Volume 10 • Issue 1 threesixty.stthomas.edu September 2019

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Minnesota Teens Report Stories & Issues That Matter FITNESS FOR ALL ThreeSixty students report on creative physical-activity outlets in diverse communities. Special-use photos: Ananya Dance Theatre • Girls on the Run • House of Dance • Jess Graba • Our Streets Minneapolis • Tamales y Bicicletas • Subversive Sirens • Sunisa Lee and family • Twin Cities Native Lacrosse • University of St. Thomas

ThreeSixty Journalism Mail 5057, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 threesixty.stthomas.edu Twitter: @ThreeSixtyMN Instagram: @ThreeSixtyJournalism LinkedIn: @ThreeSixty-Journalism Facebook: ThreeSixty Journalism THREESIXTY JOURNALISM ThreeSixty’s News Reporter Academy students took master classes from experts, including ThreeSixty Alumna Erianna Jiles, who taught a class on podcasting and writing for broadcast with APM Reports Associate Producer Alex Baumhardt.

Chad Caruthers Bao Vang Theresa Malloy Executive Director Associate Director Program Manager CONTENTS | SEPTEMBER Special thanks to student editor Allison DeMorett. ThreeSixty Alumni Update features our newest Girls on the Run offers a running club for scholar, Heidi Sanchez Avila, and tells us about young girls, especially from low-income ThreeSixty Leadership Council: Aisha Eady, ThreeSixty alumna; Danielle Wong, who returned to the ThreeSixty communities, and has helped thousands Professional Services Marketing, LLC • Simeon Lancaster, ThreeSixty classrooms this summer as a teacher. Pages 6–7 achieve big dreams. Page 20 alumnus; PBS NewsHour’s Under-Told Stories Project • Brian Bellmont, Bellmont Partners Public Relations • Nancy Cassutt, MPR News • Chris ThreeSixty showcases high school students Havens, Best Buy • John Hobot, Wells Fargo • Phil Piña, St. Paul Pioneer who won Minnesota Newspaper Awards in the Page 22 College Division. Press • Colleen Stoxen, Star Tribune • Jack Sullivan, Dorsey & Whitney, Page 7 LLP • Amanda Theisen, KSTP-TV • Dr. Wendy Wyatt, University of Twin Cities Native Lacrosse reclaims the St. Thomas • Andy Ybarra, University of St. Thomas ancient tradition and teaches youth how to play the sport. Page 11 Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved Micco Sampson is passing on the tradition of hoop ThreeSixty Magazine will be published twice during the 2019 calendar year. dancing to the next generation. Page 12

ThreeSixty Magazine is designed by Diana Boger. www.dianaboger.com Tamales y Bicicletas empowers Latinx and

Email [email protected] with comments, letters and immigrant communities through several projects, V. PAUL V. COURTESY questions about participating in ThreeSixty Journalism. including a bike shop and an urban farm. Page 13 Ananya Dance Theatre’s “Sutrajāl: Revelations ThreeSixty Journalism is a nonprofit program of the of Gossamer” College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas. House of Dance is more than just a dance studio. It is a place where passion is born amidst Subversive Sirens is making waves as Donations from individuals like you provide a hip-hop. Page 14 body-positive, plus-size synchronized significant amount of ThreeSixty’s operating budget. swimmers on a mission. Page 23 To learn more, visit threesixty.stthomas.edu. Sunisa Lee could make history as a top contender for the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team at the 2020 College Essays feature student stories Olympics in Tokyo. Learn how she stays focused on their parents, experiences with colorism and continues her training locally. Pages 15–18 and desires to become advocates after family crises. Page 28 ON THE COVER Clockwise from left: Micco Sampson and son, Nokose Sampson, demonstrate Our Streets Minneapolis works to encourage a traditional Native American hoop dance. Hmong-American gymnast Sunisa safe modes of transportation, while also bringing Lee. Ananya Dance Theatre Dancer and Artistic Associate Kealoha Ferreira. communities together to celebrate at Open PHOTOS BY THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE Streets Minneapolis events. Page 19

2 threesixty.stthomas.edu Contributors

Paula Akakpo Fran Aravena Peyton Burruss Samantha Butterfield Kaleah Phillips-Kelley Bynum Math and Science Academy Wayzata High School Richfield High School Anoka High School DeLaSalle High School

Ilhaan Dhegadub Blake Ford Austin Kuo Josiah Lemm Emil Liden Park Center Senior High School Twin Cities Academy Wayzata High School Blaine High School Minnetonka High School

Evelyn Lillemoe Jacqueline Martinez Josie Morss Evan Odegard Ayo Olagbaju St. Paul Academy Harding Senior High School Lakeville North High School Nova Classical Academy Patrick Henry High School

Sam Stensgaard Datelle Straub Asa Williams Tristan Xiong David Xu Roseville Area High School Patrick Henry High School Cherry Hill East High School Great River School Wayzata High School

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500-3971/8/19 THREESIXTY NEWS THREESIXTY JOURNALISM UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY OF ST. ThreeSixty Student Datelle Straub interviews Bird Coulter at Juxtaposition ThreeSixty TV Camp students work with professional mentors from local stations, including KSTP. Samira Mohamed’s Arts for his MPR Radio Camp story. Straub’s mentor Sam Choo, senior mentors, anchor Paul Folger and commercial producer Nick Tieri, assist with her interview. producer of “All Things Considered,” joins him for support.

are volunteer driven. When I look at the stack of thank you notes on my Editor’s Note desk left to write, I have to smile. We’re grateful for everyone who This summer, 80 participants joined helped make our camps possible. ThreeSixty on the University of Theresa They all deserve praise and thanks St. Thomas campus for College Malloy for their support of student journal- Program Essay Boot Camp, Digital Audio ists. Many of these summer campers Manager Storytelling Camp, News Reporter will continue to write stories in our Academy, TV Broadcast Camp school year News Team and Learning and Radio Broadcast Camp. This main spread (pages 15 –18) on Labs, and on other advanced magazine represents and reflects world-class gymnast Sunisa Lee ThreeSixty assignments. Watch their hard work and dedication, and offers a high-profile example of a ThreeSixty students blossom as for some, the start of important story best told by one’s peers. As innovators, leaders and storytellers journalism careers. This issue’s leaders and changemakers them- on ThreeSixty’s Instagram, Twitter, theme is health equity, with a focus selves, ThreeSixty students relate LinkedIn and Facebook pages. We on physical activity as a personal to Lee’s obstacles and remarkable love showcasing student work. THOMAS UNIVERSITY OF ST. and cultural lifeline for under- accomplishments. Enjoy the magazine and be sure University of St. Thomas Senior Media Relations Manager Vineeta Sawkar represented communities. Our Our journalism summer camps to share this with others! coaches ThreeSixty Student Josie Morss on how to shoot a stand-up. THREESIXTY JOURNALISM Shooting on location at the Minnesota United’s practice facility in Blaine, the ThreeSixty team stopped for a quick selfie. From

THREESIXTY JOURNALISM left to right: WCCO Sports Anchor Norman Seawright III, Radio Camp students are guided by eight professional mentors who work at Minnesota Public Radio News and ThreeSixty Student Datelle Straub, WCCO Photographer and American Public Media. The crew takes a picture in front of Juxtaposition Arts’ mural before heading inside to ThreeSixty Alumnus Dymanh Chhoun, ThreeSixty Executive interview sources. Director Chad Caruthers and ThreeSixty Student Emil Liden.

September 2019 5 THREESIXTY NEWS ThreeSixty Scholar Updates Each year, high school seniors who are graduates of ThreeSixty programming compete for the ThreeSixty Scholarship — a full-tuition, four-year scholarship to study Journalism, Digital Media Arts and Strategic Communication at the University of St. Thomas. Currently, there are four ThreeSixty Scholars attending St. Thomas.

Zekriah Chaudhry Samantha HoangLong 2018 ThreeSixty Scholar 2017 ThreeSixty Scholar As a freshman at St. Thomas, Chaudhry was a reporter with Following up on her 2018–19 school year internship as a reporter TommieMedia who covered major news stories on campus, including a at MinnPost and her 2018 internship as the first communications bomb threat and evacuation. As part of his ongoing journalism oppor- and advocacy intern for the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross tunities with ThreeSixty, he filed stories from the March 2019 “Truth and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HoangLong joined KMSP Fox 9 as an and Transformation: Changing Racial Narratives in Media” conference. Emma Bowen Foundation intern for the summer of 2019. For the Chaudhry was a reporter intern in the Pioneer Press newsroom during 2019–20 school year, HoangLong jumps from reporter to director of the summer of 2019. He will study abroad in Rome in the fall. TommieMedia at St. Thomas.

Danielle Wong Amira Warren-Yearby 2016 ThreeSixty Scholar 2015 ThreeSixty Scholar During the 2018-19 school year at St. Thomas, Wong served as junior Amira Warren-Yearby graduated from St. Thomas in May class senator; worked with the university’s Marketing, Insights and 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and journal- Communications team; and performed with the women’s a cappella ism. At St. Thomas, Warren-Yearby was president of the Black group, Cadenza. In spring 2019, she capped off her third year of col- Empowerment Student Alliance and served as a board of trustees lege studying abroad at National Chengchi University and teaching student liaison. She also studied TV, film and communications at English at a middle school in Taiwan. Learn about Wong’s work at Bond University in Queensland, Australia. ThreeSixty this summer on page 7.

Sanchez Avila Is 2019 ThreeSixty Scholar

Heidi Sanchez Avila is the 2019 the Star Tribune and Minnesota ThreeSixty Scholar! She receives a Timberwolves. She was one of full-tuition, four-year scholarship to three student journalists who sat study Journalism, Digital Media and courtside and had locker room Strategic Communication Arts at St. access while covering the game. She Thomas starting in the fall semester interviewed players Karl-Anthony of 2019. Towns and Tyus Jones, and her final Each year, high school seniors story was published on the team’s who are graduates of a ThreeSixty website and mobile app. summer journalism camp have com- “ThreeSixty for me has meant pleted the program requirement discovering a new passion, as for the ThreeSixty Scholarship — well as being able to find out new valued at more than $160,000 over Heidi Sanchez Avila life skills that not only apply to four years. journalism but to the real world,” “Being the winner of this scholar- Boot Camp, Rookie Journalist Sanchez Avila said. “Being able to ship is a huge deal not only to me Camp and News Reporter Academy; say as a high school student I know but to my family,” Sanchez Avila ThreeSixty’s school year News a lot of amazing people who all said. “It proves that doing what Team; and Radio and TV summer have so many different stories, and you love and being creative can be camps. She also participated in I’m able to personally know them, rewarding. It also means my family the American Asian Journalists has also been something I’m so and I don’t have to worry about the Association’s 2018 JCamp, a pres- grateful ThreeSixty has taught me.” COURTESY HEIDI SANCHEZ AVILA COURTESY ‘what-if’ possibilities.” tigious program for top high school “Heidi has emerged as a leader 2019 ThreeSixty Scholar Heidi Sanchez Avila visited The New York Times Sanchez Avila, a graduate of students nationwide. in the program with so many offices this summer ahead of her freshman year at the University of St. Hiawatha Collegiate High School As a high school senior during the younger students looking up to Thomas College of Arts and Sciences. in Minneapolis, joined ThreeSixty 2018-19 school year, Sanchez Avila her. She is a brave storyteller in summer 2017. Since then, she attended her first Timberwolves whose college essay, ‘A Rainbow of ThreeSixty Journalism Program “She is a confident storyteller with has participated in College Essay games through a partnership with Identities,’ continues to inspire,” Manager Theresa Malloy said. a mission.”

6 threesixty.stthomas.edu THREESIXTY NEWS ThreeSixty Journalism Students, Partners Honored

Three students were honored at the Masterfully written.” Minnesota Newspaper Association Awards in Zekriah Chaudhry, 2018 ThreeSixty Scholar January. and current University of St. Thomas student, Two students earned the top recognition in won first place for his sports story, “Ninjas in their category, while another student placed Training: American Ninja Warrior-Inspired second in the College Better Newspaper Gym Creates Local Youth Program.” The judges Contest, which is a college-level competition. commented, “Cool topic and well written.” However, ThreeSixty students’ work is eli- Loveisajoy Pha, who is a ThreeSixty gible and competitive with college students. alumna and transferred from St. Cloud State THREESIXTY JOURNALISM BY PHOTOS ThreeSixty alumni Anne Omer, Zekriah Padilla’s Leah Kondes and ThreeSixty The winners all wrote their stories as University to the University of Minnesota this Chaudhry and Loveisajoy Pha display their MNA Executive Director Chad Caruthers accepted seniors in high school and are now attending fall, also won an award for her sports writing, College Better Newspaper Contest awards. two PRSA awards for a partnership with universities across the state. placing second. Her winning feature is titled Center for Prevention at Blue Cross Blue Anne Omer, ThreeSixty alumna and “More Than a Game: Off the Field, Dana partnership with ThreeSixty and the Center Shield to tell health equity stories at the 2018 University of Minnesota student, earned a Nelson Leads Super Bowl LII’s Charitable for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield TV Broadcast Camp. first-place honor as a columnist for her college Giving, Investing in Youth Health and of Minnesota. essay, “Telling My Story, Without a Costume.” Wellness.” Judges commented, “Nice, crisp Center for Prevention and Padilla are pri- Multicultural Public Relations and Public The judges wrote, “Anne Omer describes a lede, and good mastery of AP style.” mary partners of ThreeSixty’s TV camp, and Services Category. life few of us begin to understand. The daugh- In May at the Minnesota Public Relations the 2018 focus was shedding light on health ThreeSixty, Center for Prevention and ter of Ethiopian immigrants, her perspec- Society of America’s Classics Awards Banquet, equity issues. This is the second year straight Padilla partnered again in summer 2019 for tives on adversity, heroism and fitting in at PRSA presented two awards to Padilla Padilla won awards for the partnership. This News Reporter Academy and TV Broadcast school has given her unique cultural insights. for its summer 2018 TV Broadcast Camp year’s awards were in the International/ Camp at the University of St. Thomas.

“I wanted to go back to a place where I look the same, but I may Life Journey Continues for 2016 Scholar not exactly feel the same. It was very true when I went to Taiwan because, obviously, I look like Danielle Wong spent the spring everyone else there. I look Chinese or Eastern Asian,” she said. “But I studying in Taiwan and returned felt so different, and so out of it, for to ThreeSixty this summer in a new the first couple months, because I was this Chinese-looking girl role in front of the classroom. that couldn’t speak good enough Chinese to get by. “I think that feeling, those looks Danielle Wong had an inkling she of disappointment when people should pursue a youth journalism Datelle Straub would look at me and try to talk to program while in high school. Her Patrick Henry me in Chinese, and I’d be like, ‘Oh, high school, Eastview High School High School I can’t say anything to you,’ that in Apple Valley, had a program, really fueled me to be intentional but freshmen were not allowed to about my Chinese learning while I take part. really, really important for me,” was abroad and reconnect with this Like professional journalists Wong said. “Actually, I wouldn’t language that I so quickly pushed are constantly asked to do, Wong have been able to afford to go aside when I was growing up.” kept digging. Her mother searched to college, especially not here at Wong spent time learning about for available programs in the Twin St. Thomas.” international images and how coun- Cities and ThreeSixty Journalism Now a senior at St. Thomas, tries perceive each other, especially popped up immediately. Wong is back where she began from a career perspective. Sold. working with prospective high “You need to look at the way that A few years later, Wong was school journalists as a summer countries look at each other’s news chosen as a ThreeSixty Scholar, intern with the ThreeSixty program. and consume each other’s news,” which brought a four-year, full- During her junior year, Wong she said. “If you’re an international tuition scholarship to the University studied abroad in Taiwan, where journalist or international station, of St. Thomas and an academic she took electives for her justice to be careful about the way that adventure that took her overseas. and peace studies minor. She said you present that country and your

COURTESY DANIELLE WONG DANIELLE COURTESY “I received a full-tuition, four- she sought out a country where she reports and everything. So that was ThreeSixty Scholar Danielle Wong spent her spring semester studying year scholarship to St. Thomas resembled the people, but the lan- a really good class. abroad in Taiwan. under ThreeSixty, which is really, guage barrier posed a challenge. SCHOLAR continued on page 29

September 2019 7 Inspiring the next generation of journalists to always go beyond A podcast that explores the first themes related to health, health equity and community. question. iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher centerforpreventionmn.com/podcast

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8 threesixty.stthomas.edu THREESIXTY NEWS First Digital Audio Storytelling Camp Is a Hit Lights, Led by St. Thomas Journalism, Digital Media Arts and Strategic Camera, Communication Assistant Professor Dr. Peter Gregg, Digital Audio Storytelling Camp gave eight students creative license to narrate, produce Action at and share their personal essays through audio storytelling. The program was put on through a partnership with the YWCA Girls Inc. Eureka! program. TV Camp Listen to their stories at threesixty.stthomas.edu/student-video-radio/ digital-audio-storytelling-camp/. Nine ThreeSixty Journalism students created their first video news packages during ThreeSixty’s TV Broadcast Camp. Their stories focused on health equity, specifically physical activity in underrepresented communities. Students’ mentors were broadcast journalists from WCCO, FOX 9, KSTP, KARE 11, TPT, BMA Cable, the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota Hubbard THREESIXTY JOURNALISM BY PHOTOS School of Journalism and Mass Above: Nine ThreeSixty students completed TV Broadcast Camp. From left to right (standing): Sophia Schach, Emil Liden, Josie Communication. Morss, Datelle Straub, Tristan Xiong, Samira Mohamed, Jacqueline The camp is powered by a Martinez, (kneeling): Blessing Kasongoma and Safiya Mohamed. partnership with the Center for Above: Seven of the students who participated in Digital Audio Storytelling Prevention at Blue Cross and Camp are part of the YWCA Girls Inc. Eureka! program, which empowers young Blue Shield and Padilla. women considering STEM careers. Watch their stories online at threesixty.stthomas. edu/student-video-radio/ video-broadcast-camp/.

At right: TV campers Blessing Dr. Peter Gregg teaches Kasongoma and Emil Liden run students the “art of Foley,” the control room at St. Paul which involved using Neighborhood Network, where everyday objects to make students practiced producing and sound effects at Digital hosting their own shows. Audio Storytelling Camp.

From MPR News, It’s Radio Camp!

Eight students had the opportunity of a lifetime to attend a weeklong workshop at Minnesota Public Radio News. Students worked with professional mentors ThreeSixty campers learned how to record in the field for their to produce their first radio story stories featuring the artists at North Minneapolis nonprofit Juxtaposition Arts. about Juxtaposition Arts in North Minneapolis, with a few airing on the station. This master class is open to advanced ThreeSixty Listen to student stories at threesixty.stthomas.edu/student- students who have completed News video-radio/radio-broadcast-camp/. Reporter Academy.

September 2019 9 HEALTH EQUITY 20 Students Finish First Professional Assignment at News Reporter Academy

ThreeSixty Journalism’s News Reporter Academy The theme for News Reporter Academy, in partner- is a two-week course for advanced writers held at the ship with the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross University of St. Thomas College of Arts and Sciences and Blue Shield of Minnesota, was health equity. The St. Paul campus. stories focused on physical activity in underrepresented Students spent their first week exploring their role communities. in the media landscape. They then had lessons with Once those assignments were complete, students professionals relating to digital audio and visual sto- had a college exploration day, learning about rytelling, as well as emerging and engaging media and the Journalism, Digital Media Arts and Strategic communications fields. The second week shifted gears Communication program at St. Thomas. They also as students worked on their first professional assign- visited the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School ment published in the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune of Journalism and Mass Communication. and in this ThreeSixty magazine.

ThreeSixty Student Peyton Burruss At the camp celebration, ThreeSixty Student Evelyn Lillemoe shares her explores virtual reality storytelling in the experience learning about Twin Cities Native Lacrosse. University of St. Thomas STELAR Lab. PHOTOS BY THREESIXTY JOURNALISM BY PHOTOS ThreeSixty’s News Reporter Academy students ventured to the Star Tribune’s newsroom in Minneapolis to learn more about how newspapers are thinking digitally.

First impressions count, and students learned how to make a ThreeSixty Alumnus Dymanh Chhoun, WCCO photographer, taught students about video production good one with help from Star Tribune Columnist Neal Justin. and photography. Justin is seen here shaking hands with ThreeSixty reporter Samantha Butterfield.

10 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Native Lacrosse Mixes Competition and Ceremony

cultural game and to make lacrosse John Hunter teaches his community about more accessible to Native youth. cultural traditions and healthy living. Prior Lake High School athlete Nina Polk learned about Twin Cities Native Lacrosse from a neighbor who was involved in the They don’t wear protective gear; program and had spoken to her they have beautiful wooden sticks; Evelyn mother about it. their goal is simply a pole; and Lillemoe For Polk, one of the most unique St. Paul their rule book consists of only one parts of the program is that every- Academy idea: respect. one on the team is Native. Polk has It is a far different game than played volleyball and basketball and the one John Hunter, founder Minnesota and Winnebago Tribe of currently runs cross country. Most JOLES DAVID COURTESY PHOTOS of Twin Cities Native Lacrosse, Nebraska, he had only heard stories of the teams she has been a part of Prior Lake High School athlete Nina Polk plays the game with a traditional wooden lacrosse stick. learned in his youth. He has played of the game. consisted of almost all white people. modern lacrosse since he was 14, “I was raised in my culture, so “That was a big challenge for me, stick, then that’s when I really this sense of healing,” Hunter said. but when he realized that modern although I knew that we had played because I wasn’t able to connect started playing.” Often the team gathers before lacrosse was only accessible to a the game, I just understood that to a lot of people as well as on the Obvious differences between the game, and athletes can share small minority of people and Native there wasn’t anybody really that was Twin Cities team,” Polk said. the two versions include modern why they are playing the game, lacrosse was basically nonexistent playing it right now,” Hunter said. Polk had been introduced to lacrosse’s colorful sticks, protec- whether it is for someone who in the Twin Cities, he decided that Lacrosse started in Native modern lacrosse first, but she was tive gear, large goals in which to couldn’t play, for someone who is needed to change. communities in the Americas long underwhelmed. fling the ball and referees watching sick or another reason. Hunter didn’t play the traditional before European colonizers came “That didn’t catch my eye. I each player’s every move. In Native “That game represents a chance Native version of lacrosse until to the continent and took lacrosse wasn’t really interested,” Polk said lacrosse, there are no set rules; to help others,” Hunter said. he was in his 30s. Growing up as for their own. Hunter started Twin of the modern game. “But when instead, they teach players to be This idea of healing is also part of the White Earth Nation of Cities Native Lacrosse to revive the they showed me the [woodlands] respectful. Players are accountable relevant in the program’s focus on to themselves rather than a referee. health for its athletes. In addition to “When you say there’s no rules, it exercise, the program always pro- actually forces … that mindfulness vides healthy food, often traditional and that connectedness. It forces Native foods, and water at games. the two teams before the game to This focus on exercise and have a real discussion about, ‘OK, diet is especially relevant in the this is a competitive game. We are Native community. According to going to have some understanding the Indian Health Service, Native about what’s too far,’” Hunter said. people have experienced lower life The two games differ not just in expectancies and disproportion- equipment and rules, but also on a ate disease burdens compared to deeper level. Native lacrosse is full other Americans. This difference is of tradition, meaning and ceremony. largely due to discrimination, lack At Twin Cities Native Lacrosse, of access to education and dispro- they play both Native and modern portionate poverty. versions of lacrosse. Hunter hopes this program will They have community games, continue to grow in its commit- which are a chance for the com- ment to community and wellness munity to come together. Everyone and enlighten athletes, while he who attends gets the opportunity continues to learn about this cul- to play. They also have competitive tural tradition. games, a chance to acknowledge “I’m still learning about [the others’ talent, and even rare heal- meaning behind Native lacrosse],” ing games, done to remind the Hunter said. “I just got back from players about the deeper meaning a trip talking with an elder. I asked, of the game. ‘What is it that the players ... need “In even our most social games, to understand?’ He just said, with- A young lacrosse player with a traditional wooden stick looks for an open teammate. there’s always that kind of compo- out offering much explanation, ‘It’s nent of restoring balance or creating more than a game.’ ”

September 2019 11 HEALTH EQUITY The Hoop that Keeps Rolling — Passing on the Tradition of Hoop Dancing

Micco Sampson passes on the Native American tradition of hoop dancing to his son and his community.

Micco Sampson never doubted his son would learn the art of hoop Emil Liden dancing. A renowned hoop dancer Minnetonka in the Twin Cities, Sampson has High School started to pass on the tradition he strives to keep alive to his 4-year- old son, Nokose. Sampson feels it is important to “I had hoops in his crib when he carry on the tradition. was born,” Sampson said. “Underlying within those dances Before he was able to show are those lessons and those teach- his son the art of hoop dancing, ings of where they come from,” Sampson had to learn it himself. Sampson said. Growing up in the Los Angeles One way Sampson is able to area, Sampson and his family were teach through his dancing is by

one of the only Native American repeating the phrase “heal it” THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK BY PHOTOS VANCLEAVE families in his community. Standing instead of the more common “killed Nokose Sampson, 4, shows off his own customized hoops with a little help from his dad, Micco Sampson. up for himself and his culture was it” after each dance. something he had to do often. “In these moments right after realize that you’re getting a work- “Part of standing up for ourselves we do something good, especially out. Then it’s very empowering for was understanding and knowing with our art, it should be some- participants,” Sampson said. who we were,” Sampson said. thing healing, rather than killing,” Deanna StandingCloud is a Hoop dancing allowed him to do Sampson said. Minneapolis parent who knows just that. Sampson enjoys teaching these Sampson’s classes are truly fun and Hoop dancing is a form of Native lessons because he knows during empowering. Her son, Nigozis, takes American dance that incorporates much of history his people were hoop dancing classes with Micco the use of hoops. The modern varia- prohibited from doing so. After the at the American Indian Center. tion of the dance started roughly American Indian Religious Freedom The classes not only offer her son a 100 years ago. However, the hoop Act of 1978, Native Americans were chance to engage in physical activity, is an object that has been used for finally given the right to practice but also an opportunity to connect thousands of years and, it plays an their culture. with Native American culture. important part in everyday life. Today, Sampson carries on the “I think it’s important for the “We say that this hoop represents tradition as a hoop dancing instruc- Native community to have access our world and everything in it,” tor at the American Indian Center to the hoop dancing practice,” Sampson said. in Minneapolis. The hoop dancing StandingCloud said. “Within this Incorporating western scientific classes serve as a fun way for people one hoop dancing lesson, there’s all teachings, Sampson explained the of all ages to learn about Native these disciplines that can go into it.” hoop’s greater significance. American culture and engage in Parents like StandingCloud know “A circle is defined as a sheet with physical activity. Exercise like this of the importance of things like infinite size and infinite angles. That is important for maintaining a hoop dancing. From the lessons means it keeps on going,” Sampson healthy lifestyle. it teaches to the physical activ- said. “So, each time you slice that According to the American ity it requires, hoop dancing can circle, you’ll find more and more Diabetes Association, diabetes rates empower communities like those of sides. Hence, our explanation of we are 2.2 times higher in the Native Native Americans in Minneapolis. all have a part in the circle.” American community. Sampson’s Through Micco Sampson’s work, Being able to teach valuable classes help address these issues the tradition of hoop dancing is being lessons through the art of hoop with engaging physical activity. Micco Sampson and son, Nokose Sampson, 4, demonstrate a traditional kept alive. Passing it on has become dancing is one of the reasons why “When you’re doing it, you Native American hoop dance. his work, and pass it on he will.

12 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Building Bicycles and Building Community volunteering opportunities every Tamales y Bicicletas uses bicycles other Friday and Saturday, as well as projects like the Urban and urban farms to build community Farm Institute. The Urban Farm Institute’s main purpose is to in Minneapolis. educate Latinx and other marginal- ized youth and their families about urban farming and sustainability For Jose Luis Villaseñor, everything to create greater access to healthy and everyone is connected. Blake Ford foods and practices. “I always like to say we are all Twin Cities Over the summer, Tamales y indigenous from somewhere,” Academy Bicicletas is doing a Northside food Villaseñor said. “Community gives justice bike tour with Appetite us an opportunity to talk about for Change, Oak Park Center and what we have in common.” members in late winter to discuss other community organizations to The son of Mexican immigrants, what foods to plant in spring. When highlight the need for food security Villaseñor has spent 15 years spring arrives, community members LITTLEWOLF NEVADA COURTESY in North Minneapolis. working with homeless youth, help put the seeds into the ground. Tamales y Bicicletas’ Solution to Pollution Bike Tour in Minneapolis’ East The goal of Tamales y Bicicletas Phillips neighborhood, an educational bike tour about environmental justice Latinx students and immigrant However, there’s a bigger picture. is to be a place where Latinx and on Earth Day. families. In conversations with the “We also talk about how food other marginalized communities community, he found a need for is not just food, but it’s also a for precolonial food and taking shop pays homage to that. can come together through good job security and healthy, afford- medicine,” Villaseñor said. “So not the power back to make our own “We literally fix people’s bikes, food and outdoor activities. With able food access. This all inspired only do we have these conversa- food,” Prado said. “So in indigenous give away bikes, and encourage Villaseñor’s clear passion, there’s him to search for an inclusive way tions within our own communi- cultures, there’s a lot of different youth and young adults to come in nothing stopping this nonprofit to highlight Latinx culture. The ties, but we also try to educate ways to make tamales, but those and learn about basic bike repair,” from pedaling on forward. result: Tamales y Bicicletas. people outside of the community, recipes and tamales existed before Villaseñor said. “It is something that comes from According to its mission, about the importance of support- the colonizers came. That’s why it’s Getting to this level with a bike my heart,” Villaseñor said. “When Tamales y Bicicletas is dedicated to ing urban farms and ... to support called Tamales y Bicicletas because shop, urban farm and other oppor- I talk to young folks, it may sound strengthening Latinx and immigrant initiatives led by people of color in [we’re] thinking back to pre-colo- tunities, though, was challenging. cheesy, but I think it’s important communities through bike projects, their communities.” nial food and how we’re trying to “(It) is very rare there are orga- to follow your heart. A lot of this green farming, cultural empower- Ashley O’Neill Prado, community refine that.” nizations and projects that are led work that I’ve done in my commu- ment and environmental justice. garden coordinator for Tamales y As for the bike shop, Villaseñor by those that are directly affected by nity around issues of food security, Today, two of the nonprofit’s Bicicletas, emphasized that a com- said when he was younger, he and food inequities and environmental environmental justice, is something projects are an urban farm and a munity garden’s purpose extends his family couldn’t afford a bike for inequities,” Villaseñor said. “So it that gives me hope, and place to bike shop. beyond food production. him. So, he would find bikes that was very difficult for people to really land when things become difficult For the urban farm, Tamales “The name Tamales y Bicicletas others threw away, fix them and believe the vision.” in the political climate or in our y Bicicletas gathers community is actually kind of a symbolism ride them. Tamales y Bicicletas’ bike Tamales y Bicicletas has communities.”

“It’s proven that biking con- a bike away.” tributes to . . . creating balanced Poverty drove Villaseñor to learn How Gardens and Bicycles core muscles in your body. That about bike repair. Now, he uses it to allows you to have an opportunity enrich the community by teach- to reflect and be physically active ing youth about bike repair, as well Are Changing a Community to reduce stress,” Villaseñor said. as providing bikes to community “I always found . . . growing up, members in need. of Mexican immigrants who has bicycling and being in nature . . . While access to working bicycles spent the last 15 years working with working with my father in his is an important part of healthier Jose Luis Villaseñor’s childhood inspired homeless youth, Latinx students garden, [offered] opportunities to communities, garden-fresh food him to make change in his community. and immigrant families, Tamales y reflect on life.” provides another healthy option. Bicicletas was created to fulfill the Villaseñor’s childhood is a Tamales y Bicicletas has an urban needs of underserved communi- continual influence on Tamales y farm to teach young community ties in Phillips area of Minneapolis, Bicicletas. members traditional crop strategies On East Lake Street in Minneapolis serving Midtown, East Phillips and “I grew up having to take bikes geared towards eating healthy foods sits an easily missed shop built on West Phillips neighborhoods. The away,” he said, “and I would take and promoting healthier lifestyles. Austin Kuo Wayzata struggle and hard work. organization focuses on empower- them and fix them up, and make Often lower-income communi- High School The shop is just one outreach of ment and cultural traditions and them rideable, [then] give them to ties do not have easy access to the the nonprofit Tamales y Bicicletas. uses food and bicycles as teaching my friends . . . or have a new bike comforts of healthy eating. Tamales Run by Jose Luis Villaseñor, the son and community engagement tools. because I found someone throwing BICYCLES continued on page 14

September 2019 13 HEALTH EQUITY COURTESY JAKE RILEY COURTESY Jake Riley hosting House of Dance’s first fall showcase in fall 2018 at the Edina High School Fick Auditorium the white people, and hip-hop broke want to thank you because before those barriers down,” he said. “It this, my son or my daughter was breaks those gender, race, ethnicity, getting bullied at school,’ or, ‘My son income, where you’re from, religion never, ever was open in public set- — all those boundaries away. I don’t tings. My son was so shy, he never really care about any of that when (wanted) to do any activity. Now we’re dancing together. I think he’s finally found an activity that he

THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE that’s powerful.” loves to do,’” Riley said. House of Dance Owner Jake Riley shows off his breakdancing skills. Riley strives to make House of Forming close relationships is an Dance a safe and welcoming place. important part of House of Dance. “We treat everybody the same, Riley connects with his students whether it’s our student who’s been and teaches them much more than Living the Dream: How with us for five years, or students just dancing. going to come in tonight for the first “We’re so close to the parents time,” he said. that if I find out that he’s messing Hip-Hop Became His Business Throughout the years, Riley saw up in school, or when kids miss many changes in the students who school, or if one of our students is went through his lessons. He is con- disrespected, or they’re bullying fident that he has made a big impact a kid, I’ll have a sit-down life talk Minnesota’s first hip-hip studio brings people together on their lives. He talked about a with them. It’s bigger than dance,” in an active, inclusive environment. student who had attention deficit he said. hyperactivity disorder. Students and parents appreci- “Long story short, five years later, ate Riley’s efforts to form a tight he is the star player on the soccer community. Mother Metallica Ponce Jake Riley started dancing 15 make dancing an inviting and engag- team,” Riley said. “He still has that had trouble finding a good place years ago and opened of House of David Xu ing activity. same energy, but he knows how to for her son to learn to dance. She Dance, Minnesota’s first studio with Wayzata High Forming a good community is one focus his natural ability and energy.” was delighted when she discovered a focus entirely on teaching hip-hop School of Riley’s primary goals. Like many Riley believes that his lessons House of Dance. styles. By opening the Hopkins people, he enjoys being around played a part in the growth of “Jake has taken us in like family studio in 2014, Riley achieved one other people with similar passions. that student. and we really appreciate it,” of his dreams. teaching at other studios, where Riley saw that hip-hop broke “He told me so, and his parents Ponce said. Ever since Riley started their main styles were tap, jazz, down many boundaries. He knew told me,” Riley said. After many years, Riley is finally dancing, he felt that the hip-hop ballet and maybe modern,” Riley that dancing could bring a diverse This is just one of the many content with the hip-hop commu- community needed to grow and said. “But why can’t we have a studio group of people together. success stories that Riley has nity. He is optimistic for the future Minnesota needed a good hip-hop that’s dedicated to hip-hop?” “When I was in high school, encountered. of hip-hop and hopes more young dancing studio. This studio was a place for him Asian people sat with the Asian “We’ve gotten multiple emails people will take action and change “In 2014, there were people to build a hip-hop community and people, and white people sat with like this where people will say, ‘I just things they aren’t happy with.

BICYCLES from page 13 Tamales y Bicicletas’ urban farm coordinator. Tamales y Bicicletas is a reflection of Villaseñor and his team is not overlooked y Bicicletas wants to give them that opportu- In the next five years, Tamales y Bicicletas Villaseñor’s childhood experiences. within the community. nity; not to mention gardening can be a very hopes to expand and help more people. “I was able to turn a negative into a positive “I think the thank you is like the call I got fun learning experience. “[We are] trying to be more innovative and growing up poor,” he said. at 11:30 last night saying, ‘Hey, can you fix “In college . . . there were opportunities to [connect] with communities around sustain- Through bikes, gardens and other com- my bike?” Villaseñor said. “Or we’re feeding work on a local farm, so I started doing that. able transportation and food justice,” Prado munity projects, the organization helps others community members organic vegetables, and And I was an education intern there. It’s actu- said. “I’m also really excited that we’re work- turn their lives in a more positive direction. they enjoy it. You know, that’s the way we get ally a really fun job,” said Ashley O’Neill Prado, ing on a project to get a new greenhouse.” One thing is for certain: The hard work of a thank you.”

14 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY

THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS BY THE NUMBERS Sunisa Lee 6 Age Sunisa Lee started gymnastics

10 Years Sunisa Lee has been training 11,091 professionally

Number of athletes expected to participate in 2020 Olympics in Tokyo

SOURCES: USA GYMNASTICS, JESS GRABA, SUNISA LEE, THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 1964

The last time the Olympics were held in Tokyo Olympic Hopeful Hmong-American gymnast Sunisa Lee performs at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE

September 2019 15 HEALTH EQUITY 2 Minnesotans on the current US Women’s 2020 Gymnastics Team Olympics in Tokyo, where Sunisa could become the first Hmong-American Olympian

1984

The last time a Minnesotan represented the U.S. in women’s gymnastics at the Olympics

Clockwise from left: Sunisa Lee gives an interview to an Italian media outlet following a competition in Italy. COURTESY JESS GRABA. Sunisa Lee with her coach, Jess Graba, after a competition in Italy. COURTESY JESS GRABA. Sunisa Lee and her Team USA teammates sign autographs at a competition in Italy. COURTESY JESS GRABA Olympic Hopeful Sunisa Lee Leaps Toward Historic Moment for Hmong-American Community

she was 6 years old. At the time, it,” Thoj said. gets works to push her closer to her gymnastics was not a popular sport The importance of Sunisa Lee’s Olympic dream. Sunisa Lee could make history at the in the Hmong community. story has given her solid sup- “People will text me all the time 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as the first “I think that Sunisa was probably port from her community, both and be like, ‘You’re such an inspira- one of the first,” Thoj said. financially and emotionally. She tion,’” Sunisa Lee said. “I think it’s Hmong-American Olympian. Once Sunisa Lee joined gymnas- frequently receives messages of really cool that I can inspire people tics, she quickly climbed to the top, support. People ask her for pictures to want to be better and to keep accelerating quickly through levels and autographs. Friends and family pushing themselves.” and making her way toward becom- pitch in at fundraisers run by her “There are a lot of people who Before Sunisa Lee started lessons, ing an elite gymnast. Now, as part parents. look up to her,” Thoj said. “There everyone urged her parents to put Evan Odegard of the National Team, she is setting “They’ve supported me through are a lot of girls who go to the gym her in gymnastics. At a young age Nova Classical her sights on the Olympics. it all,” Sunisa Lee said. “I just feel to be like her.” she was already able to do flips and Academy “It’s very nerve-racking,” Lee like I have to do good for them.” As she works toward the handsprings, impressing family said. “I feel like there’s a lot of pres- Being a role model comes with Olympics, Sunisa Lee will show the and friends. She learned new skills sure, but I’m really excited for what pressure as well. world what she can do and con- either on her own or by watching gymnastics team in the Olympics next year has in store for me.” “It’s actually kind of scary,” tinue to be a role model for young YouTube videos. since 1984. The next year of her career may Sunisa Lee said. “I feel like I just gymnasts. Today, after 10 years of profes- “I think all the Hmong commu- be historic. To make it to Tokyo in have to be perfect. Everyone Sunisa Lee continues to practice sional training, Sunisa Lee is on nity is excited for that,” said Yeev 2020, Lee will have to stay healthy expects me to make the Olympics at Midwest Gymnastics six days a track to become the first Hmong- Thoj, Sunisa Lee’s mother. “You and keep working hard. Achieving and when people are always telling week, six to eight hours a day. Her American Olympic gymnast. If she know, she will be the first one if she her goal will be worth all her hard me that it’s really nerve-racking.” hard work is leading her toward a makes it to Tokyo next summer, makes it.” work. Even with the pressure of repre- monumental moment for a com- she’ll be the first Minnesotan Thoj and her husband, John Lee, “It’s a huge thing in the Hmong senting her community, Sunisa Lee munity that she inspires and whose to compete on the women’s put Sunisa Lee in gymnastics when community if one of our own makes excels at her sport. The support she support she will never forget.

16 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY 1996

The first time the US Women’s Gymnastics Team won Olympic gold

3 Number of times the US Women’s Gymnastics Team has won Olympic Gold

Clockwise from left: Sunisa Lee with teammate Emma Malabuyo at a competition in Italy. COURTESY JESS GRABA. Sunisa Lee performs her floor routine.COURTESY JOHN LEE. Sunisa Lee with her mom, Yeev Thoj. THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE. Sunisa Lee, along with the rest of Team USA, train for a competition in Italy. COURTESY JESS GRABA

and it just pumps me up,” Lee said. get her mind off gymnastics. “... and then it usually ends up in a “We always go to the mall Balancing Life as an Olympic dance party and a concert.” because I don’t want to stay home. Lee’s first national competi- I’m always home or I’m always at tion was the 2015 Women’s Junior practice. It’s OK (to) just go do Hopeful and Teenager Olympics. Since then she has par- something. I really love it because I ticipated in various national com- don’t think about gymnastics then.” my dad to make me (a) beam. So he petitions, most notably the 2018 Even though Minnesota is not took two wooden planks and made U.S. Gymnastics Championships. a top state for aspiring gymnastic Sunisa Lee is training for the a beam,” Lee said. “I thought it was She has placed first in at least one competitors, Lee continues to train Olympics, but she is still a teenager the coolest thing ever! I did back- event in all her international meets here because of her strong bond flips on it all the time. That’s when I since 2017. with her coach. Her 9-year-old who enjoys spending time with first started learning,” Although Lee is an elite athlete sister is also currently training at her friends and family. Jess Graba is currently Lee’s head on the road to competing in the Midwest Gymnastics. Lee spoke coach and the owner of Midwest Olympics, she still tries to balance fondly about her and said she loves Gymnastics, where she trains. that with being a normal teenager. watching her show off new skills. He said he immediately noticed a It’s not always easy. She currently “I think I’ve inspired a lot of gym- Bold. Graceful. Poised. spark in her when she was 6 and attends South St. Paul Secondary, nasts or a lot of girls to start being Successful. Minnesota elite gymnast Fran Aravena first began attending the gym. Even which she says is very supportive in gymnastics, at least at my gym a Sunisa Lee’s moves are fueled Wayzata High though she started three years later of her career and is always there little bit,” she said. “Sometimes my by passion and drive that keep School than most of her peers, she was able to help her succeed academically. dad will be like, ‘Oh yeah, those par- viewers hooked on her perfor- to quickly catch up. However, because of her fame, Lee ents over there were talking to me mances. Training locally and only Lee said gymnastics became sometimes struggles to connect about how your daughter inspired 16 years old, she is well on her home before trying out at Midwest serious for her when she was 9 with her fellow classmates. (ours) to come here and how much way to becoming the first Hmong- Gymnastics with a friend. Lee after participating in her first elite She spoke about how most of her they love her.’” American gymnast to compete in recalls how her parents and family competition. She said that is when friends are from gymnastics groups Even if the Olympics are not in the Olympics, setting her sights on were always supportive of her gymnastics became complicated, because they understand each other her future, Lee has big dreams to the 2020 Summer Olympics. dream of being a gymnast, even if but she was always confident in her better. Because they do not live in give back to the gymnastics com- Lee began her gymnastics career they did not completely understand skills. the same area, she tries to video munity in St. Paul. She hopes to at the age of 6 but spoke passion- at first. “Usually when I get there (to chat with them every night. open her own gym in St. Paul and ately about how she started out “When I was younger, I was the venue), I eat breakfast. Then Lee shared how close she is with continue to inspire young women to by watching YouTube videos at (practicing) flipping, and I asked I have a whole playlist I listen to, her five siblings because they can join the sport she loves.

September 2019 17 HEALTH EQUITY 78,985

Tons of recycled electronics collected to create medals for Tokyo 2020

206

Number of countries expected to participate in Tokyo 2020

Clockwise from left: Sunisa Lee stands on the all-around podium at a competition in Italy. COURTESY JESS GRABA. Coach Jess Graba and gymnast Sunisa Lee. THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE. Sunisa Lee performs her balance beam routine. COURTESY JOHN LEE. Sunisa Lee poses with her teammates and their medals. COURTESY JOHN LEE.

Gymnastics quickly took over athletes. Lee’s life, and she continued to suc- “We try to give her as much Lee and Graba: ceed as she climbed to the top. freedom as we can,” Graba said. “He’s really motivating, and “What she wants to do with her he helps me get through a lot of expression, what she wants to do A Winning Combination stuff,” Lee said. “We argue over with her routines and that sort of gymnastics.” stuff so that she has a lot of owner- said. “That combined with a really Graba and Lee travel extensively ship of it.” Coach Jess Graba has guided good attitude. She works really all over the world and will pos- Minnesota, although not histori- hard. It’s really hard to find some- sibly travel to the 2020 Summer cally known for its elite gymnasts, Olympic hopeful Sunisa Lee to the one that works extremely hard and Olympics in Tokyo. has progressed within the past few can take a lot of failure and has It would be a first for both, but it years. top of the gymnastics world. enough talent to compete at that is not their main focus. Last year, the national team level.” Graba works hard to instill that featured two gymnasts from “A lot of times you fail. At least learning the skills is more important Minnesota, which is impressive for Behind every elite athlete is a in our sport we’re failing 95 percent than winning the competition to a team with only 12 girls. devoted coach. For Sunisa Lee, Jess Josie Morss of the time,” said Graba, a former keep Lee on an even keel. Lee is competing for the chance Graba is that coach. Lakeville North gymnast who opened Midwest “We don’t try to celebrate too of a lifetime that few gymnasts Graba, who has coached many High School Gymnastics in 1995. much because it’s not about the vic- achieve. She competed in the U.S. elite gymnasts, saw a spark in Lee Gymnasts often spend hours tory all the time,” Graba said. “A lot Championships Aug. 8 - 11. She when she was just 6 years old. Ten attempting to perfect one specific of times it’s about the process. It’s placed second in the all-around. and years later, she’s on track for the talented, working hard, having a skill. People watching on TV are about the daily grind.” is continuing her journey toward 2020 Olympics. good attitude about failure and not wowed by the sheer skill and the Graba, while highlighting the the Olympics. Win or lose, Graba “First time I saw her, I saw that being afraid to try again, Graba said. talent they possess, but behind the importance of mastering the skills, will always be by her side. she was good,” Graba said. Preparing for failure is especially scenes it takes patience, persever- allows Lee to express herself in her She stood out amongst other important in gymnastics. ance and commitment to master routine. Individuality is impor- gymnasts as being extremely “She has a lot of talent,” Graba such feats. tant for teenagers and especially

18 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Our Streets Minneapolis Gives Communities a Lift Federal Reserve building. Our Streets had a big part to play in the Nonprofit works to include voices Planning Commission rejecting the of underrepresented communities ramp proposal. Narayanan was firm as he in transportation decisions in the described how the ramp would hurt the city. More parking and more Twin Cities. people driving in a particular area COURTESY CINDY VUE CINDY COURTESY would interfere with Minneapolis’ Members of Our Streets’ Bicycle Connectors program. plan to reduce carbon emissions Low-income communities in by 80 percent by 2040. That plan Minneapolis are used to being Sam requires driving in the city to be divided by streets running through Stensgaard reduced by 37 percent. Roseville Area them. A street can be a barrier few “Every time someone drives a car, High School want to cross. But a transportation it’s not just them who pay for gas,” advocacy group wants to use the Narayanan said. “It’s society that streets to unite people. to a goal of community outreach pays for a lot of externalities that Our Streets Minneapolis is a and involvement using alterna- come from driving a car.” nonprofit geared toward encourag- tive forms of transportation. The Narayanan is passionate about ing biking, walking and rolling in nonprofit hopes to give historically his work. His eyes light up as he Minneapolis. What sets it apart underrepresented groups a voice goes over certain projects and from other community programs? in a process that often concerns events, or when he talks about what “I think our focus on marginal- them, but one they haven’t been inspired him to join. He explained ized people really makes us differ- able to control. that he saw the consequences of ent,” Executive Director Ashwat Some in Minneapolis haven’t poor transportation in his home Narayanan said. heard of Our Streets, but they country of India. Founded nine years ago as the probably have heard about the pro- “I’ve seen people trying to

Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, the posed 800-car ramp that was going just get to work on very, very THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE focus of the nonprofit has shifted to be built for the Minneapolis LIFT continued on page 21 Our Streets Minneapolis Executive Director Ashwat Narayanan.

transportation, including biking, have that access, Narayanan said. President Lisa Bender. These walking and rolling. Their purpose Now, Our Streets is trying to use relationships ensure that people in Paving the Way to is to make streets better for people. transportation as a connector for power are hearing minority voices. They do this by hosting volunteer different communities. Narayanan personally reaches out groups, by getting minority voices Our Streets wants to serve to individuals in the community. He Better Communities to present their opinions and by Minneapolis communities that have connects with them to understand hosting events called Open Streets historically been left out and make their perspective and what they Minneapolis. their voices heard by the city and want from transportation systems. Our Streets Minneapolis is dedicated The history of transportation has the state. Building those personal relation- to improving transportation throughout hurt minority groups. One of Our Streets’ initiatives is ships is a key component to the “Transportation essentially has the Bicycle Connectors program, organization. Minneapolis. been a tool to perpetuate racism which provides financial support to “I’d say it’s the No. 1 thing,” and segregation,’’ Narayanan said. other local organizations working to Narayanan said. He said interstates that were provide minority communities with Our Streets hosts a seven-part Some people across Minneapolis built years ago destroyed certain bikes. They also work to inform community event over the course are not able to access safe modes Peyton communities and created a divide. underrepresented groups of trans- of the summer called Open Streets of transportation. Our Streets Burruss Minority groups, including black, portation plans and try to make Minneapolis. The first 2019 event Richfield High Minneapolis is a nonprofit organiza- Latinx and indigenous communi- their voices part of the decision- was on June 2 on Lyndale Avenue. School tion that encourages safe modes ties, still have not recovered from making process. Streets in neighborhoods with heavy of transportation to improve com- those decisions that were made Our Streets has formed relation- traffic are blocked off and filled munity building. The group wants Narayanan, the executive director of years ago. Transportation systems ships with many members of the with vendors and artists of different people to see their streets as more Our Streets Minneapolis. affect how people can access jobs Minneapolis City Council. Past cultures to encourage people to see than somewhere to drive a car. Our Streets Minneapolis cre- and whether they are able to walk members of the Our Streets board their streets as more than some- “Cities should be for people ates a community for minority safely on their streets. The minor- are now members of the council, where to park their cars, Narayanan and not just for cars,’’ said Ashwat groups around alternative forms of ity communities are unable to including Minneapolis City Council OUR STREETS continued on page 20

September 2019 19 HEALTH EQUITY

grown from 24 members to more than 3,000. The program has a 10-week season and is offered to girls in third through eighth grades. During the season, running is used to inspire and motivate young girls and encourage lifelong health and fitness. Throughout the season, the young girls also train for a 5K, which they run at the end of the season with a family member or friend of their choice. The program aims to include girls from all different communities, backgrounds and family incomes. Despite some discomfort in the Somali community with girls exer- cising outdoors, Uran emphasized THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE COURTESY REBECCA STUDIOS REBECCA COURTESY how Girls on the Run shows girls Girls on the Run Twin Cities Girls on the Run participants prepare to start the annual 5K. from the community “they’re wel- Executive Director Mary Uran. come, whether through the images that we use, or even how we speak to what the program is about.” According to Uran, Girls on the Local Group Changes Run works hard to remove any barriers to access. The group does Thousands of Young Girls’ Lives not restrict a girl from joining due to financial difficulties. Over half of their members participate in the contributed to higher rates of program with some form of finan- obesity and low exercise rates in cial assistance. Running equipment, Girls on the Run Twin Cities invites children of these communities. translated materials and help with girls from every community and However, Girls on the Run is logistics such as transportation are changing that narrative for count- available to those who need it. background to build self-confidence less young girls. Girls on the Run also supports Mary Uran, executive direc- their students in other ways. and find friendships through running. tor and co-founder of the Girls Kaylina Smith is a recent high on the Run’s Twin Cities chapter, school graduate who was awarded first discovered the program in the group’s first Star Power In communities around the Washington, D.C., 12 years ago. Alumnae Award. She first partici-

COURTESY REBECCA STUDIOS REBECCA COURTESY Ilhaan Twin Cities, thousands of young After moving to the Twin Cities to pated in Girls on the Run in fifth Kaylina Smith, recipient of the Dhegadub first Girls on the Run Star Power girls face substantial difficulties Park Center finish her master’s in public health grade at Edgerton Elementary in Alumnae Award due to a lack of physical activity. Senior High at the University of Minnesota, Maplewood. The program made a According to the group Active School she was shocked there was no local lasting impression on her. Living Research, studies have Girls on the Run council. “It showed me how important it shown that lower-income groups In addition, children from She saw that young girls in the is to work hard to reach your goals and racial and ethnic minorities low-income backgrounds are Twin Cities faced the same issues and make dreams become a reality,” have limited access to safe, well- statistically more likely to live with lack of exercise as those in Smith said at the ceremony. She maintained parks and recre- in neighborhoods with higher D.C. Since Uran started the local will be attending Minnesota State ational facilities. crime rates. These factors have chapter in 2012, the program has University Moorhead this fall.

OUR STREETS from page 19 There are many ways to be involved with volunteers. They have volunteer groups ourstreetsmpls.org. said. Our Streets removes the cars and transportation in communities, but it’s most called the Pedestrian Work Group and the In the future, Narayanan wants replaces the open space with dancing, face important to understand how the decision- Downtown Bikeways Work Group. They also Minneapolis to be more equitable for other painting and fun activities. It gets its funding making process works and to reach out to ask for volunteers during Open Streets events. modes of transportation. He wants to shift the for events from donations. Open Streets local officials. It is also important to stand in The organization recognizes that change balance from cars to biking or walking. encourages walking and biking through during City Council meetings and voice what starts with people. This community focus is “We think that the real change comes neighborhoods and rethinking the way people change should be made. what makes a difference. Those interested in from if you can build a strong community,” view streets. Our Streets always looks for more taking part or donating can visit its website at Narayanan said.

20 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Bringing Hip-Hop to Hopkins

A hip-hop studio is breaking boundaries and expectations alike.

Most people as kids have no idea what they want to do when they Josiah Lemm grow up. This wasn’t the case for Blaine High Jake Riley, current studio owner and School director of the House of Dance, a hip-hop breakdancing studio in the Twin Cities. dancing, competing in places across PHOTOS COURTESY JAKE RILEY COURTESY PHOTOS Riley discovered hip-hop at an the United States, including Miami, Breakdancing student Sam Ohl freezes after a head spin during House of Dance’s summer camp last year. early age. San Diego and Houston. “When I was 12 years old, I went In August 2014, Riley opened “Part of our goal is to break to a friend’s birthday party where House of Dance in Hopkins, which, (down) negative misconceptions they were breakdancing,” Riley according to their website, is about hip-hop. So here, come in, said. “A little while later I went to Minnesota’s first studio dedicated look; we’re going to be on time, a middle school talent show, and to hip-hop. we’re going to be super profes- I saw the same kid and his friends Seeing the growth of the studio sional,” he said. “And we’re going to doing breakdancing, and I was like, in the two years after House of teach your son or daughter a skill.” ‘That is really cool.’” Dance opened, Riley realized the The main thing Riley drove Riley had just found his passion. studio was an actual business home was the idea of finding your Riley said before breakdancing, opportunity and something he passion in life and doing what he was somewhat lost as a person could build his life around. In 2016, makes you happy. and troubled. He said finding break- Riley went to North Hennepin “I don’t even know what day it is. dancing was a real turning point in Community College to get his Tuesdays feel like Saturdays to me,” his life. associate degree in business admin- he said. “I don’t dread Mondays “Breaking gave me something istration, along with a certificate anymore because I love what I do.” Instructor David Pellinen takes attendance with House of Dance’s Hip Hop 4 productive to do and gave me a in entrepreneurship, to help run He encourages everyone to find Tots (ages 3–5) students. new set of friends,” Riley said. “A House of Dance. the passion that makes them spark. set of diverse friends that I could Since opening in 2014, the studio Riley said one of House of Dance’s said. “There was maybe one break- For Riley, it’s hip-hop. do a shared activity with that was has grown at a tremendous pace. goals is to provide an environment dancing event a year, and it was very “Follow your dreams,” he tells healthy and engaging.” In 2014, House of Dance had six to learn hip-hop that wasn’t around poorly organized.” students. “That’s what I’m really Over the next few years of his students and six classes. Now the when he was a kid. “When I started He said another of House of trying to say. There’s no way you life, Riley continued strengthening studio has almost 300 students and breakdancing there wasn’t a studio Dance’s goals goes hand-in-hand can live your dreams without fol- his skills and friendships in break 35 classes. specifically for learning hip-hop,” he with the previous goal. lowing your passion.”

LIFT from page 19 city government. Many former your own community? Narayanan overcrowded trains, for example,” members of Our Streets have gone recommends gaining a deeper he said. “I’ve seen, you know, on to join government positions in understanding of how transporta- people get hit by cars and people Minneapolis. tion decision-making happens and just not being able to get where “Council President Lisa Bender, then reaching out to your elected they need to go because of a lack of for example, was on the board of officials. Volunteering is also a good access to transportation.” Our Streets,” Narayanan said. “And way to get a better understanding of This inspired him to look at Park Board Commissioner LaTrisha the issues your community faces. opportunities beyond his study of Vetaw was the president of our Regardless of what we do in our transportation engineering and board, so we’ve been pretty influ- own communities, Our Streets to look at the human element ential in making sure that people continues to grow, Narayanan said. of transportation - how to build who support our mission also have Our Streets members will step back

community. a political stage to be able to make for a while to figure out their next HANNIG HEATHER COURTESY Our Streets Minneapolis has political decisions, as well.” big cause. But once they’re invested, An Our Streets Open Streets event on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis earlier gained increased legitimacy with How can you get involved in they’ll go full speed. this year.

September 2019 21 HEALTH EQUITY Social Justice Unites Dancers and Audiences

as I recognize its difference, I also The dancers at Ananya Dance Theatre recognize its depth,” Ferreira said. “There was something about the tell stories of social justice that invite depth of the work that I was actu- ally pretty afraid (of).” the audience into their performances. She eventually decided to join because she recognized how impor- tant and beautiful the Ananya Dance THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE Ananya Dance Theatre Dancer and Artistic Associate Kealoha Ferreira. Kealoha Ferreira looked around Theatre’s work is. the University of St. Thomas Samantha Ferreira enjoys incorporating how this work holds space for all motivator to continue the work and campus, scanning for the perfect Butterfield social justice into her dance. One of us to bring our full selves into it continue forward?” Anoka High place to pose for photos. She was example is a piece called “Roktim: and for all of our full selves to exist Ferreira and the Ananya Dance School immediately drawn to the fountain. Nurture Incarnadine” that the together.” Theatre are working on a new piece She took off her shoes and impro- studio put on in 2015. It was part Ferreira said she hopes the called “Sutrajāl: Revelations of vised in the fountain. She moved professor of dance at the University of a multiyear series entitled “Work audience becomes inspired and Gossamer.” The word “sutrajāl,” very slowly, each step deliberate, of Minnesota at the time. She was Women Do.” Roktim was specifi- connected to her dancing, adding another word the studio created, every move with a purpose. then invited to apprentice with the cally focused on loving land, and the audience is essential to the means connection and intersection. Ferreira has been dancing with studio and is now an artistic associ- Ferreira said she felt especially performance. They bring pieces from the past, the Ananya Dance Theatre since ate, dancer and co-leader of the connected to stories from Hawaii, “How can maybe for just this the present and imagination into all 2013. The company is known for Shawngram Institute. because that’s where she’s from. night, only in this performance their performances, she said. its powerful social justice messages “I actually had a really difficult “It was the first time that I was environment, can we move our “That’s also inspiration for how portrayed through dance. time deciding to join the company beginning to develop this under- audiences to a place of emotion, to we think about our connections She was cast in a show by because it was so different, the standing of how to bring myself into a place where it touches humanity to each other, both present and Ananya Chatterjea, who was a form, its philosophy. But, as much this work, and how I experience and human spirit, and use that as a historical,” Ferreira added.

Theatre works to “get people to Sonja Sanchez. reflect” and “show the beauty of The dancers must balance their The Community of connections,” Ferreira said. dancing with their families and Performing for an audience can careers. A lot of them are parents, impact dancers and audience mem- have jobs and are still able to tour Ananya Dance Theatre bers alike. The emotion Ferreira weeks at a time and attend practices. people can be delicate but strong, carried during her first performance They realize they are “knowingly spun together as a spiderweb. was different than her practice choosing a hard life,” Ferreira said. Dancers find a place where differences Spiderwebs are carefully con- experience. When she was onstage, During the performances, the become collaboration. structed, but once the threads are she said she felt the transferring of dancers show different perspectives put together, they are strong. all her emotions into the way she through dance; all the perspec- Each of the women come together was dancing, describing it as “larger tives show emotion through the to create stories and messages than life.” facial expressions, arm movements, Ananya Dance Theatre is a place with Yorchha. Kealoha Ferreira is Ananya Dance Theatre practices leg movements and the way they where women of color can come Kaleah Phillips- a dancer and artistic associate at biomythography, which is a creative emphasize their gestures. Someone together and express themselves Kelley Bynum Ananya Dance Theatre. method created by Audre Lord for may be showing anger and sadness, DeLaSalle through Indian dance. This St. Paul Ferreira works to bring different her book “Zami: A New Spelling while someone else is showing lust High School dance theater aims to give women of dancers together and create unity. of My Name.” Biomythography is and desire. color a voice through dance. “It’s hard in a good way, because employed when choreography is The dancers at Ananya Dance Their way of dance is called Ananya Dance Theatre has 15 sometimes the work we do is about partly researched, partly remem- have shown how they can use the art “Yorchha,” a made-up word that dancers of different ethnicities and amplifying and sharing light on the bered and partly imagined. Every of Yorchha to bring people together. consists of three movements. These dance backgrounds. Every year they stories of women from global com- part of the dance is an important They have inspired the hearts and movements are yoga; Chhau, which come up with a different message munities of color,” Ferreira said. piece of choreography to share a minds of their audiences through is Indian martial arts; and Odissi, they would like to spread. “These stories are often covered touching message. When dancing, their movement and will continue to which is classical Indian dance. This year’s theme is “Sutrajāl: up, trying to be forgotten. In some the movements are always exagger- do so throughout the years. However, Ananya Dance Theatre has Revelations of Gossamer,” which, ways there is a lot of digging and ated. The dancers are intentional “Ananya Dance Theatre is a also incorporated different styles of according to the Ananya Dance uncovering that can often bring up in their movements. Some of the place where we express ourselves dance into Yorchha, which allows Theatre website, is about a thread pain and trauma.” performances are inspired by African through ways larger than words,” more creativity in performances. connection demonstrating how Because of this, Ananya Dance American activists like Lorde and Ferreira said.

22 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Swimmers Synchronize Social Justice with Sport

the Stonewall riots of 1969 to speak about gay and transgender rights. A Minneapolis-based synchronized “For us, when we went to New swim team is committed to black York, it was like, let’s highlight this amazing person, not just because liberation, equity in swimming/ it’s cool, but because it’s actually THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE really important to point out this Subversive Sirens members Suzy Messerole and Serita Colette. aquatic arts, body positivity in legacy,” Colette said. “We need to athleticism and queer visibility. continue to have these conversa- and swimming. the Sirens are not afraid to post the tions both in queer spaces and out “Particularly brown folks, or ways they fight for marginalized of queer spaces.” queer folks, were not given all of communities. They share all the The group also represents many the resources,” Colette said. “We events they participate in, such as Local synchronized swim team people of color who may not envi- usually have to fight for it.” World Pride NYC. This dedica- the Subversive Sirens is on a mis- Ayo Olagbaju sion themselves as swimmers. “Being able to name that, we are tion to aquatics and social justice sion, and it’s deeper than a swim- Patrick Henry “There is a racist history with also about equity when it comes to is rare. ming pool. High School swimming pools—where they’re aquatics,” Messerole added. “Growing up, I didn’t have that The Subversive Sirens started located, who gets them and who Through their advocacy work, opportunity,” Colette said. Now, in 2016 as a swimming duo. The gets lessons,” Messerole said. the Subversive Sirens continue to the Subversive Sirens are becom- Minneapolis-based group has “We swim, we dance, we That history had lasting effects change the way people see these ing the role models they wish expanded since then, and so has do yoga, how hard can it be?” on the way many people view pools issues. On their social media pages, they’d had. their mission. Messerole said. “We have to figure out what Four years later, they won a we stand for and what we believe gold medal at the 2018 Gay Games in,” said team co-founder Suzy in Paris. Messerole. “So that really helped … Today, the Subversive Sirens anchor, I think, our message, which use their swimming platform to is that we are learning to be free in advocate for groups they say need the water, so that we can be free to be represented both inside and out in the world.” outside the pool. The team now has seven swim- “We each live this experience,” mers who are using their platform said group member Serita Colette. to dive into their goals: black “Pretty much all of us on the team liberation, body positivity, aquatic are constantly doing work in social equity and queer visibility. justice, in our lives and our fami- In 2014, co-founder Signe lies, so it’s a really big part of who Harriday attended the Gay Games we are.” in Cleveland, Ohio. The Gay Colette recalled a recent Games is an international athletic example of the Sirens demonstrat- event that promotes equality and ing social justice in their routines. encourages inclusion. Harriday At a competition in New York, their was inspired by the event and routine’s song quoted Sylvia Rivera, wanted to compete. She encour- a transgender Latina activist. aged Messerole to join her in the As the swimmers rose from the next Games. The women chose water, the song featured Rivera

synchronized swimming as their saying, “I’ve been trying to get up MIKE LEVAD COURTESY event, despite never competing in here all day.” In the sound clip, Subversive Sirens members (left to right): Jae Hyun Shim, Serita Colette, Signe Harriday, Zoe Hollomon, Suzy the sport before. Rivera was trying to get on stage at Messerole, Tana Hargest, Nicki McCracken.

September 2019 23 HEALTH EQUITY Social Justice Dance: A Healing Experience

divisive and to create a space that Ananya Dance Theatre tells under- allows dancers to creatively move and connect. told stories in its performances to find “We’re all different from each other,” Ferreira said. “(We) find healing and connection. rootedness and also shared space … especially at a time when difference is seen with a lot of turmoil.” It’s never just dance, said Kealoha The dance theater is comprised Alex Ferreira, a dancer and artistic Paula Akakpo of women of color. The dancers are associate from the Ananya Dance Math and constantly researching under-told Science Theatre. It’s hope, transformation stories from marginalized com- Academy and healing. munities. They work to make their The Ananya Dance Theatre performances fully human and emo- explores identity and history was, and I knew that if I continued tional for the audience. Sometimes through artistic excellence and with this company, and with this the research digs up pain, trauma social justice, which can eventu- form, I wouldn’t necessarily be able and difficulties, and sometimes it is ally lead to healing. A healing that to turn around from it.” hard to move on. can be transformative, according The theater was created in 2004 “How do we move through that to Ferreira, who has been involved by Ananya Chatterjea, a profes- place of pain and get to a place with the theater since 2013. sor of dance at the University of of hope?” Ferreira said. “Hope is “There was something about Minnesota. Chatterjea created a way always what we hold on to, both the depth of the work (at Ananya) of dancing for the theater that was for ourselves, and what we hope that really scared me,” she said. “I based on people’s differences. She to inspire for our communities … was pretty afraid because I (could) wanted to promote the idea that dif- So how do we do that? How do sense how transformative the work ference does not always have to be we get there? Through breath and breathing. Through tears, sweat and release.” THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE Ananya Dance Theatre Dancer and Artistic Associate Kealoha Ferreira. The theater is also inspired by the Occupy Movement and has created people to reflect and think about their local community or create new its own response, #occupydance, how they are connected to the artistic work. They want observers which aims to use dance as a mode issues they are dancing about and to see themselves reflected in the of civic action and empower people feel a sense of hope. dance and have a sense of rejuvena- of color. The theater’s next perfor- tion and invigoration. “With your dancing you can mance, for example, explores the As time goes on and minor- occupy. You can occupy space, you concept of connection through ity groups continue to fight for can activate space … you can utilize spiderwebs and delves into inclusion, many people do not your dance to stand for issues,” people’s common histories. feel like they are being reflected Ferreira said. “Dance as activism, “How can maybe for just this in dance, according to Ferreira. dance to bring people together.” night, only in this performance As Ananya Dance heads toward Dance heals, she said. Healing environment, can we move our its 15th anniversary, dancers happens when dancers push their audiences to a place of emotion, to continue to show that dance can bodies, hold space for others and a place where it touches humanity also be fierce activism. surrender to the pain together and human spirit, and use that as a “There’s also something that’s instead of letting it fester inside motivator to continue the work and deeply empowering about owning of them. continue forward?” Ferreira said. our stories and being able to dance Dance can be a healing experi- At Ananya they are hoping to call them on a stage to showcase them,” ence for dancers. It can also be the audience to action, whether the Ferreira said. “I think … there’s also

COURTESY RANDY KARELS RANDY COURTESY a transformative experience for stories told through the perfor- an empowerment in this form that Dr. Alessandra Williams performs in Ananya Dance Theatre’s 2018 audiences. Ananya Dance Theatre’s mances inspire watchers to call leads us to a place of being able to performance titled “Shaatranga: Women Weaving Worlds.” audience is essential; dancers want their legislators, have talks with choose hope.”

24 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY Swimming is Just the Beginning for Subversive Sirens

The Subversive Sirens are a synchronized swimming group hoping to inspire all bodies to get in the water.

Suzy Messorole and Signe Harriday do not match the stan- Asa Williams dards of what many people think a Cherry Hill East THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE typical swimmer looks like. That is High School Subversive Sirens members Suzy Messerole and Serita Colette. something they are trying to change. The two founders of the Subversive Sirens use their identi- the possible sports. We both were not believe it,” Messorole said. “I “We’ve been talking as a team, surrounding physical fitness. “Some ties as plus-size, queer people to like, ‘Oh, aquatic arts.’ Both of us dropped out … because of how I felt just with language around body neu- days you wake up and you don’t, show that all body types are wel- are swimmers,” Messorole said. in that costume.” trality as well, to think about: what and that’s OK. I think it’s OK for us come in the sport of synchronized In 2016, they decided to learn the Growing up being uncomfortable does it mean to always wake up and to reckon with just, our bodies are swimming. sport of synchronized swimming in their own skin gave the members be like, ‘I feel really positive about constantly changing, our feelings Both Messorole and Harriday and began practicing for the 2018 of the synchronized swimming team my body?’” said team member Serita around our bodies are changing.” were discouraged by the messages Gay Games in Paris. motivation to challenge society’s Colette, who also works to chal- they believe society had implanted The two women did not let their standards. lenge beauty standards and ideals and wanted to make a change body types discourage them from starting in the swimming pool. competing. As a result, they created a team “I started posting our videos on that promotes the body positivity social media, because we were just movement, a social movement that so proud of ourselves for learning encourages a positive body image this stuff. Then two other people and self-acceptance. were like, ‘I want to do that.’ And “I had someone say to me two we’re like, ‘OK, let’s make a team.’” days ago, ‘I’m super inspired. I think Messorole said once three others I’m going to buy a swimsuit and joined the team, they started get in the water,’” Messorole said. promoting a message of radical “If the reason you’re not getting inclusivity and using synchronized in the water is because of these swimming to push a body positive cultural messages and not wanting message. to be seen in a swimsuit … that’s the “I think our message … is that we issue.” are learning to be free in the water Messorole and Harriday did not so that we can be free out in the intend to create the seven-member world,” Messorole said. synchronized swimming group that Messorole said for most of her Subversive Sirens is today. They life she received negative messages started the group because Harriday about her plus-size body. “When wanted to compete in the Gay I was in eighth grade, we moved Games, a worldwide sporting event to a town that was large enough to that takes place every four years have a dance studio. I love dance,

to promote equality for those who and I took the class up until the MIKE LEVAD COURTESY identify as LGBTQ. costume arrived. Then, I made up a Subversive Sirens team members (left to right): Jae Hyun Shim, Serita Colette, Signe Harriday, Zoe Hollomon, Tana “We looked up on a computer all reason, and I know my mother did Hargest, Suzy Messerole, Nicki McCracken.

September 2019 25 HEALTH EQUITY COURTESY REBECCA STUDIOS REBECCA COURTESY THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK VANCLEAVE Girls on the Run participants huddle for a cheer before the organization’s annual 5K. Girls on the Run Twin Cities Executive Director Mary Uran and Community Engagement and Access Manager Cassie Maresh. for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, school community rallies around frequently visits with the different and cheers on the girls. Girls Find Confidence and teams and says the coaches get as Some Girls on the Run partici- much out of the program as the pants are now headed for college. participants, if not more. Roseville Area High School graduate Empowerment in Running 5Ks “I’ve been able to witness … when Kaylina Smith, who joined the (a girl) comes to practice very program in elementary school and into competent individuals and to shy and timid and see by the end, will be attending Minnesota State Girls on the Run offers a safe and close the physical activity disparity she’s high-fiving her teammates,” University Moorhead this fall, gap between young girls and boys. Uran said. “That direct impact is received the group’s first Star Power encouraging place for girls to be Uran was not very athletic as something that has motivated me to Alumnae Scholarship Award. a kid. A self-described academic, deepen my work with Girls on the In her acceptance speech, Smith physically active and socially engaged. she didn’t find running until later Run and be a huge advocate for how said Girls on the Run helped her in life. However, her passion isn’t necessary it is for us today.” find her individuality and build her running; it’s helping young girls For Uran, one of the best confidence. “As a woman, I believe A young girl’s goal may be to com- build a strong character. Uran found examples of positive changes girls we need to support the other plete a difficult run with her friends, Jacqueline her passion after she moved to can get from the program can be women around us,” Smith said. but the self-assurance she develops Martinez Washington, D.C., around 12 years seen at Vista View Elementary in “Society is consistently pitting us Harding Senior before taking a single stride often ago and trained for her first half- Burnsville. She was impressed with against each other. … Girls on the High School winds up being more important marathon, finding connection and the girls’ leadership, initiative and Run taught me that I am my own than any part of her route. Girls confidence in the running groups. interaction with the whole school. person and I am the only one (who) participating in the Girls on the Run a comfortable environment, the After discovering the D.C. chapter During the running season, the can define who I am.” nonprofit program often find that program provides transportation of Girls on the Run, she volunteered what they gain goes well beyond and athletic wear to those who need as a coach for several seasons. completing the annual 5K. it. Each girl has her own adult chap- When she moved to the Twin Designed to encourage per- erone for the 5K, called a running Cities, she was shocked to find that, sonal development and sisterhood buddy, whom they are encouraged despite the active philanthropic through physical activity, Girls on to pick. community, there was no local the Run Twin Cities is open to girls “Girls’ confidence peaks at 9,” council of Girls on the Run. in third through eighth grades all said Mary Uran, the executive direc- She launched the Twin Cities around the state. tor of Girls on the Run Twin Cities. council in 2012, starting off with Established in 1996 in Charlotte, “(After which) they have all these just 24 girls. By 2019, approximately North Carolina, Girls on the Run external messages from the outside 3,000 girls and 800 volunteer coaches is now active in all 50 states and world that tell them that girls need came from nearly 200 locations Washington, D.C., as of 2015, it to be one way, or their potential is around the state to take part in the 5K has served more than 185,000 girls. not limitless.” held every year in the Twin Cities.

Focused on giving its participants Uran believes Girls on the Run is a Cassie Maresh, community STUDIOS REBECCA COURTESY courage-building attention and safe place for participants to develop engagement and access manager A Girls on the Run participant runs the annual 5K with her running buddy.

26 threesixty.stthomas.edu HEALTH EQUITY

in there,” StandingCloud said. “I dancing is about connecting and happened to be there on a Tuesday, telling your story, Sampson said. Minneapolis Hoop Dancer and that’s when Micco was there. So A hoop is a circle, a shape that is I was like, ‘Oh, let’s just go do this, universally seen no matter what because my son has tons of energy, the culture you come from or what Showcases Life Lessons and he needs to put it somewhere.’” language you speak. It contains an Sampson’s hoop dancing classes infinite amount of sides and angles. are fun, StandingCloud said. He is In a demonstration at St. a patient and uplifting teacher, she Thomas, Sampson showed how Micco Sampson encourages his community to be said, and his encouragement creates hoops are symbols of our world. healthy while learning about their heritage by teaching a comfortable environment. In one hand, he held a hoop that Intense hoop dance workouts are represented his own world. traditional Native American hoop dancing. also offered to those up to the chal- “This is my perfect perspective. lenge. Hoop dancing is a great activ- I’m only one person, so I only see ity to improve your balance, flexibil- the world from one angle,” said ity and aerobic ability. Students of Sampson as he twisted his wrist all different levels and ages can have until the hoop was on its side. “Until fun and learn about their culture. By I run into another person,” he con- the end of class, they are drenched tinued, gripping a second hoop in in sweat and smiling. his right hand, “and we share stories. “When you’re doing it, you real- We intersect our worlds.” ize that you’re getting a workout. Moving his hands closer together, And then it’s very empowering for the hoops intersected between each participants, especially with kids, other, physically representing how too,” StandingCloud said. “It’s two worlds can collide. important for the Native com- “You can really delve into each munity to have access to the hoop other’s world entirely, but also even dancing practice.” explore it to another dynamic. We Native Americans have the start to see more dimensions, not highest rate of diabetes and heart only of how your world is con- disease in the country, according to nected to theirs, but also indirectly the American Diabetes Association. how this was connected to others,” Having the hoop dancing classes, said Sampson, taking a third hoop Sampson said, is an important way and connecting it, adding another to include physical activity in a dimension. “These worlds ... start weekly schedule. forming our world.” “This is a fun tool, literally a Hoop dancing is more than an fun way to be able to entice people activity. It is an educational tool PHOTOS BY THREESIXTY JOURNALISM/MARK BY PHOTOS BROWN back to have not only that type used to understand the past, the Micco Sampson demonstrates traditional Native American hoop dancing. of activity, but also the cultural environment, the people around aspects of it. The teachings behind you and learn their significance Hoop dancing is more than just an simple instrument and the know- it very well are incorporated and in your world. Sampson carries activity. It is a way of life. Tristan Xiong how. The introduction essentially can be taught from any individu- this philosophy in his vision as he Micco Sampson, a professional Great River is just giving you a hoop and giving als,” Sampson said. takes this knowledge and shares it hoop dancer, smiled at his 4-year- School you the space to be or feel comfort- At its roots, the purpose of hoop in his classes. old son at the University of St. able and play with it.” Thomas Anderson Student Center This is true for Deanna while he played with his own set of is more than that, Sampson said. StandingCloud and her son, hoops, ones that were specifically In hoop dancing, your hoop is a Nigozis, who attends Sampson’s made for him. representation of your story, your lessons. “The proportion ratios are actu- world and how you connect with As a parent, StandingCloud ally very specific to the human body, it. In Native American culture, wanted her son to be more active to the individual doing it,” Sampson hoop dancing is a way of storytell- and try something new. When she said. “If you didn’t have the right ing and healing. discovered hoop dancing lessons size hoops, it would look like you’re Sampson teaches hoop dancing were offered, StandingCloud seized wearing oversized clothes, or maybe with his brother, at the Minneapolis the opportunity. After picking up really tight clothes. It’s very specific American Indian Center. Students her son from school he was play- to that.” are taught the basics of hoop danc- ing on his iPad in the back seat; Hoop dancing is an indigenous ing and the rest is up to them. StandingCloud decided to take a dance tradition. At first glance, “Part of that teaching is that it’s detour to the Minneapolis American one might think a hoop is just a up to you what you want to do,” Indian Center. toy, something to play with, but it Sampson said. “I provide just the “I knew that there was something Four-year-old Nokose Sampson with his customized hoops.

September 2019 27 COLLEGE ESSAY BOOT CAMP Kicking students’ college essays into shape!

In College Essay Boot Camp, students use the fundamentals of I couldn’t believe it. we thought. Now we are waiting for his next writing to craft essays ready to submit to a college of their choice. My dad was shocked. We didn’t After contacting many other jails, court appearance, which will deter- know where Douglas was. My first we found him. He was at an immi- mine if he can stay. ThreeSixty partnered with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and thought was they were going to gration detention center. When I did not have much to offer. But Girls Inc. Eureka! for two sessions in the spring and summer. deport him back to Honduras. I found out, I was upset. I didn’t then I realized I do have one power- Immediately I dialed his number. understand why the police officer ful tool – my voice. I once believed After a few anxious rings, he picked didn’t tell us ICE took him. This a single person cannot make a dif- up, to my surprise. whole time I was relieved, but there ference, but the truth is, it takes just A Nightmare Changed My Life Forever “Where are you? What happened? was another problem we needed one person, like me, to stand up for Are you OK?” I asked. to face. I had heard about people’s immigrant rights. In a society where “I’m in jail,” my brother immigration experiences. Now, my my family is marginalized, I, the My quinceañera was supposed to responded in Spanish. “I have to go family was dealing with our own. American-born Latina girl, gained be the day I shined. Adrien because they’re going to take my When we contacted the immigra- the courage to speak up for those It turned out to be a nightmare Hernandez things. Tell Oscar to try to contact tion detention center, we were given who are voiceless. Cristo Rey Jesuit that changed my life forever. me.” Oscar is my friend Arianna’s 24 hours to pay $5,000 for his bail. I attended marches and protests High School After almost a year of planning, husband. I realized my parents were going that advocated for immigrant rights. my friends and family were going to A few days later, my family and to struggle. My grandma died a I encouraged and informed those celebrate my transition from a girl event center, and my dad brought I tried to see him at the jail. The couple months prior and now around me to attend. I gained an to a young woman. me home. When we pulled into officer at the main desk told us another problem appeared. It was interest in law and becoming a I wasn’t planning on seeing my my driveway around 3 a.m., my he was released. I had never felt a lot for both my parents and me. lawyer. I want to make my parents brother Douglas because his 7-year- phone rang. No one calls me that so relieved in my entire life. We I felt helpless. My family did not and brother proud. Because I know old daughter recently died from late. It was my friend Arianna, and immediately tried to find him. We deserve this. I was only 15 years old. what it is like to live in fear and be health issues. He was the last person she sounded scared as her voice called his number, but no answer. I could not help in any way. I was lost, I can use those experiences I expected to see that day. But he quivered. We contacted family to locate him, too young to provide financial help and my chosen career to empower came for me, and I was so glad. “Arrestaron a Douglas,” Arianna but no one knew anything. It was for my family. Others did, though. communities like mine. As expected, my party was great! told me. This translated to “Douglas odd. He was released, but nowhere My parents borrowed money to pay When it ended, we cleaned up the was arrested.” to be found. At least, that was what for his bail, and he was released.

and having bills to pay by herself. worked to find internships at places by the creed that every second is The biggest thing that worried her like General Mills and The Jay & crucial, so I have to use it to the I Will Protect Families Like Mine was giving us the family life we Rose Foundation, where I confi- best of my ability. I continued to had before my dad went away. At dently networked with lawyers and educate myself on everything. I a young age, I helped my mom by business professionals. Working asked questions about what things March 21, 2014, my dad went to cooking dinner and helping my allowed me to understand the value interested me and looked into why court. As my family and I arrived Isis Knights younger siblings with homework, so of investing time and bettering I enjoyed it so much. I surrounded on the seventh floor, just before my Cristo Rey Jesuit my mom didn’t have to myself. Wanting to be a criminal myself with people with some of parents entered the courtroom, my High School feel overwhelmed. defense attorney to protect people the same interests, but mostly dad turned and said to my siblings While helping my mom and like my father, these jobs brought people with different interests. I and me, “No matter what happens, seeing my dad lose his chance to me a step closer. found out a lot more information I will always love y’all.” Then my a million pieces. My head felt light, fight for his freedom, I began to In choosing my high school, I that I didn’t know, which expanded parents entered the courtroom and my tears fell uncontrollably find myself. I learned what I want to decided to go somewhere small with my way of thinking. while my siblings and I stood out in from my eyes. I couldn’t speak. My do. As a young girl I had an interest less distractions and a place where As I grew older I became resil- the hallway waiting. relationship with my dad had always in law, but it has now become my the expectations were always high. ient. I taught myself to always be When my mom came out, my dad been strong. I was taught there is passion. Seeing my mother get up to I set a goal of what my GPA needed focused, work hard and stay ready was not with her. She was crying in nothing wrong with crying. Cry work every day and speaking to my to be. I limited myself from being in everything I do, and because of pain as if someone had died; they when you need to, and in times like dad about all the legal research he’s outside. It was hard. that what I want will be mine. I were resigned tears of knowing the this, don’t be sad—be ready to work done to get home helped me realize I wanted to hang out with friends, learned the values of hard work. My person is still here, but you cannot to fix your situation. This is what that nothing is given to me and if I which was much more fun than life has never been easy, but I picked feel, talk to or see them whenever motivates me. want it, I have to go get it. I learned doing homework, but I knew that if myself up and still continue to move you want. Through middle school, I could success comes with hard work, and I I didn’t work hard now, it wouldn’t forward with self-discipline. She said the words: “Daddy is not see the sleepless nights on my was prepared to work for it. pay off in the future. coming with us.” mom’s face. I witnessed her worry I started working, but my jobs I started using time manage- My 11-year-old heart broke into about getting laid off from her job weren’t typical 14-year-old jobs. I ment. I faithfully began to live

28 threesixty.stthomas.edu COLLEGE ESSAYS

days he couldn’t even get out of the continued to say he wasn’t dead yet compassionate and sympathetic to hospital bed. so he could change his own blood their patients’ well-being. My dad’s Nursing My Father I spent sleepless nights that bag and clothes and check his own favorite nurse had long conversa- summer looking at the ceiling, temperature. She was tormenting tions with him, joked around with thinking about what would happen my very sick father — a patient she him and even took him out on his My heart was beating rapidly Sheng Yang to him, wondering if he would get was getting paid to care for. He was wheelchair for walks inside the against my chest as I was getting East High better. I never really saw my parents upset and yelled at her to get out hospital. out of my sister’s car. I was visiting School, much that summer, but I under- and send in another nurse. Because of this, my mom and my dad again for the third or fourth Anchorage, stood why. My mother didn’t want I am so glad he stood up for some of the nurses inspired me to time after he was first admitted a Alaska to leave his bedside. And my dad himself — especially for an older become a nurse. They’re my role month ago. I looked down at my appreciated it — both my mom’s Hmong man who didn’t speak models. Even the one nurse who feet as I took extremely small steps Reaching for the doorknob, my love and his favorite nurse’s care. English very well. Our entire family failed to treat my father kindly toward the front of the hospital hands were shaking. When I finally The nurses weren’t all so great, was upset. My mom complained taught me something: I would do doors thinking about what he would twisted it, the door creaked open. though,and the moment I found out formally to the hospital. I wanted to my best for patients and families look like. He was sitting on his bed, about the incident made me angry go a second time. who are already suffering to help The sterile white walls were and I examined him. Seeing how and upset; it changed my life. I watched my mother care and them stay positive, and I will do all breathing on my face, into one of unhealthy and different he looked It happened during one of the love my father during his most mis- I can to make sure the patient goes the darkest and narrowest hallways hurt my soul. He was getting skin- times my mom went home to cook. erable time in life. I watched her tell home and is healthy. of my life. As we rode the elevator, nier; you could see his ribs piercing My mom said she learned from my him he will be safe and that he will Three months later, my dad was I prayed it would slow down, even through his skin. His voice was dad that while a new nurse was on get better. I appreciate the people discharged. He’s back to his old stop, because I knew my eyes were raspier, and he looked so pale. duty, she treated him badly. This who choose to be nurses because self, laughing and being goofy. He’s going to overflow with tears the There were many tubes going in woman threw a pair of hospital the good ones were an example energetic, and the sparkle in his second I saw him. My hands filled and out of his body. His eyes looked socks at my dad’s face and told of being responsible for our most eyes returned. with sweat as we exited the elevator. dull, his body weak. He said some him he could put it on himself. She loved family members. They are

and the fridge where I got snacks trying to make new ones. for others and for myself to perse- belonged to a kid I met when I It wasn’t always easy, but when- vere in the face of adversity. The How My Mother Inspires Me helped my mom clean his mother’s ever I thought, “Why me? Why things I learned from her example house every Saturday to buy a does my life have to be difficult?” I will make me a more determined week’s worth of groceries. thought about my mom. Even with student in college and a contribu- I remember my childhood fondly: When I started to feel sorry for my learning disability, attention tor to my college community. My looking out the window at a Marco myself because I didn’t own these deficit disorder and depression, I goals for the future are to get a beautiful lake, watching the latest Beltran Galan amenities, I would think of my pushed forward, just like I saw my college degree, establish a career Cristo Rey Jesuit Nickelodeon cartoons on a big flat- beautiful mother. As I saw her do mother do with her suffering. and to become a greater contribu- High School screen TV, driving an ATV through backbreaking work day in and day I pushed forward dealing with tor to society by giving back to my a muddy forest and eating snacks out, sacrificing herself for me and frustration, asking for extra help community, the Mexican American from a huge stainless steel fridge. could get — cleaning other people’s my siblings — giving up any life of from my teachers, and holding in community. That’s all true — but none of houses. She did that day after day, her own — I would think, “My mom my thoughts and feelings. I knew With my determination to suc- those things were mine. All of week after week, year after year, to doesn’t deserve to suffer like this. I the only way I could do more and be ceed in college, the pinnacle of them belonged to kids of rich white support me and my three younger need to do more. I need to sacrifice, successful was by working harder on my success will be walking up on people whose homes my mother had siblings. too.” my academics. I remember enduring the stage, smiling cheek to cheek, to clean. The lake view was from a house So I gradually gave up sports and long nights of trying to complete receiving my degree that I worked My mother came to the United that my mom had to clean to friends to help around the house and understand my school material. hard for and then gazing out into States from Mexico in her early pay our rent. The flat-screen TV and care for my younger brothers Through all of these difficulties, the crowd to find my mother 20s, looking for a superior way of belonged to the child of the woman and sister. And our frequent moves my mom has been my greatest inspi- applauding with tears running down life than what she had living on the whose windows my mom had to to cheaper housing meant adapt- ration. She’s been my biggest fan her face. outskirts of Morelos, Mexico. In clean to pay our electric bill. The ing to new schools multiple times, and supporter. She’s taught me by the U.S., she took the only jobs she ATV I loved to drive in the woods saying goodbye to old friends and her example that I need to sacrifice

SCHOLAR from page 7 it “reverse culture shock.” people in my classes and a lot of my friends.’ “If you can know yourself and you can have “And then democracy, just talking about “It didn’t really hit me that I was leaving The night before we left, it was just me and that good sense of self, it helps carry you and democracy and how that affects the journal- until literally, like, the day before we left, my three best friends I made on the trip.” telling other people’s stories, because that’s ism world.” because that whole week leading up to it, She added, “We just stayed up all night, the basis of empathy,” Wong said. “It’s under- It wasn’t hard for Wong to bring what she I had to move out, I had finals, I had final holding each other and crying. It was so crazy standing, empathy. It’s the whole golden had learned back home. Leaving Taiwan, essays and projects and presentations that I to me, because I was thinking about how wor- rule: Do unto others as how you’d want to however, was a different story. As she faced had to do all in one week,” she said. “It was ried I (had been) to leave the U.S.” be treated. And also how they would want an early morning flight back to the U.S., really stressful for me. I didn’t really even Wong said she learned a lot about herself to be treated, recognizing that you need to memories, friendships and a lifestyle she had have time to think, ‘Oh, my gosh, this might overseas and wants to pass on the importance know yourself in order to tell other people’s grown into were hard to let go of. Wong called be the last time I’m seeing some of these of that to younger journalists. stories.”

September 2019 29 COLLEGE ESSAYS

light, too, and like all of my sister’s didn’t want to talk to anyone, but Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o, friends, she became my friend. I was not shy. I learned to accept Serena Williams and Beyonce all Loving My Own Skin Isabella became focused on bleach- my friends and accept that others teach young girls to love themselves ing creams and oils. wanted to be around me, that they and fight for their greatness. One day my sister went to did not care about the color of my I loved that society was changing. I get STUCK! I don’t know what to Isabella’s apartment, and they skin. For the first time I made my I was changing; I learned to accept do. I don’t believe in myself. I don’t Kadija Koroma began talking about people who own friends. me. I did a presentation on colorism even understand ME! Is she better Cristo Rey Jesuit bleached their skin. I didn’t like how It seemed weird women in for school during my ninth-grade than me? Yeah, definitely? I grew up High School Isabella was a negative influence on America didn’t bleach their skin; it year, and my research woke me not knowing my values and compar- my sister. My sister returned home was surprising that in America the up to the effects of colorism and ing myself to others. I WILL NEVER with a bottle of Caro White. focus was on racism and colorism. racism. One day my schoolmate was BLEACH MY SKIN! celebrate her birthday, but they There’s a saying, “The older ones Living in Sierra Leone, I was never giving a presentation on colorism. I grew up in Sierra Leone with never did so for me. Very baffled, set the example and the younger aware of racism, nor colorism. The motivating sound from her one sister who is two years older. I became aware of their preju- ones follow in their footsteps.” I fol- I was only 11 years old when voice in the video hit me. It felt as When I was 7, I started noticing diced attitudes toward me. They lowed in my sister’s footsteps. became aware of this implicit bias. I though the women were speaking to the people who came around us disrupted the bond I had with my Is this worth it? What do you searched for videos to help me learn me. The words punctured my heart, only did so because of her. She sister. I hated them, and I hated want? I wondered as I sat on the more about colorism. and I couldn’t help but cry. I could was favored. myself for feeling miserable. steps under the sun with my head In 2014 finding videos on only let go of my pain by forgiving They would say, “Her skin is so I WILL NEVER BLEACH MY cupped in my hands as the tears women who looked like me was myself. I am learning to just be me radiant and beautiful.” I wondered SKIN!! I told myself. It was as if streamed down my face. I felt nearly impossible. In 2016 more because sometimes the best thing why she got all the compliments everyone followed the trend of ashamed. women came out and talked about you can do for yourself is to just be. and not me. The only words used to bleaching their skin with creams I appreciated I hadn’t gone too how they learned to appreciate and I WILL NEVER BLEACH MY SKIN. describe me were “black diamond” and soaps. far for me to reverse the process. love their skin. by my mother. Women gave my We had a friend who lived in the Every time someone came close Now in 2019, I see many women sister gifts like candy and would building next to ours. Isabella was to me, I would keep my distance. I who look like me doing great things:

lot of criticism for having a black mattered. In Africa prejudice is not Girls Inc. is a program with the child. As a mixed girl in northern based on race or gender, but rather mission to give girl, of all back- A Beautiful Girl Minnesota, she was the darkest the tribe that one is a part of. grounds the opportunity to learn shade of black the townspeople My parents faced hardships about STEM. For the first time in had ever seen. She was the only throughout their lives, which they my life, I was surrounded with girls It was the first day of the third black kid in her entire school. The eventually overcame. Since they who looked like me. Excitement grade. I reluctantly walked into my Juma color of her skin resulted in her persevered through their struggles, rushed through my body. I wasn’t new classroom. A tall, Caucasian Waganda being bullied as a young girl. As both my mother and father became the odd one out. Girls Inc. allowed Girls Inc. woman stood at the head of the she grew up, she continued to not great role models for me. They me to see exactly what my parents Eureka! room writing the date on the board. fit in. She was either too white or taught me to accept myself and fight instilled in me my whole life. Now As I entered the new setting, my too black. Because of her struggles for what I believe in. I’ve created relationships with body began to nervously shake. I up, my family showered me with she wanted to instill confidence As a young kid, I wanted to look people in and out of school who scanned the room to find at least positivity and support. Many people and courage in her children. I look like my white friends. I wanted accept me for who I am as a person one familiar face. As I did this, a of color tend to be ashamed of their up to her because she persevered straight hair and a smaller nose. and not based on my appearance. realization hit me that none of the skin. In my case, I slowly began to through adversity. I didn’t want to seem different My parents raised me to believe I other kids looked like me. Everyone accept myself and thrive because of My father immigrated to than everyone else. I wanted to be could accomplish anything I put my surrounding me had straight hair the color of my skin. I would have Minnesota from Kenya in the 1980s. “beautiful.” Some kids at my school mind to and rise above adversity. I and privilege. As a young girl, I never been able to have such confi- He worked hard to immigrate judged me for my black skin or plan to successfully complete col- always knew that I was different: dence without the encouragement because he wanted the brightest having big, curly hair. Insecurities lege with the intention of becoming I didn’t look like anyone else in from my parents. future for himself and his future began to form at a young age. It a role model to others. I want to my school. Thankfully, I had my My mother was adopted by family. He is a proud African was difficult to address, but with exemplify to young girls what my parents’ guidance in the beginning a white family of farmers in the Rastafarian. However, it took time my parents’ help, and my discovery mother and father instilled in me. stages of my life to teach me how to 1960s and lived in northern for him to accept his blackness after of a nonprofit organization called Despite many emotional hard- embrace myself. Minnesota. My mother’s family coming to America. Before he came Girls Inc., I am now a strong, con- ships I went through, I will not let At a very young age I was aware is full of open-minded people. to America he never knew he was fident and proud African American these obstacles prevent me from of the color of my skin. Growing But many times they received a black — the color of his skin never young woman. succeeding.

30 threesixty.stthomas.edu link.stthomas.edu/threesixty2019

PHOTOS COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS