Annual Alley Gathering with ASI’s FREE Neighborhood Night NEWS FLASH! DEC. 13 EPNI/Roof Depot Vote pg A 5 -8 pm. Messiah: See pg. 6 RAISED or RAZED pgs B & C New! KALY pg D KRSM pg 5 OF, BY, AND FOR ITS READERS SINCE 1976 DECEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 42, NUMBER 12 As the Crow Flies CAROLING WITH CROWS Phillips Neighborhood, Christmas 2016 BY THOMAS R. SMITH Lifting my gaze from twilight pavement Overhead, too, crows everywhere, flapping Some people came out to greet us, others held and shadowed porches. I’m not sure when through the lurid, smudged air like ash from back, facades preserving a solemn it happened. I suddenly saw them, some silence, whether of privacy, vacancy crows, hundreds, maybe thousands in the vast burning which perhaps was after all or sorrow. Yet smiles escaped our little burnt- simply the crows¹ Christmas, their excitable roving chorus, whether for our stumbles orange dusk, surrounding us in all cawing and clacking a kind of caroling over the carols’ verses in Spanish, or directions, clustered crows enough to re-leaf above our earthbound song, urging us out for having lit a few faces in windows the bare trees, great black choir-lofts of crows, from our less visible darkness to recognize and doorways of South Minneapolis. their dark notes strung on staves of the sky. also those angels of the nearer heavens.

Thomas R. Smith is a poet, essayist, editor, and teacher living in River Falls, Wisconsin. He teaches poetry at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His new and selected prose poems, Windy Day at Kabekona, will be out from White Pine Press in 2018. He is also working on a prose book about writing the nature poem in a time of pipelines, fracking, and climate change. Nowa Cumig: Dennis “As the Crow Flies” Frances Fairbanks Banks 1937-2017 and the Phillips 1929 – 2017 BY LAURA WATERMAN WITTSTOCK BY LAURA WATERMAN WITTSTOCK A tribute to a life well- Community An all-night begin- lived should not start with ning of the mahjon for a quarrel with the New York Frances Fairbanks took Times, but this instance is place on November 8th at an exception. On October the Minneapolis American 30th the New York Times Indian Center. This was a called the Ojibwe patriot place she knew intimately, a militant as he had been because she worked there labeled so many times for nearly all of the Center’s before during his lifetime. 43-year history. She was one The newspaper, in its of a kind, having worked her apparent omniscient wis- way up through the opera- dom said he “achieved few tional and leadership ladder real improvements in the through talent, resolve, and daily lives of Native Americans, who live on reservations a deep understanding of the community she served. and in major cities and lag behind most fellow citizens She was a member of the Red Lake Nation and often spoke in jobs, housing and education.” The article went on to of her life there. When giving advice to others she would talk describe the 1973 police encounter in Custer, SD. Later about her young life at Red Lake and she would relate the demonstrations in 1999 led by Tom Poor Bear in nearby advice her father would give her from time to time. She found White Clay, NE led to discontinuation of alcohol sales, hav- this advice useful, not just in its content, but also in that it was ing a major effect on the nearby Pine Ridge Reservation. something to be remembered, considered, and applied to dif- The area had the highest per capita alcohol sales in the US. ferent situations from time to time. To be sure, “D.J.” as he was known to many, exhibited She was unique in two ways: she was a natural leader who real anger and frustration at the conditions Indian people BY HARVEY WINJE had little formal training but who used well what she had were forced to endure, both historically and in contem- In Native American folklore, the intelligence of crows learned at Red Lake; and she knew how to interact with other porary times. The patriots of the American Revolution is usually portrayed as the most important characteristic of leaders to promote the overall American Indian community. are celebrated today, even though they broke through the crows. Seeing a crow was and is still considered good luck This is an area where she compares with many of the men in boundaries of other sovereign people, burned food sup- by many Native American tribes. Indian leadership. In her work, however, she chose not to go plies, killed women and children in order to starve out the “As the crow flies” refers to the shortest distance to other parts of the country: she wanted to change local con- military capabilities and prevent a presumed reinforcement between two points because the common belief is that ditions for Indian people in Minneapolis. She positioned the of King George’s military. Was that a case of being mili- crows fly a straight course. Actually, crows are excellent Indian Center to do its best work in the areas of job training; tant? Very likely, but these men fighting for independence flyers that do not usually fly in a straight line but zigzag middle school education; adult education; and community were called patriots. and perform aerial acrobatics seemingly for the joy of it. discussion. She brought people together to work on issues Those like Dennis Banks were not fighting for indepen- Crows can often be seen circling above their nests on a – some the most sensitive at the time – such as perceived dence – they fought for the equality that was called for in winter’s afternoon. Scientists say crows, like humans, pay homophobia. Margaret Peake-Raymond led a discussion the treaties made with the United States. They fought for close attention to people’s faces and are able to remember that cracked open the silence on homophobia and Frances sovereignty, yes – and they broke a few windows in the threatening or caring faces and react to them differently. supported this major moment of recognition for Two-Spirit process. Words and phrases may be misused, be inaccurate or people whose talents and presence were under pressure and The article compares Banks’ admirers and critics, says concepts can be oversimplified. The same thing can occur being ridiculed. This is just one of her outstanding moments admirers liked his physical features, while critics thought when using a single story to describe a person, culture, as a community leader. There were dozens of issues where of him as a “self-promoter, grabbing headlines and becom- or community. Phillips Community and its people are convening at the Indian Center gave them more light and ing a darling of politically liberal Hollywood stars… Then often labeled and defined by a single occurrence or story, more understanding. in a flare of dime-store paperback writing, the article says observed or reported by people outside of the community. The Center shone with an art gallery, the thrill of basketball that “[in] 1973, after a white man killed an Indian in a The Alley Newspaper instead tries to lift up the many, games and pow wows, the solemnity of feasts and mahjons saloon brawl and was charged not with murder but with many stories and illuminate the history of the people of for those who died and whose families wanted the services involuntary manslaughter, Mr. Banks led 200 American this geographic area with the goal of inspiring resilience. to be at the Indian Center. A corner store full of beadwork, Indian Movement protesters in a face-off with the police in Come and learn one or two more fascinating facts of our beads, and many other Indian cultural and art items filled out Custer, S.D. It became a riot when the slain man’s mother community’s vibrant history on Wednesday, December one area and a restaurant filled out another. 13, 5-8 pm at the American Swedish Institute’s Annual Dennis Banks see page 2 Neighborhood Open House. Frances Fairbanks see page 2 “Action is the antidote to despair.” 2 – Joan Baez, singer, songwriter The Alley Newspaper • December 2017 The Franklin Library will be Transit closed on December 24th & 25th Programs at Read Aloud Book Club Mondays Dec. 3:45-4:45 pm the Franklin Reduced Schedules and (Except Dec. 25th). Grades 4-6 The Alley We will share a great book & Library P.O. Box 7006 discuss. No pre-reading required! Minimal Mpls.,MN 55407 Family Storytime Call Editor 612-990-4022 Fridays 10:30-11 am. Children Shelters [email protected] of all ages & parent/caregiver. www.alleynews.org BY JOHN CHARLES WILSON Share books, stories, rhymes, Follow us on twitter.com/alleynewspaper 1314 E. Franklin Avenue Good news for Nicollet Mall music & movement. Complete program list or bus riders: The Hennepin Avenue Teen Anime Club info Alley Communications, a 501C- detour that has plagued you for the Saturdays 3-4:30 pm. Discuss 612- 543-6925 3, Not-for-Profit Corp. publish- past two years finally ends the 2nd es The Alley Newspaper and manga & share artwork. www.hclib.org Mon, Fri & Sat: 9am–5pm of December! other media. Something different every time! Tue, Wed & Thurs: My primary topic this month is Franklin Learning Center: 612- “When the great newspapers 9am –8pm “Reduced Service” days, which 543-6934 Sun: 12-5pm don’t say much, see what the little vary from year to year but usually Free, one-to-one adult tutoring independent ones say.” – Wendell volunteers needed, too! No include Black Friday, Christmas Phillips of English & math, GED experience required; Training & Eve (or the day after Christmas preparation, citizenship exams, materials provided. flc@hclib. if Christmas is on a Sunday), and essentially the same for Black Donations are needed, wel- & gaining life skills. Community come, and Tax Deductible. org. either the 3rd or 5th of July, depend- Friday, 24 or 26 December, and 3 Dennis Banks from page 1 ing on what day of the week the or 5 July, it could simply be incor- Volunteers who had a part in was beaten by officers.” One can There is never enough room to 4th is. Last year there were also porated into the regular printed making this issue: Robert Albee, American Swedish Institute, hardly believe this is an obituary. get in all that should be said about some reductions for New Year’s schedules by adding a statement Louise Britt, Mahammed Cali, It must be noted that Dennis a historical figure, but not just a Eve, which weren’t as severe as that on Reduced Service days a East Phillips Improvement Banks was charged in 1974 with litany of events in which he was for the other days. I don’t know if Saturday schedule is in effect, Coalition, Lindsey Fenner, Susan assault and conspiracy and under- present, but something of the man that’s intended to be a new, ongo- plus the buses indicated by a sym- Gust, Linnea Hadaway, Hennepin went federal trial for the occupa- himself. ing trend. bol on the weekday schedule. A County Franklin Library and Staff, Hennepin County Traffic, tion of Wounded Knee, SD. This He was quiet to those outside Usually, the Reduced schedule different symbol could indicate Sue Hunter Weir, Ann E. Keating, was a major, national battle on his family, yet easy to smile. He is a “Saturday plus” schedule, which buses are skipped on New KALY, KRSM, Midtown Phillips American soil. Tanks, anti-per- could speak for long periods with where most routes are on Saturday Year’s Eve. Voila, no more extra Neighborhood Association, sonnel carriers, some aircraft, and an eloquence many said no other schedule, with a few extra buses printing costs! Jana Metge, Julie Miller, Peter medium to heavy weaponry were contemporary Indian leader had. on some routes, especially the On another topic, this is Molenaar, Dave Moore, Maggie Moran, Meghan Muffet, Brad brought out against the Indian He carried himself in a way that rush-hour expresses, because Minnesota. We’ve already had Pass, Carol Pass, Phillips West people inside. This case was dis- at times demonstrated the heavy some poor suckers still have to a few days that are colder than Neighborhood, Pillsbury United missed because the federal side burden of all he has done and the work. The 2016 New Year’s Eve #%&**#)…well, the days before. Communities, QURUXLOW was lying about its documents, self-questioning of whether he has schedule, however, was more of a Metro Transit really needs bet- Restaurant and Coffee Shop, Bob tampering with evidence and con- done enough. “weekday minus” – regular sched- ter shelters than what it has. The Roscoe, Sunny Sevigny, Thomas R. Smith, Laura Waterman ducting an illegal wiretap. This He was not without personal ule minus a few buses. 6-inch gap between the bottom Wittstock, Crystal Trautnau gave the Indian side a glimpse into flaws, but he battled those by Obviously, the purpose of these of the shelter and the ground lets Windschitl, John Charles Wilson. what the federal side was capable finding causes: big ones. He saw odd schedules is to save money. the cold wind swirl around our of doing. the devastation poor diets could Ridership, especially at rush hour, feet needlessly. And most shel- Delivery: To every Phillips The Times article notes that, have on millions of Indian people is predictably less than a regular ters have only three sides. Not Community residence by Sara Nelson Delivery; to 170 business- “Mr. Banks had many children and he tried to lead in this area. He weekday, but not low enough to much protection in a Minnesota es, places of worship, institutions with other women.” In the Indian saw the outcome of lack of exer- justify a Sunday/Holiday sched- winter. Some Canadian cities, in Phillips and adjacent neigh- community, each of these children cise had and he tried to lead in this ule. About two weeks before each specifically Winnipeg, Edmonton, borhoods by Peter Molenaar are cherished members of their area. These two human conditions of these special schedules, a pam- and Fort McMurray, have fully- communities, deserving of much are major efforts now on reserva- phlet is made available on the enclosed bus shelters with doors. Board of Directors: Cathy Strobel-Ayres, President; Sue greater note than to be merely tions and in urban communities. buses to warn people. This is well Considering that our winter Hunter Weir; Leon Oman, listed as one of many. The mahjon They are led by others – by tribes, and good, but if the goal is to save weather is comparable to that in Treasurer. program states, with great respect, nations, universities, schools, and money, it is also counterproduc- Canada, similar shelters should be Monthly Alley Communication the names of relatives, honorary individuals. “D.J.” saw this need tive. considered here. Board Meetings: 6:30 PM 3rd pall bearers, pall bearers and the to change to save the people. It Since the Reduced schedule is Wed. Call for Location. Seven Grandfather Teachings as was something seminal, and he

Letters and e-mails to Alley Principles for Living. saw it early and grabbed for it. Communications and/or its Frances Fairbanks from page 1 Editor become the property of Alley Communications dba The Frances was a member of many She had a personal way of inter- Alley Newspaper and may be chosen for publication. boards in the community. She acting with others and she will shared her leadership skills widely, be remembered for that. But there Now Enrolling Grades 9-12 Senior Editor: Harvey Winje, but took the time to always have should be no doubt, she took lead- [email protected]; her family close to her. She had ership seriously and major leaders 612-990-4022 great grandchildren, and great great from the Mayor to corporate repre- Health & Wellness Focus Indian Education Program Work Based Learning Co-Editor & Designer: Jonathan Miller [email protected] grandchildren. And beyond that, sentatives took Frances Fairbanks Credit Recovery Special Education Program Social Work Department she was a foster mother for many seriously, too. Robert Albee, Ventura Village Small Class Sizes PSEO & Scholarships MetroTransit Go-To Card News Editor; Brad Pass East years. Phillips Editor, Sunny Sevigny, (612) 294-1016 www.afa.tc [email protected] Midtown Phillips News Editor; 2504 Columbus Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 Susan Ann Gust, BYI Section Advertise: [email protected] 612-990-4022 “Let me make the newspaper and I care not who makes the religion and the laws.” – Wendell Phillips Deadline for Jan. issue is December 15

Experience a world tour of tastes, arts and crafts at our public market. Lake Street and 10th Ave S | Minneapolis MIDTownglobalmarket.org “Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The Alley Newspaper • December 2017 – Margaret Mead, 1901-1978, anthropologist. 3 THE CEMETERY’S ELDEST Morgan Jones - 60 YEARS A SLAVE, 41 YEARS FREEDMAN was born, including the record of cipation proclamation. As coach- Tales from Pioneers his birth. man I was able to look about and & Soldiers Cemetery In an article from the take notice, and you may be sure Minneapolis Journal in 1905, that I watched the growth of the Sue Hunter Weir Morgan relates some of his earli- abolition movement. As soon as 152nd in a Series est memories: the slaves were pronounced free, “My earliest recollections I started for Minnesota and have BY TIMOTHY McCALL are of the old plantation days in been in Minneapolis ever since. Undoubtedly, Morgan Jones Virginia. I can remember the big There have been several negroes saw many changes in his long life white house of the ‘family’ and in the state that have lived to be and having passed away at the age the little negro cabins. I spent my over 100, but I believe that I am of 101 years, he also has the dis- early years in the tobacco fields. the oldest in the city now and tinction of being the oldest person I was a giant in those days and probably in the northwest.” buried at Pioneers and Soldiers was told by a slave dealer and my Morgan most likely came to Memorial Cemetery. master that I was the strongest Minnesota in early 1865. I say Morgan was born into slav- one of my race in the south. I was this because the Emancipation ery on a Virginia plantation on never afraid to work, and of all Proclamation of 1863 freed only August 10, 1805. We’re fortu- the 140 or 150 negroes, I was the the slaves living in southern nate to know the exact date of only one who never felt the lash. states which were in rebellion. Morgan’s birth because in 1904, In the fields I was so tall that the Slavery in Missouri continued to Morgan’s daughter had contacted overseer never noticed me bury- be legal until January 11, 1865. his former owners, the Chappell ing my bare feet in the cool earth. Morgan first appears in Minnesota family, in St. Louis, Missouri. I can remember at the close of the on the 1865 State census, living The Chappell family were among day the other workers struggled in St. Anthony with his future the earliest Europeans to settle home with blistered feet, while wife Harriett and Mary, a black in America, arriving about 1635. mine never suffered, thanks to the female, both listed with the sur- They also must have been very burying.” name of Jones. Who was Mary? prodigious record keepers, since “In 1823, I moved with my I believe that Mary was actually they had kept and preserved white masters to Missouri. I then Harriett’s daughter, Katherine. many of the records from the old became coachman for the family Harriett and Katherine also are Virginia plantation where Morgan and was with them until the eman- found on a separate 1865 census with the surname of Aidens, living with the J. P. Abraham family in Minneapolis. Was Harriett trying to hide the fact that she was living WELNA with a man twenty years her senior or was it just an error in reporting? HARDWARE The 1870 census has Morgan and Harriett living in Minneapolis, but Katherine is not listed. Was this just an omission or something else? The census is dated June 4, 1870 and at that time, Morgan and Harriett were still unmarried. They finally tied the knot, twenty- • KEYS MADE Thank you five days later, on June 29, 1870 in Minneapolis. On all subsequent • LOCKS RE-KEYED documents, Katherine is listed as their daughter. • 5 GALLON PAINT 42 Morgan seems to have been Morgan Jones said, “In 1823, I moved with my white masters to quite active and well known to Missouri. I then became coachman for the family and was with them • EXCELLENT PRICES Years of the residents of Minneapolis and until the emancipation proclamation. As coachman I was able to look was referred to in several news- about and take notice, and you may be sure that I watched the growth • RUG DOCTOR RENTAL advertising! paper articles. As the presidential of the abolition movement. As soon as the slaves were pronounced election of 1872 approached, the free, I started for Minnesota and have been in Minneapolis ever since. Minneapolis Tribune reported on There have been several negroes in the state that have lived to be over • EXPERT WINDOW/SCREEN REPAIR 100, but I believe that I am the oldest in the city now and probably in August 24th that, “The colored men the northwest.” • TRAILERS FOR RENT– of Minnesota have addressed a let- 57 YEARS A SLAVE, 44 ter to the Republican State Central It doesn’t appear that he got the YEARS FREEDMAN OPEN AND ONE ENCLOSED Committee in which they repudi- job. Morgan Jones, a 2201 East Franklin 612-332-4393 ate Charles Sumner and endorse As Morgan approached his th Minneapolis Negro, Dies 2438 Bloomington 612-729-3526 President Grant. The following 100 birthday, he appears once colored men in Minneapolis have again in the Minneapolis Journal; at the Age of 101 Years. signed the letter and will follow it “DECEIVED, HE FORGOT TO Born on Old Virginia up by ballots for Grant at the polls DIE-NOW 99 - Morgan Jones, Plantation August 10, Everyone is welcome! in November.” Over 70 African an ex-slave, tricked by his chil- Christmas Eve 1805. Christmas Eve IInspiiratiionall American men were listed, includ- dren – He is preparing now December 24, 2017 ing Morgan Jones. This is sig- to celebrate his one hundredth Came to Minneapolis in Gospell nificant because it would be the birthday.” The article tells the 1862 When Lincoln Struck Mariie Sandviik Center serviices!! first presidential election since the story of how after his wife Harriett Off Shackles. 612-870-9617 Each person who attends will hear ratification of the 15th Amendment died in 1891, Morgan had con- [email protected] the Biblical account of Christ’s birth, 1112 East Franklin Ave. and receive pizza, a shoebox filled to the Constitution, giving African vinced himself that he would die with gifts, and a quilt Minneapolis, MN 55404 (while supplies last). American men the right to vote. on the anniversary of her death. The headline may take some He again appears in the Tribune “As the day approached he became liberties and plays with history a in 1895, in which, as a joke, some- visibly weaker. As a last resort the bit, but considering the amount one had placed advertisements in date on the calendar was changed of time Morgan Jones had on this multiple papers looking to fill and the anniversary passed with- earth and the things he must have We will be closed on: Famiilliies wiith chiilldren -- **4::30pm--5::30pm Decebmer 25th, positions in the new Court House. out Mr. Jones being aware of it. experienced, we’ll call it close Adullts wiithout chiilldren -- **6::30pm--7::30pm December 31st, & The Court House was besieged Since that time, he has enjoyed the enough. (*Doors open 1//2 hour before each serviice) January 1, 2018 by scores of applicants, including best of health.” It went on to give Morgan is buried in Lot 69, Morgan. “Morgan Jones presented his personal account of his time Block C in an unmarked grave. Laura Waterman Wittstock is a respected Elder from Seneca Nation in a numerously signed petition ask- as a slave. There are five other members of New York, journalist, political activist for Native American people and other communities, board member past and present of many organiza- ing for permission to operate a Morgan’s death on December his family buried in Lot 69, all of tions, founder of Migizi Communications, executive of organizations and boot-blacking stand in the new 6, 1906, warranted him a notice on whom deserve to have their stories currently Tiwahe Foundation Endowment Chair, Founder and Producer of building. Mr. Jones’ paper called the front page of the Minneapolis told as well… I’ll have to get to First Person Radio on KFAI each Wed. 1 to 2 PM, recipient of many commu- attention to the fact that in his Journal; work on that. nity service and professional awards, and also active through Wittstock long life of 90 years he had never and Associates. before sought office of any kind.” The EPIC Report – December 2017 www.eastphillips-epic.com

EPIC Continues its Tradition of Affordable Renewal

EPIC is proud to be one of the few Minneapolis neighborhoods to continue rebuilding and restoring our physical infrastructure in the great tradition of NRP projects of the past. In a progressive city, it is critical to remember that urban renewal is never done.

The photo on the right shows two new, state-of-the-art, affordable homes being built by EPIC in partnership with PRG (Powderhorn Residents Group) in East Phillips. Two more just Two new affordable homes near 17th Ave. S. & 26th St. – Nearing completion completed nearby as well as two by Habitat for Humanity, More to come! make numbers 31 to 36 of East Phillips new homes.

It is almost impossible to build an “affordable” home today in Minneapolis. The cost of labor, materials and the lot pushes For Your Calendar: * Have a Great Holiday! every newly built home over the Federal guidelines for an affordable home. The difference between the total cost to build The EPIC Board of Directors meet on the FIRST Saturday of the month – Next Meetings; the home and its “affordable” selling price is called the “Gap”. Saturday, 12/2/2017 and 1/6/2018 at 10:00 AM. at the EPIC Storage - 2344 Bloomington Ave. S

The EPIC General Membership meets on the SECOND Thursday – Next Meetings; So, how is it that EPIC can get affordable homes built and sold Thursday, 12/14/17 and 1/11/2018 at 6:30 PM in East Phillips? In the past, under the strict notification and Agenda includes Neighborhood Industrial Pollution, Crime Initiatives, and EPIC project updates. participation requirements of NRP, EPIC was directed by East Phillips residents to allocate a portion of its NRP money to The East Phillips Park Programming Partnership meets on the LAST Tuesday – Next meetings; help fill the “Affordability Gap” and make it possible to build No December Meeting – Join us 1/30/18 at 11:30 AM. Lunch is served. Updates on Partner Programming, Park Events & News. new quality affordable homes for its modest income residents. Meeting Location: All the above meetings and events (unless noted) are held at the When the City of Minneapolis ended the NRP program, East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center located at 2307 17th Ave. S. EPIC’s all-volunteer Board and members chose to use a The Center is wheelchair accessible and all are welcome. portion of its new but reduced CPP funding to create a th Neighborhood Priority Plan which continued this important The East Phillips Community 17 Ave. Gardeners meet on the second Saturday of Each Month urban renewal project – new homes for our economically during the gardening season, normally from April through September. Next meetings are Next Year th challenged urban families. Saturday, 4/14/2018 & 5/12/2018 at 9:00 AM in the Community Center at 2307 17 Ave. S. Subsequent meetings will be held in the Garden. Years of neglect and irresponsibility in housing are being * East Phillips Residents wanting a 2018 Garden Plot, contact Brad Pass at 612-916-8478 healed by the City’s continued funding and wise choices of the * To get involved in EPIC & help move the East Phillips Neighborhood in a positive direction, EPIC Board and your neighbors, the residents of East Phillips. join us at any EPIC General Membership meeting (see dates above). All are welcome.

Designed and Paid for by East Phillips Improvement Coalition

www.midtownphillips.org | 612.232.0018 | [email protected] Save the Date! BOARD MEETING AGENDA: MIDTOWN PHILLIPS 2018 Held every second Tuesday in Stewart Park FREE COMMUNITY DINNER Tuesday December 12, 6:30-8pm @ Stewart Park (Arts & Crafts Room), 2700 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis & ANNUAL MEETING I. Introductions II. Review and Accept November Minutes Tuesday, February 22 III. Financial Report 5:30-8pm, Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis —Accept and Receive Financials —Review 2018 Budget All are welcome! Join us for a FREE community dinner! Learn more about MPNAI, IV. CEPRO Site Project Update or even join the board, and see what’s going on in V. Community Partnership Selection your community and the resources it offers. VI. Community announcement and public comment Please note there is no Community Meeting in December • FREE Dinner Next Board Meeting: January 9, 2018 • Speakers & Entertainment! • Neighborhood Reports • Info and Resource Fair • New Board Elections NEW HOUSING LOAN & GRANT PROGRAM FOR MORE INFO: [email protected] MPNAI will be unveiling a new housing loan and grant program, administered through CEE (Center for Energy and Environment) this coming December. This loan program offers loans for mainly exterior home improvements, with a 0% interest rate. The maximum loan amount is $7,500. In addition, MPNAI will be awarding home improvement grants. For more information, contact Maggie Moran, Neighborhood Coordinator, at [email protected] or 612.232.0018

This Monthly Alley Newspaper Half Page was paid for by Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association, Inc. “When it comes to erecting edifices that make no common sense, large public and private institutions are all ‘birds of the same A feather’. Spoken or implicit, the message comes through: ‘Let the peasants be damned.’” – William Worthy, journalist The Alley Newspaper • December 2017

Aerial concept rendering by DJR Architects of the 7 Acre former Roof Depot site with the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute’s 3 Acre Plan shown in color. Nov. 30th Meal, Meeting, & Vote The Roof Depot Site: East Phillips Institute 3 Acre Plan Decision EPNI, East Phillips Institute, is BY BRAD PASS Cerney and Mark Ruff gave a pre- nomically challenged and racially neighborhood. The presentation a collaboration of Tamales y An estimated two hundred com- sentation explaining the critical diverse community suffers as a was punctuated with a slide show Bicicletas, DJR Architecture, munity members came together importance of providing safe and result of years of unrelenting pol- showing pictures and renderings the East Phillips Improvement on the last day of November to reliable water and sewer for the lution, both vehicular and indus- of the Community and its Plan. Coalition-EPIC, Little Earth of hear two plans, the City Plan and city and the need for a new facility trial. They explained that the After food, provided by Papi United Tribes, Somali Family Chemical Awareness, Precision the Community Plan, for the Roof from which to operate. Community plan will provide a Fiesco and the Jubba Grill and Green Houses, Women’s Depot Site at the intersection of Community members includ- buffer between residential housing paid for by C.M. Cano’s Office, a Environmental Institute and th the Midtown Greenway and E 28 ing State Rep. Karen Clark, EPIC and the activities in the proposed vote was taken. Of the estimated many neighbors. A compre- St in South Minneapolis. They Board President Carol Pass, C.M. water yard; that the Indoor Urban 150 neighbors who voted, it was hensive future-oriented plan came together to exercise their Alondra Cano, all members of Farm with East Phillips World nearly unanimous in favor of the has been formed. The col- right as defined by the first prin- the East Phillips Neighborhood Café and Farm Store along with Community Plan. Two opposed, laborators on the Indoor Urban cipal of community engagement, Institute (EPNI) with help from the affordable bike repair shop probably because they thought the Farm project came together passed by the Minneapolis City Hennepin County Commissioner will create good paying, mean- community should have the entire under the name East Phillips Council in 2007; “Public partici- Debby Goetell and Dean Dovolis ingful jobs for the community 7+ acres of the Roof Depot Site, Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) and sought and received a pation is based on belief that those – founder of DJR Architecture, and the entire plan will take up and one abstention. planning grant of $319,000 who are affected by a decision Inc, presented the Community only 3 acres of the combined city Thanks to all who attended. from the State of Minnesota have a right to be involved in the Plan. property in the “Hiawatha” site of It was an inspiring evening. Our because of the project’s job decision-making process.” They pointed out the horrific 16.42 Acres. That’s just 18.27% of work is just beginning! creating potential for this chal- City representatives Lisa health consequences this eco- the Total Public Works land in our lenged area and population. Brad Pass

City Council Member Alondra Cano explained the Community Plan and her support at the Nov. 30th Town Hall meeting attended by approximately 200 people “The foundation of any civilization must be the continuing struggle for justice and morality.” The Alley Newspaper • December 2017 – William Worthy “The Rape of our Neighborhoods: and How Communities are Resisting Take-Overs by Colleges, Hospitals, Churches, Businesses, and Public Agencies.” B Messiah: Raised or Razed? UPDATE ON THE STATUS privilege” which means the the perspective or what is good for OF THE MESSIAH PROPERTY, other Councilmembers honor the them and their own gain? Years of Nov. 30, 2017: When a property position of the Councilmember time and energy and relationships owner applies for a demolition in whose ward the property is were invested in establishing these permit, it is checked for inclusion located. covenants of understanding. Will on a list of buildings “of his- The decision is now up to the the congregation of Messiah and toric interest” and if on that list Messiah Congregation. Phillips Children’s MN waste those invest- the Mpls. Heritage Preservation Community worked tirelessly to ments of time, ignore the cov- Commission is requested to negotiate with Children’s MN enants that were put in place and decide pursuit any further. By over the years to establish cov- do harm to the many trusting rela- unanimous vote, Messiah Church enants of understanding about tionships that were established Sue Hunter Weir building was considered to merit land use issues and working to over the years? Will the Monopoly preservation requirements by have Children’s MN stay within a Game in Phillips continue? Or, Messiah Church’s compelling interior Architectural Art by Architect Harry Wild Jones the Minneapolis Preservation certain boundary of blocks so that will Messiah “take the high road” Reprinted from The Alley Commission. Their opinion was residential and commercial could and convene conversations and NOTE: Some of the articles Newspaper v42#4 April 2017 forwarded to the Minneapolis continue to respectfully coexist? strategies with community mem- below are Reprinted from The City Council Zoning and Planning Will Messiah do its part to respect bers at large whereby they might Alley Newspaper and are so Church is 100 Committee. It was denied on a and uphold those covenants of be able to sell the building to labeled. Date references within unanimous vote after 6th Ward their neighbors and the history of other congregations or to others the articles are the same as they Years Old Luther Council Member Abdi Warsame’s the community that has helped to for reuse? Will Messiah rise to previously appeared and have not motion. This was most likely due sustain them or will they succumb the occasion or will Messiah be been updated. nailed 95 Theses to the idea of “Councilmember to only examining this issue from razed? Congregation Zoning & Planning Committee denies Historic Status for Church nailed Sale Sign

BY SUE HUNTER WEIR sions by the Heritage Preservation them permission to demolish the Shirley and Randi Church, gave BY HARVEY WINJE It was over in minutes. City Commission, the Minnesota State church, but she was mistaken. If assurances that the congregation is Five hundred years ago, on Council Member Warsame made a Historic Preservation Office and the City Council determines that seeking a buyer for the church and October 31, 1517, the priest and motion to deny historic designation the City of Minneapolis Planning the church is not a landmark, it has no intention of demolishing it. scholar, Martin Luther nailed a status to Messiah Lutheran Church Commission. will no longer be considered a What happens next? The full piece of paper with 95 opinions (2501 Columbus Avenue) and his Council Member Lisa Goodman historic resource and a demolition Council will vote on the motion to the door of the Castle Church colleagues on the city’s Zoning and cautioned members of Messiah’s permit can be issued administra- at its next meeting on Friday, in Wittenberg, Germany. It would Planning Committee agreed. That congregation that denying the tively without benefit of a public December 8th, at 9:30 a.m. in 317 begin the Protestant Reformation. vote overruled unanimous deci- recommendation does not give hearing. Messiah members, David City Hall. One hundred years ago, on June 24, 1917, 9-Year Old Messiah Reprinted from The Alley Newspaper v42# 4 April 2017 Reprinted from The Alley Newspaper v42#4 April 2017 Lutheran Congregation dedicated A Church as Art Harry Wild Jones, Architect their new Church building at 725 East 25th St., Mpls. Preserving Immigrant History Church merits Historic Status Almost 100 years later, on February 26, 2017, 108-year old BY LINDSEY FENNER gleam of oak: oak pews, oak panel- BY BOB ROSCOE churches remain in their origi- Messiah Lutheran Congregation One block from the elaborate ing, oak carving, oak ceiling, all In 1916 the cornerstone was nal design; eight have been sig- voted to “enter into negotiations to American Swedish Institute man- soaring up to a crown of oak beams. laid for the Messiah Lutheran nificantly altered beyond their sell that historic church building” sion is a more modest landmark of As Hunter Weir described it, “The Church at the intersection of East Jones architectural identity; and by a 31“Yes” to 2 “No” vote giving the Swedish immigrants who made interior of Messiah is breath-taking. 25th Street and Columbus Avenue the others have been demolished. notice also (on their website) that their homes in the Phillips neigh- This is not just a building or even South in South Minneapolis, Messiah Lutheran Church is thus “we will be updating everyone as borhood. The Messiah Evangelical just a church, it is art.” The aesthet- designed by Harry Wild Jones, a an important edifice in the historic the Church Council discerns how Lutheran Church, 2501 Columbus ic value of the building is matched leading Minneapolis architect. testament of Minneapolis. to move forward.” Avenue South, was once a social by the value of the social history Today, the two story red brick Two of the many promi- The future of this historic build- center for the Swedish-Minnesotan lived within the building’s walls. Gothic Revival structure, rests nent members of the Messiah ing of worship remains uncer- community. But over the course of Like many churches, Messiah comfortably within this mildly Lutheran congregation are tain. It is not clear if or how a hundred years, the block has dra- English Lutheran Church has been compact urban environment, and Luther Youngdahl and his broth- the building is being marketed. matically changed. A building that an important thread in the fabric of still serving its original religious er Rueben. Luther Youngdahl Apparently, a previous offer from used to be nestled among single- community life. But for the immi- purpose, no longer for a Lutheran was an American politician Children’s MN Hospital was con- family and duplex homes is now grant Swedish community of South congregation which began as serv- and judge from Minnesota. tingent on it being demolished shadowed by a parking ramp. Minneapolis, Messiah helped shape ing a Northern European immi- He served as an associate jus- by the Congregation to avert the In an effort to recognize and an evolving Swedish-Minnesotan grant community, but now for tice of the Minnesota Supreme severe criticism of Children’s MN honor the church’s social impor- identity. The church was one of Mennonite and Latino immigrant Court from 1942 to 1946, then for their demolition of almost the tance, as well as the craft used the earliest Swedish congregations congregations. as Minnesota’s 27th Governor, entire block ten years ago. in the design and construction, to use English for church services Messiah Lutheran’s inte- Rueben Youngdahl served The Messiah Congregation the church building is currently and church business. According rior presents Jones’s lavish use as fifth pastor of Mount Olivet moved to 2400 Park Avenue in being considered for local preser- to Hunter Weir’s research, “The of wood, with pointed arches Lutheran Church. 2008 and rents the 100 year-old vation status. Sue Hunter Weir, a church served as a cultural bridge emblematic of the English Gothic Community historian Susan building to Emmanuel Mennonite Phillips historian who serves on the that connected the dreams and Style, carved wood paneling, and Hunter Weir assembled a very Church and Centro Nueva Vida Minneapolis Heritage Preservation ambitions that members had for an intricate stained glass window informative historic designation Iglesia Apostolica. Commission, nominated the build- themselves and the ambitions that above and behind the altar lend document for the Minneapolis Nine months ago, on June 21, ing for consideration. they had for their American-born the interior a graceful ambience. City Council to hopefully nomi- 2016, the Minneapolis Heritage Built in 1916, the building was children.” In a church history writ- Perhaps the most splendid interior nate as a historic landmark. Her Preservation Commission unani- designed by important local archi- ten in the 1950s, Pastor Marbury architectural feature is the system nomination form notes the scholar- mously approved Commissioner tect Harry Wild Jones. His more Anderson explained, “It was for of wood hammer beam trusses, ship performed by many architec- Sue Hunter Weir’s nomination well-known works include the children that Messiah Lutheran each characterized by series of tural historians, including David of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Lakewood Cemetery Chapel and Church was born.” sizeable vertical members with Lanegran, Phillip J. Anderson and Church located at 725 East 25th Butler Square in the Minneapolis As Hunter Weir completes her lathe-turned bases. Dag Blanck, Larry Millett, and St., as a Landmark, established Warehouse District. But Jones also research, a report will work its Harry Wild Jones became Elizabeth Vandam. interim protection, and directed took pride in designing affordable, way through the Minneapolis known as a church architect Marilyn Chiat, a national rec- the Planning Director to have a well-crafted churches, according to Office of Community Planning and during his prolific career, total- ognized expert on religious archi- designation study prepared. Hunter Weir. Messiah is one of Economic Development, and the ly 21 churches in Minneapolis. tecture, considers neighborhood A Designation Study outlines the few intact examples of Jones’ State Historic Preservation Office. Nonetheless, Jones is better known churches as “enhancers of the the potential significance of a churches. Although historic preservation in the architectural community as built environment, cornerstones of property, both individually and This church’s red brick exte- status doesn’t entirely protect a one of the most imaginative early many communities and evidence within the context of Minneapolis rior makes restrained use of the building from alteration or demoli- twentieth century designers of of this nation’s ethnic and reli- planning and heritage preserva- Gothic Revival style. Inspired by tion, it does mean that any major public buildings, such as what is gious diversity.” tion goals. Studies are based on a medieval European architecture, changes must be approved by the known today as Butler Square, the Historic designation, which this review of resources including his- the square bell tower, pointed arch- Minneapolis Heritage Commission. long ago razed Nicollet Baseball church so notably deserves, may toric building permits, unpublished es, and carved wooden tracery are In coming months, the report will Park, Lake Minnehaha Yacht provide cultural investment in the histories and documents, newspa- reminiscent of a castle. But the be presented to the Commission, Clubhouse, Washburn Water surrounding area, once home to per articles, and archival materials inside of the building is perhaps the with an opportunity for the com- Tower and many prominent resi- many immigrants when the area from the Minneapolis Collection most striking architectural feature. munity to comment at a public dences. Seven of his buildings are was settled and continuing today. 95 Theses Sunlight streaming through the art- meeting. locally listed historic landmarks. Bob Roscoe is principal of see page C glass windows brings out the warm At this time, three of his Design for Preservation “Like the common street rapist who so often gets off scot free, institutional rapists deny all responsibility, even when caught in flagrante delicto (as lawyers describe open-and-shut cases). On the contrary, they not infrequently end up blaming the victims---for having ‘succumbed’ to lures, offers, and propositions, or for having The Alley Newspaper • December 2017 C genuflected in response to ‘generous offers’ to relocate.” – William Worthy How about a partnership to restore and/or repurpose? BY JANA METGE waste and disrespect. Demolish design, and skill. And worse, the Hospital. The ship to never be seen again. People So, I have to vent. I was bap- something with this kind of crafts- I am really frustrated with corporation which had a Good should keep their history, the work tized and confirmed Lutheran. The manship? It makes me sick. Shame the leadership of this congrega- Neighbor Agreement. Then, offer- of the elders, the responsibility to leadership at Messiah Lutheran on those who made this decision; tion. I am very frustrated with ing the church leadership big protect and maintain that asset. Church here in Phillips plans to who didn’t reach out to develop a the Hospital’s lack of vision. I money to demolish this antiquity. This is simply inexcusable. There demolish this gorgeous church better plan, one that did not include am posting this and I hope every- Neither party respecting the his- is always money. There can always located at 25th and Columbus. demolition of such a work of art. one will post far and wide. This tory. The $800,000 offered would be a plan. It’s about leadership, It is a Harry Wild Jones design. Such disrespect for the Elders who is a disgrace. A terrible, terrible go a long way towards the reuse of partnership, doing what is right. Few left in this city. Look at the struggled to build this sanctuary-- disgrace. Are there no solutions? this incredible structure designed fabulous pipe organ. This is such their painstaking efforts, deliberate None? Really? by Harry Wild Jones; craftsman- Letter to the Editor Last building on BLOCK 5 Lost Heritage & Trust While hoping for Sale, Messiah’s pia- nos to kids, hymnals to Africa, music to churches, and archives to smaller boxes Dear Editor, For example: After speaking to you, I hear • We are considering Keys/4/4/ that here are many issues involved Kids for our four pianos. in the possible sale of the Historic • We are considering Books for Messiah Church. Africa for our hymnals. I wish to address just one • We are looking for other churches assumption from your paper. interested in inheriting our exten- As a long-time member of sive music library. Messiah, I was very hurt by the • We are gleaning and pruning our intimation that we would “trash” Archives to a manageable and our beautiful sanctuary. meaningful size. To me it seems inevitable that we In the meantime, we will heat will have to sell our property. But the necessary spaces with space that does not mean that we are not heaters. responsibly caring for our building. This all will be done in God’s After 100 years of occupancy, it as time. I pray that it doesn’t take long. Ben Heath an enormous task to make sure the Blessings, Sincerely, Ann E. move to vacancy is done with the Keating BY HARVEY WINJE were moved elsewhere, scarring Yes, I stayed with Mrs. dignity and love that it deserves. Messiah Lutheran Evangelical our neighborhood permanently Gustafson at the house south and Reprinted from The Alley Newspaper April 2017 Church Pastor, Dr. Rev. Leonard and inflicting deep trauma and next door to Messiah Church as Kendall, (1943-1953) instilled distrust which, to this day, so half of my day’s care when pre- Isaiah 43:18-19a is us students many tenets of many of our residents deeply school age. House MOVED by Mission Driven: hard decision to sell Lutheranism and the Bible, but resent. Belatedly, the neighbor- Messiah Church to clear land for outstanding to me, 65 years later, hood rose in protest, but to no better accessibility. Church forgetting past for future is that we must always trust that avail. In place of the demol- Yes, the other half of the day BY LOUISE BRITT beloved community in Christ, one the teacher, the leader, will always ished buildings went a huge was at Elliot Park Neighborhood On March 1st, Messiah Lutheran person at a time. “have our back.” new clinic and 700+ car park- House also Demolished for Church voted to put their historic Selling the church will enable Trust like that in church, gov- ing garage. Children’s Hospital healthcare institution (current site church up for sale. us to continue our mission. ernment and institutional leaders then added its own heliport. of Phillips Eye Institute on Park This has not been an easy deci- We are open to anyone who has lessened and, in the case of The racket of helicopters fer- Avenue.) sion but the reality is as a church would like to buy the property. Block 5 (e. 25th St. to E. 26th St rying patients in and out at all Yes, my first paid job at 11 community we could no longer I am very saddened by the out- and Chicago to Columbus), been hours adds mightily to the pol- years old was at Chicago Avenue afford to maintain the Historic cry of members of the community completely LOST! lution and cacophony of street Eat Shop within building of 2 church building. It is in need of who have not contributed to help A decade ago Children’s elimi- traffic, sirens, generators, air- grocery stores, barber shop, and a several repairs and as a Church maintain the building, who did not nated trust in institutions by conditioning units, a hospital pharmacy. BURNED. Community we discerned that our show up to listening sessions that Phillips Community as they disre- waste incinerator.” WENDELL Yes, my family’s home from trying to maintain an aging build- were published on our webpage spected and DEMOLISHED most PHILLIPS SOCIAL JUSTICE 1941 to 1981 was at 2514 Chicago ing was not the best use of our and in various printed materials, of Block 5 and the trust of neigh- AND THE POWER OF Avenue DEMOLISHED along resources. yet feel they have a voice in what bors who had spent thousands of THE PAST Chapter 12 THE with the other 26 houses by Messiah is not the thriving may happen to the property. hours of their time negotiating PHILLIPS COMMUNITY OF Children’s MN. Swedish Immigrant Church of the Moving forward I hope we can a Land Use Covenant with local MINNEAPOLIS: Historical Yes, over two dozen buildings past. We are a diverse, vibrant, come together and celebrate the hospitals. It also damaged the trust Memory and the Quest for where I lived, went to school, worshiping community of the Sacred Words of Isaiah 43:18-19a of other neighbors including a Social Justice; Louisiana State YMCA, daycare, church, visited present. Our ancestors discerned “Do not remember the former large, local non-profit who sold University Press, 2016 pg 339. friends, or attended social func- that their call was to share the things, nor consider the things multiple properties in disregard of Yes, my family was a mem- tions within five blocks of Block Gospel, Love and Mission of of old. Behold, I am about to do neighborhood covenants. ber for decades at Messiah 5 have been MOVED, BURNED, Jesus Christ through service to our something new.” “For this reason, as became when Sunday School was in the or DEMOLISHED! Personally neighbors. This is still our mis- Louise Britts is Pastor of brutally clear in 2004, our Twelve Herschel Jones Mansion (2501 this has been an extreme loss of sion and focus today as Messiah Messiah Lutheran Church Block Agreement had near-fatal Park Avenue—Jones was owner of heritage. Lutheran Church. We strive to 612-871-8831 weaknesses. But it failed to stop StarTribune predecessor newspa- Yes, even more importantly, fulfill that mission by building [email protected] expansion. In 2004, in blatant per): DEMOLISHED in 1952 by has been the loss of TRUST by defiance of the Twelve Block Messiah Congregation to build the Phillips Community of institution- Agreement, a major health care education building on rear of the al and political leaders. Are We Our Building? complex tracked its oversized lot (currently owned by Messiah I have not missed the irony of BY JON ANDERSON, BISHOP MN SW with the bright red doors near footprints into an entire city and Leased to Augsburg Fairview Messiah’s two valuable proper- SYNOD ELCA ON FACEBOOK DEC. 3RD ‘17 the Capitol.” Any congregation block. Children’s Hospital sur- Academy 2500 Columbus Av.) ties being separated by Columbus Church buildings play an out- that leaves a well-known location, reptitiously bought out owners and have the Park Av. frontage Avenue! My loss of heritage in sized role in congregational iden- whether for a new location or to of 28 homes, a former church for moving the church building to buildings and the community’s tity. For example, most of us iden- embark on a nomadic existence, building and a gas station. It Park Av. by church member Bill loss of trust are nothing by com- tify our church to others by some- needs to do the hard work of rapidly leveled all save two that Doepke of Doepke Movers. parison to the tragic and traumatic thing about its location or physi- identifying itself by what it does, Loss of Native Ancestors, Land, cal characteristics. “We’re the big rather than by what it looks like or Church has Heritage value and Ancestral Heritage through new church at the corner of 42nd where it is located. domination, violence, and by Loss and Grand,” or “We’re the church Needs qualified estimates of Trust with Treaty Agreements requesting an extension of up to after Columbus “founded” 95 Theses six months to complete the review. BY BOB ROSCOE, ON HIS FACEBOOK SITE neighborhood and city, and allow America! from page B Ultimately the decision will be up DEC 3RD, 2017 any potential demolition to be a Dr. Rev. Leonard Kendall of the Hennepin County Library to the City Council. The Minneapolis City Council separate issue. What was not con- spoke of trust synonymous with and Minnesota Historical Society. *“For Sale Sign” is a met- will likely vote on this issue this sidered was a realistic rehab cost authority as he learned in the The Heritage Preservation aphor as used here because the coming Friday. The Zoning &P estimate, instead of allowing the U.S. Marines. Clearly that is Commission may vote on the Congregation’s decision on the lanning Committee made a fun- congregation leaders to project a dangerous. How do we restore church’s status as a landmark before building’s future is “to enter into damental error by not recognizing cost not borne out by professional trust between each other and with June 21, 2017, but has the option of negotiations.” the church’s heritage value to the experienced experts authorities and institutions? The Alley Newspaper • December 2017 “I have gradually come to the conclusion that, in terms of remaking the U.S. into a peaceful and humane society, where defenseless people are not trampled on, it is just as important to stop the imperialistic type of expansion of institutions in this and other communities as it is to stop our aggressive warfare in Vietnam.” – William Worthy D Somali community gets on the air with KALY in Minneapolis Prometheus Radio Project sparks community radio in the Twin Cities

A new radio station began landlord, how the system of edu- “Stations like KALY and WEQY broadcasting Somali music and cation works, how the country return local flavor to our media Somali language talk program- works,” he said. and are part of a larger move- ming in the Twin Cities October The KALY station build con- ment of localism and community 9th 2015. The new Low Power cludes a summer residency in investment.” FM station, KALY 101.7- the Twin Cities during which The KALY and WEQY sta- FM began broadcasts from its Prometheus Technical Director tion builds are the culmina- South Minneapolis location on the Will Floyd worked with other tion of years of collaboration Eid al-Adha holiday on September Low Power FM stations in the between the Prometheus Radio 24th. Prometheus Radio Project area. In Saint Paul, Prometheus Project and Twin Cities nonprof- worked with the new station, worked with the Dayton’s its. Prometheus began outreach operated by the nonprofit Somali Bluff Community Council to efforts to spread the word about American Community, to build build WEQY, now on the air at the one-time-only Low Power the studio, install the broadcast 104.7-FM on the east side of the FM opportunity to community equipment and train volunteers in city. Prometheus also provided groups around the US in 2012. its operation. organizational and technical Prometheus also provided exten- The station will provide basic support to two new Low Power sive engineering support and legal information like weather updates FM projects slated to go on the resources to groups in the Twin as well as conversations about air in 2016: WFNU operated Cities, and over 300 across the issues affecting the tens of thou- by Frogtown Neighborhood nation, to prepare them for suc- sands of Somali people in the Association and Center for Hmong cessful radio permit applications. state of Minnesota. “This is the Arts and Talent in Saint Paul, and These new Low Power FM first Somali FM radio station in another in the Phillips neighbor- stations, particularly those in the US and it’s in Minnesota,” hood of Minneapolis operated by urban areas, are a victory for the Mahamed and Abdirahman prepare the KALY antenna for installation said Mahamed Cali, Director of Pillsbury United Communities. Prometheus Radio Project and its KALY, adding, “oh my goodness, “In a media landscape dominat- supporters, who led the grassroots able nationwide, reversing an ear- tion of several hundred thousand everyone is excited!” KALY will ed by national networks and click- coalition that pushed Congress to lier law that kept stations out of people. According to engineering help new immigrants navigate life bait headlines, low power FM pass the Local Community Radio urban areas. and population studies conducted in America with instruction on is media at its most local,” said Act of 2010. The law expanded Low Power FM stations that by Prometheus Radio Project, “how to communicate, how to Will Floyd, Technical Director community radio by directing the cover urban areas like WEQY KALY’s signal will cover close order at a restaurant, talk to their for the Prometheus Radio Project. FCC to make more stations avail- and KALY can reach a popula- to 200,000 people in Minneapolis.

• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church • 2742 15th Ave S • Minneapolis MN 55407 •

______The Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is a FREE walk-in clinic operated by University of Minnesota health professional students.

______

→All students are supervised by licensed doctors.

→No appointments or insurance necessary.

→Spanish interpreters are available. Harvey Winje Open Mondays & Thursdays from 6 - 9 p.m.

(closed on holidays) At 15th & East Lake St. Coffee UPCOMING SPECIALTY NIGHTS IN CLINIC: Shop and HOBT GIFT SALE December​ ​4th:​ ​Students from the University of Minnesota’s College of Law will be in clinic to answer any legal questions you may have. Every day see this Coffee Shop and fairs in our lobby. And, of December​ ​6th:​ We will be hosting our ‘MOVE’ night workout classes from 5 - 7 PM. being built next to Quruxlow course, HOBT swag and tickets December​ ​18th:​ ​At Dermatology night, we will have doctors specializing in skin-care related Restaurant and for two days across will be available to fill up those health issues helping patients who may be suffering from a skin condition such as acne, rashes, the street shop In the Heart of the stockings. Live Music. Hot Cider eczema, cold sores, warts, birthmarks, skin infections, psoriasis and any other issues or concerns Beast’s Holiday Sale! at 1500 E. & Popcorn. Amazing Raffle. th th related to the skin. Lake St. on Dec. 8 and 9 — pre- Family friendly. A portion of all Monday’s​ ​and​ ​Thursday’s​: Walk-in Flu Shot Clinic! view night proceeds will benefit HOBT pro- Fri, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm This gramming. Please note: some of Call us from 6 - 9 p.m. on Mondays & Thursdays at (612)-724-1690 is a preview night for folks who the participating artists will only Visit us online at www.phillipsneighborhoodclinic.com want first dibs at the Holiday be accepting cash. Sale! There is a suggested dona- WINTER COAT DRIVE: tion of $5 at the door. The Sale New or gently used winter coats LAS POSADAS continues through Saturday 10:00 will be collected during both days AM to 5:00 PM with no entrance of the Holiday Sale. All coat dona- 2017 fee. Our community of 28 brilliant tions will be donated to Little artists will be selling their wares Earth of United Tribes youth. Iglesia Luterana San Pablo St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Mill City Merchants 2742 15th Ave S. Located at Midtown Global Market Turquoise, Silver, and Stone Jewelry Minneapolis, MN 55407 Lake Street and 10th Avenue South / Mpls. December 16, 2017 Wed. thru Sat. 11 AM to 5 PM 4:00 pm Fridays 12 PM to 6 PM 612-702-2273 Bl sed Holidays! VENTURA VILLAGE DECEMBER 2017 • VOL. 6 NO. 11 es N E I G H B O R H O O D NEWS

2017 HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR VENTURA VILLAGE’S residents and visitors with all of the street closings bridge replacements and traffic diversions. Although crime rates have remained fairly steady, we’ve again said “Hello” & “Good-bye” to our Third Precinct Police Commanders, hoping our incoming UPCOMING MONTHLY MEETINGS: Commander matches the quality of service and support enjoyed with Michael Sullivan and C.J. Johnson. Thank you again and again! WEDNESDAY, DEC 13TH: BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: 6:00 PM With struggles associated with politics and governing in our WEDNESDAY, DEC 13TH: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: 7:00 PM country, we can remain hopeful and committed to small acts in TO BE ANNOUNCED: WELLNESS, GARDENING & GREENING: 6:30 PM our own neighborhood that ensure improved well-being and the TUESDAY, DEC 26TH: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE: 6:00 PM safety of our residents and visitors. Please consider taking your personal steps or those within your family to help make this a THURSDAY, DEC 28TH: HOUSING & LAND COMMITTEE: 5:30 PM friendly and welcoming, yet effective neighborhood to live in and THURSDAY, DEC 28TH: CRIME & SAFETY COMMITTEE: 6:30 PM work. We love Ventura Village and hope that the activities All Residents Are Welcome to Participate: Visitors Welcome to Attend! associated with SuperBowl 2018 just next door be beneficial and not painful. Ventura Village Meetings are upstairs in the Phillips Community A return to normal traffic, completion of Peavey Park and the Center 2323 - 11th Avenue South Minneapolis 612-874-9070 Phillips Aquatic Center will be our New Year’s Gifts!

Schedule of Services - Approximately 26 hrs./month VENTURE VILLAGE IS SEEKING TO CONTRACT VARIOUS ADMIN. services for approximately 26 hours monthly from somebody who preferably lives and/or works in our neighborhood. • Process incoming mail Familiarity with Ventura Village and how our neighborhood • Attend, record and take minutes of all Board & General Membership organization operates is a strong qualification and preference. meetings Experience handling administrative duties is a must, with skills • Prepare draft Board & General Membership meeting notices & agendas ranging from taking minutes of meetings and preparing • Maintain mailing list and handle outgoing mailings mailings, agendas, fliers and handling public address equipment • Draft all correspondence as directed by board are desired. Training will be provided as needed to fill in any • Handle ordering of supplies & maintain inventories skills that are not fully available. • Maintain & update Ventura Village website If you are interested in applying for this position, you may • Maintain cleanliness of Ventura Village office suite submit your letter of interest and a resumé to Ventura Village, • Set up and take down audio PA system for monthly meetings. 2323 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Any questions • Perform additional services as directed by Board actions. can be directed to [email protected].

Hurray for AK Our New Parks Commish! Although you’ll probably see Abdikadir Hassan (AK) in a suit and tie, he just won the general election for District Three of the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board. He served as Ventura Village’s neighborhood Chairperson in 2017 and decided to go after the seat being vacated by Scott Vreeland. Winning by 53% of the votes, AK defeated Abdi Gurhan Mohamed for the seat. A very popular young guy, we hope that AK grows into a thoughtful mature leader. A more compassionate caring person, AK is shown here with his mother and in his role serving as a tutor of young Somali-American children. Best of Luck!

NEW RADIO STATION HITS SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS AIRWAVES Broadcasting from the Phillips Community Center, KRSM - 98.9 FM begins broadcasting voices historically erased by traditional media BY MEGHAN MUFFETT: Community Relations Coordinator - Pillsbury United Communities-Waite House

A new community radio station began broadcasting on 98.9 FM to potentially 300,000 Minneapolis listeners on Nov. 24th. KRSM Southside Media Project is a low-power FM radio station that operates out of Waite House at the Phillips Community Community Center in South Minneapolis as part of the Community Media Initiative by Pillsbury United Communities. The station, which began livestreaming online in March of this year, will share 65 hours per week of original programming in 6 different languages created by a team of over 100 volunteers and hosts. The weekly schedule includes shows about mental health, community organizing, relationships and sexuality, entrepreneurship, history, music and more. The station will also feature syndicated content such as lessons in Ojibwe language, history, and culture created by partner stations on Native reservations around greater Minnesota as well as Spanish-language content from Democracy Now. Of the power intrinsic to community radio, Advisory Board member Danielle Mkali said, “From advocating with media justice partners nationally to working in our local communities, we've been able to build a station from the ground up. It's an opportunity to learn and listen to our own stories, which means that we are shaping our world together. Community radio can be a healing and community-building space." KRSM is designed to provide a platform for elevating the voices, narratives, and cultures of communities that have a history of being marginalized, misrepresented, and erased by traditional media. Over half of the shows are run by women, 73% are hosted by Indigenous and people of color, and 80% of the hosts have had no previous experience working in radio. The station also serves as an on-ramp to jobs in the media industry by offering free training opportunities and access to professional grade equipment. New programming to expect soon includes a monthly radio novella from El Colegio high schoolers as well as a show run entirely by people incarcerated in prison. The full show schedule is available online at krsmradio.org, and listeners can access programming through the website, mobile app, or 98.9 FM. “We haven’t won--nor will we for a good long time to come, unless the brothrhood of man is much closer than any of us realizes. 6 Visitors tell us that the U.S. is the most politically underdeveloped ‘advanced’ country on the face of the earth. The Alley Newspaper • December 2017

so-so at best. One of her teachers, The Killing of a Sacred Deer Lady Bird Sister Sarah Joan (Lois Smith) finds the young woman promising down the road. It is disturbing Lady Bird disre- spects her mother even by scrawl- ing “f__k you mom” on her pink cast after injuring herself in a fit of anger. She and Julie get caught eating unconsecrated communion hosts by another student. Another incident in an assembly of students in the gymnasium as a teacher tells a true story about the ills of abor- tion, Lady Bird cruelly snaps back “Lady Bird” (2017) live), Sacramento to be exact. at her by saying an abortion by her Studio A24 “Lady Bird”, whose real name is mother means she wouldn’t have The Killing of a Sacred Deer ooooo Christine, doesn’t want to go to to listen to her. “The Killing of a Sacred “Lady Bird” is the most refresh- Catholic college, she’s already at a I remember when I felt the Deer”(2017) ing film on adolescence in a long Catholic high school with not the warmth and delight from John Drama/Thriller/Mystery time. Thanks to Greta Gerwig, best of grades. Hughes’ 1984 film “Sixteen Studio A24 her directional debut is fantastic, “Lady Bird” (perhaps Greta Candles”, shows the common oooor everything is in place, keen, real- at Lady Bird’s age) go through angst of adolescence devoid of Heart-wrenching is what «The istic, charming and humorous (and what most teenagers do is find the usual movies about teenag- Killing of a Sacred Deer» is with serious, too) all in the right spots. someone they like. Her boy she ers oversexed and overly rebel- irony of a doctor performing Yes, adolescence is a turbulent, goes for is Danny (Lucas Hedges) lious. “Lady Bird” by the skilled open-heart surgery in the opening experimental, and growing time in who’s a nice kid, rather shy and hands of Greta Gerwig, not to scenes. Doctor Steven Murphy life that seem often to work against reserved. However, the relation- mention her very good writing (Colin Farrell) is seen in a beauti- him or her. Then the adolescent has ship is dashed discovering he’s in “Frances Ha”(2013),” Mistress ful hospital standing outside his to be under the roof of parents, oh, gay. The next boy, named Kyle America”(2015) and “Nights and office talking to a teenage boy Howard McQuitter II those people we call parents, the (Timothee Chalancet) she falls for Weekends”(2008). She is won- named Martin (Barry Keogham) Movie Corner ones hopefully to guide into adult- is bombastic and self- centered. derful on screen which the three who has made an unscheduled oldschoolmovies.wordpress.com hood. Values, good ones --well, Lady Bird’s best friend Julie previous I mention all by fine visit to see the doctor. Apparently, pray those ones be the frontrunner. Steffans (Beanie Feldstein) director Noah Baumbach feature Steven is the one who operated “Lady Bird’ is the title char- exchange little things as Julie her in the starring role. A similar on his father; who, sadly, has [email protected] acter played by Saoirse Ronan remarks,” What about terrorism?”, very good feeling I felt for “Lady deceased. Steven takes an interest takes off never to accept another (“Brooklyn” [2015), in large part curiously Lady Bird responses,” Bird”, a classy film that audi- in Martin, a kid seemingly with invitation. has a turbulent relationship with Don’t be Republican”. Lady Bird’s ences will love. (Critics already few friends, a classic loner, some- Martin vacillates between a her mother, Marion McPherson sentiment about Sacramento, she love it; by the time of this writing one in need for another person to weird stilted personality and to a (Laurie Metcalf). Her mother tells sarcastically says the city Is like Rotten Tomatoes gives 144 Fresh: talk to since his father is gone. psychological vengeful personal- her and her father Larry (Tracy “the Midwest of California”. Her 0 Rotten.) Steven invites the lad over to his ity. One can only guess Martin is Letts) cannot afford to send her goal is to leave Sacramento for the Running time: 93 minutes. house to meet his ophthalmologist on a trail that creates serious prob- to Columbia, Yale or Penn and East coast, but is frustrated by her Director: Gerta Gerwig. Cast: wife Anna (Nicole Kidman), and lems which makes “The Killing of barely can afford to send her to a parents who cannot afford to send Saoirse Ronan (Christine ‘Lady children,12-year old Bob (Sunny a Sacred Deer” a vibrate thriller, college in California (where they her there as well as her grades are Bird). Suljic) and 14-year-old Kim a terrifying, haunting film telling (Raffey Cassidy). Martin takes the audience in subtle ways: be up the invitation at the Murphys’ careful who one embraces as a house with “normal” interactions. friend. And if there is any compar- There is one scene in the movie ison to other directors with enig- where a watch may or may not matic, thought-provoking themes be a key to Greek director Yorgos one can watch Michael Haneke Lanthimos’ (“The Lobster”) enig- films, or Chan-wook Park, or matic, dark, oddball film. One of take one of David Lynch’s works. the characters says about a watch, Both Steven and Martin’s lives “I prefer a metal strap.” (Alfred become interwoven for the worst. Hitchcock often uses a bird, such Just look at director Barrbet as in “The Birds” and “Topaz” Schroeder’s 1992 movie “Single for something ominous to fol- White Female “to see how appear- low.) When Steven visits Martin’s ances can be deceiving, yes, even house, meeting his mom (Alicia down a deadly path. Silverson) all three watch the The title “The Killing of movie, “Groundhog Day”. By this a Sacred Deer” is a metaphor time, the film enters into strange from Greek mythology when The Alley Newspaper in collaboration with to very strange, especially when Agamemnon wants to send his the American Swedish Institute’s Martin leaves the room leaving ships to Troy, but because of no Steven and Martin’s mom alone. wind the ships couldn’t get there. ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN HOUSE She tries to seduce him, but he In turn he pleads to the gods to cause strong winds to carry his FREE ! ships to Troy. The gods say they INGEBRETSEN’S will send the winds only if he NORDIC MARKETPLACE sacrifices his daughter. But just as he is about to carry out the act, Wednesday, December 13, 2017 the gods turn his daughter into a deer. Then Agamemnonas kills a 5:00 to 8:00 pm sacred deer. Cast: Colin Farrell (Dr. Steven Murphy), Nicole Kidman Anna American Swedish Institute Murphy), Barry Keogham (Martin), Alicia Silverland 2600 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (Martin’s Mother), Raffey Cassidy (Kim), Bill Camp (another doctor), Enjoy FREE museum admission, performances, bonfires and Denise Dal Vera (Mary Williams), hands-on holiday crafts. Show up to this former Swedish Sunny Suljic (Bob). (R) Director: newspaper family’s “castle and walk through Yorgos Lanthimos. Running time: Your home for exploring Nordic culture 119 minutes. Written by: Yorgos The Alley Newspaper’s DID YOU KNOW exhibit and since 1921 Lanthimos. learn an interesting new fact or two! 1601 EAST LAKE STREET MINNEAPOLIS, MN Questions or more info: [email protected] P. 612.729.9333 P.O. Box 7006 Mpls., MN 55407 WWW.INGEBRETSENS.COM or 612-990-4022 The Alley Newspaper • December 2017 Despite this people can and will become educated–sometimes–overnight sas the result of a personal or econnomic trauma–once the system in which they have ha implicit faith fails them in mre ways than they can possibly deny.” – Wm Worthy, Jr 7 Vietnam and Naked Truth

A good part of our neighbor- hood gave its attention to THE VIETNAM WAR on public tele- vision. For my generation, the series was an edifying reminder of that war’s impact upon our inner-being. Kent State Massacre, May 4, 1970… Peter Molenaar Nixon’s people informed the Raise Your Voice grief stricken parents: You should be happy your son was killed, he Leis of that war had resurfaced. was “just another communist”. I asked him: Would you kill a Who were these “communists”? man who had faced down the As far as I know, the Klan in Jim Crow Mississippi? Communists thought it was wrong My efforts, ten years prior, to reg- to compel working-class youth ister voters in that state wound up to war on behalf of capitalists saving my butt. William Worthy, Jr. who wanted space for the dein- 2017, a road trip rendezvous the show and were not abused. cations was his expertise. Her first Journalist (July 7, 1921 – dustrialization of our country… via online dating… exit the Cities Everything was shared. language was a dialect of Tagalog May 4, 2014) thereby smashing our jobs base, on Hwy. 52 south, then exit at What name should we call a mixed with Spanish. our unions, and our wages. Hwy. 56 to discover Wanamingo people who did not require slave I spoke of Vietnamese girls William Then later, 1979. In the north- (pop. 1,086): holders or capitalists to explain running naked down the road, Worthy, Jr. was east corner of the Smith Foundry Here, the melting glaciers cre- the meaning of freedom? their skin melting away from the an African- shower room at 1855 E. 28th ated ravines into which the people Further down the road, I would effects of napalm. Tears welled in American jour- Street: drove the buffalo, thousands of meet my date at the old Hubble her eyes, yet before parting, she nalist, civil I was stark naked with my back years ago. Copper miners to the Hotel in Mantorville. She had gave me a hug which would not rights activist, and dissident who to the corner, while an African- north received dried meat and met her once husband in the let go. pressed his right to travel regard- American Korean War veteran processed hides in exchange for Philippines, during his R & R less of U.S. State Department taunted me. Evidently, the Mai their goods. Women ran much of from the war. Air Force communi- regulations. FRANK REFLECTIONS Whose land is “Our” land? BY FRANK ERICKSON Homelessness within the Native American Community is much higher than the white com- munity. What white Europeans have done to Native Americans is beyond words. The most important issue our society will deal with in the next 100 years is–who has the right to own things around here. My ancestors come here, unjustly take the land, and then play capitalism into the equation. So the wickedness grows every day as the white landlords con- tinue to raise rents and the rate of homelessness among Natives only increases, the chance to get a roof over their heads becomes further out of reach. Greed is just the surface prob- lem. The whites have no right to own the land and the commerce.

3440 BLOOMINGTON AVE. POWDERHORN PARK MINNEAPOLIS M-F 6:30-6 SAT 7-5 • SUN 7:30-5 729-5627

Organic & Fair Trade Coffee FREE Wireless Internet I-94

Backyard Hiawatha Avenue

Initiative BACKYARD INITIATIVE Community

Members

I-35W

Cultural Wellness Center Allina BACK PAGE 38th Street BYI AREA BYI INFRASTRUCTURE Approaching YEAR 10 of the Backyard Initiative! Grounded in a simple premise—that active com- munity and cultural connections are the foundation of good health—the Backyard Initiative (BYI) is a dynamic partnership between the residents of 7 neighborhoods of South Minneapolis, the Cultural

Wellness Center, and Allina Health. Backyard Despite having access to world-class medical care right in their “backyard,” many residents in Initiative the area experience poor health outcomes. The Backyard Initiative goes beyond medical care to improve health by improving the capacity of resi- dents to strengthen their own health. As part of the BYI, residents draw upon their own knowledge, skills, and cultural values to take care of themselves and their families, friends and neighbors. This remarkable partnership began in 2008 with a commitment between the part- ners to sustain this unique initiative for 10 years. The year 2018 will begin the final year of this partnership in its current form, largely funded by the financial contributions of Allina put alongside of the social capital of many residents. This will not hearken the end of the Backyard Initiative, however, as the end of this decade of work approaches! Look for the exciting changes and transformation to the Backyard Initiative that will occur throughout 2018!

Community Health Action Teams (CHATs): Most of the BYI’s work is done

by Community Health Action Teams (CHATs) that are community-led health

Building COMMUNITY To

improvement projects organized around an ethnic/culturally-defined issue or a specific approach. The CHATs engage community members in activities around Improve Health the four BYI STRATEGY AREAS: improve health by creating social support, social cohesion, health education and health empowerment. Using the Philosophy Which Results In… Community Commission on Health (CCoH): The Commission is the main

leadership body of the Backyard Initiative and meets monthly. It is comprised of Community…

of 2 to 3 leaders of each CHAT, Ruth Olkon of Allina, Cultural Wellness Center The group is valued Community ownership, respon- staff, a couple of representatives from the Community Resource Body. sibility, problem-solving, com- and empowered… mon ground Community Resource Body (CRB): This body of people explores ways

to support the Backyard Initiative and to learn about new ways of lifting up

the mutual benefit to institutions and organizations when communities are Authority is given to The birthing of new ideas, cre- able to participate in health sustenance. Members of the CRB include: BYI ative solutions acknowledge- Community members, Allina Health, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, City of the organic idea… Mpls. Dept. of Health, Cultural Wellness Center, George Family Foundation, ment of spirituality as a process Hope Community, LISC, North Point Health and Wellness and U of M School of Public Health. Power rests within A community which values & respects the development of people’s each person’s potential experience…

The Backyard Initiative (BYI) Resource Center is the central Citizens have Strategic thinking, community- location for the Backyard Initiative activities and communica- problem-solving tions. It is located inside the Midtown Global Market (near the collective interests… Lake and 10th Ave entrance). The BYI Resource Center is where all the BYI resources are compiled, displayed, and shared with our community. The Resource Center is a place for community Everyone is a stu- New knowledge, responsibility, members of the Backyard Initiative to visit, gain knowledge, and valuing self share information about activities and resources available in the Backyard. This Backyard dent & a teacher… Initiative Resource Center is essential to the goal of connecting with the 42,000 members of the Backyard community and to connect them with one another.

Knowledge derives A community where every per- son’s and every culture’s knowl- VISIT the BYI Resource Center at the Midtown Global Market to from internal edge is valued, a respect for learn more about the Backyard Initiative or experience… the richness and wisdom of all traditions, acknowledgement of call 612-353-6211 The BYI Resource Center hours are the spiritual Thinking is honored. 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday The process is the Health, active, purposeful citi- zens, Harmony, integral think- product… ing, self-development, self- Back Yard Initiative Back Page discipline The BYI Back Page is produced each month as a collaborative venture between the BYI Communications CHAT & Alley Communications, Inc., Participants are the Standards set and followed by publisher of The Alley Newspaper. The Communications CHAT works evaluators… the group, attention to process, with BYI CHAT (Community Health Action Teams) each month as a questions that initiate learning, “resource CHAT” – helping to get the news and activities of the BYI out c. 2010 Cultural Wellness Center practices that are consistent to the broader community. with culture and tradition