Juanell Mims, a beloved matriarch and lifelong advocate for St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, was honored April 10 by Mayor Melvin Carter and Ramsey County leaders with proclamations celebrating her 94th birthday and her extraordinary contributions to the community. The following day, friends, family, and community members gathered at Flava Café to celebrate Mims’ legacy with music, memories, and heartfelt tributes.
Born in St. Petersburg Florida, Mims migrated to St. Paul in 1954 during the Great Migration. She and her late husband, David Mims, settled in the Rondo neighborhood, where she would become an enduring figure of love, strength and resilience for generations.
“Miss Mims has been a pillar of our community for generations,” said Mayor Carter. “Her story reflects the resilience, strength and spirit that define the Rondo neighborhood and the city of St. Paul.”
Mims worked for 25 years at Sears, where she broke barriers as the first Black department manager in St. Paul. She was also a choir director at Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, a board member of Gospel Choirs United, and a 50-year member of the Regalettes — a civic club for Black women. Her leadership extended to the church’s bereavement ministry and repast meals, offering comfort to families during their most difficult times.
Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter also paid tribute to Mims with a proclamation that highlighted not only her impact on the Rondo community, but her role in preserving its spirit through decades of change.
“I’m from Ramsey County,” Carter said , “and Rena Moran [County Commissioner of District 4] said, ‘You know what? We’re going to make certain that we honor this wonderful young woman.’ So that’s what they’ve done.” “It speaks to the spirit of Rondo — despite formidable challenges, the residents of Rondo ignited a vibrant community, weaving a rich tapestry of culture, businesses and institutions, until urban renewal shattered this cherished neighborhood. Yet Rondo remains, and Juanell has been essential to its soul.”
Carter described Mims as “an unwavering pillar of the Rondo community” who, since 1963, has lived on Aurora Avenue and is the oldest living member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church. She lovingly raised four children, was the first in the family to attend college, and is now adored by seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Now, Mims’ legacy continues to ripple outward through the creative work of her children, Vivian and Davvie Mims and their upcoming television drama “Juanell’s Chair.” The series comprises 50 richly original stories inspired by Juanell Mims, who would share her stories with the sibling duo throughout her life. The title references their mother, and the chair symbolizes the visual of where those talks took place—in the comfort of their home.
Davvie says “Juanell’s Chair” is an engaging and dynamic drama that narrates situations from yesteryear, reframed through magical realism to showcase Black communities uniting and gaining true constitutional equality in America through a pre-civil rights organization called “The Network.”
Through compelling characters and unique storytelling, the series interweaves fact and fantasy — what was, what might have been, and what can be — keeping the voice of Juanell Mims alive for future generations.
As guests gathered at Flava Café, Mims shared heartfelt reflections on her life and legacy. “I’m glad that I lived through the years here in Rondo knowing what it was before it became a highway,” she said.
“I love the people that came here to recognize me, and I love the community. But when it comes to what Rondo really was all about, you have to go back to Vivian and Davvie, because I forgot most of it,” she said humorously.
Her children stood proudly beside her, offering emotional reflections of their own. “My mother, the matriarch, we’re blessed to have her,” said Davvie.
“We wanted to have a celebration while she’s still here, celebrating. Not just record a celebration when she’s gone. She’s here, and this is love.”
Vivian echoed the sentiment of wanting to give their mother her flowers while she is still here, adding: “What does this mean? To me, to my mom, to the whole community? It means love, baby. It means love. We’re gonna keep spreading the love and get our story [of Rondo] out there. You know what I’m saying? Get it pumped up to the positive.”
As the celebration continued, Davvie looked at his mother and smiled, “I think Mama is just… she’s blown away. Mama didn’t know. I didn’t tell her nothing. Not a thing.”
Mayor Carter’s proclamation summed it up best: “Now, therefore, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of St. Paul, do hereby proclaim Thursday, April 10, 2025, to be Juanell Mims Day in the City of St. Paul.”
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.