June 17, 2021 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 June 17-June 23, 2021, Vol. 87 No. 46

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“AS IT WAS SPOKEN ... LET US RECORD.”

A tribute to Blacks’ unflinching will to be free By Jon Jeter Contributing writer

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s the story is usually told, the secular holiday known as Juneteenth began two months after the end of a bloody, four-year Civil War, when General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Union soldiers disembarked at Galveston Island, Texas in mid-June of 1865 and made a horrific discovery: Chattel slavery was still very much alive in Galveston. Days later, Granger read five General Orders issued by the

federal government, the third of which declared: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." The news of their liberation was akin to a thunderclap. The streets of Galveston exploded in spasms of cathartic joy; men hurled their hats into the air, women danced, the elderly wept. This bacchanal on June 19th— the name inspired by merging the two words mimicking African Americans’ rapid-fire cadence—inspired the holiday that has been celebrated virtually

every year since across the nation at backyard barbecues, block parties, town squares and city parks. In 1872 a group of African American ministers and businessmen purchased 10 acres of land in

“Slaves had started to act free anyway.” Houston and created Emancipation Park to host the annual Juneteenth celebration. But the widely-publicized spate of killings of African

Americans by White police and vigilantes—including Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and, here in Minnesota, Philando Castille, George Floyd, Daunte Wright and most recently Winston Smith—has shone an even brighter spotlight on Juneteenth and sparked a reconsideration of the holiday as something more than just a cultural touchstone or street festival celebrating Black culture. What is often left unsaid in the retelling of Juneteenth’s origins is that it was not the product of liberal, White benevolence but

Police reform still in limbo one year after Floyd’s death By Abdi Mohamed Contributing writer On May 25 celebrations around the nation marked the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death. What followed that killing was a summer of civil unrest and calls for reform and, in some cases, for the outright abolition of police. One of the events that took place to commemorate Floyd’s life was the “Rise & Remember” George Floyd Global Memorial Celebration. It attracted thousands of Minnesotans to George Floyd Square on 38th St. E. and Chicago Ave. S. where Floyd was murdered at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The celebration was marked by barbecues, music and performances throughout the day for participants to reflect on the past year. It ended with a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the many lives lost at the hands of police violence. Pastor Rozenia Fuller of Good News Baptist Church came out to the square on Tues-

day to take part in the festivities. “I'm glad to be out here because this is an important movement in history,” she said. “It’s not just a moment, it’s a movement and it’s a mission. George Floyd Square has become more than a crime scene.” Fuller’s church has been active in the square donating books, food and clothing to those in need. She also hailed the work of Black women like Jeanelle Austin and Marcia Howard for their work in organizing in the square and keeping it as a memorial to

Floyd since his death. The past year has also been full of personal insights for Abiyou Rose, a young Black man from Saint Paul. “I was adopted, so I was raised in a White family,” he said. “When this whole thing happened it was a big shock to me because I was kind of sheltered from what was really going on.” Rose was in the square when news of former MPD officer Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict came down. Though there was joy that day, there was still tension from the trial. “I feel like this is more of a celebration,” Rose said. “There were still people crying then, but this time there’s a barbecue, people are smiling while there’s music playing, and people are happy to see everyone come together again. Linda Sloan, executive director of the Council for Minnesotan’s of African Heritage, was also in attendance. The event brought her back to the day when Floyd was murdered. “As long as we have breath in our bodies, there is hope,” Sloan said. ■ See Policing on page 5

Nurse calls man’s death while in Beltrami jail ‘murder’ was captured on surveillance they accused him of feigning his footage joking around with a cor- symptoms, including paralysis. “My baby suffered not for rections officer in an elevator. nine minutes and 29 seconds, On Aug. 24 “my son walked A Minnesota nurse is speaking out about the circumstances into the jail healthy,” said Shersurrounding the death of a Black rell’s mother, Del Shea Perry. On inmate who died while being Sept. 2, Sherrell was pronounced held at the Beltrami County Jail in dead. Over a matter of days Sher2018. Stephanie Lunblad, a nurse practitioner, had just begun work- rell’s health rapidly deteriorated but for six days he cried for his life. He pleaded for them to help him,” said Perry, adding that her son was in relatively good spirits despite facing about five years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. “I felt like I had witnessed a murder,” Lunblad told KARE11News in May. Lunblad was a new employee at MEnD Correctional Care at the time of Sherrell’s death. Founded in 2006, the company has contracts with jails across Minnesota (l) Hardell Sherrell and (r) Sherrell lying on the floor of to provide health care to incarcerBeltrami County Jail Submitted by Del Shea Perry ated individuals. According to Lunblad, being at the jail in Bemidji around as he suffered the effects of a rare the time that 27-year-old Hardel autoimmune disease, losing his fore she encountered Sherrell, Sherrell arrived on Aug. 24, 2018. ability to walk and suffering from an unidentified nurse had Sherrell walked into the jail with- excruciating pain. Though he recommended to MEnD CEO out any apparent problems and begged jail staffers to listen to him, Dr. Todd Leonard that he be

By Niara Savage Contributing writer

“I felt like I had witnessed a murder.”

■ See Sherrell on page 5

Blacks’ political agency and unflinching will for self-determination. Among the Union troops who accompanied Granger to Texas were a contingent of colored troops from New York and Illinois who were livid when they discovered the continuing exploitation of slaves. They approached Granger and told him in no uncertain terms that either he would do something about the situation or they would. “One of the tropes about American life is that Black people didn’t fight for our freedom,” said Robert S. Smith, a history

professor at Marquette University and the director of the Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach. “The truth is that there is no union victory without very clear and robust engagement by Black people in the abolition of slavery.” As noted by several historians—most notably W.E.B. DuBois—one of the factors that influenced Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation was that “slaves had started to act free anyway,” Smith said, by sabotaging the owners’ crops, organizing work slowdowns or sit-down ■ See Juneteenth on page 5

Car rams into protestors, woman killed

Deonna Marie Knajdek, 31, was struck and killed early Monday morning, June 14, by 35-year-old Nicholas Kraus, who appears to have purposely driven his car through a barricade set up by protestors demanding justice for Winston Smith. Smith was killed last week by Ramsey and Hennepin County sheriffs. Witnesses said Kraus accelerated as he neared the makeshift barrcade. A vigil was held in her honor on Monday at the corner of Girard and West Lake Street in Uptown where she was killed. Star Tribune. Photo Photo courtesy of FacebookA-

Heading off trouble before it happens

How a public-health approach to violence prevention is working in Minneapolis Prevention was created to reduce violence in a city alBy Sam De Leon ready facing police violence Contributing writer and community violence. The Office is tasked with Created in 2018 by the City of Minneapolis within the collaborating with communiMinneapolis Health Depart- ty members and City staff to ment, the Office of Violence devise new plans for violence

Sasha Cotton during a recent press conference

MSR file photo

prevention. What the Office primarily means by violence prevention is community violence and the different forms it takes, including bullying and violence among peers. Sasha Cotton, director of the Office of Violence Prevention, said over a video call that the Office thinks of itself as an “incubator” for the work they do in partnership with community-based organizations. Cotton said that means they provide training and technical assistance to programs by using evidencebased models. Staffed by seven people, the Office doesn’t do the work itself but does have staff that is out in the community every day. “A lot of what we do is around building, supporting and funding nonprofits and other organizations who are working on the ground,” Cotton said. ■ See Prevention on page 5

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Metropolis

June 17—June 23, 2021

Mpls. Downtown Thursdays jumpstart post-pandemic reanimation By MSR News Service Happy hours, farmers markets, fitness, music and more will be the highlight of Downtown Thursdays this summer. With more workers returning to office and patrons to events, activities and patios alike, downtown’s reanimation continues each week. Downtown Minneapolis has a long list of activities every Thursday this summer. Thursday events include the Nicollet Farmers Market and Nicollet Makers Market, which will be open for business on the Nicolet Mall from 6 am-2 pm. At Peavey Plaza, MNSpin will be playing live music from noon to 1 pm. There will also be free lawn games from 11:30 am to 1:30 and piano performances from 5 to 6 pm. The Mississippi Park Connection is offering Upper Lock and Dam tours including 10 percent off paddle share tickets. And movies are going to be shown at Target Field Station. The Walker Art Center is offering its Target Free Thursday Nights from 5-9 pm. There will be special events and activities throughout the summer. Downtown Thursdays will also include a wide variety of

Happy Hour specials at downtown restaurants including 8th Street Grill, Borough, Boulevard Bar & Grill, Constantine, Cowboy Jacks, CRAVE, Gluek’s, Lyons Pub, Monello, Nolo’s Kitchen Bar, The Loop and others. “Downtown is ready for us to fully embrace the experiences and moments we enjoyed prepandemic,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown council and Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. “Each week Downtown Thursdays will be a full day of activities throughout downtown—from your morning commute to your after-work happy hour. And there are more activities throughout the week. We have a vibrant, resilient community, and we are ready to dive back into those moments we missed over the past 15 months.” “Summer is here, and there is nothing better than enjoying a patio before or after your favorite events,” said Ryan Petz, CEO of Fulton Beer. “We love being part of the downtown community nearby all the fantastic events and venues you can’t find anywhere else. Our taproom is thrilled to see downtown’s reanimation and

through August. This year’s pianos are being painted through artist collaborations with Kulture Klub Collaborative, FAIR School, Art Buddies and other local artists to reflect a theme of A Vibrant Downtown. Pianos will be available for the public to share their gift of music, and they will also have more than 90 scheduled performances. Splash and play at Peavey Plaza There will be free lawn games every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 am-1:30 pm, and free vinyasa yoga with the YWCA of Minneapolis on Tuesdays at 5:30 Photo by Kurt Moses pm. Pianos on Parade will perform on Wednesdays at 12 pm town patios and so much more. and Thursdays at 5 pm. And love welcoming our patrons to tinued reanimation. “We very much look forward Collectively, we are the ones kids can enjoy the fountains enjoy summer together.” Pre-pandemic, downtown to returning to our downtown who make downtown and we and splashpad at Peavey Plaza welcomed 218,000 workers office,” said Meike Hengelfelt, look forward to creating new throughout the summer. daily and millions of visitors Center Point Energy strategic experiences and making it an annually. Today, with 53,000 marketing manager. “We are even better place for all this For more information on downtown residents, over 26 so excited to be back in person summer.” downtown’s reanimation, a calenpercent of downtown’s work- with our colleagues to work dar of events, walking tours, and force already returned with collaboratively but also to en- Also in downtown more, visit www.mplsdowntown. more coming this summer joy downtown and all it has Minneapolis this summer com. Pianos on Parade presentthrough fall, and stadiums, to offer—the Farmers Market restaurants and entertainment on Nicollet Mall, spending the ed by PNC Bank returns this venues preparing for full ca- lunch hour by Peavey Plaza summer with an extended run pacity, downtown is ready and fountains, a summer evening and includes pianos placed able to accommodate its con- on one of the beautiful down- throughout downtown June

M Health Fairview to end race as determinant in kidney health By MSR News Service M Health Fairview will no longer use race as an automatic adjustment in determining kidney health, following recommendations from a task force of its physicians convened last summer. For decades, healthcare providers nationwide have automatically adjusted one measurement of kidney health—the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) —based on the race of the patient. Black patients had one set of guidelines, non-Black patients had another. Based on the incorrect assumption that race is biological, the adjustment can make Black patients’ kidneys seem healthier than they may really be. This can lead to delays in both getting advanced care and being listed for a kidney transplant, if necessary. M Health Fairview will no longer use race as an automatic adjustment when determining eGFR. “When we evaluated the effect of this practice on patient care, we found it at best, problematic,” said M Health Fairview Hospitalist Kristina Krohn, MD. Krohn, who also serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School, chaired the task force. “As we find a better way, we need to stop doing what we know is causing harm.” Leading healthcare organizations across the country are beginning to reevaluate calculations like these, driven in part by the grassroots efforts of scientists, providers, medical students and the nationwide racial justice movement. “Medicine has to reckon with its role in the process of justifying exploitation and oppression,” said M Health Fairview Internist Brooke Cunningham, MD, PhD.

tem took another important step toward eliminating structural racism in healthcare—forming the Healing, Opportunity, People, and Equity (HOPE) Commission. The guiding principles of the HOPE Commission inform decisions across M Health Fairview, and the removal of the automatic eGFR adjustment is one example. “M Health Fairview is taking a critical look at the Dr. Brooke Cunningham, MD, way it operates on both very granular levels, such as this, PhD, M Health Fairview Submitted photo and on broader levels,” said Internist and Pediatrician Taj Mustapha, MD, a member Cunningham was a member of the eGFR task force and of the eGFR task force and M Health Fairview’s HOPE serves as an assistant pro- Commission. Mustapha is fessor in the Department of also an assistant professor in

Courtesy of MGN Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “We need to interrupt that legacy, and one way to do that is by interrogating the ideas grounding these calculators and algorithms. If the origin of the calculator is based on a biological construction of race, we need to change it.” M Health Fairview physicians established their task force in June 2020, and ultimately recommended removing the race-based adjustment. At the same time last summer, the health sys-

the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “Reckoning with the inequities and flawed constructs that are embedded within healthcare and medicine will take time and work, and this is just one example of such work that is happening across the enterprise.” Removal of the race-based eGFR adjustment will go into effect at M Health Fairview next month.

Minneapolis develops spending plan for American Rescue funds By MSR News Service The Minneapolis City Council’s Committee of the Whole held an online public hearing June 16 on Mayor Jacob Frey’s spending proposal for the first round of federal funding awarded to the City of Minneapolis through the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. The American Rescue Plan, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, to speed up the U.S .recovery from the economic and health effects of

the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession. The bill builds upon many of the measures in the CARES Act from March 2020 and in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, from December. The city council began reviewing the proposed spending plan at Committee of the Whole meetings on June 9 and 10. The council is expected to take final action on the plan Friday, July 2. Mayor Jacob Frey outlined his plan for the first round of the $271 million in federal funding on June 4. The $89 million proposal focuses on economic recovery, afford-

able housing, and community safety measures while piloting new programming like a guaranteed basic income (GBI) pilot project and an apprentice-style community safety initiative. Key priority areas include affordable housing ($28 million), economic recovery ($37 million), public safety ($11.5 million), and a new Minneapolis GBI program ($3 million). Approximately $12 million is budgeted for City enterprise investments, such as furlough relief and other staff needs.

Health & Wellness

June 17-June 23, 2021

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Some sunscreens found to contain benzene, a carcinogen However, this should not discourage sunscreen use for UV protection

and after-care products and found roughly 27% of the samples, or 78 unique batches, contained detectable benzene levels. Benzene is recognized as a potential carcinogen in humans by multiple health organizations, including the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to liquid or vaporized benzene can irritate the skin, eyes and throat. Further, redness and blisters can occur from skin exposure to benzene. Benzene is more commonly inhaled during occupational usage of benzene-containing solvents and materials. Long-term in-

halation of high levels of benzene is associated with leukemia, cancer, and other blood conditions. As of now, according to the Dermatology Times, Valisure is requesting the FDA to recall the identified sunscreens and after-sun care products. In addition, they are asking for defined limits for benzene contamination in sunscreen and after-sun care products.

By Dr. Alexis E. Carrington Guest contributor Although recent testing has found amounts of benzene, a potential carcinogen, in some sunscreen batches, this doesn’t mean swearing off sunscreens for good. This recent testing was done by Vallisure, a pharmacy specializing in batchtesting medications before they hit the shelves. They tested the content of 294 different batches of sunscreens

Photo credit iStockphoto.com

Especially as we enter into Valisure has published their report including the list of the summer months, it is imtested products that con- portant to keep using suntained benzene. screen with an SPF of 30 or above, sun-protective clothSun protection still necessary ing, broad-brimmed hats, and There are important things even sunglasses to protect to note before being con- yourself. Remember, regardcerned about sunscreens. First, less of their skin tone, everythese were specific batches one should utilize sunscreen that were tested, not entire every day of the year, as well brands. Therefore, one batch as other forms of sun protecfrom a brand of sunscreen tion, as a shield against UV products isn’t necessarily rep- radiation. resentative of the entire brand. Second, the majority of the Alexis E. Carrington MD sunscreens tested were found will be a dermatology resident at to be safe. Valisure has noted George Washington University this as well. Third, these prod- Department of Dermatology. She ucts can be adjusted to not completed her Internal Medicine contain benzene contamina- Preliminary year at Mount Sinai tion; it is not permanent and Icahn School of Medicine Elmthey can be manufactured hurst Hospital Program in New safely. Overall, further inves- York City, during the initial onset tigation needs to be done. of the COVID-19 pandemic. She For these reasons, it is still is currently completing a derimportant to protect yourself matology post-doctoral research against the sun. This includes fellowship at UC Davis. She has continuing to apply sun- interests in ethnic and medical screens, as well as wearing dermatology, underserved and sun-protective clothing and global health dermatology, and hats for further protection. dermatologic surgery. Sunscreen is still one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer, as well as skin discoloration.

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June 17—June 23, 2021

Opinion

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.

Demands to defund police do not go far enough

By Margaret Kimberley

YOUTH SPEAK, WE LISTEN Recently, a group of young people held a press their voices were not heard. The MSR, in support conference to express their frustrations with pres- of our youth, reprints their essays below. ent conditions in Minneapolis and the fact that

Students need more support

I am 17 years old and a senior at De La Salle High school. I have recently organized and led the March for Equity which has opened the opportunity for me to address the issues of inequity that I see in my school and community. The need for this initiative is rooted in the underrepresentation of Black excellence and success in schools, media, and even households. Students need support long-term from people they can trust and are devoted to helping them succeed. Students not only need long-term care but they also need trauma informed care. In a more equitable school and community there would be programs that tackle these issues and others that are holding back students from the success that they could be achieving. I am speaking from experience when I say that I did not have the support in school that I should have. If it was not for the long-term care that I received in my household, I would not be as educationally inclined as I am now.

When I look around my community I see students just like me, with the same amount of potential. I see students who received less than I have in terms of support, who were told the opposite of “you can do anything you put your mind to.” I see students with the power to change the world. And I truly believe that with the proper guidance and support they will see this for themselves as well. This is why we demand State-funded organizations that are for the community to be led by the community. Also, we demand a re-evaluation of budget cuts in schools that are getting rid of valuable staff. Lastly, we demand an increase in the percentage of Black teachers in Minnesota. We should ask ourselves why out of all the Minnesota teachers there are only 1.4% Black.

Tajelle Freeman

The fear factor I am 17 years old. I have lived in South Minneapolis for all of my life. As a child, I was always provided with the luxury of being and feeling safe. Even though South Minneapolis wasn’t considered the most utopian place, I felt comfortable knowing that my community was united. In the past year, I can genuinely say that I have had that luxury taken away from me. On May 25th, 2020, my world was turned upside down, along with many others across the nation. The death of George Floyd wasn’t only unbelievably tragic, but also eye-opening to see where our community, city, state, and the country were at in terms of undoing institutionalized racism. Our world broke out into protests and riots, as a response in hopes to make people in positions of power understand the depths of our flawed systems. The efforts of these acts seemed to be working. The officers involved got arrested, charged, and later put on trial (well at least one of them). People were hopeful that the system might be changing, for the better. At least until April 11, 2021, when Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a Brooklyn Center police officer. It felt as though we took one step forward and five steps back. I thought to myself, why are we not learning from our past? Why do we keep making the same “mistakes”? And that’s when I realized, fear. Fear is the reason for this cycle of police brutality. Fear is the thing controlling our jaded systems. When I look at a police officer all I can see is the gun they carry on their side, not the human being un-

derneath their uniform. Just the GUN! I know this might sound crazy, but through history, we’ve been taught and shown how our simple movements turn fatal in a matter of moments: • Going to get some candy from the gas station turned fatal for Trayvon Martin. • Playing in his local park turned fatal for Tamir Rice. • Standing in his grandmother's backyard turned fatal for Stephon Clark. • Even just being asleep at home turned fatal for Breonna Taylor. Now, how could I stand in front of someone who could easily take my life, simply because of the color of my skin without being afraid? Afraid that I’ll be the next name everyone will be chanting. It’s the cycle. We are afraid of being the next victim, and they're afraid of the power our skin holds. That’s why we propose these demands to try and heal our: We demand that patrol officers shouldn't be able to carry guns when on duty in the melanated communities of the Twin Cities. We demand the establishment of a better and healthier relationship between officers and citizens, especially with people of color. We demand police officers serve in the community they live in to gain a better understanding and clearer perspective of the people they are serving. We shouldn’t be stuck living in fear anymore. A change needs to happen, and I believe that change starts with us. Umeran Hailu

Letter to the Editor The Star Tribune finally acknowledged its lack of journalistic integrity in sharing a false police narrative claiming that Winston Smith was a murder suspect (in a covert effort to justify his killing by U.S. Marshals), but that is not enough. The Star Tribune’s conduct is part of a reckless pattern of reinforcing White Supremacy and demonization of Black victims of police violence and police killings that has gone on for years. Even after the initial article they published about Winston Smith, they continued to besmirch his character in followup stories, while providing little to no substantive informa-

tion about the conduct of the law enforcement officers, their behavior, the lack of transparency of the U.S. Marshals, their use of extreme violence and the overall lack of justification for the murder of Winston Smith. Nor did they highlight the conflict of interest between the head U.S. Marshal for Minnesota, Mona Dohman, and the BCA. The family and friends of Winston Smith, justice advocates and movement journalists such as Georgia Fort and Toussaint Morrison all called out the Star Tribune and corporate media’s faulty, racist reporting. We essentially had to do the media’s job by doing

our own research and reporting facts and inconsistencies. Since then, three law enforcement agencies have withdrawn from the U.S. Marshals Service amidst intense scrutiny. The Star Tribune must not only apologize. It must make amends and transform its overall inequitable and racist reporting practices. As Black people, we should not have to lead this charge to hold the Star Tribune accountable. Nekima Levy Armstrong Nekima Levy Armstrong lives in Minneapolis and is a civil rights attorney and activist.

“Defunding” the police has often turned out to be an accounting trick, but community control of police—a righteous demand—must also ensure that all government functions address human needs. One year ago, thousands of people engaged in protest in the wake of George Floyd’s killing by a Minneapolis police officer. A persistent protest demand was for defunding police departments. The appeal of this rallying cry was obvious. Police in this country are a law unto themselves, killing and brutalizing at will, and rarely being called to account. Often these fatal encounters occur after minor offenses are committed or in the

practice. When Democrats lost seats in the House of Representatives in 2020, the losers immediately claimed that the concept of cutting police budgets was to blame for their defeats. Republicans have leaped on the story and as usual engage in strict message discipline, insisting that the police are short of money and that increases in crime are the result. The media add to the drama with their usual determination to take the side of the powerful. William Bratton led police departments in New York and Los Angeles and in a recent New York Times interview said, ''They got what they wanted. They defunded the police. What do they get? Rising crime, cops leaving in droves, difficulty recruiting.

“The armed forces of Russia, Germany, France, the U.K. and Japan all receive less money than American police departments.” case of Black people, when a call for assistance instead leads to death. The premise of defunding police is well-intentioned but faulty. In the past year we have seen sleight of hand in cities like New York where alleged funding cuts amounted to nothing more than budgetary trickery. Even in Minneapolis, where the movement began, defunding became nothing more than a name change. It isn’t hard to understand why change in this area is so difficult. As of 2018, police departments in this country received more than $118 billion in funding. Only the military in the United States and China receive more money. The armed forces of Russia, Germany, France, the U.K. and Japan all receive less money than American police departments. They are in fact a domestic military force. Why then do so many people insist that police budgets have been cut? Because this particular trope gives credibility to racist politics and

the controlling feature of many aspects of public policy in this country. No one should allow themselves to be confused by racist pro-police propaganda or to be convinced that they should stop agitating for change. But questioning previous actions, even those made with the best of intentions, is always a positive step. The United States as currently constituted can’t function without huge police departments and the big budgets that go with them. An increasingly stressed society must be kept under watch precisely because popular discontent may erupt at any moment. Last year’s protests prove that there are many very discontented people, and the domestic military will be ready to keep them all under as much control as it possibly can. We are left where we started out before anyone knew the name George Floyd. The struggle for change is difficult but it must continue with the knowledge that cutting police budgets or changing their practices in any way will be fought tooth and nail. Dishonest statements about rising crime or lost elections come with the territory. The issues of police brutality and budgets cannot be approached as if they are separate from anything else. Community control of police cannot be separated from demands for peoples’ control over any other aspect of their lives. In short, revolutionary change is still what the people need. Everything from policing to housing to health care cannot be improved unless there is fundamental and systemic change. Of course, that is a much bigger fight, but it cannot begin without speaking truth about our condition and the difficult process of bringing about real justice.

Now, they’re waking up to the fact that our cities are unsafe.” Not only should this propaganda be rejected, but the original questions about police funding should be revived. Police do have far more money than they need to do their jobs. Bloated budgets are a feature of police work in a society dedicated to racist practice. The modern-day slave patrol is a racket that gives goodpaying employment to people who otherwise wouldn’t have it while simultaneously keeping Black people under physical control. But even if reducing funding were a realistic proposition, is that what the demand should be? Community control of the police should be the goal, but that can’t happen unless all government functions address human needs. Without real democracy and a true Margaret Kimberley contribcommitment to human rights, utes a regular column to BlackApolicing will not change. Of gendaReport.com. course, any discussion of law enforcement is inextricably linked to anti-Black racism,

June 17-June 23, 2021

Juneteenth Continued from page 1 strikes on the plantation, or simply walking off the job headed North. In the year that followed Juneteenth, Blacks began to build Black institutions and communities and reassembled families that had been scattered to the winds by slavery. The system of White terror that began to emerge in 1877 after federal troops withdrew from the former Confederate states undermined Black progress that Whites saw as a threat, Smith said.

This foreshadowed the financial terrorism of the banks that pilfered the wealth of Black homeowners after the collapse of the subprime mortgage market, which saddled African Americans with predatory loans. The result is that homeownership is at record lows; about 44 percent of African American households own their home compared to 77 percent of Whites. The irony is that Blacks today own no larger stake in the U.S. than they did when General Grangers’ troops arrived in Galveston 166 years ago. The question increasingly confronting African Americans today is how to summon the same feroc-

ity, resilience, courage and improvisation of the colored Union troops who dared deliver their ultimatum to General Granger. More municipalities, institutions and workplaces than ever before are recognizing Juneteenth this year, and many are giving employees Friday, June 3 a day off. The Movement for Black Lives Matter has called for June 19th to be made a national holiday. That has not yet happened, but there are several online petitions calling for the change. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont also called for it to become a national holiday in 2019 when he recognized Opal Lee, an ac-

Policing

to Powderhorn Park and announced their plans to end “policing as we Continued from page 1 know it” and “recreate systems of public safety,” according to Minneapolis City Council President Lisa MPD’s uncertain future A year later, many cities across the Bender. Their efforts were stalled when the country are working to introduce reforms on the state and local level to city’s charter commission decided effect change in policing, but much that they needed more time to review progress is yet to be made in the city the council’s proposed amendment calling for the restructuring of the police department, which then subsequently kept it from the ballot last fall. The charter serves as the city’s constitution, and its commission is made up of a 15-member board appointed by the Chief Judge of Hennepin County District Court. They that sparked the idea of dismantling are tasked with approving or denying any changes to the city’s charter. police. Days after video of Floyd’s death Critics of the commission say that it went viral, a veto-proof majority of poorly reflects the diversity of Minnethe Minneapolis City Council took apolis with only three members iden-

“As long as we have breath in our bodies, there is hope.”

Sherrell Continued from page 1 taken to an emergency room. However, a jail administrator vetoed the directive, claiming Sherrell was trying to escape. On his fourth or fifth day at the jail, Perry recalled, Sherrell called her and told her he was being mistreated by jail staff, asking her to get access to footage from his cell. When Lunblad first encountered Sherrell on Aug. 31 his condition was grave. The father of three was covered in sweat, his mouth dropping. A diaper he was wearing had been soaked through, leaving the mattress pad below him soiled. Sherrell asked Lunblad not to leave him alone with the other jail staff and asked her to call his family. “He had tears coming down his face,” Lunblad recalled. “It looked like a man that was suffering, that was sick, that was dying,” she said. Fearing Sherrell had suffered a stroke and would die if he didn’t receive medical attention, Lunblad directed that he be taken to a hospital immediately. Jail footage shows that two correctional officers were required to lift Sherrell off the floor and into a wheelchair. At Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, Sherrell’s MRI came back normal. According to a correctional officer, this prompted a doctor to say, “The only reason he can’t move is because he isn’t

Prevention Continued from page 1 According to their website, the Office uses “a community focused, public health approach to help ensure that everyone can be free from violence.” The community-led work uses a variety of approaches like community building, youth empowerment, community meals and street outreach. “I think oftentimes when people think about violence and public safety, the real focus is thinking about police response,” Cotton said. According to Cotton, a public health approach is more all-inclusive than just law enforcement. “We’re not in any way designed to replace the police. We're designed to do the work that happens before someone engages with the police.” The approach by the Office begins

willing to try.” Sherrell was diagnosed with malingering, or feigning illness, and released with instructions dictating that he return immediately if he experienced symptoms like difficulty standing or swallowing, paralysis, or loss of control of his bladder or bowels. Despite showing all of the symptoms listed in the discharge papers, Sherrell was not returned to the hospital and died two days later on the floor of his cell. Lunblad didn’t learn about Sherrell’s death until two days later during a meeting with Leonard. She said he told her not to jump to conclusions about the circumstances surrounding Sherrell’s death because it “could jeopardize his company.” Lunblad resigned immediately.

“A blind man can see all the wrong in what they did to my son.” Lunblad’s account‘devastating’ Perry and Lunblad first met at an event at George Floyd Square on May 25, one year after Floyd’s death. Though the two had spoken years prior and Perry had previously read a statement written by Lunblad that provided the nurse’s account of events, she had not heard the details personally. She described hear-

with what Cotton calls “a pyramid of resources.” She said the pyramid has three pillars of resources beginning with “primary prevention” that stops violence before it starts. This begins with getting people’s basic needs met such as safe and stable housing, jobs, access to youth development services and educational resources. “We know those are things that can help prevent people from being involved with violence,” Cotton said. The second pillar of the pyramid is called “secondary prevention.” Cotton described this as similar to an intervention. She explained that this pillar focuses on addressing people who have needs in communities where there are pre-existing challenges. Their purpose is to figure out how they can help identify at-risk people who get involved with violence. “We know there are red flags that we

tivist in Fort Worth who campaigns for a Juneteenth holiday. In 2018, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating June 19

5

feels a little different now. It’s an opportunity for folks to kind of catch their breath about what has been this incredible pace of

and plans to attend events in the Bay area this year, said that Juneteenth is a vivid reminder that African Americans are far from the helpless victims they are often portrayed as in both the news and entertainment media. “Through the most brutal form of slavery…our ancestors still celebrated life and plotted at the same time,” said Jeffreyes. “So yes, [Juneteenth] keeps us connected to our ancestors' courchange and shifting that we’ve age and persistence, resilience.” seen over the last couple of weeks.” Jon Jeter welcomes reader reAnn Jeffreyes, a retiree and sponses to jjeter@spokesmanAfrican American activist who recorder.com. attended Juneteenth celebrations when she lived in New York City

“It’s an opportunity for folks to kind of catch their breath about what has been this incredible pace of change.” as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” but it has not yet reached the House. Mark Anthony Neal, a professor of African American studies at Duke University, told the New York Times: “I think Juneteenth

tifying as People of Color. In March, the city council voted 11-2 to send a new proposal to the commission. The Transforming Public Safety Charter Amendment was introduced by council members Phillipe Cunningham, Steve Fletcher and Jeremy Schroeder. Its aim would be to create a Department of Public Safety to house the city’s safety operations, including the MPD. It would also create divisions for traffic safety, mental health and homeless outreach. The amendment proposes a major change to oversight and accountability of the police department. The minimum police staffing requirement from the charter, which states that there must be 0.007 percent of the city’s population hired onto the department, would also be eliminated. Under the current charter, the

mayor has complete control over the police department’s policies and operations. With the amendment, the mayor would be in charge of the daily operations along with the department heads while the city council would be given legislative authority over the department. The charter commission now has until mid-August to review the proposal and make a recommendation to the city council on whether the change should be placed on the ballot. Although the fate of the council-led amendment to the charter isn’t certain, a citizen-led petition has gained the required number of signatures to make the ballot in November. This initiative is led by Yes 4 Minneapolis, a coalition of organizations including the ACLU of Minnesota, Reclaim the Block, and Color of Change. The two amendment proposals

ing Lunblad’s full account last month as “devastating.” On Sept. 5 and 11, 2018, Lunblad penned letters to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections detailing the “disturbing” circumstances and events that led up to Sherrell’s death. An initial review by the Minnesota DOC found “no violations” in the events prior to Sherrell’s death. But after Perry continued to ask questions and apply pressure, the DOC conducted an internal investigation and came across the letter again. This time, the DOC concluded in May 2020 that there had been a plethora of “regular and gross violations of Minnesota jail standards.” According to Perry, Lunblad should not be viewed as a “whistle-blowing nurse” but as “someone who decided to stand up for what was right for something she saw so wrong.” Three years after her son’s death, Perry said, there has been no accountability. “Why hasn’t anyone been fired or let go?” she asked. “Why hasn’t anyone’s licenses been suspended? The nurses that work for MEnD, how are they even able to still practice medicine? How are they able to go on as if nothing ever happened?” Dr. Todd Leonard, Perry said, should be the first to have his license revoked. Perry says the absence of accountability can be attributed in part to Beltrami County Sheriff Ernie Beitel, who “doesn’t believe they’ve done anything

wrong. A blind man can see all the wrong in what they did to my son,” Perry said. “They murdered my son.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating Sherrell’s death but has yet to make any announcements about findings or potential charges.

can look at and tell us someone might be heading in a direction of trouble when it comes to violence,” Cotton said. The Youth Connection Center is a prized program of the Office. It serves youth ages 10 to 17 who have issues in

The top pillar of the pyramid is called “tertiary prevention,” which interrupts the cycle of violence. Cotton said many people don’t think about this as prevention, but when people hurt people, retaliatory violence is a basis for violence to begin. “When we are hurt or victimized, sometimes we feel the need to go back and victimize others.” Cotton stressed the importance of interrupting that cycle because it’s what often leads to ongoing violence in communities. The Office also tries to replicate practices that have worked in other locales in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to coordinating violence prevention work across the cities, the Violence Prevention program provides support to existing community programs that address violence through the Violence Prevention Fund. Somali

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of enforcement.” school or with law enforcement. The Center is also a 24/7 safe and supervised space for youth who have been picked up for truancy, curfew or low level-offenses in Hennepin County. Cotton said they provide resources to help ensure youth don’t have additional contact with law enforcement.

aren’t in conflict according to both the council and coalition, but the citizenled change still has the possibility of MPD’s abolition in its language. It states that the new Department of Public Safety would employ police officers “if necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the department.” City council leaders have expressed that they would withdraw their proposal to not confuse voters. All 13 city council members and the mayor will be up for election this November. Their political future and the fate of the city’s police department will be decided by the people of Minneapolis. Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader responses to amohamed@spokesman-recorder.com.

Carol Bunker, the mother of Stephanie Bunker, who was found hanging from a bed sheet in her cell on July 1, 2017, has also sued the jail. She alleges jail staff showed deliberate indifference to Stephaine, whose death was ruled a suicide. Learning the stories of other famOther deaths ily members of those who died from Sherrell isn’t the first person to die apparent neglect on the part of jail under concerning circumstances while staff prompted Perry to start the being held at Beltrami County Jail in nonprofit organization that advorecent years. Five people have report- cates for those who are currently beedly died while in the Beltrami County ing neglected. “Those incarcerated Jail since 2015. Perry said the fact that will be heard!” the mission stateothers have met similar fates at the jail ment reads. Through the organizafurther reinforces the need for charges to tion, Perry also advocates for the be brought against those involved in her passage of the Hardel Sherrell Act, son’s death. legislation aimed at preventing inTony May Jr., 26, was found unre- mates from dying behind bars due sponsive in his cell by his cell mates in to neglect. 2016. Possible sudden cardiac death was “We’re not just talking about listed as his cause of death, according the police,” she said. “We’re talking to a report provided by his family. The about jails. We’re talking about law Minnesota Department of Corrections enforcement agencies, period.” found that the jail had violated State Perry is in the process of suing the rules regarding inmate checks in the case jail, MEnD, Sanford Hospital and of May’s death. May’s mother Aldene other defendants, but she said only Morrison filed a civil lawsuit in 2019. when those involved are criminally Bruce Lundmark, 63, died in 2019 charged and convicted for “choosafter asking to see a doctor or nurse af- ing to do Satan’s work” will a meater experiencing severe abdominal pain sure of justice be reached. “Let them and numbness in his left arm and be held accountable.” fingers. Lundmark was not seen by a doctor or nurse before he was transNiara Savage welcomes reader referred from Beltrami to Clearwater sponses to nsavage@spokesman-recordjail. He collapsed and died there er.com. shortly after arriving. His family is seeking legal action.

Community Resettlement Services and Northside Residents Redevelopment Council are among the organizations that recently received funding; both were awarded $44,000. In addition to providing funds, the Office focuses on capacity-building through the Blueprint Approved Institute (BPAI). Through BPAI, the Office supports grassroots community organizations doing violence prevention work and helps them build skills, increase organizational capacity, and put their capacity-building into action. Cotton feels the funds provided to the Office are well worth the investment. “I think absolutely we feel these are good ways to spend money,” Cotton said. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of enforcement.” Sam De Leon welcomes reader responses to sdeleon@spokesman-recorder.com.

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June 17—June 23, 2021

Business

Neighborhood restaurant cooks up healthy options for the community Sammy’s Avenue Eatery

Black Business SPOTLIGHT breakfast and lunch. Patrons were warmly greeted. McDowell placed orders and immediately By Ashley Lauren started cooking. Contributing writer The neighborhood restaurant has a pleasant and euphoric Sammy McDowell greeting customers Sammy McDowell is the ambiance. Smooth R&B ballads Photos by Ashley Lauren owner of two Sammy's Avenue played in the background as cusEatery (SAE) shops. The first lo- tomers browsed the menu and cation is on West Broadway in waited for their food. An ambroNorth Minneapolis. The second is nestled on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. “We base our business off of customer service,” said McDowell. Success didn’t happen overnight. McDowell said, “I went to MCTC for business management for two weeks—I was like Kanye West, the College Dropout.” But perseverance is key, so he chose to follow his dream and own path. McDowell is originally from Chicago, Illinois. “I moved here when I was five; grew up in South Minneapolis and went to Henry for high school. Emerson for grade school.” The Sammy’s Avenue Eatery in Northeast Minneapolis In 2012, McDowell established his first location on Broadway Avenue in North Minneapo- sial aroma of delicious food filled how to run a business.” As a said, “That was mostly my result, he encourages budding grandmother. When we were lis. Several years, later in 2019, the the air. Owning and operating a busi- entrepreneurs to gain firsthand younger, I used to spend sumNortheast location opened. McDowell said, “Our pur- ness is hard work, especially if knowledge of the industry they mers and weekends with her.” pose is to really engage with the you’re the only one in charge. are interested in. He encourages Her exemplary cooking had a community in a healthier way.” McDowell handles the admin- individuals to “find a mentor profound impact on his culinary skills. He emphasized that he doesn’t istrative side of the business in and consider being an intern.” “She was a part of a big He added, “Consistency pays want to be “surrounded by ev- addition to cooking. Soon, Mcerything fried.” McDowell is Dowell aspires to hire positive, off, so you need to get under church in Chicago,” continued focused on being proactive and focused, and driven employees. somebody who is stable. What- McDowell. “They were a storeplans on incorporating more “We’re looking for help,” he said. ever it is you want to do, the front church and then they grew McDowell emphasized how business structure is always the into this massive, 10,000-member healthy options. church,” he recalled. The pastor During our visit, customers most entrepreneurs are self- same.” McDowell developed a love trusted her cooking as the church stopped by Sammy’s Avenue taught and self-made. “We go Eatery on Central Avenue for to school and get their view on for cooking at a young age. He grew.

Back then, “We were disciplined. Had block club parties. The thing we did was—we had that same feel of like the community and togetherness,” which is prevalent at Sammy’s Avenue Eatery. Everyone is welcome. In the future, SAE will be expanding to a third location soon. Former NBA player Devean George will be opening a food hall in North Minneapolis. He called upon McDowell to be a part of the new development. Important to note, George serves as the president and CEO of George Group North. He redeveloped real estate in Hopkins, North Minneapolis, and throughout the Twin Cities. Furthermore, George’s new food hall will include local, Black-owned food businesses. McDowell plans on expanding his menu by adding more healthy options. “We’re gonna do the vegan-style Chipotle,” said McDowell. There is a flavorful selection of savory and sweet items on the menu. McDowell said, “Our breakfast sandwiches are really popular.” Customers can order a plethora of mouthwatering sandwiches, salads, soups, sides, and sweet desserts. The price range is from $1 to $15.99. There is also an impressive catering menu available. The breakfast menu offers a variety of options, and customers can order aesthetically pleasing and decadent sandwiches that include turkey pastrami, veggie club, Sammy’s roasted chicken and much more. Customers can expect to pay $5.35-$10.99 for the signature sandwiches. The soulful soup of the day can be added to your order. During our interview, a customer inquired about Sammy’s signature chicken soup, which is made from scratch. Customers have the option of adding a slice of cake or pie

to complete their meal. Customers can expect to pay $3.50 for each pie slice. There are whole pies available for purchase too. There are perks of running a business. McDowell said, “Being an example for the youth, being a face that people can talk to—I speak to a lot of business owners and it’s important that people have an outlet.” McDowell also shared advice for youth and upcoming business owners: “If you’re trying to be an entrepreneur, you need to go find an entrepreneur and learn from them for a while.” He further explained, “Everything seems glamorous from the outside—You have to work hard, be consistent, and gotta have some endurance. That’s the truth.” Sammy's Avenue Eatery #1 is located at 1101 W. Broadway Ave. Sammy’s Avenue #2 Eatery #2 is located at 3301 Central Ave N.E. in Minneapolis. Business hours are MondayFriday 9 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday 9 am - pm. Closed on Sunday. For more information visit www. sammysavenueeatery.com or call (612) 767-6278. Note: Everyone is encouraged to place their order online in an effort to minimize the wait time. Ashley Lauren welcomes readers’ responses to alauren@spokesman-recorder.com.

The State of Black Entrepreneurship A conversation with Tosh Ernest, head of Wealth, Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase & Co. SPONSORED CONTENT

more we know about where they are struggling, the easier it will be for us to help them improve.

downturn, preparedness also means doing what it takes to be financially healthy as an individual. The road to financial health includes revisiting our spending priorities, saving money into emergency funds, and even mapping out expenses in a budget. It’s important that we know what’s coming in and going out every month, spend below our means, and also save money to build wealth over time. These are the first actions we can take that will put us on a path toward financial wellness and position ourselves to be resilient during future crises.

crisis began, we found that in the majority of Black communities, most small businesses had fewer than 21 cash buffer days. This has been a major problem for Blackowned businesses in this country for decades and the pandemic has shown just how vulnerable the businesses in our community really are. We’ve lost hundreds of thousands of Black-owned businesses since the beginning of this crisis, and there is still no end in sight to the pandemic. We’re focused on For business owners, this crisis Tosh Ernest Submitted photo helping as many Black-owned businesses as we can survive this is also showing just how important pandemic through our Advancing it is to have strong operational discipline around areas like managing Black Entrepreneurs initiative. Q: Last year, between Februcash flow, bookkeeping, mainary and April alone, the U.S. lost Q: What is the best single piece taining a strong digital presence 440,000 Black-owned businesses. What made these firms so vulner- of advice you can offer Black online, and perhaps most imporsmall business owners to help tantly—contingency planning. We able? them prepare for future down- launched Advancing Black Entrepreneurs by Chase for Business A: The unfortunate reality is turns and emergencies? earlier this year to help Black small that far too many Black-owned A: It’s critical to always have a businesses owners in each of these businesses entered this crisis undercapitalized and under-resourced contingency plan and a playbook areas. to begin with. Through our own for a worst-case scenario. None Q: Why is access to capital research, we know that businesses of us are clairvoyant or foresaw in predominantly Black and Latinx a black swan event like the CO- such a problem for Black entrecommunities have significantly VID-19 pandemic coming. But this preneurs in America, and how lower cash liquidity than busi- crisis has revealed that preparation can they bolster their bankability? nesses in predominantly White is vital. Beyond taking steps to A: There’s a well-documented communities. In fact, roughly six ensure that a business is prepared months before the COVID-19 to withstand a severe economic history in this country, unfortunate-

Q: What resources are available for Black business owners to use to help navigate financial crises?

Photo courtesy of Getty Images ly, of Black entrepreneurs facing significant barriers to accessing capital from banks – barriers that prevent Black business owners from growing and scaling their businesses. We’re trying to break down these barriers with our $30 billion Path Forward commitment, which is focused on building diversity and inclusion into how we do business – with a key focus on serving Black business owners. Over the next five years, we will promote and expand affordable housing and homeownership for Black people, grow Black-owned businesses, improve financial health, and spend more with Black suppliers. One thing that Black entre-

preneurs can do is connect with a banker at their local Chase branch. Banking is about relationships. If we are to close the racial wealth divide in a meaningful way, we’ve got to forge a stronger connection between our bankers and the communities we’re trying to serve. So we encourage Black business owners to meet with a banker and begin cultivating that relationship. We’re actively looking to hear directly from Black entrepreneurs on their biggest pain points. The two questions that we’re asking Black entrepreneurs today are, “What are your greatest barriers to financial success?” and “How can we help you overcome them?” The

A: Chase recently launched Advancing Black Entrepreneurs to help Black small business owners navigate the economic slowdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve developed a curriculum to help Black entrepreneurs quickly pivot their business models and rethink how to serve customers, manage vendors and connect to their communities. To help us connect with Black entrepreneurs on a national scale, we partnered with four organizations that represent more than 350,000 businesses across the country to deliver the curriculum: the National Minority Supplier Development Council, National Urban League, US Black Chambers and Black Enterprise. They’re teaching a variety of timely topics, including how to manage cash flows, maintain vendor relationships, cut costs, keep customers and more. Visit www. jpmorganchase.com/abe to learn more.

June 17-June 23, 2021

Arts & Culture

7

‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ a campy, crazy ride MOVIE REVIEW:

stake is the EU’s destruction, as plotted by the diabolical Greek billionaire Aristotle By Dwight Brown Papadopoulos (Antonio BanOn a moment’s notice, deras). these three eccentric actors can bring the crazy. Toss in cursing, car chases, gun fights, con games, whining, denying and betrayals, and Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek and Samuel L. Jackson are in their glory. The vehicle for their sarOriginal director Patrick donic deceptions is this sequel to 2017’s “The Hitman’s Hughes and screenwriter Bodyguard.” In that violent Tom O’Connor are back on tale the world’s top body- board for this act/com crime guard, Michael Bryce (Reyn- spree that takes the scenic olds), was hired to protect route around Croatia, Italy, Darius Kincaid (Jackson) an the UK and Slovenia. The loequally smarmy hitman who cations (UK’s Natural History was testifying at an Interna- Museum, Trieste, Portofino), environs (countryside, coasttional Criminal Court. Fast forward a few years al towns, cities), architecture, and the hitman needs protec- streets, waterways and crowd tion again. But this time he scenes are well shot (DP Terry sends his con artist wife Sonia Stacey), staged (production (Hayek) to round up Bryce, designer Russell De Rozario) who has since lost his AAA and art directed (Jack Berk). There isn’t a wrinkle in rating, feels like a failure and is angling for a comeback. At anyone’s well-styled little

black jumpsuit or yacht attire (costume designer Stephanie Collie) and the pacing (editors Michael J. Duthie, Jack Hutchings) of the go-big-or-

This is pure “R” rated escapism meant for act/com fans. Park your snooty intellect at the door.

Crossword Puzzle Answer Key See page 10

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

go-home action scenes (supervising stunt coordinator Greg Powell) produces an explosive verve (Hiram Bleetman special effects). There are some telltale instances when debris from blowups look too fake and expose the film's flaws and nothing on view is as polished or innovative as the footage from a “Mission Impossible” or “Bond” movie. Still, the behind-the-scenes crew deserves as much credit for the film’s incessant mania as the above the marquee cast. Reynolds hasn’t been this much fun to watch since the even more depraved “Deadpool.” Through therapy and discipline, Bryce promises to put his artillery down. Reynolds plays this reluctant restraint like a kid determined not to stick his hand in the cookie jar, though you know any resolve will fade. As he grouses, it’s a perfect counterpart to Jackson’s crass, bombastic, menacing hitman persona. You hire Samuel L. Jackson, and his s—t is in your face nonstop. It’s like you’re being attacked by a rabid pit bull that’s all mouth, teeth and bulging eyes. Hayek

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor

451 West Central

St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444

Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8:00 & 10:45 am Prayer Service:

Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church"

At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404

612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com bethesdamn@prodigy.net Sunday Service Times:

Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm

Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm

2600 E. 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 www.greatfriend.org Phone: 612.827.7928 Fax: 612.827.3587 info@greatfriend.org Sundays 8:00am Sunday School 9:30am Worship Service The Friendly Church Where Everybody Is Somebody

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM

(l-r) Samuel L. Jackson, Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Ryan Reynolds in “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”

releases her inner-witch-devil self with glee. Her Sonia, a working woman/wife pining for motherhood, multitasks as a go-between, instigator and trigger-happy killer. Banderas as the villain is having a campy old time, like he’s acting in a Pedro Almodóvar movie. His Aristotle is completely oblivious when Bryce derides his flamboyant attire. Bryce: “It’s like Liberace banged a set of curtains!” Frank Grillo as an Interpol agent, Morgan Freeman as a duplicitous dad, and the army of stunt doubles are all on top of their game. Hughes knows how to take make a moderately priced film look like it had a mega million-dollar budget. You’re pulled into the excessive action sequences. You laugh at the depraved verbal and

physical humor. You wince at the relentless violence, which is not as graphic as that in “John Wick” movies, but respectable for the genre. Even though “THWB” stretches reality beyond its limits, it’s fun to watch on a big screen and will likely be better received and have a longer life on streaming services and latenight cable. O’Connor’s storyline (cowritten with Phillip Murphy and Brandon Murphy) is never more than serviceable. It sets up the characters’ predicaments, sends them on their way and lines them up for sequels. It’s as if he left space and the heavy lifting up to the three leads, who often seem to be joyously adlibbing as Reynolds is unapologetically snarky and Hayek and Jackson hurl F and MF bombs

like hand grenades. This is pure “R” rated escapism meant for act/com fans. Park your snooty intellect at the door. Ditch your skepticism for 99 minutes and give the tech crew, Reynolds, Hayek and Jackson a round of applause. This kind of senseless comic debauchery and mayhem can put a smirk on your face. In theaters June 16, 2021. Check local listings for show times. Dwight Brown is an NNPA News Wire film critic. For more of his work, visit DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA. com.

8

June 17—June 23, 2021

Obituary

Oletha Francis Schilling (Reasby) Sunrise, September 12, 1941 - Sunset, June 7, 2021

Oletha died peacefully in the early morning hours of June 7, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota with two of her granddaughters at her side. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Oletha was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna Reasby, and her sisters, Jessie Reasby-Clark and Mildred Reasby-Ramsey. Oletha is survived by her sister, Fredericka Simpson; her seven children, Bridgett Rode (Scott), Johnathan Johnson, Chandler Johnson, Christjon Jackman (Jennifer), Francine Winston (Mark), Marcus Manning (Victoria), and Stephen Doughty; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchil-

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder PHONE: 612-827-4021 FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE CONTACT ACCOUNTING DEPT OBIT /MEMORIAL RATE $50 (FIRST 200 WORDS) (126 WORDS TOTAL) + PHOTO: $15 TOTAL: $65.00 Please proof, respond with email confirmation to display@ spokesman-recorder.com.

dren. A Celebration of Life will be held in Oletha’s honor on her 80th birthday. Details to follow.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 17, 2021

June 17-June 23, 2021

9

Wanted: A news reporter/journalist The MSR seeks a news reporter with extensive knowledge and experience in the African American community to cover news events, protests, and community meetings. The reporter will be expected to cover meetings and policy decisions at various levels of government in the Twin Cities and the greater metro area, including the state legislature. The reporter will also write news stories about housing, education, transportation, labor, health, the environment, police violence and more as they pertain to the African American community. The reporter must be comfortable reporting on issues surrounding equity, discrimination and social justice. This is a freelance position with pay commensurate with experience. There is potential for advancement. For more information, email Mel Reeves at mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

10

June 17—June 23, 2021

BULLETIN

Scholarships available for Project Scientist’s virtual STEM camp for girls 4-12 Does your daughter love science and hands-on experiments? girls to attend virtual STEM camp this summer. Girls ages four to 12 can experience a camp filled with the magic of science, technology, engineering, and math each weekday from June 21 to July 30 from the comfort of home. Project Scientist certified teachers will lead girls divided by age in STEM learning and hands-on science. Each girl will receive a weekly STEM kit in the mail with all the supplies to conduct experiments at home. Weekly themes include: • Modern Day Building Science & Engineering Design Having a fun, educational summer • Discover STEM Entrepreneuris imporant. Project Scientist is dediship cated to preventing summer learning • Innovations in Food Production loss, and the needs are especially great & Delivery in light of the learning deficits created • Exploring Climate Change by COVID-19 in the last year. through a Geographic Information Founded by a native of Anoka, MinSystem (GIS) nesota, Sandy Marshall, the non-profit • Technology & Internet Engineerknown for its one-of-a-kind virtual ing summer STEM academies for girls has • Amazing Brain Science financial aid available for qualifying

Campers will also meet female STEM superstars who will introduce them to a variety of STEM careers and get behind-the-scenes virtual STEM tours of companies and labs all over the country. for their grade level. All activities are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards to engage and excite girls in all aspects of STEM. To apply for financial aid for Project Scientist’s virtual STEM camps, visit www. projectscientist.org/financial-assistance. Funds are limited and applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Without financial aid, the cost to attend camp is $325 per week.

Each camp day will run from 9 am-noon CST and will include games, —Information and photos courtesy of trivia, a mindfulness moment, and movement to get your young scientist Project Scientist. energized. Girls will learn with others their age in a curriculum tailored

Africana Diaspora Black History MORE Than A Month Crossword: Juneteenth - Celebrate! By Simon Burris (Answers on page 7) For more of Simon Burris’ work, visit www.simonburris700.com.

Employment & Legals STATE OF MINNESOTA

DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Type of Case: Personal Injury Court File No.

Derrick Allen Banks, Plaintiff,

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

STATE OF MINNESOTA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Department/MN COUNTY OF HENNEPIN PROBATE MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

Spokesman-Recorder

Albert Wright Jr. 1201 12th Ave. North 612-827-4021 Apt. #702 Minneapolis, MN 55441 USA

FOR BILLING Albert Wright Jr. INQUIRIES 1201 12th Ave. North & TEARSHEETS Apt. #702 PLEASE CONTACT Minneapolis, MN 55441 USA ACCOUNTING DEPT By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER. as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose sigCOM nature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/ NAMEHOLDER:

v.

SUMMONS

Erica Dajuan French and Eric French, Defendants.

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no Court file number on this Summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this Summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at Milavetz, Gallop & Milavetz, P.A., 1915 57th Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.

her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and SUMMONS in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand FLAT RATE $200 that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

The MSR handles billing digitally.

means youJr.will get e-tears and e-mailed SIGNEDThis BY: Albert Wright MAILING ADDRESS: 1201 12th Ave. North, Apt. #702, unless you specifically request a hard copy. Minneapolis, MN 55441 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: albertjacksonwright@gmail.com

3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THE SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A Default Judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE: You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. MILAVETZ, GALLOP & MILAVETZ, P.A. Dated: March 25, 2021

_/s/ Alan S. Milavetz___ Alan S. Milavetz, Esq., #0164677 Attorneys for Plaintiff 1915 - 57th Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 Telephone: (763) 560-0000 Facsimile: (763) 566-0211 amilavetz@milavetzlaw.com

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 10, 17, & 24, 2021

invoices

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 10 & 17, 2021

State of Minnesota County of: Anoka In Re the Marriage of: Dwayne Ricky Cartharn Petitioner (first, middle, last) and Gela Yvette Glover

11

From Classified

State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:

PHONE:

June 17-June 23, 2021

District Court Judicial District: Tenth Court File Number: 02-FA-21-197 Case Type: Dissolution with Children

In Re: Estate of NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE PHONE: 612-827-4021 Donald Alfred Thompson OF WILL AND CODICIL AND Deceased APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE FOR BILLING TO CREDITORS

INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS FILE N0. 27-PA-PR-21-420 CONTACT TO ALLPLEASE INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: ACCOUNTING DEPT Notice is hereby given, that an application for informal probate of the above @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM named decedent's last will dated January 9, 2006 and codicil there to dated February 21, 2020, has been filed with the Registrar herein, and the application has been granted informally probating such will and codicil. Any objections ASSUMED NAME may be filed in the above, and the same will be heard by the Court upon notice FLAT RATE $150.00 of hearing fixed for such purpose.

2 WEEK RUN

Notice is hereby further given that informal appointment of James Edward Thompson whose address is 3812 57th Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 as personal representative of the estate of the above-named decedent, has been rnade. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to Please proof, respond with email confirmation to displ appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the spokesman-recorder.com personal representative and the personal representative are empowered to fully administer the estate including, after 28 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwiseThe orders. MSR handles billing digitally.

This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices u

Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said specifically a hard copy. estate areyou required to present therequest 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.

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

Dated: June 4, 2021

Alonna J. Warns Registrar

ProSe

Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer District Court Administrator

PHONE: 612-827-4021

Summons (Check One) X Without Real Estate With Real Estate

Respondent (first, middle, last) THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: Your spouse has filed a lawsuit against you for dissolution of your marriage. A copy of the paperwork regarding the lawsuit is served on you with this summons. This summons is an official document from the court that affects your rights. Read this summons carefully. If you do not under stand it, contact an attorney for legal advice. l.The Petitioner (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for a dissolution of your marriage (divorce). A copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is attached to this Summons. There should also be a copy of Petitioner's Financial Affidavit attached. 2.You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and your Financial Affidavit. You must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms and the Financial Affidavit form are available from the Court Administrator's office you must serve your Answer and Financial Affidavit upon Petitioner within thirty (30) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer and Financial Affidavit, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 17 & 24, 2021

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS PLEASE State of MinnesotaCONTACT District Court County Hennepin Judicial District: 4th ACCOUNTING DEPT Court File Number: 27DAFA19-4223 @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM Case Type: Domestic Abuse In the Matter of: Michael Andrew King for self and on behalf of minors Petitioner DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE Notice of Issuance of Ex Parte Order for 3 WEEK RUN Protection Extension by Publication FLAT RATE $200.00 PREPAID vs. (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8) Seqouia Gerry Ryan Stafford Respondent The MSR handles billing digitally.

means youabove: will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices ToThis Respondent named unless you specifically hard copy. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED request that an Ex a Parte Order for Protection has been issued in the above matter. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator's office within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court administrator's office at the following address: 110 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401

3.This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address: N/A

Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's order.

X This proceeding does not involve real property.

June 8, 2021 Date

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS

Jessica Rahier Court Administrator / Deputy Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 17, 2021

Under Minnesota law, service of this summons makes the following requirements apply to both parties to the action, unless they are modified by the court or the p roceeding is dismissed: (1) Neither party may dispose of any assets except (a) for the necessities of life or for the necessary generation of income or preservation of assets, (b) by an agreement of the parties in writing, or (c) for retaining counsel to carry on or to contest this proceeding. (2) Neither party may harass the other party. (3) All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation. (4) Parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration and other processes as set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or threats as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 518B, you are not required to try mediation and you will not be penalized by the court in later proceedings. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS , YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 3744 4th Ave. South • Minneapolis, MN 55409 Phone: 612-827-4021 • Fax: 612-827-0577

Tracey Williams-DillarD

cecil e. NeWmaN

Publisher/CEO

Founder-Publisher 1934-1976

Wallace (Jack) JackmaN Co-Publisher Emeritus

Charles Hallman

Community Editor Mel Reeves

Dr. Deirdre Golden

Dr. Mitchell P. McDonald

Aleezeh Hasan

Contributing Photographers

Dwight Hobbes Tiffany Johnson Brandon Jones

Administrative Assistant Jibra’il Abdul-Azeem Account Representatives Cecilia Viel

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Harassment Restraining Order has been issued on 6/1/21. X A hearing has not been scheduled. You may request a hearing on this matter by filing a Request for Hearing HAR301 with the Court within twenty (20) days of the date this Notice is published. You may get a copy of the HRO from the court administrator's office at the following address: JFJC, 25 W. 7th Street, St. Paul MN 55102. Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or to get a copy of the Harassment Restraining Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court's order. 6/9/2021

Donald W. Harper Juvenile and Family Court Administrator Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 17, 2021

Dated: 11/24/2020 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 3, 10, & 17, 2021

Vice President Emeritus

Sports Writers

Desktop Publisher Jennifer Cherrier Jim Handrigan

To Respondent:

Norma JeaN Williams

Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III

Abeni Hill

Notice of Issuance of Harassment Restraining Order By Publication

CEO/Publisher 1976-2000

Contributing Writers

Dr. Clarence Hightower

Maria Janeth Guevara Abrego Vs Cristian Javier Ramos Ramirez

District Court Second Judicial District Court File Number: 62-HR-CV-21-468 Case Type: Harassment

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Senior Editor Jerry Freeman

Digital Editor Paige Elliott

NOTICE OF PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Under Minnesota Statutes, Section 518.157, in a contested proceeding involving custody or parenting time of a minor child, the parties must begin participation in a parent education program that meets minimum standards promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court within 30 days after the first filing with the court. In some Districts, parenting education may be required in all custody or parenting proceedings. You may contact the District Cowt Administrator for additional information regarding this requirement and the availability of parent education programs.

State of Minnesota Ramsey County

Onika Nicole Craven Steve Floyd Chris Juhn Travis Lee

Tony Kiene Juliet Mitchell Khymyle Mims Abdi Muhommed Monica Zorilla

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Prep Continued from page 12 playing a supporting role as a sophomore as the Polars finished in third place in the Class AA state tournament in 1986. The following two years, the Polars came up short of qualifying for the state tournament but remained dominant as Rueben led them to consecutive number-one regular-season rankings. He averaged 16 points, four rebounds and four assists as a senior. El-Amin, who stood 5’10” and is recognized by many as the one of top point guards in state history, led the Polars to consecutive state championships from 1995-

97. He was brought up to varsity as an eighth grader and started at point guard the next four years. He averaged 20 points, six assists, and four rebounds during his senior year. Moore, a 5’11” guard who started from the time she was a freshman for the Polars, put them on the basketball map, leading them to a Class 3A runner-up finish in 1997 and their first title in ’98. As a senior, she averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 5.7 steals while displaying an all-around game in dominant fashion. Horton, a 5’7” guard, was a junior when she teamed with Moore to lead the Polars to their first title in 1998. The

following year, after Moore graduated, she took over, displaying leadership and overall floor game, leading them to the Class AA 1999 title after averaging 23.4 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. The banners have been a long time coming as time moves on and the memories and history of those before us fade. A few years ago, Reuben was coaching his boys’ basketball middle school team in the city championship game held at North. As he looked around the gymnasium, Rueben said something that was very telling at the time. “My players and my kids

come into this gym all the time and have no idea what we as players accomplished here.” The championship banners already displayed in the gymnasium were a great start. The Mr. Basketball banners are a great addition. I’m sure there will be more to come. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy@gmail.com.

12

Sports

June 17—June 23, 2021

Janay joins the Mavericks Shimmy in Gopherland Mavericks women’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant By Charles Hallman coach. Contributing writer “Emilee reached out to me,” recalled Morton of Thiesse, whose anay Morton scored nearly 1,500 points, grabbed 400 sister is Nebraska WBB Coach boards, amassed over 250 Amy Williams. Morton played assists, and made 234 three- for Williams in her senior seapointers during her collegiate son during which she made basketball career. The Brooklyn Academic All Big Ten in 2018 and Park native has been an assistant earned her degree in psychology

J

Janay Morton

town prepared her well for her new position, said Morton. “I was doing a lot of things, a lot of the operational side of things outside of basketball,” she pointed out, adding that Jamestown Head Coach Thad Sankey “was willing to help me grow” as a coach.

Gender inequities spur change The NCAA Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee has held regular virtual meetings since the NCAA tournament in March, when gender inequities were exposed that later initiated an external gender equity review. They are “dedicated to moving quickly to bring positive changes to the sport of women’s basketball,” Chair Lisa Campos said in an NCAA press release. The topics the group has been discussing include developing a holistic men’s and women’s collegiate basketball branding strategy and a potential use of March Madness marketing for both sports. The current international three-point line (22 feet, 1¾ inches) will be used in WBB beginning the 2021-22 season. The Women’s Basketball Rules Courtesy U. of Jamestown Committee proposed the change after studying statistical trends from last season that showed an all-time high in all three divisions in three-point shot attempts and makes. Women’s Division I teams attempted 16.4 treys per game as well. “I trust Coach Williams last season and made an avand I trust Emilee,” she said. erage of 6.1 shots behind the “The [Mankato] campus visit just former 20 feet, 9 inches arc. Division II teams averaged confirmed it even more.” “We couldn’t be more excited 20.5 three-point field goal atabout the addition of Janey Mor- tempts and made an average ton to our Maverick basketball of 6.4 treys. In Division III it family,” said Thiesse in a press was 19.3 and 5.7 respectively. statement. “She is a very hard Charles Hallman welcomes worker who is eager and passionate about developing players reader responses to challman@ to reach their goals. She is a won- spokesman-recorder.com. derful person and we know that she will have a lasting impact on the players in our program.” Her two seasons in James-

“She is a wonderful person and we know that she will have a lasting impact.” women’s basketball coach at the University of Jamestown (ND) for the past two seasons, where her duties included player development head with the guards and managing the team operations. During a recent interview Morton, asked if she’d finally hung up her sneakers for good in exchange for a coach’s whistle, said “Once I hung them up, I hung them up.” Earlier this month, Morton accepted an offer from Minnesota State Head Coach Emilee Thiesse to join the

T

o say Shimmy Gray-Miller has been all over the college basketball map in her two decades of coaching since growing up in Flint, Michigan is not an exaggeration. “No offense to those other places, but the Big Ten Conference to me is holistically the best conference to be a student athlete,” declared Gray-Miller, who was named assistant coach at Minnesota last month. She comes to Gopherland after the past three seasons in a similar position at Clemson. Born in Michigan’s seventh largest city, Yeshimbra “Shimmy” Gray at age six began shooting hoops at a backboard with no rim in a driveway. Her mother eventually gave her a miniature hoop, and the daughter became the only athlete in a family with

Shimmy Gray-Miller

forcement. A knee injury forced GrayMiller to retire and she moved into coaching, first as an assistant coach at Bellevue (Wash.) Community College in 1999. “I was coaching…making like 470 bucks a month,” she declared. “I literally had three or four other jobs” to make ends meet.” When a former college assistant coach offered her a graduate assistant position at a school in Pennsylvania, Gray-Miller packed up the truck and headed cross-country. But fate stepped in.

“She is a great coach but an even better person.” two brothers, becoming a top high school basketball talent in Flint and statewide. “When I was being recruited,” she recalled, “I visited three schools: University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, and an official visit to the University of Minnesota. Crystal Flint was my host,” she said of her first time in the Twin Cities. Gray-Miller eventually settled on Michigan as her college choice, where she was a three-time letter winner, a team captain, and graduated with a sociology degree in 1994. She played pro ball overseas for a couple of seasons and spent three years in law en-

Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

Minneapolis North’s banners representing the school’s Mr. and Ms. Basketball winners Courtesy Khalid El-Amin

role as a sophomore on the 1983 ing 16 points per game. McNeal led the Polars to three state tournament team, the 6’3” It’s taken some time, but the consecutive Class AA state tour- smooth-as-silk point guard bloslegacy of Minneapolis North naments from 1983-85 including somed into the state’s top player High School continues to grow. two runner-up finishes to White with 19 points and six assists as Former Polars great Khalid El- Bear Lake his last two seasons. a senior. Reuben, a 6’2” guard, started Amin let this be known in two Though he played a supporting Facebook posts last month. One post shows newly displayed banners of the school’s Mr. Basketball winners—Redd Overton (1981), Brett McNeal (1985), Derek Reuben (1988) and El-Amin (1997)—and Ms. Basketball winners—Tamara Moore (1998) and Mauri Horton—in the school’s gymnasium and a question on each from El-Amin. “How many Mr. Basketball winners does your school have?” he asked on the first post. “How many Ms. Basketball winners does your school have?” he followed up with on the second post. The answer to those questions in his case is six. Here is what each accomplished to earn such an honor. Overton, a powerful rebound and inside presence as a 6’4” center, led the Polars to the Class AA championship in 1981 as a junior and got them back to the tournaCourtesy of Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald ment the following year averag- Khalid El-Amin

■See PREP on page 11

tant coach told me—the coach in Pennsylvania eventually lost her job two years later. “I am a really big believer on everything happening not the way you think it is supposed to happen,” she noted. Gray-Miller over her career has spent time at all five of the Power Five conferences: Washington (2000-03), Arizona (200305), Nebraska (2012-15), Florida (2015-17) and Clemson (2018-20). She also was an assistant coach and interim head coach at Texas Tech (2017-18). Her longest tenure was as Saint Louis University head coach, where she won 71 games (2005-12). She also has been a part of teams that have made nine NCAA tournaments, one Sweet 16 berth and coached six WNBA draft picks. Now she’s in Minnesota and back in the Big Ten. “I’ve been really fortunate [to have] coached in every Power Five conference,” said Gray-Miller. “I played in the Big Ten before. I love those types of players that you recruit to a Big Ten school.” “She is a great coach but an even better person,” said Gopher Coach Lindsay Whalen of GrayMiller. “I can’t wait for her to get started.”

“I had a bootleg truck with a gas gauge that had been broken for a while [and] I couldn’t afford to fix it,” admitted Gray-Miller. It broke down before she could get on the road. While waiting for it to be repaired, she got into a pickup game where she ran into then-Washington coach June Daugherty. “All roads lead to where you supposed to be,” said Gray-Miller. Daugherty told her that she had an unexpected opening on her staff and asked if she’d be interested. She was, and was hired, and was in Washington for three Charles Hallman welcomes seasons. reader responses to challman@ No regrets, the Gopher assis- spokesman-recorder.com.

El-Amin Facebook post displays new North banners

PreP Scene

Courtesy of Clemson U.