Volume 9 • Issue 1 threesixty.stthomas.edu September 2018

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Minnesota Teens Report Stories & Issues That Matter

A Healthier State for All ThreeSixty students share an inside look at innovative health equity initiatives. Special-use photos: African Immigrant Services • Appetite for Change • Dave Denney • Elizabeth Flores • Healthy Baby Showers • Livio Health • Lower Sioux Indian Community • Mark Brown • NorthPoint Health and Wellness • MPR News • Nice Ride • Northside Greenway • The Sioux Chef • University of St. Thomas

ThreeSixty Journalism Mail 5057, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 https://threesixty.stthomas.edu/ https://www.facebook.com/threesixtyjournalism https://twitter.com/threesixtymn https://www.instagram.com/threesixtyjournalism

ThreeSixty students pose for a photo with KARE 11 anchors Adrienne Broaddus (front, left) and Jeff Edmonson Christina Holmgren, Chad Caruthers, Bao Vang, Program Manager Executive Director Engagement Manager (back, right) on July 28 at KARE 11 studios. Broaddus and Edmondson invited ThreeSixty’s TV camp students to a live morning news show to help teach students how to anchor during a live news broadcast.

ThreeSixty Leadership Council: Brian Bellmont, Bellmont Partners Public Relations • Mike Burbach, St. Paul Pioneer Press • Nancy Cassutt, Minnesota Public Radio News • Aisha Eady—ThreeSixty Alumna, CONTENTS | SEPTEMBER Professional Services Marketing, LLC • Chris Havens, Best Buy • John Doug Hennes In memory of Doug Hennes, Organizers Aim to Spark Health Habits Hobot, Wells Fargo • Dale Kurschner, Strategic Business Analyst & founding ThreeSixty board member. Page 7 Throughout North Minneapolis Northside Advisor • Simeon Lancaster—ThreeSixty Alumnus, PBS NewsHour’s Greenway Now works to revive healthy Under-Told Stories Project • Lida Poletz, Public Relations • Colleen Reclaiming Culture Feeds into a Healthy Life The connections in North Minneapolis. Page 20 Stoxen, Star Tribune • Jack Sullivan, Dorsey & Whitney LLP • Amanda Sioux Chef’s Frank Haney explains how he is Theisen, KSTP-TV • Dr. Wendy Wyatt, University of St. Thomas • Andy using pre-colonial foods to inspire healthy eating Using Culture as Prevention The Lower Sioux Ybarra, Weber Shandwick in Native Americans communities. Page 9 Indian Communty teaches Native American youth about the tradition of sacred tobacco. Page 21 Menthol Tobacco Used to Prey on Youth Northpoint Health and Wellness works to end the Racial Shift Leads to a Policy Change African Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved effects of targeted tobacco campaigns on youth Immigrant Services works with the Osseo ThreeSixty Magazine will be published twice a year and minority groups. Page 10 Public School District to address changes in during the 2018-19 school year. demographics. Page 24 ThreeSixty Magazine is designed by Diana Boger. Community Crossover Inspires Parenting dianaboger.com Education Program Healthy Baby Showers works Little Moccasins, Lots of Love The First Gift Email [email protected] with comments, to educate mothers-to-be on wellness-focused organizer Lisa Skjefte talks about the creation of letters and questions about participating in ThreeSixty. parenting. Page 11 gifts for Native American babies. Page 25 ThreeSixty Journalism is a nonprofit program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas. College Essays The magic of College Essay Appetite For Change Brings Fresh Ideas to the Donations from individuals like you provide a significant Boot Camp continues, as ThreeSixty students Table Group uses healthful food as a tool to build amount of ThreeSixty’s operating budget. To contribute, please visit share their compelling personal stories. change in the North Minneapolis community. http://threesixty.stthomas.edu/donate-to-threesixty-journalism. Pages 15-18 Page 26

Livio Brings Back House Calls Mobile health care Minnesota Nice...Ride Nice Ride talks bringing company Livio Health Group provides in-home change to the Twin Cities by creating alternative care to Twin Cities community members. Page 19 transportation options through its bike sharing system. Page 27

2 threesixty.stthomas.edu Student Contributors in this Issue

Samia Abdalla Fatima Acosta-Mendoza Helen Anton Surina Arora Shelby Cathey Girls Inc., Eureka! Harding Senior High School Girls Inc., Eureka! The Blake School Minnehaha Academy

Aaliyah Demry David Gutierrez Ta’Vasia Johnson Lyla Lee Samira Mohamed Irondale High School St. Louis Park High School Harding Senior High School Park Center High School Washington Tech Magnet High School

Ethan Nihm Isabel Saavedra-Weis Heidi Sanchez Avila Sophia Schach Neng Thao Harding Senior High School St. Paul Academy and Hiawatha Collegiate Southwest High School Johnson Senior High School Summit School High School

Anisa Yusuf Girls Inc., Eureka! Paying Yang Patrick Henry High School

September 2018 3 Discuss more Easily share, text or email stories, whatever your preferences. Or want to leave a comment? Now you can.

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51522995152299/8/8/1/18 THREESIXTY NEWS

ThreeSixty Scholar Updates

Zekriah Chaudhry is the 2018 Samantha HoangLong, Danielle Wong, a junior, is a co- Amira Warren-Yearby, a senior, Deborah Honore, a recent gradu- ThreeSixty Scholar. As part of his a sophomore at St. Thomas, is facilitator for St. Thomas’ Feminist studied TV, film and commu- ate of St. Thomas, spent a portion ThreeSixty experience, Chaudhry reporting for TommieMedia, the Community and also works on nications at Bond University in of her final semester in India as reported on activities surrounding university’s student-run news campus for the Luann Dummer Queensland, Australia, as part of part of a reporting trip for the PBS Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis and organization. This past year, she Center for Women. This past a yearlong study abroad program NewsHour Under-Told Stories covered a Minnesota Timberwolves served as a communications and March, she helped organize the last year. While there, she worked Project. Currently, she serves as a game as part of a partnership with advocacy intern for the Center March for our Lives walkout on on the production team for the Community Engagement Intern at the team and Star Tribune. for Prevention at Blue Cross Blue campus. 2018 Commonwealth Games— Pollen Midwest. She also works at Shield of Minnesota. an international, multi-sport the University of St. Thomas as a event in Queensland. Video Producer. ThreeSixty Welcomes New Program Manager

ThreeSixty Journalism is with a B.A. in English and thrilled to welcome Christina Secondary Education. While Holmgren as its program at Hamline, she spent several manager! years as a reporter for the In her role, Holmgren school newspaper, The Oracle. oversees ThreeSixty’s award- She is currently pursuing her winning programming, student M.A. in Education Leadership development and the program’s and Administration at St. flagship publication, ThreeSixty Thomas. Magazine. “As someone who has com- “I’m honored to have a mitted my life to the field of chance to add to the vision of education, I understand and Christina Holmgren the ThreeSixty Journalism team believe in the importance of and to help elevate the voices a community that encourages of the high school students who contribute to the lifelong learning,” Holmgren said. “ThreeSixty’s program,” Holmgren said. passion for serving students and dedication to cre- Holmgren comes to ThreeSixty from the St. ating a diverse and inclusive learning environment Thomas Law School, where since 2016 she has make joining the program an exciting opportunity served as Assistant Director of Admissions. Her for me.” responsibilities included creating, managing Holmgren joins Caruthers and engagement and implementing digital content; program manager Bao Vang on ThreeSixty’s full-time team. evaluation and recruitment; and prospective- “ThreeSixty is creating the next generation of student advising. diverse thinkers, communicators and leaders,” “Christina’s own education, blended with her Caruthers said. “With journalism and writing writing, student advocacy and higher-ed experi- continuing as our core, we’re rapidly developing ence, bring critical perspectives to the Program a pipeline of support for our high school students

Manager role,” ThreeSixty Executive Director and college-age ThreeSixty alumni. Christina has a CREDIT PHOTO Chad Caruthers said. lot to contribute to our legacy programming as well During Rookie Journalist Camp, Christina Holmgren emphasizes the Holmgren graduated from Hamline University as our evolution.” importance of elevating the voices of those within one’s community.

September 2018 5 THREESIXTY NEWS Leadership Council Welcomes Three New Members

The ThreeSixty Leadership nonprofits before launching her student workshops covering the Council is composed of journalism digital design agency. public relations field and career and communication profession- “Aisha is a perfect example options. He also helped host als who volunteer their time and of a ThreeSixty alumna who has ThreeSixty Journalism students at talent to ensure ThreeSixty has leveraged her camp experience and Weber Shandwick. the resources to offer best-in-class connections through the program “I think people are genuinely programming. ThreeSixty wel- to become a highly sought-after excited about journalism careers comed three new members to its professional in the communications again, and it’s important for today’s Leadership Council. industry,” said engagement manager reporters to reflect the diverse com- Bao Vang. “She’s a perfect fit to munities they cover,” Ybarra said. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. COURTESY PHOTO AISHA EADY continue to share the success Prior to embarking on his public Simeon Lancaster ThreeSixty alumna Aisha Eady stories of ThreeSixty alumni and relations career, Ybarra spent time was recently elected to ThreeSixty help the organization grow and as a reporter for the Associated ThreeSixty Journalism’s Leadership “It wasn’t long ago Simeon Journalism’s Leadership Council. innovate.” Press writing for bureaus in both Council. Lancaster was the 2013 was a ThreeSixty student, then of Eady, who is the founder of digital Aisha Eady Studios helps entre- Minneapolis and Albuquerque, N.M. ThreeSixty Scholar and is a 2017 course a Tommie as a ThreeSixty design agency Aisha Eady Studios, preneurs, small business owners Ybarra said in volatile times such graduate of St. Thomas. He Scholar,” ThreeSixty executive participated in ThreeSixty in and those on the cusp of career as these, journalism is an opportu- currently serves as production director Chad Caruthers said. 2002 and continues to value that transition share their professional nity to remind people why diversity assistant with PBS NewsHour’s “He’s had great support and experience. stories and establish a stellar is so important. He explained the Under-Told Stories Project. mentorship throughout both, “As a high school student, impression online. only way to truly grow as a society “I started my ThreeSixty journey and I know he’s excited to ThreeSixty served as a container for “My decision to join the is to give everyone a chance to tell when I was 14, and it took me help ensure current and future my interest in pursuing journalism,” ThreesSixty Leadership Council was their stories and be heard. through college and further into my ThreeSixty students have the best Eady said. “My experience was a driven by the desire to see the next Ybarra mentioned diversity in career path than I could have imag- experience possible.” training ground for asking great generation of storytellers hone their communications and journalism ined,” Lancaster said. “I am thrilled Lancaster continues to apply his questions, learning how to navigate craft,” she said. “All of those skills offers the chance to shine a light on to join the Leadership Council and ThreeSixty and university learning conversations and writing with a have served me well in both my unique voices, points of view and start using what ThreeSixty gave in important ways. purpose.” personal and professional life.” perspectives. me to help the next generation of “I’m so excited to be producing Eady subsequently applied her “ThreeSixty Journalism is helping students.” international, solutions-based jour- media and communication passion ANDY YBARRA to make that [diversity] a reality,” Lancaster looks forward to nalism that cuts through the news at the University of Minnesota, Andy Ybarra, a senior vice president Ybarra said. “I truly believe in what supporting the talented students bubble—journalism that the world where she earned a B.A. in of Weber Shandwick Minneapolis, they’re doing.” he’ll cross paths with while serv- needs to hear right now,” Lancaster Journalism and Communication. has been elected to the ThreeSixty ing on the Leadership Council. said of his current Under-Told She wrote for Star Tribune and Journalism Leadership Council. SIMEON LANCASTER His focus area on the council is Stories Project role. Newsweek, and also worked in Over the years, Ybarra has ThreeSixty alumnus Simeon to enhance engagement of other The Under-Told Stories Project is communications roles for several participated in various ThreeSixty Lancaster recently joined ThreeSixty Alumni. housed at St. Thomas.

Aisha Eady Andy Ybarra

6 threesixty.stthomas.edu THREESIXTY NEWS

“What a wonderful father and grandfather he is, and has been,” In Memory of Sullivan said. Doug Hennes A GIFTED STORYTELLER While many people knew Hennes personally, many more knew him by his words. He began his news- A founding ThreeSixty Journalism board paper career in high school as a sports correspondent and reporter member, Hennes was a beloved friend for his hometown newspaper, the and champion of the program. Owatonna People’s Press. During his college years he continued working for the People’s Press; was Founding ThreeSixty Journalism a writer and editor of the student board member and ardent supporter Jordan Osterman newspaper, The Aquin; and was Doug Hennes ’77, died Thursday, University of St. Thomas sports information director for July 19, at the age of 63. Hennes St. Thomas’ News Bureau. He was vice president for government graduated from St. Thomas with relations and special projects at the in 1994 to build its Frey Science and a bachelor’s degree cum laude in University of St. Thomas. Engineering Center. journalism and began his 14-year For the countless people who “Doug pursued every avenue career at the St. Paul Pioneer knew him, Hennes was the quintes- until we finally secured the grant, Press, serving the last six years as sential Tommie. A champion of which was what we needed to turn metro editor. the university as a student, as an the dream of the science center While metro editor, Hennes alumnus and, for 28 years, as a staff into reality,” Dease said. “I’ll never was involved in two Pulitzer member, he exemplified his univer- forget how he simply would not give Prize-winning series: He was sity’s values. up when we were being greeted by project editor on John Camp’s “He had a real belief that there is obstacle after obstacle. I will always 1985 series on a Minnesota farm a common good, and his vocation be grateful for that, and for so many family, and also worked on the was to help find that, whether in other marvelous feats he accom- THOMAS OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. COURTESY PHOTO 1987 “AIDS in the Heartland” story the university or in the broader plished with St. Thomas.” Doug Hennes interviews Father John Malone in the St. Thomas president’s by Jacqui Banaszynski. He served office in Aquinas Hall November 6, 2013. community,” said President Julie Hennes worked constantly to two terms as the president of the Sullivan. “He was a very special man improve St. Thomas’ relationships and for St. Thomas athletics,” said family. His beloved wife, Karen, Minnesota chapter of the Society of and was just so caring about others with its neighboring communi- Mark Vangsgard, vice president for worked alongside him in Aquinas Professional Journalists. and about St. Thomas.” ties: Along with serving on district business affairs and chief financial Hall as Sullivan’s administrative When he left the Pioneer Press “He really was one of our chief councils, he spearheaded the officer. “He just loved this place and assistant. Their love was apparent for St. Thomas, he brought along guiding spirits,” said Father Dennis creation in 2004 of the West Summit everything about it. Regardless of and joyful; Hennes spoke often of his love for writing and over the Dease, president emeritus. Neighborhood Advisory Committee, what his job was, when I think of how happy he was to have Karen as years crafted hundreds of stories for An Owatonna, Minnesota, which has been a crucial forum for Doug, that’s what I think of: his pas- his best friend. St. Thomas magazine, its website native, Hennes returned to his discussing and growing the shared sion. It just oozed out of his veins. Hennes was extremely proud and other university outlets. Most alma mater in 1990 as executive interests of St. Thomas and its He led by example when it came to of his children and stepchildren, recently, Hennes was recognized director of university relations. neighbors. Hennes was also an active passion and enthusiasm about St. and took great joy in the bless- at the Society of Professional He was promoted to associate vice representative for St. Thomas on the Thomas. Just being around him you ings of eight grandchildren. Journalists 2018 Page One Awards president for university relations Minnesota Private College Council. would get excited about St. Thomas Along with Karen, Hennes is for “Pulitzer Proud,” his compelling in 1994 and to vice president for “He knew so many people and because he was excited about St. survived by sons Christopher magazine feature about Pulitzer university and government rela- was so generous with them,” said Thomas.” (Karen) and Nathaniel Hennes Prize-winning Iowa journalist and tions in 1997. In 2017 he became Amy Gage, St. Thomas’ neighbor- That passion fueled an unpar- (Sarah) and daughter Katharine St. Thomas alumnus Art Cullen. vice president for government hood liaison since 2014. “He had alleled level of energy; Hennes Planton (William), stepchildren The stories Hennes told took relations and special projects. a loyalty to this place that was changed the dynamic of any room. Kelly Coffey (Katharina), Ben him around the country and the Throughout his career here, unquestioned. He was a constant “He bled purple. He was an Coffey, Tim Coffey (Claire) and globe with trips to Africa, United Hennes had immeasurable impact advocate for and a booster of institutional supporter of the first Katrina Coffey, and grandchildren Kingdom, Cuba, India and South on the university and in Twin St. Thomas.” magnitude,” said John Hershey, Nathaniel, Ana, Gabby, Keaton, America. In the most recent issue Cities communities, standing as former neighborhood liaison and Genevieve, Penelope, Gavin and of St. Thomas magazine, he profiled the energetic, passionate face of “HE BLED PURPLE” longtime colleague of Hennes. “St. Avery. He is also survived by two Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the St. Thomas in a wide range of civic Whether in official or unofficial Thomas has lost a genuine friend sisters, Colette (Phil) Ryan and “Under-Told Stories Project.” The and academic areas. capacities, Hennes’ enthusiasm for and supporter.” Jane (Joe) Willett and a brother, spring 2012 St. Thomas magazine As a tireless advocate, Hennes St. Thomas was contagious. Greg (Leo). Hennes was preceded is a true showcase of Hennes’ gift played a key role in the university’s “He was unequaled in his passion FAMILY FIRST in death by his parents, Irene for words and love for St. Thomas. growth and evolution, including for St. Thomas as an institution, A proud Irishman and Catholic, and Serane (“Sy”) Hennes, and a Hennes traveled to Uganda with securing a $15 million federal grant for the people who worked here, Hennes’ greatest joy was in his sister, Teresa. HENNES continued on page 30

September 2018 7 HEALTH EQUITY Advanced News Reporter Academy

In ThreeSixty’s Advanced News Reporter Academy, ThreeSixty students put on their reporter caps—many for the first time. Charged with a health equity theme this summer, they set out to shed light on communities often left in the dark in health equity discussions.

8 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Reclaiming Culture Feeds into a Healthy Life

most food is bought at a grocery or aspect of the culture.” organic and from native-owned convenience store. Reclaiming that culture is part of sources. Frank Haney uses pre-colonial foods The Sioux Chef, a Twin Cities- the challenge, since the indigenous “America is a capitalistic society, to inspire healthy eating in the based catering company, is not fol- community has had its traditions so making money is a big deal, and lowing the fast-food trend. Instead, buried in years of systemic oppres- in the process of that, they’ve taken Native American community. it’s going back to the basics, sion. Forced onto reservations, the healthiest foods and made reclaiming the diet of native ances- Native Americans were separated them inaccessible to people of low tors. Founded in 2014 by Shaun from the land that had sustained income,” Haney said. “And that’s He remembers being a kid, growing Isabel Sherman, The Sioux Chef goes them, and instead were given another part of our mission; we up on the Oneida Indian reserva- Saavedra-Weis beyond dining services. It is a busi- boxes filled with anything but want to make sure everyone can get tion in Wisconsin. He remembers St. Paul Academy ness run by Native American people nourishment. healthy food.” helping open the commodity boxes and Summit to help the indigenous community What most people consider to be Partnering with the Minnesota sent by the government. They were School improve their health and connect to Native American food “is a byprod- Parks Foundation’s Water Works filled with canned meats, canned their history. uct of the food that was provided project, The Sioux Chef will open vegetables, powdered milk, bottles Americans ate healthy foods they Haney has been working with when they were forced to live on a restaurant near the Mississippi of corn syrup and big blocks of could hunt and gather, foods that Sherman since 2012 and now works reservations,” Haney said. “The River in the next year. cheese. nature and the seasons provided. as the executive chef at the catering commodities consisted of white “It’s not going to be a real big Now, nearly a half century later, Before Europeans arrived in North company. flour, lard, sugar and salt. These restaurant, but it will be a presence Frank Haney understands that America, indigenous tribes grew, It’s not just about the food, are the ingredients for fry bread.” right on the Mississippi, a place most of those things were not very harvested and ate corn, wild rice, Haney said. “There’s all kinds While some embrace the unhealthy that Lakota people refer to as healthy. “None of it had much squash and beans. For protein, of ceremonies, and dances and meal as a native food, Haney knows ‘o’mni’wanmi,’ which translates to nutritional value,” he said. “But they had wild game such as bison, prayers that go along with planting, that “before the European influ- ‘the place of many whirlpools.’ It’s sometimes, that’s all we had to eat.” venison or rabbit. This lifestyle is growing and harvesting it, as well ence, we never ate fry bread. None been a very sacred place for those It wasn’t always that way. uncommon now, almost nonexis- as preserving, cooking and eating it. of us.” people for centuries,” Haney said. In pre-colonial times, Native tent in the United States, where So, food is connected to every other This kind of misconception The Sioux Chef is also seeking is what The Sioux Chef aims to to open an indigenous food lab to correct. And by reclaiming a piece invite educational groups—native of Native American history and or not—and teach them the value culture, The Sioux Chef is also and health benefits of using indig- restoring health in the indigenous enous food. community. In a study in 2015, the “We’re not trying to bring back Centers for Disease Control and the past, because that’s impos- Prevention identified American sible,” Haney said. “But what we’re Indian adults as having the highest trying to do is take the indigenous obesity rate in Minnesota. The lack foods that we know of, and create of accessibility and high cost of meals with them. And a really good healthy foods are major obstacles side effect is that these foods are for the native community, but The way healthier than anything you Sioux Chef makes a point of sourc- can get in a grocery store or at most ing all its ingredients locally—fresh, restaurants.”

Reclaiming that culture is part of the challenge, since the indigenous community has had its traditions buried in years of systemic oppression. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SIOUX CHEF COURTESY PHOTO Frank Haney(left) and staff prepare indigenous meal for catering event.

September 2018 9 HEALTH EQUITY Menthol Tobacco Used to Prey on Youth

NorthPoint works with local youth and minority groups to curb the effects of targeted tobacco products.

Everybody knows smoking is bad Heidi for you. But have you ever thought Sanchez Avila about how menthol-flavored ciga- Hiawatha rettes are potentially more danger- Collegiate High ous than regular ones? Especially School for young people and some minority groups? the community. Vetaw has spent LaTrisha Vetaw, health policy and years working to change tobacco advocacy manager at North Point policies, especially those related to Health and Wellness Center in the sale of menthol cigarettes. North Minneapolis, tells us why: “I’ve worked there for 12 years on “With menthol, it’s easier to tobacco policies,” she said. “We’ve start, but a lot harder to quit. It seen the numbers in our state has a more cooling sensation— reduced significantly for youth, something called the ‘throat hit’— adult and African-American use.” that gets people more and more Vetaw’s work revolves around addicted. And its primary target reversing the effects of tobacco MARK BROWN, UNIVERISTY OF ST. THOMAS OF ST. UNIVERISTY MARK BROWN, market is youth, African-Americans, use among youth and in minority LaTrisha Vetaw of NorthPoint Health and Wellness speaks with ThreeSixty student Heaven Aschalew about the and the LGBTQ community. It’s communities. dangers of menthol tobacco. an addiction that is both costly and “When you look at the history health-hazardous,” Vetaw said. “A of tobacco, you understand that Some youth start smoking and it’s glamorous, and then it’s individual communities,” Pratt said. menthol cigarette addiction can certain groups have been targeted because of societal pressure, kind of like edgy if you can get the Adds Lucas: “I wouldn’t have cost a family or household $400 a by the tobacco industry,” she said. because it’s a fad or because they’re cigarettes,” she said. Her advocacy known about the effects of tobacco. month.” According to Truth Initiative, a exposed to secondhand smoke. emphasizes that menthol tobacco It’s important to know about all NorthPoint is a multi-specialty national nonprofit organization that Vetaw believes that society has shouldn’t be seen as cool, and that the negative effects, because if you health center and human service fights tobacco use, “54 percent of pushed an idea of smoking that isn’t people need to be aware of its true know the negative effects you won’t agency in North Minneapolis. It current smokers in high school and accurate. dangers. start those bad habits.” works to improve physical and 48.4 percent of current smokers in “I don’t know why, but as a soci- The Freedom to Breathe Act Tobacco 21 is a policy that socioeconomic health throughout middle school smoked menthols.” ety we think it’s cool and it’s cute (FTB) is a Minnesota law passed Minneapolis and St. Paul have in 2007 that restricts smoking in adopted, making the legal age to public places. buy cigarettes 21 instead of 18. “One of the big first policies I So far, 11 Minnesota cities have “With menthol, it’s worked on was Freedom to Breathe. raised the age. Vetaw’s goal with That was huge,” Vetaw said. “The Tobacco 21 is to get more people easier to start, but a lot whole bar and restaurant industry on board to help spread it all over [said that it] was going to shut Minnesota. harder to quit. It has a down if we stopped people from “We’re working on policies smoking indoors. It turns out quite throughout the state, hopefully to more cooling sensation— the opposite was true. We saw a gain some momentum and have a huge reduction in adult smoking.” statewide Tobacco 21 law—at least something called the Vetaw has young people helping for menthol products,” she says. out in the community, spreading the Suburban cities in the Twin Cities ‘throat hit’—that gets message of how tobacco is hurting metro area are an immediate target. minorities. Two young men who Vetaw has such a passion for her people more and work with her are Derrall Pratt and work that it shines through in every- Harrison Lucas. thing she says and does. “I don’t run more addicted.” “Speaking from the youth around telling people, ‘Look what I

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHPOINT HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH OF NORTHPOINT COURTESY PHOTO perspective, I think it’s opened up did,’” she said. “But when I go into — LaTrisha Vetaw, Health Policy Hundreds of North Minneapolis families receive free, fresh fruits and my eyes to how we can make an a store and I don’t see menthol, I do and Advocacy Manager vegetables each month thanks to the NorthPoint Health and Wellness market. impact in our city or even our own think, ‘That’s good.’”

10 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Community Crossover Inspires Parenting Education Program

Communities are working to better educate mothers-to-be by changing the agenda for baby showers.

Pink and blue balloons hovered near the ceiling to help celebrate Surina Arora the newest edition to a family. The The Blake aroma of catered dishes and the School laughter of family members gath- ered around the mother-to-be filled the room. But a baby shower isn’t through nonprofits, including the just a party with food, drinks, gifts Karen Organization in Minnesota, and games. It’s a celebration of new Hmong American Partnership and life and a welcoming of children by Little Earth. the people who will support and The goals of the program are help them grow. to provide education, introduce Healthy Baby Showers is a health pregnant women to their health and wellness pilot program that plans and to other local and state provides women and their families federal resources, and to connect with education about raising a child. them to their communities. “It was SHOWERS BABY OF HEALTHY COURTESY PHOTOS Minnesota Department of Health state oral health director Prasida Khanal and her team illustrate how the build up of The program is organized by Blue a good celebration of women and of bacteria in our mouth can cause cavities and tooth decay and dental caries (tooth decay in children). Cross Blue Shield for Karen, Native culture, focused around some really American and Hmong communi- hard topics to talk about when it ones that would find this informa- ties around the Twin Cities. They comes to pregnancy. Abuse, for tion the most useful and relevant. host educational baby showers for example,” said Va Yang, commu- But what we found out was that families in the communities to help nity engagement specialist at Blue mothers are not doing it by them- prepare them for parenthood. Cross, who helps organize the baby selves. They are doing it as a village, These three groups were chosen showers. “Sometimes it’s hard to with their entire family combined.” as the focus of their mission do that when you are trying to get Along with organizing and man- because of several factors, including everyone through the door. It’s aging baby showers, Yang shared women with the highest enrollment easier when you are having smaller that her proudest moment was cre- in Medicaid and the number of conversations and you are really ating positive views on pregnancy. health disparities that needed to be hand-holding those conversations. Speaking from her own experience addressed. The organization is run We are really able to talk about in the Hmong community, she difficult health topics through a said, pregnancy can have a negative welcoming and open lens.” connotation. The showers are specific to each Over the past two years, Healthy “It was a good celebration cultural group. Baby showers are Baby Showers has helped create hosted for Native Americans in welcoming and comfortable spaces of women and of culture, Minneapolis and for Karen and State Oral Health Director, Prasida Khanal and her team, along with Oral for mothers. “We play an impor- Hmong communities in Ramsey Health Program, along with oral health educators from Community Dental tant role in terms of community Clinic-Maplewood, illustrate proper and health brushing techniques to County. Because each culture has engagement and advancement focused around some practice with children and how to make brushing fun. different customs, traditions, and because a lot of large organizations really hard topics to talk views on childbirth, Healthy Baby culturally specific questions moms participants, only seven were don’t know what culture means to Showers designs the events to and caretakers might have,” Yang pregnant. For Native Americans, people,” Yang said. “We create a about when it comes follow their customs. “Our amazing explained. community elders are important space that’s really small and inti- baby shower co-hosts speak the lan- During a baby shower for the because they want culture to carry mate that is surrounded by nurses, to pregnancy.” guage and identify with our moms Native American community, for through generations. Yang said, “We public health staff and people and participants, so we are able to example, mothers arrived along originally designed it for mothers, who can talk about those kinds of —Va Yang, Community provide proper interpretation and with their spouses, caretakers because we thought that was the things...that’s the kind of conversa- Engagement Specialist be more inclusive when addressing and community elders. Of the 54 target population and they were the tion we really want to have.”

September 2018 11 THREESIXTY NEWS Radio Camp

View students work at https://threesixty.stthomas. edu/student-video-radio

In mid-July, while many kids were listening to their favorite music on the radio, ThreeSixty Journalism students were producing radio stories at Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) as part of ThreeSixty’s Radio Camp. Yes, for one week this summer, radio camp students were stationed at MPR News headquar- ters learning from some of the best in the business. “It’s a second-to-none oppor- tunity,” said ThreeSixty executive director Chad Caruthers. Students started the week by learning fundamentals of creat- ing a radio story then headed to Minneapolis and the Guthrie Theater to capture interviews and sound. Each student was tasked with creat- ing a report on an integral member of the Guthrie team, including West Side Story actress Ana Isabelle. As the week continued, students hunkered down with their MPR newsroom mentors to produce their features. To cap the week, a show- case was held in the UBS Forum at MPR. The students’ stories were played and listened to by ThreeSixty and MPR friends, as well as stu- dents’ families. Radio Camp was conceived in 2017 after the passing of MPR News editor Toni Randolph. Randolph’s longtime support of ThreeSixty and its students culminated with her participation on the ThreeSixty Advisory Board. In 2014, she was awarded ThreeSixty’s Widening the Circle Award in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the next generation of journalists, while promoting diversity and inclusion.

—Chioma Uwagwu, University of St. Thomas

12 threesixty.stthomas.edu BEFORE YOU TAKE SIDES, HEAR ALL THE SIDES.

DISCOVERING WHAT MATTERS

September 2018 13 THREESIXTY NEWS Rookie Journalist Camp I look around the spacious classroom; the one I’ve spent the last 40 minutes agonizing Christina Holmgren over. Is there enough natural light? Will the ThreeSixty Program students get too cold? Will the students be Manager able to concentrate on their assignments? And most importantly, will they like me? It’s the first day of the ThreeSixty curious ThreeSixty students are. As they Journalism Rookie Journalist Camp, and not learned about the intricacies of journalism, just for the students—for me as well. I give they were quick to ask questions. Their will- myself a shake and remind myself that I can ingness to dive into assignments that made do this. As the students begin to trickle in, them slightly uncomfortable was admirable. I see my anxiousness and excitement mir- By the last day of camp, students had made rored on their faces. It is then that I realize friends, and more importantly, gained a STAFF PHOTOS STAFF that we are all in this together and that we respect for the field of journalism as a whole. can all do this. I smile, they smile back, and As I waved goodbye to the students as they the week begins. headed out to embark on the rest of their When I joined the ThreeSixty Journalism summers, I could not contain my smile. Yes, staff in May 2018, I was ecstatic about the we can do this and so much more. opportunity to work with diverse youth and help them tell their stories and the stories of those in their communities. It was not until the first day of Rookie Journalist Camp It was not until the first day that I realized just how life changing this experience would be. Over 40 ThreeSixty of Rookie Journalist Camp that Journalism students joined us over the course of one week to learn more about I realized just how life changing news journalism. It did not take me long to realize just how passionate, thoughtful, and this experience would be.

14 threesixty.stthomas.edu COLLEGE ESSAY BOOT CAMP Kicking students’ college essays into shape!

Students begin their ThreeSixty Journalism journey with College Essay Boot Camp. In College Essay Boot Camp, students use the fundamentals of writing to craft essays ready to submit to the colleges of their choice.

ThreeSixty Journalism high school students and staff participate in Brave New Workshop activities during College Essay Boot Camp in June.

also misery. I was, at the time, read- In seventh grade, I read a obtained. I could see our govern- ing a book about an assassin who, book about how the government ment doing the same thing with Words to Uncover the Hidden despite all the anguish and turmoil reacts when all of the children in our freedom of speech. To prevent she endured, remained an incred- the entire country suddenly get this, we need to take action before ibly strong, brave and smart woman. supernatural abilities, like reading it’s too late. I want to bring atten- The colors seemed to pop off the This showed me that despite the minds or moving things around tion to hidden issues through my page and illuminate the playroom Helen Anton things that happens in your life, you without touching them. At the time writing. It’s important for people I was sitting in. Compared to the Girls Inc., can either choose to crumble and I didn’t think of it as anything but to know that although a problem brown carpet I sat on and the faded Eureka! fall or you can rise above the hard- a nightmarish story that I hoped may seem small at first, it could blue walls that surrounded me, ships and use them to make you would never become a reality, but quickly become a major complica- these colors were superior. But the stronger. Having this ray of hope in recently I reread it and realized tion in the future. best color in this book wasn’t the book showed me how the world was what seemed like an incredibly dark that it parallels our world. We now In order to help me share what yellows or the greens that colored built on words, it awoke a passion world helped me not only over- can use our cellphones to reach I’ve learned from books, I need to the pictures, it was the black that that had lain dormant in me, and I come the hardships but also not millions of people in a matter learn how to better communicate beautifully displayed each word for realized just how much words influ- feel so alone. I want to be able to of seconds. In a way, this is like my ideas and point of view through my eyes to devour hungrily. Each ence our lives. give this amazing gift to others and having a superpower. In the book, my writing. I can imagine my words one meant something completely When I was 15 years old, my par- show them that there’s a solution the government takes away the making the world just as vibrant and different from the rest, making ents got a divorce and I was beside to every problem, no matter the freedom of the children so, they colorful for others as it has become them unique and priceless. As this myself in not only confusion but circumstances. don’t abuse the power they’ve for me.

September 2018 15 COLLEGE ESSAYS

from Michigan to Minnesota, where my grandfather came to mind, If I didn’t just learn about my classes, there was more support and better you want to be great, you cannot I learned how to improve natural The Legacies We Create jobs. He got a high school diploma, settle for comfortable. I decided I human abilities such as communica- something he’d been wanting for had to leave my cycle of self-doubt. tion and asking questions. Because a long time. He asked every one of I needed to move on. Like my of my grandfather’s stories, I was I walk into the classroom of plain his family and friends for money, grandfather, I had to persevere. He able to embrace all of the obsta- white walls and white table desks. Lyla Lee and eventually earned enough to created his own success by achiev- cles that I was going to face. His I grab the test and listen to my Park Center open the very first Asian grocery ing his ambitions. Education was memory became my inspiration. teacher say, “You have 60 minutes.” High School store in Minnesota. His friends and the first step in doing so. I wasn’t The legacy that my grandfather Sweat begins to drip down my family trusted him because of his going to allow myself to “settle for left was his freedom. His stories forehead while my mind goes blank winning personality and character. comfortable.” I was going to get taught me that in order to suc- and my legs start to shake. You can it out. It was December 29th, 2016 He was genuine, ambitious, and an an education and challenge myself ceed in my goals I must try new do this. I open the test and look at when my family got a call saying over-achiever. They trusted him with new knowledge. I was going experiences and I must continue to the first question. No, you can’t. I my grandfather had died from a because he was able to navigate to earn my own freedom. And so, I be hungry for knowledge. Staying always doubt myself. I’m afraid of heart attack. In Hmong culture, long distances. They trusted him decided to mark the PSEO box. It in my comfort zone, I never grew. failing. Yet I always manage to get the funerals last three to five days, because he said he was going to get was a little mark but a big decision. Knowledge kept my grandfather decent grades. For a while that was and the preparation takes months. a high school diploma, regarding Going into PSEO full-time was going. Earning his diploma was his good enough. We were preparing for the funeral his English, and got it. He earned it intimidating at first. I was a high first step to freedom. The legacy I’m the second oldest of four every single day, and my mother and created his own opportunities. school junior, sitting next to college that he left for his family is the naturally talented, athletic, or intel- was sad. While my family cooked He wanted freedom and that’s what juniors and adults in their thir- legacy that I want to leave for my ligent siblings. I am not naturally and made hundreds of paper boats, he got. ties. I doubted myself because I family. I want them to be inspired. I talented, athletic, or intelligent. they talked about my grandfather. After the funeral, I was given a had struggled in high school, but I want them to create their own lega- My mother said I had “good work I learned that during the Vietnam chance to create my own opportu- was able to maintain a GPA above cies. My grandfather’s words stick ethic,” and I agreed with her. But War, my grandfather was held at nities. It was the middle of March 3.5. School was something that I with me to this day and I only want I believed the work I was doing gunpoint and forced into “re-edu- when we got registration sheets struggled with mentally, physically, to strive to be the best and never was pointless. Like most teenag- cation” camps, leaving his family in for the upcoming school year. One emotionally, and even spiritually, settle for anything less. ers, I didn’t know what I wanted to the refugee camp. To get him back, of the options was PSEO (Post- but I knew that I could overcome do in life or what my purpose on my great-grandparents had to buy Secondary Education Option). This it and I did. I found myself earth was. By tenth grade, I wanted his freedom with all the money that was an opportunity to study at col- growing intellectually every to quit school entirely. I knew I they had. leges and get college credit, while single day and I want to couldn’t because education was However, it was his struggles in also fulfilling high school credits; an continue. Because of important. But why was it impor- America that changed his life the opportunity to complete two levels PSEO, I was able to tant? Why was it worth it? most. With very little knowledge of of education at once. You can’t do gain all kinds of A family tragedy helped me figure English, he found a way to navigate this, I thought. Then, the words of new knowledge.

our relationship grow into the time, besides strong bond that is seen today. helping out my Self-Care When We Needed It Most The miscarriage of my sister took mother. It took a big toll on me as well. It marks time, but a month the point in time when my grades later is when I It was a gloomy and rainy Friday started to decline because I became completely accepted afternoon. I stood next to my Ethan Nhim depressed about what happened, what happened. I got mother’s hospital bed, holding a Harding Senior just like my mother. It was not too a call from my mother’s pink blanket that was as light as a High School long before my family noticed the friend, asking me if I wanted feather. Tears rushed down my face, difference in my grades. I did not to speak about the miscarriage my mother’s just like my mother who was laying want that trend to continue or have and how it was affecting me. At miscarriage is a bad in bed. All you could hear was the mother’s miscarriage, I realized she my grades disappoint my family. I first, I was hesitant to answer, but thing that happened to my family, sniffling of our noses as we tried needed me more than ever. I helped told myself that I need to face the after I talked to my mother, we there is something positive I was to hold back our pain. I gave the her out a lot more than usual while reality of what happened, and that agreed that doing this would help us able to take away from it. I realized precious blanket back to my mother also making sure that her mental there was nothing I could do other both mentally. After I spoke with a that this tragedy brought me greater and slowly sat on a chair across state of mind was starting to accept than focus on my education and group of people that were my age or motivation to achieve my goals in from her. All I was thinking about what happened. During this time, assure myself that my family is safe younger who had gone through the life. It has also shown me that I am was why? Why us? Why her? Why she was visiting the hospital almost and mentally stable. same tragic event as me, I realized able to find the positive outcomes me? At that time, I did not want to every other week due to depression The thought of moving on was that my motivation to succeed in during a difficult time as long as I accept the fact that I had to con- from losing my baby sister. Because hard for me to handle at first. The school increased and that I possess try my very best to do so. As time tinue to live my life as an only child. my mother was not home very first week after the tragic death, the leadership and courage to moves on in my life, I know that As my life carried on, I had to learn often, my responsibilities and work- I could barely rise out of my bed help others. no matter what difficult situation I how to find the positive outcomes load around the house increased to go to school. However, I kept Miscarriages are usually con- might face, I will face it resiliently. after my mother’s miscarriage. quite a bit. The acts of kindness that pushing myself to press on. It was sidered bad things, and most of The first month after my I undertook for my mother, helped all I felt I could accomplish at the the time they are. Even though

16 threesixty.stthomas.edu COLLEGE ESSAYS

their families still live in Kenya with abilities. Some people believe that United States. Even though I will be the hope of someday moving to a the only thing that a girl should be in equipped with my education, I fear Paving My Path better place. the medical field is a nurse, but I want that my patients will hold prejudice My mother has been trying to get to be a doctor. My decision to become and discriminate against a doctor my siblings in Kenya to the U.S., but a doctor is supported by groups like from an underdeveloped country. Her singing stopped. The micro- even after eight years, there has been Eureka!, which empower girls to be Many assume immigrants in this phone in her hand started shaking. Samia Abdalla no change. The separation of my leaders in the STEM field. country aren’t capable of having a She could feel the water trickling Girls Inc., family due to our refugee status has In the OB/GYN field, patients high-power career like a doctor. This down her legs. My mother placed her Eureka! urged me to further my education, prefer female doctors to male doc- prejudice, however, only encourages hand on her bulging stomach and which, I believe, will give me enough tors. I, as a woman, would personally me to dismantle their assumptions realized where the water was coming power to navigate through the immi- prefer a female to be my doctor when and became a great Obstetrician, from. Her friends immediately sur- by herself. She had to emigrate from gration system in order to get my I have to deal with birth and female despite my immigration status. rounded her, panicking about what to Somalia to Kenya once the civil war in family back together. health concerns. Historically, men One of the goals I have in life is to do next. They took her to the nearest Somalia broke out. During her emi- I am going to be the first individu- have dominated the field, but there’s give back to the United Nations in hospital but she refused to enter. gration, she was pregnant and had alin my family to go to college, and a growing rate of females who hope Kenya by helping pregnant women Rumors had been going around that my five other siblings with her. Once I am paving the way for my little to bring comfort and ease to preg- in refugee camps. I know that many children were being stolen from the they left Somalia, they settled into brother. This puts a lot of pressure nant women. With that said, I want women don’t have the resources for hospitals in the area. Instead, my Kakuma in northwestern Kenya. on me because my family expects to not only increase the percentage of prenatal care, labor or postpartum mother was taken to a family mem- My family survived the emigration my future to bring them better females in the OB/GYN field but also care. In fact, many of the women who ber’s house and they helped with my with the help of the United Nations opportunities. Despite all the pres- inspire girls from underdeveloped help with deliveries have never had birth. High Commissioners for Refugees sure, my end goal is having a career countries to pursue their dreams. formal training, which makes labor This is an everyday reality for most (UNHCR), who provided resources that provides me with a substantial Back home, girls are discouraged risky and dangerous. I plan to go back pregnant women in refugee camps. for the refugees living in the camp. salary to support my family and the to go to school. As a child in Kenya, I to Kenya once I officially become an Their only resource is the community They have also helped people immi- opportunity to bring them all back didn’t go to school. I started OB and become a resource around them. I hope to return to my grate to other countries, including together school as soon as for my childhood former refugee camp, Kakuma, and my two oldest siblings who moved to My career path is in the medical I immigrated community. become an additional resource as an Canada with their families in 2007. field, which requires me to take a lot to the obstetrician. In 2010, my mother, younger brother of science courses. Many girls are My mother is a single refugee and I came to the U.S to live with my discouraged from going into this field mother who raised her ten children grandma. The rest of my siblings and because society underestimates their

pressure onto myself. This stemmed Putting My Health First from me believing that to be success- ful and reach my full potential, I had to be among the best in everything It’s 1 a.m. on one of the coldest days … and that if I was not doing as well in December and I find myself sitting Fatima as others, my efforts didn’t count. outside on a lone metal bench. The Acosta-Mendoza This want to be the “best of the best” harsh wind is nipping at any exposed Harding Senior became a source of motivation for skin it can find and my mind seems High School me, one that was damaging the way I to be just as numb as my gloveless viewed my situation and myself. My hands. I stepped out of my suffocat- toxic behavior eventually became con- harm- ing room and into this near-negative towards mental health within my an obstruction to my ability to work scious. ing both temperature hoping to clear my family has negatively affected my towards my goals. This new my present mind and make my breathing steady older relatives’ personal lives and After coming face to face with a understanding and future self again. I feel an oncoming panic attack careers. Growing up surrounded by near-panic attack, I quickly realized of myself has opened was troubling, but and can’t help but blame myself for these harmful influences, I began to that I couldn’t continue forcing up sides of me that I was not aware something I believe was necessary overworking myself to this point and deny the downfall of my own mental myself to work towards goals that of before. I now know that I am for me to go through. I realize where causing damage to my mental health. health and fail to provide myself with were not realistic for me. Despite capable of working my way towards a I went wrong and am able to grow Lack of care for mental health the proper resources needed to keep having this realization, I didn’t solution that can control my negative from it and become a better version has been a long-standing issue in my my mental health in an acceptable immediately begin to treat my mental thoughts and ease them into some- of myself. I can now reflect on my family’s health history—along with state. health with more care. It was a long thing manageable. actions, and the consequences they the denial of any mental health issues Toward the end of my sopho- and tedious process to confront my Being disadvantaged with my may have, and use that to improve that may be occurring—because more year, I began to clearly see the problems and find a solution, but family’s health history, and my own and work towards my ideal future. of cultural influences and poten- harmful effects of this denial of care one that I am immensely grateful harmful attitudes and actions, it Having this unexplored understand- tial damage of pride they may feel. for my mental health. I had placed for nonetheless. I had to learn how was easy for me to neglect my own ing of myself allows me to constantly Having interacted with these family unrealistic expectations on myself to manage myself better, by giving mental health and consequently let improve my life by reflecting and members my entire life, I have been through comparison to others and myself space to clear my head and not it affect my personal and scholarly managing my emotions and their able to witness firsthand how this thinking my efforts weren’t enough, get overwhelmed with the expecta- life. Having to face this reality and effects better, making me eager for denial and lack of attention shown and I had placed a toxic amount of tions I had forcefully drilled into my come to terms with the fact that I was what the future has in store for me.

September 2018 17 COLLEGE ESSAYS

That day, doctors saved Koshin. survived his first seizure, let alone MCTC in the Fall. He was diagnosed with epilepsy, a make it to 21 years old? How would College, for me, is a once-in- A Helper for My Brother, brain disorder causing unpredict- my parents have afforded or found a-lifetime opportunity because I A Healer for My People able seizures. From that day on, I the right medical care? These types know not everyone is fortunate just remember my brother going in of questions never left my train of enough to attend. I will study and out of the hospital, swallow- thought and are what makes me health care and become either a I can remember my brother’s first ing large white pills three times a determined to change the field of neurosurgeon or an certified reg- epileptic seizure like I can recall the Anisa Yusuf day and more episodes of seizures, health care globally. istered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). passcode to my iPhone. It was in Girls Inc., some more serious than others. All I am lucky to be in America. As My brother’s experience with July of 2006, and I was only 5 years Eureka! of them were scary to witness, how- a first-generation Muslim Somali- epilepsy has opened my eyes to the old at the time. My brother, Keysi, ever, as they always came randomly. American woman, I believe America positive impact of health care. It and I were playing tag in the office of You can’t do anything to prevent or is an astonishing country with many keeps people flourish, saves lives our one-story townhome in a south still naked from his shower. I saw relieve the seizure. All you can do is opportunities. To receive an educa- and, most importantly, provides Minneapolis neighborhood filled my brother’s melanin, frail, skinny watch and pray for the best. tion, to get jobs and to improve our them future. I believe health care with other Somali families. What body shaking uncontrollably. His Growing up as the only girl in health and well-being. It’s been true goes beyond your income or status. happened next changed our lives eyes rolled back in his head. Tears my Somali household, I had to take for my parents who escaped the Health care is a way of life. It’s forever and made me aware of why dropped from his ebony-enriched care of and look after my oldest Somali Civil War in 1991. My dad, about having an opportunity to health care is so crucial and impor- eyes. Foam flowed out of his mouth. brother most of the time. I gave who started as a taxi driver, now make a difference in this world, and tant around the globe. As if this foam was being translated him his medication, helped him in is a construction consultant. My I plan to make a difference around On this summer afternoon, our to words, he begged for me, his and out the shower (as he often felt mother worked hard to become a the globe. 11-year-old brother, Koshin, had 5-year-old sister, to save him. weak and wearied after seizures) community health worker. Ultimately, I want to make all just gotten out of a cool, refreshing Keysi, who was 8 years old, just and called paramedics when he had Koshin is not letting his disability my Somali people proud. One day, shower after playing basketball with stood there confused. He thought an episode. My parents were busy define him. He graduated from I will go back to Somalia and share friends in the neighborhood park. I Koshin was pranking us. “Warya working. My mom held two jobs high school and is now enrolled what I learned about the advances saw him walk briefly to our shared ayarka iska dhaaf,” he said. “Bro, to make sure we had somewhat of at Minneapolis Community and and advantages of health care, along bedroom, but he never walked back stop playing.” But I knew my a stable income, so I was basically Technical College (MCTC). I with the experiences and education out. All of a sudden, we hear a loud brother wouldn’t pull a prank so Koshin’s personal caregiver. haven’t heard him experience a I received while being in America. thud — a thud so loud neighbors absurd. I yelled out a scream for As I grew older and matured seizure in a long time. Meanwhile, I will do this so everyone can have could hear. This thud defined our help, so deafening that within a mentally, I kept thinking back on Keysi is living life! He bought a new a chance to live a good life like my future. Keysi and I immediately millisecond my parents rushed in, what would have happened to car and just graduated brother Koshin. stopped playing tag, glanced at our neighbors dropped what they Koshin and our situation if my from South High each other and ran to him. I saw were doing and ran over and the family had never left Somalia. School. He also him lying on the bedroom floor, ambulance was called. Would my brother have even plans to go to

again and not give up. I decided to that moment, me to always try Speak It into Existence audition again in fifth grade because the insecurity again even if I of that optimistic inner voice. I felt about fail the first time. One year later, my tiny hands my speech I am also a trembled as I again raised the micro- had been taken more courageous “Can you say that again? I didn’t phone. I began to belt, “Oh, Lord, I off my chest and person. Making understand you.” Paying Yang want to be in that number when the replaced with the friends comes easier In my childhood and even today, Patrick Henry sun refuse to shine.” Cold sweat was feeling of determination. to me, and talking to strang- High School I can be difficult to understand. dripping down from my forehead as Eventually, though, I had to face ers is no longer an obstacle. Doing My family mostly spoke Hmong I finished the last part of “When the the inevitable: The day of the recital. and learning new things is thrilling at home, and as the middle child Saints Go Marching In.” “Today is the day,” I thought, as instead of foreboding. Most impor- of nine kids, I spoke in my native The journey to self-acceptance My eyes closed as I waited for the my fingers clutched the skirt of my tant, I learned to love myself and my language until I went to school. began when I auditioned for the answer. My hands were clenched new sparkly green dress as I waited journey. Articulating words and sounds in fourth-grade choir. When I was done in anxiety, the bitter feeling of last to perform. The crowd of parents Now I know my voice is what English was challenging for me then trying out, I somehow knew the year ready to return, as the teacher and students made the butterflies makes me unique and myself. I’ve and still is today. Even though I’ve answer already without being told. announced the names of the stu- in my stomach flutter. My heart always worried my speech would worked hard at speech therapy since My heart became heavy as I heard dents who were accepted into the pounded against my chest as I make people presume I’m not a kindergarten, people still ask me to my music teacher’s decision: “Sorry, choir. started to sing with my group. sharp person or “normal.” What I’ve repeat myself. you didn’t get the part.” I looked at I was ready to again look at the Moments later I heard someone learned is my speech is only a small My own contemptuous view of the bland ceiling to stop my tears bland ceiling to stop my tears from cheering me on and saw my moth- part of me and it will not dictate my my speech led me to become a shy, from flowing. At that moment I flowing. Instead, I heard a few er’s bright smile. The butterflies future. My speech has made me a quiet and sad kid. I was exhausted by believed I would never be able to do simple words that would forever went away, and I finished, feeling stronger student and person, some- always repeating myself and never the things I wanted to do because of change my life. “Congrats, you got proud for doing something I’d never one who stands up for herself and being understood. Soon, sadness laid my speech. in!” Shocked, I opened my eyes in thought I would do. others. Today, I am fearless. in my mind, sometimes making me Despite my conflicting feelings, disbelief. I was overwhelmed and Looking back, I realize audition- yearn to be someone else. something in my heart told me to try felt tears of relief on my cheeks. At ing for the second time has driven

18 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Livio Brings Back House Calls

A mobile health care company and its community health workers treat more than just the sick.

Livio Health Group takes a holistic approach to treating aches Ta’Vasia and pains. In addition to employ- Johnson Harding Senior ing board-certified providers and OF LIVIO HEALTH COURTESY PHOTOS High School medical assistants, the company Livio Health operates as a completely mobile health service, focusing on those experiencing uses community health workers to homelessness, mental illness or addiction. investigate some of their patients’ get their bills paid, paying for their underlying challenges. medication, stuff like that,” said Started in 2015, Livio provides Donny Dunrow, a nurse practitioner onsite services that help remove of Livio Care Group. barriers to accessing care. The com- Livio Health community health pany evaluates and treats chronic workers (CHWs) look to treat the conditions, illnesses and injuries, whole person by giving patients while also providing preventive care with a lack of support some of the and prescriptions. resources they need. CHWs build “This patient-focused care model trusting relationships with patients, achieves that by providing the help identify obstacles to health medically underserved with faster and access to care, and advocate patient care, which often reduces for patients. Importantly, they also or eliminates ER and hospital help patients learn to advocate for visits, and ultimately leads to better themselves. patient outcomes,” Jim Olson, “Community Health Workers president of Livio Care Group, said go in and help mediate the social in a company press release in 2016. shortcomings that people have,” Livio also believes better patient said Dunrow. outcomes can be achieved when In using such an approach, Livio they help uncover the underlying has flipped traditional health care issues behind illnesses. on its head, going beyond single “A big hurdle we have is basically encounters to treat the whole social issues. But, to help with our person. They’ve committed to doing social issues, we have a team of whatever it takes for as long as it community health workers and takes to change the system and they can assist us in a lot of areas provide the expertise, understand- in housing, maybe helping people ing and care people deserve.

Livio Health Group staff meets with youth at Minnesota Transitions Charter school.

September 2018 19 HEALTH EQUITY Organizers Aim to Spark Health Habits Throughout North Minneapolis

In 2016, three temporary greenway models July report said that 73 percent of survey Leaders of Northside Greenway Now look to revive were installed along Irving Avenue North, respondents want some form of greenway and the area was closed to traffic. The various on their street. connections with residents in North Minneapolis designs brought mixed results: some residents Lumpkins said some residents believed embraced the idea while others found aspects that a greenway would create more crime; of it frustrating. Even an anti-greenway group however, he believes that it would combat Will Lumpkins is determined to help create started, which asserted that the project was some of the crime in North Minneapolis. more green spaces in North Minneapolis. He’s Samira Mohamed racist and ableist. “When you’re young, it’s good to keep up a the manager of Northside Greenway Now, Washington Tech “I think the biggest challenge has been healthy lifestyle. Having more access to parks a group working to bring the area to life by Magnet High School dealing with some of the negative narrative, can help keep up that lifestyle,” he explained. transforming low-traffic streets for motorized and also learning how to rebuild burned “If they have access, there’s a possibility that vehicles into non-motorized pedestrian green- bridges,” Lumpkins said. Among his goals they’ll use it. This first generation might not way paths. neighborhoods in the city in offering green has been showing people the “value of having use it, but our kids and their kids will get the North Minneapolis is considered to be spaces and nutritious foods, so a committee something like this in your neighborhood.” value out of it.” among the most dangerous neighborhoods in was put together to come up with solutions. The most popular design was the linear Even though the committee has hit some Minnesota. A 2010 study showed that those It decided the best way to connect resi- park greenway, which would draw out the rough patches during the test period, it’s still living in area codes 55111 and 55112 have a dents to parks and other green spaces was most neighbors. It would eliminate car traf- going strong, continuing its advocacy for the lower life expectancy, and not just because of with a greenway. And with that, the commit- fic from the road while replacing it with a project and promoting it in the neighborhood. the crime there. The neighborhood is a “food tee commenced engagement with the city paths and green spaces for bikers and pedes- The committee is vying to get federal funds desert” — lacking grocery stores in the area. from 2011 to 2016, starting to piece together trians. There would be space for community for the project for 2019. North Minneapolis is behind many other the Northside Greenway project. gardens, playgrounds, BBQs and art. A COURTESY OF NORTHSIDE GREENWAY OF NORTHSIDE COURTESY Minneapolis resident Alexis Pennie supports the Northside Greenway. Here, he meets with North Minneapolis residents and describes how, “the project would potentially provide access to economic opportunity, connectivity throughout our city and region, and a vitally important investment in our quality of life.” MARK BROWN, UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY OF ST. MARK BROWN, Will Lumpkins (left), manager of Northside Greenway Now, meets with ThreeSixty student Jessy Saybe to discuss the proposed bike and pedestrian path in North Minneapolis.

20 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY

Red Willow; a key ingredient in the making of medicinal, sacred tobacco. Using Culture as Prevention

Mat Pendleton teaches Native American youth about an important tradition.

After the snow of winter and before the thunder of spring, Mat Sophia Schach SIOUX INDIAN COMMUNITY LOWER COURTESY PHOTOS Pendleton goes to harvest the Southwest Kara Siegfried (right), certified health specialist and member of the Lower Sioux, discusses the medicinal properties sacred tobacco. High School of sacred tobacco at a Lower Sioux Indian Community event. He goes down by the river and cuts off a branch of the red osier dogwood, or red willow, to be Native Americans became addicted. In Dakota tradition, nothing is taken without eliminate commercial tobacco. shaved into sacred tobacco. Now that sacred tobacco is legal Informing the community about This is similar to the time when again, the Lower Sioux are reclaim- giving something back. Sacred tobacco is used as the benefits of sacred tobacco draws Pendleton was a boy, when his ing and introducing it back into them back to this important part father and brother taught him about their lives. an act of remembrance to honor or to heal. of their culture and results in a sacred tobacco. In Dakota tradition, nothing is decrease in commercial tobacco use Pendleton, the recreation direc- taken without giving something for current and future generations, tor at the Lower Sioux Indian back. Sacred tobacco is used as an Pendleton said. Community, teaches youth about offering, as an act of remembrance, Pendleton was invited to Grand this significant cultural tradition, to honor or to heal. on special occasions, but in every- part of the culture is coming into Portage to show a documentary which has survived generations “Say we’re out harvesting berries. day life. their lives. called “Reclaiming Sacred Tobacco” despite being made illegal. We give that tobacco as an offering Through different workshops and “That’s what I continue to work that he was in and talk about what He said he feels it’s his duty to to that berry bush that’s providing activities, Pendleton gives young for is to give the kids tools to do he does. carry on the tradition of the Dakota us food for our bodies. We’re giving people the tools to build an under- all the good things that they’re put Although sacred tobacco is a big people, especially because those thanks for that,” Pendleton said. standing of the benefits of sacred here to do -- to be a good Dakota, a focus in the workshops, reconnect- traditions can heal past wounds and Even during the harvesting of the tobacco. The activities are hands-on good relative, that’s with all of our ing the Dakota people to the water prevent future ones. sacred tobacco, an offering from a and engaging for the youth. Before teachings,” Pendleton said. “And it is also a big part of making a health- “That is who we are. That is our previous harvest is put down by the community basketball games, for gives me pride to see all our young ier community, Pendleton said. For connection to God, the creator,” red willow before a single branch example, tobacco is offered before people growing and living like our example, community groups go Pendleton said. is removed. It is also offered when the teams take the floor. ancestors lived with the tradition up to Leech Lake and learn how to Sacred tobacco had been made visiting significant sites. When Seeing kids, such as his son, and knowing our medicines and harvest wild rice. illegal, along with other Native Pendleton was accompanying a teaching other kids about harvest- knowing what it is to be Dakota.” “So that sacred tobacco is that American religious artifacts, until group of young people on a tour, ing and the use of this tobacco, is an At pow wows, sacred tobacco is vessel, I said, so to make us healthy, 1978. That opened the door for they gave tobacco to Red Rock in example of the impact Pendleton’s used instead of commercial tobacco to help us fight addiction, depres- commercial tobacco, including Newport, Minnesota, an important teachings are making in the com- to thank the drums and the entities. sion, anxiety, diabetes is to get more cigarettes, to become incredibly spiritual site. munity. This is personally reward- Many spiritual buildings are also active, eat healthier and to respect common in that time and many Sacred tobacco is not just used ing to him because he knows a big instituting no-smoking areas to help that tobacco,” Pendleton said.

September 2018 21 THREESIXTY NEWS

Inspiring the next generation MARK BROWN, UNIVERISTY OF ST THOMAS OF ST UNIVERISTY MARK BROWN, TV and Me? Stay Tuned… of journalists

View student’s TV Broadcast Camp work at to always https://threesixty.stthomas.edu/student-video-radio.

ThreeSixty Journalism’s TV Broadcast go beyond Camp is back, bigger and bolder than before. Chioma Uwagwu Last summer, ThreeSixty unveiled the new University of camp for advanced students in partnership St. Thomas with the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross the first and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and Padilla. This summer, the Center, Padilla Weeks ago, if you’d asked me, “What the and students, plus an impressive list of Twin best part about TV news?” I’d without a Cities media partners, collaborated to tackle doubt have said it’s feeling glamorous on-air question. health equity issues and lift the voices of -- makeup artists, thousands of Instagram those affected. followers and getting to tell stories by travel- “There are these assumptions that ing around the world. I was naive. I spent young people don’t know what’s going on the week creating what eventually became an in the world,” said Sasha Houston Brown, edited video package sharing the Lower Sioux Center for Prevention Communications and Indian’s effort to reeducate their community Advocacy Consultant. on medicinal tobacco. She added that the Center looks specifi- On the first day, we were introduced to cally for youth to tell the stories. “They are the topic of health equity by the Center for We’re proud to support the young, engaged and insightful. They bring enthusi- Prevention team. They told us that race, asm that’s desperately needed.” place and income were the main factors con- curious minds behind ThreeSixty I was one those enthusiastic partici- tributing to inequity. Honestly, I didn’t know Journalism. See how we build, grow pants! I am a junior at the University of St. it was that big of an issue within Minnesota, Thomas, double majoring in Communication considering we are in the top-five fittest and protect brands at PadillaCo.com. and Journalism and American Culture and states in America. Difference. This summer, I was eager to be As for my story on medicinal tobacco, a student worker for ThreeSixty Journalism the result of it being outlawed resulted in because they were offering a chance to gain many Native Americans using commercial some skills in writing and telling stories. I tobacco. That trend caused significant health was excited to hear I was invited to partici- issues—like cancer. As this was my first go as pate as a student in the TV Camp. I had never a broadcast reporter, I struggled with how to considered in career in broadcasting, but make the story come alive. after five days, I should not rule this out. Luckily, we weren’t doing it alone. With

22 threesixty.stthomas.edu the help of more than 30 current and former effortlessly mix audio levels, find the right journalists from our media partners, plus video to cover my tracks and added the right more than a dozen story sources, we found amount of seamless transitions to make sure the confidence to grasp our story angles, the message shined. on-camera interviews and broadcast writing. Fellow TV Camp participant and Irondale Media partners included: Padilla, KARE 11, High School junior Aaliyah Demry said, “At WCCO-TV, TPT, KSTP-TV, the University of TV camp, I was really pushed out of my St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota comfort zone. I learned a lot about grammar - Hubbard School of Journalism. and how a reporter is supposed to stand and I worked with former KSTP-TV anchor talk.” and reporter Kris Patrow and Jasper Farlow, Our final video projects were showcased at who both now work for Padilla. I liked get- a celebration with ThreeSixty friends, part- ting to know them beyond their job titles. ners and volunteers back at the University I also appreciated the amount of indepen- of St. Thomas. I was filled with pride to see dence they gave me. They didn’t come in to something come alive on the screen that four control. I was in control and they were my days ago was just an idea. support. This week gave me a greater apprecia- KARE 11 reporter and long-time tion for the countless hours journalists put ThreeSixty volunteer Lindsey Seavert says in everyday to gather and deliver broadcast she had a fun time working with St. Paul news. Exploring health equity topics shed Academy and Summit School senior Isabel light on the many Minnesotans impacted by Saavedra-Weis. health inequities and groups who are dedi- “We need these students,” said Seavert. cating their efforts to combat the effects of “They’re helping us be better and raise the these challenges one day at a time. bar. I see this as a turning point. We needed “It’s humbling to meet young people their voices a long time ago but especially with such talents,” said Christian Knights, now.” the Center for Prevention Strategic Once we completed interviews, tran- Communications Manager, who oversees the scribed our video and wrote our scripts, partnership with ThreeSixty Journalism. “I’m something magical happened. The editing continually blown away. When you think, ‘It process was one of my favorite parts. In just can’t get any better than this,’ it does.” three hours, Jasper and I condensed an hour You can view all the TV Camp student A podcast that explores of raw footage and turned it into a 90-second stories at https://threesixty.stthomas.edu/ themes related to health, video package—ready for air. He was able to student-video-radio/video-broadcast-camp/ health equity and community.

iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher centerforpreventionmn.com/podcast

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

September 2018 23 HEALTH EQUITY Racial Shift Leads to a Policy Change

African Immigrant Services addresses racial demographics in Osseo Public School District.

Since 2014, Osseo, Minnesota, has seen change due to the dramatic Aaliyah Demry shifts in its racial demographics. Irondale High The Osseo public school district School is the fifth-largest in the state, serv- ing all or parts of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, “Minnesota has a pretty large AALIYAH DEMRY, IRONDALE HIGH SCHOOL IRONDALE DEMRY, AALIYAH Maple Grove, Osseo, Plymouth and African migrant population, but Fata Acquoi Rogers. The district is made up of a majority of our voices are being approximately 20,000 students, left out in decisions,” she said. available. Osseo public school students of color than white Acquoi shares experiences with with African Immigrants and “AIS was founded to basically bring district also did not have any students. today’s students of color: coming African Americans now making up the voices of African immigrants teachers or schools board mem- As a result of the meeting, to the United States, going to a 53 percent of them. to the table so that we are able to bers of color. the district brought in African predominately white school and According to Fata Acquoi, a contribute back and be in powerful Acquoi says that parents overall Immigrant Services (AIS), a being talked down to by teachers program director with the African positions making changes to policy felt that there was not equity for community nonprofit working to and principals. Immigrant Service(AIS), the Osseo and system.” students of color in the district and increase civic engagement with Acquoi soon learned that an school district had an opportunity She noted that parents of color knew something must be changed. communities of color to remove dis- Osseo Education Equity policy was to do more when it came to serving started to notice there was a very In 2014, more than 300 outraged parities and defeat systematic and held up for two years by the district students of color upon her arrival big gap in suspension rates for families in the community met cultural barriers. Acquoi was hired and groups other than AIS wanted in 2016. “These organizations were students of color in comparison with the school board, superin- to be a mediator between parents their names attached to it. Parents not created for us as people of color. to the white students, there was a tendent, teachers and principals and the school board. had not been informed. They were created as bureaucracies lack of African-American history and expressed how they had seen “I was brought in by the parents So she called an emergency and created to make it harder for us classes available and food options a difference in punishments, food to make sure our students are going meeting and held a focus group with to infiltrate.” from African cultures were not options and class course options for to be successful,” she said. parents to look over documents and give feedback. After review- ing the documents, parents agreed and the policy was passed. The policy includes creating an African- American history class and offering African food for lunch with food ingredients listed. More important, it required the hiring of teachers of color. “This is the first-ever policy where parents of color can hold the district accountable,” she said. “If these rules are not followed AIS could always challenge or sue the school district.” The passing of this policy shows progress for the Osseo public school Fata Acquoi attends the 2018 Policy district as it tries to address its Link Equity Summitt. changing racial demographics. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AFRICAN IMMIGRANT SERVICES COURTESY PHOTOS Parents of Osseo School District youth gather at the Brooklyn Park City Community Activity Center.

24 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY

Skjefte said. Every year about 50 babies Little Moccasins, receive moccasins, 30 are inpatient and 20 are given to the commu- Lots of Love nity. The program continues to encourage members of the Native community to volunteer to make the shoes, and hand-stitch and bead Lisa Skjefte, along with her traditional moccasins to gift to the babies. The moccasins, despite their community, give gifts to young small size hold a lot of love and Native American babies. represent hours of dedication. The program ranges from about 20-40 PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH FLORES, STAR TRIBUNE STAR ELIZABETH FLORES, BY PHOTOS volunteers per session at the Two Lisa Skjefte, an American Indian Moccasins being hand-stitched by members of The First Gift volunteer Rivers Art Gallery. organization. Community Liaison at Children’s Shelby Cathey Skjefte explained that about Minnesota, was about to start Minnehaha moccasins represent a celebration community for this new project. 20 women have come to every making her rounds in the hospital to Academy of the new baby’s life, and that the Graici Horne, a curator for All moccasin-making session for the meet and greet all of the new Native children are now a part of a loving My Relations, came up with the past 3 years, since they started, and babies in the Special Care Nursery community despite their health program’s name; “The First Gift.” haven’t missed a single one. and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Lake Nation of Ojibwe, started challenges. The program continues to partner “I think that it’s because of the (NICU). speaking with other members of her Community is very important and collaborate with Children’s community building,” she said. “It On that spring day in 2015, how- community, and that led her to form to Skjefte and she wanted to Hospital and now also works with feels good that you are invested and ever, something felt odd. a partnership with All My Relations make sure that building a strong Two Rivers Art Gallery. doing something for babies in our “It didn’t feel culturally appropri- Arts, a contemporary American community and collaboration was It is very important to Skjefte community.” ate to go and meet these new little Indian fine art gallery. Together incorporated into her new idea. that the program is a partnership As the project has continued, ones, without a gift welcoming they set out to make moccasins for She continued to work with All and not just one person. some of the volunteers have been them into this world,” Skjefte said. Native babies needing special care. My Relations, Children’s Hospital “I never say I founded it, but I very supportive and were extra Skjefte, a member of the Red Her vision was to have the Minnesota, and members of her created it with the community,” helpful in some situations. Skjefte explained that when she was running late one day, some of the volunteers taught newcomers how to stitch the moccasins. Skjefte has fostered children and it is very important to her that the children know their culture, even from a young age. She shared a story about a baby she fostered, her name is Myla. The baby was always wel- comed to come to the sessions and sat and watched the women bead. Even as a baby, Myla always enjoyed and celebrated the space. “When she was 2 years old, we would drive up to the American Indian Center. She would start clap- ping and say ‘Yay’ because she was excited,” Skjefte said. On occasion families will some- times reach out to the organization and thank them for their work. Skjefte recalled a scenario where a family had reached out to her via email right after their daughter had turned one. She said the family was grateful to “The First Step” for starting their daughter off on a clear pathway. For the family the moc- casins symbolized a clear path for their daughter, a journey that will continue to connect her with her Lisa Skjefte works on moccasins at the American Indian Cultural Center. Native culture.

September 2018 25 HEALTH EQUITY Appetite For Change Brings Fresh Ideas to the Table

people, you start to see the bad Group uses food as a tool to build health, (unhealthful) food,” Titus said. Said McDaniel: “I don’t care if we wealth and social change. get a million dollars tomorrow, and if they tell us we don’t even have to PHOTOS COURTESY OF APPETITE FOR CHANGE OF APPETITE FOR COURTESY PHOTOS work no more, I’ll still be in the com- Appetite for Change is spreading the message of healthy eating to a When Princess Titus set out munity, at the garden putting in that community that lacks fresh food options. to spread the message about the David work because my people gotta eat.” importance of eating healthful Gutierrez AFC, with a staff of 40 to 50 gardens, where she hopes to see the idea of a healthier future. AFC is St. Louis Park foods, she faced the challenge of full-time employees and more than community unite and change the still gaining traction, but at this rate High School doing it in a community overrun 20 part-timers, created the vehicle narrative. the possibility of expanding AFC with fast food chains serving up to allow young people to let their “The stories have to be told, seems more likely rather than less. anything but. shows a formidable challenge, not voices be heard and address social that we are courageous enough to AFC has been fighting to change, Her task, which has grown from unfamiliar to other communities issues. McDaniel shows his belief in go to those places of soil and plant along with the rut of unhealthy a mission into a movement called they’ve visited. immersing the youth into a health- with strangers to meet at our basic eating habits, the narrative on the Appetite for Change (AFC), meant Some might wonder if it’s just ier future, while being convinced human need,” Titus said. North Minneapolis community, not only steering people away from a coincidence. “We’ve been to “the youth is the truth.” Appetite for Change is having a even the negative label “food the high-calorie fast food fare but California and Seattle and as soon Titus even takes it a step further, domino effect around the country desert” and perceptions about also making healthier options such as you see the black or brown emphasizing the community with more people buying into the things like high rates of diabetes. as fresh produce more accessible. Six years ago, Jessie McDaniel and LaTaijah Powell saw potential in a youth program with Appetite for Change to raise awareness. Now McDaniel and Powell are youth leaders and program facilitators. McDaniel and Titus both saw a need for a change toward better health. They also saw the importance of inspiring youth in the community, and how building trust within the community is part of the process. “If we were not training young people and exposing them how to feed themselves that we were disad- vantaging our future,” Titus said. The program’s message went viral when they released a song called “Grow Food.” In the video, some of the youth from AFC rapped about the importance of nutrition while comparing the adverse effects of poor nutrition to things like urban crime. Although the video has led to an increase in valuable donations and publicity, Titus and McDaniel emphasize their unique mindsets toward the movement. They also hope the public realizes their genuine ambi- tion and dedication to improve eating habits, even though a snap- shot of the north side and its sea of too-convenient takeout eateries Youth involved in Appetite for Change encourages North Minneapolis community members to shop fresh.

26 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICE RIDE COURTESY PHOTOS Minnesotans enjoy a ride on one of the many Nice Ride bikes located throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Nice ride pushes for an increase in dockless bike locations, making rental cheaper for Minnesota residents.

of these will use the new “dockless” Vars said that people are using Motivate Minnesota hopes Minnesota technology. e-bikes more in other parts of the greater use of shared bikes will lead Dockless bikes will lower the country because they make it easier to a healthier and more vibrant Twin price of a rental from $3 to $2. They to travel longer distances faster. Cities. “If we’re successful, it means Nice…Ride will have GPS technology to inform “The length of trips taken on the improvement in air quality. It means riders of the virtual pickup and electric bike tends to be signifi- less traffic congestion. It means dropoff zones. cantly longer than on the standard increased mobility for residents, and “We’re going to have more bikes bike, so people are able to use them it could mean increased economic Nice Ride focuses on alternative on the street and closer proximity to do more things.” vitality,” Vars said. He believes that transportation through its bike to more people and more neighbor- Vars believes that these changes having greater mobility will give hoods,” Vars said. In all, the com- will benefit the community, as well people the potential to go out to eat, sharing system. pany is looking to add 800 to 1,000 as the company. One example is a go to a movie or just spend money. dockless locations next year. new partnership with Shared Use Vars is looking forward to the Nice Ride needed a hand to Mobility that aims to integrate future. Motivate Minnesota has Most people understand that achieve that growth. In July 2018, shared bicycles with buses, light rail a three-year plan for continued riding bikes is healthy—and good Motivate Minnesota assumed and other means of transportation. growth. “Our focus will be trying to Neng Thao for the environment. But more and Johnson Sr. control of Nice Ride’s operations, It also will make sure rental bikes increase the number of riders, the more people are also discovering High School changing it from a nonprofit to a are included in the planning for access to bicycles and the number that rental bikes are a convenient private company. With potential parks and other public spaces. of neighborhoods that we provide way to negotiate city traffic and new competitors coming into the “Nice Ride has had a role in that services in,” he said. avoid parking hassles. market, Nice Ride had to adapt to from the beginning,” Vars said. “We As the long road continues, Nice Mitch Vars is one of the many the changing industry. “They (new have talked about what role bike Ride will pursue prosperity for the users of rental bikes from Nice Ride Paying Yang competitors) are going to come in sharing can play.” community. Patrick Henry Minnesota, the largest supplier High School at 99 cents or a dollar (per ride), of rental bikes in the Twin Cities. and we know we wouldn’t be able to Truth in advertising: He also hap- compete with that unless we made “If we’re successful, it means improvement in pens to be the company’s informa- some changes,” Vars said. Motivate tion technology director. Nice Ride is an eight-year-old Minnesota is providing cash and air quality. It means less traffic congestion...and “They’re great for a one-way bike sharing system with 1,800 bikes technology that will allow Nice Ride trip,” Vars said. “I take a bike if I’m on the streets of Minneapolis and to meet that challenge. it could mean increased economic vitality.” going to meet a friend and I don’t St. Paul. It will add 1,500 bikes this Nice Ride also plans to do an want to take the car.” year and another 1,500 in 2019. All electric bike pilot project in 2019. —Mitch Vars, Information Technology Director

September 2018 27 THREESIXTY NEWS

Thank You, Volunteers! ThreeSixty would like to express its gratitude for everyone who volun- teered this summer. It is with the endless support of our volunteers that we can continue to provide students with these valuable experiences and opportunities. Some of you were new, some returning, but all of you came to the table with all your immense knowledge, ready to help the students suc- ceed. Thank you for your time, support and commitment. We hope you will continue coming back to be a part of the ThreeSixty team.

28 threesixty.stthomas.edu September 2018 29 HENNES from page 7 he consistently found and made connections Dease, and through four long-form sto- to improve others professionally—the list ries showcased the heart of Dease’s deep of jobs he recommended colleagues for is connection to Uganda and how it reflected endless—or through the difficulties of life: As St. Thomas’ mission to contribute to the the head of University Relations he led the common good. department’s weekly volunteering efforts with In 2000, Hennes was part of a St. Thomas Meals on Wheels, Loaves and Fishes, Adopt delegation to Cuba, during which he wrote a a Family at Christmas, Habitat for Humanity collection of stories about the trip, including and raking the Summit Avenue median, “Final Thoughts: Trying to understand Cuba… examples of his constant nature of giving back and Castro.” to others. Hennes penned “That Great Heart: “He embodied all those values that St. The Life of I.A. O’Shaughnessy, Oilman Thomas stands for,” said Jim Winterer, & Philanthropist,” a book published Hennes’ colleague for 27 years in University by Beaver’s Pond Press in 2014. An in- Relations. “That made him a wonderful boss depth account of philanthropist Ignatius and wonderful person to work with.” Aloysius O’Shaughnessy, Hennes expertly “He was our leader in everything,” said painted a portrait capturing the spirit of Sara Klomp, former senior designer for O’Shaughnessy, a 1907 St. Thomas graduate University Relations who worked for Hennes who amassed great wealth as an independent for 24 years. “He was a great man. He was St. oil operator and gave most of his money away, Thomas.”

with St. Thomas and Notre Dame as primary THOMAS OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. COURTESY PHOTO beneficiaries. In an Amazon review of the Editor’s note: This story was written for and 2018 ThreeSixty Scholar Zekriah Chaudhry interviews Doug Hennes on the history of the book, O’Shaughnessy’s grandson, Jim, called first published by the University of St. Thomas University of St. Thomas versus St. John’s University (Tommie-Johnnie) football game prior to the book a “wonderful portrait” and wrote Newsroom and is shared here with its permission. kickoff of the Sept. 23, 2017 gridiron classic at Target Field in Minneapolis. that Hennes did “a great job of capturing my grandfather’s wit, love of life and his incred- ible generosity.”

LOVE OF ATHLETICS Often partnered with his love of writing, Hennes was a huge fan of St. Thomas athlet- ics. Many times, Hennes would attend games purely to watch, but more often he would find his way to the familiar reporter’s chair to write a story for Tommie Sports. Afterward he could be seen interviewing players and coaches, always finding the heart of his story in the people. Many times, that reporting involved long road trips: Along with traveling to Cuba, Hennes covered national championship sea- sons across the country. “He just loved everything about St. Thomas and our athletic programs so much,” said athletic director and former men’s basket- ball coach Steve Fritz, who as an admissions counselor recruited Hennes to come to St. Thomas in 1973. “He was great at getting around and seeing people at events. He had a great writing style, loved writing. There are so many things that we’re going to miss sorely.”[endtext] Reflected in his stories was the fact Hennes PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. COURTESY PHOTO simply loved people. Coupled with that was his desire to help everyone. Throughout his Doug Hennes (left) stands with St. Thomas alum Will Steger during the ThreeSixty’s Great Minnesota Media Get-Together fundraising event decades at St. Thomas and the Pioneer Press, October 27, 2017 in Anderson Student Center’s Woulfe Alumni Hall.

30 threesixty.stthomas.edu ThreeSixty Journalism 2018 PROGRAM YEAR REPORT

THREESIXTY JOURNALISM • JUNE 1, 2017-MAY 31, 2018 What People Are Saying About Student Demographics ThreeSixty alumni reported internships at: ThreeSixty African 9% • Best Buy • KRSM “ThreeSixty Journalism really • Center for Prevention • Local Current African-American 21% helped me. I never knew that at Blue Cross and • St. Paul Mayor Melvin Asian/SE Asian 46% Blue Shield of Carter’s campaign writing little can be so meaningful Minnesota and powerful.” • Minnesota DFL Caucasian/White 3% • CLAgency – Ester, Harding High School and • MPR Hispanic/Chicano/Latino 13% • Commonwealth ThreeSixty student Games • Office of Gov. Mark Dayton Multiracial 8% • Rep. Keith Ellison’s “I participate in News Team campaign • Pioneer Press, Under- Told Stories Project and because of the satisfaction that you • KMOJ USC Trojan Insider get not just from finishing a piece of writing, but by improving your confidence, creativity and ability to 195 program participants across print, 18 student bylines published in improvise in difficult situations.” TV and radio journalism summer camps, Pioneer Press and Star Tribune – Zekriah Chaudhry, school-year News Team, College Essay 2018 ThreeSixty Scholar Boot Camps and special assignments 9 broadcast-ready reported stories by Radio Broadcast Camp students “I got the chance to really see $200,000+ in ThreeSixty program myself as a future broadcaster. scholarships provided to financially 7 Minnesota Newspaper Association Meeting people from the qualified students Better Newspaper Contest Awards earned industry and being allowed a by ThreeSixty space to be myself and tell a 306 volunteer shifts fulfilled by individuals story was the best feeling ever.” from 76 organizations 5 health equity look-live packages created – Erianna Jiles, Saint Paul College by TV Broadcast Camp students student and ThreeSixty alumna 81 student bylines published across three issues of ThreeSixty Magazine 4 “ThreeSixty Focus” stories in ThreeSixty “These young people are Magazine, featuring Gov. Mark Dayton, incredible. They are hungry. 51 college essays written by students Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria They desire to to be the next Arradondo, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey generation of journalists.” ThreeSixty alumni attended St. Thomas, 19 and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter – Reg Chapman, WCCO-TV reporter including three at Dougherty Family College

ThreeSixty Journalism SUPPORT AND CONNECT WITH DIVERSE TALENT!

Join us at THE GREAT MINNESOTA MEDIA GET-TOGETHER! A Fundraiser for ThreeSixty Journalism

ThreeSixty Journalism trains and supports our next generation of diverse thinkers, communicators and leaders. Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, 5:30 p.m. University of St. Thomas Anderson Student Center, St. Paul campus

Hosted by Laura Lee ABC 6 News ThreeSixty Alumna

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit stthomas.edu/threesixty2018.

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