This article is the fifth in an occasional series profiling candidates running for various offices and how their election might impact our communities. Angela Conley, vying for Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in District 4, characterizes a groundswell of women of color intent on upsetting Hennepin County’s status quo. Conley, Irene Fernando (District 2) … [Read more...]
Community Profiles:
A space for feature stories about community members and businesses/organizations in the Twin Cities and beyond.
T. Mychael Rambo benefit to support at-risk youth
Stage, television and film veteran T. Mychael Rambo is turning personal misfortune into a call for community wellbeing. After being carjacked in St. Paul, the Emmy Award-winning actor now wants us to “Party with a Purpose.” The event comes after Rambo was robbed and pistol-whipped one evening in late July by five teens who flagged him down on University Avenue, ostensibly … [Read more...]
‘Imagine North’ — Thor launch celebrates new Northside narrative (photos)
Thor’s grand opening block party inspires hope for change Thousands packed the North Minneapolis intersection of Plymouth and Penn avenues Friday, September 14 for Thor Companies’ grand opening celebration of its Regional Acceleration Center (RAC). The Imagine North Block Party featured live performances, including "Boo'd Up" singer Ella Mai and singer/actress Paris … [Read more...]
New partnership formed to address ‘ton of need’ among youth
Two foundations founded by two legendary athletes with similar missions to support youth have now joined forces. The Sanneh Foundation (TSF) and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation hope their new partnership can better address the “ton of need” they see among youth in the community. St. Paul-born Tony Sanneh started TSF in 2004, five years before he retired after a … [Read more...]
Mother-Son Gala honors moms ‘doing it alone’
Much is made of the importance of parental connections – especially those between father and son, father and daughter, mother and daughter. These bonds strengthen families – even single-parent ones – and thereby the community. Not as much is said, however, about the connection between mother and son. The upcoming fourth annual Mother-Son Gala, set to take place October 28, … [Read more...]
A force for good: Avivo treatment center provides safe place for recovery
News Analysis Avivo is situated just blocks from Chicago and Franklin avenues’ notorious Thrones Plaza in Peavey Park – a park that, for decades, has been pestilent with drugs, prostitution and muggings. Formerly known as RESOURCE, Inc., Avivo stands as a shelter from the neighborhood’s storm. Since 1960, the chemical and mental health services center has been providing … [Read more...]
South Side celebrates neighborhood pride, healthy aging
South Minneapolis’ unofficial annual community reunion kicked off Saturday, September 1 with an afternoon of family, free food and fun at Phelps Park. The ninth annual Southside Back in the Day Community Celebration was an old (and new) school jam of residents from Phelps, King, Bryant and Central neighborhoods showing off their Southside pride. Themed “Southside for Life,” … [Read more...]
First-time candidate brings working-class realities into her politics
Ruth Richardson says her background provides a missing perspective This article is the fourth in an occasional series profiling candidates running for various offices and how their election might impact our communities. Though a first-time political candidate, Ruth Richardson has years of senior leadership experience in for-profit, nonprofit and government … [Read more...]
Entrepreneur works to curb Minnesota’s POC retention problem
Professionals of color are leaving Minnesota at record rates, according to Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group (RMG). She aims to help keep those professionals in the state through her company, which she describes as a “diversity and inclusion marketing firm [that helps] top Minnesota corporations build stronger, more authentic relationships with communities … [Read more...]
Celebrating the life of a poetry queen
The word “queen” has been thrown around quite a bit as of late — for some, deserving, and for others, well, questionable. But the title is more than fitting for the late Tottiana “S’sence” Adams. The spoken word artist and playwright passed away August 17, 2018, leaving behind a royal court of fans, followers and loved ones who were inspired by her reign over words — and … [Read more...]