The City of Minneapolis Planning Commission on Oct. 7 heard testimony in favor of adding commemorative street names to honor two pioneering African American women in South Minneapolis: Launa Q. Newman, former publisher of the MN Spokesman-Recorder, the oldest African American newspaper in the state of Minnesota; and Clarissa Rogers Walker, social worker, activist, and Sabathani Community Center leader.
The petitions, submitted by City Council VP Andrea Jenkins of Ward 8, will now go to the city council’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Oct. 31, and then to the full city council meeting on Nov. 8.
Once approved, the commemorative names of Launa Q. Newman Way will be added to 4th Ave. between 36th St. E. and 42nd St. E., and Clarissa Rogers Walker Way to 3rd Ave. S., between 36th St. E. and 42nd St. E. in South Minneapolis.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.