If there is a single adjective to describe a half-century plus in ministry, including 34 years as Wayman A.M.E. Church pastor, Rev. Dr. Alphonse Reff, Sr. would prefer “servant.” “First, be faithful to God,” said Reff. “Second, love the people. Feed the people as well, then become a person who’s involved in the community…” He steps down later this month as the … [Read more...]
Community Profiles:
A space for feature stories about community members in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Black women, new mothers share a community healing
Imagine a local community café filled with 15-20 women of all ages and races sitting at tables discussing with strangers the struggles in their lives. Imagine the energy these women are sharing of hope, of understanding, and personal experiences. It is a room with open dialogue to support character building and an exchange of ideas. This scenario, not imaginary, unfolded at … [Read more...]
Co-op takes its “concern for community” principle seriously
The year was 1972 when volunteers started Seward Cooperative in South Minneapolis. Since then, the co-op has had three different address changes before settling into its current location at 2823 E. Franklin Avenue in 2009. Members invested $1.5 million dollars into that location. As a member-shared co-op, only Minnesota residents can buy stock in the organization, which … [Read more...]
Undersheriff Hodges reflects on historic position and call to serve
This past February, Ramsey County Sheriff Jack Serier appointed Inspector Booker T. Hodges to Undersheriff of Administration for the county. He is the just the second African American to hold the position, and the highest ranking African American law enforcement officer in Ramsey County. Undersheriff Hodges’ career began in 2005, after accepting a position to work as a … [Read more...]
St. Paul’s first Black female police officer set a precedent and excelled
“I was a bad mama-jama,” says retired officer Deborah L. Montgomery — she goes by just plain Debbie. She is pleasantly upbeat when reflecting on her beginning at the St. Paul Police Department. Laughing heartily, she matter-of-factly states that, as not only the first female but the first African American woman, she indeed had to be an original tough cookie. “It was,” she … [Read more...]