Community rallies in response to coronavirus - North News
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NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020 Serving the neighborhoods of North Minneapolis www.mynorthnews.org
Community rallies in Jenna Porazzo, right,
response to coronavirus
extends food to a boy
outside Jenny Lind
Elementary School.
With classrooms
closed, Minneapolis
Public Schools
Page 6
has continued
free breakfast and
lunches for students.
Each combo bag
included cereal,
yogurt, fruit, broccoli,
milk and other items.
Photo by David
Pierini
ALSO INSIDE
Census organizers go digital
Page 10
Remembering the Young
brothers' barbershops
Page 14
Pastor Edrin Williams puts his
faith to work for the Northside
Page 18
2 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NEWS
hungry. Neighborhood organizations are News in the coming months. named and in place.
Letter from
coordinating grocery runs, and the stores I will remain in the community and Additionally, Abdi Mohamed, our small
are working around the clock to keep with Pillsbury United Communities, but business and entrepreneurship-focused
the Editor
their shelves stocked and clean. Mental I am taking on an entirely new role. I staff reporter, has also transitioned out
health professionals, healers, religious have been named the organization's of his position at the paper. We wish him
leaders, and athletic trainers are offering new director of policy and advoacy. I'll nothing but the best as he tracks towards
their services virtually, and people are be working from the grassroots to the graduation at the University of Minnesota
Where to even begin. It feels like the checking in with each other. We bring government to collaboratively envision and seeks full time employment thereafter.
whole world has changed since I wrote you just a snapshot of the love and care and enact progressive policies that tackle This means we have TWO positions open
my last letter to the editor a month ago. people are showing on another on Page and dismantle the racial and economic at North News: a full time editor and a part
A global pandemic has made us sick, 6. If you have a story you'd like to share disparities that exist in our city, county, time (20 hours per week) reporter. We're
closed our schools, socially distanced us about COVID-19, please reach out to us. and state. looking for North Minneapolis community
from each other, and radically changed You may have noticed that the Leaving North News isn't a decision I've members with journalism training for
the way our businesses operate. As we coronavirus has caused a shift in our come to quickly or lightly. I've been in my both jobs. If you're passionate about this
work to "flatten the curve," people have operations as well. We've printed fewer role here for more than four years. I know community and want to eat, sleep and
lost jobs, senses of safety and peace, papers this month because of how many how important a consistent news source breathe its news, please apply for these
and the ability to envision a reasonably of our typical drop sites (schools, rec is for this and all communities. I deeply jobs via the posting at pillsburyunited.
predictable future. and community centers, and businesses) value the relationships that have come org. The positions come with full benefits.
This community is no stranger to feeling are closed. We're no less committed to into my life through this work. But, I'm As of press time, we are planning to print
like the rug has been pulled out from getting the word out to you though. We convinced that it's time to create space a May 1 edition of North News. As the
under it, so it comes as no surprise that will be doing a stronger-than-usual for someone with new and different coronavirus continues to spread, we will
leaders and neighbors have responded in digital push of the online version of this perspectives to lead North News and be evaluating this decision.
real time with creative, loving, and healing paper, and if you'd like a stack of papers that I will be able to be most impactful Take care everyone,
responses to all the new challenges. to (safely, sanitarily) deliver to your in my new role. I'm working with PUC
Minneapolis Public Schools, Emily's F&M neighbors, let us know. leadership to coordinate an effective Kenzie O'Keefe
Cafe, Oak Park Center, churches, and many I have some personal news to share with succession plan, and our goal is for you Editor/Publisher, North News
more local organizations are providing you all. I will be transitioning out of my to feel this transition as little as possible. kenzieo@pillsburyunited.org
meals to those suddenly at risk of going role as editor and publisher of North I will lead the paper until its next editor is 651-245-2647
NORTH NEWS SUMMER PROGRAMS
2020 Issue #3
Circulation: 10,000 in North Minneapolis. Write, Sing, Sew, AT JXTA
Delivered free on a monthly basis to
Enroll in Juxtaposition Arts’
public places & some homes in Near North &
Camden. Paint. FREE summer arts programs!
125 West Broadway Ave. Suite 130,
Minneapolis, MN 55411 Dance, Design,
Phone: 651-245-2647 VALT:
Website: www.mynorthnews.org
Kenzie O’Keefe
Animate. Free, college-level visual art course for
ages 12—21. Complete VALT and you’ll
Editor/Publisher/Advertising
Abdi Mohamed David Pierini
Sculpt, Rap, be eligible to interview for a paid job as
an apprentice in one of our creative
labs. Summer session:
Staff Reporter
Emily Ronning
Graphic Designer
Staff Reporter
Anya Johanna DeNiro
Copy Editor
Decorate. July 6—August 20, 2020.
Howard Hadley, David
Snoddy, Kyla Moore
Lyle James
Delivery
Imagine, Dream, FREE WALL:
Free intro to aerosol art camp for ages
Interns
Additional support is provided by The Jay & Rose
Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota and the
Create. 8—21. 3-week sessions in June, July,
and August, 2020.
Minneapolis Foundation.
Story ideas and letters to the editor under 300 words
are always welcome. Unsigned letters will not run.
These times Session dates, applications,
and more information at
If you want North News on your doorstep NOW,
subscribe for $30 per year.
Email kenzieo@pillsburyunited.org
call for more art. www.juxtapositionarts.org.
Please note: JXTA is committed to ensuring
or call 651-245-2647 to sign up.
the health and wellbeing of our community;
Next issue delivered: May 1, 2020 we are monitoring the situation around
★★★Theater COVID-19 closely. Please visit
www.juxtapositionarts.org for the most
thecapritheater.org up-to-date information regarding our actions
and response. @jxta_arts /juxtapositionarts
NEWS NORTH NEWS 3
North Minneapolis at a glance
Resources available for
early March. “Our name, Urban League
Twin Cities, is new, but our relentless and Emily's F&M Cafe offers free meals for elderly and vulnerable
COVID-19 relief unapologetic advocacy for equity, justice
and power for African descendants remains
Visit page 8 for a full list of local medical,
the same,” he wrote.
financial, food, and other offerings during
the global pandemic.
Youth musicians receive
Juxtaposition Arts leader to prestigious scholarship
leave for McKnight Foundation Three young men who are active in the
Juxtaposition Arts CEO and cofounder North Minneapolis music community have
DeAnna Cummings will leave the received scholarships to support their
organization to assume the role of Program musical studies: J’Kwon Anderson of Folwell
Director of Arts at the McKnight Foundation School-Performing Arts Magnet, Marley
effective June 1, according to a press release Christian of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School,
sent by JXTA on March 20. A transition and Dontevion Wilson of Ascension Catholic
committee will assist in the ongoing process School. The scholarships from the Roderick
over the next several months. "We will feel Cox Music Initiative provide up to $2,350
her absence at Broadway and Emerson. But to support individual instruction and group
we are excited that the entire regional arts lessons for students of color who have a
community will benefit from her leadership high musical aptitude and the motivation
Anna Donato-Ghani (second from left) and her team at Emily's F&M Cafe served breakfast to Roger
at McKnight Foundation," said JXTA's board to pursue a music career on a standard Forslund (center) on March 16 while strategizing how to get meals out to community members in need
of directors in the press release. orchestral instrument. Cox is a German- as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic worsened in Minnesota. More photos on Page 6
based American composer. Each of the
Home tour canceled scholarship recipients is a student of the
MacPhail Center for Music.
The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour,
scheduled for April 25-26, has been canceled
because of COVID-19. An online tour will be
Heavenly Cakes by Chee has closed
available in mid to late April, according to Chee Stacy Hang closed "Heavenly Cakes by
organizer Margo Ashmore. Ashmore said the Chee" her home bakery in North Minneapolis
tour will not be rescheduled but will resume on Jan. 29. "After analyzing the time, cost
next year. Learn more at MSPHomeTour. and profit,” she said, it didn’t make sense to
com. stay open. She wasn’t making money and is
in debt. She announced on social media that
New food vendor at Trailhead she will no longer be taking any more orders.
Many of her customers were upset that such
Mill Valley Market was named the new a fluffy sponge cake with the right amount of
food vendor for the Trailhead at Theodore sweetness and density will never be available
Wirth Park, according to Loppet Foundation anymore. One of them is Kelly Yang, who
director of sales and marketing Jon Friedell. said, "with her closing, I now have to find
The Market replaces Cajun Twist, which left another person who does sponge cake as
the Trailhead for its own brick and mortar great as her and who is close to the suburbs
site last year. Given COVID-19, it's unclear like she was." However, Yang understood
when the restaurant will open. and supported Hang throughout the entire
process. Hang may have lost some money
New name for the Urban League by closing her cake bakery, but she received
the experience and knowledge of baking
The Minneapolis Urban League has legally and decorating the most delicious sponge
changed its name to Urban League Twin cakes instead of buying an expensive one
Cities. The decision reflects its leaders’ work for a relative or friend to celebrate. Now that
to expand their “outreach and service to the she has ended her business, she is planning
growing population of African descendants to invest some money with her family to see
in the seven-county metropolitan area,” if the plan she currently has in mind will be
according to a press release emailed successful before opening it to the public. By
by president and CEO Steven Belton in Milwg Thao, Henry High
4 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NEWS
Millions in state revenue could
be secured for transformative
North Commons renovation
By Kenzie O'Keefe Editor says it is not a “foregone conclusion” that the
project will be in the final bill. “Bonding is very
Local leaders seeking bonding dollars to
competitive. … Sometime It takes years for a
transform North Commons Park found
project to get through the entire process and
unexpected energy for the project during this
be in the final bonding bill,” he said.
year’s legislative session. Now, the COVID-19
“This would be a significant state investment
pandemic has thrown the whole session into
in the Northside, and it’s about time,” said
uncertainty.
Arvidson.
The $11.25 million ask was made a “marquee
piece” of the governor’s bonding request, said COVID-19 interruption
Adam Arvidson, director of strategic planning As Minnesotans began testing positive for
for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation COVID-19 in early March and the state’s
Board. response efforts ramped up, legislators
A senate hearing for the project in early announced that state capitol operations The neighborhoods around North Commons park are home to thousands of children. Advocates for a plan to
March “went really well,” said Senator Bobby renovate the park say it currently underserves its young people. Photo by David Pierini
would become mostly remote. The legislature
Joe Champion (D-59) who authored the bill. will recess until April 14. During that time are the largest in size and scope. “Those four buffer with significantly greater parking [and]
“It gained momentum in a way that I did not committee meetings and floor sessions will big moves exist in the plan. North Commons access options.”
totally expect,” said Arvidson. be held on an on-call basis. Meetings with is the biggest of the big moves,” said Arvidson. Boe hopes the park board will “table the
This is the park board’s first attempt at constituents will mostly be held by phone, Buckner, was a member of the NSAMP dome.” He says Champion could insert a
securing state funding for the project. It email and text. committee and convened the North Commons condition into his bonding bill that reflects a
would cover 60% of a first phase of dramatic House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL- sub-committee for the process. shared agreement not to spend state money
renovations for the park, including new larger Brooklyn Park) told the Star Tribune that “A project like this reimagines how a or subsequently raised private funds on a
community center with a gym possibly large the legislature’s work this session will now community like this can create its own dome.
enough for four courts, an updated aquatic be focused in three categories: “the state's opportunities,” he said. “This is going to be a “More study, design and stakeholder
center, and parking, according to planning COVID-19 response, ‘mission critical’ model for the metropolitan area. consensus would need to be reached for the
documents. A mix of park board dollars measures such as a bonding bill and any He added: "This is about bringing the dome to be placed back in scope for the park,”
and private funding is anticipated to cover legislation that has bipartisan agreement.” By community together, all parts, at a great Boe said. “This agreement is meant to press
additional project costs. law, the legislature must adjourn by May 18. destination. Especially in lieu of the reason pause on the dome feature without holding up
The state investment would “breathe a What this all means for the North Commons developments, our community will need a the rest of the project.”
breath of life” into “an important jewel in our project is unclear. “Nobody knows what’s going place to come together and feel secure and In part due to the controversy, the dome is not
community,” said Champion, who added that to happen, even the legislators themselves. The supported. This facility, in between the Y and included in the bonding request. But Arvidson
it would also create a regionally significant focus of course is how we respond completely North must be a campus of development and says the park board approved plan includes
athletic destination. to COVID,” said Buckner on March 18. excellence." it. “We feel that this is an important trend, an
After initial skepticism from state staff, “Everything is up in the air,” said Champion on important need, and this is a really good spot
Arvidson says a bonding tour, where house Controversial dome
March 23. “It’s a lot going on. We’re not certain for it,” he said.
and governor’s staff members got to see the of anything that’s going to happen with any of Area residents and local lawmakers share “Youth sports is a huge industry,” said
site, the synergies that could exist around it, these projects.” enthusiasm for the project, but one new Buckner. “The talent is here, and guess what
and the great community support “changed a amenity—a seasonal sports dome not
Part of a larger plan happens: that talent is plucked out by other
lot of minds.” included in the bonding request—has caused places.”
“The opportunities are endless,” said The North Commons project is part of a larger some consternation. “They recruit better because they have better
Brett Buckner, who lives a few blocks from plan adopted by park board commissioners Mike Boe, a member of North Commons facilities,” he added.
North Commons and has helped push the in Feb. 2019. The North Service Area Master East Block Club who lives near the park, says Champion says articulating benefits for all
project forward for several years. He says an Plan is “essentially a 20-30 year vision” for the residents are “generally in favor of most of the of Minnesota are critical to securing bonding
overhauled North Commons could “change 34 neighborhood parks and regional facilities improvements planned for the park” but that dollars. “Of course it has to be for us who are
the trajectory of West Broadway” by bringing in North Minneapolis, according to Arvidson. they have significant concerns about the dome, here but it has to have statewide appeal to
people to the park and creating a new need for “This is really our game plan for changes to particularly the “lack of details” around its size, justify state dollars.”
restaurants and other amenities nearby. our Northside parks,” he said. access to sufficient parking, and timeframe.
Despite the enthusiasm from house, senate, The North Commons, Bryn Mawr, Cleveland, View the plans for North Commons in the
Comparable domes, he says, are “set in
and governor staff members, Champion And Creekview/Shingle Creek park projects digital version of this story at mynorthews.org.
suburban parks with hundreds of acres of
NEWS NORTH NEWS 5
catch up with our Minneapolis City Council Members Phillipe Cunningham (Ward 4) and Jeremiah Ellison
Council Members (Ward 5) were inaugurated in January 2018. We have invited them to keep in touch with the
community through this monthly column in our newspaper.
WARD 4: WARD 5:
Phillipe Jeremiah
Cunningham Ellison
Happy Spring, Northsiders! In the past few months, the threat of
I hope everyone is as excited as I am COVID-19/coronavirus has loomed. And in
about the coming season change! the past few weeks that threat has become
This month, I wanted to share some undeniable. The virus has spread across the
updates and information with you based world, including right here in our city. The Mayor
on a recent presentation the Public funding opportunities for community- and the City Council are doing everything we resources and the latest information on the
Health, Environment, Civil Rights and based violence prevention projects. can to ensure safety, while also planning to impact of this virus in our community.
Engagement Committee received from The OVP has released two separate support workers and businesses hardest hit by • Reminding folks the best way to slow
the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) on Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the spread of this virus. The governor and his COVID-19 is to stay home and limit in-person
their Strategic Planning Update. 2020 Violence Prevention Fund Projects: team are leading the way and equipping local interactions.
Your voice matters! We need to hear a General Violence Prevention Fund RFA governments all over the state with the best • Encouraging community members to
from you to guide the rollout of the City of and; a Neighborhood/Community-Specific possible information and tools available. support local businesses. Restaurant and café
Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention Violence Prevention Fund RFA. We do not know how long the spread of this operations have been limited to take-out and
(OVP). Both options are intended to invest in virus will last. From everything I’ve been told, delivery service, but many are still open. In
Take the Office of Violence Prevention community-led strategies that address that’ll depend on our response to it. Not only addition, buying gift cards online for eateries,
survey at https://bit.ly/3aVZjRg by the end violence in Minneapolis. Projects can be local and state governments response, but our bars, and retailers can help them weather this
of April! focused on prevention of one or more forms response as a community. This virus can be difficult time.
Organizations and community groups, of violence. Applicants are encouraged to mild for some and extremely deadly for others. • Sharing information about Minneapolis
such as neighborhood associations, propose activities that reflect their own I want us to be able to work together to keep Public Schools' meal pick-ups for students,
parent associations, church groups, and expertise, experience, and knowledge one another safe. which started at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 17.
more are needed to host focus groups of and that have the potential for tangible To that end, I want to give you all the best At 20 sites citywide – including Bethune, Hall
7-12 people to discuss how violence is violence prevention impact on the specific resources and information, because things Elementary, and the Hmong Academy – meals
impacting our community. issues identified within the intended have and will continue to change quickly when will be offered to students on a pick-up basis
In the next few months, I will be co- project areas or communities. it comes to dealing with this virus. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through
hosting a Ward 4 community meeting For questions about the OVP grant On March 16, I sent out a newsletter with Friday, during school closures.
with OVP staff for Northsiders to be project, or more information about the some initial information about COVID-19. You • Ensuring community members are aware
updated on information gathered from the RFA process and criteria, please send an can find it posted on my Facebook page, @ that the Minnesota Department of Health is
survey and focus groups, as well as give email to health@minneapolismn.gov, and jeremiahellisonformpls, and you can sign up operating two hotlines from 7am-7pm daily.
additional direction to OVP staff on the be sure to include “OVP Fund 2020 RFA” for future newsletters at minneapolismn.gov/ Folks can call 1-800-657-3903 with health
biggest issues our community faces with in the subject line. ward5/news/ward5-subscribe. I will continue questions, and 1-800-657-3504 with school
violence on which you would like them to Applications are due for both no later to be in touch via newsletter and social media and childcare questions.
focus in their work. than April 2 at 11:59 PM, and must be on resources, measures to take, and important • Spreading the word that Governor Walz has
To keep up-to-date on community submitted using the City’s eSupplier updates. I can also always be reached at expanded unemployment benefits to include
meetings and other updates related to Portal, which can be accessed at www. ward5@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-2205. virtually anyone affected by the COVID-19
the Office of Violence Prevention, check minneapolismn.gov/finance/procurement/ The Council is continuing its official business pandemic and its impacts on employers.
out our Facebook page: www.fb.com/ eSupplier. and the city continues to provide essential This includes workers whose workplaces are
MinneapolisWard4. For assistance with eSupplier, please services. disrupted by new restrictions on operations
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY ALERT! send an email to eProcurement@ I appreciate your help in using your platform (like bars and restaurants) and those facing
2020 will be the second year the minneapolismn.gov with “eSupplier help” to share key messages that will keep us all childcare challenges during this time. Anyone
OVP will give grants through the in the subject line, or call (612) 673-2311. safer and healthier. These include: who may be eligible is encouraged to apply as
Violence Prevention Fund to community • Sharing the Minnesota Department of soon as possible at uimn.org.
organizations leading violence prevention Health COVID-19 website (health.state. Let’s look out for each other, check-in on each
efforts. The City of Minneapolis Health mn.us/diseases/coronavirus), as well as the other, and work together through this difficult
Department’s Office of Violence City's COVID-19 website (minneapolismn.gov/ time.
Prevention (OVP) will be offering two coronavirus) – both of which contain helpful
6 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NOW
A shopper passes by empty toilet paper shelves at Cub
Foods on West Broadway Avenue in mid-March.
Look for the
yellow icon
for COVID-19
CLEANING, FEEDING, AND CLOSING
coverage
As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the state, the North
Minneapolis community is rallying to do its part to slow the spread
of the virus and take care of those who may be most at risk.
Photos by David Pierini Staff Reporter
NOW NORTH NEWS 7 Above: Emily's F&M Cafe has been distributing free meals to the elderly and vulnerable since mid-March thanks in part to patrons who are donating dollars for the meals. Each one arrives with a handwritten note from the Emily's team. “Everyone just needs to relax and stay positive. It’s all precautionary, so that it doesn’t get to where we have to decide who to save in a hospital,” said owner Anna Donato-Ghani. Photo by Kenzie O'Keefe Emily Fridolfson disinfects a produce scale at North Market, which has new cleaning protocols because of the outbreak. Emily and her sister, Marbry, clean surfaces around the store at the top of each hour. It takes about 30 minutes to complete. Above: Bus driver Steve Towle reaches for milk while brothers Durell and DeRoyal Perry, right, pick up food bags outside Jenny Lind Elementary School. With classrooms closed, Minneapolis Public Schools continued free student meals. Right, top: Like many religious institutions, Masjid An-Nur mosque on Lyndale Ave. N is closed to the public. Right, bottom: Oak Park Community Center switched its free community meals to a take-out-only service. Staff marked the walkway leading to the basement door to promote social distance. Meals are available 4-6pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays at 1701 Oak Park Ave. N.
8 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NOW
RESOURCES
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information from the city, state and federal government, visit:
City: minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus State: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about Federal: health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus
EMPLOYMENT FOOD HEALTHCARE
If your employment has been affected by Minneapolis Public Schools are offering NorthPoint Health and Wellness offers a
COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment free meals to school aged children from variety of supports at this time. Stay up to
benefits. On March 16, Governor Tim Walz 10am-2pm every week day until schools date at northpointhealth.org/coronavirus-
issued an executive order to ensure workers reopen. Northside pickup sites are: Bethune updates. Main Campus Clinic hours at 1313
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have Elementary, Cityview Elementary, Elizabeth Penn are 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Phones
full access to unemployment benefits. Visit Hall International Elementary School, Hmong are answered at 8am. MNsure and Snap
uimn.org for instructions. If you need to talk International Academy, Jenny Lind Elementary Enrollment are located at the Main Campus.
to someone, call 651-296-3644. You can be School, Olson Middle School, and Patrick The 800 W Broadway Ave. office is closed.
assisted in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, or any Henry High School. Meals will be served from Northside Teen Clinic is open regular hours
other language you prefer. Customer Service school busses outside the school buildings. 3-6pm, Monday-Thursday. Cora McCorvey
representatives are available Monday-Friday, Children must be present to receive a meal. Center is open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday.
8am to 4:30pm. The Food Shelf is open regular hours 10-4pm
Northpoint Health and Wellness offers a
Monday-Thursday. Intake closes at 3:30pm.
community food shelf at 1835 Penn Ave.
Harm Reduction and Testing Services is open
BUSINESS N from 10am-4pm, Monday-Thursday.
Tuesday-Wednesday 2-5 pm and Thursday-
The US Small Business Administration is
New intakes are taken over the phone: 612-
767-9500. The food shelf has suspended
Friday 11am-5pm. With questions, call the Virtual fitness by Val
offering low-interest federal disaster loans clinic at 612-543-2500 or Human Services
choice shopping and is pre-packaging food Fitness instructor Val Turner is used to
for working capital to Minnesota small at 612-767-9500. Everyone entering a
according to family size packing the community room at North
businesses suffering substantial economic NorthPoint location will be screened for
The NorthPoint food shelf has an increased Market for Zumba, cardio boxing and
injury as a result of te coronavirus. This COVID-19.
need for donations. Visit northpointhealth. strength training classes.
would allow businesses to apply for loans Immediate mental health support for people
org/donate for dropoff and pickup details. But with schools closed and orders by
to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts 18+ from Hennepin County: 612-596-1223. health officials to self-isolate, Turner
payable and other bills they can’t pay due Free takeaway dinners for all are offered at For people under 18: 612-348-2233. has made a quick pivot with the help of
to the disaster's impact. Visit: sba.gov/ Oak Park Center (1701 Oak Park Ave. N) on
The City of Minneapolis has created a technology to keep kids active while at
disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19. Tuesdays-Thursdays from 4-6pm. One per
COVID-19 Emergency Mental Health Fund. home.
Questions? Contact your business advisor person.
The fund supports individuals who are going Turner is holding virtual classes for kids
first and then call the SBA hotline at 1-800- With one call, the Minnesota Food HelpLine through a crisis and whose ability to receive ages 4-11 Mondays and Wednesdays from
659-2955. assesses the caller’s situation and provides in-person-help is either limited or non-existent. 12:30-1 pm starting March 23 and running
TIPS FROM NEON: solutions to food needs. 1-888-711-1151. Providers may apply for $2,500 to $7,500 to through Wednesday, April 29.
Visit: hungersolutions.org/programs/mn-food- meet these needs. Opportunities include virtual “I thought it was really important because
- Check if your business income insurance
helpline. therapy sessions, offering services through we can’t see each other or hug each other
has a disaster relief program.
The Hunger Solutions website has an crisis hotlines and instructional videos on how as usual,” Turner said. “I just need to get my
- Contact your bank: ask for relief from large community moving for our mental health
extensive list of food shelves, senior to deal with stress. Interested providers can
payments NOW. and for us to be able to see each other.
resources, free meals, discount groceries, submit a brief application at minneapolismn.
- Avoid predatory lenders: always consult and farmers' markets across the state of gov. Turner will run the class via Zoom, a
with your business advisor BEFORE signing Minnesota: hungersolutions.org/find-help. video conferencing app. She is asking for
The insurance companies that sell private
a loan. a minimum donation of $2, which can be
Interactive Food Shelf Map provided by health insurance plans on MNsure are
transferred with the Cash App.
- Practice self-care: as entrepreneurs during the City of Minneapolis: minneapolis.mn.us/ waiving co-pays, co-insurance and
The workouts will include a variety of
this scenario you may tend to simply work sustainability/homegrown/WCMSP-185913. deductibles related to COVID-19 diagnostic
activities, like a Zumba dance party, cardio
more and harder. You are an essential piece testing. Minnesotans who are enrolled in
kickboxing and strength training. Interested
of your business, take care of yourself. employers to seek an alternative to layoffs – these plans will have no costs associated with
parents should get their kids signed up by
- Seek alternatives to layoffs: employers retaining their trained employees by reducing medically directed testing in compliance with
11 a.m. on each class day.
experiencing a slowdown in their businesses their hours and wages. These wages can the Centers for Disease Control guidance.
For more information, reach out to Turner
or services as a result of the pandemic may then be partially offset with Unemployment You should contact your insurance company
via her Facebook page. She can be found
apply for the Unemployment Insurance Insurance (UI) benefits. Apply at uimn.org/ directly for questions about plan benefit details
by searching the name Val “I am Zumba”
Shared Work Program. This program allows employers/alternative-layoff/index.jsp. and how best to access care.
Turner. By David Pierini, Staff Reporter
NOW NORTH NEWS 9
INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY OTHER SERVICES etc. Volunteers are also needed to help
deliver donated goods. If you would like to
failure to pay. The energy company’s CEO
promised not to disconnect service to any
The City of Minneapolis is providing free Free JPAY from Peace of Hope, Inc. is being help contribute financially, you can donate residential customers until further notice in
wifi via the USI Wireless network. Access offered during the COVID-19 crisis while through Paypal using donate@folwell.org. an email statement on March 16. If you are
it at minneapolismn.gov/wireless/index.htm. no prison social visits are permitted. Direct If you are a Folwell resident who needs having difficulty paying your bills, contact
This website also offers a link to the “Get message your name, their name/OID# and assistance, please fill out the request form Xcel and they will arrange a payment plan
Connected Guide,” a list of organizations that state location to the organization’s founder at folwell.org. that works for you.
provide free or low price options for computers Sharon Brooks Green (@SB Green) on
Starting March 16, 2020, Minnesota courts While the Minneapolis Park and
and connectivity. Facebook. Include up to a three sentence
have changed how they handle some Recreation Boards's recreation centers
message you'd like to convey.
Comcast is offering free Internet while types of cases because of the COVID-19 and programming buildings are closed,
schools are closed to anyone who is eligible Victory neighborhood residents in need outbreak. The courts are open. But DO there's still plenty to do outdoors. Parks
for FRPI, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP of grocery shopping, medication pick NOT come to court in person unless you and trails are open for hiking, walking,
(food stamps), or SSL. No contract, no credit ups, transportation, food support, and have to. The courts split case types up into biking, or just sitting and breathing fresh
check, no installation fee, 25 Mbps speed. Visit household supplies can contact their different groups. A “High Priority” group of air during these stressful times. Be mindful
internetessentials.com. neighborhood association for support at cases will continue as normal. The rest of of social distancing and maintain a safe,
victoryneighborhood.org or 612-529-9558. cases are suspended for 14 days. Examples appropriate distance.
Minnesota After School Advance is offering
up to 75% off Chromebooks to eligible Folwell Neighborhood Association is of high priority cases are: orders for The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
families with school age children (K-12) to help collecting items for home bound residents. protection, restraining orders, and mental says it will not (and cannot, because
with distance learning. Visit mnafterschool. Donate items to the FNA Drop off location. health commitments. For more information, housing courts are shut down) file any
org/chromebooks. For questions, call 763-202- Text 612-227-0410 to set up a time. Items visit: mncourts.gov/Find-Courts.aspx or unlawful detainers or move forward with
9012. include: non perishable food, over the lawhelpmn.org. any eviction hearings until further notice.
counter medicine, toiletries, bottled water, Xcel Energy will not disconnect service for
laundry and dish supplies, toilet paper,
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10 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NOW
Coronavirus forces census organizers to rethink outreach efforts
By Abdi Mohamed Staff Reporter a mailer by the end of March detailing how foundation also launched their website democratic shift with merely thousands
they can take the census online. The census BeCountedMN.com, a site dedicated to of people bring some to question how the
Marsai Richardson grew up in a home full
will be observed on April 1 nationwide. listing census locations and answering incarcerated may impact the census count.
of advocates. Her mother and father were
Respondents will be asked to list where questions. The foundation partnered Those with felony convictions may not be
raised in Mississippi during the 1920s and
they reside as of that day. Census takers with organizations like Pillsbury United able to vote but are counted towards district
raised her during the Civil Rights era in
will circle back May through July to revisit Communities, the owner of this publication, mapping and federal funding.
Minnesota. At a young age, her mother
households that have yet to respond to the Minneapolis Parks, and the Urban League Having served time behind bars for the
instilled in her the importance of engaging
2020 census. Richardson has helped train Twin Cities to assist residents. last two census counts, Darris shared his
in politics. She served as a block leader and
volunteers for canvassing. She has also Despite the educational efforts, Robbins view that the incarcerated are used to gain
her older sister was an election judge. “You
worked to correct misinformation about says some in the North Minneapolis resources. He says Minnesota needs to
have a voice and you should be heard,”
housing and immigration status that may community are still hesitant to cooperate rethink the way the incarcerated are counted.
Richardson’s mother would tell her.
have kept people from completing the out of fear of discrimination. “The problem isn’t whether or not they’ll be
Richardson has dedicated her time to
census. “I think that’s the biggest barrier,” counted. The problem is whether or not their
ensuring others take advantage of their
she said. being counted will go to the municipalities
right to vote and to include themselves in
An accurate census count is important “...now, more than ever, where they’re being incarcerated,” Darris
this year’s census count. For the past few
years, Richardson has been working locally
to census organizers because the count your voice needs to be said. Those serving time are counted as
determines future allocations of public residents of the municipality where their
with the Anika Foundation to advocate for
funding and proportional governmental heard.” prisons are located, not their last known
several civic causes including this year’s
representation. In the past, organizers say addresses in the free world.
census. Elizer Darris
the Northside has been undercounted, so “It artificially increases the size of their
Anika Robbins is the executive director
for the past year and a half. they’ve sought population,” he said of the often mostly
and founder of the Anika Foundation, a
to increase awareness about the census Some of the fear stems from President white, rural areas where prisons have been
nonprofit organization that focuses on
and why it is important. Donald Trump’s Secretary of Commerce constructed. That happens at the expense
Already facing an uphill battle, the global Wilbur Ross’ 2019 proposal that a of the more racially diverse metro areas
“People still don't really COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers citizenship question should be included where the imprisoned are often from.
to completely rethink their plans. A news in the census. The suggestion received Many census advocates point to the local
know what the census is.” cycle dominated by coronavirus updates widespread condemnation and pushback political impact of the last census. Darris
doesn’t leave much room for stories about from politicians and activists alike who believes that an accurate count of the
Anika Robbins
the census, and restrictions on events will pointed to the undocumented and Northside would have given residents a
make on the ground awareness building marginalized individuals in the United third city council representative rather than
and support difficult. States who could face persecution if their two seats that represent a large area. “That
civic engagement and is partnering with
A huge Northside door knocking effort status were to be revealed. Eventually the could be the difference between having
government officials to collect data and
was canceled on March 21, and organizers Trump administration walked the idea back, another city council member and not having
educate people about the census. Robbins
have taken to the internet to fill the gap. but the fear remained, said Robbins. one,” Darris said. “Now you have two
and Richardson are among a chorus of
Social media has been a critical tool, and “Our main concern has been showing council members representing a much wider
community organizers and city officials
fortunately, this is the first year in census people how the census matters to them territory.” The census data directly impacts
speaking out about the census.
history that the survey can be completed and their families and that the U.S. Census the democratic landscape for voters based
Alberder Gillespie is the 2020 census
online at 2020census.gov or over the phone Bureau has said that the census is safe and on the size of the population. It also has a
operations and outreach manager for the
with an operator. secure,” Robbins said. direct impact on some of those who have
City of Minneapolis. For over 20 years,
Gillespie says that the online and phone At the city level, Gillespie is searching for lost their right to vote.
Gillespie has been working in political
options for the census are even more crucial systemic ways to ensure an accurate count, Darris’s approach to organizing has
campaigns and government offices
now. Without census data, federal agencies especially in “undercounted communities” already shifted due to the coronavirus. He
engaging with the citizens on policy matters.
who respond to these crises are unable to like North Minneapolis. had to cancel a concert that was planned
Gillespie was appointed by the City Council
adequately assist the populations impacted “Federal money comes into our state and for the end of March designed to promote
and Mayor Jacob Frey to head the City’s
by an issue like the virus. Her team has is allocated based on census derived data,” the importance of the census. He says his
census efforts.
leaned into the digital approach to get the she said. Due to some undercounting in the team plans to do more literature drops than
Local officials like Gillespie work closely with
word out and even made a TikTok video. last census, Gillespie believes the Northside door knocks and may have a digital townhall
advocates such as Elizer Darris, an organizer
Despite beginning census organizing has lost out on many resources. An accurate take place in the coming weeks.
and founder of the Darris Consulting Group.
early, “people still don’t really know what count on the Northside could provide more Richardson says she remains undeterred in
Darris works at the American Civil Liberties
the census is, and we knew that they had funding for Head Start programs, small her advocacy despite the COVID-19-related
Union of Minnesota as an organizer for
to hear the message more than one time,” business loans and care services for the roadblocks. “I would hope that in the fact
their criminal justice efforts. He individually
said Robbins. Since late last year, Robbins elderly. Additionally, Gillespie says the that we’re facing a pandemic that more
contracts with county officials to help inform
and her team have distributed over 20,000 state of Minnesota was able to keep a people would like to participate. Because
residents in the state about the impact the
pieces of literature in several languages congressional seat by just over 8,000 people now more than ever your voice needs to be
census has on their lives.
including Somali, Spanish and Oromo. The during the last census count. This large heard,” she said.
Households are expected to have receivedNEWS NORTH NEWS 11
Polar's shot at another state championship win snatched by coronavirus
By David Snoddy North High get to win a state championship for the
seniors on the team,” said Jacob Butler.
All was going according to plan for the
Butler said that at first the team tried to
decorated North High Polars basketball
“stay in the gym” in case anything changed.
team until the coronavirus hit. They finished
“Now we can’t even do that because they
their last game of their 2019-2020 season
are closing the schools down,” he said.
against Minnehaha Academy on Feb. 17
Coach Larry McKenzie had high hopes
with an overall record of 19-8. They were
for the postseason. “Our team has really
undefeated in their conference, exceeding
grown up this season. …If we play the way
one of their early season goals of just
we are capable of we should have a good
reaching the conference championship.
chance of being state champions,” he said
They were ranked fifth in the Class 2A
before the tournament was canceled. He
standings.
described breaking the news to the team
Just as they were gearing up for another
as “heartbreaking.”
state championship run, the tournament
Now, reality has set in, but Butler says
was canceled because of the pandemic.
his team will be back next year. “We have
“I was kind of mad at first because I really
unfinished business,” he said. The 2019-20 North High Polars hoped to bring home another state championship win for the community. Photo
didn’t know how bad the virus was. I didn’t
courtesy of Larry McKenzie
The unfair effects of COVID-19
kind hearts have offered to send these
mothers money and whatever they need,
but the mothers refused. They simply
asked that people be more thoughtful
By Maliah Burns North High breath, and difficulty breathing. Recently let this one go. before going out and buying an entire
there have been victims reporting that they Soon to graduate high school senior, shelf of goods. In other areas of stores
“My birthday is ruined,” says Trayvionne
could feel their respiratory system being Eu’Nique Wren says “I already have my there have more commonly been no toilet
Mitchell. As just about everything closes
attacked. There have also been many prom dress, it can’t go to waste.” Young paper. Someone on CNN news said “Stop
down, so does his birthday spirit. Trayvionne
deaths caused by this worldwide virus. In adults have waited 12 years for prom and buying toilet paper, start thinking about
says he was waiting for his 17th birthday
order to reduce the chance of catching such graduation. To be told that there may not what really matters.” The rapid purchasing
and now he’s stuck at home on his big day.
a virus, safety tips have been posted by the be either event is heartbreaking. Being of toilet paper has sent the United States
Mitchell said he had plans with friends, but
World Health Organization and the Center a teenager at the time of such a panic is into a great controversy. Some believe that
since there’s a virus roaming the world he
for Disease Control. These tips state that unfair. Hopefully all teens suffering will buying toilet paper by the bulk is smart and
truly cannot do anything. Restaurants are
one should wash their hands frequently, find some form of redemption. As the others think, well, otherwise.
closed, and so are movie theaters, and even
avoid physical contact with others, cover coronavirus continues to sicken and take
shopping malls. Being a teenager at a time
nose and mouth the lives of many, day by day rumors
like this sucks.
with tissue when spread.
There is more
than one type of “Since schools have been coughing, and if On social media platforms there have been
sick stay home hundreds worried about martial law being
coronavirus. They shut down so close to the away from others. put into place. Some have even confirmed
live in animals.
Recently, they’ve end of the school year, Students have themselves with no evidence that the
somehow spread many may not have a been largely law will be put into place. Ignorance has Are you a North
affected by sent the world into a panic just as much
into humans Minneapolis resident
and infected the graduation or even a prom.” this pandemic. as the virus has. Children have received
world. Since the
Minnesota Schools anonymous text messages saying that whose life has changed
large spread of
closed on March they absolutely under no circumstances because of coronavirus?
17. Since schools have been shut down have to stay in their homes for 14 days.
the current coronavirus, COVID-19, many
so close to the end of the school year, The national shutdown text messages are We want to publish your
cities, states and countries have asked their
populations to quarantine. Government
many may not have a graduation or even rumors scaring many. Although rumors are story.
a prom. There have been volunteers over being called out, people are still panicking.
officials in the United States suggest that
unless it’s an emergency, people should
social media giving free photo shoots to Mothers of babies and children have gone Contact North News at
the suffering class of 2020. “I feel bad for viral on multiple social media platforms
stay in their homes until further notice. 651-245-2647 or kenzieo@
them” says Mitchell, but “I’m glad it isn’t crying out for help. Baby formula is being
The symptoms of COVID-19 can take up
me,” he proceeded to say. As the world bought out in bulk. So are Pampers and pillsburyunited.org
to about 14 days to appear. Symptoms
waits for updates, the class of 2020 won’t wipes. Those with educated minds and
vary from fevers, coughs, shortness of12 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NEWS
Subscribe to home delivery today! Controversial, close-to-final
$30 for Northside residents | $50 for non-Northside residents plan for neighborhood funding
is open for public comment
Email kenzieo@pillsburyunited.org or visit www.mynorthnews.org.
By Kenzie O'Keefe Editor
On paper, it looks like funding for some North Minneapolis
neighborhood organizations will drop dramatically and others
will increase marginally by 2023.
The city’s new Neighborhoods 2020 plan puts forth four new
paths for neighborhood organizations to receive city money
at funding levels set by a previous source, the Community
Participation Program. The CPP will wind down this year.
Beginning in 2021, the plan proposes reducing base funding
for the independent nonprofits from $25K to $10K by 2023.
The pool of base funding is being called the “Citywide
Neighborhood Network Fund.”
Less base funding is necessary in order to enhance racial
equity in the city without increasing the $4.1 million overall
budget for neighborhood organizations, according to city
officials and the U of M’s Center for Urban and Regional
Affairs (CURA), which has been contracted to assist with the
process.
Last year, the city council directed their neighborhood and
community relations department (NCR) and CURA to come
up with a new structure for neighborhood engagement and
funding for neighborhood organizations that prioritizes
equity and an unchanged budget. The council also required
25% of Neighborhoods 2020 funding to be earmarked for
partnerships with community-based organizations "to
broaden the participation and improve outcomes for BIPOC
and renters in the city in the context of neighborhood level
work," said CURA's C. Terrence Anderson.
Many of the city’s 70 neighborhood organizations see the
funding drop as a threat to their survival.
Victoria Balko has been the executive director of Victory
Neighborhood since November 2019. Victory, along with
Cleveland and Shingle Creek, stand to see the largest
reductions in funding on the Northside. “It’s a drastic shift,
what they’re talking about. Our board is trying to take in what
this all means,” she said. “I’m worried for the future of the
organization.”
The Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association (SCNA) will
see a drop from $48,166 in funding to $12,830 by 2023.
“Our board is made up of volunteers who lead full lives and
have other work and family commitments. We have–and
need–a paid part time staff to handle administrative work,
as well as, leasing office space to house the association's
business. The proposed base funding for neighborhood
associations will not cover this expense,” wrote the SCNA in
a prepared statement emailed to North News on March 13.
NCR Director David Rubedor is sympathetic to concerns but
says his department is in tricky position. “There’s not enough
www.gaf.com money here to fully fund everybody. It’s just not going to
happen,” he said.
“The amount allocated to the overall program was decidedNEWS NORTH NEWS 13
by the city council and the city council are grant funds, up to $150,000 per project, Funding for Northside neighborhood organizations:
the only folks that can change that,” said to neighborhood organization and CBO
Anderson. groups who submit project ideas together.
Neighborhood 2017-20 2021 2022 2023 and on
In addition to base funding, the Arthur Himmelman, who attended
Neighborhoods 2020 plan outlines a public informational meeting about Cleveland $47,916 $28,357 $23,893 $19,652
three additional funding sources the draft plan at UROC on March 9, is Folwell $78,196 $58,490 $55,960 $54,459
neighborhoods will be able to access. skeptical of this piece. “You’ve created
The “Equitable Engagement Fund” will a competitive grant program for Harrison $54,603 $49,629 $46,530 $44,223
support the engagement of “historically neighborhoods to work together,” he said. Hawthorne $75,356 $70,007 $68,216 $67,762
underrepresented or under-engaged Lastly, the “Collaboration and
residents meaningfully and effectively in Shared Resources Fund” encourages
Jordan $101,513 $96,281 $96,176 $98,111
decision making at the local level.” Those neighborhood organizations to Lind Bohanon $61,903 $66,030 $63,984 $63,168
residents include black, indigenous, and consolidate and share resources by
McKinley $54,910 $61,220 $58,865 $57,612
other people of color along with renters, offering three years of funding at $15K
low income people, the elderly, folks with for two neighborhoods who want to join Shingle Creek $48,166 $22,450 $17,607 $12,830
disabilities, and others the city says it forces and $20K for three to do so. Sumner-Glenwood $32,553 $45,074 $41,683 $38,962
hopes to collaboratively identify with As of March 24, NCR staff said that the
neighborhoods. Neighborhoods 2020 project timeline had Victory $43,736 $27,981 $23,493 $19,219
Anderson says that for neighborhoods not changed due to the coronavirus. A Willard Hay $90,833 $87,269 $86,586 $87,701
already doing this work: “it’s not going public meeting about the plan will be held
Near North $85,806 $95,102 $94,921 $96,748
to be a big change for them.” For those via Skype in April 2. The city will send out
who are not, “this is the carrot for them” notifications through its gov delivery, Webber-Camden $71,593 $78,130 $76,860 $77,145
to begin doing it. email, social media, and will have
The “Partnership Engagement Fund” information posted atminneapolismn. Funds after 2020 do not include dollars that could be earned through the
incentivizes neighborhood organizations gov/ncr. partnership engagement fund and the collaboration and shared resources fund.
to collaborate with community-based The city will accept public comments on
organizations by offering competitive the proposal until midnight on April 17.
Upper Harbor
Learn more about the current phase of the Tuesday and Friday, at 10am and 2pm.
project and opportunities to give your feedback.
upperharbormpls.com14 NORTH NEWS March 27, 2020
NEWS
Remembering the Young brothers' barbershops and that feeling of home
nicknamed Chubby. He graduated from White was barbering in his basement when
barber school in 1947 and his brothers soon he was 12 and not long after graduating
followed. high school, he earned a barber’s license.
The North Minneapolis shop was called He would return to the Young Brothers
Young Brothers but at various times had for another haircut, but instead of a logo,
different names, like Chubby’s or Charlie he requested something more in their
Brown’s. The shop moved around North wheelhouse: the Quo Vadis, a close-cut
a few times, displaced by development style worn by Presiden Barack Obama
projects in the name of urban renewal. As fate would have it, White went into
Under the name Young Brothers, Sylvester business with his brother-in-law, David
Young moved his shop to its final location Johnson, in starting a barbershop on the
Plymouth Ave. N, across from Plymouth Satin Doll side, which had closed in 1991.
Avenue Townhomes in the 1970s.. Next door, Chubby remained to cut the hair
The building was home to two businesses, of longtime customers.
the barbershop and a woman’s salon called When business was slow, White would
Satin Doll, run by their wives, who were stop by to chat with the eldest Young
sisters. brother. Chubby was there until 1996 or
In a 1997 interview with the Minnesota 1997.
Historical Society, Pauline Young, Sylvester’s Pauline Young donated more than 200
wife, set the record straight on shop tittle- artifacts to The Minnesota Historical Society
tattle. from the two shops, including combs,
“I think the men’s shop was a lot more clippers, straight razors, a lather machine,
[gossipy] than the women,” she said. “I vacuum, t-pins, curlers and a large hair
could sit back in the office and hear what dryer that may be used in future exhibits.
was going on. The women just didn’t do like “Our collection that holds significance to
the men do. The men would be over there African Americans, that documents African
and you could just hear everything they American history is very small,” said Hannah
were saying. They say men don’t gossip, Novillo Erickson, a 3D objects associate
but they are the biggest gossipers in the curator for the Historical Society. “This is
barbershop.” a huge part of our collection. Bringing this
Sylvester Young, nicknamed Chubby, stands outside his North Minneapolis barbershop in an undated photo. In the days before social media, in documents entrepreneurship, but also a
Young, one of six brothers who were all barbers, operated shops in four locations in North Minneapolis from barbershops and salons were places family, but also how they were affected by
the 1950s through the 1990s. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society where people talked politics, sports, about urban renewal. This is a relatable story to a
neighbors and share news from family lot of people in Minnesota.”
This is the first story in an occasional series that reflects on the history of North
events. “I remember thinking these guys were
Minneapolis and the people and events that make it special today.
The shops were busy on Thursdays and pillars, they were regal,” White said. “They
Fridays so that people could have fresh cuts were just so precise.
By David Pierini Staff Reporter how this was going to go,” said White
and styles for the weekend. “I remember him reiterating all the time to
Bad haircuts are memorable. Houston during a break inside his own barbershop
“I remember waiting in line,” White said. respect the craft and honor the tradition.
White’s worst haircut as a kid in the 1980s on 44th Ave. N. “It felt like a museum, like
“They didn’t take appointments so it would This is why he stayed so long. He might
may have also been one of his best because time stood still. I’ll never forget it. For black
be packed wall to wall. A lot of working have cut one or two heads a day, but he just
of what the barber eventually taught him kids, a haircut is everything and that was
guys would be there talking, reading the loved being in the barbershop.”
about the craft. one of the worst experiences of my life.”
paper or moms bringing in their kids. It was
White wanted a logo shaved in the side of White knew there was something special
communal, it was all about the conversation
his head. He instantly knew he was in the about the shop, even though the design in
about whatever the hell was going on. I
wrong place when he stepped inside Young his hair didn’t look like what he had hoped.
hate a lot of barbershops today because
Brother’s barber shop on Plymouth Ave. N. The Young brothers were barbering
everybody is just sitting there on their
Inside were two older men, brothers, royalty from the early 1950s to the 1990s
phones, nobody is interacting.”
in pressed white smocks. Light caught who treated their customers like kings.
The barbershop “is so much deeper than
particles of talc suspended in the air as one There were six Young brothers across
cutting hair,” he said. “It’s like coming home.
barber brushed away cut hairs that had three barbershops: two brothers in North
Guys can be themselves in ways maybe
landed on the neck of his customer. The Minneapolis, two at another shop on the
they can’t in environments run by white
other had a way of removing the cape with south side of the city, and two in St. Paul’s
folks. When you go to the barbershop, it’s The Minnesota Historical Society has more than
a little snap as men with fresh shaves and Rondo neighborhood.
like a club, a space where you can just be 200 artifacts from the Young Brothers barber shops,
cuts exited the chair. Older Northsiders likely remember Fred and including this set of squeeze clippers. Photo by
masculine for an hour.”
“When I saw these old guys, I wondered Sylvester, the oldest brother affectionately David PieriniYou can also read
