PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
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Celebrating 90 years of Black journalistic excellence. April 24 - 30, 2025
Vol. 91
No. 39
Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com
March on Consulate protests deportations
At the center of the protest was concern over deportations carried out under the Alien Enore than 500 people emies Act of 1798, an antiquatgathered Wednes- ed wartime law that grants the day, April 16 out- federal government sweeping side the El Salvadoran Con- authority to deport non-citizens sulate in Saint Paul to protest during periods of declared hosthe deportation of immigrants tility. Originally intended for use — many without criminal re- during international conflict, cords — to El Salvador’s con- the law has been revived by the troversial CECOT mega prison. Trump administration as justifiThe protestors called attention cation for deporting individuals to what they describe as un- accused of gang affiliation — oflawful detentions, violations of ten without criminal charges due process, and the danger- or the opportunity to defend ous revival of xenophobic im- themselves in court. Speakers at the event emmigration policies. The demonstration, orga- phasized that such actions nized by advocacy groups Min- contradict fundamental Amernesota 50501 and Women’s ican values. March MN, took place along “I’m afraid that the U.S. ConPlato Boulevard, a typically stitution is being dissolved,” said quiet stretch of road on the Lydia Kelly, a retired U.S. Army city’s southern edge. Protest- Master Sergeant. “I swore to ers held signs, chanted, and defend the Constitution — even gathered along both sides in retirement. That includes the of the street for two blocks, right to due process.” Among those deported unflanked by the Saint Paul skyline on one end and the build- der the revived law is 29-yearA mother and daughter stand for 29-year-old Kilmar Abrego Garcia ing that houses the El Salva- old Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a All photos courtesy of Chris Juhn/MSR doran consulate on the other. Maryland father who had By Chris Juhn Contributing Writer
Resistance rises to Trump’s tariff war “President Trump’s tariff tax is raising costs for Americans and creating economic uns markets reel from certainty,” Klobuchar said in unpredictable tariff a statement. “The erratic way shifts under Presi- these tariffs have been andent Donald Trump’s ongoing nounced, un-announced, and trade war with China, a bipar- re-announced has made it tisan group of U.S. senators difficult for families and busi— including Minnesota’s Sen. nesses to plan for the future. Amy Klobuchar — is pushing That is why I’m introducing for legislation that would re- bipartisan legislation to restore Congressional oversight store sanity and stability to our By Clint Combs Staff Writer
“Congress needs to pass this bill to overturn these global tariffs for good,” Wyden said. The economic effects of the shifting tariffs are particularly acute in Minnesota, a state with strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors that rely heavily on international trade. Polaris Inc., a Medina-based powersports manufacturer, has navigated the complex
previously been granted protection by a U.S. immigration judge. In 2019, the court ruled that Garcia would likely face persecution by gangs if returned to El Salvador. Despite this, Garcia was deported after officials claimed, without substantial evidence, that he was affiliated with MS-13, one of the most notorious gangs in Central America. Federal agents based their allegation, in part, on a 2019 traffic stop during which Garcia was seen wearing a
Chicago Bulls hat. According to their report, the hat was evidence of gang affiliation. Officials also cited an unnamed “reliable source” who claimed Garcia was involved with MS-13. Despite the judge’s protection order, Garcia was deported. The Trump administration later admitted the deportation had been an “administrative error,” but refused to return Garcia — even after a 9-0 ■ See MARCH on page 7
How cultural healing confronts disparities
Frequently throughout 2025, space in these pages will be given to organizations working to end racial injustice across the state. We hope that these reflections spark policy changes for a more equitable Minnesota. This week’s guest contributor is Isabel Chanslor, chief program officer of the Neighborhood Development Center. moved from the enslavement of her ancestors, she has et’s talk about spent her life resisting the unleashing the structural forces that disconpower of people nect communities from their to heal themselves and build cultural inheritance. community; you don’t do one Her personal journey — without the other,” said Atum shaped by the brutality of the Azzahir, executive director of Jim Crow South, the urgency the Cultural Wellness Center, of the Civil Rights Movement, in an April 18 interview. the momentum of the feminist Azzahir speaks from the wave, and the call of spiritual depths of lived experience. and cultural reclamation — has Born three generations re- become a compass guiding By Isabel Chanslor
her life’s work rebuilding the health and identity of African and Indigenous communities through cultural grounding. Now a prominent community leader, Azzahir is best known for founding the Cultural Wellness Center in 1996, a Minneapolis-based organization that places culture at the center of community and public health. Its philosophy is simple yet profound: Disconnection from culture is the root of many social and health disparities. Restoration of cultural knowledge, then, is the foundation for healing. “The belief that sickness and disease are the direct result of the absence of community and culture is at the heart of our work,” Azzahir said. The Cultural Wellness Center’s work focuses on closing the gap in persistent disparities such as poverty, infant mortality, and chronic illness — issues that continue to ■ See VOICES on page 7
As of April 2025, the United States has implemented sweeping tariff increases under President Trump’s administration, including a universal 10% import duty on all goods and additional tariffs of up to 245% on imports from countries like China, leading to significant disruptions in global trade, supply chains, and international relations. Greggory DiSalvo to U.S. trade policy. The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Act, would require any presidentially imposed tariffs to expire after 60 days unless explicitly authorized by Congress. Supporters say the bill is a direct response to the economic instability caused by fluctuating tariffs, retaliatory trade actions, and limited accountability.
trade policy.” The legislation has drawn support from both sides of the aisle, including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. Wyden criticized the tariffs as a “10% tax on everything Americans buy,” calling the administration’s approach “chaotic” and harmful to small businesses and retirees.
tariff landscape by filing more than 100 exemption requests since 2019 — securing refunds on roughly two-thirds and recovering a portion of the $90 million it initially paid. However, industry analysts say smaller companies lacking political clout or lobbying resources have struggled. Polaris’ successful exemption process has also drawn ■ See TARIFF on page 7 The Cultural Wellness center hosts a youth drumming performance at Midtown Global Market.