Category: In This Together

Little Mogadishu

Cedar-Riverside, the most diverse neighborhood in Minneapolis, is a four minute walk from our home. One hundred years ago, Cedar-Riverside was home to Scandinavians, Germans, and Bohemians (today’s Czech Republic). During the last 30 years a large number of Somalis, escaping civil war and refugee camps, have moved here to what has been called Little…… Continue reading Little Mogadishu

Rebuilding

Cycled through an area where the community is lifting itself up from the destruction during the riots in May.

Should I Open This Envelope?

An envelope, addressed by hand, was waiting for me in our mail box today. Judging by the return address, it contained Covid-19 antibody test results from a clinical lab affiliated with the University of Minnesota. I found myself wondering if I should even open the envelope. I try to be disciplined about this kind of…… Continue reading Should I Open This Envelope?

Categorized as Covid-19

Spiral For Justice

Cycled to black history points of interest in St. Paul I’d plotted on a map. The 46 elements of Spiral For Justice represent the 46 years of Roy Wilkins’ leadership of the NAACP. The walls depict efforts to impede progress to racial justice

Frogtown Park and Farm

On a cycle ride, discovered Frogtown Park and Farm. Opened in 2015 in a St. Paul low-income neighborhood, it includes extensive native plantings and one of the largest urban farms in the country. The small buildings include food preparation facilities and a wood-fired pizza oven.

Out of Sight…

In early May, I rode my bicycle past a scene that’s etched in my memory. At that time, George Floyd was alive, but Covid-19 was already disproportionately affecting the poor and people of color. The scene was something I had never seen before: a line of people carrying possessions, appropriately socially distanced, waiting outside a…… Continue reading Out of Sight…