PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
To Subscribe Scan Here
THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934 April 9 - 15, 2026
Vol. 92
No. 36
Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com
How Twin Cities murals are telling nature’s story By Anya Armentrout Contributing Writer
s part of our April theme, “Sustaining the Future,” the MSR highlights murals across the Twin Cities as powerful expressions of community voice and advocacy. These works of art bring truth, history and vibrant color to our neighborhoods, serving not just as decoration, but as catalysts for awareness, connection and lasting change.
“Spring Creek Symphony” by Taylor Berman, 2024 Located at Cocoon House on University Avenue in St. Paul, this mural pays tribute to the life surrounding streams. The creatures that swim through them, soar above them, and dart along their banks. Trout glide through the current as prey to the eagles looming nearby, while those same trout hunt the dragonflies hovering around them. The composition captures nature’s web of dependence in a single, sweeping scene.
Monarch Butterfly Migration by Roger Peet and Barry Newman Located in Midtown Minneapolis, this mural honors the endangered Monarch Butterfly and the enduring spirit of migration. For many immigrant communities in the Twin Cities, the butterfly has become a powerful symbol of transition, and a reminder that movement and resilience are woven into the fabric of identity. ■ See MURALS on page 5
Rondo CLT plans community- Sister Spokesman plants seeds centered future for former of community at spring gathering St. Paul Sears By Damenica Ellis Staff Writer
By Damenica Ellis Staff Writer he Rondo Community Land Trust has acquired the former Sears site in St. Paul. The 17-acre site, vacant since 2019, will be redeveloped into residential, commercial and community centered spaces following more planning and discussion with community members, according to the nonprofit. “This acquisition represents an important step in returning land to community centered stewardship,” said Mikeya Griffin, president and CEO of the land trust. “The former Sears site holds deep historical weight for the Rondo community and we approach this with responsibility and care.” As a daughter of Rondo, Griffin, said this new develop-
passed it on to her. It is now tiford said. “You will multiply three large plants ready to be beyond the pot’s capability to divided into six pots, a living hold.” Kemi Okoya, attending a omen filled metaphor, she said, for resilSister Spokes- ience and growth. Sister Spokesman event for “The resilience is in the the first time, said the afterman’s soldout April room and even if sometimes noon was refreshing. event Saturday, April 4, for the people around you forget “I liked the idea that they’re “The Earth Bounces Back, and to water you, they overlook bringing women together as a So Do I.” The event featured you, are unkind to you, you community,” she said. raffles, food and a hands-on can still grow when you get Attendees moved to the planting activity at Bachman’s put into the right hands,” Pet■ See SS on page 5 floral shop in Minneapolis to kick off spring. After a warm welcome from Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, singer Jamela Pettiford, a recent MSR “On the Radar” feature, performed. Before singing, Pettiford shared a personal story about Former Sears building in St. Paul, located at 425 Rice St. a plant that has followed her Damenica Ellis/MSR family for generations. Growing up, her family kept a plant ment is about preserving and 94. on a windowsill, grown from “We are going to make a cutting her grandmother forwarding the legacy of the historically Black neighbor- something happen,” she said. had gifted her father. When hood displaced by Interstate ■ See RONDO on page 5 her parents moved, her father Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Duncan/MSR
Back to the barbershop: A call for Black male mentors By Jasmine McBride Editor
storytelling and discussion lower their guard and address about men’s wellness with a deeper issues before turning concrete goal: recruiting Black outward to mentor others. men to serve as mentors for “In order to go out and help ore than 40 Twin Cities youth. For Thomp- the community, we have to men gathered son, whose organization has deal with the things that men at Urban Touch served thousands of young are struggling with,” Bell said. Barbershop in people across Minneapolis, “Like the analogy on the plane, South Minneapolis on March Rochester and St. Paul in its 33 put your own oxygen mask 29 for an event that was equal years, the need is urgent. parts community reunion and on before helping others. We “There are young men that need to take care of ourselves call to action. The 2026 Barneed to see somebody that before we can take care of bershop Final Four Men’s Welllooks like them, that cares others, and while we’re doing ness and Mentor Recruitment Photo by Darlene Bell about them, that has walked so, we want them to know that Kick-Off, hosted by Twin Cities in the same shoes,” Thomp- we need them as mentors.” CARES Mentoring Movement The barbershop setting of comfort,” Thompson said. son said. “To go into a room and Bolder Options, brought brothers arrived, the atmoBell, who grew up on the together four generations of sphere felt like stepping back was intentional. For Darrell “There’s camaraderie, laugh- and see 25 other men of color, south side of Chicago surBlack men, young boys, fathers, into the heart of the tradition- Thompson, president and ter… Sometimes it’s serious, that was impactful to all of us.” rounded by negative influences, Curtis Bell, who co-leads said his personal experience uncles, grandfathers and faith al barbershop,” said Darlene CEO of Bolder Options, the sometimes it’s sports, someleaders in a space designed to Bell, co-chair of Twin Cities choice of venue spoke directly times it’s spiritual. That ele- Twin Cities CARES alongside shaped his commitment to ment is impactful.” his wife Darlene, said the bar- the work. He credits mentors, CARES. “Real conversations to the event’s purpose. feel familiar. The evening combined food, bershop setting helped men ■ See BARBERSHOP on page 5 “Barbershops have a sense “From the moment the unfolded naturally.”