City Council - Regular Meeting

And as you know, for the black national anthem, we do stand. And so I would ask you to do so. I also want you to know that I sing the whole song in honor of the prophecy that is in the words of this song. And it's a song that I want to encourage you to learn and to teach your young people to know. The powerful words that echo into time are in this song. And so as we join together in one accord, I want to ask you to imagine to imagine something greater than ourselves as I sing. Lift every voice and sing till earth in heaven ring and let it ring with a harmonies of liberty. Let our rejoiceing rise high as a listening skies and let it resound loud as a rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the

dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day began. Let us mar join till victory is well. Listen stony the road we tried and bitter that chasting rod felt in the days when hope unborn has died. Yet with a steady beat, have not our weery feet come to a place for which our father sight. For we have come over a way that with tears has been watered. And we have come dreading our path through the blood of the flood. Round from the gloomy path. Still now we stand at last where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. You're the God of our God of our weery years. You're the God of our silent.

Yes.

Thou who has brought us far on the way. Thou who has by thine might led us into the light keep us forever in your path we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places our God where we met thee. Let our hearts drunk with the wine of this world. We forget thee. We're shadowed beneath thine hand. And may we forever stand. True to our God and true to our native land. Our native land. To God be the glory. Ja better. God bless you. Thank you so much, Ja. Next speaking, um I would like to introduce uh MN executive sponsor Commissioner Todrick Barnett.

Wow. Uh good morning. you know the uh when I was asked to speak this morning I told him it didn't make a difference uh what order we went in and I have to go after that wonderful beautiful song and voice and passion. So uh in I stand here today in this gathering for the Minneapolis Black Employee Network breakfast uh and kicking off Black History Month. I want to just remind you that there's several events going on this month and I know people are busy, but any events that you can attend, we really would appreciate that. This year's theme is powerful and timely in light of all that's going on. Um the theme is a century of black history commemorations, honoring our history, uplifting our legacy, and continuing the celebration. We're not we're not just looking back at the past hundred years. We're here to acknowledge that our history is living breathing foundation for the future that we're building right now within the city halls and across neighborhoods. I want to take a moment uh to acknowledge the vital presence of those champions who've worked in every corner of the city. First, I'll just start by acknowledging all of our city council members that are here. Um, I want to thank them for their leadership because they're not just here in spirit, but they show up in person uh every day for our residents. To the MB, to the NBEN planning team, the council member staff, city clerk's office, and to the public service uh

office that helped bring this event forward. A big thank you to them as well. I want to acknowledge all of our community members that are here. Uh I see Nika here. Um and I just want to say thank you for showing up. All of our community members, thank you for your partnership. Thank you for uh making us accountable. You drive us as public servants to be here for everyone. Thank you for the food. You're welcome.

You know, in light of the climate that we in, you know, community has really shown up in a big way. You put your lives on the line for your neighbors, for your friends, for your family members in this unprecedented time. You are an example of courage and dedication and commitment. Most of you know that Chief Tiner retired at the end of December. Uh I don't see him here, but I want to thank him for his leadership, his mentorship, and his advocacy for black employees. I'll close by saying uh you know this is a century of commemorations remembering black history is not just in a month. It's an enduring legacy of resilience. We honor the giants whose shoulders we stand on. We uplift the legacy by mentoring the next generation of city leaders. And we continue to celebrate by finding joy in the work that we do. and each other. Thank you. Thank you so much, Commissioner Barnett. Um, next we will do the reading of the resolution. So, I will invite Council President Kaine, Council Member Wanssley, Council Member Vita, and Council Member Warren, and Council Member Whiting up. Do you

share it or do you want your Do you want your own or do you want me? Whatever. These are all the resolutions.

Morning everyone. My name is Elliot P. I'm the president of city council. Uh honor to be here. We are here under we're normally here in celebration and we certainly need to celebrate today but we also recognize that the the moment we're under is one of great sorrow sorrow and burden. Um but I think that's what Black History Month is about is folks understanding the stakes of the life that we live and persevering through it. So, I'll just jump right into our resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. Whereas since 1926 and the creation of the of Negro History Week by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the accomplishments of persons of African descent have been recognized each February. And whereas Black History Month acknowledges and honors numerous past and present educ educators, scientists, activists, pioneers, leaders, artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and elders with special ceremonies and activities. And

whereas the city of Minneapolis acknowledges the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic racism, discrimination, and inequity faced by black communities, including disparities in housing, education, health, employment, and the criminal legal system. And whereas on February 5th, 2026, the Minneapolis Black Employees Network will proudly celebrate its 9th year anniversary, celebrating Black History Month with the theme, a century of black history, commemorations, honoring our history, uplifting our legacy, and continuing the celebration. And whereas Where'd you go?

Whereas the city of Minneapolis celebrates black employees both past and present who have contributed immeasurable value to the success of the city and public through a multitude of ways through service and programming. And whereas black history includes members of the African-American daspora leading local and national global movements of resistance against state sanctioned violence for decades and and whereas black history has illustrated that resistance has no singular meaning and its forms include civil disobedience. activism, community building, art, self-care, and joy. And whereas the city of Minneapolis recognizes that honoring black history is not limited to one month, but is an ongoing responsibility that requires intentional action, meaningful engagement, and sustained investment in black communities. And

whereas Minneapolis residents have and continue to create new chapters within black history because of their excellence in organizing and advancing globalwide achievements in arts, culture, media, technology, education, and whereas the city of Minneapolis recognizes that honoring black history and the contributions of black Americans is not limited to one month, but is an ongoing responsibility that requires requires intentional action, meaningful engagement, and sustained investment in black communities. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the mayor and the city council do hereby commemorate the achievements of black Americans and history makers and legacy trailblazers and their role in the development of the region and the nation since its inception. And we join in recognizing the annual celebration of Black History Month and the anniversary of the Minneapolis Black Employee Network. too. Next, we will also honor specific individuals um and hand them individual copies of the resolution. Um we will say your name and go in the order of our wards. Um and when you hear your name, please join us up here. Um and we'll take a group photo. Um and then afterwards, council members can share some brief comments and then we have to go upstairs and go to work. So again, thank you all for joining us. We'll start off with council president's ward board ward one.

Uh is is uh Tony Frasier here today? All right. We'll save we'll save Tony's uh resolution when she's here. Awesome. Go ahead. Thank you.

I am going to ask Marsha Howard, our MF president, to join us. Next, I invite up Britt How is the president of BF-150. Next, know him as Comrade Trip, one of the most phenomenal comedians in our communities. Comrade Our fitness diva Val quarantine. Come on kid and one of our most esteemed civil rights leader Nikima Levy Armstrong. Next, I invite up Melvin Tennet, who oversees our hospitality organization, Meet Minneapolis, Malikica Deir, who oversees and is the executive director of Rise. Next up, executive director of the New Justice Project, Rod Adams. Also, our phenomenal leader over at Shiloh Bishop uh Temple. I will have Miss Jalila Brown, Abdul Brown, join us.

And then I invite up Miss Marquita Stevens who's the president of the Twin Cities Urban League if she's here.

Okay. So I will hand these here. Unless we stand like a quiet. Yes. Here you go. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you, sis. Thank you. Thank you. And then Miss Thomas, you didn't get yours. So, if we can go down for a photo as well on the steps.

Yes. You're you're a special guest. Which one is this? I will never have another opportunity to show y'all.

Are we doing a video? back mystery mind.

Yeah. Thank you. Yeah, I'm like I didn't put my name in, but they're not going to get they're not connected.

I just I just would like uh to invite a few people up. I didn't get my names in on time and so I'm sorry that we won't have the resolution for you today. Uh but we will get it to you uh when we uh print them off. Uh first, I'd like to invite up uh director uh of our of uh community engagement and civil rights, Kevin Carlile, if you come up, please. Thank you for your for your work. Perfect. Uh as well as is our director uh Amanda Harrington of neighborhood safety as well. So thank you. And then I think I'm trying to see uh wherever at commissioner uh of community safety director uh or I guess commissioner Todrick Barnett. So yeah. Yeah. Come on up. Come on up. Perfect. Thank you.

All right. Perfect. I think

we're going this way

for your picture. I'm like, where am I looking? Good morning, beautiful people. Make some noise for yourselves. For we have all contributed to the greatness in black history.

That part, right? I love you all. My name is Pearl Warren and I am Ward Five's new elected council member.

Y North Side. Good morning everyone. My name is Latricia Beall and I am the Minneapolis city council member for Ward 4, the ward where Nikima lives. Yeah. Yeah. Ward 4 is full of star power. Um so Council Member Warren and I are going to do it a little different because we are northsiders and we know when we go to the grocery store IF WE DON'T DO IT A CERTAIN WAY that's it for us. Okay. So go ahead, council members. Am I going to do my No. Okay. Just stop. Not the name of your people.

Okay. I would like to at this time recognize Carmea McGlory who has dedicated her entire career to various grassroots organization Minnesota's association of black social workers Iota famed sorority educators and excellence. Phyllis Wheatley Wellspring Second Chance Center. She is an independent licensed clinical and social worker at for North Point Center for Health and Wellness. All right. And I want to recognize John Baker, founder of Be the Change Minnesota. John is the founder of Be the Change Minnesota, an organization dedicated to uplifting youth focused on grassroots nonprofit while building meaningful partnerships between corporations and community. His work strengthens the ecosystem of support for young people and ensures resources resources reach those closest to the work in need. I will say this, I had to force him to come here. He hates recognition. And when I saw him here this morning, I was so grateful to God that he made it here this morning. Thank you, John. I would like to also recognize Miss Kimberly Jones. Her work in North Minneapolis is rooted in education, artistry, and community care. As a teacher, playwright, and director, she has created meaningful opportunities for youth to express themselves through theater and storytelling.

All right. And the next person, I don't know if he's here, but we all know him. Walter Cubar Banks. All right. The the legendary KOJ DJ. For nearly five decades, Walter Cubberry Banks has been the heartbeat of KMOJ, using his platform to amplify black culture, music, and community voices since 1976. That's the year I was born. Me too. Me too. Me too. Me too.

He has informed, entertained, and connected generations while consistently showing up for the community with resources, joy, and authenticity. I would like to also at this time recognize Reverend William Pierce, the founder and CEO of Second Chance Outreach, a Twin Cities based nonprofit that focuses on community development, closing financial and health care disparities and gaps, mentoring young people, African-American males, and ministering to the incarcerated.

Yeah. Our next person is Adair Mosley, CEO of the Groundbreak Coalition. Adair Mosley leads the Groundbreak Coalition with a bold vision for racial equity and economic justice, mobilizing more than $36 million to date. His work helps families secure home ownership, entrepreneurs grow business, and developers build vibrant neighborhoods rooted in shared prosperity. I would also like to recognize a mother's love initiative. A mother's love initiative strengthens families and community through hands-on boots on the ground outreach rooted in care and connection. Their Ward 4 safe house provides vital space where people can access resources, share meals, build relationships, and find rest and restoration. Yay. Our next person is Markella Smith. Markella works with youth and is a spoken word artist. Markella uses spoken word and creative expression to uplift youth voices and tell powerful stories rooted in lived experience. Through her artistry, she inspires young people to embrace their truth, build confidence, and use their voices in tools for change.

Next, I would like to recognize Coach Tate, Northside Bulldogs. Coach Tate has been a dedicated mentor and leader through his work with the North Side Bulldogs using sports as a pathway to discipline, teamwork, and self-belief. His com his commitment to youth development extends far beyond the fields, shaping future leaders and strengthening community. Thank you. A southsider made it on our list.

There we go. former council member Andrea Jenkins. Uh Andrea Jenkins is a trailblazing public servant whose leadership has shaped policy, culture, and equity in Minneapolis. As a nationally recognized leader, poet, and advocate, she continues to champion racial justice, LGBTQ plus inclusion, and community centered governance. Yeah.

Next, we would like to recognize Kevin West of the Capri Theater. Kevin West has been instrumental in revitalizing his sto the history at the Capri Theater as a hub for arts and culture and community connection. Through his leadership, the Capri continues to celebrate black creativity while serving as a space for dialogue, performance, and collective healing. Our next person is Sandre Samuels of North Side Achievement Zone,

better known as NAS. Sandre Samuels is the visionary founder of North Side Achievement Zone, a nationally recognized model for cradle to career success. Her work has transformed systems to support black children and families, ensuring access to education, opportunity, and long-term stability. Next, we would like to recognize Nini Holly, the founder of She Cares, leads with compassion and action to support women and families facing crisis. Her organization provides essential resources, advocacy, healing, centered supports, and empowers community members to move forward with dignity and strength. Our next person is Sharon Smith Aken Sana. Yeah, Sharon of the Ray McKenzie Group. Our next our our next honore is Sharon. Sharon is a the CEO and an Emmy nominated and award-winning multicultural marketing and communications f of the communications firm the Ray McKenzie Group. Sharon is best known as the founder of the people of color career fair. This regional asset attracts and retains world-class talent to Minnesota. Sharon launched the career fair in October of 2016 at the Minneapolis Convention Center because she saw the need for professionals of color to have a trusted way to build relationships with Minnesota employees and to lead to a career change opportunity. This matters to our local economy because industries that keep Minnesota humming like healthcare, IT and engineering, digital and tech, and financial services, just to name a few, depend on a strong talent pipeline. And those pipelines are being built at the People of Color Career Fair. I've been there myself and witnessed it. In fact,

the 16th career fair is coming up this April, and you're all invited. Thank you, Sharon, for creating the space for so many professionals of color to count on to make sure they get the connections they need to build to advance their careers. Thank you. We are so proud to recognize you and all of you today. Thank you. And then we see that Q BEAR HAS JOINED US. Q Bear, you missed it. It was a whole parade for you. Everything you and and Dr. Marquita Stevens, CEO of the our Urban League, Twin Cities. We missed you. You missed the parade, too. We was ready. We We had it all laid out. And then we got one more person that we need to work for. We know you came up here already. Dr. Nikim Levy Armstrong, but we asking you to come back up again.

Thank you so much. Dr. Nimvi Armstrong is an American lawyer and social justice hero and activist. She was the NAAC president from 2015 to 2016. She has led a variety of organizations and movements. If you all haven't seen her in the last two weeks, I don't know where you've been. Right. Thank you so much for your many contributions. Dr. Nima Levy Armstrong, we appreciate you greatly. We appreciate the fight you put up for us. Thank you for being here. Thank you.