks went on to become an award-winning author of two memoirs, “The Learning Tree” and “A Choice of Weapons,” as well as a freelance photographer for Vogue, Glamour and Life magazines.

“He became a modern-day Renaissance Man with a vision that spanned his 93 years of life,” Hickman-Winfield said.

In the spirit of her uncle, Hickman-Winfield takes pride in the work behind “Parks: A Portrait of a Young Artist” and its cast of over 95% Black talent. She describes her experiences from inception to stage as “an amazing journey.”

This journey spanned eight years from conception to fruition. HickmanWinfield became emotional when she spoke of the talented people she worked

writer Harrison David Rivers and director Talvin Wilks.

Hickman-Winfield, who currently works at Gordon Parks High School in St. Paul, has created an artistic expression that extends beyond the stage. She has imparted her uncle’s vision to her scholars as she encourages their artistic development through public performance and includes the students in her uncle’s ever-growing legacy and life through art and exhibition.

“Parks: A Portrait of a Young Artist” is a show to be remembered, from the lobby of student art installations to the stage that brings life to art and art to life. At a time when certain powers want to take race history out of schools, this production infuses power in the telling of a real-life experience. Hickman-Winfield stated, “This is what Black Lives Matter looks like when we take the rightful place to tell our own narratives.”

Northrop and Walker Art Center Present

Third Coast Percussion with Movement Art Is In-person Apr 30

“Parks: Portrait of a Young Artist” runs until April 10.

Courtesy of History Theatre

For more info about “Parks: A Portrait of A Young Artist,” visit www.historytheatre.com.

with, such as set designer James A. Williams (as Pigeon Seitu Jones, Kevin Brown, Jr., Man), and how much she (cast as Gordon Parks), and enjoyed collaborating with

TerryAnn Nash welcomes reader responses to tnash@ spokesman-recorder.com.

SUPPORT THE BLACK PRESS! Subscribe to the MSR

northrop.umn.edu Third Coast Percussion with Movement Art Is in Metamorphosis. Photo © Landon Akiyama.

by going to spokesman-recorder.com or call 612-827-4021.

Opinion

April 7-13, 2022

7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MN prisoners should not lose their jobs for getting medical care

Shifting COVID policies, though frustrating, are essential to getting it right

By Michael Williams No one gave a second thought to the safety of dining out before the pandemic. Fastforward to today, and it’s normal to wonder if there is a city, state or federal policy for whether you need a mask or proof of vaccination to eat in a restaurant.

I am the former director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Health Policy and a practicing surgeon. I have followed both the development and rapid implementation of public policy in response to COVID-19, and I, like many people, have struggled to stay up-to-date.

Typically, meaningful changes to federal health policy happen at a glacial pace. But the modern world has never faced a public health crisis that has changed as quickly as the pandemic.

The constant back and forth of rules can be frustrating, but policy changes aren’t usually a sign of mistakes. Rather, they show that for the most part, policymakers are getting things right over and over again.

Rapid changes require rapid responses The continued evolution of the coronavirus and resultant public policy changes don’t look like a normal public health crisis.

It’s happening like a hurricane.

The danger of a hurricane depends heavily on the strength and path of the storm, and these things can and do change unexpectedly. Government officials use the best evidence available to give general information or orders to take certain precautions, shelter in place or evacuate

an area, all within a very narrow window of time. Sometimes evacuation orders for a town or region will be issued only to have a hurricane strike elsewhere.

This virus has similarly changed—and continues to change—very quickly. In a little over two years, researchers have found dozens of COVID-19 variants. Many of these have clinically important differences in their transmissibility, the severity of the illness they cause, and the degree to which they are preventable and treatable with existing therapies.

The pandemic is like dozens of different hurricanes repeatedly hitting all over the U.S. simultaneously.

When the coronavirus first emerged, health officials knew very little about it and did not have systems in place to track or predict its behavior; there was a hurricane approaching and the world had neither satellites nor weather models. But as epidemiologists and public health officials gained a greater understanding of the virus, they quickly gained the ability to deploy effective countermeasures and adapt as the virus also changed.

University researchers and the pharmaceutical industry rapidly developed COVID-19 tests. Mask testing began at once. And as soon as scientists mapped the coronavirus’s genome, work began to quickly use existing mRNA vaccine technologies to develop a vaccine in record time.

Public health done fast With science and situations on the ground evolving rapidly, policymakers had no choice but to be equally as nimble. This has manifested in two unique ways.

First is the use of executive power. Both Presidents Trump and Biden—as well as a host of governors from coast to coast—have leveraged executive orders to shorten the time between the development and implementation of policies.

Second is the fast-tracking of drug and vaccine approvals. The normal process by which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves new drugs is slow, usually around a 10-year process or so depending on the treatment. Drug companies can use the FDA’s emergency use authorization process to speed this up slightly, but not by very much.

To shorten this process even more, the FDA created a fast-track program specifically intended to accelerate the approval of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. As a result, it took less than a year for vaccines to get emergency use authorization from the discovery of the coronavirus.

Just as a hurricane response needs to adapt to conditions on the ground and implement the best available information at a moment’s notice, so too has the pandemic response.

Different places, different policies Hurricanes are intensely local and relatively short-lived.

The pandemic is like dozens of different hurricanes repeatedly hitting all over the U.S. simultaneously. This has created a complicated web of policy that can and should be different depending on where you are and what bodies govern there.

The U.S. Congress, state governors, city mayors, departments of health, and even local school boards have each needed to develop and implement policies for their own hurricanes at their own levels of control.

Despite its complexity, this approach to public policy is another example of getting it right over and over. New York City public health officials must respond to the unique situation in New York at any given time.

These actions may be very different from the issues confronted by the mayor of Barstow, California—a far smaller, far more rural city.

Local conditions require local solutions, all of which can evolve over time. This is very different from most other public health problems in the U.S. During flu season, for example, the correct response tends to be relatively similar from place to place.

If the measure of a nation isn’t how it treats its rich and privileged but how it treats its poor and condemned, then the incarcerated, whether wrongly convicted or not, are considered the most condemned. Policies are put in place to inflict sometimes the harshest psychological punishments upon this invisible population with the 13th Amendment as a justification.

Minn. Stat. 241.01, Subd.

3a(b) and 243.23 has given authority to the Commissioner of Corrections and the Department of Corrections to create policy #204.010, “Offender Assignment and Compensation Plan.” Under B7 of this policy it reads, “Specific assignments (employment) can be held open for a maximum of ten calendar days due to medical, writ, or ‘nofault’ absences.

Those terminated under this provision are placed on TU (Temporary Unassigned) status and are immediately eligible to apply for a job after their return. Offenders must start at the beginning step of pay scale for new assignment.

Many opt not to have surgery or their medical needs met if there’s a chance they could lose their jobs because

of the above policy. Many have been on their jobs long enough to be at top pay and/ or in a favorable position that they have worked up to. For them to lose these positions and pay because of the recovery time from a needed medical procedure that was needed would be devastating on one’s psyche. Many of us

This is wrong no matter how one may attempt to justify it. don’t have outside financial help, so our employment provides a sense of stability.

My own experience with this policy happened when I had to give up a five-year job working for MinnCor. Industries and making 30% of minimum wage at the time—my take-home pay was only 3.53 an hour. Because of injuries I transferred to another job easier on my shoulders until I had surgery for rotator cuff repair. I was out of the facility for three weeks after surgery, and because I was gone longer than the 10 calendar days, I lost my job and pay.

At the time of this writing, I’ve been waiting to be rehired for three months, although I was placed at the

top of the hire list. It’s for this reason individuals choose not to give up their livelihood, and the facilities are justifying their action by having the health service get people to sign waivers when individuals decline to have their muchneeded procedures.

Another part of this policy (B8) is similar to the above and reads in part that if a person goes to segregation under investigation, “...Those terminated under this provision, in which all charges were dismissed, must be placed on TU status and are immediately eligible to apply for a job. The offender starts at the beginning step of pay scale for the new assignment.”

This is wrong no matter how one may attempt to justify it.

Those within the legal and policymaking fields, please join in with those organizations that want to stop these cruel practices by the DOC. One such organization is the Twin Cities Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, a union for prisoners and their families.

If you don’t speak for the voiceless, then who will?

Eric Johnson Rush City, MN

The rise of a new McCarthyism aid is now apparent. Let’s not forget that Trump, Manafort, and the GOP blamed the Ukraine for Russian hacking.

Now comes the next McCarthy.

Kevin McCarthy, House Minority leader, lives up to his namesake. He delivers on the most dangerous political dishonesty. In the moment where the impact and sensitivity to Trump’s corruption is most profound, he returns to attack his political opponents and democracy itself.

Do not underestimate his words in his attacks against House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff: “Why is he still chair of the committee and why is he still even on the committee? In a new Congress, if it’s a new majority, he will not be.” They only serve to perpetuate a lie that serves his political power and interests. In his congressional career McCarthy has not committed to anything.

He rode the coattails of the Tea Party agenda while it worked. He tested the politics of telling the truth about the January 6 insurrection for 48 hours when he appropriately blamed Trump: “The president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters.

He should have immediately denounced the mob when he saw what was unfolding.”

He sees great potential in leading the charge in the next conspiracy. He rewrites the insurrection at the Capitol, Trump’s second impeachment, and doubles down in condemning those who sought justice in

charging Trump’s corruption in the first impeachment.

While Joseph McCarthy was ultimately censured by the Senate, it is hard to imagine Kevin McCarthy receiving such a well-deserved reprimand in the House. Kevin McCarthy has helped the GOP resist decency, delayed reactions to overt bigotry, and only participated in delicate wrist slapping when forced to.

With widespread gerrymandering and voter suppression designed to favor Republicans, Kevin McCarthy is positioning himself to take the Speakership from Nancy Pelosi. His mandate, however, would be incredibly dangerous. He amplifies the Republican lies and embraces the politics of vengeance and extortion, emboldened by a base that has not accepted Trump’s loss (as of 12/21 only 21% admitted Biden had a legitimate victory).

I fear the politics that threaten retribution. We have had seven years of “Lock her up” chants, increases in hate crimes and politically motivated violence. Candidates are now taking pages from Vladimir Putin’s playbook and campaigning with the promise that their opponents will pay.

McCarthyism v2.0 has already been installed in the Republican party operating system, and it is off to a corrupting start.

Getting it right over and over again reality follow in quick order.

I and many others have been Reinstating mask requirements guilty on occasion of thinking of after they have been dropped or policymakers as backpedaling recommending additional vacwhen guidance changes back cine doses between waves may and forth or being inconsistent seem like 180-degree course when one state makes a certain corrections. But in reality, these decision while another does policy changes are the right resomething else. But I’ve come actions to the hurricane of COto appreciate that that isn’t the VID-19 that continues on its meandering path across the globe. correct framing.

When the next change As variants emerge, targeted policies to counteract the new comes, I submit that you

shouldn’t be frustrated or angry.

Rather, we should all applaud the fact that researchers and public health experts are getting it right over and over again.

By Wim Laven In 1954 one of the greatest frauds in U.S. politics culminated in 36 days of televised hearings. Sen. Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin had come to prominence by leading the campaign to expose communists in government, elected or appointed. His accusations were far reaching and public; his allegations harmed countless individuals.

The cruel truth, however, was that Joseph McCarthy never made a successful case against anyone. He managed to push several people out of their jobs and influenced public opinion by selling lies.

There is a general expectation that politics is a dishonest practice. Even Donald Trump’s legendary “30,573 false or misleading claims” (as tracked

by Washington Post) seemed to fall within allowable limits given his ability to lie and keep his base.

Lies that Joseph McCarthy told ruined lives.

Some of Trump’s lies were of this deadly variety, like when he tried to extort President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for dirt on his political opponent’s son. Trump was impeached for the extortion, but many features of the conspiracy were lost in the shuffle.

Paul Manafort, for example, had charges of money laundering and financial fraud frozen by the Ukraine’s chief prosecutor in order to protect needed military assistance.

The depth of the malfeasance in withholding $400 million in

Wim Laven, Ph.D., syndicated by PeaceVoice, teaches courses in political science and conflict resolution.

Michael Williams is an associate professor of surgery and public policy at the University of Virginia.

This commentary first appeared in The Conversation and is republished with permission.

8 April 7-13, 2022

BULLETIN

How to report potholes

Virtual Training Resource Fair Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 1 – 2 p.m.

It’s that time of year again—pothole season. If you see a pothole on the street, report it so it can be repaired quickly.

FOR POTHOLES IN RAMSEY COUNTY, GO TO bit.ly/Ramseypotholes or call 651-266-7100.

TO REPORT STREET POTHOLES IN HENNEPIN COUNTY, GO TO bit.ly/Hennepinpotholes.

TO REPORT A POTHOLE ON HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES IN THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA, GO TO www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/maintenance/potholes.html.

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Hosted by

Everyone is welcome to attend the Virtual Training Resource Fair. This free event is hosted by Hennepin County.

Each agency will give a short presentation about their organization and the training(s) they offer. After the presentation, you will have the opportunity to speak with someone from each agency to ask questions.

1.

2.

3.

Register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-training-resource-fair-april-20-tickets275675531937 After you register, we will send you an email with a link to the event.

On the day of the event, simply join the event by clicking this meeting link or the link in your email: https://hc.adobeconnect.com/virtualtrainingfairapril20

Agencies attending: Avivo

International Institute of MN

• Office Support

• Housekeeping

• IT Support

• Professional Leadership

• Medical Office Support

• Dietary Aide

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IT Career Lab

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ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN IN HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START TODAY! Enroll Today: (612) 377-7422

Enrollin g Pregnan t Moms & Childr en Ages 6wks - 5 yrs

www.picaheadstart.org

• Microsoft Desktop Administrator MD-

• Business Professional Pathway

100 and MD 101

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Minnesota Teamsters Service Bureau

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Hired

Twin Cities Rise

• Medical Call Center

• My Road To Success

• Office Administration

• Call Center/Customer Service • Facilities and Maintenance

Questions about this event?

• •

Lisa Cain, 612-596-1990, lisa.cain2@hennepin.us

Meykal Ahmed, 612-348-9872, meykal.ahmed@hennepin.us

Do you need help finding a job?

For more information go to Hennepin.us/employmentservices and CareerForceMN.com

Obituary

Patricia (Pat) L. Rhodes - Ridgeway

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Patricia (Pat) L. Rhodes passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

She was born in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated from South High School in 1959.

During her three years at South High School, Pat was an honor roll student, cheerleader, and the lead Majorette for the school band.

After graduation, she was employed as a receptionist at Standard Oil Co. in

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 7, 2022

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship

St. Louis Park, MN. Pat resigned from the company in 1967 to become a Northwest Delta flight attendant. She retired from Northwest Delta on May 31, 1996.

Pat enjoyed swimming, cooking, modern dance, and traveling. She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Gloria (Howell) Rhodes, and brother Steven C. Rhodes.

Pat is survived by sisters Margaret Jemison, Boni Berg (Minneapolis), and Betti Ann Rhodes (LA, California), brothers Maurice and Walter Junior (Minneapolis), Aunt Josephine Howell (Minneapolis), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be sent to St. Peters AME Church at 401 E. 41st St., Minneapolis, MN 55409, or The Minnesota Society of the Blind in memory of her Uncle Boyd Howell.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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Sr. Software Engineer for Medtronic, Inc. located in Mounds View, MN. Responsible for the design and implementation of software and web-based applications.

Requires a Bachelor’ Degree or foreign equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Engineering Management or Software Engineering and 5 years’ experience with software engineering, or alternatively a Masters’ Degree or foreign equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Engineering Management or Software Engineering and 2 years’ experience with software engineering. Experience must include two (2) year of post-bachelor’s progressive experience in all the following: Functional testing to include breaking down software requirement specifications for test plans; Test and Defect tools to include Microsoft TFS (Team Foundation Server), Visual Studio orAzureDevops; Software development with Test Automation and Frameworks; Product software applications to include C#, .Net, VB (Visual Basic) Script, SQL and Java Script; Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) with models to include Waterfall and Agile (SCRUM) and Software Testing Life Cycles (STLC); Requirements gathering documentation, testing and maintenance of web or mobile application solutions. Front end and back end web testing on Windows, Android, Linux or IOS operating systems; MS Server technologies to include MS SQL and XML. *multiple positions available.

Apply at https://jobs.medtronic.com/, Req.2200065D Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

Court File Number: 27-CV-22-3554 The Honorable: Patrick D. Robben SUMMONS

Fatima Yusuf, Plaintiff, v.

Whitefield Jackson

Christian Villanueva,

To Respondent named above: An order has been issued directing you to appear at the Ramsey County Juvenile and Family Justice Center, 25 W 7th St, St. Paul MN 55102 on April 12, 2022 at 8:15AM SEE NOTICE OF HEARING and explain why the relief sought in the

Defendant.

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO the above-named Defendant: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you.

Petition for the Order for Protection should not be granted.

The Plaintiffs Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers

You may obtain a copy of the Petition and any order issued from the court from the

away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even

Ramsey County Court Administrator’s Office.

though it may not yet be filed with the Court and

If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner’s request may be granted as

there may be no court file number on this summons.

a default matter. Failure to appear will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s Order.

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

Court Administrator

an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must

Ramsey County District Court

send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at:

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 7, 2022

Brantingham Law Office, P.A. 2200 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404

Legacy

ing the female Pele, but a pro soccer career was halted due Contunued from page 10 to the lack of opportunities for women and girls in her counathletes, interacted with other try.

After moving to the U.S. local and NCAA officials, and were recognized during a when war broke out in her timeout at the Connecticut- native country, Osman learned that Somali and Stanford contest last Friday.

Debbie Montgomery, Muslim girls who wanted the first female police offi- to play soccer faced barricer in St. Paul, served in law ers such as the right to play enforcement for 28 years. sports with their hijabs. OsShe was elected to the St. man has coached and menPaul City Council as the first tored over 1,000 girls in Case: Vs Jacksonsoccer, and Girls Rock has Black femaleValentin member.

62-DA-FA-21-396 Growing up in the Ron- helped Somali girls succeed Size: 3.4167 x 3.75 do neighborhood, Mont- in education and sports.

Ad Run: 4/7/22 A 2017 National Girls gomery was--a pre-Title IX Ad Options: athlete who at age 17 was & Woman in Sports Day one of the youngest mem- Breaking Barrier Award bers ever on the NAACP winner and the 2018 Innational board. She trav- ternational Somali Awards eled with other students Sports Person of the Year, and marched from Selma, she also coached the Somali Alabama to Montgomery to women’s national basketball team and is a U.S. ambassasupport voting rights.

“It’s a great honor to be rec- dor for sports diplomacy.

Jessie Stomski Seim is ognized,” she told the MSR. Lea B. Olsen founded Re- Prairie Island Indian Comthink the Win, a resource for munity general counsel and people to rethink sports and oversees legal and governits impact on athletes and mental relations for the help create better experi- tribe. Seim has also repreences for kids in sports. She sented various tribes and played basketball at Minne- businesses in private pracsota and studied journalism. tice and been recognized for She is the longest-serving numerous awards, including Black female analyst for being named a Minnesota the Minnesota Lynx, a vet- “Rising Star” by Minnesota eran sideline reporter for the Super Lawyers magazine.

She grew up in WisconMinnesota Timberwolves, and annually is an analyst at sin and later graduated from the girls’ and boys’ state bas- Tartan High School, then played college basketball at ketball tournaments.

An advocate and vocal the University of Wisconsin, supporter for women in where she was later inductmedia, Olsen’s community ed into their Athletic Hall of service over the years has Fame in 2020.

“I’m just honored to be also been applauded. “I feel humbled by it because with these women,” said so many people are doing Montgomery, “honored to so much good work in this be with this group of women community for them to rec- engaging the issues that impact our communities. I just ognize me,” noted Olsen.

Fartun Osman is the found- think that’s very important.” er and CEO of Girls Rock, a Charles Hallman welcomes Somali and Muslim girls’ sports group. She grew up in Somalia reader responses to challman@ and once dreamed of becom- spokesman-recorder.com.

View

were there, as was their coach.

Now, 40 years later, they Contunued from page 10 want their history to be known. An application has was the Cheyney men—the been submitted to induct the two teams practiced together. entire 1982 Cheyney team The late John Chaney was into the Naismith Basketball the men’s coach. “We start- Hall of Fame, hopefully as ed the season…competing soon as 2023.

“I think all that needs to be against the men’s practices all throughout the season,” shared,” said Walker. “This recalled Laney. “Competing team as a whole needs to go against them prepared us for into the Naismith Hall of Fame.” every game.”

Charles Hallman welcomes Last month the Cheyney 1982 team was honored back reader responses to challman@ on campus. Many members spokesman-recorder.com.

SOE

Contunued from page 10 it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here and vice versa.

“We really truly look out

for each other,” she said, “and we are finally getting the visibility that we deserved.”

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

9

Sr. Software Engineer

Fourth Judicial District

Court File Number: 62-DA-FA-21-396 Case Type: Domestic Abuse

April 7-13, 2022

3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

PT Executive Director (ED) African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) seeks PT Executive Director (ED). A key management leader actively involved in breast cancer/cancer awareness, education, support and survivorship for Black/ African Americans diagnosed withEngineer and affected by breast Client: Medtronic - Sr Software cancer and cancer.

5+ years of nonprofit management, Size: 3.4167 x 6 working with nonprofit Board of Directors, proven leadRun Date: 4/7/22 ership and success, oversee financials, growth, outreach, Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online programs, and understand the needs of Black women, advertising as well. men, families and communities dealing with cancer.

Flexible, remote, part-time work schedule without benefits, $28.00 per hour, 7 paid holidays. EEO. If qualified and interested, please email AABCA directly: aabca@ aabcainc.org for complete job description, Attn: R Berry.

No calls please.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder March 31, April 7, 14, 2022

For Sale For Sale – MnDOT owned vacant land, located SW of TH61(7th Ave) and 12th St, Newport, Washington County. Approximately 15,887 sf to be sold by sealed bid on 5/10/2022 at 2:00 at Central Office, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul. Bid Form, http://www.dot. state.mn.us/row/propsales.html . Info LandSales.

MN.DOT@state.mn.us

Case: Size: Ad Run: Ad Options:

Lutheran Social Service names new associate VP of HR management

Yusuf V Villanueva 27-CV-22-3554 (1Pt Smaller) 3.4167 x 8.75 3/31/22 - 4/14/22 --

Miata Getaweh has been labor market.”

Getaweh joined Lutheran named associate vice president of Human Resources Social Service as a human Management for St. Paul- resources manager in 2019. based Lutheran Social Service Previously, she served as the of Minnesota (LSS), among director of human resources at the largest human service or- Accessibility, an organization based in Minneapolis that proganizations in Minnesota.

In this new role within the vides work opportunities for organization, Getaweh will pro- people with disabilities.

Early in her career, she was vide leadership in a variety of areas, including staffing and em- a human resources generalployment, compensation and ist before becoming the hubenefits, employee relations, man resources manager for Care on Wheels Homecare in training and development.

She will also work with Brooklyn Center.

“Miata brings a wealth of leaders across the organization to develop and imple- experience in the HR field from her previous roles with ment that - drive Client:strategies MN DOT Vacant Land Size: 3.4167 x 1.5 and other organizations,” said operational excellence Run Date: effectiveness.

3/24/22 - 4/7/22 Joyce Norals, vice president of organization Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online “I am excited to serve in this human resources. advertising as well.

“She excels in management new role and be part of an organization where HR has a strate- coaching, staff training, emgic seat at the table,” Getaweh ployment law and employee said. “I have been drawn to relations. She also serves as an organizations that value their adjunct professor at St. Mary’s employees throughout my ca- University in Minneapolis reer, and I am grateful that LSS teaching graduate students.

We are thrilled that she is takis one such organization.

“The organization’s commit- ing on this new leadership role ment to creating an employee- within our organization.”

Getaweh is also one of the centered culture, professional development, and meaningful founders and lead organizers work is exemplary. I look for- of the African Immigrant Proward to helping strategically fessional Development Conposition LSS as an employer ference that brings together of choice in this competitive African immigrants and em-

Client: AABCA, Inc - PT Exec Director Size: 3.4167 x 3 Run Date: 4/7/22 Miata Getaweh Courtesy of LSS Ad Options: For an additional $300.00 you can get online advertising as well. ployers to create networking family live in Coon Rapids.

Lutheran Social Service and employment opportunities. In addition, she serves in a of Minnesota began in 1865 leadership role on the Pan Afri- when a Lutheran pastor and can Employee Resource Group his congregation opened an within Lutheran Social Service. orphanage for children near Getaweh earned her doc- Red Wing in southeastern tor of business administration Minnesota. Today, with 2,500 degree and her master of busi- employees and 10,000 volunness administration degree teers, Lutheran Social Service from Saint Mary’s University of helps one in 65 Minnesotans Minnesota in Minneapolis, and through its services. a bachelor of arts degree in business from Bethel UniverSource: Lutheran Social Sersity in Roseville. She and her vice. For more info, visit lssmn.org.

Follow Us! @MNSpokesmanRecorder

10 April 7-13, 2022

Sports

Black women at ESPN reflect ‘a new phase of broadcasting’ lack women were prominently visible in action, either in the studio or in the arena, during ESPN’s recent Women’s Final Four coverage.

Elle Duncan was a firsttime studio host. Andraya Carter was a sideline analyst, working her first Final Four.

Both talked to the MSR last week in separate interviews.

Prior to joining ESPN in 2016, Duncan has worked in Atlanta radio in various roles, including traffic reporter and on-air personality. She then worked as a reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons broadcasts as well as on SEC and ACC football telecasts. She also worked for NESN in Boston (2014-16).

“It’s been really cool,” admitted Duncan. “I grew up on a soccer field. I grew up going to games.

Then you get a job in sports.”

Being in the studio was an adjustment, she continued.

“It’s been very different. Everything is just more reactionary than what I’m used to.”

A former Tennessee player, Carter was forced to stop playing pro ball after a major injury

Elle Duncan

Andraya Carter Photos by Charles Hallman

ing people, every assignment that I’ve had, the team around me has just pushed me forward. They’ve helped me play to my strengths and supported me so much.”

In addition to Duncan and Carter, analysts and former coaches Carolyn Peck and Nikki Fargus, as well as reporter Monica McNutt—all Black women—also worked the games in a specially built studio off the court.

“I’m just super thankful when I see all these amazing faces doing it at a high level,” marveled local veteran broad-

“We are finally getting the visibility that we deserved.” in 2016. Now at ESPN, Carter is “a jack-of-all-trades” basketball analyst and sideline reporter.

“It was definitely an adjustment, but I think [especially] for me from being an athlete and just trying to be coachable,” Carter told the MSR. “Whenever someone around me, a producer, my boss or anyone tells me something, I only want them to tell me once and I try to take that and hold on to it and keep learning and keep growing.

“Being surrounded by amaz-

caster Lea B. Olsen. “Their viewpoints are so critical to telling the whole story of basketball, right? I feel like we’re stepping into a new phase of broadcasting that is so important, and the young ones coming through… I love every second of it.”

“I’m sitting next to some of the best minds in basketball.

It is not my job to go toe to toe with them on information,” explained Duncan of her role, which can be akin to being a debate moderator. “I am there

to make sure that they’re set up to say what they want in a timely way to weave in and out of conversations and segments. And just to make sure that we get it back on time.”

Added Carter, “I have a lot of different roles now. Hosting is different than sideline reporting, is different than sideline analyst, is different than studio analyst. Being able to step into any team and saying, ‘What’s my role? What does the team need from me?’

Whether it’s more, whether it’s less, what makes our production the best it can be and how do I help?”

It isn’t lost on both women how important they are in terms of opening doors for future Black women in broadcast sports. “I’m doing this for anybody that can look up and see me and feel a deeper connection to me because they see me in them or they see themselves in me, and so I think that it’s really special. It means a lot,” said Carter.

“I think that the coolest part is watching the Andraya Carter’s of the world,” surmised Duncan. “Right now, I’m doing this because there was a fantastic Black woman before me that helped us out—Maria Taylor. If

■ See SOE on page 9

A Final Four first that history has overlooked “It was overall a good, good experience,” recalled Laney, who scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds against LA Tech.

A brief recap of Cheyney’s road to the Final Four: They defeated Auburn, North Carolina State and Kansas State, then Maryland in the semifinals. The title game loss, howhe NCAA Women’s Fi- ever, snapped a 23-game winnal Four was first staged ning streak to finish 28-3.

“We were considered the in 1982. Louisiana Tech was its first champion, and underdog all through my four they were featured on Page 68 years at Cheyney State,” continued Laney. of this year’s game program.

Walker said being seen as The 1982 game was nationally televised and played at Norfolk, Va. with over 9,500 in “Playing in hostile attendance. Quick—who did LA environments Tech defeat 76-62 in that first made us stronger, NCAA women’s title game? made us hungrier.”

Answer—Cheyney State College, now Cheyney University, underdogs were “from others’ located in Pennsylvania.

Cheyney was and still re- points of view. I think playmains the only HBCU school ing [in front of] hostile envito play for an NCAA Division ronments made us stronger, I basketball championship. made us hungrier and kept us However, that piece of history, more focused.”

Their coach: C. Vivian Stringthe school, and its successful women’s basketball team are er, hired in 1971 to coach womrarely discussed as regular Fi- en’s basketball and teach health, physical education, organizanal Four lore.

The MSR last weekend tion and administration; she talked to three members of the also volunteered as volleyball 1982 Cheyney team who were coach. She is now at Rutgers, in town for this year’s Final Four in the Hall of Fame with over games: Ann Strong, Yolanda 1,000 wins.

“She was a phenomenal Laney and Debra Walker.

1982 Cheyney State WBB Coach C. Vivian Stringer at last month’s celebration at the school Photo by KD Morris

coach, phenomenal woman,” added Strong on Stringer.

“She wanted what she wanted when she wanted, and she pretty much got what she wanted out of the players.”

All three players told us they wanted to play for Stringer—she and Kansas’ Marian Washington were at the time the only Black female head coaches in big-time women’s hoops. “I was impressed with the style of basketball that the team played,” noted Walker. “I was impressed with a lot of things that she said.”

Lacey added that she originally had wanted to attend Kansas, but once she visited the Cheyney campus, attending the HBCU was a no-brainer: “Definitely the best decision I made my whole life,” she said proudly.

Stringer left a lasting impression on these three. “We always follow Coach Stringer’s teams, from Cheyney to Iowa to Rutgers,” noted Lacey.

The HOF coach put together a tough schedule for her Cheyney teams, who regularly played much bigger schools such as Rutgers, Penn State and Maryland. “We were always ready,” said Walker, who posted a double-double against LA Tech (12 points, 11 rebounds). What also made Cheyney team members (l-r) Yolanda Laney, Debra Walker, the Cheyney women stronger Ann Strong

Photo by Charles Hallman ■ See View on page 9

White, Porter headed to Wisconsin

Final Four festivities include Legacy Awards Four Minnesota women recognized for their community engagement

By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist ll-Metro players Savannah White (DeLaSalle) and Ronnie Porter (St. Paul Como Park) have both committed to continue their collegiate basketball careers at the University of Wisconsin next season.

White and Porter faced each other in the Section 4AAA championship game last Kaylynn Asberry (St. Paul month. Porter led the Cougars Como Park) to a third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament.

U getting good player in Battle The University of MinneBueckers leads UConn Former Hopkins girls’ bas- sota is getting quite the playketball standout, current Uni- er in Hopkins guard Amaya versity of Connecticut stand- Battle. The senior led the out, and 2021 NCAA Division Royals to the Class 4A chamI Women’s Basketball Player pionship last month in domiof the Year Paige Bueckers nant fashion.

Battle was also named to was named to the Final Four the Class 4A state tournament All-Tournament team.

Bueckers, who spent most All-Tournament team as she of the season injured, recov- helped Hopkins recover from ered in time to lead UConn to an upset loss in the tournathe Final Four and runner-up ment last season. The Royals finish. She led the Huskies to were ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation this year. the Elite Eight in 2021.

he NCAA annually honors individuals for their community involvement as part of their Men’s and Women’s Final Four festivities. Last weekend, four individuals in Minneapolis were honored at the Amaya Battle (Hopkins)

Maya Nnaji (Hopkins)

Asberry headed to St. Peter Point guard Kaylynn Asberry, one of the state’s top players since seventh grade and part of Como Park’s Class 3A third-place team, is headed to St. Peter’s (N.J.) next season.

Former Minneapolis North All-Conference girls’ basketball player Stacia Hines played for St. Peters from 1988-92.

She led North to City Conference titles in 1987 and 1988.

als capture the Class 4A state tournament title, played in the McDonald’s All-American game last week.

After last year’s surprise exit from the state tournament, Nnaji vowed that her team would win the tournament this season. She is headed to the University of Arizona.

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

Women’s Final Four.

All four honorees are women of color as 2022 Legacy Award recipients: Debbie Montgomery, Lea Olsen, Fartun Osman and Jessie Stomski Seim. Each received a Legacy plaque and recognition at a private reception for their achievements. They also met with local college student-

■ See Legacy on page 9

Nnaji’s a McDonald All-American Photos by Dr. Mitchell Palm- Debbie Montgomery (l) and Lea B. Olsen Hopkins center Maya Nnaji, who helped the Roy- er McDonald Photo by Charles Hallman