After opening Olu’s Home, Inc. in 1999, Gloria Freeman knew she had found her calling: helping people live their best potential life and leaving a legacy for her family. The residential site, which provides home-based and community-based services to people with severe cognitive disabilities, was Freeman’s first social business venture. She went on to open nine more … [Read more...]
Community Profiles:
A space for feature stories about community members and businesses/organizations in the Twin Cities and beyond.
College’s first Black dean steps out on faith
“My family has a lot of firsts,” said Nerita Griffin Hughes. Her late father, affectionately known as Griff, was one of the first African American firefighters in the Minneapolis Fire Department. Hughes’ mother was one of the first African American triplets in Monroe, La. and became one of the first African American teachers during the 1960s Minneapolis Public Schools hiring … [Read more...]
Corporate backgrounds inform couple’s franchise venture
You don’t have to be Italian to love Italian ices. In fact, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t. Accordingly, Justin and Desirae Butler quite arguably have embarked on a can’t-miss enterprise investing in their Rita’s Italian Ice franchise. The overall company has enjoyed national success since 1984 and has partnered with the likes of Nabisco and Cadbury. Add to this … [Read more...]
A priority for new Mps. Parks commissioner: kids who need help
Housing, inclusion, ending mass incarceration also on his agenda Relocating from Milwaukee to Minneapolis was a move that At-Large Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner Londel French said saved his life. In Milwaukee, French grew up in the 53206 zip code, the one with the highest incarceration rate in the country. “A lot of my homies have felonies,” he said. By moving to … [Read more...]
St. Paul Fire Department hires first Black female firefighter in 10 years
After 10-year lapse, St. Paul adds second Black female in the department's history The St. Paul Fire Department now has three new Black firefighters on its roster – including its first new female firefighter in over 10 years. Brittany Baker, Brandyn Springsted and Dujuan Williams were sworn in May 11 at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center as part of the 19-member … [Read more...]