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Celebrating 90 years of Black journalistic excellence.
December 26, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Vol. 91
No. 21
Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com
MSR wraps up a milestone year with thanks to our readers s the MSR looks back at our major news stories from 2024 — with its tragedies, uplifts, and everything in between — we wanted to take a moment to thank you, our readers. With your unwavering support and that of the many who came before, the MSR celebrated its 90th year in 2024, making our community newspaper the oldest Blackowned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest-running family-owned newspapers in the United States. In the heart of the Great De-
Tracey Williams-Dillard CEO/Publisher
pression, amidst the economic turmoil and the harsh realities of Jim Crow segregation, Cecil E. Newman founded the Minneapolis Spokesman and the St. Paul Recorder, which merged in 2020. These weren’t ordinary newspapers: They were a lifeline, a platform, and a voice for the Black community. Throughout its history, the MSR witnessed the changing landscape of the Black community. It documented the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, the struggles of the Black Power era, and the continuing fight for equal-
ity. It has been a platform for community leaders, activists, and everyday citizens to share their stories, express their concerns, and advocate for positive change. At the dawn of 2025, we at the MSR are committed to continuing the legacy of my grandfather, Cecil E. Newman, by providing you with stories that reflect the rich tapestry of Black life and by using our voice to advocate for equality and opportunity for all. — Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher
Ousted Civil Rights 2024 in news February: Director Alberder Gillespie Minnesota Department of Hu- reaffirmed the Minnesota Hu- pacting and possibly targeting at the intersection of 38th Street meet its responsibilities in the
January: ‘Emergency’ or not, Covid is still killing people Four years after the global pandemic, Covid was still taking its toll: by Jan. 18, 2024, 160 people had died from respiratory illness, including 24 from Covidrelated variants.
addresses recent firing Alberder Gillespie, the city’s Civil Rights Director, was fired on Feb. 16, roughly two years into her four-year term. Reports indicate that Mayor Jacob Frey terminated Gillespie on the belief that she posed a threat to the city’s ability to
who use rental assistance and
man Rights settlement agree- man Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the status of ment. public assistance. March: Housing Stability Act aims to bar discrimination April: Black families disproagainst Section 8 voucher users portionately affected by Child Minnesota lawmakers ad- Protection Services vanced legislation to bar disThe MSR published a series crimination against individuals of stories on Child Protection
Services disproportionately im- takes place in South Minneapolis
African American families for interventions. May: George Floyd: His death moved the world — but the community he died in is still standing Every Monday at 5:30 p.m., a powerful act of remembrance
and Chicago Avenue, known to the world as George Floyd Square. A makeshift group of percussionists, Brass Solidarity, gathers and fills the somber air with melodies that transcend grief and call for justice. ■ See YEAR IN REVIEW on page 5
Walker West Music Academy scores major grant It’s mission: celebrating and preserving Black culture through music
By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer alker West Music Academy, a cherished cornerstone of St. Paul’s music and cultural community, has received a transformative $4 million gift from Pat and Gary Sauer — the largest in its history. For more than three decades, Walker West has been a haven for students of all ages fostering growth, connection, and creativity through the universal language of music. This donation paves the way for a major expansion, allowing the academy to deepen its mission of sharing music inspired by the African American cultural experience. “This amazing gift not only al-
lows us to move forward quickly on our plans, but it also will save us significant financing fees over the next 10 years,” said Braxton Haulcy, executive director. The $4 million gift will fund the acquisition and renovation of a building at 650 Marshall Ave. Phase 1 of the project will reconfigure the space to house music education studios and administrative offices. Since its founding in 1988, Walker West has been dedicated to expanding access to quality music education inspired by the African American cultural experience. Located in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, the academy plays a pivotal role in preserving Black cultural traditions and fostering musical talent.
The academy provides accessible community education to more than 300 students every week and 5,700 program participants annually. Now, thanks to the Sauers Family Foundation, Walker West is poised to expand its mission and footprint. The foundation supports Minnesotabased organizations that serve at-risk children, including schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other collaborative networks. Walker West stands apart by emphasizing improvisation and listening as foundational skills in music learning. While classical training is offered, the academy specializes in jazz, gospel, and String students regularly join elite programs like the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and have other improvisational styles. performed with celebrated acts like Black Violin at the Ordway proving that accessibility, passion Its founders, the Rev. Carl and education are intersections of social success. Photo courtesy Walker West Music Academy
Student parents From vacant to vibrant get higher ed help New initiative brings life to empty storefronts By Clint Combs Contributing Writer
By Aria Binns-Zager Staff Writer
iffany Meeks’ path to graduation seemingly hit a dead end. She had to balance working a part-time job, then later a full-time job, while also attending college classes and managing her daughter’s schedule. “I was facing a lot of life chal- Tiffany Meeks lenges. One of the things I knew for sure is that I wanted to com- the complex demands of school, plete school,” Meeks said. It wasn’t work and parenthood. The Minnesota Office of Highuntil she found support through the Jeremiah Program that she er Education recently announced began to see a way forward. the recipients of its $5.3 million “Jeremiah was the turning statewide 2024 Student Parent point, I believe, in my trajectory Support Initiative (SPSI) grants. because it provided a safe place The Jeremiah Program, SPSI’s for me and my daughter to live,” top recipient, was awarded $1.7 said Meeks, who gave birth to her million — enough to fund the daughter, Natalie, while a fresh- program’s expenses for the next man and graduated from the two years. This funding will help University of St. Thomas in 2000. address the unique challenges The Jeremiah Program, which faced by Black student parents, focuses on breaking the cycle of who often encounter systemic poverty through a two-genera- barriers to education, economic tional approach, played a crucial stability, and long-term success. ■ See GRANTS on page 5 role in helping Meeks navigate
he City of Minneapolis Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs recently launched its groundbreaking Vibrant Storefronts initiative, a program designed to breathe new life into vacant spaces. The program pairs property owners with local arts organizations, creating a win-win scenario: affordable rent for art groups and stable tenants for landlords. More than 150 artists and organizations toured eligible properties adjacent to Loring Park, and 43 applied for this year’s grants. Five organizations were winners: Black Business Enterprises, Blackbird Revolt, Flavor World, Skntones, and Twin Cities Pride. The program offers a twoyear opportunity for these five groups to strengthen their business models while engaging the public through art. By subsidizing rent in previously vacant storefronts, the initiative also helps
energy into Loring Park, which has been a home and venue for artists for generations.” “Economic and neighborhood revitalization cannot truly happen without art,” she added. “I am proud to see the city intentionally investing in these partnerships to help write the next chapters for our community.” This year’s awardees:
By subsidizing rent in previously vacant storefronts, the initiative also helps to revitalize the Harmon Place Historic District on the west end of downtown. Courtesy photo to revitalize the Harmon Place Historic District on the west end of downtown. The initiative had a first-year budget of $224,202; the department hopes to expand into Uptown in the coming years. Each storefront will feature quarterly programming, transforming these once-empty spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and community engagement. “Turning empty storefronts into
Black Business Enterprise Black Business Enterprise (BBE) provides local artists and business owners a platform to showcase, collaborate, and engage with the community to foster artistic talent, promote cultural equity, and elevate Minneapolis as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. “We used to be in the North Loop and unfortunately faced a lot of racial challenges with the residents who told us that Black people don’t belong in the North Loop, so it was a very difficult time,” said Nancy Korsah, president and CEO of BBE. “We now
vibrant cultural hubs is a gamechanger for Minneapolis,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “This initiative equips local artists with resources to beautify our city, drive creativity, and energize our community.” Minneapolis City Council Member Katie Cashman said the program’s inaugural location speaks to the history of the neighborhood. “We are so excited to welcome this new creative ■ See STOREFRONTS on page 5