What Walz’s long record on health care means for Black voters
Although he represented a rural district in Congress, Gov. Tim Walz favored policies that benefited his
Analysis By Jennifer Porter Gore
ince President Joe Biden stepped out of the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have reenergized an election that was long on pessimism and short on ideas about the issues.
That includes health care, which has long been a contentious issue in presidential campaigns and a signature issue for Walz. As Minnesota’s 41st governor, he oversaw or implemented significant changes in his state’s healthcare system on hot-button issues—from drug costs to gender-affirming care for minors.
With Harris as the first Black and South Asian woman to win the nomination of a major political party, it’s worth examining how Walz’s influence could shape health care for Black people if he and Harris take the White House.
While Walz served six terms as a member of Congress representing a rural, Republican-leaning Minneapolis suburb, the former high school teacher and football coach has a progressive-leaning healthcare record, one that’s closely tied to economic issues. But perhaps the most significant impact his record could have on Black Americans is in the realm of gun violence.
An avid hunter and former National Guard soldier, Walz was a staunch National Rifle Association member before changing his stance, donating the campaign funds the NRA had given his campaign, and advocating for gun safety laws. This is a crucial health issue: Gun violence is the leading cause of death among Black children and young adults.
Roughly 60% of Americans killed by a firearm each year are Black, and they are 11.5 times more likely to die by gunfire than whites. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared gun violence a public health crisis.
■ See WALZ HEALTHCARE on page 6
Black constituents
The Selby Jazz Fest outlasts
the threat of rain Delivers on community, culture, and music
By Al Brown Assignment Editor
n Saturday, September 14, the streets of St. Paul were alive with rhythm, laughter, and the unmistakable sounds of jazz as the Selby Jazz Fest took center stage. Despite a brief rain scare earlier in the day, the inclement weather did little to deter jazz lovers from flocking to the event, showcasing the resilient spirit of the community. As the evening approached, the atmosphere thickened with excitement, culminating in an unforgettable performance by headlining artist Jamecia Bennett. From the moment attendees walked onto the festival grounds, they were greeted by the aromatic blend of catfish, barbecue, and chicken wings that wafted through the air, inviting visitors to indulge in the delicious offerings from local vendors. The vibrant smell of culinary delights was just the beginning of the full sensory experience that the Selby Jazz Fest promised. Attendees found themselves entertained by the mu-
sic and were treated to an array of flavors that highlighted the local food culture.
A changing of the guard
Marie Flowers, director of student services and outreach at Walker West, explained that the festival is changing hands after many years. She surmised the day and the threat of rain earlier.
“No, the light rain did not scare us. Not at all! We feel this was a perfect day and are grateful.
Our mayor Melvin Carter proclaimed it to be Selby Jazz Fest Day,” she began.
“Under the direction of Michael and Stephanie Wright, we at Walker West Music Academy helped make it happen. We’re grateful for all the vendors and supporters.
For the Wrights, who have done a fantastic job of keeping this going all these years, we just want to build upon the legacy they built. The Wrights started this and ushered Walker West Music Academy into it.”
African American leaders’ forum calls for connection and community building
By Al Brown Assignment Editor
he Minnesota African American Leaders Forum and Dinner, held at the Saint Paul Intercontinental Hotel on Sep. 13, marked a pivotal evening for African American community leaders across the nation. With a mission dedicated to gathering, connecting, and building a collective future, the event spoke to the strength and resilience of communities in Minnesota and beyond.
Organized through a partnership between the African American Leadership Forum and Reconnect Rondo, the night encapsulated unity in the face of shared challenges. Keith Baker, executive director of Reconnect Rondo, emphasized the significance of the gathering.
“I think we got to a particular point where people understand our connections across the river. So, in that regard, reflecting on the evening’s successes, I would say yes, we hit the mark,” Baker explained. The forum was not simply a ceremonial event, but also a platform for showcasing the collaborative spirit that drives leaders to address pressing issues impacting their communities.
The evening drew an impressive roster of esteemed guests from Minneapolis and St. Paul, including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, retired Judge LaJune Lange, and former 3M Chief Diversity Officer Bill English. Also present were Kenya McKnight Ahad, founder and CEO of the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, and
■ See FORUM on page 6
Al Brown
by
Cop who killed Daunte Wright offers use-of-force training
A planned training in Washington state has been canceled
By Declan Desmond
use-of-force training event for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board was canceled after officials found out it was going to be led by Kim Potter — the former Brooklyn Center police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright during a 2021 traffic stop. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
called off the training, which was due to be held Sept. 23, after a Seattle Times reporter asked the agency about Potter’s involvement, the paper reported Saturday.
Titled “Remorse to Redemption: Lessons Learned,” the training program would have seen Potter share her story with officers enforcing Washington’s liquor and cannabis laws, with the goal of helping them avoid or de-escalate use-
of-force incidents. In the aftermath of the Wright killing, Potter claimed that she mistook her gun for her Taser and did not intend to shoot the 20-year-old; nonetheless, she was convicted on 1st- and 2nd-degree manslaughter charges. She was sentenced to two years in prison but was released in 2023 after serving 16 months.
“I think that if we continue to silence thoughtful dis-
cussion and silence training, we’re going to continue to make the same mistakes,” a board spokesperson told the paper. “It was apparent to me that she wanted to do whatever she could to effectuate change.”
He added that he and Potter would host the training with another agency “if requested.”
Declan Desmond contributes to Bring Me The News.
about Tito Jackson on page 8.
SELBY
U.S. Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
Photo courtesy MGN
Jamecia Bennett commands the stage.
Festivalgoers lined the streets for The Selby Jazz Fest 2024.
Photos by Steve Floyd
Photos
Kim Potter, shown here in a Minnesota Dept. of Corrections photo
Chef Porter is a visionary who blends music and food
By Alexzia Shobe Staff Writer
In the bustling world of culinary arts, where innovation and tradition often collide, Ed Porter stands out as a dynamic force. Known for merging his love for food and music into an immersive, multisensory experience, Porter’s work transcends conventional boundaries, captivating audiences with his unique approach.
Chef Porter’s journey began in an environment where the art of cooking was deeply intertwined with family tradition.
“Watching the women in my family—my aunt, grandmother, and mother—during holidays and gatherings, I saw the reverence they commanded through their cooking. It was like the best magic trick ever,” he recalls.
At a young age, he trained his eye on uniting people
and evoking that same reverence. “I believe it was Maya Angelou who said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,’” Porter shares. “That’s what we’re talking about—the impact of being intentional and prioritizing the overall experience.” He strives to pass this mindset to his children and everyone he encounters, emphasizing continuous personal improvement and the importance of community.
“Philanthropy motivates me. People make all of this worthwhile,” Porter divulged. “‘Each one, teach one’ is the most powerful statement I can always fall back on.” His belief in the power of sharing knowledge and fostering community drives him to mentor and inspire, ensuring that culinary traditions and techniques are
passed down through generations.
After Porter competed on the Netflix show ‘Pressure Cooker’ in 2023, he began receiving messages from young Black boys worldwide thanking him for being a positive influence. More than being on the cover of LUL Magazine or receiving praise from fellow award-winning chefs, being able to offer Black youth positive representation made Porter feel genuinely triumphant.
Along with the admiration came many questions. Aspiring creatives often reached out for advice on how to get to where he was. In Porter’s opinion, devotion to the craft and recognition of your path is essential to anyone’s success. “Passion is the one thing that cannot be taught,” he said. “You can teach everything else but can’t teach passion. My vision of what I do and how I do it is uniquely my path. I charge everyone to find that for themselves. Recognizing that is probably the hardest part, having your voice, but once you hear it, it’s hard to turn it off. You can’t ignore it. “
Porter’s culinary success is a testament to being intentional. Porter’s ideology and cooking style are rooted in intentionality and a profound respect for ingredients. “My philosophy is simple,” he explains. “It’s all knowledge based. I’m a geek at heart. Understanding the past and where ingredients and practices derived from is key.” Porter views him-
self as a storyteller, using food to convey narratives through thoughtfully chosen ingredients and techniques.
“I’ve always approached music like learning a recipe and food like writing a song.”
He tells stories through edible parts, so knowing where a dish came from and how best
to utilize each ingredient is essential. Porter stresses the importance of ensuring no unnecessary ingredients are on the plate. Everything is purposeful and intentional.
Chef Porter curates music with the same deliberate diligence with which he puts together a dish. He often writes, arranges, and produces his songs himself. Porter’s unique approach to blending music and food is a testament to his creative genius. “I’ve always approached music like learning a recipe and food like writing a song,” he says. This dual passion led him to create an album named “de zéro” and ‘The de zéro” Experience’—a concept
where each song from his album is paired with an edible counterpart, offering a multisensory storytelling experience. Porter’s latest project, a blog titled “Taste Music Hear Food,” further explores the synergy between these two art forms. “The blog is an ode to how hip-hop and food are aligned in a way that no one has thought about,” Porter explains. This venture will soon evolve into a podcast, broadening the reach of his concept and acting as an ode to the two industries that played a crucial role in his upbringing. As Porter looks to the future, his aspirations are as diverse as his career. He continues to refine his craft, embracing new trends and staying attuned to the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry. “You have to be a forever student,” he advises. “When you think you’ve got it all figured out, you’re dead.”
Chef Ed Porter’s experience vividly illustrates how passion and creativity intertwine to create something extraordinary. Through his unique blend of music and food, he continues to push boundaries and inspire others to explore their own culinary and artistic aspirations. As he says, “Being one hundred percent authentically yourself, unapologetically, and being a kind individual is the trick.”
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader response at ashobe@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans
By Mike Moen
Consumer advocates have long detailed how older adults struggle to manage the cost of their medications, but hope is emerging in Minnesota and elsewhere as federal changes take shape.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, several provisions were established to address the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs, with most of the efforts focused on Medicare enrollees.
this month to help outline some of the estimated savings.
The Biden administration recently unveiled price reduction agreements for the first group of Medicare-covered drugs included in negotiations with manufacturers. Again, these are the first ten drugs, the most prescribed and expensive for things like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, Cabonargi explained. We’re going to expand that.
The first wave of price controls takes effect next year, and in 2025, Medicare will select up to 15 additional drugs covered under Part D for negotiation.
Michael Cabonargi, regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, visited Minneapolis
The first wave of price controls takes effect next year and in 2025, Medicare will select up to 15 additional drugs covered under Part D for negotiation. The group Protect Our Care Minnesota said the federal law will save older Minnesotans more than $113 million over time. Drugmakers have criticized the policy changes, arguing they will hurt innovation. Separately, AARP said outof-pocket drug cost caps of
$2,000, also beginning next year, will result in average savings of roughly $1,500 for those who qualify. Cabonargi noted when you take a step back, it appears consumers are beginning to get a fair shake under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Cabonargi contended that it would really change the trajectory of healthcare expenses in this country. Seniors, in particular, will have money back in their pockets. The federal moves have faced political headwinds, with Republican lawmakers facing calls from conservative groups and strategists to roll back provisions. Meanwhile, Protect Our Care said nearly 30,000 Minnesotans on Medicare who use insulin are now saving, on average, $672 annually under a monthly price cap.
Mike Moen writes for the Minnesota News Connection.
Chef Ed Porter Submitted Photo
A healthy specialty dish by Chef Porter Photo by Alexzia Shobe
Pexels
By Al Brown Assignment Editor
Photographs by Steve Floyd
Lifestyle
Small spaces offer unique decorating challenges, but they also present exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation. One of the most effective ways to breathe life into a compact room is by harnessing the power of color.
Here are some simple yet impactful ways to infuse your small space with color and personality:
Start with a vision
Before diving into your decorating project, take some time to envision the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your small space. Consider the purpose of the room and how you want it to feel— cozy and intimate, vibrant and energetic, or serene and tranquil.
Choose a color scheme
Selecting a cohesive color scheme is key to creating a harmonious and visually appealing space. Opt for colors that complement each other and reflect the ambiance you’re aiming for. You can choose a monochromatic scheme for a sophisticated look or experiment with complementary colors for added contrast.
Ten ways to elevate your small space with color
Paint an accent wall
Painting is one of the quickest and most budgetfriendly ways to introduce color into a room. Choose one wall as your focal point and paint it in a bold hue, adding depth and visual interest to the space. This technique can help create the illusion of depth and make the room feel larger.
Play with textiles
Textiles are a versatile way to add color, texture, and warmth to a small space. Incorporate colorful throw pillows, area rugs, curtains, and throws in your chosen color palette to instantly liven up the room. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures for a dynamic look.
Introduce artwork and accessories
Artwork and accessories are like the finishing touches that tie the room together. Hang colorful artwork or photographs on the walls to create a focal point and infuse personality into the space. Decorative objects such as vases, candles and sculptures can also add pops of color and visual interest to shelves and tabletops.
Bring in plants
Plants add a touch of nature to your space and introduce vibrant colors and textures. Choose plants with colorful foliage or flowers to brighten a room and create a lively atmosphere. Place them on windowsills, shelves, or hanging planters to maximize space.
Experiment with furniture
While the size of your space may limit your options, you can still incorporate colorful furniture to make a statement.
Opt for pieces in bold or unexpected hues, such as a vibrant sofa, an accent chair, or a colorful coffee table. Alternatively, you can use colorful furniture accessories like throws or slipcovers to add color without committing to a permanent change.
Utilize mirrors
Mirrors are a powerful tool for visually expanding a small space and reflecting light. Choose a decorative mirror with a colorful frame to add both style and function to your room. Position it strategically to maximize its impact and create the illusion of depth.
Layer lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of a room. Incorporate a variety of lighting sources, such as overhead fixtures, table lamps, floor lamps, and task lighting, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also use colored light bulbs or lampshades to add a subtle wash of color to the room.
Edit and curate
Remember that less is often more when decorating a small space. Be selective about the colors and accessories you incorporate, and avoid overcrowding the room with too many elements. Edit your choices carefully to ensure a cohesive and visually pleasing result.
Transforming a small space
Transforming a small space with color is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to express your personality and style.
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with color is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to express your personality and style. By following these easy tips, you can create a vibrant and inviting environment that maximizes the potential of your compact living space. What’s your favorite color, and how would you use it in a small space?
Shandra Ward has been an interior designer for more than 30 years and has been published in numerous publications nationwide. She welcomes reader comments to swarddesigns@ gmail.com.
By Shandra Ward, Interior Designer
Gaps Project works to close breast cancer mortality disparities
By Vickie Evans-Nash
Contributing Writer
In 2021, Kris Newcomer and Pat Koppa founded the Breast Cancer Gaps Project.
According to their website, their mission is “to save Black women’s lives from breast cancer through innovative, community-driven solutions. “
Black women have a 41% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women. The project works to eliminate this gap.
On August 1, Monisha Washington became the director of the Gaps Project. “As Black women in multiple areas of health and wellness, we [are often] dismissed,” says Washington, who knows this through personal experience. She became a community health worker after caring for her mom.
As a young mom in her 20s, Washington’s mom noticed a lump in her breast while breastfeeding and reported it to her doctor. “They were telling her it was a cyst,” says Washington. “They were telling her it wasn’t cancer because she was too young.”
After her doctors dismissed her concerns for years, she
was diagnosed in her early 30s. By that time, it had spread to her lymph nodes. At diagnosis she was at stage four, the highest stage.
“My mother is no longer here,” Washington says. “My mother was part of that 41%.”
women, the Gaps Project developed a prototype of what they wanted breast cancer health care to look like. They implemented this plan at the Brooklyn Park Clinic.
The initiative ran from November 2023 through January 2024. It included 15 awareness and educational videos featuring women from the community.
In the video “The Mammogram Screening Process,” a nurse practitioner walks through each step of the process. After being placed in their rooms, women viewed this video while waiting to see their doctor. Women could also access videos in their MyChart files.
Gaps Project will host the Live, Laugh, Learn event at the Metropolitan Ballroom in St. Louis Park. This event is in partnership with Sister Spokesman. “We wanted to have something fun,” says Washington. “Bringing Black women together, but also [to] address the disparity.”
The event will feature a performance by Thomasina Petrus, free food, and a health panel. Health providers will be available to answer questions about screenings and mammograms.
Most importantly, the event will serve as a call to action.
“We really want to address that existing gap,” says Washington.
This led Washington on her journey of spreading awareness. For 10 years she worked as a community health worker to support women with breast cancer and founded an organization called The LinC.
“I utilize community health workers to bridge the gap in care in the community,” she explains. While sharing her passion for the work, she met Newcomer and Koppa, which later culminated in her becoming the Gaps Project director. With the input of Black
According to the surveys women completed after watching the video, 75% reported learning something new, and 85% were willing to share the information with others. Women who watched the videos through MyChart were more likely to get a mammogram.
With the information gathered during their prototype, the Gaps Project threw a Mamo Party in partnership with Neighborhood HealthSource in March of this year. They were able to eliminate
the barrier of transportation women faced by providing Ubers for participants.
It was held from 4 to 7 p.m., eliminating the barrier of taking time off from work.
Neighborhood HealthSource provides services for those without insurance, eliminating the barrier of insurance. The women were also able to view the videos at the event.
Neighborhood Health Source uses community health workers. “That model of a
community health worker is looking like the people you serve, speaking the same language,” says Washington. “There were translators there for people who didn’t speak [English].”
This worked to eliminate the barrier of fear women face when considering a mammogram. During the event, 15 women received mammograms and a $25 gift card.
On Saturday, September 28, from noon to 3 p.m., the
“Get your mammogram done sooner rather than later because we know if we get them done sooner, we survive.”
Visit the Breast Cancer Gap Project website at www.breastcancergaps.org for more information and to view its videos.
For more information on the Live, Laugh, Learn event, visit spokesman-recorder.com/sisterspokesman.
Vickie Evans-Nash welcomes reader comments to mary_11@@msn.com/.
“Caring
Monisha Washington Submitted photo
WALZ HEALTHCARE
Continued from page 1
“I’ve spent my time since last week’s shooting listening closely to students, parents, law enforcement, teachers, sportsmen, and survivors of gun violence all across our state,” Walz said in a Facebook post after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
“I’ve heard their anger, grief, and frustration at the division and misunderstanding that has been keeping us from actually doing something,” he said. While campaigning for governor, Walz proposed an assault weapons ban for his state. After being elected governor, he established universal background checks for gun purchases, red flag laws, and other gun control measures.
Under Walz’s gubernatorial leadership, Minnesota has substantially reduced healthcare
SELBY JAZZ
Continued from page 1
A consistent theme of community accolades
The festival was designed for everyone, making it a genuinely all-age celebration. As families strolled through the event, children delighted in specialty drinks and snow cones, their laughter punctuating the music that filled the streets.
The presence of the Rondo Double Dutch Team captivated the younger audience, with kids and adults eagerly showcasing their rope-jumping skills.
Such inclusivity was a hallmark of the Selby Jazz Fest, as it created an environment where people of all ages could engage and enjoy themselves together.
“When we started this group, we were doing here and there activities throughout the
FORUM
Continued from page 1
Anthony Taylor, a community development innovator.
Metropolitan Council Member Toni Carter, representing the 14th District, was also present, showcasing the diverse faces committed to fostering growth and opportunity. The presence of guests from cities like Detroit and Buffalo, NY, made the event a crosscountry dialogue, emphasizing the inclusivity and diversity of the African American community.
Baker shared insights about the preceding three-day summit that aimed to leverage transportation and reconnect communities, initiatives intricately tied to the bipartisan infrastructure bill recently
costs for state residents. In June, he signed legislation prohibiting hospitals and other providers from denying medically necessary care to patients with unpaid medical debts.The move could pay dividends for Black people: Multiple studies show Black adults are substantially more likely to have medical debt than white adults.
“Among Black adults, one in three have overdue medical bills, compared to one in four among white adults,” according to a study by the nonprofit Lown Institute. “While medical debt is a widespread issue in America, research shows that Black Americans are at a higher risk of medical debt and its consequences,” including poor credit scores, harassment by debt collectors, stress-related health issues, and a widening of the Black-white wealth gap.
The medical debt bill, which will take effect Oct. 1, also requires that healthcare corporations forgive medical
neighborhood; from there, we started Hump Day, Jump Day,” says the woman known as The Twist Master. She is joined by Ms. Mercedes as cofounders of the Double Dutch group.
Rena Moran, Ramsey County Commissioner, District 4, home of the historic Rondo Community, shared her feelings on the fest and was another not deterred by the rain.
“The Jazz Fest is just a moment for us to come together, celebrate our culture, meet and greet our neighbors, and have a good time, in kind of an old fashion way, where we meet, get together, and have a big block party. I love it! And the rain did not scare me; I wait every year for this moment.
And it’s so good to be here.”
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, observed, “The fest is a success. Although the threat of
passed by the Biden-Harris administration. This marks the second consecutive year that communities from across the country have convened in St. Paul, emphasizing the city’s role as a nexus for collaborative efforts to address systemic challenges.
“I think we reached a point where people understand our connections across the river. So, in that regard, reflecting on the evening’s successes, I would say yes, we hit the mark.”
debt for thousands of Minnesotans who had it transferred to them after a spouse’s death or whose bills have errors. The bill also bans medical debt from appearing negatively on credit scores.
In 2020, Walz signed a law enabling qualified residents to obtain a 30-day supply of insulin for $35, and heav-
Two years later, Walz signed a law allocating $92.7 million for mental health, setting aside $60 million to increase the number of beds in mental health facilities, recruit and hire more mental health professionals, and increase the number of mobile crisis units. The bill also funds children’s mental health services and
but stigma, along with lack of access, has been an issue.
On the issue of reproductive rights, Minnesota was one of the first states to pass a law codifying abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. And last year the state enacted a bill making the right to an abortion a state law.
It’s another important issue for the community: Nearly six in 10 Black women of reproductive age live in states with bans or threats to abortion access, according to a 2024 study by the National Partnership for Women and Families.
the first sitting vice president to visit an abortion clinic. While in Congress, Walz focused on issues affecting veterans and was known for his inclination to support bipartisan legislation. He helped call for research into the possibility of using medical cannabis to treat veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. He also pursued legislation on veterans’ mental health and economic issues.
ily discounted prices for up to a year for eligible individuals. This, too, is significant for the Black community: Just over 12 percent of Black people have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared with 7.4% of whites, according to the Centers for Disease control.
rain may have affected attendance, I see that people love the community gathering, including people from Minneapolis and St. Paul. This is a wonderful community event.”
Even St. Paul police were enjoying themselves: “It’s a beautiful day with lots of wonderful people out here,” said Officer Neil Anderson. “This is my first time working at the Jazz Fest; the vibe is great, and we’re here recruiting.”
As the sun set, headliner Bennett took the stage, electrifying the crowd with her powerful voice and soulful performance. Known for her ability to infuse contemporary twists into classic gospel, soul and jazz, Bennett’s music resonated with both young and old, bridging generational gaps and drawing everyone closer to the stage. Spectators lined the streets on both sides, fully immersing themselves in the
grants and loan forgiveness for students wanting to become mental health professionals. This, too, could be beneficial to the Black community. Studies show only 25% of Black people seek mental health treatment when needed, compared to 40% of white people;
experience as every note mingled with the warm evening air.
Beyond the musical entertainment, the festival showcased local artists and vendors, allowing them to reach a wider audience and share their talents. The marketplace was teeming with creativity as artisans displayed handmade crafts, jewelry and artwork
The Minnesota measure includes a shield law protecting abortion providers and patients from legal actions initiated in states that have abortion bans.
To underscore the issue, Harris visited a Minnesota Planned Parenthood clinic that provides abortions to highlight the Biden administration’s commitment to protect abortion rights. She is
a good time—family, community, getting to know one another, the different organizations and what they do in the community. This is a great way to get our information out there. At Ujamaa Place, if you know an African American male 18-30 years old who needs help rebuilding his life, send him our way.”
“The Jazz Fest is just a moment for us to come together, celebrate our culture, meet and greet our neighbors, and have a good time.”
inspired by the rich cultural talents of the local area. Each booth told a story, contributing to the festival’s overall narrative of community celebration.
Coach Keith from Ujaama Place said, “This festival means
Joe Mueller, head of Friends School of Minnesota, was also at the fest as an informational vendor. “I love being in this community where we once lived. This is an event we would have never missed. We love exposing the school to
In a compelling address, Mayor Carter sounded the quote of the evening with his insightful statement: “If it’s not connecting, it’s not community.” His words resonated deeply, reflecting the underlying mission of the forum—to foster connections that lead to tangible community enhancement.
Baker echoed this sentiment: “Community is about connecting. It plays well with our summit and in bringing Minnesota leaders to the table.”
One of the highlights of the evening was Judge Lange’s foundational discussion on the importance of connecting diverse African American communities. Baker pointed out that the forum’s aim goes beyond St. Paul; it is about bridging connections among Black communities across Minnesota—from Duluth to Rochester, St. Cloud, and throughout the Twin Cities.
Last year, Walz also approved laws banning conversion therapy and protecting people getting gender-affirming care. The state also enacted a statewide paid sick leave law signed by Walz. The law provides medical and family leave for up to 20 weeks each year so recipients can care for sick family members. The sick leave law will take effect in 2026.
Jennifer Porter Gore is a writer living in the Washington, D.C., area.
this community—especially.” Ultimately, the Selby Jazz Fest left a mark on all who attended. It served as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, transcending differences and creating shared experiences. As the evening ended and the last music echoes faded into the night, attendees left with full hearts, bellies, and cherished memories of a day well spent. The Selby Jazz Fest stands as a beacon of what community means—a celebration of culture, unity, and the love of music that binds people together. As fest attendees looked forward to next year’s event, it was clear that the spirit of jazz and community would continue to resonate long after the final note was played.
Al Brown welcomes reader comments to abrown@spokesman-recorder.com.
These discussions served as a crucial reminder of the power of unity and collaboration in tackling issues like economic disparity, transportation, access to education, and social justice.
The event culminated in a vibrant atmosphere filled with shared stories, a collective vision for the future, and an exciting musical performance by Pat Lacy, a former member of the Sounds of Blackness.
The Minnesota African American Leaders Forum and Dinner proved to be more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change, a call to action for advocates, and a celebration of the ties that bind diverse communities throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Al Brown welcomes reader comments at abrown@spokesman-recorder.com.
Fearless Fund vows to continue supporting women of color after settling lawsuit
By Stacy Brown
The Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm committed to supporting women of color entrepreneurs, has settled a lawsuit brought by the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), leading to the permanent closure of its Strivers Grant Contest. Despite the end of the grant, Arian Simone, CEO and founding partner of the Fearless Fund, said she remains resolute in her mission to uplift historically underserved communities.
“From the moment the lawsuit was filed, I pledged to stand firm in helping and empowering women of color entrepreneurs in need. I stand by that pledge today, and in fact, my commitment remains stronger than ever,” Simone said. “Our overarching mission remains focused on empowering entrepreneurs who have been historically overlooked in the venture capital marketplace.”
On August 2, 2023, AAER filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the legality of the Strivers Grant Contest, which only supported Black women entrepreneurs. AAER argued that the program violated a federal law ensuring all Ameri-
cans the right to make and enforce contracts without regard to race. In June 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that the contest likely breached this statute, prompting Fearless to make the difficult decision to close it permanently.
“Let’s not forget that the same right-wing legal activists who brought this case were the ones who pushed the Supreme Court to gut affirmative action.”
While the Fearless Fund may no longer offer this specific grant, their broader mission continues. Simone’s efforts have garnered the support of civil rights leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), who praised her resilience and the fund’s commitment to equity in entrepreneurship.
“Arian Simone stood steadfast in her commitment to supporting those most often overlooked in our economy,” Sharpton said. “The attacks on Arian and the Fearless Fund speak to historic efforts to cut the opportunity ladder out from under us. Her resilience is a testament to her dedication, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership.”
Sharpton also noted that the lawsuit was part of a broader effort by right-wing legal activists to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. He linked the case to the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down affirmative action, arguing that the attack on the Fearless Fund reflected a growing hostility toward programs designed to address historic inequalities.
“Let’s not forget that the same right-wing legal activists who brought this case were the ones who pushed the Supreme Court to gut affirmative action,” Sharpton said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion became a lightning rod for the radical right, with ‘DEI’ becoming a dog whistle to punch down on already underserved communities.”
Despite the legal setback,
the Fearless Fund and its sister organization, the Fearless Foundation, remain committed to their core mission. The foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides capital, mentorship and education to women of color entrepreneurs, who they describe as “the unrecognized economic powerhouses of our world.”
Edward Blum, president of AAER, said his organization had encouraged the Fearless Fund to broaden its grant pro-
Mortgage rates are dropping: what it means for Twin Cities homeowners and homebuyers
Sponsored by
Homeownership is more than just a lofty American dream—it’s how many can build generational wealth. For the Black community, 90% of wealth gains come from homeownership, meaning that owning a home continues to be a crucial method for Black households to build and accumulate wealth.
And while the MinneapolisSt. Paul housing market has been competitive, home buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for prices to become more affordable might see some relief soon. The Federal Reserve (the Fed), the U.S.’ central bank that dictates interest rates, continues to indicate that a potential rate cut is on the horizon. Not only can this impact affordability for prospective buyers, but it could be advantageous for current homeowners that are locked into higher interest rates.
But what does this all mean?
JPMorganChase answers some of your questions as it relates to prospective homebuyers and homeowners:
What role do interest rates play in buying a home?
gram to include women of all racial backgrounds, but the Fund chose to end the contest instead. Blum argued that raceexclusive programs are not only divisive but also illegal under federal civil rights laws.
“Race-exclusive programs like the one the Fearless Fund promoted are divisive and illegal,” Blum said. “Opening grant programs to all applicants, regardless of their race, is enshrined in our nation’s civil rights laws and supported
ing as low as 3% down. Plus, there are a variety of incentives and grants that can lower your costs. For instance, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $7,500, where eligible, to help with the interest rate, closing costs, and the down payment. These grants are offered in lowto moderate-income communities and neighborhoods that are designated by the U.S. Census as majority-Black, Hispanic and/or Latino.
Should I only work with one lender for my mortgage?
Studies show that 45% of borrowers who shopped around for mortgages received lower offers. Make lenders compete for your business –many have varying fees and closing costs that can add up. Also, interest rates can fluctuate daily, so lock in your rate with your lender if they offer that option for extra peace of mind.
by significant majorities of all Americans.”
Although the Strivers Grant Contest will not return, the broader debate over DEI initiatives in business and other sectors continues to intensify. Sharpton emphasized that while the lawsuit’s immediate threat has subsided, the fight to defend DEI programs is far from over.
“With the dismissal of this case, the immediate threat to DEI, workplace diversity, and free speech has been subdued for now,” Sharpton said. “But the fight to defend and promote workplace diversity will continue in boardrooms, state legislatures, universities, the White House, and beyond. We will not allow the radical right to dismantle the progress we’ve made.”
For Simone, the closure of the contest is not the end, but a moment to reaffirm her commitment to empowering women of color. “The Fearless Fund and Fearless Foundation will continue to be a vital resource to ensure everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream,” she said.
Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent.
goal in mind as they consider whether refinancing makes sense for their personal situation. Work with your local advisor or using a Refinance Savings Calculator to understand when it makes sense for your specific situation to refinance.
Why should I refinance when rates are lower?
When interest rates are lower, you may be able to refinance your loan for a shorter term without seeing much of a change in your monthly payment. Even if your payments are higher, you may see significant savings over the life of your loan by making fewer interest payments. For example, you may decide to refinance a 30-year loan into a 15year loan. While it has higher monthly payments, you’ll pay the loan down faster and pay less in interest.
Should I wait to buy a home once interest rates fall?
Timing the market perfectly is not only challenging, but nearly impossible to do. While we hope the Fed will cut rates this year, it’s never guaranteed.
Lower interest rates can save you money, but they’re not the only factor affecting affordability. So, instead of focusing on perfectly timing the market, we recommend leaning into what you can control: being financially prepared to buy a home. Outside of readying your
Mortgages respond to market conditions, including the Fed’s monetary policy. As interest rates climb, so do the interest on new mortgages and mortgage payments. Conversely, if rates fall, so does the interest on mortgages. So, buying at a lower rate can save you money in mortgage payments.
finances for homeownership, you can look for options that can lower costs and promote savings such as low-down payment mortgages, down payment assistance programs and grants. And don’t forget you always can buy a home now and refinance in the future once rates drop.
How do I prepare myself to buy a home in this current environment? We not only want consumers to attain homeownership but to sustain it. That’s why it’s important to understand what exactly you can afford before getting into the market. There are a variety of resources to help you prepare financially
for buying a home to see how much you can afford in the areas you’re looking to buy, compare loan options and obtain a free credit score. You’ll also want to start compiling all of your necessary documents for pre-approval, such as W2s, bank statements, income documentation, etc.
What about the down payment? Do I need to have 20% of the home cost saved up? Most first-time home buyers are singularly focused on saving for a down payment. However, long gone are the days of putting down 20% of the purchase price – low down payment loan options are available with some requir-
I’m an existing homebuyer. How does a rate cut impact my situation?
It can be a good time to refinance when interest rates are going down, especially for those with rates above or at 7%. For current homeowners looking to refinance, we advise them to keep their end
Whether we’ll see a rate cut or not, there are many tools for first-time homebuyers and experienced owners to keep homeownership affordable and sustainable. For more information visit Chase.com/afford to start your journey, invest in your future and save in the long run.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/ recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/ or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC © 2024 JPMorgan Chase
Arian Simone, Fearless Fund CEO Courtesy of NNPA
Photo from Getty Images
By Stacy Brown
Arts & Culture
Iconic Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson dies at 70
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, died at age 70. The Jackson 5, which included Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s with timeless hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” reshaping the music scene and turning the group into teen heartthrobs.
Sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, confirmed Jackson’s death, sharing the news in an Instagram post on their music group 3 T’s account. “Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T,’” the statement read. “Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.”
Former Jackson family manager Steve Manning revealed that Tito died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of 10 children born to Katherine and Joe Jackson. His early talents as a singer and guitarist caught the eye of his father, Joe, who formed the Jackson Brothers in 1964, initially featuring Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine.
As the group evolved into the Jackson 5, they became
one of the first Black American groups to achieve crossover success, breaking racial barriers with their infectious music and dynamic performances.
massive success of his “Thriller” album, Tito also carved out his place in music history. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry.
Though never officially disbanding, the Jacksons saw their members explore solo endeavors. Tito ventured into a solo career later in life, releasing his debut album “Tito Time” in 2016, followed by “Under Your Spell” in 2021.
Tito Jackson’s legacy is more than just his role in one of the most successful pop groups ever. He was part of a cultural phenomenon that helped shape the music industry and left an indelible mark on fans across the globe. His contributions to music, both as part of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, resonate with generations who grew up listening to his voice and watching his performances.
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito,’ or some know him as Poppa T. Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.”
While the Jackson 5 set the stage for Michael Jackson’s solo superstardom, with Michael permanently leaving the group in 1984 following the
The Jackson 5’s rise to fame was meteoric. With Motown Records backing them, they delivered chart-topping hits that remain classics today. Their infectious energy and catchy songs turned them into pop culture icons almost overnight. After leaving Motown in 1975 and signing with Epic Records, they were forced to change their name to The Jacksons. Despite the shift, they continued to dominate the music scene, with Tito playing a crucial role in the band’s success.
His work as a solo artist showcased his versatility and deeprooted love for music, allowing him to step out of the shadow of his famous family name. Tito also fronted a blues band that performed mainly in Southern California but had made a name for itself nationally.
The Jackson 5’s influence paved the way for countless artists and helped establish the blueprint for modern boy bands. It also launched Michael Jackson’s unparalleled career as the “King of Pop.”
Stacy Brown is the NNPA Newswire national senior correspondent.
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Tito Jackson NNPA
JOIN THE 90TH CELEBRATION!
As the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder approaches its 90th anniversary, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication.
As the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder begins its 90th Anniversary year, you’re invited to commemorate this historic milestone by donating $90 to celebrate 90 years of continuous publication.
Your generous contribution will support our legacy of dedicated community empowerment through journalism and ensure our vital work continues into the future.
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As a “$90-for-90” contributor (non-business), your name will be prominently displayed in our print and digital editions until the week of Aug. 10 — the date of our founding in 1934.
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The growing case for Medicare for All
By Andrew Moss
In her debate with Donald Trump, Vice-President Kamala Harris declared, “Access to health care should be a right, not a privilege for those who can afford it.”
Her stance is laudable, and the reforms she advocated that evening make political sense in a tight presidential race, i.e., widening access to care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and extending negotiated drug prices (e.g., insulin capped at $35 per month) to all Americans, not only Medicare recipients.
However, such reforms only go so far in realizing the fundamental value of health care as a right belonging to all Americans. The reforms won’t address the inequities and structural problems plaguing our fragmented healthcare system (or “semi-system,” as political scientist Jacob S. Hacker has described it).
This past year, the U.S. experienced a national medical emergency affecting millions of Americans. Known as the “Great Unwinding,” this underreported emergency entailed the disenrollment from Medicaid of 23 million Americans, many of them children.
Medicaid, the joint federal-state program providing healthcare coverage to poor Americans, had put millions of people on continuous coverage as a result of 2020 legislation passed at the outset of the pandemic.
Before the pandemic, Medicaid recipients had to undergo regular checks on their income-related eligibility for the program, checks that often interrupted care with red tape and bureaucratic glitches (patients moving, not getting adequate notifications, as well as confusing instructions for individuals with disabilities). Continuous coverage meant approximately 90 million people received necessary medical appointments and medications without interruption. But when the pandemicera program expired last year, states began disenrolling patients (some states more aggressively than others) with results that were highly disruptive to patients’ ongoing care.
rolled.
Over this past year, 56.4 million people (69% of the people who had been disenrolled) were eventually able to have their coverage renewed, while 25 million (31%) remain disenrolled, many for so-called “procedural” reasons (e.g., outdated contact information, inability to understand or complete renewal packets). Overall, 25.6 million Americans lack health insurance altogether.
Our nation deserves a genuine Medicare for All: a single-payer healthcare system that’s publicly financed.
One young Florida couple, whose seven-year-old daughter has cerebral palsy and epileptic seizures, was given a 10day notice of their daughter’s disenrollment, a notification that meant disruptions to the visits with her daughter’s therapists, as well a threat to the continuous supply of her medications. Another couple was informed that their 12-yearold daughter had retained her Medicaid coverage while their six-year-old son was disen-
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These figures are unacceptable in a nation as wealthy as the U.S., which spends more on health care per capita than any comparable nation in wealth and size. As Adam Gaffney, a critical care physician, has noted, any short or long-term gaps in coverage can “precipitate potentially deadly ruptures of care.”
Citing recent medical studies, Gaffney explains that “most of the benefits of modern health care, after all, emerge not from emergency care provided in places like ERs or ICUs, as important as that is. Rather, health is protected through long-standing therapeutic relationships between patients and primary care physicians, allowing medical problems to be recognized and chronic problems carefully managed.”
For these reasons (i.e., the fragmented nature of our healthcare system, the medically harmful discontinuities of care, the unacceptable number of uninsured individuals), our nation deserves a genuine Medicare for All: a singlepayer healthcare system that’s publicly financed, and that provides individuals with comprehensive care and choice in selecting providers.
The provision of coverage itself, however, must not be compromised by introducing for-profit insurance plans, like the Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that now enroll half of all Medicare recipients.
Government funding for cultivated meat research encouraged
By Jon Hochschartner
Any politician who sincerely cares about animal welfare should support increased public funding for cultivated meat research. For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, cultivated meat is grown from livestock cells without slaughter. There’s arguably no policy that could do more to reduce nonhuman suffering and premature death.
While the new protein has been approved for sale in the United States, it’s currently too expensive to mass produce. This can be rectified with more government money for cellular-agriculture development. All compassionate legislators at both the state and federal levels should aggressively back the effort.
Jon Hochschartner Granby, CT
The criminalization of Tyreek Hill
By Naba’a Muhammad
In the old 1990s Nike commercials, Mars Blackmon, played by Spike Lee, asks basketball great Michael Jordan, “Is it the shoes?”
In a much more serious, disturbing incident, Tyreek Hill, star wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, was taken down, handcuffed, kneed in the back, and manhandled by Miami Dade police not far from the stadium where he plays.
I can guarantee you it wasn’t the shoes that got the officers’ attention in a potentially deadly encounter. It was the car, the constant criminalization of Black men, and a refusal to hold cops accountable for their actions— especially when violating Black people.
Hill, a well-paid athlete, was driving an expensive car. He’s paid his dues, sacrificed, and should be able to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He was a short distance from his Black job. But “Driving While Black” has long been a crisis in America, and you don’t have to drive a fine car to be targeted.
“Almost every African American or Latino can tell a story about being pulled over by the police for no apparent reason other than the color of his or her skin, especially if he or she happened to be driving in the ‘wrong place’ at the ‘wrong time’ or even driving the ‘wrong car,’ ” said the American Civil Liberties Union, citing cases stretching back to the 1990s.
Hill was born on March 1, 1994. “Victims of these racially motivated traffic stops rarely receive a traffic ticket or are found guilty of any violation of the law. It’s a practice called Driving While Black,” said the ACLU.
“The U.S. Supreme Court established an open season on motorists in 1996 when it ruled that police could use any traffic offense as an excuse to pull a car over.” Black and white drivers engaged in illegalities “at about the same rate—28.4 percent in searches of Blacks and 28.8 per-
problems to patients and rural health facilities because of frequent denials of care, and have been investigated for fraudulent overbilling.
cent in searches of whites.”
Yet, the ACLU noted, 41 percent of Black Americans say they have been stopped or detained by police because of their race, and 21% of Black adults, including 30% of Black men, reported being victims of police violence.
Tyreek came before microphones on Sept. 8 saying he did nothing wrong and was confused about what happened and why. He calmly explained how his mother taught him to be respectful and cooperative, how he wanted to be a police officer, and how he respected them. There are bad apples everywhere, he continued. But, he added, what if he had not been a big-time athlete? What’s the worst-case scenario?
Death.
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Under such plans, a private insurer is paid a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare recipient who selects the option, and the plan handles the coverage for that individual. Introduced during the Reagan administration, the MA plans were intended to provide more efficient care, but they’ve become more costly than traditional Medicare, have posed
In its Project 2025 blueprint for governance, the Heritage Foundation has called for privatized MA plans to be the “default option” for Medicare, and they will likely be Donald Trump’s preferred option were he to be elected president this November. He would also likely follow the Project’s recommendations on stripping certain key consumer protections from the ACA.
If Kamala Harris is elected president, she will have an array of policy options that go far beyond the reforms she
“If Dexter Reed had not been stopped by Chicago police, he would still be with us,” Laura Washington wrote earlier this year about a controversial Chicago case. Body cam footage of his killing, which many call an execution, captured the 26-year-old Black man sitting in his SUV. Five cops in street clothes jumped out on him in a city known for often violent, deadly carjackings.
“One demanded that Reed roll down his car window. At first, Reed complied, then rolled the window back up. Officers screamed and shouted more demands. Reed started shooting,” Washington wrote. A civilian oversight body said an officer was wounded in the wrist.
“This tragedy leaves us with so many questions. For example, the police say he was being stopped for not wearing a seat belt. How did the officers know he wasn’t wearing the belt since his car had tinted windows? On the video, the officers, wearing street clothes, drive hard and fast, jump out, and surround Reed’s car.”
“Did Reed shoot out of terror?” she asked in a Chicago Tribune piece.
“Driving While Black” has long been a crisis in America, and you don’t have to drive a fine car to be targeted.
Organizing around Reed’s death has been going on in the Windy City, with many outraged and demanding justice. “Chicago police officers reported making more than a half million stops last year on the city streets, continuing to stop Black and brown motorists at rates disproportionate to their numbers in the driving population,” the ACLU reported in 2024.
“In 2023, CPD officers stopped Black drivers at a rate 3.75 times that of white drivers and stopped Latino drivers at a rate 2.73 times that of white drivers. These disparities are similar to racial disparities reported in prior years in Chicago. CPD has never explained why it disproportionately stops Black and Latino drivers.”
There are bad apples in every system. But when institutions fail to act to correct wrongs—especially with folks having guns, handcuffs, and badges—the whole system is rotten.
Naba’a Muhammad, an awardwinning Final Call editor, is the host of “Straight Words With Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy, and James G. Muhammad.” Get more of his writing and content at straightwords.com.
“The officers fired 96 shots in 41 seconds. Reed staggered out of the car on the driver’s side and stumbled to the ground. The officers kept shooting. Three of those shots came while Reed was lying ‘motionless on the ground,’ according to Andrea Kersten of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability,” wrote Washington.
mentioned in her debate with Trump. These options can provide all Americans, regardless of their employment or socioeconomic status, with comprehensive and continuous health care. For example, there is proposed Medicare for All legislation before the Senate and House (Sanders, Jayapal, Dingell), with 15 co-sponsors in the Senate and support from half the Democratic caucus in Congress. In addition, the 2024 Democratic Party platform includes a plank calling for a “public option” to supplement the marketplace plans in the ACA. As Harris advocated in her 2019 presidential bid, such an option would allow Americans of any age to enroll in Medicare-style, publicly funded coverage. In recent weeks, Harris has said that although her policy positions may have changed, her values haven’t. If elected president, she should seize the opportunity to align her values— health care as a right, not a commodity—with policies that offer the best chance of realizing those values fully.
Andrew Moss, syndicated by PeaceVoice, writes on labor, nonviolence, and culture from Los Angeles. He is an emeritus professor (Nonviolence Studies, English) from California State University.
What K-12 teachers can do to create future voters
Teachers
By Aswad Walker
can play a huge role in civic engagement
There have been countless articles written about and studies done on Black young adults (Millennials and Gen Z members) and their attitudes toward voting. And the verdict is not good.
Regardless of the research study or group interview conducted, this potentially politically powerful demographic lists several reasons or beliefs for being hesitant about voting or not voting at all: lack of viable and exciting candidates; voting won’t impact their lives positively or negatively; Democrats and Republicans are all the same; the system is rigged; etc.
Voting advocates cringe when they hear young adults voice these views or get offended when older Blacks attempt to “guilt them” into voting by bringing up the sacrifices their ancestors made to win Blacks the right to vote.
So, how can the Black
community raise future generations of dedicated voters, those currently in K-12 classrooms across the country?
Dr. Michael O. Adams, a political science professor at Texas Southern University, asserts this can be achieved through the process of political socialization, the process through which young citizens develop their political identity, opinions and behaviors. Adams then offered the following recommendations to K-12 teachers:
Integrate civic education
Enhancing students’ understanding of government structures, electoral processes, and the importance of voting is crucial. By embedding these topics into the curriculum, you help students understand not just the mechanics of governance but also their role and responsibility within this system.
Encourage critical thinking
In an era where informa-
tion is abundant yet varied in quality, teaching students to critically evaluate information sources is indispensable. This practice helps students to discern facts from misinformation, fostering informed citizens who can engage in political processes knowledgeably.
Facilitate discussions on current events
Creating a classroom environment where students can discuss and debate current issues fosters a dynamic learning environment. This not only keeps students engaged but also encourages them to practice expressing and defending their opinions respectfully and constructively.
Simulate democratic processes
Practical engagement with democratic processes through simulations like mock elections or legislative sessions
Restful nights, bright days: tips for healthy sleep patterns
By: Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Sleep is the key to a healthy lifestyle. While the importance of diet and exercise to our overall health and wellbeing is widely accepted, we often focus less on the critical role of sleep.
As a society, we pride ourselves on working hard, pulling all-nighters, and saying things like, “We can sleep when we die.” The truth is that sleep affects nearly every primary body system, including our bones, pancreas, skin, brain and muscles.
A healthy diet, regular exer-
cise, and adequate sleep each night are essential and, in fact, directly impact one another. When we eat and exercise better, we sleep better. When we sleep better, we perform better physically and crave healthier foods.
This month’s column explores research, learning tools, and resources from My Very Own Bed. This nonprofit provides children with new beds and Dream Kits (bedding, books, and stuffed animals) throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Many of the families they work with have recently transitioned out of homelessness and have secured more stable housing. This assistance provides essential items to support the families’ housing stability, relieving some of their financial stress and helping make the house feel more like a home.
My Very Own Bed focuses on beds for kids because of sleep’s role in assisting them to heal, grow and thrive. Adequate sleep helps children fight off illness, enhances their growth, improves self-regu-
lation and stress control, and aids their learning.
In each Dream Kit that accompanies a new bed, My Very Own Bed summarizes the benefits of sleep in this way: Sleep helps us
• Stay healthy and strong
• Focus, learn, and remember new things
• Play hard and feel more energetic
• Feel happier and less anxious
• Grow big and strong
• Heal when we are sick
The importance of sleep
Sleep plays a critical role in children’s growth and development. Most growth hormones are released during sleep, and brains sort through information gathered during the day, eliminating the less important details and strengthening and consolidating the most useful. Sleep is also when the body releases infection-fighting proteins.
While recommendations vary by age and other factors, children need a lot of sleep each night, particularly in the first five years when their
brain grows more than during the rest of their lives. These are the generally recognized sleep duration recommendations for every 24 hours:
• Infants to 12 months — 12 to 16 hours, including naps
• 1 to 2 years — 11 to 14 hours, including naps
• 3 to 5 years — 10 to 13 hours, including naps
• 6 to 12 years — 9 to 12 hours
• 13 to 18 years — 8 to 10 hours
• Adults, at least 7 hours
Poor sleep contributes to a wide range of negative outcomes. Short-term, a bad night of sleep makes it challenging to focus.
While adults tend to be more groggy, children can get wound up or wired, making it hard for them to sit still and focus. Parents often hear about misbehavior at school or observe more fighting or irritability at home.
When we are tired, we also tend to be more sedentary and crave less healthy food, which, in turn, can lead to weight gain and other health complications. Long-term, poor sleep leads to poor physical and mental health. Kids who do not get
makes the abstract principles of democracy tangible. These simulations provide a handson learning experience that can ignite interest in political participation.
Promote community involvement
Encouraging involvement in community services or local issues can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. It shows students the real-world impact of civic engagement and motivates them to contribute positively to their communities.
Partner with local civic organizations
Collaborations with local civic organizations can provide students with additional resources and broader perspectives. These partnerships can enhance the curriculum with guest speakers and community-based projects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of civic engagement.
Use technology and social media wisely
Utilizing technology and social media platforms can modernize and enhance the accessibility of political education.
By integrating these tools, you can reach students in an environment they are familiar with, making it easier to engage them in political campaigns and civic discussions.
Highlight the history of voting rights
Teaching about the historical struggles surrounding voting rights across different societies can deepen students’ appreciation of their democratic privileges and the importance of active participation. Understanding this history emphasizes the hardwon nature of these rights and the ongoing need to protect them.
By implementing these strategies, K-12 teachers can significantly influence the political socialization of students, preparing them not only as future voters but as informed and active participants in the democratic process. Our democracy indeed thrives when its youngest members are prepared and motivated to contribute actively and responsibly.
This story is republished with permission from Word in Black.
enough sleep are more at risk for obesity, diabetes, anxiety and depression, and injuries.
A call to action
Promoting healthy sleeping habits is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all caring adults to serve as first educators and support our children as they learn, grow and lead.
A “First Educator” refers to the primary role of parents and caregivers in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors.
As a First Educator, if you or your child are not getting enough sleep each night, here are four basic sleep tips My Very Own Bed suggests, which
echo those suggested by nearly every sleep expert:
1. Set a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up simultaneously every day, evenings, weekends, and during the summer months.
2. Turn off your electronics (and dim your lights if you can) an hour before going to bed.
3. Avoid sugar after dinner (and generally reduce it throughout the day).
4. Establish a bedtime routine (brushing your teeth, washing your face, reading, journaling and meditating).
If you are interested in learning more about the importance of building healthy sleeping habits, visit: https://www.myveryownbed.org/.
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6.
Employment & Legals
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder September 12, 19, 26, 2024
SOE
Continued from page 14
section on women’s basket
ball in Minnesota that will run now through June 1, 2025.
“You know me,” said Moore proudly, “somebody from the North Side of Minneapolis and being immersed into the successes that have come out of the North Minneapolis area and just Minnesota in general has been very, very important to me.
“But even having my name mentioned with some of the people and the greatest people that have kept and built the foundation of the successes, especially on the women’s and girls’ basketball side, it’s been amazing.”
Earlier this month, Moore achieved yet another first when the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks hired her as their first female scout in franchise history.
“I was literally only 19 days old when the Mavs came into the NBA. So, 44 years later, I was able to make another historical mark,” stressed Moore. She also made news in 2020 when she was hired as the first female in Minnesota college history as Mesabi Range College men’s basketball coach.
“I want to just keep breaking that glass ceiling and getting to the point where it’s not a rarity, it’s a norm,” said Moore, whose goal of one day being an NBA assistant coach or even a head coach is still on track.
“To be honest with you, just being able to be in the league and being able to have my foot in the door, I wanted to see where it leads,” she noted. “I told
them [team officials] my ultimate goal would be to be on the sidelines coaching as an assistant coach or wherever that leads.”
Moore added she won’t be relocated to Texas quite yet. “I’m gonna do the job based from Minneapolis this year,” she said. “For the first full month of October, I’ll be joining the team in Las Vegas for training camp. And then I’ll do three weeks in Dallas conversing with the staff.
“Then each month I’ll get a calendar on what college games I’m responsible to scout. Then next June I’ll go and be a part of the draft prospect preparation. From there, then war room draft and then Summer League in July.”
Finally, Moore wanted it known that her many firsts wouldn’t have been possible without help along the way.
“I really want to say thank you to everybody that has had a role in the successes of my journey: my first AAU coaches, Jam and Clarence Sellers; my high school coaches Tonyas Chavers and Faith Johnson Patterson; college coaches like Jane Albright; and all the WNBA players and coaches that I had during that journey.
“I got a chance to play for JellyBean Bryant, who just passed away recently. He’s one of the most influential coaches in my life. Bill Laimbeer was another.
“Just anybody that gave me the opportunity, but mainly the players that played for me. They are very important, because without them my resume wouldn’t be what it is.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
From Ads Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder
STATE OF MINNESOTA FOURTH JUDICIAL COUNTY OF HENNEPIN DISTRICT COURT PROBATE MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
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The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices unless you specifically request a hard copy.
Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Probate Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: September 5,
ENGLEBERT
Continued from page 14
women’s college basketball season and has morphed from there.”
Having Caitlin Clark in the league this season and the subsequent talk about her has been drawn along racial lines, stated NBC Sports Streaming Content Producer Natalie Esquire. “I think if people are trying to be very careful about what they say because someone like me, for example, if everything out of my mouth is not praising about Caitlin Clark then you’re perceived to be a
hater,” she pointed out.
“There’s a lot of new media” now covering the league, sorely because of Clark. “I think that is a lot of it. I think some of it is people who are just hopping onto a wave, quite frankly, right? It’s sort of hot to talk about women’s basketball right now,” surmised Esquire.
Read more of our conversation with Natalie Esquire and Dr. Ajhanai AJ Kenton on MSR On Line.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
Chinese Immersion Elementary Teacher at Independent School District #270, Hopkins in Hopkins, MN.
Req. Bach’s Degree in Edu, Teaching or related field. Must be eligible for MN Teaching License in Elementary Edu; & fluency in written & spoken
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder September 12, 19 2024
Investment Manager at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.
Req. master’s deg in econ, finance, BA, acct or related discipline & 7 years’ exp at asset owner (endowment & foundation, pension fund, etc.), invest bank and/or buy-side invest mgmt firm. Must possess 7 years’ exp with: financial modeling & data analytics; sourcing, diligencing & monitoring invest strategies across both public & private markets, with ability to conduct robust soup-to-nuts diligence with min supervision; Data & info mgmt.; Invest as asset owner or invest bank; Microsoft Office Suite. Must possess 2 years’ exp with directly sourcing, diligencing & selecting venture-backed, early-stage invest opportunities. CFA charterholder or progress towards. Domestic & Intnl travel 10-25%. Please apply at https://hr.myu.umn.edu/ jobs/ext/364518 | Req# 364518 | No agencies or phone calls please. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder September 19, 2024
Continued from page 14
Now that Major League Baseball has officially recognized Negro Leagues players statistics, McKinnis’ stats are now on record. “We are proud that the official historical record now includes the players of the Negro Leagues,” stressed MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred.
Carl Rogan, grandson of Wilber “Bullet Joe” Rogan, a three-sport local high school athlete who played for Kansas City of the Negro Leagues, told me, “It gives some credibility to what has happened in the past.”
Although Wilber Rogan is in the Baseball Hall of Fame (1998), his baseball stats weren’t officially accepted until now. Thanks to MLB and SABR, Rogan’s statistics now have him in the top 25 batting averages “of anybody that’s ever played. That to me is just remarkable,” added Carl.
“I still want people to understand that the Negro Leagues story is much larger
than the statistics,” stressed Negro League Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick. “The stats will never tell that story, the story of what they endured and how they persevered.
“We need to make sure that we seize this moment and honor them for not what they just gave baseball, but what they gave this country,” said Kendrick. There are many Black baseball players’ stories still to be told, and such players as McKinnis should be duly noted and forever recognized.
Next – Who is John Donaldson and why isn’t he in the Hall of Fame?
Special thanks to Zumbrota News-Record’s David Grimsrud for allowing us to use excerpts from his June 26 column and furnishing us with archival photos of Gready McKinnis.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.
VIEW
Northsider Tamara Moore to scout for Dallas Mavericks
eing first means no one comes before you.
Northside native Tamara Moore has lots of firsts.
“I want to just keep breaking that glass ceiling and getting to the point where it’s not a rarity, it’s
a norm.”
The Minneapolis North High grad led the Lady Polars to a state title and was named Minnesota Ms. Basketball in her senior year. She then went on to an all-Big-Ten playing career at Wisconsin (1998-2002), where she played in two WNIT and two NCAA tournaments and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tamara Moore
Photo by Charles Hallman
ophomore defensive back Colin Moore Jr. scored on an interception return and interception return for touchdown, and junior wide receiver Justice Moody who had six touchdowns in a recent win over St. Paul Highland Park—added a touchdown re-
The 15th overall pick by the now defunct Miami Sol in 2002, Moore was later traded to Minnesota and remains today the first and only Northside native to play for the Lynx. After retiring as a player, Moore went into high school, semi-pro and college coaching.
Moore is now featured in “Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” a new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. She is included in the Minnesota History Center’s exclusive
■ See SOE on page 13
ception in the first quarter as St. Paul Johnson never looked back, scoring a 36-6 victory over St. Paul Como Park in a football clash between city rivals. The victorious Governors also got outstanding play from senior running back Isiah Henderson, junior quarterback Ali Farfan, and junior wide receiver Anthony Stevenson Senior quarterback Shawn Huberty and junior running back Jeremiah Ranson played well for the Cougars.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.
All photos by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
he year 1947 is often seen as a historical watershed moment in American history when Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first black Major League Baseball player. Some use this as the start of the Civil Rights Movement in this country.
Alan Cohen of the Society of American Baseball Researchers (SABR), in his presentation at the group’s convention in August in Minneapolis, said, “Most of minor league baseball remained closed to Black
By Charles Hallman Sports Columnist
ace apparently is good business for the WNBA, especially when a popular White rookie is pitted against another rookie who’s Black.
League Commissioner Cathy Engelbert created a firestorm last week with her response when a CNBC reporter asked her on how fans on social media this season have interjected racism and sexuality into their conversation in what Tyler Mathisen called “the darker tone.”
“It is a little of that [Larry] Bird-Magic [Johnson] moment from 1979, when those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one Black. But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry. They [fans] don’t want everybody being nice to one another,” responded Engelbert.
But the Commish sidestepped the racism, misogyny and harassment experienced by Black players.
“There is absolutely no place in sport—or in life—for the
vile hate, racist language, homophobic comments, and the misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media,” countered a release statement from WNBA Players’ Union Executive Director Terri Jackson. “This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities fueling a business model. This kind of toxic fandom should never be tolerated or left unchecked.”
Las Vegas’ Alysha Clark pointed out, “I think there was an opportunity for [Engelbert] to really be able to take hold of what’s been going on and let people know that regardless of the amount of dollars that are coming in…racism and misogy-
Paul
Como Park running back Jeremiah Ranson (22) gets going after receiving the handoff from quarterback Shawn Huberty (2) during a game against St. Paul Johnson.
ny and homophobia, they have no place in our league, and they have no place regardless of how popular our sport is.”
Engelbert later released a backtracking tweet: “To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.”
But the damage was done earlier when she seemed to suggest that record attendance and boffo television ratings take precedence over the players’ health and safety.
“I think her comments were meant not to stall or rock the economic growth that potentially these fans have brought,”
observed University of Massachusetts Assistant Professor Ajhanai “AJ” Keaton. “I would argue the comments from the WNBA, they were saying economic growth is not worth [risking to address] this racism, right? And I think her apology, her statement, retracting her comments” did not nothing to change things.
“If everything
out of
my
mouth is not praising about Caitlin Clark then you’re perceived to be a hater.”
The trolling on social media has been out for a while now, especially when it comes to race and women’s sports. “The social media issue was building before the 2024 season tipped off,” wrote veteran sportswriter Lyndsey D’Archangelo in Awful Announcing. “It started bubbling up during the 2023
players” for several years after Robinson came into the Major Leagues.
However, a year before Robinson’s historic debut, a 1946 state baseball game in Zumbrota, MN featured a Black pitcher named Al Sayler.
But he actually was Gready
“Lefty” McKinnis, a former Negro Leagues star who was banned from the league for playing in the “outlaw” Mexican League. Zumbrota News publisher Dave Grimsrud wrote in a June column about this overlooked
historic feat. He included excerpts from an account his paper published by Ed Davis on August 2, 1946: “Zumbrota’s 5-3 victory over Pine Island…the losers were not a bit pleased when they discovered that a black gentleman from parts unknown was in the box for the locals.”
“The stats will never tell that story, the story
Gready McKinnis (19131991) was born in Union, Alabama and later played on three Negro Leagues clubs from 1941 to 1944 as well as two integrated minor league teams. He was a two-time
Negro American League AllStar and led the league in winning percentage as a pitcher in 1941. He also was one of a few men ever to beat legendary Satchel Paige. But because of his race, along with playing in the Mexican League, McKinnis was ostracized by Major League teams.
McKinnis’ place in Minnesota state history occurred in 1947 when he became the first Black player in the Minnesota State Baseball Tournament. Named tourney MVP, McKinnis pitched for Rochester and won all three of his team’s victories, losing only in the championship game, and finished with a 3-1 mark and 39 strikeouts.
He struck out 16 Chaska batters in the title game.
St.
Johnson running back Anthony Stevens turns this reception into a big gain during a game against St. Paul Como Park.
St. Paul Johnson receiver Justice Moody scored after catching a pass during a game against St. Paul Como Park.
St. Paul Johnson defensive back Colin Moore Jr. returns an interception for the Governors’ first touchdown during a game against St. Paul Como Park.
Como Park’s Vontae Williams returns the kickoff with teammate Tate Prinsen leading the way during a game against St. Paul Johnson.
Natalie Esquire
AJ Kenton Photos courtesy of X
■ See ENGLEBERT on page 13
Gready McKinnis
Carl Rogan
Photo by Charles Hallman