Black Entrepreneur Day
It was pure joy to participate in Black Entrepreneur Day at the state capitol last Monday. So much gratitude goes out to entrepreneur and organizer Sheletta Brundidge for overcoming many unforeseen obstacles to get this event launched, including returning $10,000 at the last minute in sponsorship money from Amazon after they announced ending their DEI programming. Her spirit and strength reflect what it means to be a Black entrepreneur — we rise, no matter the adversity.
Women Deserve
Protection and Justice
Last Monday evening I attended the Community Commission on Police Oversight and heard the anguished calls for justice from Allison Lussier’s loved ones and from community members and advocates. Allison had asked for help from a violent relationship; last February she was found dead. The case brings to light the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and the right all women have to be safe. Women deserve for our concerns and our welfare to be taken seriously. As your Councilmember I will always push for the right of women to live safely in our neighborhoods — whether that violence comes from intimate partners or from strangers on the street.
Kare 11 Coverage
Women deserve for our concerns and our welfare to be taken seriously. As your Councilmember I will always push for the right of women to live safely in our neighborhoods — whether that violence comes from intimate partners or from strangers on the street.
Of note: at this meeting, I also monitored updates on the implementation of the community engagement as well as the policy portions of the consent decree with the federal Justice Department that requires significant transformation of the Minneapolis Police Department to ensure that our policing reflects our community values.
Small Business Highlight
Lake & Bryant Cafe: West 821 Lake St
The team and I enjoyed a weekly meet-up at Lake & Bryant Cafe. There’s no better place to feel warm and cozy on a cold day, and the global menu is as diverse as our wonderful Ward 10 community. The matcha muffins and tofu bahn mi were a big hit!
Community Connections Conference:
This past Saturday I participated in the day-long Community Connections Conference. It was good to see a lot of familiar faces and to continue building partnerships among our neighborhood organizations. One key outcome was a plan for sharing resources more effectively, particularly around community events.
Another notable inclusion this year was a group of UMN students working on their capstone project. They sought input on the following question: How can the city do better with our neighborhood organization system? Please send your thoughts on this question to the campaign! I’d love to hear your experience of what does and doesn’t work with neighborhood organizations, and your vision for the future. Send your thoughts to campaign@lydiamillardward10.com
