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Home , Benjamin Crump, Daunte Wright protests, Jeremiah Ellison, Killing of Daunte Wright, WIXK

NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 Serving the neighborhoods of North www.mynorthnews.org

Seven-year old Gianna Floyd, daughter of , releases a slight smile following the guilty verdicts against , the disgraced officer HER DADDY responsible for the murder that sparked a worldwide revolution. Photo by David Pierini CHANGED THE WORLD! Page 8

ALSO INSIDE New ABEP head wants Black-owned credit union to 'feel like home' Page 6

A 'prince' laid to rest Page 12 2 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NEWS NORTH NEWS 3 at a glance Letter from the Editor North Minneapolis After tasting Vii Washington’s Harry Colbert, Jr. fresh-squeezed The Capri is now ‘Farmers lemonade, Mike Copeland, left, Breathe. 3,000-plus outside law enforcement to do … rejuvenate, restart, replenish. got a bottle to go. and military personnel (with all their My “nap” turned into a full slumber. I booking rentals Markets of Washington was Seriously, stop reading for a mo- fully armored camouflage Humvees) slept throughout the night. I dreamt selling his lem- ment, close your eyes and breathe. have vanished. Boards have come countless dreams and when I awoke, onade at a past Breathe a deep breath and let go. Let down from most area businesses. And I did so in that wonderful space of not MPLS’ open Camden Farmer’s it all go. now we can officially go unmasked knowing who I was, where I was or Market. North For nearly 16 months we’ve col- outside. even what I was. I had to reacclimate News file photo lectively been under the most intense myself to being awake … being alive. pressure. First it was COVID-19. Com- So breathe … and rest. The weight is spring markets pound that with the murder of George (hopefully) slowly lifting. Oh, what a wonderful feeling. Many of the approximately 20 farmers’ Floyd, the subsequent trial and prepa- markets in the Farmers Markets of MPLS ration for the trial of Floyd’s killer, On the Saturday following the Chau- So again, breathe. Breathe deep. And collaborative will open their spring mar- Derek Chauvin, and now the killing of vin verdict and the funeral of Wright, most important, exhale. kets May 1, with others opening later in Daunte Wright and it can all be too like many of the days before I felt the the month and in June. Laurie Ford of much. need to nap. What was different about Repeat. The Spring Markets opening will bring Park Hill Farm But with Chauvin’s conviction, the this nap than previous ones is this one arranged tomato Photo by David Pierini many favorite growers and other ven- turned to celebrations. The actually did what a nap is supposed dors back, as well as introduce shoppers and pepper Rental spaces at the Capri Theatre will to new vendors and their products. Some plants for sale be available beginning Oct. 11. Requests of the new vendors include Wild Sorrel at past Camden for bookings are being accepted now at (body products made with Horner’s Cor- Farmer’s Market. www.thecapritheater.org. ner maple syrup); Perennial Pantry (Kern- North News file NORTH NEWS Potential renters can choose from four za flour); BIPOC-owned farmers’ brands photo 2021 Issue #4 main rental spaces within the Capri. Ever Wild Herbal Company (apothecary Circulation: 10,000 in North Minneapolis. The renovated Capri Theater features products), Pure Ginger for You (raw, cold- Delivered free on a monthly basis to new auditorium seating, new lighting public places & homes in Near North & Camden. press juices made with local, organic and sound systems, dressing rooms, a produce) and Live Organically (certified 3650 Fremont Ave. N, Help is just a phone green room, costume and scene shops, a organic vegetables). The nonprofit Urban Minneapolis, MN 55412 serving pantry, and an expanded lobby. Roots youth farm and conservation pro- Phone: 612-701-3883 Seating capacity is 256. Website: www.mynorthnews.org call away... gram will also introduce its new collec- The Paradise Community Hall is a flex- tion of native perennial plants. Harry Colbert, Jr. ible space with a seating capacity of up North Minneapolis spring market lo- Editor/Publisher/Advertising to 125. The space is designed for host- cations include Camden Farmers Mar- David Pierini Maurice Hudson ing community meetings, concerts, fash- ket, Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 5 Staff Reporter Intern Reporter ion shows, plays, weddings, birthday through Aug. 28, Salem Lutheran Evan- Thomas Toley Anya Johanna DeNiro parties, repasts, fundraisers, art shows, gelical Church, 4150 Dupont Ave. N, Min- Turning 65 Call your local licensed Graphic Designer Copy Editor During these challenging times, NorthPoint’s Behavioral dances, recitals, anniversary parties and neapolis, Plant Based Farmers Market, Lyle James more. Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 1729 North Humana sales agent: Delivery Health providers are here to support you. or new to The Broadway Rehearsal Room is 2nd Street, Minneapolis and the West sized to the exact dimensions of the Ca- Broadway Farmers Market, Fridays, 3 Additional support is provided by The Jay & Rose With appointments now available by phone, people seek support for: Medicare? Darren Bouton Phillips Family Foundation of and the pri stage, with a fully sprung dance floor p.m. - 7 p.m., June 18 through Oct. 1, 612-836-8121 Minneapolis Foundation. • Depression • Controlling anger & moods for rehearsals and small gatherings. 2034 W. Broadway Ave. N. The Anne & Jim Long Conference Story ideas and letters to the editor under 300 words • Anxiety • Physical and sexual abuse Many of the markets accept EBT and are always welcome. Unsigned letters will not be run. Room is a classic meeting space, with Market Bucks. To view an interactive Monday – Friday • Grief & loss • Fear and obsession a conference table, eight chairs, a white map, visit www.farmersmarketsofmpls. If you want North News on your doorstep NOW, board and AV monitor, and a view over- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. subscribe for $30 per year. • Parenting and relationships org/find-a-market/interactive-map/. All Email [email protected] looking PCYC and 23rd Avenue. markets practice COVID-19 protocols to or call 612-701-3883 to sign up. COVID-19 continues to be a factor in [email protected] We provide a wide range of services for ages 6 & up including: ensure a safe experience for shoppers, Next issue delivered: May 28, 2021 how the venue is able to utilize spaces. growers and staff, and some offer online humana.com/dbouton North News is an enterprise of: individual and family therapy, support groups, teen therapy, Currently the State of Minnesota limits pre-ordering and pre-payment for a con- chemical health support & psychiatric care occupancy in entertainment venues of tact-free shopping experience. Capri size to 50 percent. Call 612-543-2500 to get started... Y0040_GHHHXDFEN20_BC_C 4 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NOW NOW NORTH NEWS 5

catch up with our members (Ward 4) and Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5) were inaugurated in January 2018. We have invited them to keep in touch with the Council Members community through this monthly column in our newspaper.

WARD 4: WARD 5: Phillipe Jeremiah Cunningham Ellison

TURN A YEAR OF Neighbors, On April 20 former Minneapolis Police munities are exposed to such injustices Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on and isn’t the first example from Northern TURN A YEAR OF We all witnessed with the entire Daunte Wright’s death. all charges in the death of George Floyd; Metals. SERVICE INTO A LIFETIME world the trial for Derek Chauvin. It I have been working with my col- second-degree murder, third-degree mur- For years, Northern Metals lied about its ended with him receiving a guilty ver- leagues on how all of us can work to- der, and second-degree manslaughter. compliance and misrepresented the level SERVICE INTO A LIFETIME dict for each count he was charged gether on reimagining public safety. I would not call this verdict justice. Be- of pollution they caused. Elevated respi- OF LEADERSHIP with – for the death of George Floyd. One of the ways to make real change cause justice implies true restoration. But ratory issues have plagued the Northside Even though Derek Chauvin was held is to look at if we’re operating in a it is accountability, which is the first step for decades, and the particulates kicked OF LEADERSHIP accountable by our criminal justice way that creates the best and most towards justice. Now the cause of justice up into the air by their shredder (which system, there is far more work to be safe outcomes in public safety for the is in our hands. Together, we must recom- was forced to close in 2019) was a signif- done for justice. We cannot get lost city as a whole. Given the continuous mit to the work that is needed to create a icant cause. This recent fire was the third in this moment. As a city we have misfortune of BIPOC Minneapolitans city where everyone is safe and can thrive. fire at a Northern Metals facility in the Following the murder conviction of past five years. I am heartened to see my to work together to build systems of being harmed by our justice system former officer Derek Chauvin, the U.S. local and state colleagues express their public safety and justice that work we can no longer stand by and let Attorney General Merrick B. Garland an- commitment to environmental justice, and for all of us and keep all of us safe. this continue. We have identified that nounced that the Justice Department has I will fight to make sure we continue to Everyone in our community deserves we have an inefficient justice system opened a pattern or practice investigation go after those who would pollute us, our to be safe – regardless of your race, that has repeatedly shown that we into the City of Minneapolis and the Min- neighbors, and our riverfront. faith, class, age, or zip code – and for do not keep us safe. neapolis Police Department. I fully sup- Lastly, the Minnesota Department of that safety to not come at a cost of What I am asking is that we all port this investigation and welcome the Health is prioritizing certain zip codes harm to others. Verdicts do not give keep focused on doing this work to- opportunity for the Department of Justice at the new Minnesota State Fairgrounds us a just public safety system, but we gether. We have to come together to hold the Minneapolis Police Depart- vaccination site, including the Northside can do this necessary work togeth- and break down the silos of the det- ment (MPD) accountable for any and all zip codes of 55405, 55411 and 55412. er to get there. We are being called rimental and unsafe way we engage abuses of power. Appointments for Minnesotans 16 and up upon to meet this moment with ur- currently with public safety. We can’t The investigation will assess all types are available now through June 9. To sign gency. Yes, it is hard work to build allow each other to keep being hurt of force used by MPD officers, including up for a vaccine appointment you can ei- new, transformative systems that and even killed for traffic stops or uses of force involving individuals with ther call (833) 431-2053 or sign up on the keep all of us safe and make sure low-level non-violent offenses. behavioral health disabilities and uses of COVID-19 Vaccine Connector (www.vac- what happened to George Floyd nev- force against individuals engaged in ac- cineconnector.mn.gov) to be contacted to er happens again, but it is surmount- In community, tivities protected by the First Amendment. schedule an appointment. There will be no able, if we unite and do this work Individuals with relevant information are cost and folks will not need to provide an together. We are holding love and Councilmember Cunningham encouraged to contact the Department of ID or medical insurance to be vaccinated. light in our hearts for the families of [email protected] Justice via email at Community.Minneap- As always, there are several ways to George Floyd and Daunte Wright for (612) 673-2204 [email protected] or by phone at (866) 432- be in touch with me, so don’t hesitate to their unnecessary and tragic deaths. 0268. reach out. You can sign up for the Ward 5 We must also remember that there The environmental damages inflicted newsletter, RSVP to my weekly virtual of- are three more trials that we have to on Black communities, indigenous com- fice hours (Saturdays at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.) endure that are related to the killing munities, working class and working poor or request a one-on-one meeting with me of George Floyd and we are still wait- communities all over the country (and at www.minneapolismn.gov/ward5. ing for more information on the legal world, quite frankly) has been well doc- umented. The April 21 fire at Northern proceedings that will happen around Metals is just one example of how com- 6 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NEWS NOW NORTH NEWS 7 New ABEP head wants Black-owned credit union to Mobile units deployed to increase equitable access to vaccines Mobile vaccination units will serve communities statewide through the summer ‘feel like home’ By David Pierini, Staff Reporter Debra Hurston will never forget when lage Financial once it opened for business. her mom walked into a bank with an op- The organization faced a major set- portunity to own her own dry-cleaning back when it had to fire Village Financial’s business. first director and the chief financial officer She had worked for years in laundro- over allegations of fraud and mismanaged mats and dry cleaners and her employers funds. Both denied wrongdoing. were willing to sell her the keys to what Still, funders and community mem- could bring her financial independence. bers remained committed. This helped The bank refused. Hurston would not al- ABEP right the ship and bring on new low a loan officer to crush her mother’s board members and an interim director dream. She cashed out her retirement before Hurston’s arrival. savings to help her mother buy the shop. Hurston’s path to ABEP may sound Now, Hurston finds herself poised to unconventional. A graduate of eliminate the same indignity and system- State University, she started her profes- ic racism other Blacks and people of color sional life in journalism and at one point, often face when they walk into a bank in hosted a talk show host at a Lansing, search of a loan. Mich., television station. The Association for Black Econom- She loved the work but thought mar- ic Power (ABEP) recently hired Hurston keting would be a better fit. Thus began a to be the executive director and oversee career in marketing and communications the eventual opening of a Black-owned with various positions at associations, credit union in North Minneapolis. Hurston including the Minnesota Bankers Asso- brings to the job a wealth of experience ciation, the Michigan Dental Association, in association management that includes the Optometric Association and starting a credit union. the Minnesota Chiropractic Association, “It was a reality check for us, that where as executive director she negotiat- this is the world we live in,” Hurston said ed with insurance companies to get high- about her mother’s application for a bank er reimbursements for chiropractors’ ser- loan. “If you’ve never felt that, it’s not part vices. Mobile vaccination units will provide Access to the COVID-19 vaccine is vaccines in a trusted and convenient lo- and employers of seasonal and migrant of your reality. For countless Blacks, we And she also formed a partnership brace ourselves for it, that first interaction with a chiropractor’s credit union in anoth- COVID-19 vaccinations to underserved one of the greatest barriers to equitable cation.” workers. when we walk into a bank. er state to bring a branch to Minnesota. communities throughout the state of rates of vaccination in Minnesota. MDH “We recognize the historical discrep- Two mobile vaccination units will be- “ABEP wants to create an entity that Former colleagues describe Hurston Minnesota. data demonstrate that Minnesotans ancies and inequities in health care gin offering clinics and will scale up to feels like a home, no matter who you are,” as detail oriented and able to work with According to the governor, the mobile who live in an area with a high Social delivery and we’re making every effort six buses by the summer. The buses said Hurston. people of all perspectives. If an issue falls units are a key tool to ensure equitable Vulnerability Index score have been dis- to engage with communities and part- will operate Monday through Thursday ABEP formed after the police killing outside of her expertise, Hurston offsets distribution of vaccines, prioritize vulner- proportionately affected by COVID-19, ners to expand access to vaccines,” said throughout the summer, and each bus of Philando Castile in 2016 as a strategic gaps by partnering with knowledgeable able and underserved communities, and and COVID-19 vaccinations are lagging MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “These will be able to vaccinate up to 150 peo- movement to reimagine how financial in- colleagues. reduce barriers to vaccination by going in many of these areas. mobile vaccination units help supple- ple per day. stitutions could serve the Black communi- “Any organization that feels snake bit directly to communities. “The mobile vaccination units are ment local public health and health care MDH will work with community orga- ty. by problems from the past can feel secure “Equity is a core value of Minnesota's another example of the targeted strat- efforts to fill vaccine availability gaps nizations to help promote each mobile There are 520 “Minority Depository with Debra,” said Dr. Jennifer Naas, former COVID-19 vaccination strategy, and egies we’re using to better serve com- while working in coordination with trust- vaccination unit and register Minneso- Institutes” in the United States, according president of the Minnesota Chiropractic every single Minnesotan deserves safe munities disproportionately impacted ed community organizations statewide.” tans for appointments before it arrives. to the National Credit Union Association. Association. “She is so trustworthy and Debra Hurston is the new executive director of the Association For Black Economic Power and equitable access to the vaccine. by COVID-19, including Black, Latinx, Focus communities for the mobile Metro Transit transformed six tran- A credit union has MDI status if more than understands proper policy, procedures Making the COVID-19 vaccine available Asian Pacific Islander, and Native com- units include people of color, urban Na- sit buses into mobile vaccination units 50 percent of its members and board of and legalities and she taught us how to to as many people as possible is essen- munities,” said Lt. Gov. . tive Americans, LGBTQ, people with dis- by removing seating and installing new directors are Black, Hispanic, Asian or In- be good, fiscally responsible board mem- even hope that the doors to a Village Fi- The other route would go it alone through tial to ending the pandemic,” said Gov. “These partnerships with community abilities and unique health needs, people equipment. More than 700 volunteers digenous. bers.” nancial Cooperative open later this year. the arduous insurance application process . “Our mobile vaccination units organizations help us make sure we are experiencing homelessness and people from Blue Cross will staff the buses and The City of Minneapolis and local There is a drawn-out application pro- but it would mean Village Financial would are ready to roll and will bring life-sav- reaching people with the greatest need without access to vehicles. Other target provide on-site support for vaccination foundations were onboard as funders for When and how to open cess to properly vet financial security and stand on its own. ing vaccine directly to communities that and providing vaccination opportunities populations could include large employ- events taking place. a credit union, to be called Village Finan- it has been 17 years since a new, indepen- “I’m new and so is the board,” Hurston need them the most.” that not only remove barriers but offer ers such as factories, food processing, cial Cooperative. In 2018, ABEP began a When ground broke on the rehabilita- dent credit union in Minnesota has won a said. “We decided to press the reset but- micro loan program as an alternative to tion of the 927 Building on West Broad- charter. ton and do our due diligence. This is all be- predatory payday loans. Meanwhile, more way Avenue last year, community leaders ABEP will soon decide between two ing done with the backdrop of community than 2,000 people pledged they would said its bottom floor would be home to the paths. The easiest would be to partner exceptions. But at the same time we have move their money into accounts with Vil- first Black-owned credit union. There was with an existing credit union, Hurston said. to do this right." 8 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NOW NOW NORTH NEWS 9 GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY! Joy follows a just verdict; so do calls for continued push for justice and equality Story and photos by David Pierini, Staff Reporter

Three hundred thirty eventually bring jus- days of tears, righteous tice equality. Ellison and anger and demands to Cunningham have been end racist among the boldest on the came to a sudden hush on council in their calls to a grassy plaza outside the overhaul the city’s system Hennepin County Govern- of policing. ment Center. “I feel immense relief, A single word broad- but I also feel sadness,” cast from an organizer’s Cunningham said. “It’s still bullhorn broke the silence. a desperately sad situa- “Guilty!” tion in which someone lost Strangers hugged one their life. It’s important not another, car horns blared to get lost in this moment. and some people dropped We have to keep leaning to their knees in thanks. into change. Having sur- Some quietly nodded, their face level reforms is not eyes closed and hands going to produce differ- clasped in prayer. One ent outcomes. We have to man brought a bottle of build an entirely new sys- champagne, anticipating a tem.” celebration. Ellison, a one-time ac- Minneapolis took a col- tivist whose desire to seek The band “We Got This” played celebratory music at George Floyd Memorial Square following the verdict. A woman’s sign showing the likeness of former police lective breath on April 20 elected office was born officer Derek Chauvin anticipated the jury’s verdict. for George Floyd, the Black during the protests that man whose last breath rose from the police kill- assembled the team of prosecutors that con- came under the knee of a ing of Jamar Clark in 2015, vinced the jury to convict Chauvin. white police officer outside smiled but admitted to “We have not yet turned the corner in creat- a convenience store last mixed emotions. ing systemic change in our police department. May. Floyd’s cruel death He said he was proud of We couldn’t make it through this trial without Daunte Wright being killed by police in Brook- came after he allegedly When the verdict was announced, the crowd outside the courthouse erupted with joy and relief. his father, Attorney Gener- passed a counterfeit $20 al , for having lyn Center,” Jeremiah Ellison said. “We couldn’t bill, a misdemeanor that make it through the entirety of the trial without normally ends with a ticket. Brooklyn Center and died from a single Adem Toledo being killed in . The work’s As declarations of justice moved shot by a white police officer as he got not done. While the prosecution did an incredi- through the crowd, Derek Chauvin was back into his car. ble job of getting justice in this case, we haven’t led out of the nearby courtroom in hand- The verdict arrived two days before turned the corner to create systemic change in cuffs after a jury convicted him on murder Wright was to be laid to rest and his our police department.” and manslaughter charges. name reminded many that the work for Alexis Kramer of Maplewood was standing Like the celebration downtown, a joy- justice and accountability goes on. next to Autumn Adkins when the verdict on ous roar could also be heard from the “A conviction is great but it’s just the Chauvin was announced. They did not know intersection of 38th Street and Chicago beginning,” said Shvonne Johnson. “At each other before that Tuesday afternoon but Avenue, where Floyd died. People flocked the end of the day, George Floyd, Daunte found themselves in each other's arms in the late into the night to what is now infor- Wright, Jamar Clark, Breonna Taylor and moment. mally known as George Floyd Memorial Tamir Rice are not here. We were here Kramer said she would continue being vocal Square to reflect, celebrate and hope. two years ago, we were here five years for equal justice, but felt like the verdict was “I’m scared this isn’t true,” said Autumn ago. We keep doing this like every other cause to celebrate. Adkins, who lives a few blocks from the year. It’s a pattern that’s got to stop.” “I know the whole United States and nations intersection of 38th and Chicago, where The two city council members repre- around the world are watching this,” she said. “I Floyd died. “It feels surreal like it might senting North Minneapolis, Jeremiah Elli- hope they’re all celebrating too.” not be true. That’s an honest feeling. I son and Phillipe Cunningham, expressed feel relieved, but the work isn’t done so it the same caution. feels like temporary relief. On to Daunte They, too, were part of the downtown Wright.” crowd and while happy with the verdict, The celebration began before the As the world watched Chauvin’s trial, each saw it as a small step towards the verdict was read with several Daunte Wright was stopped by police in types of sweeping changes that could Jessica Smith of Robbinsdale celebrated the verdict through the sunroof of a car chants to honor George Floyd and in downtown Minneapolis. calls for justice equality. 10 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NEWS NOW NORTH NEWS 11

Police killing of 20-year-old sparks outrage; trauma Has COVID-19 Northside impacted by Sunday’s killing By David Pierini, Staff Reporter in Brooklyn Center and gave periodic updates on A community is once again outraged Live to the growing unrest. and three North Minneapolis mobile Phillipe Cunningham and made it hard phone shops were damaged overnight Jeremiah Ellison, the two Sunday as unrest sparked by the police Minneapolis councilmen rep- in Brooklyn Cen- resenting North Minneapo- ter sent shockwaves through the Twin lis wards, both issued strong Cities. statements condemning the for you to pay Wright, 20, was shot following a traf- shooting and police clashes fic stop Sunday afternoon. According to a with protesters. Brooklyn Center police statement, an offi- “My soul is tired,” Cunng- cer fired at Wright as he tried to re-enter ingham wrote on Sun- his car during an attempt to take him into day. “This system isn’t reform- your Hasbills? COVID-19 custody for an outstanding warrant. able – if we are all to be safe, Wright’s death adds a pall to the grief it has to be fundamentally residents are reliving as the trial of Der- transformed.” made it hard ek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police Adair Mosley, president GET TODAY officer charged with the murder of George and CEO of Pillsbury United Floyd, enters a third week of testiomny. Communities, which is based News of Wright’s shooting death in North Minneapolis, echoed for you to pay reached community leaders in North Cunningham’s pain in an email If you are experiencing a financial hardship because of the pandemic, Minneapolis. Civil rights leader Nekima to agency staff this morning. Levy Armstrong was among a group of “Words don’t express the RentHelpMN mayyour just be your bills? answer. Northside activists who joined protesters continued trauma and pain Black people bear COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance is available to all Minnesotans when Black lives are GET TODAY shortened by those who qualify. You could receive up to 15 months total assistance for: we seek to protect us. It’s inconceiv- able,” Mosley wrote. Twenty-year-old Daunte Wright was killed April 11 during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center. If you are experiencing a financial hardship because of the pandemic, - Rent payments “The cries of injus- Photo courtesy of Katie Wright RentHelpMN may just be your answer. tice must be heard by our policy mak- - Utility paymentsCOVID-19 (gas, electric, Emergency water/sewer, Rental Assistance garbage/recycling is available to all Minnesotans and other utilities as approved wrote. “Why is this the ers and business leaders. These script? Over and over by RentHelpMN)who qualify. You could receive up to 15 months total assistance for: cries must haunt them. Our de- and over again – I’m mand for justice is non-negotia- sick of it. It always pro- - Rent payments ble.” duces the same result.” We care about getting you the help you need, when you need it most. Pillsbury United Com- - Utility payments (gas, electric, water/sewer, garbage/recycling and other utilities as approved Northside residents munities is the parent organiza- by RentHelpMN) helped business own- tion of North News. ers stand guard outside Minnesota Public Safe- their establishments. We care about getting you the help you need, when you need it most. ty Commission John Harrington Don Samuels, a for- said state and local law enforce- mer city councilman ment stepped up security efforts who represented North throughout the area. Minnesota Minneapolis, posted Apply today. Visit renthelpmn.org or call 211. activated and mobilized the Na- photos on Facebook tional Guard through the Twin Apply today. Visit renthelpmn.org or call 211. of three West Broad- Cities and Harrington said the way Avenue mobile Guard’s presence will be “ro- phone shops damaged bust” for the next few days. overnight Sunday. At Ellison lashed out on this time North News Twitter over reports of police knows of any other A cellular phone store along West Broadway clashing with protesters. The Boost Mobile on West Broadway Avenue near Penn Avenue was vandalized following the police Northside incidents re- Avenue was struck by vandals Sunday evening (April regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, familial status, gender identity or sexual orientation. “When police kill someone, lated to the police kill- regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, familial status, gender identity or sexual orientation. killing of Daunte Wright, 20, in Brooklyn Center. protesters are often brutally 11) following the police killing of 20-year-old Daunte ing of Wright. Photo from Don Samuels’ Facebook page punished for their outrage,” he Wright in Brooklyn Center. Photo from Don Samuels’ Facebook page 12 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NOW NOW NORTH NEWS 13

006 - A handful of troops stood guard Wright’s watching the crowd outside the Hennepin County Government casket Center. led a A procession 007 - Amber Young of Minneapolis faces National Guard troops outside with a message. Shiloh Temple 008 - A man stands on top of a car as people prepared to march after the through the downtown streets. ‘PRINCE’ service. 010 - The crowd outside the courthouse celebrates the guilty ver- dict of Derek Chauvin in the .

011 - The band “We Got This” played celebratory music at George Floyd Memorial Square following the verdict. WAS 012 - U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, spoke to reporters on the day the jury went into delibera- tions. In a statement following the verdict, she said “I am hopeful that today will be a catalyst to turn agony into action.”

013 - George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, outside the courthouse LAID TO after the jury began deliberations. REST Daunte Wright remembered as a shining light, loving father

By Harry Colbert, Jr., Editor-in-Chief Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr. and David Pierini Twenty-year-old Daunte Wright was laid to rest April 22 at Shiloh Temple in North Minneapolis.

The day after the fifth anniversary of cense plate tags. got to keep up the fight for our children. Countless dignitaries were on hand to Prince’s death another prince was laid to “You pulled Daunte over for air fresh- We’ve got to fight until hell freezes over. pay tribute to young Daunte Wright. Gov. rest. ener. Well now we are the air freshener. And then we need to be prepared to fight Tim Walz told the mourners that he or- Like the musical legend who changed We’ve come to get out the stench of po- on the ice.” dered a two-minute moment of silence the world, so too was 20-year-old lice brutality and racism out the air,” said Katie Wright, the mother of Daunte throughout the state in honor of Daunte Daunte Wright. Mourners by the hun- Sharpton. Wright, said her son was the light of Wright. Rep. presented Daunte dreds packed into Shiloh Temple Inter- Wright was Black. The officer who her life and brightened up any room he national Ministries on West Broadway shot Wright, 26-year veteran Kim Pot- walked into. She said burying her son is Continued on page 18 Avenue to remember the man gunned ter, is white. Potter said she mistook a burden she down April 11 by a single bullet from a her Glock pistol for a . According to shouldn’t have Brooklyn Center police officer. Inside and the Harvard University School of Public to bear. outside throngs of media – some from as Health, Blacks in America are 3.23 times “The roles far away as France and the UK – were more likely to die at the hands of police should be on hand to report on the homegoing. The than whites. reversed. I spectacle was both notable and accord- “If Kim Potter would have seen Daunte shouldn’t be ing to many, necessary. like she would have seen her own son she up here to “As I was making my way into the ser- would not have shot him. She would not bury my son, vice to pay respects to young Daunte a have even attempted to taser him,” said he should person in a car drove past and said, ‘I ha- civil rights attorney . have buried Crump is the attorney representing the me,” said Katie ven’t seen a funeral like this since Prince’s Wright family and the attorney who Wright. funeral. I told the man, that today we came represented the family of George Floyd. Daunte to bury a prince … the Prince of Brooklyn Floyd’s murderer, Derek Chauvin was Wright’s fa- Center,” said the Rev. , who convicted on April 20 of second-degree ther Arbuey delivered Wright’s eulogy. “You thought he murder for the knee to the neck and chest Wright, too was a kid with air freshener … no, he was that extinguished the life of Floyd on May overcome with a prince.” 25, 2020. emotion, was Grammy-award winning trumpeter and Ferguson, Mo. native (site A reason for Wright’s police encounter “For Black people, too often traffic only able to of the 2014 police killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown) performed as A woman wears a mask honoring Daunte Wright. Restoration Inc. held a healing space outside of Shiloh Temple. When a fight was that he had an air freshener hanging stops end in death sentences,” Crump say, “That was artist Ange Hillz paints a portrait of Daunte Wright during the fu- broke out nearby after the service, Executive Director Connie Rhodes, right, from his rearview mirror and expired li- told the near overflow crowd. “We’ve my son.” neral of the slain 20-year-old as attorney Ben Crump (left) looks on. grabbed hands to pray. 14 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NOW NOW NORTH NEWS 15

‘Worry about yourself!’ The warning offered to the North News editor just before he was arrested while covering protests in Brooklyn Center

Story and photos by Harry Colbert, Jr., Editor-in-Chief

Authoritarianism: tempting to offer assistance. It was at that of, relating to, or favoring blind submission point the officers began banging on the to authority man’s car with batons. Let me state this again ... police officers began assaulting An artist rendering of the soon-to-come V3 Sports Com- Totalitarianism: the man’s car with their batons. How’s that plex at the corner of Lyndale and Plymouth Avenues North. 1: centralized control by an autocratic au- for a de-escalation tactic? thority Yeah, I'm a journalist, but I'm a human From behind a fence, police from multiple jurisdictions throughout the state 2: the political concept that the citizen being first. I could not sit idly by when wit- train tear gas and rubber bullet guns on protesters outside of the Brooklyn should be totally subject to an absolute nessing a wrong right in front of my eyes. Center Police Department. state authority All it took was that frightened and con- Olympic pool; fused man to lurch his car forward and the My shoulder remained sore for several story would have been he attempted to days. run them over and justification for another access coming to That was the lasting physical pain from death. being arrested/detained and handcuffed I yelled at the officers about their actions April 14 in Brooklyn Center while covering and told them I was worried for that man’s the protests following the police killing of safety and I was told (as can be witnessed North Minneapolis unarmed 20-year-old Daunte Wright. The on the video), “Don't worry about him wor- By Maurice Hudson, Intern Reporter mental and spiritual pain is far worse and ry about yourself,” to which my reply was, won't heal any time soon. “Oh, I'm going to absolutely worry about From Italy to Omaha to North Minneapolis, V3 Sports is bring- Regarding what I was falsely arrested/ him.” ing a world-class 50-meter pool to the community to help com- detained for, the stated charges were un- And I meant it. I have zero regrets. Not bat drowning disparities and lack of access to swimming pools lawful assembly and violating . As on my watch. and lessons. everyone who has witnessed the video I saw witness after witness of George In addition to the 50-meter pool that will be used for the 2021 (on my personal Facebook page) can see, I Floyd's death testify during Derek Chau- Olympic swim trials in Omaha and a 25-meter training pool, the verbally identified myself as press and had vin’s trial and almost each one said they building will contain spaces for running/walking, biking, well- on several highly visible press passes and wished they had done something to stop ness-related retail and community gathering space. my business card. it. I wasn't going to have that unfair burden Erika Binger, founder of V3, said the nonprofit received an The true reason I was arrested is be- hanging over me. anonymous $4 million donation with a promise of a $4 million cause according to the arresting officer I complied with every order from the of- Reminiscent of scenes from this past summer, plumes of chemical smoke match once the organization raises additional money for the (from either Golden Valley or Hopkins, ficers (again, as seen on the video) and still cloud the night sky in Brooklyn Center following the unrest as a result of the center. according to a state internal affairs inves- I was arrested because I had the temerity, police killing of 20-year-old Daunte Wright. The pool and supporting system will arrive in North Minne- tigation into the incident), "That's what audacity, to speak up for a fellow human apolis by July 1 at the center located on the corner of Plymouth happens when you wanna be a tough and to then ask such simple questions as, and Lyndale Avenues. V3 purchased the pool that USA Swim- guy!" So, yes, I was arrested for being a “Where can I stand? Which way do you ming will use in June in Omaha to pick the Tokyo Summer Games "tough guy." want me to move?” Men’s and Women’s swim teams. As soon as the trials are over, What made me so tough? And as even when I was being a “good the pool will be torn apart, piece by piece, and trucked to North Minutes after an announced curfew in little boy” and did what I was told, I was Minneapolis. the city began a massive deployment of still arrested because I was trying to walk V3’s goal is to end drowning disparities and eliminate inequi- police and military ensnarled both pro- away. Yup, trying to walk away will get table wellness opportunities by bringing an Olympic level pool www.gaf.com testers and bystanders nearly two blocks you arrested. Well, it will if you have a and other amenities to the Northside. Malik Rucker, leader in away from the city’s police department. As voice and decide to use it. Community Engagement and Partnerships at V3 Sports, said seen in the live video, an older gentleman After several minutes of being ques- the arrival of the Olympic trials pool to the Northside will open whose first language is not English was tioned and showing my media credentials up a lot of doors for the community. www.gaf.com stuck it the onslaught and was asking me to multiple officers (showing as in telling “I'm going to keep harping on the equity,” Rucker said. “Mak- where he could go to get out. So, in trying them where they were because my arms ing sure that not only does North Minneapolis have a seat at the www.gaf.com to offer a fellow human being directions, I remained bound behind my back) I was table, that they can eat too, but we also want people to know was immediately confronted by police and eventually cut loose of my zip-tie restraints that this is an equitable opportunity and it's something that told to move, to which I complied, but I let and told I could go about my business … we've been asking for.” the officers know that the gentleman driv- ing was just asking for help and I was at- Continued on page 18 Throngs of police faceoff with protesters in a residential neighborhood out- side of the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Continued on page 18 16 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NEWS NORTH NEWS 17

Patrick Henry High School gets top ranking from U.S. News

Patrick Henry High School is the The rankings include data from top-rated high school in Minneapo- nearly 18,000 public high schools in lis, according to rankings compiled 50 states and the District of Colum- by U.S. News & World Report. bia. Henry’s overall ranking nation- The news site compiles annually wide is 2,143. the nation’s top high schools with “Students have the opportunity ranking factors that include col- to take International Baccalaureate lege readiness, college curriculum coursework and exams,” U.S. News breadth, math and reading perfor- wrote in an overview of Henry. “The mance and graduation. North High IB participation rate at Henry is 54 School ranked fifth in the Minneapo- percent.” lis Public Schools district. For a close-up look at Henry’s Henry was the state’s third-best score, visit www.usnews.com/ high school for math and reading education/best-high-schools/ performance out of 414, a score that minnesota/districts/minneapo- ranked the Patriots 115th nation- lis-public-school-district/henry-se- wide for that category, according to nior-high-10909 U.S. News.

The Capri is booking rentals now! Spaces available beginning 10/11/21. thecapritheater.org/rent-4

★★★Theater 18 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NEIGHBORS NOTICES NORTH NEWS 19

that generational cycle of that fear,” Sero- Also in attendance were families rav- and authorizes the Department of Jus- of Nursing; Ethan Nevalainen, College make an appointment for one of the forming a Youth Green Team pollinator Olympic Pool ka said. aged by police (or pseudo police) vio- tice to issue subpoenas in investigations of Design; My-Ly Nguyen, College of following dates in May: May 5 (second garden project to work with professionals Continued from page 4 lence. They included Valarie Castile, the of police departments for a pattern or GRADUATIONS & OTHER Education/Human Development; Matthew dose June 2); May 12 (second dose June in the Willard-Hay and Near North Cycle of fear mother of Philando Castile, killed by a practice of discrimination. ACADEMIC HONORS Ogbeifun, College of Liberal Arts; Joseline 9); May 19 (second dose June 16); and neighborhoods. Eligible you can earn Pacheco, Carlson School of Management; May 26 (second dose June 23). $17 per hour and gain landscape design Falcon Heights police officer during a Rucker continued, stating that the pool V3 board member Isaac De Souza said Christina Pender, College of Liberal Arts; experience. To learn more, contact the traffic stop, the family of George Floyd, Christina Dogbey, of Minneapolis, was a will be a beacon to show Minneapolis in a breaking that cycle is important for current Editor Arrested Vanessa Pesantez, College of Education/ Taking your vaccine questions: Hennepin NRRC by email at [email protected] or the mother of Oscar Grant, Grant, who fall semester graduate of Bethel University brighter light and help build up the com- and future generations and having the re- Human Development; June Roettger, County has launched a COVID-19 call 612-335-5924 was killed in Oakland by an officer who, Continued from page 14 in St. Paul. Dogbey earned a Bachelor of munity once again. source in places that lack them moves the College of Liberal Arts; Ruby Roettger, navigator line to answer questions about similar to Daunte Wright, claimed to Arts in Social Work “It’s (Olympic trials pool) contributing to community in the right direction. College of Liberal Arts; Rachael Rogers, the vaccine and help people sign up for a Home improvement help: Rebuilding have mistook a gun for a taser, the fam- the business of documenting the actions of the overall fight for social justice, econom- “My parents didn't expose me to water, College of Contin and Prof Studies; Randi vaccine appointment. The hotline number Together Twin Cities is accepting ily of Emmitt Till, the 14-year-old civil the evening. But I was too shaken to effec- Michael Miller, of Minneapolis, earned a ic justice and social change,” Rucker said. and I didn't know how to swim,” De Sou- Rogers, College of Biological Sciences; Colt is 612-348-8900 and help is available in applications for home improvement rights martyr killed in 1954 by a white tively report that evening. degree in Physical Education this past fall “We're trying to collaborate and add to za said. “I think that's incredibly important Schiller Olson, College of Food, Agriculture English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali. projects for low income residents. If you lynch mob in Money, Miss. for supposed- I'm still not good. Not good at all. That at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. those resources for permanent close prox- because it's a life skill that is a necessity and Natural Science; Johnathan Schocker, are interest in no-cost home repairs and ly whistling at a white woman and the night when I got home I couldn't stop imity for North Minneapolis residents.” in Minneapolis and being able to create Carlson School of Management; Amaal COVID-19 rental assistance: Hennepin modifications, call 651-776-4273 or visit family of Jamar Clark, 24, killed in 2015 shaking. But know what else I couldn’t Several students with local ties were Scott Seroka, communications and me- an opportunity to enjoy those lakes, enjoy Shire, College of Education/Human County is in the final stages of dispensing https://rebuildingtogether-twincities.org/ by Minneapolis police. stop doing? Standing up to injustice and named to the fall semester Dean’s List at dia relation lead for V3, said the pool will those parties, enjoy the pools, and wher- Development; Rebecca Skelton, College $15 million in emergency rent assistance The MN Energy Assistance Program Sharpton, Crump, Omar and Sen. being there for my people. the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. also bring experience and a learning op- ever you swim.” of Liberal Arts; Abigail Smith, School of it received in January from the federal can help by providing financial all called on the Senate So, on the evening of the Derek Chauvin They are: Abigail Boyer, College of Sci portunity to the Northside, which in-turn For years, in many cities throughout the Nursing; Caroline Smith, College of Liberal government. Another $21 million assistance: to pay past due energy bills to pass the George Floyd Justice in Polic- verdict I went back out to Brooklyn Center and Engineering; Allison Xiong, College will help save lives. nation it was illegal for Blacks to have ac- Arts; Kevin Smith, College of Liberal in rent assistance will be available to avoid disconnection, to purchase ing Act. If passed, the act would set fed- to again report. After all, I'm a journalist. of Education/Human Development; Seroka said the risk of death goes down cess to public pools and lakes. Arts; Zihan Tang, College of Liberal Arts; from the American Rescue Plan is fuel for delivery in emergencies, and to eral standards for policing by lowering Our job is to shine light in the darkest of Kevin Yang, College of Liberal Arts; 80 percent after a month of swimming les- Megan Vandewalle, College of Liberal expected in the next few months. The repair or replace homeowners' old or the criminal intent standard from willful places. Aisha Abdulahi, College of Education/ sons and it is the right step to break the Arts; Christina Vang, College of Education/ average amount paid has been $4,000 malfunctioning furnaces. Learn more by to knowing or reckless to convict a law Human Development; Quin Alexander, fear and generational barriers that are Wright Remembered Human Development; Mai Ka Vang, however some people were eligible visiting https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp enforcement officer for misconduct in a Much of what is written here originally College of Liberal Arts; Lucia Allen, present in Black communities. College of Education/Human Development; for as much as $20,000. The county Continued from page 13 federal prosecution, limits qualified im- appeared on my personal Facebook page College of Liberal Arts; Genaro Andrade “We talk a lot about swimming and fear Anna Von Kampen, College of Liberal Arts; will join a new statewide platform, Food distribution: The Camden munity as a defense to liability in a pri- and was written the day following my ar- Rivera, College of Design; Daniel Banker, of water being generational and also ad- Wright’s parents with an American flag Mouakong Xiong, College of Education/ https://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/ Collective and the Sanneh Foundation vate civil action against a law enforce- rest. College of Design; Sucdi Bashir, College dressing not only children, but adults who that flew at half-mast over the U.S. Cap- Human Development; Lisa Yang, College covid19emergencyrentalassistance, for sponsor a weekly free food pickup each ment officer or state correctional officer, of Liberal Arts; Tanner Beckstrom, can then inspire their children and break itol in honor of the slain 20-year-old. of Education/Human Development; people applying. Call 612-348-6442 to Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m. in the College of Food, Agriculture and Nation Juweeriya Yaseen, College of Education/ speak with a county employee who can Salem Lutheran Church Parking Lot, Sciences; Ashlyn Behrman, College of Human Development; and Sofia Yunis, help people navigate their options. The 4150 Dupont Ave. N. Each box contains a Liberal Arts; Emmanuel Blabuh, College Carlson School of Management. Tenant Resource Center, 612-767-9737, meal kit, that includes produce, proteins, of Education/Human Development; is another resource for renters needing spices and recipes. Walk-ups are Eliana Branch, College of Liberal Arts; ADVERTISING IN NORTH NEWS Several local students were named to the legal help negotiating with a landlord. welcome. Elizabeth Bush, College of Liberal Arts; fall semester Dean’s List at Minnesota Jack Callahan, Sophomore, College of State Mankato. There are: Kehinde Grocery delivery: The Northside RATES Liberal Arts; Marlisha Carter, College of DUBBED “HIDDEN GEM” Ajayi, Sarah Freese, Gaoyee Xiong, Tra Residents Redevelopment Council will Design; Murphy Cauble, College of Design; SIZE B&W COLOR Carter, Maxwell Gruidl, Makiyia Harvey, BE AWARE continue a weekly “Northside Nice” Kenneth Clungeon, College of Science and Full Page $1100 $1100 Samuel Jorgenson, Victoria Lynch, Znia Join the Panthers! The Minnesota grocery delivery service. The service is Engineering; Nolan Clyne, Carlson School Richmond, Bee Thao, Elizabeth Wilson- Panthers are looking for Northside kids to available to senior citizens and single- 1/2 $600 $600 of Management; Karla Cortes Miguel, BY THE STAR TRIBUNE 1/4 $350 $350 Sandberg, Gomoson Wonosikou, Chong play football for the upcoming seasons. parents who are unable to get groceries College of Liberal Arts; Jonathan Delgado, Xiong, Jer Yang, and Jaelon Young. Kids ages 4-6 can learn the game by on their own. Visit www.nrrc.org for more Hand-Picked Wines Minnesota Craft Beer 1/8 $200 $200 College of Design; Jacob Dommer-Koch, playing flag football and kids 7-13 can information. 1/16 $110 $110 College of Design; Yahye Egal, College Private Barrel Bourbons Hard Seltzers Two Minneapolis students were recent play tackle football. Parents interested in of Liberal Arts; Isabella Gold, College of graduates of the University of Wisconsin- the program can contact Jay Brekke by North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center, Imports and Domestics Liberal Arts; Gregory Gronseth, College Please inquire for pricing if you’d like a different size than the ones listed. La Crosse. There are: Jeffrey Belteton, texting him at 612-272-7745 or by email 1401 44th Ave. N., is a program created of Contin & Prof Studies; Rae Guntzel, Bachelor of Science, Marketing; and Kirill at [email protected]. and operated by My PitBull is Family Medical School; Redwan Hassan, College Shumilov, Master of Science, Clinical to keep it in their homes by providing of Contin and Prof Studies; Mitchell Exercise Physiology. Street clean-up event: The Folwell resources, referrals and pet supplies to Hockenberry, College of Science and Neighborhood Association, Webber- families in need. It is open Tuesdays and Engineering; Fadha Ibrahim, College of Camden Neighborhood Organization, Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. but you have Liberal Arts; Logan Igherighe, College of Henry’s Green Team and the Patriot to place a pick up order on the group’s Food, Agriculture and Natural Science; Booster Club is hosting a Northside Facebook page. https://www.facebook. Julian Kinneavy, College of Science and COVID-19 RESOURCES Want to support NORTH NEWS? Youth Clean Streets event on May 2 from com/NoMiPRC/ Engineering; Michael Lambert, College COVID-19 vaccines available: Urban 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Youth of all ages and their of Science and Engineering; Makenna League Twin Cities, in collaboration with families are encouraged to participate. Radio updates in your language: Subscribe to home delivery today! Larson, College of Design; Majestic Lasky, Stairstep Foundation/His Works United, Those wishing to participate should Tune into Minneapolis’s cultural radio Senior, College of Liberal Arts; Chieng Messianic Care and Black Nurses Rock meet at Sojourner Truth Academy, 3820 programs for COVID-19 updates. The city Lor, College of Contin and Prof Studies; TC will provide coronavirus vaccines to Emerson Ave. N. by 11 a.m. Two teams is broadcasting updates on KMOJ 89.9 $30 for Northside residents | $50 for non-Northside residents Xai Lor, College of Education/Human community members ages 18 and older. will be formed to pick up trash and pizza FM (English), La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish), Development; Carly Madden, College of Moderna vaccines will be administered will be served at Folwell Park at 2 p.m. KALY 101.7 FM (Somali) and WIXK AM Email [email protected] or visit www.mynorthnews.org. Liberal Arts; Regina Markert, College of at UL’s Glover Sudduth Center, 2100 1590 (Hmong). Liberal Arts; Meylani McCorvey, College of Plymouth Ave. N, in two doses. Walk-ins Youth Green Team: The Northside 2220 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis | 612-522-4384 | broadwayliquors.com Design; Henry Meeker, College of Science will not be accepted. Call the Stairstep Residents Redevelopment Council is Mon-Sat 10a-10p, Sun 11a-6p and Engineering; Quinn Morris, School COVID-19 hotline at 612-254-1228 to 20 NORTH NEWS April 30, 2021 NOW

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