June 3, 2021 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

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

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 June 3-June 9, 2021, Vol. 87 No. 44

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“AS IT WAS SPOKEN ... LET US RECORD.”

100 years later Tulsa still seeking justice this history, but I cannot.” The survivors are among the plaintiffs who have sued have lived through the mas- the city of Tulsa, accusing the sacre every day,” testified city of a cover-up and blaming 107-year-old Viola Ford the victims for the actions of its Fletcher before Congress last White citizens. Ford Fletcher week. “Our country may forget was among three centenarians By Mel Reeves Community editor

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who testified. It is almost as if they live to tell the story of the massacre. One hundred years ago White settlers of Tulsa, Oklahoma carried out a pogrom against a part of its population that had only been freed from chat-

tel slavery a little over 50 years before. A pogrom is “a violent riot aimed at the massacre or expulsion of an ethnic or religious group.” The pogrom targeted Greenwood, as Black Tulsa was known, a community so prosperous

and self-contained that Booker T. Washington dubbed it Black Wall Street upon visiting in 1913. The Black community included every imaginable business: hotels, drycleaners, restaurants, movie theaters, taxi service, dental offices and a medical facility.

However, among its businesses there was not one Black-owned bank or brokerage house. Blacks were employed in Greenwood’s businesses in large numbers, but many also worked as laborers, domestics and washerwomen in the White community. ■ See Tulsa on page 5

Unsolved shooting deaths leave family and friends distraught By Marjaan Sirdar Contributing writer A lot of mystery surrounds the April 12 deaths of Lyft driver Ahmed Badal and 15-year-old Jaden Blackmon in South Minneapolis. Both had been shot and found dead around 2 am near 28th Street and 14th Avenue where the cars they had been riding in crashed into one another. Police reported that Badal’s body was found about a block away from the crash. Blackmon was found dead by police in the other car in which he had been a passenger. It is not clear what led up to their deaths or who killed them. Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) spokesperson John Elder responded to an inquiry by Unicorn Riot into the killings in a statement that said, “Because this case is being very actively investigated, I am unable to disclose any

other facts of the case.” On May 14, more than a month after his murder, Badal’s family met with MPD Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, who attempted to dispel rumors that police were involved in his death. “We told the chief we don’t believe them,” said Badal’s widow Gaari Abdi. However, Arradondo told Badal’s family that police do have a suspect and there is a warrant for their arrest, according to Fatah Abdi, a cousin of Badal. Abdi said the family believes the police are not telling them everything because so many questions remain unanswered. Both families of the victims say police could clear up exactly what happened that night. According to Abdi, when Arradondo was asked if the family could view street surveillance videos, police body cams and dash cam evidence, the chief denied that any of it exists.

Badal’s family believes his car was struck by a speeding silver car full of teenagers fleeing police. The family assumes that Badal got out of his car after

the crash and was then shot the accident. The friend said Ahmad’s last words were and killed. According to the family, a “there are a lot of police ahead” friend of Badal's was on the and then he heard groans and phone with him at the time of the phone dropped. “What are they hiding?” said Badal’s widow. “We don’t have any information about this. Sometimes I think that police shot him and killed him.” Police spokesperson Elder said, “We have met with numerous members of the community and a victim’s family. I am well aware that there is the rumor that this was an officer-involved shooting. That is simply untrue.”

Minneapolis police at the scene of the car crash Photo courtesy of the Marjaan Sirdar

Residents demand City shut down Northern Metal—for good

Recent fire heightens fears of industrial pollution

Roxanne O’Brien speaks at Northern Metals Recycling Photos by Sam DeLeon By Samantha De Leon Contributing writer “It affects all of us. We all feel the same pain,” Roxxanne O’Brien said during a May 18 rally at Northern Metal Recycling. “We’re

out here doing this work and we’re not safe.” O’Brien was among several Community Members for Environmental Justice (CMEJ) calling on City leaders to immediately shut down the recycling company’s operations and end industrial pollution in North Minneapolis. Northern Metal’s facility, located on the banks of the Mississippi River and near residential areas, is among many polluting the air. Last month, a stack of plastic and insulation caught fire at the facility according to the fire report, but the City ruled the fire as accidental and found that the pile was under the 20-foot legal limit. About 50 community members attended the rally, including Council Member Jeremiah Ellison of Ward 5, Mike Forcia of the American Indian Movement of the Twin Cities, and Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL). They came together outside of Northern Metal in solidarity with the CMEJ to have their demands met. “This is another form of violence,” Ellison said. Although Northern Metal shut down their shredder at the North Minneapolis facility in 2019, they continue to put up large piles of plastic and insulation. “We’re still seeing the ramifications of this pollution,” Ellison said.

“How many chances does Northern Metal get to do business as usual?” said O’Brien. “Where are all of our public officials and city, state, governmental authorities? Who is doing their jobs to protect the people? It seems like we are constantly fighting for our lives against State violence… We can't breathe for so many reasons and our Black Lives continue not to matter to our city and state government. Enough is enough.” The 55411 zip code where the plant is located has the highest rate of asthma hospitalizations in the state, according to The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA). Northern Metal moved its metal shredder from Minneapolis to Becker in 2019 after the State found the company had submitted false pollution reports. Shortly after, in February 2020 there was a fire at the Becker facility. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) ordered Northern Metal to stop accepting scrap metal at its Minneapolis and Becker facility until it adhered to fire codes; operations have since resumed. A letter from CMEJ was read aloud to the crowd demanding that the regulating agencies allowing Northern Metal to operate shut them down immediately. The group wants the company to provide a record of their ■ See Northern on page 5

firmed to a brother of Ahmed that he was killed and that they had received his body, but he was no longer at the hospital. “We were treated worse than animals,” said Mohamud Abdalla, another cousin of Ahmed, who said he was offended by the MPD’s refusal to help them find the body and provide answers about what happened. Badal’s family said they were not allowed to see the body until it arrived at the funeral home the day of the burial.

A strange visit Gaari said a group of A missing body young Somali men visited In the early morning hours Badal’s widow on May 1 and of April 12 family members one of them did most of the called the police and local talking. “The way they talked, hospitals looking for Badal, the police were after these but none were able to locate four Somali guys,” said Gaari. him. Eventually, Hennepin “He wanted to get informaCounty Medical Center con- tion from me. [He asked,] ‘Do ■ See Unsolved on page 5

Senate gridlock stalls police reform bills

By Charles Hallman Contributing writer A new poll revealed that a year since George Floyd’s murder, a large gap still exists in how Black and White Americans view racism and police violence. This gap surfaces in the congressional gridlock that threatens to derail ongoing efforts at police reform. An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted in April found 77% of Blacks say police violence against civilians is very or extremely serious compared to

U.S. Senator Tina Smith

36% of Whites. This large gap hasn’t changed much since previous polls: July 2015 (73% Blacks, 19% Whites), September 2019 (72% Blacks, 36% Whites), June 2020 (82% Blacks, 39% Whites) and September 2020 (76% Blacks, 35% Whites). The U.S. House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in March, but the bill is now stalled in the Senate. President Joe Biden last month strongly urged both houses of Congress to pass it and have it on his desk for signing on or before the May 25 one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death. “I’m a strong supporter [of the bill] and helped to put it together last summer after Mr. Floyd’s murder,” U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) recently told the MSR. She and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) are the bill’s co-sponsors. “I’ve been in almost daily [contact] with Sen. Booker, who is our lead in negotiating” a bipartisan police reform package with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). “It’s a complex negotiation,” she noted. ■ See Gridlock on page 5

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Metropolis

June 3-June 9, 2021

MPR Glover hire reflects commitment to more equitable news coverage By Charles Hallman Contributing writer According to a new Pew Research poll, four in 10 people (41%) say news organizations are growing in influence, while 33% say their influence is declining. Only a year earlier in early 2020 nearly half of those polled (48%) said the news media was declining in influence compared to 32% that said it was growing in influence. Among Blacks, the Pew poll reported that nearly half (48%) are more likely to say the news media’s influence is growing rather than those (19%) who say it is declining. Whites are about split in this regard—39% believe it is growing while 37% do not. Over the years, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has been oft-criticized for its poor coverage of Black communities and other Communities of Color. The network has demonstrated an improvement in this area of late, especially after George Floyd’s death last May. One example is MPR’s “In Focus” series that focuses on Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities. Veteran MPR Senior Reporter Brandt Williams recently

was named an interim editor as a temporary assignment. Angela Davis, a longtime journalist, joined MPR in 2018 and hosts a midday talk show. Duchesne Drew became MPR president in 2020. MPR in April hired Sarah Glover as MPR news managing editor. She is responsible for about 40 newsroom staff at Minnesota’s only statewide public media network. Her responsibilities include editorial decisions and planning across MPR News platforms and she will also collaborate closely with Drew and Program Director Stephanie Curtis. “I can’t speak to the past,” said Glover in a recent MSR interview. She pledged that MPR News will be “authentic…definitely representative of local communities of color.” Glover brings to the Twin Cities and MPR nearly 25 years of local journalism experience, including over a decade at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News as a staff photographer. At the latter, she led the video team on the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Tainted Justice” series. She also was a first-time twoterm president of the National

was a master plan for me to come here, because certainly that is not the case,” she continued. “Based upon the discussions that I had with [MPR] senior leadership here, when I looked more closely at the opportunity, it was really difficult to turn away from it.” Coming to the Midwest at this time “is something that I

the country,” noted the MPR newsroom leader, “mainstream newsrooms need to work on improving their coverage of Black communities and Communities of Color. I certainly have a commitment moving forward to ensuring the coverage is not only reflective of the community, but also that it is authentic.

“I hope that the work we do here will be a model for other newsrooms across the country to really address equity.” found invigorating. I took the chance and the opportunity,” said Glover. “I’m a person of faith, and I feel that all of our steps are ordered. Me being here is not a mistake.” The Floyd murder a year ago, the Chauvin trial and verdict, and America’s racial awakening Sarah Glover Photo courtesy of MPR during a pandemic “really has Association of Black Journalists Twin Cities,” said Glover, whose [brought] the weight on us as (NABJ) from 2015 to 2019. She first official day began the day members of the media to continplayed a crucial role in the As- before the Derek Chauvin ver- ue to tell the story of Black people sociated Press Stylebook’s deci- dict in Minneapolis. “I came here in America, the experiences that sion to capitalize the “B” in Black with an open mind and certainly racism have on Black people,” when describing people and a drive and interest to cover the said Glover. “There are many joys, there are also pains, and we community.” communities. “I wish I can say that me com- have to tell the story.” “I’m excited to be here work“Like other newsrooms across ing at MPR News and in the ing here was planned out or there

“Truthfully, I hope that the work we do here will be a model for other newsrooms across the country to really address equity for other mainstream [news] organizations to really level up their coverage so that it is more representative for [this] community,” said Glover. “All news organizations need to do a better job, and I’m hoping to champion that. I’m committed to that.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

Corporations, nonprofits and private donors join to help rebuild small businesses By MSR News Service The Minneapolis Foundation in coordination with community donations hopes to have $20 million added by year’s end to the coffers of its community-based Restore-Rebuild-Reimagine Fund (RRRFund.org). The fund was established last year to support small businesses affected by last summer’s unrest in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The fund was started with a challenge grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. It has received major contributions from Target Corporation, the Donaldson Foundation, and Mortenson Company. Mortenson, one of Minnesota’s largest construction companies, has been providing pro bono services and technical consultation to assist impacted businesses and connecting affected business owners with local minorityowned contractors for services. Donations to the RestoreRebuild-Reimagine Fund will be used specifically to help small businesses along the Lake Street corridor, West Broadway, and along the University and Midway area in St. Paul. These efforts

range from minor repairs to store façades to the complete reconstruction of buildings. The businesses will work in partnership with the Lake Street Council, the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, and the Midway Chamber of Commerce in St. Paul, which will ensure they get whatever help is needed in their rebuilding efforts. “I am personally inspired by the determination of these small businesses to rebuild,” said Rod Young, CEO and president of Delta Dental of Minnesota. “Because of their fighting spirit and the love for their communities, we’ve joined with other major businesses and neighborhood nonprofits to accelerate their rebuilding efforts. Through our foundation, we want to build on their momentum.” “The physical restoration of these main corridors in our community is vital,” said Lynn Littlejohn, vice president of community affairs and development for Mortenson. “Much has been accomplished so far, but a significant amount of work remains. We’ve learned in our community outreach efforts over the past year that many of these small

businesses were underinsured,” said Littlejohn. “The Restore-Rebuild-Reimagine Fund will help fill that gap.” The businesses’ stories have been captured in their own words in a new 12-minute minidocumentary called Corridors. It shows how businesses on Lake Street and West Broadway in Minneapolis, and on University Avenue in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood were damaged or destroyed, how the community came together to help, and why owners are passionate about staying in their neighborhoods, rebuilding their businesses and reimagining their futures. The documentary is available for viewing on RRRFund.org. The mini-documentary was created in support of the RestoreRebuild-Reimagine Fund and serves as a call-to-action to encourage further philanthropic investment in the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities affected by the civil unrest. “These small business owners are part of a longstanding legacy of immigrants who came to Minnesota to forge a new future for themselves and their adopted new home,” said R.T. Rybak,

president of the Minneapolis Foundation. “Many fled wars and strife in their homelands.” “I think all together we can make this thing better again,” said Fidencio Cruz, owner of Maria’s Restaurante and Mercado Central on Lake Street near Bloomington Avenue in Minneapolis. “It was great before, but

we can make Lake Street even better.” “It’s hard to do something alone,” said Christina Le, who owns Lake Wine & Spirits with her husband, both immigrants from Vietnam. “We would like to stay here as long as possible, grow with the city, and reinvest our time and money into our

Business and community leaders and individuals who want to help can give directly to the Restore-Rebuild-Reimagine Fund at RRRFund. org, by emailing rebuild@mplsfoundation.org, or texting “REBUILD” to 243725.

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Worship Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

neighborhood again. No guts, no glory.”

Bethesda Baptist Church

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

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

At the Old Landmark

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"

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

June 3-June 9, 2021

Health & Wellness

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New COVID-19 guidance for those fully vaccinated What do we need to know?

By Dr. Zeke McKinney Guest contributor The new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance last week saying that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings is a huge step toward life returning to “normal” during this global pandemic. This new guidance also led to Governor Walz lifting the statewide mask requirement. Even though this may seem to be a sudden change, it is simply a shift due to the increasing amount of evidence about how effective the COVID-19 vaccines are at preventing someone from

catching COVID-19, from being very ill if they still do get COVID-19, and from spreading COVID-19 to others. If you were waiting for strong evidence that these COVID-19 vaccines work, now you can see it in action. Hopefully this new guidance may help those considering whether or not to be vaccinated. The problem is, there is no way to know that someone walking around without a mask has actually had the vaccine. For those of us who are vaccinated, that is no big deal. Yet for those who have not had their vaccine, or for those who cannot get a vaccine, this is still a concern. The good news is that Pfizer recently had an emergency use authorization (EUA) granted by the FDA for their vaccine to be given to teens ages 12-15, expanding on the earlier authorization for ages 16 and up. It is expected that the Moderna vaccine, which has had similar success in trials in teens, will also be granted emergency use authorization in that age group very soon. On the other hand, it is still not clear when children under age 12 will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, there are still a small number of individuals who will not be able to get the vaccine because of health issues that may make it unsafe for them.

The bigger concern is that until we reach a point of “community immunity”—where enough of us are vaccinated that the disease cannot spread anymore—there is still a chance that further variants (mutations of the virus) will develop. The concern with new variants is that they will become resistant to the vaccines, that they will be more infectious, and that they will cause worse disease. So the longer that we don’t have community immunity, the more likely it is for new variants to appear. Good evidence of this issue is the fact that most cases in the United States and in Minnesota are with the B.1.1.7 variant (the “UK variant”). What we want to avoid is what we are seeing in India right now, where low vaccination rates (because it is not widely available there) and loosening of COVID-19 restrictions have led to a new variant (B.1.617, first found in India) thought to be responsible for much higher rates of disease and death after a period of lower infection rates. This is unlikely here in the United States, where much of our population has already been fully vaccinated; but within individual communities where vaccine rates are lower, this is still possible. Because COVID-19 infections, severe disease, and death have been higher in the Black com-

Courtesy of MGN munity due to more common chronic disease and more chances for exposure due to essential jobs—especially jobs that cannot be done remotely—all of these issues are extremely important for us. What we can and must do is continue to support vaccination in our community as the primary method to reduce the spread of this disease. If you’re already vaccinated, this means talking to your family, friends, neighbors and community and finding out what their concerns are, or plugging them into resources such as the Minnesota Association of African American Physicians to talk about the facts.

If you are concerned about being vaccinated, look online for resources that address your specific concerns. There are many Black doctors and scientists in the local area and around the country who have talked about many of the reasons folks may not want to get the vaccine. So what does this all mean? There is light at the end of the tunnel. We have good weapons to fight this disease, and we have to use them. But it isn’t over yet. We also still need to minimize indoor activity and continue to wear masks to set an example for others until our whole community, especially our children, can be

protected. Dr. Zeke McKinney grew up in and lives in Minneapolis. He primarily practices clinical occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) in St. Paul and St. Louis Park, MN, and he is one of few clinicians in Minnesota who evaluates work and community-related environmental toxicologic exposures. He is also a researcher for the HealthPartners Institute, including on a COVID-19 vaccine trial. He focuses on health equity and environmental justice for all communities.

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June 3-June 9, 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.

Black internecine community violence and police violence spring from the same tree By Lem Seveer “If the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do it to yourself.” James Baldwin.

By Jonard McDonald As a young man I was the oldest of three children raised by a single mother, who moved us here from Chicago when I was only 12 years old. The transition was adverse from one urban area to another. It’s sad to say and even sadder to see so many youth of color on this path, but it is something that we must acknowledge in order to change. I believe my mother did the best she could although times were hard. I internalized her struggle and tried to find my own way so that I would not be a burden on the household. Needless to say, I ended up in the streets trying to make some money, and found other young men who were in the same boat, but they were not necessarily thinking the same thoughts. This is how the gang life grew around me, and continues to be offered as a solution to youth who are looking for a way out or a way to help out at home.

I began to notice the environment and the energy on the streets taking form around me. There was so much violence and so many things that I was not interested in, but they just seemed to come with the territory. In retrospect I can see how fast the situation went and admit I did things that I did not agree with, that was stupid, right? When you are young you are concerned with what your peer group thinks of you. Your brain is still developing, and you are not able to make a decision based on your desired outcome. Quite often you end up dealing with long-term negative consequences. If one step is missed and you don’t think fast enough or move fast enough, you end up being swept up in the flow. Then you are going with the flow of course. How do you stop it when it has consumed you? This flow ended me up in juvenile jail for marijuana and fighting. Although my juvenile life was hectic, this is my first felony charge and I have spent almost 15 years of my life in prison for something I did not do. During this flow as a young man pretending to be a grown man, I witnessed violence to others and also became a victim myself. My friend was murdered in

front of me when I was 16 and I held him in my arms as he died. I was shot in the neck, which left me with severe nerve damage that impacted my mobility at that time. I am not looking for pity, so I will not continue the list of things that happened to me, because they are all a part of this flow. That is still impacting me and changing me even today, as I write this letter. I understand both sides of the trauma that happens in the streets ,and for me the mental change began when I got a second chance to physically live after dying and being resuscitated. I felt different and everything looked different. My thought process begun to slow up. I did not want to participate in the street life that welcomed me home from the hospital. I was still in a downward spiral and the chaos fought my transition out of the streets. Then my daughter was born. Then I was arrested for this case. Jonard McDonald is currently serving a life sentence in the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Oak Park Heights where he was sent at the age of 19 years. He has been locked up for 15 years.

George Floyd a year later: some progress but not enough truths, sharing stories of egregious police abuse and police It’s been one year since the murder, to no avail. We have brutal murder of George Floyd at marched. We have shut down the hands of former Minneapolis freeways. We have testified at police officers Derek Chauvin, government hearings. We have Thomas Lane, J. Alexander drafted legislation. We have Kueng, and Tou Thao. Unlike even run for office in an effort to most cases in which police kill transform the system of policing unarmed Black people, all four and to address the longstanding officers were swiftly fired and ul- systemic challenges and opprestimately charged for the murder sion that Black people too often of Floyd. What made the killing of Floyd by police so different was the response by people in Minnesota, around the nation, and around the world who took to the streets by the millions to demand justice and accountability. Regardless of whether people experience. It has been a challenge to choose to accept this fact, it is clear that the uprising that happened bring forth change in a society in Minnesota in the aftermath of hell-bent on maintaining the staFloyd’s murder also made a dif- tus quo. Since George Floyd’s murder ference in getting the attention of the powers-that-be, as well as became a matter of international concern, we have witnessed mainstream White Americans. The simple fact is that Amer- some changes to laws and poliica thrives upon the system of cies such as multiple states bancapitalism and the financial im- ning and/or limiting the use of plications of the uprising made chokeholds, no-knock warrants, a difference. But why should it and warrior-style training. New have to take millions of people York City became the first juristaking to the streets, almost non- diction to end qualified immustop protests and demonstrations, nity and Maryland overturned and buildings burning in order its police Bill of Rights. Some jurisdictions also cut for people to care enough about State-sanctioned violence to do millions of dollars from their something? The short answer is public safety budgets and redirected those funds to social serthat it shouldn’t. For decades, Black people in vices, mental health, and youth Minnesota and around the na- programs. These changes are an tion have been speaking their important step toward a more By Nekima Levy Armstrong

balanced system, but they are not nearly enough. As a society, we must vigorously interrogate and examine the system of policing and its slave patrol origin. We must analyze the data and use the facts to inform decision-making. We must transform the laws and policies that undergird the racism seeming endemic to and inherent within policing.

It has been a challenge to bring forth change in a society hellbent on maintaining the status quo. And just as importantly we must listen to its victims: Black folks. We are the experts, given that we have faced a pandemic of racism, White Supremacy, criminalization, and mass incarceration dating back more than a hundred years. But yet we are rarely consulted about how to solve these deeply-entrenched problems. Our steadfast work in raising awareness, challenging the status quo and oppressive systems has yielded some results; yet our work is far from over. The struggle continues. Hopefully, more progress will follow. Nekima Levy Armstrong is a civil rights attorney and local activist.

At a vigil for six-year-old Aniya Allen, who tragically died from her wounds April 19 after being shot in the head when her family was caught in the crossfire of a shootout, someone said, “We killed her.” The inference was that the community, particularly the Black community, killed the child. Few things can be further from the truth. We (the Black community) did not kill the child! If there is someone to be blamed it is the shooter, but more importantly there is also some “thing” that is to blame and that is the environmental conditions and the system that created the shooter. Lately Minneapolis and other major cities have been experiencing an uptick in intercommunal (so-called Black-on -Black) violence, and as a result some have taken to blaming themselves, the community, and even activists trying to protect the community from police violence. This is a trick of the enemy! Struggle is against the same enemy There is no dichotomy, no either/or in these struggles. Those who are opposed to our murder at the hands of the system are also opposed to death at the hands of one another. They are not mutually exclusive. Those who are pointing fingers at activists and denigrating them for putting energy into fighting police violence and citing them as a problem surely do not believe that there should be no opposition to cop brutality. Surely they are not ok with police killing us and surely they agree that there should be an organized struggle against State repression. And surely they don’t intend to pit one group of grieving mothers against the other. Ironically, our enemies point to crime in our community as proof or our unworthiness of defending ourselves against police abuse. No army in the history of warfare has ever had every soldier perform the same function. We have to struggle on two fronts: the struggle within and the struggle against racism/ White Supremacy and yes capitalism. Make no mistake, we are at war, or maybe a better way to put it is that the White power structure is at war with us. And as a result some of us have internalized our oppression and are at war with ourselves. Some of this finger-pointing is simply the result of misguidance. But if we are honest some springs from opportunism! Most comes from confusion and a lack of understanding of just what we as Black people are up against. Internecine community violence and police violence spring from the same source. They are rooted in White Supremacy and the social/ political/ economic system: capitalism. The violence in the community is the result of internalized self-hatred, internalized oppression exacerbated

by poverty, poor housing, poor and substandard education, lack of jobs and a sense of hopelessness. Add to that a sub-culture and underworld that develops around this mixture of angst, aimlessness, hopelessness, machismo and self-hatred and you have what we are experiencing now. Hussein A. Bulhan explained this phenomenon in Frantz Fanon and the Psychology of Oppression, when he said, “the oppressor without becomes an oppressor within. The well-known inferiority complex of the oppressed originates in this process of internalization. Because of this internalization and its attendant but repressed rage, the oppressed may act out, on each other, the very violence imposed on them. They become autopressors as they engage in self-destructive behavior injurious to themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors.” Fanon, Paulo Friere and Amos Wilson have broken this down in their works as well, which all should read. The oppressed internalize their oppression and even see the oppressor in one another, thus they are more violent toward one another, than those actually running the system of oppression. Police violence stems from the need of that same system to hold Black folks down, to stereotype them and to make sure they stay in their “place.” But the police also victimize immigrants and poor folks and any others that challenge the system. That’s why the police kill, because their job is to make everyone comply and if you do not comply you are viewed as

Some of this finger-pointing is simply the result of misguidance. a threat to the State. Ultimately the only way we will get rid of internecine violence is by getting rid of the system that manufactured it. The only way we will get rid of police violence is by ending the system that requires it.

old school values of neighborliness. Say hello when you pass a brother/sister on the street. Check on that child who seems lost. Offer a neighbor a ride. Form block clubs and be your neighbor’s keeper. Begin again to open schools and institutions for after-school activities and tutoring. Re-establish outreach programs, summer camps, academic programs focused on sciences, math, writing and technology. Establish real job training programs and threaten boycotts of those industries that refuse to let our youth in, like Silicon Valley. Open doors to creating independent small business and take advantage of the tech age and create new social media tech like Tik Tok, even a Black Facebook. The ultimate answer Police violence can only at best be minimized (until folks are ready to take on the system) by continuing to demand that the cops be prosecuted every time they do something to us. And by standing with families who have lost loved ones to police violence and demanding that ALL THE CASES BE REOPENED! And we will have to demand that the system of policing as we know it be brought to an end. And be willing to fight until that happens. At the end of the day what ails us all is this system, this low-down, filthy, rotten, murderous, necrophiliac system that teaches us to doubt and even hate ourselves, which exploits, oppresses, limits our potential, dampens our spirits, ambitions and even kills our bodies. We can only defeat it by understanding it and resisting it and by locking arms, laying down dumb unnecessary divisions and standing together and demanding and fighting for the kind of society fit for ALL human beings. A society free of White Supremacy, borders and discrimination of all kinds. One that allows every person to make a decent living and provides a roof over every head, food in every belly, wellrounded quality education for every mind and a sense of dignity in every body.

Build community In the meantime what we Lem Seveer is a longtime jourcan do to deal with the com- nalist and commentary writer. munity violence is to rebuild real community: embrace the

June 3-June 9, 2021

Tulsa Continued from page 1

The attack What supposedly and officially ignited the furor was a White teenaged woman, Sarah Page accusing a Black youth, 19-year-old Dick Rowland, of assault. While charges were eventually dropped, authorities grabbed the offending Black man and locked him up. Rowland would later be exonerated as it was determined he tripped and tried to brace his fall by grabbing the White girl. Upon hearing that White virtue had been undermined by a Black male, word began to circulate among White citizens that Rowland should be lynched. Black folks, some among them World War I veterans, heard the rumors and determined that there would be no lynching in their city. They armed themselves and headed downtown, where they were met by a large crowd of Whites who had gathered outside the Tulsa courthouse and jail. The local mainstream press, the Tulsa Tribune, helped instigate and incite the White population with the headline, “Nab Negro for Attacking Girl in Elevator” and a story designed to inflame White sen-

sibilities. Though law enforcement had promised that their prisoner would be protected, they did not disperse the crowd. When a former law enforcement and city official tried to disarm a Black man in the crowd, the gun went off. That shot was the round that doomed Black Tulsa. Whites broke into sporting goods stores and armed themselves. Law enforcement deputized them, reportedly saying, “Get a gun and get a n***er.” Whites systematically attacked Greenwood early in the morning the next day, June 1, 1921. Black Tulsa was attacked with machine guns and planes flying overhead dropping dynamite and flammable liquids on buildings. No one knows the official death count, but it is estimated that at least 300 Blacks were murdered and several Whites were killed by Blacks defending themselves. No insurance claims for property loss were ever paid to Black proprietors. According to survivors, Whites looted Black stores and Black homes, then lit them on fire to cover up their thievery, which some said was the primary purpose of the massacre—Black dispossession. Many believe that Tulsa’s Whites had long been looking for an excuse to rob

Unsolved

their community. Survivors pointed out that Whites let many of them live when they came out of their houses, making it easier to loot the homes before torching them. Not all were so favored: The mob murdered one of the best surgeons in Oklahoma, White or Black,

source as Black success itself. Anti-lynching crusader and journalist Ida B. Wells had acknowledged that lynching was “an excuse to get rid of Negroes who were acquiring wealth and property and thus keep the race terrorized and keep the n-g-ers down.” This flies in the face of the idea

“Public displays of Black prosperity and self-reliance were inherently inflammatory and too much for White society.” while he was at his home. The White Tulsa power structure blamed the pogrom on the Black folks who tried to prevent the lynching, even charging two of the more successful Black leaders with inciting a riot—A.J. Smitherman, the publisher of the African American newspaper the Tulsa Star, and J.B. Stradford, a successful entrepreneur who owned one of the largest Black hotels in the country, The power structure also cited as an indirect cause of the pogrom “agitation among the Negroes for social equality.” Envy of Black success When the question is asked what drove Whites to such a murderous and hateful rage, some point to the

that Blacks are despised for failing to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. “The colored people of Tulsa have accumulated property, have established stores and business organizations,” said W.E.B DuBois at the time. According to the scholar activist, “Public displays of Black prosperity and self-reliance were inherently inflammatory and too much for White society. They [Blacks] feel their independent position and have boasted that in their community there have been no cases of lynching. With such a state of affairs it took only a spark to start a dangerous fire.” Tulsa massacre historian Hannibal Johnson had an explanation as well. “The Greenwood pioneers parlayed Jim Crow into an economic ad-

vantage. They seized the opportunity to create a closed market system that defied Jim Crow’s fundamental premise: African-American incompetence and inferiority. The success of the Greenwood District, given the prevailing racial pecking order, could scarcely be tolerated, let alone embraced, by the larger community,” he said. The pogrom occurred on the heels of the Red Summer of 1919 in which cities all over the U.S., most notably East St. Louis and Chicago, exploded in White racist terror aimed at Black people and Black success. Oklahoma State Sen. Kevin Matthews has said that what inspired the massacre “was jealousy and envy.”

5

renewal and eminent domain, which allowed for seizures of Black property to run the interstate highway system right through urban Black America. A Guardian headline read “Biden visits Tulsa to honor victims of race massacre.” But the headline is a misnomer to many who consider reparations to the survivors and the families of those victimized as the best way to honor their memory. “You can kill the people, but you cannot kill the voice of the blood,” said Rev. William Barber at a Tuesday ceremony to commemorate the dead. And the blood can’t rest until reparations come. You can’t cover over the blood by trying to make a tourist event out of a tragedy,” “People in positions of power, many just like you, have told us to wait,” testified 106-year-old Greenwood survivor Lessie Benningfield Randle. “Others have told us it’s too late. It seems that justice in America is always so slow, or not possible for Black people. And we are made to feel crazy just for asking for things to be made right.”

The aftermath Despite opposition, Black Tulsa rebuilt. According to historians, by the early 1940s the Greenwood District boasted more than 200 Blackowned businesses. Black Wall Street regained its former glory, at least temporarily. In subsequent decades the community declined, brought down by what some called the “second destruction of Greenwood.” It was Mel Reeves welcomes reader plagued by the same issues responses to mreeves@spokesthat hindered, undermined man-recorder.com. and destroyed the development of Black urban communities all over the U.S.: urban

state police killed an unarmed Black man, Richard Greene, a video of his death was finally leaked to the press. The video proves police lied when they said he died from injuries after his car hit a tree. Although no one was charged in the 2019 death, Louisiana state police said publishing the body cam footage of the violent arrest of Greene that caused his death is “premature” and “not authorized.” “I just think the details that we do know are awfully suspicious for the police being involved,” said Christine Rangen, Gaari’s midwife. And the fact that they haven't come forward with any information seems like they're hiding something. There’s a lot of people that were there, over a dozen witnesses, and nobody knows what happened?” She believes if they were a White family they wouldn’t be treated this way.

“What does it say about our country for his life to be cut down so short and for his widow to be left without answers or even a police report from those who claim to be sworn to protect them?” Gaari and her late husband Ahmed spent most of their lives in a refugee settlement in Ethiopia. They came to the U.S. on refugee visas in 2015 with their two daughters. Gaari gave birth to four more children since arriving in Minnesota, including their sixth child, a baby named Abdinasir born after Ahmed was killed.

Jadon Blackmon Jones said she has not received answers about who killed her son. She said her son was killed closer to 1 am based on the phone call she received around 1:18 from a relative who told her that her son had been shot. She believes, based on that call, that her son had been shot earlier before the car crash and the teens he was riding with were taking him to the hospital when they crashed into the Lyft driver’s car. She said the MPD has been in constant contact but they have confused her and her family in their search for the truth. Police told Jones that they have a 14-year-old suspect who was arrested on May 26 for missing a court date. “They say they have a suspect but are not able to charge him with murder. I don’t understand that or why they told me not to contact the family of Ahmed Badal,” she said.

Surveillance videos Despite what the chief told the family of Badal, police detectives told both families that there was street surveillance at the intersection of the accident and they have secured the video. According to several residents who witnessed the aftermath of the murders and car accident, there was a female police officer in a sedan parked in the bike lane on 28th Avenue who raced to the silver car with what appeared to be a first aid kit. Police reported that the first officer on the scene was from Metro Transit. It is likely that the officer’s body cam and dash cam would have captured the shooter and any other people or cars involved. Video footage has proved instrumental in solving many cases, especially in police-involved misconduct. Two years after Louisiana

Attorney Mike Freeman, the City of Minneapolis, the MPCA, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Hennepin County Health Department and the Minnesota Department of Health. The MCEA is currently working on a case with CMEJ to help put an end to air pollution in North Minneapolis. CMEJ, a coalition of members based in north Minneapolis, is especially committed to addressing environmental injustices that dis-

proportionately affect Minneapolis neighborhoods. The organization welcomes anyone who is interested in fighting environmental racism, including youth. Several young people have taken an active role. “They started to see the work that I was trying to lead and do, and they offered to support me,” O’Brien said. While the struggle against Northern Metal has become the group’s latest priority, according to O’Brien, they have won a few other battles.

“These are the signs, these are the O’Brien said that if the metal shredder is not shut down permanently, red flags, and if we ignore them we might have to pay a higher price. I’m not willing to pay that price, so that’s why I keep going.”

senator from Minnesota. “I think they found good agreement around issues of racial profiling, chokeholds, Continued from page 1 and I hope about eliminating noAmong the Floyd bill’s key provi- knock warrants.” Although disappointed that sions are ending qualified immunity for police officers and establishing a nation- President Biden’s May 25 deadline al standard for police use of force that requires its use be necessary and a last resort. According to reports, Republicans mostly oppose doing away with qualified immunity. “Cory told me that they’d spent a lot of hours trying to hash it out and make progress,” explained Smith. “It’s well known that the discussion around qualified im- wasn’t met, Smith said, “The need munity is a big part of the challenge. for reforms to policing and public What I can say [publicly] is I know safety are hundreds of years overthat they’re trying to find ways to due. Obviously they’re not going to hit the May 25 goal with the Presiwork it through. “I also believe that it is very, very dent, but he [Booker] feels like there important that we have some sort of is a real chance that they could do a strong national standard for police something significant. “There are important steps in the use of force,” continued the junior

right direction. Getting better accountability is what we all want.” Smith also noted the importance of two of the Senate’s three Black senators, Booker and Scott, are very involved in making the Floyd bill work for both parties. “I think Scott is swimming upstream against his party to try to do something, because he himself knows what it feels like to be profiled as a Black man.” Scott is the GOP’s only Black senator. A second police reform-related bill, the Supporting Innovation in Public Safety Act, was authored by Smith. If passed, it would help state, local and Tribal governments to pursue innovative policing reform. “I really think we should be thinking about public safety and not law enforcement, because they should be about everybody being safe, feeling safe and secure in their homes and their neighborhoods and our

communities,” stated Smith. “My bill would set up a new kind of grant program that would specifically support innovation in public safety and innovation in reforming how policing happens. “It has been included in Sen. Booker’s negotiations [on the Floyd bill],” she said, adding that her bill can be a separate piece of legislation as well. Smith said she shares the same frustrations that many citizens have on why Congress can’t seem to pass meaningful legislation. Many believe that the current Senate filibuster rule, a longstanding tactic used by the minority party to block legislation it opposes, might need to go. “One of the reasons that we see this gridlock in the Senate is because the minority is the Republican Party—they are always trying to stop progress,” she complained. “This is why I believe that we need to get rid of or severely reform the filibuster. It

Continued from page 1 you have any idea who killed him?’ They were looking for information.” She also recalled the young man saying, “‘The police told us there were seven African American guys… and they are the ones who shot the guy in the vehicle.’ So completely, I suspect that guy.” “They were saying the 15-yearold got killed in Ahmed’s car, but he wasn’t,” said Nesri Abdi, Gaari’s 19-year-old sister, referring to Blackmon. But there is no evidence of Blackmon having been a passenger in Badal’s car. MSR has confirmed that according to Blackmon’s mother Romisha Jones, her son Jaden was definitely inside the wrecked silver car.

Northern Continued from page 1 lease to the City of Minneapolis. According to CMEJ, there is no record of Northern Metal’s lease, which makes it difficult to determine whether the company has violated any contractual agreements. O’Brien said all of the demands have been sent to Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County

Gridlock

“We need to get rid of or severely reform the filibuster.”

“How many chances does Northern Metal get?”

Marjaan Sirdar is a freelance writer and the host of the People Power Podcast. He is a great-grandchild of Black Power icons, the Honorable Elijah and Clara Muhammad of the Nation of Islam.

Samantha De Leon welcomes reader responses to sdeleon@spokesman-recorder.com.

she anticipates it will continue to have an adverse effect on the North Minneapolis community. is a recipe for slowing down progress: The filibuster was designed to slow down process and progress.” Smith said that a year after protests against police violence and other racial inequities sparked across the country by George Floyd’s murder last May amidst a pandemic, systemic change still is needed. “I think one of the good things about COVID, as terrible as it has been, as painful as it has been, is that this last 15 months has made it virtually impossible for people to look away from the racial injustice in our society anymore.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.

6

June 3-June 9, 2021

Business

Cajun Life restaurant re-emerges at Maplewood Mall

The restaurant serves up flavorful sandwich combos that consist of Cajun shrimp, catfish, and gators. Customers can add sides to their order like Cajun potatoes and Cajun rice with beef or shrimp. The flavorful Cajun corn is also on the menu. The price ranges from $1 to $24.95. The Cajun Life owners place an emphasis on having a strong work ethic. They’ve hired young people, some of whom are fam-

Cajun Life

Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Ashley Lauren If you’re looking for a flavorful variety of appetizing Cajun and Creole cuisine, look no further than Cajun Life. Local entrepreneurs Darnell Dubra and Roz Barnes are the owners of the restaurant, which primarily offers seafood. Their welcoming establishment is located at the Maplewood Mall in Maplewood. Dubra and Barnes established the well-known Cajun Life brand in 2018. They previously conducted business on Payne Avenue in St. Paul. The restaurant relocated to Maplewood Mall on March 6, 2021. They’ve experienced rapid success in a short period of time since reopening. The business has grown tremendously over the last three years: “From the hallways to the mall ways,” said Dubra. The owners are humbled and thrilled about the new move. “It’s been great—came a long way from Payne Avenue,” said Dubra. There’s a profound backstory of the Cajun Life enterprise. Both of the owners grew up in St. Paul. Dubra attended Arlington High School. Barnes graduated from Central High School. The two started out as rivals before estab-

When the MSR visited Cajun Life, the team members worked

(l-r) Owners Roz Barnes and Darnell Dubra Photos by Ashley Lauren as a collective in a fast and efficient manner. They showcased phenomenal work ethic and customer service and exuded a high level of professionalism. There was a steady and consistent flow of customers. Everyone seemed to work well under pressure as the orders came rolling in. Customers can expect to experience high-quality and delicious Cajun seasoned seafood. The Louisiana flavors are infused throughout their mouthwatering cuisines. All items on the menu are “straight from down South—

The Cajun Life team at work lishing a brotherhood and outstanding business partnership. Dubra elaborated, “We were rival gang members—now we’re bros.” He added, “Now, we own all of our companies together.” Aside from operating their restaurant, the business-savvy entrepreneurs have generated multiple streams of income. They’ve invested capital in various business ventures. “People don’t know that me and my business partner buy and sell companies; we go in there, buy em’ out, change the concept or make the concept better, triple the value,” said Dubra. He added, “People just think we’re into the restaurant.” But they’ve successfully invested capital in a “hair salon, nail salon, transportation company,” said Dubra.

it’s something you won’t find in the Midwest anywhere,” said Dubra. He added, “Everything is from scratch and that’s why we stand out, everything is fresh.” There’s an array of delicious, premium, and decadent options on the menu. Customers can order their signature seafood boil with mild, hot, or dragon seasoning. Patrons can request Cajun peel shrimp, snow crab legs, crawfish, mussels, and/or lobster tail, with a side of broccoli and/or eggs. The corn and Cajun potatoes accent the meal perfectly. Also on the menu: Cajun catfish, wings, dry rub wings, lemon pepper wings, fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, gator nuggets, and fried lobster tail. Patrons can also add cheese and/or the signature Cajun Life sauce.

ily members. The goal is to guide, uplift, and teach the youth lifelong lessons. Dubra said, “I know what the game is—I don’t feel sorry for people when they say they’re tired. No excuses.” Hard work pays off. The dedicated businessmen value social responsibility. “We give everybody jobs—donate to the homeless, the schools—all you gotta do is ask and we doing it.” When the owners aren’t at work, they spend time giving back to the community and are compassionate about creating economic opportunities, especially for our youth. Although business is a success, there are challenging moments. Dubra said the most difficult aspects are “studying consumers, buying and selling products overall.” Despite obstacles, they’ve adopted a positive attitude, remain resilient and innovative. When asked about the rewarding aspects of operating a business, Dubra said, “Satisfying people … and the money too. If you don’t have money, you don’t have options.” He also cited the ability to create jobs and inspire others. The owners aspire to “give the youth hope.” “Don’t give up,” Dubra encouraged young people. “Don’t let nobody control or impact how you feel or how you think. If it’s not right, it’s not right.” He added, “You would never know that you can fly if you don’t take that leap of faith. We take risks and gambles every day. Try it on something good, something great.” Cajun Life is located at 3030 Maplewood Mall Dr. in Maplewood, MN. Business hours are Monday through Sunday, from 11 am to 7 pm. For more info, visit Facebook.com/cajunlifestpaul or call (651) 777-6553.

The MSR Celebrates the Class of 2021! If you're a graduating high school or college senior, we would like to celebrate you and your achievements in the paper. Please send us the graduate's name, parents/guardians' names, the name of the school they're graduating from, and future plans. Submit the graduate info and a jpeg of the graduate to graduationcelebration@ spokesman-recorder.com or visit spokesman-recorder.com and complete the online form. Deadline: All entries must be received no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, June 9, 2021

June 3-June 9, 2021

Arts & Culture

7

Legendary ensemble leads charge for social justice can Americans, is more than art, it’s a form of life,” said Hines. “Through the transatlantic slave trade and 350 years of the Since the 2020 murder of George most brutal form of slavery, muFloyd, all eyes have been cast upon sic was at the core of our sanMinneapolis. The city has remained ity and a source of inspiration. It a hotbed of attention throughout the was also a guidance for us durtrial and conviction of former MPD ing the darkest of times. So, as the officer Derek Chauvin, the ongo- Sounds of Blackness, it is imporing trial deliberations for the other tant we carry on this tradition.” former officers charged with Floyd’s death, and the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s passing. Amid the fight for equality has emerged a wave of music that has captured the mood of Black America. Marquis Taylor Contributing writer

2020’s “Sick and Tired,” a song released by the Twin Citiesbased ensemble Sounds of Blackness, is a direct reflection of the pent-up frustrations experienced by both Black Minnesotans and the Black community at large. Inspired by the proclamation of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, “Sick and Tired” is a modern composition of Hamer’s declarative statement as told through the music of the legendary ensemble. For original Sounds of Blackness member and longtime musical director Gary Hines it also represents a greater social responsibility and an adherence to historical tradition. “Music, especially in the tradition of African people and Afri-

stations agree that the message is good and that the sound is contemporary. Yet they’re also more concerned with offending people, and by people, I mean the corporate conglomerates that now control Black radio. “KMOJ and WBLS in New York are among the few stations that have played and supported the record. Again, nothing is

day, we cancelled rehearsals and nally called the ‘Macalester Black Voices.’ That group was founded joined in on the protests. “There were thousands of by a guy out of Beaumont, Texas people protesting. But one of the named Russell Knighton. We

“Many stations...they’re also more concerned with offending people, and by people, I mean the corporate conglomerates that now control Black radio. “

The driving force behind “Sick and Tired” according to Hines, were the murders of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmad Arbury. While the song’s message and genuine intent has been positively received, it has struggled to gain the full support of radio that has been apprehensive to play the record. “The response for the song has been very overwhelming. Many people have said it’s one of our best records to date based on its impact and overall message,” explained Hines. “But on the business side of things, radio has been very hesitant to play the record. Many

wrong with the record, it’s just that radio stations are more concerned with offending sponsors these days.” Outside of music, Hines and other group members have remained actively involved in various rallies, protests, and other stances against social injustice. Floyd’s murder and Chauvin’s trial has only deepened their commitment. “I live eight blocks from the courthouse, right on the edge of downtown, so all of this affects me daily. George Floyd was also killed five blocks from where the Sounds of Blackness rehearses at the Sabathani Community Center. There’s a closeness all around. In fact, the day he was killed, which was on a Mon-

Submitted photo things that stood out was hearing people play our song ‘Black Lives Matter.’ This reinforced that music is always at the heart of every movement.” For every celebratory moment and momentous occasion, the Sounds of Blackness has amplified Black excellence through their rich catalog of songs. Known largely for their timeless classics such as “Optimistic” and “Soul Holidays,” the renowned ensemble will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, a quiet accomplishment for a group that is recognized for their international prominence. “We started out in January 1971 at Macalester College,” Hines recalled. “Many people don’t know this, but we were origi-

wanted to carry on the tradition of Duke Ellington, who most people associate with jazz, but made music in every sound of Blackness. “So, the name change was inspired by Duke Ellington. In fact, many people would see the name ‘Sounds of Blackness’ and would think that the group was based out of Detroit, Atlanta, New York, or L.A., and not Minneapolis. But we wanted people to know about the amazing sound we were creating in the Twin Cities.” Celebrations across the Twin Cities are on tap throughout the year to commemorate the group’s 50th anniversary. Also, scheduled to be released is a song called “Reparations,” which

aims to carry on the tradition of empowering Black anthems. While Hines and the Sounds of Blackness have been more than willing to lend their gifts to causes related to social justice, they recognize that a collective effort is needed to evoke change. With this, Hines is quick to offer advice to artists that may be hesitant to utilize their voice during this trying time. “I’d encourage all artists, especially younger artists, to donate and designate at least a portion of their artistry to the movement and to the struggle. Nobody’s asking today’s artists to be the Sounds of Blackness or to forsake your groove and identity. But what you can do is find ways to incorporate a portion of our struggle and consciousness into what you do as an artist. “Marvin Gaye made songs like ‘Sexual Healing’ along with ‘Inner City Blues’ and ‘What’s Going On,’ which spoke about current issues. So, artists today can at least incorporate some of the things that are going on into their music.” “Sick and Tired” is available for streaming on all platforms. For more information on the Sounds of Blackness, visit their official website: www. soundsofblackness.org. Marquis Taylor welcomes readers’ responses to mtaylor@spokesmanrecorder.com.

MSR’s ‘Forefront’ celebrates Black Music Month

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”—Bob Marley

Hello everyone, it's good to see the season change! Springtime gives us a chance to clean out negativity and spring into the positive. Take time to declutter your home and improve who you associate with in your life. You can get rid of some of your old habits and bring in exciting, upbeat, and fun traditions.

Please don't take me for granted Dear Auntie,

I need to ask your advice on how you have your partner not take you for granted? What can I do to have him court me like when we first met? I love him, and I know he loves me.

Dear Reader,

As they say, this is a movie waiting to happen. When we first meet that special someone, we are flying high. Your partner can do no wrong—everything is exciting and new. But one day the real person comes out, and the work begins. Some people choose to go with the flow, which means choosing to settle: “It is what it is." But that would not be my choice. Relationships are a lot

Music can soothe, affirm, comfort, inform, and reach places and spaces where words often fail. Black Music Month, recognized in the U.S. each June since 1979, presents the perfect time to embrace and appreciate the power and role that music has played in the African of work, and if you don't speak American experience. up when something is bothering The Minnesota Spokesyou, you will resent the person. man-Recorder (MSR) is helpThen you end up telling all your ing to kick off Black Music business to who you think may Month in print and digitally care, whom you think are your with its roundtable series friends. “Forefront.” Throughout the The biggest mistake that any- month of June, the show will body can make in a relationship feature roundtable discusis to tell everybody but the per- sions with media veterans, son involved the problems in the tastemakers, musicians and relationship. Most of the time, artists that highlight the richpeople don't want to hear about ness of Black music. your relationship unless there is The first show in the sesome good gossip. I would let him know how you are feeling and give your partner an example. Make sure that you are not taking your partner for granted. Remember to enjoy your time together, and if your partner has been thinking of things for the two of you to do, maybe it's time for you to consider some fun activities for you to do together. Always be honest with yourself about what or who is being taken for granted. Drop me a line about this topic or whatever is on your mind. Remember, it's up to you who make the final decision. Contact Dear Auntie @ dearauntie@spokesman-recorder.com.

ries features veteran journalist Robyne Robinson, a MN Broadcasting Hall of Fame honoree, art entrepreneur and moderator; Marquis Taylor, an educator, podcast host, content creator and arts and culture journalist; and legendary KMOJ radio personality Walter “Q Bear” Banks, whose history with the Twin Cities music scene spans decades. Catch the series on June 3 & 17 on the MSR’s social media channels. More Info About the First Show: What: MSR Forefront: Black Music Month Celebration Where: MSR Facebook and YouTube Channels When: June 3 @ 6 PM Who: Marquis Taylor, Robyne Robinson and Walter “Q Bear” Banks MSR’s Forefront, and its popup offshoot MSR Bulletin are

ongoing digital roundtable dis- justice. cussions that center voices from the community to discuss the For more information, visit state of Black Minnesota amid msrnewsonline.com. ongoing calls for systemic racial

8

June 3-June 9, 2021

June 3-June 9, 2021

State of Minnesota

District Court Wright Court File Number: 86-FA-21-326 Case Type: Dissolution without Children

In Re the Marriage of Alexey Pederson Petitioner Summons (Check One) and X Without Real Estate With Real Estate Anita Ramirez Respondent THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: WARNING: Your spouse has filed a lawsuit against you for the 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 understand it, contact an attorney for legal advice. The Petitioner (your spouse) has filed a lawsuit against you asking for a dissolution of your marriage (divorce). You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the Court a written Answer to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and you must pay the required filing fee. Answer forms are available from the Court Administrator’s office. You must serve your Answer 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, the Court may give your spouse everything he or she is asking for in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This proceeding involves, affects or brings into question the real property located at the following address: N/A (For a second property) This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address: N/A OR

X This proceeding does not involve real property

From Classified Department/MN Spokesman-Recorder

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

PROBATE MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

PHONE: 612-827-4021

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL FOR BILLING REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICE TO INQUIRIES CREDITORS In Re: Estate of

& TEARSHEETS

Philip G. Schmidt CONTACT , FILE NO. 27-PA-PR-21-508 PLEASE Deceased

ACCOUNTING DEPT @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: COM Notice is hereby given, that an application for informal probate of the above named decedent's last will dated July 15, 1992, has been filed with the Registrar herein, and the application has been granted informally probating such will. MARRIAGE Any DISSOLUTION objections may be filedOF in the above, and the same will be heard by the Court3 upon noticeRUN of hearing fixed for such purpose. WEEK

FLAT RATE Notice is hereby further$200.00 given thatPREPAID the informal appointment of Lawrence Anthony Schmidt, whose address is 4463 Reindeer Lane, Eagan MN 55123, and Francis John handles Schmidt, whose address is 505 Silver Thorne Drive, The MSR billing digitally. Columbia MO 65203, as co-personal representatives of the estate of the aboveThis means you will get e-tears e-mailed named decedent, has been made. Any heir, deviseeand or other interestedinvoices person specifically request a hard or copy. may unless be entitledyou to appointment as personal representative may object to the appointment of the 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 524.3607) and the Court otherwise orders.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS 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.

Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Probate Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.

Neither party may harass the other party.

Dated: May 24, 2021

All currently available insurance coverage must be maintained and continued without change in coverage or beneficiary designation

Alonna J. Warns Registrar

ProSe

Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer District Court Administrator

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 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. Dated: 05/17/21 Signed: Alexey Pederson, Otsego, MN

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder June 3 & 10, 2021

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT

FOURTH JUDICIAL

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN HEALTH DIVISION

PROBATE MENTAL

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder May 27 & June 3 & 10, 2021 In Re: Estate of

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

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

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS FILE NO.27-PA-PR-21-502

Andrew Story, FromEarlClassified

Department/MN

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Spokesman-Recorder Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative been filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for PHONE:has612-827-4021 probate. The application has been granted.

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. 3.This proceeding involves, affects, or brings into question the real property located at the following address: N/A X This proceeding does not involve real property. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS 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 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.

FOR NoticeBILLING is hereby given that informal appointment of Emily Story, whose address is 9706 Mill Creek Drive, Eden Prairie MN 55347, as personal repINQUIRIES resentative of the estate of the above-named decedent, has been made. Any heir, & TEARSHEETS devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative may object to the appointment of the personal representative PLEASEorCONTACT and the personal representative is empowered to fully administer the estate ACCOUNTING including, after 28 days from DEPT the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed with @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present same to said personal representative or to the DISSOLUTION OF the MARRIAGE Probate Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or 3 WEEK RUN said claims will be barred.

FLAT RATE $200.00 PREPAID

Dated: 5/19/21

Julie Peterson Registrar

The MSR handles billing digitally. Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices District Court Administrator unless you specifically request a hard copy.

9

From Classified Family and Community Department/MN Engagement Manager Spokesman-Recorder

Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) has an immediate opening for a full-time Family PHONE: 612-827-4021 and Community Engagement Manager. We are an African-centered family education and literacy center. Using a FOR BILLING culturally-specific, holistic and 2-generation approach, we work toINQUIRIES equip our children for success in school and life. & TEARSHEETS The position is responsible for managing implementation of NdCAD’s parent education programs and community outPLEASE CONTACT reach activities. We seek a highly motivated and self-directed ACCOUNTING DEPT individual to join our dynamic team. Candidate should have experience in program management, community outreach @ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.CO and team supervision as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have extensive experience and PROBATE relationships working within African/African American communities, have reliable transportation and be knowledgeable of critical issues and institutional barriers faced by families 2 WEEK RUN involved in MFIP/TANF and education/schooling systems. FLAT RATE $200.00 PREPAID Salary Range: $38-40,000 + benefits.

The MSR handles billing digitally. To apply, email resume cover to:and gevonee@ndcad. This means youand will get letter e-tears e-mailed invoices org. Deadline: June 15, 2021. unless you specifically request a hard copy.

Prep

Inner City All-Star Classic With the non-selection of players from both championships to Continued from page 10 the All-Metro team, former Minlineup for St. Agnes was selected neapolis North teammates Derek to the Star Tribune All-Metro Reuben—Mr. Basketball 1988— team. and Ralph Crowder created a venue showcasing the top Black metro boys’ basketball players in Washburn Head Coach Louis Boone, the Metro area. along with players Aaron Boone, In the first game, which was Adrian Patterson, Akeem Car- held in June 1994, Boone and Ghipenter, Eric Minea, Byron Suttles zoni served as coaches. The event, and Jason Collins, led the Millers which became known as the Into the Class AAClassified title with a 66-65 ner City All-Star Classic, was a From win overDepartment/MN Hopkins. yearly event held every June. A The victory culminated a seaSpokesman-Recordergirl’s game was added in 2001. son in which Washburn—which It was highly successful duralso sported an All-Black starting ing its 24-year run. By the time lineup—had no players from the it ended in 2017, the teams were PHONE: 612-827-4021 championship team selected to fully integrated. the All-Metro Yes, history was made in 1994. FORteam. BILLING The INQUIRIES Millers finished with a 27-1 record. Their only loss was Mitchell Palmer McDonald wel& TEARSHEETS to Minneapolis North, led by a comes reader responses to mcdeezy@ PLEASE CONTACT freshman point guard named gmail.com. ACCOUNTING DEPT Khalid El-Amin.

@ BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM PROBATE 2 WEEK RUN FLAT RATE $200.00 PREPAID

The MSR handles billing digitally. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices un you specifically request a hard copy. Leading players in the 24th and final Annual Inner City AllStar Classic as featured in the MSR: girls’ photos (l-r) Mikayla Homola, Aejah Lockett and Zaria Whitlock; boys’ photos (l-r) McKinley Wright IV, Jordan Horn and Gonar Mar. Photos by Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder May 27 & June 3, 2021

View Continued from page 10

other example where the whole league was unified and had some real strong messages.” The latest ESPN Films documentary "144" that premiered May 13 explored how the players dedicated the 2020 season to Breonna Taylor and other policerelated shootings. Los Angeles forward Chiney Ogwumike was executive producer. "Chiney did an amazing job on capturing how our lives were inside the bubble," teammate Amanda Zahui B told us. "It was emotional to watch.”

the players accomplished last year when faced with multiple crises at one time,” recalled the commissioner, “this is a heavy burden on the players to carry their messaging and their powerful statements that they’ve had about being women and women professional athletes and being even beyond the sports landscape.” “I think last year was a real pivotal time for the league,” added Charles Hallman welcomes Lindsay Whalen, retired WNBA player and now Minnesota WBB reader responses to challman@ coach. “We’ve always taken spokesman-recorder.com. stands. [Last] year was just an-

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

l auNa Q. NeWmaN CEO/Publisher 1976-2000

Norma JeaN Williams Vice President Emeritus

Senior Editor Jerry Freeman

Contributing Writers

Sports Writers

Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III

Charles Hallman

Community Editor Mel Reeves

Dr. Deirdre Golden

Dr. Mitchell P. McDonald

Aleezeh Hasan

Contributing Photographers

Dr. Clarence Hightower

Digital Editor Paige Elliott

Abeni Hill Dwight Hobbes

Desktop Publisher Jennifer Cherrier Jim Handrigan

Tiffany Johnson Brandon Jones

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

Onika Nicole Craven Steve Floyd Chris Juhn Travis Lee

Tony Kiene Juliet Mitchell Khymyle Mims Abdi Muhommed Monica Zorilla

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

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INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

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Sports

June 3-June 9, 2021

Gender inequities in sports coverage still glaring

L

indsay Gibbs and Tori Burstein of Power Plays, in their latest #Covering The Coverage look at this year’s Final Four, analyzed six newspapers’ coverage from March 31 (the day after both men’s and women’s NCAA Elite Eight completed) through April 5 (the day after the women’s national title game and the day of the men’s). They found that men’s college basketball gets about twice as much coverage as women’s college basketball. The following six newspapers were chosen because of their wide circulation around the country: USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and New York Times. The two women focused only

men’s stories and only five women’s stories. “It’s important for us to tally not just the number of stories but also the placement of stories,” wrote Gibbs. Of 90 total sports front page stories, there were 14.5 women’s front page stories and 25.6 men’s front-page stories. “When we started monitoring coverage,” said Gibbs, “the initial goal was to see media dedicate at least 33% of its coverage to women’s sports. The only paper that got even somewhat close to the 33% goal was the New York Times, which came in at 27.17%.” Gibbs continued, “Every single paper still overwhelmingly covered more men’s sports than women’s sports during our sixday span.” We did our own check on the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which each day at the top of its sports

looking at this data,” Gibbs told the MSR of her report. “Overall, there is still such a wide gap between coverage of women’s sports and coverage of men’s sports.” Sadly, between the Power Plays report and ours, nothing new was unearthed. Our simple solution is to even out the coverage, making these sports pages become equitable by gender. Editors must see women’s sports more favorably rather than only zeroing in on controversial topics such as the unequal facilities discovered during the NCAAs. That’s basically ambulance-chasing reporting “Women’s sports are moving in a direction in which people need to hop on now before it’s too late,” advised Los Angeles Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike during the team’s media day last

“Women’s sports are moving in a direction in which people need to hop on now before it’s too late.” front page says, “Top 10 Sports Section in the nation.” Our analysis, which took place during a four-day span (April 1-4), fell on the papers’ NCAA coverage. well below Gibbs and Burstein’s. The men got over 21% while the The Strib had two WBB and two women only got 11%. Five of the MBB front page stories each, but six newspapers had more men’s only once were there more women’s basketball stories (two) than coverage than women. The New York Times led in men’s (one). The final tally: five WBB stocovering women with 10 women’s tournament stories com- ries (4.5%) and eight MBB stories pared to 6.5 men’s stories. The (7%) out of 111 total sports stories. “I have a lot of mixed feelings LA Times was the worst with 33 Nneka Ogwumike Courtesy of Wikipedia

month. “It’s good that big events in women’s sports are starting to get their due,” said Gibbs. “But my hope is that reporters and editors will start including all women’s sports in their daily coverage plans.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader response to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

WNBA justice advocacy ‘not a one-and-done’

T

he WNBA players are the undisputed leaders in racial and social justice advocacy among pro athletes, but too often they are overshadowed by their male counterparts who have lagged behind in this effort in recent years. The WNBA Justice Movement established last season after the George Floyd murder and other police-related deaths of Blacks, remains in place as players work in their respective communities to combat racial and gender inequality. “I said last year [it was] not a one-and-done,” said League Commissioner Cathy Engelbert last month. “This year I think what you’ll be seeing is the players are going to be focused on health equity and civic engagement and voting rights—especially impacting communities of color on both of those topics,” Engelbert said. “To play for an organization that encourages its players to speak out on social and criminal justice issues…it makes it way easier to get your point across,” said Minnesota Lynx’s Sylvia Fowles. “When you know the organization’s got your back, you feel more free.” When a reporter last week asked her about the Chauvin verdict, the veteran center said, “We pay very, very close attention

Sylvia Fowles Courtesy of Lynx to things that’s going on. “We [as players] actually have a little organization within our team where we keep each other posted on things.” The WNBA for much of its 25-year existence has been out in front on racial and social justice issues, more so than any other pro sport, and long before it suddenly became fashionable among

“We’ve always taken stands.” many of today’s Black athletes. “I do think the social justice platform of the WNBA players has helped bring a different level of fan into our game that doesn’t watch the men’s game or doesn’t watch different sports,” said Engelbert. “They know what the WNBA players accomplished

last year.” And unlike other leagues, the W players are backed by the league. “Ultimately the players want to be about change, and they want to have their hand in that change. I think we’re in a better position to make sure our players feel that they’re continuing with their strong voice, with their strong platform,” declared Engelbert. “And much like last season, we’re still seeing injustices. We’ve seen what’s been happening in Minneapolis, the [Daunte Wright] shooting in [Brooklyn Center]. We’ve seen the Derek Chauvin] trial. We’ve seen the Asian American and Pacific Islanders hate crimes. All of this is still going on. “I think if you looked at what ■See View on page 9

Sports announcer Neal called ‘Voice of HBCU Sports’ By Charles Hallman Contributing writer Second of a three-part series A trailblazer is a pioneer, someone who's willing to take risks and blaze a new path for others to follow. This three-part series will feature several Black trailblazers in sports. Before it was sold to Viacom in 2000, Black Entertainment Television (BET) featured a starstudded cast of Black journalists and other personalities. Veteran broadcaster Charlie Neal was part of the network’s 20-year period of BET’s evolution beginning with its inception in 1980 until 2000. Neal was BET Sports anchor and play-by-play commentator on Black college football and basketball broadcasts. He was instrumental in providing exposure for HBCU institutions in features

and profiles of players, coaches and administrators. “We were going to do a game every weekend,” he recalled during an MSR interview. “This was an opportunity to expose you to a different university. That was very, very important.” After BET moved away from sports to become a more entertainment-based network, Neal joined ESPN, primarily doing play-by-play for HBCU football and basketball telecasts on ESPNU, beginning in 2005. Neal is “The Voice of HBCU Sports” with his signature baritone. “I’m very humbled that they called me that,” he said. Bryan Curtis in his December 2020 article in The Ringer titled “The Play-by-Play Pioneer Hiding in Plain Sight” quoted BET founder Bob Johnson, ESPN Play-by-Play James Verrett, and CBS’ James Brown among others on Neal’s impact on sports broadcasting. Curtis stressed

Charlie Neal Courtesy of Twitter that with his “announcerly aura,” Neal did for Black schools what the late Keith Jackson did on ABC each fall Saturday. “Charlie had all of the ingredients of a sports announcer. He had the style, the language, the knowledge,” said Johnson. Verrett called Neal “our Al Michaels…our Howard Cosell.” “He has done more Black

college football games and basketball games than anybody in the history of mankind,” noted Howard University Sports Information Director Ed Hill. “He was Mr. It on the Black college circuit,” added Brown, who once worked with Neal at BET. This trailblazer began his broadcasting career over 30 years ago as a radio disc jockey before he moved into television as a sportscaster in 1971 in Washington, D.C., a member of the first generation of Black local television anchors. Neal also worked

ily Channel). He called college sports for CBS and was the studio host for NBA telecasts for TNT. He reiterated that at nearly every stop in his broadcasting career he was the only Black sportscaster. Neal joined BET in 1980 to add Black college sports to the network’s regular programming. He picked former HBCU and NFL star Lem Barney as analyst, a partnership that lasted 23 years, two years longer than the moreheralded Pat Summerall and

“He has done more Black college football games and basketball games than anybody in the history of mankind.” in such markets as Detroit, New John Madden broadcast team. Johnson named Neal BET’s York and Philadelphia, and also worked for the now-defunct executive producer of sports in MBC (now the Black Fam- 1985. He hosted a weekly studio

show that featured many Black journalists of the time: Michael Wilbon, the late Ralph Wiley, Bryan Burwell and Roscoe Nance, and David Aldridge on BET. But the network stopped showing college football in 2005, and Neal eventually moved to ESPNU. He told us he’d “been able to witness and experience” many bigtime sporting events, such as the late legendary coach Eddie Robinson breaking Bear Bryant’s all-time wins record. “I was fortunate to work in major markets,” said Neal. “A lot of Black people when they start out [in sports broadcasting] don’t get a chance to get to Houston or Dallas or New York. When I said I’ve been very fortunate to be able to do this, I have no regrets.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader response to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

A critical moment in local prep sports history

PreP Scene Dr. Mitchell PalMer McDonalD

Editor’s Note: This is a reprint of last week’s column that includes three new photos and the identification of the players whose photos appeared in the previous column. On a day in March 1994, St. Agnes High School and Wash-

ter Jackson, Char Davis and Jahmai Phipps—along with teammates Craig Vaughn, Juan Taylor and Khamani Lloyd— led the Aggies to the Class A state crown by defeating Morris Area 78-71 and finishing with a 25-5 record. The victory was a culmination of a journey for Head Coach Dick Ghizoni and the four seniors. They had failed to reach Lester Jackson in 1994: The Derek Reuben co-founded the state tournament three years the Inner City All-Star Classic. slashing guard helped St. prior after arriving at the school Photo courtesy Vimeo Agnes capture the Class A Louis Boone (center) in 1994 coaching Minneapolis Washburn as freshman in 1990 with great state boys’ basketball title. during the Class AA state boys’ basketball tournament. They Photo by Kwame JC McDonald expectations. beat Hopkins for the title. Photo by Kwame JC McDonald Though McCoy, a 6’2” point guard, was selected as finalist for Here’s how it happened. burn High School won the Class ta State High School League ran a a public school in Minneapolis, Mr. Basketball that year, not one were champions. They also were A and Class AA boys’ basketball two-class system tournament. member of the All-Black starting St. Agnes, a Catholic school lo- players in a historical moment in St. Agnes titles respectively at the St. Paul Seniors Marlon McCoy, LesCivic Center when the Minneso- cated in St. Paul, and Washburn, local prep basketball. ■See Prep on page 9