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THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934
December 4 - 10, 2025
Vol. 92
No. 18
Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com
U.S. stops processing immigrant Minnesota’s Somali community requests following D.C. shooting at center of national debate over TPS, fraud claims By Jasmine McBride Editor
described Minnesota’s Somali does not understand the laws population as “ripping off our of this land,” Omar said. “The country and ripping apart that temporary protected status he Somali American once-great state,” citing health for Somalis expires in March community in Min- and human services fraud as 2026, and anyone with that nesota has become justification for his proposed status has 60 days after for it a focal point of policy change. If implemented, to have any impact on them. national controversy follow- the TPS termination would The president cannot termiing President Donald Trump’s directly affect roughly 430 So- nate that status for only one November 21 announcement mali immigrants in Minnesota, state. We see you, and we calling for the termination of many of whom have lived in stand with you.” Temporary Protected Status the state for decades. Attorney General Keith El-
Following a shooting in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration announced a pause on asylum decisions, citing public safety concerns. By Jasmine McBride Editor
“The safety of the American people always comes first.” The decision follows reASHINGTON marks from President Donald — Following a Trump, who called for a “sharp Thanksgiving crackdown” on immigration Day shooting from what he described as in Washington, D.C., that left “third world” countries. On one National Guard member Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I dead and another critically will permanently pause miinjured, the Trump adminis- gration from all Third World tration announced Friday it is Countries to allow the U.S. halting all asylum decisions, system to fully recover. Only REVERSE MIGRATION can citing public safety concerns. Joseph Edlow, director of fully cure this situation.” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said the Shooter and immigration agency is pausing decisions context Authorities identified the “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwthe maximum degree possible.” al, a 29-year-old Afghan national On social media, Edlow added, admitted to the United States in
2021 after working with the CIA to fight the Taliban. Lakanwal was involved in an ambush-style attack in the nation’s capital. While Trump described the incident as a “terrorist attack” and called Lakanwal a “savage monster,” Afghan community leaders urged caution against stereotyping an entire population. “Even as we pursue accountability, one individual’s The Somali community of Minnesota is at the center of a national debate over Temporary alleged actions cannot be al- Protected Status and allegations of fraud in state programs. lowed to define, burden, or lison echoed Omar’s concerns, endanger entire communi- (TPS) for Somali immigrants. Political leaders push back Congresswoman Ilhan noting that while presidents ties who had no part in this The president linked the comtragedy,” said Ashraf Haid- munity to widespread fraud Omar strongly condemned have authority over TPS desari, founder and president of in state programs, sparking the rhetoric, praising state ignations, they cannot wield Displaced International, which pushback from civil rights and federal lawmakers for that power to discriminate provides support to displaced groups, political leaders, and standing with the Somali com- against a particular ethnic munity. “It is unfortunate that group or target a single state. local officials. people worldwide. In public remarks, Trump we are led by a president who ■ See SOMALI on page 5 ■ See SHOOTING on page 5
Minnesota honors Gordon Parks with living memorial Cultural and educational impact The Minnesota Humanities Center, a legacy-funded organization and partner in the project, pledged long-term educational collaboration. “By sharing how you see the world, you can shape and impact the direction of the world,” said Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota
Humanities Center. “Gordon Parks’ life proves that every person matters, every child matters, and that’s a powerful lesson for Minnesota.” Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, emphasized the homegrown roots of Parks’ journey. “It means so much to remind people that Gordon Parks started his photography
career right here at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, formerly known as the Minneapolis Spokesman.” she said. “His legacy is part of our legacy.” Officials envision a broader ecosystem attributable to Parks’ influence, including a permanent Gordon Parks exhibit at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. ■ See GORDON on page 5
described the project as both historical and aspirational. “Gordon Parks was more than a photographer, he was a storyteller. He was a fighter for justice,” Hussein said. “He showed the world what dignity should look like. I want my kids to look at downtown St. Paul one day and say, ‘I can be like him. I can dream.’” Hussein emphasized that Legislative backing across the memorial also addresses chambers State Rep. Samakab Husse- long-standing inequities in in (DFL–St. Paul), who carried who is honored in public spacthe companion legislation in es, providing a platform for the House and serves as vice historically underrepresented chair of Legacy and Finance, voices. Gordon Parks’ “Raising Old Glory,” Southfields, New York, 1943
The Gordon Parks Foundation
By Scott Selmer Assigning Editor n a snow-lashed winter afternoon on Nov. 30 at Landmark Center, Minnesota lawmakers, cultural leaders, and members of the Gordon Parks family formally announced the creation of the Gordon Parks Living Memorial, a long-awaited public tribute to the legendary photographer, filmmaker, author, and humanitarian whose artistic journey began in Minnesota and reshaped global culture. The announcement coincided with what would have been Parks’ birthday and came just months ahead of the 20th anniversary of his death in 2026, marking a poignant moment of reflection and forward-looking purpose. “This is a monumental statement that we are making as a society,” said State Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL–St. Paul), chair of the Senate Legacy Committee and chief author of the memorial legislation. “The Living Memorial to Gordon Parks must be completed because it honors one of America’s greatest storytellers. Gordon Parks represents the very best of Minnesota and the very best of St. Paul.” The Minnesota Legislature approved $150,000 in initial Legacy Amendment funding to launch the memorial’s de-
Gordon Parks (1912–2006), influential American photographer, filmmaker, and writer, will be honored with a new Living Memorial in St. Paul. Parks rose from a challenging childhood to become a celebrated photojournalist for “Life” magazine, a filmmaker, author, and humanitarian. Creative Hall of Fame velopment. Additional funds will be raised through public and private partnerships. Unlike traditional monuments, the memorial is being designed as a living space for education, youth engagement, and artistic development, rather than solely a physical statue.