SEEN: A path to healing
I recently attended the opening for an art exhibit at the Weisman featuring work by currently incarcerated artists in the Twin Cities. Each piece was a collaboration between those on the “inside” and those on the “outside.” The teams worked through issues of isolation and trauma and connected with their families and community in order to bring healing to the cycle of harm. I encourage everyone to check out this very moving exhibit.
Convention: May 31st
Thanks to the hard work of the DFL volunteers, delegates and alternates for the May 31st DFL Endorsing Convention should receive postcards soon letting you know that you are on their lists. If you participated in caucus night and signed up as a delegate or alternate, please keep your schedule clear on May 31st! If you believe you signed up but do not hear from the DFL soon, please reach out to us quickly and we can check on your status.
My team and I have been calling and door knocking delegates this month. Thank you to everyone who has answered our calls, responded to texts, and answered your doors. If you are a Lydia delegate or alternate who has not yet heard from us, I promise we are getting to you but please do reach out with any questions or concerns.
Things to keep in mind:
- The convention registration starts at 11am and the convention begins at noon at Ella Baker School, 1200 W 26th St
- Plan on a long day. Yes, convention day can be tedious and the weather usually happens to be the most beautiful day of the year but staying until the convention ends is an important way you strengthen local democracy.
- If you have childcare needs or other ways we can help, please get in touch.
- If you are an alternate, BE THERE AND BE ON TIME. It is likely you will be seated.
- Bring a phone charger, something to pass the time, and any medication you may need over the course of the day.
We will have food and drinks in our hospitality room. If you have something you particularly love to keep you fueled and hydrated, let us know! If you want to bring something to share with others, we would really appreciate that. Reach out to the team at campaign@lydiamillardward10.com
No matter how tense things may get stay calm, stay patient, stay smiling.
Volunteer Highlight
Oluwaseun (Shay) Sule
Campaining is a team effort! I am so grateful for all my staff and volunteers behind the schenes who make things happen. To start off my Volunteer Highlight series, I’ve handed this section over to Shay, a high school intern with bright future.
“I’m an 18-year-old who just earned by associate’s degree in political science and will be getting my high school diploma in a few weeks. This fall, I’, headed to UW-Madison to finish my bachelor’s degree and hopefully go on to law school.
I joined the Lydia Millard campaign because she’s real. She doesn’t just talk the talk, she actually lives it. From day one, I felt so welcomed by her. She’s genuine, honest, and deeply rooted in her community. Her passion, integrity, and commitment to people are what inspired me to join. I am proud to be part of this team.”
Teen Shot and Killed in Whittier
Early in the morning of May 13, a teen was shot and killed while driving his car through Whittier. It is believed that some kind of altercation took place before the shooting. Police found him lying next to his car, and although they provided aid, he could not be saved. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and I hope they receive the answers they deserve as to who did this and why.
Read More: Star Tribune Article About The Shooting
This killing underscores the fact that Whittier, the largest neighborhood in Ward 10, now leads the city in gun violence. There are many nuances and factors that lead to these tragic circumstances, including a need for our ward to have more resources for youth — more positive and healthy activities and places to spend their time. Youth support and mentorship is one of my primary goals as your next City Council Member.
It is time for our ward leadership to be honest about what so many in our community are living through and find ways to build productive relationships with all the stakeholders and partners in addressing this problem, including law enforcement.
