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Articles by Jill Boogren
Families, supporters March for Justice for Stolen Lives
Posted Monday, September 28, 2026 8:34 pm On Sept. 12, families who have lost loved ones at the hands of police joined with supporters for a three-mile march and car caravan on University Ave., from St. Paul’s Western Police District to the Minnesota State Capitol, to demand justice for all stolen lives. In its sixth year, the annual march was organized by Toshira Garraway, founder of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence.
Families, supporters March for Justice for Stolen Lives
Posted Monday, September 28, 2026 8:34 pm On Sept. 12, families who have lost loved ones at the hands of police joined with supporters for a three-mile march and car caravan on University Ave., from St. Paul’s Western Police District to the Minnesota State Capitol, to demand justice for all stolen lives. In its sixth year, the annual march was organized by Toshira Garraway, founder of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence.
Families, supporters March for Justice for Stolen Lives
Posted Monday, September 28, 2026 8:34 pm On Sept. 12, families who have lost loved ones at the hands of police joined with supporters for a three-mile march and car caravan on University Ave., from St. Paul’s Western Police District to the Minnesota State Capitol, to demand justice for all stolen lives. In its sixth year, the annual march was organized by Toshira Garraway, founder of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence.
Denied: City Council says no to 38th & Chicago road tax and mayor’s choice for Peoples’ Way
The City Council cast two votes related to George Floyd Square on June 11, 2026. One denies the mayor’s choice to give exclusive development rights of the Peoples’ Way to the Minnesota Agape Movement. The other frees property owners from being assessed to cover a portion of the road reconstruction at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue.
On being a trans rocker
Glam-punk rocker Venus de Mars has always blended activism with her art, and so it was when she performed at the No Kings rally at the Minnesota Capitol in March. As a transgender woman, the actions and rhetoric of the Trump administration are deeply personal. She chose to play “Take My Shoulder,” a song that advocates unity over violence. Just her and her guitar, she sang – “I could be you/ You could be me/ We struggle onwards/ And desperately” – eliciting a roar of support from the massive crowd.
On being a trans rocker
Glam-punk rocker Venus de Mars has always blended activism with her art, and so it was when she performed at the No Kings rally at the Minnesota Capitol in March. As a transgender woman, the actions and rhetoric of the Trump administration are deeply personal. She chose to play “Take My Shoulder,” a song that advocates unity over violence. Just her and her guitar, she sang – “I could be you/ You could be me/ We struggle onwards/ And desperately” – eliciting a roar of support from the massive crowd.
10 years later | Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Naming their top five Prince songs is nearly impossible for his fans, and it’s likely to change over time, even by the day. Here are Balázs’s from April 26: • My Name is Prince (Love Symbol, 1992) • P.
10 years later - Midway Como Frogtown Monitor
Naming their top five Prince songs is nearly impossible for his fans, and it’s likely to change over time, even by the day. Here are Balázs’s from April 26: • My Name is Prince (Love Symbol, 1992) • P.
City readies for reconstruction of 38th and Chicago
Assessments are calculated by multiplying the influence area (based on square footage of adjacent property) by the city’s uniform assessment rate, which for 2026 is $3.20 per square foot for non-residential properties, and $1.12 per square foot for residential properties. Assessments of $150 or less will be collected in full on the property tax statement in the year they are levied. Assessments greater than $150 may be paid in 20 annual installments on the property tax statement.
Not on Native land - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Statement from The Right Reverend Craig Loya, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, read by Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs at the Not on Native Land gathering on Feb. 7: “Beloved Siblings, Thank you for your presence and brave witness today as you continue to shine a light on the campaign of fear and cruelty being carried out by the federal government on this land that generations have held as sacred.
Our city under siege - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Upon hearing the news on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, of a federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent shooting yet another person on a Minneapolis street, hundreds of residents immediately went outside in subzero temperatures to 26th and Nicollet to express their outrage at the increasing violence being perpetuated by federal agents in the Twin Cities. Several blocks were cordoned off by police tape.
Thousands 'say her name: Renee Good' during vigil - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Posted Thursday, January 8, 2026 1:26 pm Portland and 34th - Killing of Robin Good Portland Ave 34th Street Minneapolis, MN View larger map Thousands of people showed up during a vigil on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 to honor a woman shot in the head and killed by ICE at Portland and 34th. “Say her name: Renee Good,” chanted those at the vigil. Find additional coverage elsewhere on our website and social media accounts.
Neighbors show up at Portland and 34th after Renee Good shooting death by ICE - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Portland and 34th - Killing of Robin Good Portland Ave 34th Street Minneapolis, MN View larger map “Immigrants are welcome here” shout members of the crowd gathered near the site at Portland and 34th where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by ICE a few hours earlier. After law enforcement cleared out, part of the crowd walked two miles to Minneapolis City Hall. Others placed white roses near the area where she died.
Thousands 'say her name: Robin Good' during vigil - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Posted Thursday, January 8, 2026 1:26 pm Portland and 34th - Killing of Robin Good Portland Ave 34th Street Minneapolis, MN View larger map Thousands of people showed up during a vigil on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 to honor a woman shot in the head and killed by ICE at Portland and 34th. “Say her name: Renee Good,” chanted those at the vigil. Find additional coverage elsewhere on our website and social media accounts.
Neighbors show up at Portland and 34th after Robin Good shooting death by ICE - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Portland and 34th - Killing of Robin Good Portland Ave 34th Street Minneapolis, MN View larger map “Immigrants are welcome here” shout members of the crowd gathered near the site at Portland and 34th where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by ICE a few hours earlier. After law enforcement cleared out, part of the crowd walked two miles to Minneapolis City Hall. Others placed white roses near the area where she died.
MPS cancels classes, excessive use of force by ICE reported at Roosevelt High School - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Minneapolis Public Schools has cancelled classes for the next two days (Jan. 8 and 9) after ICE enforcement in south Minneapolis, including what eyewitnesses say was excessive use of force at Roosevelt High School. Eyewitness reported seeing hundreds of observers and six to 15 ICE vehicles outside of Roosevelt High School in the afternoon on Jan. 7. They had already taken someone into custody, and shortly after chased an observer onto school property and deployed tear gas or pepper spray.
Council approves street layout for 38th & Chicago, signals support for broader community vision - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Posted Saturday, January 3, 2026 10:53 am After a lengthy meeting on Dec. 11, 2025, the City Council approved the flexible-open plan for reconstructing 38th St. and Chicago Ave. In addition, the council voted for a resolution in support of many of the recommendations presented by the Community Visioning Council (CVC) the week before.
Community to present unified vision for 38th and Chicago street layout at Dec. 2 Town Hall - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
On Dec. 2, 2025, the Community Visioning Council (CVC) is hosting a Town Hall meeting at Phelps Park to share details of a “people’s streets” concept for the street layout at 38th and Chicago. According to CVC Co-Chair Mileesha Smith, the plan represents a unified vision that is the result of ongoing conversations among residents, businesses, neighborhood groups and others with an interest in the future of George “Perry” Floyd Square.
Homeland Security Secretary visits Minnesota, citizens protest - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Standing behind a table piled with bags of confiscated drugs and guns on Friday, Oct. 24, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told the media her department is focused on getting the “worst of the worst off of our streets.” Accompanied by four regional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, Noem said the agency has removed 4,300 people from the streets since January.
'Ice out' protest ahead of Homeland Security Secretary visit to Minnesota - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
The People’s Action Coalition Against Trump (PACAT) held a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Building Friday, Oct. 24 in advance of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s scheduled appearance later in the day. Myrka Zambrano, MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC), shared these remarks: “When Kristi Noem comes knocking at our door, when ICE comes to our neighborhood, when they try to intimidate and attack our neighborhoods, they should know: these are our streets. Our homes.
What needs to happen to make progress toward police reform? - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Has there been progress toward police reform in the five years since George Floyd’s murder? Last month community members active in the movement for racial justice and police accountability in the Twin Cities shared their views on what police reforms have (and haven’t) happened at the state and federal level and in local governance and policing. Now, in part two of this two-part series, they share some of what they’d like to see going forward in terms of policy and culture change.
More trans Americans call Minnesota home - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
For transgender people and allies looking to provide support, there are plentiful resources in the Twin Cities. At Transforming Families (TFF), in-person meetings are held for parents and caregivers with breakout spaces for trans, non-binary, two-spirit, questioning and gender-expansive teens and tweens. Each are led by trained trans and non-binary adult facilitators. They also have a meeting for parents of adults.
Has there been progress toward police reform in the five years since George Floyd’s murder? - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Has there been progress toward police reform in the five years since George Floyd’s murder? Community members active in the movement for racial justice and police accountability in the Twin Cities were asked that question. Responses ranged from yes and no – to absolutely not. Read on for their views on what’s happening at the state and federal levels, local governance and policing. This is part one of a two-part series; next month will focus on what they’d like to see going forward.
‘The People’s Way’ premieres in Midwest - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
The People’s Way’ premieres in Midwest_Jill Boogren.mp3 Posted Friday, April 25, 2025 8:39 pm After two sold out screenings – first at The Main and then at the Capri – “The People’s Way” film was given an encore screening among the “Best of the Fest” during its Midwest premiere at the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) in April 2025.
Veto override clears path to explore pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
In February, the Minneapolis City Council overrode Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of the council’s directive for reconstructing 38th and Chicago. Their action, according to Ward 9 Council Member Jason Chavez, means the city is moving forward with a concept that “guarantees pedestrianization” at George Floyd Square.
GFS community calls on city council to override mayor's veto - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
t a press conference this morning, Feb. 26, 2025, neighbors and community leaders called on city council members to uphold the community’s right to shape the future of George Floyd Square. On Feb. 20, Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the council's directive to explore a pedestrian mall option for the 3700 block of Chicago Ave. while giving the community until June to develop a broader vision for the space. This work has already been underway at Community Visioning Council (CVC) monthly meetings.
Range of building types, uses proposed for Peoples’ Way - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
The city of Minneapolis is hosting an event for neighbors to meet the applicants, hear their plans for developing the Peoples’ Way site, and offer feedback. It will be held on Feb. 26, from 5–8:30 p.m., at Sabathani Community Center (310 E. 38th St.). Food and refreshments will be provided. Four applicants submitted varying plans for developing the Peoples’ Way (site of the former gas station) at 3744 Chicago Ave. in response to the city of Minneapolis’ request for qualifications.
Health before aesthetics - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
When in August 2020 city officials asked “What does justice look like”? community members went up and down the blocks at 38th and Chicago talking to neighbors and business owners. The result was a list of 24 Demands for Justice Resolution 001, which include police accountability measures, grants for businesses, integrative health and housing support, and youth job investments. At the Nov. 6 Town Hall, Rise & Remember’s Jeanelle Austin provided updates on each of the demands.
Tensions rise at city workshop amid calls for police reform - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Tensions rise at city workshop amid calls for police reform_Jill Boogren.mp3 Posted Wednesday, October 16, 2024 2:56 pm More than 100 people packed The Square event center (3737 Chicago Ave.) on Sept. 24, 2024, for the city of Minneapolis’ fifth and final visioning workshop for George Perry Floyd Square (GFS). While attendees enjoyed dinner and fellowship with their neighbors, tensions were high as many in the room voiced frustration with the city’s process and lack of demonstrable police reform.
No consensus on vision for GF Square - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Two groups held separate meetings in July to discuss the future of George Floyd Square. The Community Visioning Council (CVC) is a community-led group, and there was a visioning workshop led by the city of Minneapolis with 4RM+ULA and the Cultural Wellness Center.
Don’t fall for 'The Fall of Minneapolis' - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
In November 2023, Alpha News released a program by former local news anchor Liz Collin called “The Fall of Minneapolis.” In the hour and 42-minute documentary, interviews with (mostly) former Minneapolis police officers are interspersed with footage from body-worn cameras, the trial of Derek Chauvin, protests and the civil unrest.
Ashes to Action | Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
3901 Chicago Ave. Re-opening in mid-December. Wednesdays from 11-2 p.m. Saturdays from 9-noon. By appointment. Text (or call) 612-285-3876. One of the things people found themselves asking during the uprising in May 2020 was, “What can I do?” Many brought food to distribute from makeshift food shelves. Others brought masks and hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19.
At GFS: - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Through the end of November 2023, visitors can view the photography of Nedahness Rose Greene alongside KingDemetrius Pendleton’s work at his new place, Listen 2 Us Studio (3730 Chicago Ave.). A member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Greene is best known for her photographs of Indigenous people, especially women. She has documented them in exquisite detail taking part in pow wows, participating in demonstrations, and in daily life – often wearing cultural attire.
Yirií Studio: Creating connections through Latin dance - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
The idea is just come as you are.” More than a dozen dancers took their show on the road, literally, Oct. 8, 2023, by bringing a flashmob to Open Streets Lyndale. In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, performers from three studios – Yirií Dance Studio, Evolución Latina Dance Company and Keri Simonson Dance – rehearsed together at Yirií earlier in the day before heading over to Lyndale at 29th Ave.
Real-life stories of social justice - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
On Sept. 14, the Minneapolis Interview Project and Hennepin History Museum (2303 3rd Ave. S.) will present an evening of real-life stories about social justice at the Capri Theater (2207 West Broadway) in North Minneapolis.
‘Enough is enough’ - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
Community members stood with the family of Ricky Cobb II at George Floyd Square on Aug. 5, 2023 to offer support and demand justice for Cobb, who was fatally shot on July 31 by a Minnesota State Patrol trooper on I-94 in North Minneapolis. “How many more people have to die until Minnesota wakes up to say enough is enough?!” asked Faith Allen, preaching to the dozens of activists gathered on Chicago Ave. for a rally and vigil. She urged people to get up and do something. “Use your power. Stand up.
City’s plan to buy Peoples’ Way met with apprehension
By Jill Boogren At a neighborhood meeting at Sabathani Community Center on October 24, Minneapolis’ Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) agency announced plans to purchase the former Speedway gas station, now known as the Peoples’ Way, at 38th and Chicago. The city wants to secure the site – and assume liability – for a future use determined by the community.
Standish author’s latest thriller chills: It was the right time to tell the story 'Sinister Graves,' says White Earth Nation member Marcie Rendon
It was the right time to tell the story 'Sinister Graves,' says White Earth Nation member Marcie Rendon Posted Wednesday, November 30, 2022 11:27 pm By JILL BOOGREN In a blog post for Barnes & Noble, local author Marcie Rendon writes of the stories that lurk at the edge of our consciousness, waiting to be told.
City’s plan to buy Peoples’ Way met with apprehension
Posted Wednesday, November 30, 2022 11:17 pm By JILL BOOGREN At a neighborhood meeting at Sabathani Community Center on October 24, Minneapolis’ Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) agency announced plans to purchase the former Speedway gas station, now known as the Peoples’ Way, at 38th and Chicago. The city wants to secure the site – and assume liability – for a future use determined by the community.
Family, friends celebrate George Floyd’s birthday
Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2022 1:08 pm By JILL BOOGREN Family, friends and community members gathered on Oct. 14, 2022, at The Square event center (3736 Chicago Ave.) to celebrate the life and memory of George “Perry” Floyd on what would have been his 49th birthday. Floyd’s aunt, Angela Harrelson, described her nephew as good in sports – he played basketball and football – and able to relate to the people in the neighborhood. “They used to call him Big Floyd.
MFD commemorates 30th anniversary of first all-women fire crew: Fire Chief Bryan Tyner says it isn’t just women who stand on their shoulders. “We all stand on your shoulders.”
Jill Boogren Current and former fire department staff, city officials, friends and family joined together at Minneapolis Fire Station 5 (2700 Bloomington Ave.) on Sept. 23, 2022, to honor the four members of the first all-women fire crew in Minneapolis history: former Fire Captain Jean Kidd, fire motor operator Mary Mohn, and firefighters Vicki Hoff and Bonnie Bleskachek.
Calvary church makes room for deeply affordable housing at 39th and Chicago
The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC) will be creating a public art piece guided by the Calvary community, which includes the congregation, food shelf and Urban Arts Academy, all of whom have also used space in the buildings. To show examples, volunteer coordinator and instructor Jess Berman Tank (above left) and CAFAC artistic director and founder Heather Doyle shared art forms cast from objects selected by George Floyd Square community members as meaningful to them.
WHAT DOES PUBLIC SAFETY MEAN TO YOU?: Foot traffic, resources, accountability would bring safety to 38th and Chicago Ave., local neighbors say
Jill Boogren A few dozen residents filed into an upstairs gymnasium at Sabathani Community Center (310 E. 38th St.) on Aug. 29 to talk about public safety – specifically as it relates to planned road reconstruction at 38th and Chicago. Seated three-to-five people to a table with markers and white paper at the ready, neighbors shared their experiences and ideas with each other.
Bystander video raises questions in Sundberg killing
Posted Wednesday, August 31, 2022 10:36 pm By JILL BOOGREN A 12-minute video taken on a cell phone by a bystander shows the moment when Tekle Sundberg was fatally shot by Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) snipers while he was experiencing a mental health crisis in his Seward apartment – and raises questions as to what information the city has – and has not - provided to the family and public. At an Aug.
Wyckoff tells tall tales of Split Rock Lighthouse in ‘Refuge from the Sea’
MINDFUL CREATIVITY Posted Wednesday, August 31, 2022 10:20 pm By JILL BOOGREN Ever wonder how they built the Split Rock Lighthouse on top of a 130-foot cliff, when there were no roads or towns nearby?
GFS: Sowing Seeds of Solidarity
Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2022 10:36 pm By JILL BOOGREN The little white house at 4600 Columbus Ave. S. is a typical south Minneapolis home. It has a garden out back and another out front, where every year in mid-July the Black-eyed Susans bloom. Its simple serenity belies its roots in Minneapolis history, though, as indicated by a limestone pedestal on the front lawn bearing a plaque that describes how it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Community grieves, seeks answers: Friends, family grieve 20-year-old Tekle Sundberg, who was killed by MPD at Seward apartment
Friends, family grieve 20-year-old Tekle Sundberg, who was killed by MPD at Seward apartment Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2022 10:40 pm By JILL BOOGREN Grief fell heavy as family, friends and supporters gathered on the 900 block of 21st Ave. in the Seward neighborhood on July 16, 2022, two days after Minneapolis Police officers killed Andrew Tekle Sundberg while he was experiencing a mental health crisis.
ONE YEAR LATER: Family, friends seek answers in Winston Smith killing
Family, friends seek answers in Winston Smith killing Posted Thursday, June 16, 2022 8:27 am By Jill Boogren One year after law enforcement officers killed 32-year-old father and comedian Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. at the top of an Uptown parking ramp, his family, friends and community members gathered at Powderhorn Park to remember Smith – and to demand answers. “Not a single day goes by that I don’t visualize how they [killed] him,” said his mother Tijuana Wilson at the June 3 gathering.
Hennepin County Attorney forum: 6 candidates address racial inequities, police accountability
2022 ELECTION Posted Monday, May 30, 2022 10:10 am By JILL BOOGREN One hundred guests tuned in on May 5, 2022 to an online forum of candidates vying for the Hennepin County Attorney seat being vacated by Mike Freeman.
MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS AT GF SQUARE OPEN HOUSE
GEORGE FLOYD SQUARE Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2022 3:30 pm Project desires: • Support & hope • Community influence • Clear communications Intersection design: • George Floyd Square, a sacred place • Rethink vehicle access • Preserve public space Additional needs: • Trauma and healing • Protect local businesses • 24 Demands for Justice • Public safety concerns - Information from city of Minneapolis Questions about community input, justice and preservation of the George Floyd memorial dominated...
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