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Articles by Azhae’la Hanson
North High set to exceed state standards in graduation rates
In 2023, North High School’s graduation rate was 68%, more than 20 points below the state average. Within two years, North High had sharply narrowed the gap. As of April 2025, its graduation rate had risen to 81%, just 4 percentage points below the state average. If that progress continues, the school could soon exceed the state average.
A North High beacon became a Northside lifeline during Metro Surge
A mother had laid out dinner for her family, expecting her son and husband to enter the home shortly from work. As time passed, she realized that her biggest fear may have come true. They were not coming home. The phone rang. It was her son, Jairo Pitalasig, confirming that he and his father were detained by ICE and separated. Not knowing what to do, she called Gabby Benavente Hobart, an associate educator at her son’s school, North High.
ICE arrested North High student at work
This story was originally published by North News, a community news source and youth journalism training program based in north Minneapolis. Subscribe to their print magazine or sign up for their newsletter here. Jairo Pitalasig’s shoulders carried a heavy load. He worked a full-time construction job while finishing his senior year at North High School, providing a crucial paycheck to his family as they sought asylum from Ecuador, and helped take care of his dad, who was in remission from cancer.
McDonald’s security guard stands up to ICE ‘10 toes down’
This story was originally published by North News, a community news source and youth journalism training program based in north Minneapolis. Subscribe to their print magazine or sign up for their newsletter here. When two masked ICE agents entered the McDonald’s restaurant on West Broadway Avenue in search of a suspect, they saw Red. The Red in their eyes was Red Wooten, a security guard and Northsider, who greeted the two agents at the front door and blocked them from going behind the counter.
Northside’s Bdot brings Lynx fans to their feet
While fans of the Minnesota Lynx anticipate another strong run to the WNBA finals this season, Northsiders have another reason to tune in. One of their own has joined the team. Brynne Crockett, known affectionately as Bdot, is the new in-arena host for the Lynx. Better put, she is the MC of energy and fan experience.
North News, Author at Sahan Journal
When plunged into the pool, it can be dribbled like any other regular basketball, slightly heavier, so athletes have resistance to improve their dribbling speed.
612 Project builds basketball players and people — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter Marshaan Johnson wasn’t the star basketball player in high school. Still, basketball changed his life. Today, he’s paying it forward with a new program at the V3 Center to offer free basketball training to local youth ages 12-14. The longtime Northsider and former Polar player and coach created Project 612 to give back to a neighborhood that was instrumental in his sports career.
John Jamison finds artistic alchemy in stage journey — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter For as long as he can remember, John Jamison II has described himself as impressionable, taking in the world around him with childlike wonder. “When I was a kid, I would watch Tarzan, and then I’d go home and swing from the chandelier,” he laughed. Today, Jamison is a multi-disciplined artist who regularly books acting and singing gigs at venues like the Dakota Jazz Club and the Children's Theatre Company.
Northsider becomes a member of Whoville in Children's Theatre Play — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter When 13-year-old Cortlan Gosa was first encouraged to audition for the Children's Theatre Company production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, he didn’t know exactly what to expect. It was his first time acting, and like many kids, the thought of performing in front of an audience felt intimidating. But his natural enthusiasm and his family’s support helped him transform that nervous energy into a standout performance. “I was nervous at first,” Gosa said.
Capri Theater braces itself for light rail construction — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter The leaders of the Capri Theater see the benefits of light rail coming down West Broadway and its transformative potential. But they worry the theater won’t survive the lengthy construction period. “The hope would be that easier access would bring more people, sad Capri Theater Director James Scott. “But how do you weather that storm?” The theater is experiencing a resurgence after closing its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Devin Brown makes difficult decision to pause river journey — North News
Editor’s Note: Devin Brown hit an indefinite pause on her quest to become the first African American woman to solo kayak the entire length of the Mississippi. A Facebook post from Brown over the weekend indicated she had to stop Friday evening because of dangerous conditions ahead caused by heavy rains swelling the river well past its banks in many parts.
Northsiders gather at Oak Park center to celebrate Foster Green Day — North News
Divine was among the first youth cohort members of Project Sweetie Pie in 2011. At 13, she began with Project Sweetie Pie as her first job. After the tornado devastated North Minneapolis in 2010, she realized how devastating it was not to know how to grow her food. She said she was inspired to restore the greenery to the Northside, and it later inspired her career. “It clicked for me, the importance of growing your own food,” she said.
Like the sun and the life it gives ‘Sammy was a light’ — North News
Several government officials paid tribute to Sammy McDowell. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando and City Councilman Jeremiah Ellison spoke at the service. Ellison read a proclamation honoring McDowell. The office of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar sent a videotape of the congresswoman reading a proclamation on the House floor in honor of McDowell. Walz said he came to know McDowell when he was first considering a run for governor.
KMOJ’s heart and soul enshrined in Broadcast Hall of Fame — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter Walter "Q Bear" Banks has worked in almost every position for over 40 years at KMOJ-89.9 FM. He started at the mic at 16, making public service announcements on the intercom as a student at North High School. He hosted several of the station's Jazz, Blues, and Hip-Hop shows and was the community engagement coordinator. His sifting through records and "Queueing" up songs to play inspired the Q Bear name.
Northsiders show their love for Sammy McDowell — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter More than 100 people gathered Tuesday evening to honor the late Sammy McDowell at Shiloh Temple International Ministries . The church hosted a balloon release and community picnic in his name. McDowell operated Sammy’s Avenue Eatery, a coffee and sandwich shop he opened in 2012 on West Broadway Avenue. He was a gentle soul known to help other entrepreneurs achieve success. “If you loved Sammy, make some noise, everybody,” encouraged a speaker.
A redo for a ‘revolutionary’ road — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter If you stand on the corner of 6th and Lyndale, it’s hard to imagine that the stretch of highway before you was a hub of North Minneapolis life. When Olson Memorial Highway (Highway 55) was built in the 1930s, it tore through what was formerly known as 6th Avenue, reducing lively businesses to asphalt. “There was a walkable, accessible neighborhood that was thriving, and it was safe where people could access their basic needs and amenities from nearby.
A saloon closes and the dream of a Swank Eatery begins — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter and David Pierini, Editor A landmark has closed, but a community pillar is buying the building to transform it into a destination for visitors to North Minneapolis. The 4th Street Saloon was set for its last call on March 31. Barber Teto Wilson is buying the building and seeking investors to help him renovate it and create a food hall called Swank Eatery. The 13,000-square-foot commercial space could cost an estimated $11,000 to renovate.
An incredible musical journey started on her mother’s lap — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter Ann Nesby would bring her daughter to church and sit her on her lap while she sang. When she finished, she would silently sit with other churchgoers and pray. The adults in the room knew that you would stop singing when that happened. But a sweet little voice was coming from the lap of Ann, her daughter Jamecia Bennett, who was 2 at the time. “She kept on singing,” Nesby said.
Her catering business started with a little Miracle — North News
Braxton remembers the swirl of thoughts in her head while in the hospital. She had prepared for her future so meticulously. That night, she scored 16 points, and a college coach came to watch her play. Although Braxton’s life abruptly changed direction, she said she wasn’t derailed from her goals. She was motivated to succeed. She leaned on her many talents to pivot as she navigated motherhood. “I didn’t know what was going to happen,” she recalled.
‘Home grown’ Trejuan Holloman brings a big game to the Big 10 — North News
Holloman has participated in many programs throughout his athletic career from his hometown of Minneapolis. He went to Franklin Middle School, where he played basketball in championship tournaments for North High School, and then went on to graduate from Cretin Derham High School as a standout football and basketball player. He started his freshman year at Michigan State University in 2022 and is now in the middle of his sophomore year.
Charter school board votes to close amid financial crisis — North News
Editor’s Note: Jamal Abdur Salaam, a founder of JJ Legacy School featured in the following story, passed away near press time. Our condolences go out to his family and the JJ Legacy community. By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter When life gives you a chance to pursue your educational prowess, you should take it – a lesson that fifth-grade student Kyrin Ronchak learned from his teacher at JJ Legacy Montessori School. “We lost a good school,” he said. JJ Legacy’s last day of school on Jan.
Charter school board votes to close amid financial crisis — North News
The Department of Education (DOE) funds schools based on enrollment and students served. Because of this, the school has far surpassed the amount of money it was allowed to receive, forcing the DOE to cease funding JJ Legacy for the rest of the year. “There is a significant debt that has to be paid off, and with no more money coming in, there's no way to pay it off,” Anderson said. The school had been without an accountant for more than a year.
Trailblazing aerospace engineer shoots for the moon with children’s book — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter An astronaut, a career many kindergartners dream of once and never again, stayed on Sideena Grace’s mind until she graduated high school. The wonders of space kept her in awe of what she could be one day. But her dream was met with a harsh reality in college when she was the only Black woman pursuing an Applied Physics at Hamline University.
Marvin Haynes free after judge vacates murder conviction — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter Marvin Haynes was released from Stillwater Prison Monday after a judge exonerated him for a murder he did not commit. Judge William Koch signed off on an agreement between Haynes and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, which sought to vacate the conviction because of a lack of physical evidence. Haynes found out on his birthday last week that he would be freed after 20 years in prison.
JJ Legacy School happy in new home — North News
Students in her class answer her call and response which consists of phrases from their favorite music artists. Children point to a Black doll that sits on her desk and say it is beautiful. One flips through the pages of a book and points to the characters that look like him. A loud outburst is met with a soothing reminder. She responds to “I can’t” with “Not yet”. And Joy is not mistaken for disruption.
Football player leaves a legacy for the girls at North High — North News
“Kaiya Is great. She's working hard. It's great to have her out here,” assistant Coach Josh Corrigan said. “I commend her, this sport is a male dominated sport and there's boys in high school that can't handle being here everyday. One of the hardest things to do in sport is being out there every day trying your best, and she does that. That's pretty powerful.” As the season approached, Abdullah was nervous.
Vote to determine whether Merwin alcohol sales continue — North News
Pollard says with a liquor license, he could create enough revenue to purchase the liquor store property and transform it into something that benefits the surrounding community. When We Push for Peace took over operations, they introduced a resource center for job placement and a free commercial driver’s license program in their office inside the liquor store. “You got someone that could potentially own it, that's gonna sow seeds back into the community, I think is a win-win personally.
MPD officer shot Friday night is expected to recover — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter A Minneapolis police officer was shot near Colfax Avenue North near Webber Parkway Friday night, setting off a chase that ended in a crash near 21st and Upton avenues. MPD Chief Brian O’Hara said on the police dispatch channel that the officer is “injured but stable”. The shooting happened around 9:15 p.m. Several squad cars began blocking off the area near 21st and Upton around 9:30 pm.
Tenacity earned Mishima Padilla North High valedictorian honors — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter Unlike most, this year’s valedictorian says he wasn't even working for the honor. His parents gave him gentle reminders to do his best. When the pandemic hit, Mishima Padilla took advantage of line classes to soar above his classmates. “Starting high school in a pandemic, I knew I had to be self-driven because I had to figure things out on my own,” he said.
New North Minneapolis fitness center has a unique origin story — North News
Around the same time, Alston was diving into his hobby, North High had an entire weight room's worth of equipment they needed to get rid of. Alston showed up eagerly with his truck. Along with some York plates, he received all of the equipment free of charge. Between the two of them, Alston and Kimbrough hauled all of the weights and machines into storage units while Alston organized his home gym.
Northside youth athletics mentor opens storefront at MOA — North News
“I'm so proud of him,” Kroma said. “My brother came a long way from blood, sweat and tears.” Caine recalled growing up and being in the wrong crowd. Unlike a lot of people who could look back on their younger years and thank sports for changing their lives, Caine’s was the opposite. He says he was too involved in the streets and gang activity to take in the mentoring sports provided. He slipped through the cracks. “I was more involved in the streets and street life, gangs, drugs,” Caine said.
North High based troupe in Scotland for Fringe Fest — North News
By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter Moziah Thomas grew up under the Friday night lights of football at North High School. Now he is thriving under the spotlights of theater. In August, he will go to Edinburgh, Scotland with the Legacy Arts Group to perform an original piece at the world-famous Fringe Festival. Thomas grew up loving to perform. For most of his life, he used football as an outlet to express himself.
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