When the Minneapolis Police Department started to arrest people allegedly involved with a rash of carjackings and auto thefts, their ages splashed across headlines – they were mostly teenagers. What was happening in these young people’s lives that they were choosing criminal behavior?
I recently talked with a community-based youth and family director who works directly with students and young adults that have a history of criminal behavior. To him, it’s all about relationship building and getting the children on a better track through culturally relevant work.
There is a public hearing on the City's proposed redistricting maps at 7 p.m. This will be the second to last public hearing on the maps before they're finalized. After every US Census, the Minneapolis Charter Commission updates boundaries of the City’s 13 wards and six park districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps and they need your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard. Here is the proposed ward redistricting map and proposed park district map. We'll have more coverage of the proposed changes later this week.
Melissa Whitler followed the Minneapolis Public Schools board meeting last night and will have an article about it up this week. Board members discussed whether the district's new strategic plan specifically addresses the needs of English learners, Black students, special education students, and homeless and highly mobile students. The board ultimately approved the new strategic plan. They also approved a three-year school calendar that adds two mid-year professional development days and significant holidays that are more inclusive of students' religions.
LINK ROUNDUP 🔗
Students around the state walked out of school yesterday to demand justice for Amir Locke. Students specifically demanded the banning of all no-knock warrants, an overhaul and demilitarization of the Minneapolis Police Department, and a full review of MPD and SWAT practices. In St. Paul, students gathered at Central High School and marched to the Governor's Mansion. Local photojournalist Nicole Neri visually captured the walk-out and march, which was organized by Minnesota Teen Activists.
Amir Locke's cousin was arrested in Winona yesterday in connection with with a January homicide that triggered the no-knock warrant that led to a police officer killing Locke.
The Minneapolis Planning Commission met on Monday. The commission approved a retail space at 6101 Nicollet Ave. S for a new retail and production operation called For They Skincare and Wellness. Minneapolis City Council Member Michael Rainville and MPS School Board member Josh Pauly were welcomed as new commissioners. (Minneapolis Documenters)
COMMUNITY ACTION 💪
Have you dreamed of being a train or trolley conductor? Your dream is about to come true. The Minnesota Streetcar Museum is looking for volunteers to operate and staff the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line that runs around the edge of Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska. Volunteers also restore and maintain the streetcars, buildings, grounds, overhead wire, and track. 🚎
Afghan refugees, recently relocated to Minnesota, are in need of baby strollers (new or gently used). If you have one gathering dust in your basement or garage, consider dropping it off at the front desk of the Holiday Inn Express in Bloomington (7770 Johnson Ave.).
OUT & ABOUT 🛵
It's Black History Month and there are many ways to honor and learn about Black history, art, and culture here in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery recently debuted a new exhibit on early African Americans of Southeast Minnesota, curated by the organization's history fellow, Mica Anders. Admission to the museum and gallery is free.
